Early Settlement Warrens Corners |
| Intro Beaver Dams Ruin Land Forsyth First Settler Wild Animals In Abundance Tavern Erected in 1806 Indian Invasion Repulsed Brave Women Rewarded Romance Named Hamlet Beach Family Arrives The Steadman’s Settle Haner’s Commodious Loghouse The Carleton Family Col. Sutherland Arrives | The First Sawmill Carlton’s First Cidermill Capen and Sabins Arrive The First Physician Arrives Adam’s Blacksmith Shop Mrs. Taylor’s Sudden Death Talbert Opens Tavern Cleared Parker Farm Freer Antecedents Settle Crocker Homestead Built Fowler Traded Farms Samuel Adams Arrives Freeman Builds Sawmill | Tailor in 1819 Beasts Drive Gunn Away First Negro Arrives Physicians were Numerous Cooley Migrated West First School Opened Methodist Church in 1825 Brick Church Built 1858 Military Activities Early School Life Black Famine in 1816 Stage Coach Days Blacksmith Industry | Threshing Machines Harvesting Implements Plows and Harrows One Horse Wagon Boot and Shoe Industry Post Office Manufacturing Roads Cemeteries |
Part 1.
Warrens Corners had no real natural advantages to make it a place of prominence above the many pleasant hamlets that conduce to make up Niagara County one of the most desirable counties of the state to locate in. It chanced to be located near the hub of the county, after its several towns of which it composed were located. Warren’s Corners comprises a part of the towns of Cambria, Lockport, Newfane and Wilson. In 1821 the proper authorities at Albany appointed three commissioners, Erasmus Root, Isaac Hawley and William Bruce, to locate the county seat. In connection with other localities from Lewiston to Wrights Corners they came to Warren’s Corners, and they were royally wined and toasted by Ezra Warren, then a large property holder and hotel keeper of the corners, and offered a commodious site for the location of the public buildings that would necessarily have to be erected.
The proposition was favorable considered by two of the commissioners, but previous to their final decision, Wm. Brittan died, and the remaining two differed in their opinion as to the location, so it became necessary to appoint another commission, which occurred in 1822. When they were qualified, and ready to act in their official capacity the Erie canal had been surveyed and its location determined upon. Therefore they selected Lockport. The wisdom of their choice has made itself manifest as years continue to multiply.
The proposition was favorable considered by two of the commissioners, but previous to their final decision, Wm. Brittan died, and the remaining two differed in their opinion as to the location, so it became necessary to appoint another commission, which occurred in 1822. When they were qualified, and ready to act in their official capacity the Erie canal had been surveyed and its location determined upon. Therefore they selected Lockport. The wisdom of their choice has made itself manifest as years continue to multiply.
Beaver Dams Ruin Land.
The pioneers had a dense forest to confront them as they located on their several farms. Many years previous the beavers had constructed dams to obstruct the flow of water in its natural course, so that three swamps were within, or contiguous to its borders. The one in the north part called, the big bear swamp, embraced hundreds of acres; one south of the Ridge Road, flooded a large tract of land for the most part of the year, and one on the east, located principally on the Forsyth farm, though not as large, retained the water like the previous ones until the hot days of summer, when the malaria that was generated from them caused fevers and augue that enfeebled every member of the community, so that at times hardly enough well ones were left to care for the sick. In time, those dams were opened by state and private ditches from six to eight feet deep. The swamp land was thus reclaimed, and consequently the health of the people in a great measure assured.
Forsyth First Settler.
The first settler that struck a stake for a permanent residence at Warren’s Corners was John Forsyth. He was a native of the State of New Jersey. In the year 1800 he, accompanied by his brother, William, came to Western New York. His brother settled and became a large property holder in Canada near the Falls. He built a large hotel where the Clifton House now stands, and was its proprietor for many years.
John Forsyth sojourned in Genesee County. N. Y., two years. There he became acquainted with and married Miss Mary Ganson, a young lady connected with a family of prominence in that county, many of whom have since help responsible and honored positions in Western New York.
John Forsyth sojourned in Genesee County. N. Y., two years. There he became acquainted with and married Miss Mary Ganson, a young lady connected with a family of prominence in that county, many of whom have since help responsible and honored positions in Western New York.
Wild Animals In Abundance.
Early in the spring of 1805 he with his family started for the Town of Cambria as it as that time comprised all that section of land between Tonawanda Creek and Lake Ontario. His wife and child rode on horse. The household goods and provisions were loaded on an ox sled. Mr. Forsyth drove his stock, which comprised a small flock of sheep, a cow, and some shoats, in connection with the ox team. Taking what at that times was called the Niagara and Batavia road, or might be more properly expressed as an Indian trail. On their arrival a temporary abode was constructed. In the fall a more commodious log house was erected near the site of the present homestead. At that date their nearest neighbor east was Samuel B. Moorehouse, who kept a tavern at the place now called Hartland Corners. The intermediate space was known for many ears as the eleven mile woods. Five miles west on the South ridge, Joseph Hewett had located, who soon after sold out to William Howell, and he kept a hotel at that place for many years. On the North ridge there were two or three families by the name of Beach. A few other families were sparsely located in what was then called the Town of Cambria. The first summer of Mr. Forsyth’s residence, having occasion to cut swail grass in the marshes south of the ridge, principally on the Southerland and Longmate farms of today, he was obligated to go to Mr. Hewett’s five miles, to borrow a pair of boots to protect himself from the bite of the rattlesnakes that infested the marshy places in the warm days of July and August. The second year of their abode Mrs. Forsyth laid one of her small children on the floor on an improvised bed to take its usual mid-day nap. As she went to look to its welfare what was her surprise and horror to see a large rattlesnake that had unceremoniously crawled in the open doorway and lay snugly coiled up on the quilt near the child. With a rare presence of mind she quietly stepped out, got an axe and returned and with a sure blow severed the head of the reptile from its body, thus saving the life of her child. The small flock of sheep that Mr. Forsyth brought from Genesee County became the prey of the wolves. If enclosed for protection for the night they would pounce upon them in the day time. The cold winter nights were many times made hideous by their terrific howling. Bears were quite numerous and at times quite aggressive, especially when they got on track of a good shoat, or a patch of green corn, when bruin and the coon were hardly satisfied with an equal share, regardless of the wants of the pioneer and his family.
Tavern Erected in 1806.
Owing to the immigrants and land speculators that came to settle and view the country, the stage lines that where established to accommodate the travel and carry the mail from the eastern to the western part of the state and the heavy teaming required to carry goods and produce from one section to another, induced many of the early settlers to commence tavern keeping. John Forsyth erected the first sign post for a hotel at Warren’s Corners in the spring of 1806. He lived to be its proprietor until June 2, 1812. He died of paralysis, aged 31 years; was buried a few rods south and west of his late home, where since that times many of his kindred have found their last resting place.
Indian Invasion Repulsed.
At his death Mrs. Forsyth was left with four small children to care for and carry on the farm and manage the hotel. The responsibility resting upon her at that time can hardly be estimated at this distant date. War with England was declared within a few days, June 19, 1812. Prospect of an invasion of British soldiers and Indian savages made the feeble ad unprotected settlers apprehensive of danger, perhaps death. The invasion as apprehended occurred the 23d and 24th of December, 1813. The invading forces composed mostly of Indians, advanced as far east as the Howell tavern on the South ridge. Massacre and destruction of all kinds of property followed their march from Lewiston. At Howell’s hotel they were met by a company of Tuscarora Indians who held their allegiance to the United States under John Mount Pleasant as their chief and there repulsed them, causing the invaders to return to Lewiston. The few settlers at Warren’s Corners packed up what things they could take upon their ox sleds and horse’s backs and started for their previous homes east, principally in Genesee, Livingston and Ontario counties, where many of them had relatives living to provide for them in their extreme necessity. The old Niagara and Batavia road was the one the most of them took. Sad indeed would be the rehearsal of the incidents connected with that journey in the cold, bleak days of December. It was not a very Merry Christmas to them. Turner in his history of the Holland land purchase, states that “entire neighborhoods were deserted, hundreds of log cabins were desolate and the signs and sounds of life were mostly and deserted cattle and sheep jovng and bleating, famishing for the lack of fodder, there was none left to deal to them.
Brave Women Rewarded.
Mrs. Forsyth sent two of her children, Edmund and Luther in the forlorn procession to spend the winter with her brother John Ganson, near Batavia. With the other two smaller ones she remained, prepared to start at a moment’s warning in case of necessity. The defeat of the invaders at Howell’s removed the necessity and she remained at her home, while many of those who fled did not return to occupy their deserted homes until the close of the war.
Romance Named Hamlet.
Ezra Warren who enlisted in a company of cavalry in the state of Vermont in 1812, was in connection with the company sent to the Niagara frontier. He with two others of the company were detailed to do duty at the Forsyth tavern as messengers or to intercept stragglers or deserters from the main force stationed near the river. Then, becoming acquainted with Mrs. Forsyth an attachment was formed and as soon as the members of the company were honorably discharged he returned from Vermont and married her. The place derived its name from him. He continued the business of hotel keeping until the year 1825. That year he became converted through the preaching of the Rev. John Copeland, a circuit preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A radical change in his way of life was made manifest by the baptism of the Holy Ghost that had cleansed him from the sins of the world. He could never be convinced that any other baptism was necessary so that he never was admitted in full membership with any church, only as probationer. Soon after his conversion he became a local evangelist and held revival meetings in many of the churches and school houses throughout the county. Many of the older people of the county remember the fervent exortations of Father Warren, as he was usually called. He died Nov. 12 1857, in the 90th year of his age. His wife preceded him and died Feb. 23, 1857, in the 75th year of her age. Ending a life that was more intensely connected with its history than any other person that has favored it with life’s presence. She was the mother of 12 children, ten of whom grew up to man and womanhood, three of whom are still living. Her grand son, Chas. F. Warren, who owns and lives on the homestead, has among the papers pertaining to the estate, an article from the Holland Land Company, signed by Joseph Ellicott, agreeing to convey to John Forsyth a certain tract of land dated February 17, 1808.
Beach Family Arrives.
Previous to the war of 1812 there were but few settlers at Warren’s Corners. In 1808 Philip Beach located on what was afterwards known as the Tayor farm. After he sold he bought a farm on North ridge. Aaron Taylor who came from Ontario County, N. Y., bought and lived on the place until his death, which occurred in 1832, aged 56 years. After his death it was held by his son Whiting Taylor until it came into possession of Cazia See, who now owns and occupies it.
The Steadman’s Settle.
Harvey Steadman settled on the Turnpike road, east of the corners, in 1808. He and his family came from Livingston County, N. Y. They left their home and returned at the time of the invasion to Livingston County, but the next spring again took possession of their log house which was located about 15 rods east of the residence now on the farm. In 1714 Mr. Steadman had occasion to return to Livingston county and there died in the 32d year of his age. His widow, Mrs. Sally Steadman, was left with a family of five children. With the aid of her two sons she carried on and improved the farm until her death, which occurred in 1832. The farm is still retained by their family.
Haner’s Commodious Loghouse.
John Haner located on the Forsyth farm in 1809. He and his family came from Pennsylvania. He built the best log house in this vicinity at that time, made of hewed oak logs, two stores high 24x30 feet, covered with oak tile. It was used for a dwelling for many years. When removed by Mr. Forsyth in 1853 it was remodeled and used for a horse barn until 1893, when it was demolished and the sawed logs utilized for fence posts by Thomas Hoag, who owns the farm at present time. Edmund Forsyth purchased the farm of Haner in 1823, and he moved to Michigan.
The Carleton Family.
Joseph Carlton was a native of Derry, New Hampshire. He married Rebecca Fowler. Precious to settling on his farm at Warren’s Corners which occurred in 1810. He was the first wagon maker that set up shop in this locality, if not in the county. Though from birth deprived of his left hand he used the tools to do he intricate work imposed upon him with precision and dexterity. He continued the business for a number of years until disabled by paralysis, of which he survived a number of years. He died at quite an advanced age in 1851. Aunt Beckey, his wife, was a ministering angel to the sick and distressed pioneer families. With a potion of herb tea she would travel miles to alleviate and comfort the sick. She has long since gone to receive her reward. The farm is now owned and occupied by their grandson, Alonzo B. Carlton.
Col. Sutherland Settles.
Col. Andrew Sutherland whose ancestors dated back to some of the nobility of England of that name, came with his family from Sutherland Falls, VT., and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his granddaughters, in 1810. They have recently erected a fine residence on the site of the pioneer log cabin. Mr. Sutherland was a man of ability as well as enterprise and energy. During the war of 1812 he with his family returned to Vermont, their former home. He served in the army during its continuance, and was promoted to the rank of colonel. When peace was declared he with his family again occupied the farm. At the organization of the first militia regiment in the county about the year 1823, he was appointed its colonel and served in that position a number of years. He died in 1831 leaving a large family to mourn his loss. His amiable wife survived him a number of years.
The First Sawmill.
Thomas Mighells, a native of Deerfield, Mass., came from Livingston County, N. Y., with his family and settled on the farm now owned by his direct heirs, in March, 1810. He was a man well calculated for pioneer life, progressive and persevering. Soon after the war he built a saw mill near the corners. It was located on the south branch of the Eighteen Mile Creek about a hundred rods south of the corners. A relic of the old dam was to be observed for a number of years. The school boys called it the swimming pond. He also established an ashery for the manufacture of potash, and a tannery a short distance from the sawmill on the same stream, but did not continue in the business but a few years. He was a boot and shoe maker by trade. In the latter years of his life he did a considerable business of that kind. He died in 1858 aged 73 years.
Carlton’s First Cidermill.
David Carlton married Miss Fowler, sister to his brother’s wife, Joseph Carlton, for his first wife. They moved from their native state, New Hampshire, in 1809 and settled near Cold Springs on the Chestnut Ridge road, on the farm new owned by John H. Wilson. When his wife died leaving him with two young children to care for. Soon after he married Mrs. Sally Olds and changed his residence to Warren’s Corners, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres in 1813. In his younger days he was a professional well digger and by a premature explosion of a blast was permanently disabled so that he had to use a cane the rest of his life. He worked a number of years for the company that manufactured salt in the northeast part of the Town of Lockport previous to moving on his farm at Warren’s Corners. Mr. Carlton was a man of sterling integrity and in the latter years of his life held responsible positions in the Town of Lockport. He built the first cider mill in this sections of the county. It was patronized by the farmers for miles around. The helping hand that he and his equally generous wife extended to the destitute and needy in their struggle to keep and maintain their struggle to keep and maintain their pioneer homes endeared them in their memory, and Uncle David and Aunt Sally were names long cherished in many a home. The farm is still retained by his grandson, Alvin C. Bradley.
Capen and Sabins Arrive.
Samuel Capen and his family came from Windsor, VT., in 1807. They sojourned on the Slayton Settlement road two or three years. The Slaytons who had formerly settled there were near relatives and came from the same town in Vermont. They moved and located on a farm near Molyneaux’s Corners on the farm subsequently owned by the Hon. Hiram McNeil. Mr. Capen’s brother-in-law, Jonathan Sabin, purchased at the same time the farm now held by his direct heirs on the south side of the Ridge road. In 1815 Mr. Capen bought a large farm north and east of the corners. The first log house was built about 15 rods north of Stephen M Wakeman’s residence. Subsequently he built a double log house on the hill opposite where John Haner lived. After the final adjustment of the towns it lay part in Newfane and Wilson. A great part of the farm is now in possession of his grandson, Fernando Capen, who holds the original deed from the Holland Land Company, given December 8, 1815. The six Dutch names attached therto from their length and peculiar pronunciation make it an interesting document to observe. Mr. Capen lived and improved the farm until 1836, when he and the most of his family moved to Michigan where their life’s work was ended.
The First Physician Arrives.
Dr. Artemus Baker was a native of Templeton Conn. He settled on the ridge west of the corners in 1815, as the first practicing physician of the place. His practice extended over a large extent of territory with comparatively small compensation, aside from relieving suffering humanity. He died in 1836 after years of usefulness.
Jonas Baker, brother of the doctor, settled on a farm adjoining his brothers on the west a year or so later. Jonas was employed for many years as a stage driver on one of the lines between Rochester and Lewiston. Among the many incidents of his stage life, he ised to relate the incident of Governor De Witt Clinton’s ride in his stage from Wright’s Corners to look over the work being done in digging the Erie Canal in 1823. His route from the corners was up to the old Salt road to Cold Springs, thence west through where Lockport is located, west as far as the Mountian road and then north to Molyneaux’s hotel, where he stayed over night. Mr. Baker was married to Miss Phoeby Loddell, who came from Massachusetts to visit her sister, Mrs. Josaiah Talbert at Warren’s Corners in 1835. He died in 1888 at the advanced age of 96 years.
Calvin Baker, brother of Dr. and Jonas, came from their native place in Connecticut in 1816. Eli Bruce, who in a few years became sheriff of Niagara County (1825) was his companion. The stage that brought them stopped at Warren’s Corners. Mr. Baker was at home with his brothers whereas Bruce had no relatives where he could make a temporary home. He was in a strange land and among strangers and still worse was using the oft repeated parlance “Strapped.” He applied to Mr. Warren for work and succeeded in securing a job of cutting cord wood. Just emerged from his college studies with soft hands, not enured to hard work would look at his sore and blistered hands, then soliloquize with himself, “Now Eli, you must, you will have to he tackled the job. In the morning he stand the tug, there is no other way, you have come out to Western New York to make your fortune and there is no backing out until a better opportunity presents itself.” That was the mettle he was made of. No wonder he soon advanced to an honorable position in a few years.
Mr. Baker settled on a farm north of the corners, the one now owned and occupied by James Reynolds. He cleared and cultivated the farm summers and taught school winters. After marrying Miss Sally Crocker of Lockport, N. Y., he sold the farm and bought one in the Town of Lockport, where James Elderidge now resides. They lived there many years rearing a large family. He again sold and in a short time moved to Illinois where they ended their days with their children.
Jonas Baker, brother of the doctor, settled on a farm adjoining his brothers on the west a year or so later. Jonas was employed for many years as a stage driver on one of the lines between Rochester and Lewiston. Among the many incidents of his stage life, he ised to relate the incident of Governor De Witt Clinton’s ride in his stage from Wright’s Corners to look over the work being done in digging the Erie Canal in 1823. His route from the corners was up to the old Salt road to Cold Springs, thence west through where Lockport is located, west as far as the Mountian road and then north to Molyneaux’s hotel, where he stayed over night. Mr. Baker was married to Miss Phoeby Loddell, who came from Massachusetts to visit her sister, Mrs. Josaiah Talbert at Warren’s Corners in 1835. He died in 1888 at the advanced age of 96 years.
Calvin Baker, brother of Dr. and Jonas, came from their native place in Connecticut in 1816. Eli Bruce, who in a few years became sheriff of Niagara County (1825) was his companion. The stage that brought them stopped at Warren’s Corners. Mr. Baker was at home with his brothers whereas Bruce had no relatives where he could make a temporary home. He was in a strange land and among strangers and still worse was using the oft repeated parlance “Strapped.” He applied to Mr. Warren for work and succeeded in securing a job of cutting cord wood. Just emerged from his college studies with soft hands, not enured to hard work would look at his sore and blistered hands, then soliloquize with himself, “Now Eli, you must, you will have to he tackled the job. In the morning he stand the tug, there is no other way, you have come out to Western New York to make your fortune and there is no backing out until a better opportunity presents itself.” That was the mettle he was made of. No wonder he soon advanced to an honorable position in a few years.
Mr. Baker settled on a farm north of the corners, the one now owned and occupied by James Reynolds. He cleared and cultivated the farm summers and taught school winters. After marrying Miss Sally Crocker of Lockport, N. Y., he sold the farm and bought one in the Town of Lockport, where James Elderidge now resides. They lived there many years rearing a large family. He again sold and in a short time moved to Illinois where they ended their days with their children.
Adam’s Blacksmith Shop.
David Adams came from New Hampshire in 1815 and settled at the corners as the first village blacksmith. His first shop was located on the corner where the fine residence of the late Nelson T Mighels now stands. In the spring of 1824 he returned to his native state and was married to Miss Mary Corning. After his return he bought the farm then occupied by John Sipson who had previously run a blacksmith shop on the premises. The farm was three-fourths of a mile east of the corners on the Turnpike road in the town of Newfane. His son Derius S. Adams now owns and occupies the place. In 1835 he purchased a lot of three acres of Ezra Warren at the corners and erected a house and shop on it and carried on the business for a number of years. But few of the present inhabitants remember the stanchions used by him for the purpose of shoeing oxen, as they were in general use in those early days. They were made of a heavy wooden frame, arranged with rollers at the top with strong leather girths attached to raise them off their feet, then bind their legs to side girts, when the shoeing could be done with safety if not with ease. His wife died in 1834. In 1835 he married Miss Adelia Griffis of Cambria, N. Y., whom he survived a few years. He died in 1868 aged 75 years. The most of his estate is still held by direct heirs.
Mrs. Taylor’s Sudden Death.
Joshua Taylor, brother of Aaron also from Ontario County, N. Y., married a Miss Rice and moved on the farm they purchased of Phillip Beach in 1809. The farm was west of his brothers near Molyneaux’s Corners. Though in later years not within the Warrens Corners school district, he and his family were considered by their relationship and early attachments as one of their number. He with his family started for Ontario County at the time of the invasion. His wife died while making the journey and he returned the next spring to care for the farm. In 1817 he married Miss Amanda, sister to his former wife, and who taught the first term of school in the old red school house. Like many of the early settlers he died comparatively early in life, aged 36 years. He was a man honored and respected by all who knew him. He was one of the first official members of the Cambria Congregational Church.
Talbert Opens Tavern.
Jasiah Talbert was a native of Massachusetts. Previous to coming to Warren’s Corners he married Miss Goodell, sister to Rev. William Goodell, D. D., who spent the most of his life as a missionary in Turkey. He located on the farm west of the Forsyth estate in 1817, built quite a large frame house and barn and commenced keeping tavern. He discontinued the business after two or three years and in 1824 sold the farm to Henry Snyder and Soloman Freer and purchased one contiguous on the north side of the road, building the house now belonging to the Tracy Estate. A few year after the decease of Mr. and Mrs. Talbert the land was divided and sold by the executor for homesteads to those that held farms in the town of Wilson adjoining the property.
Cleared Parker Farm.
Henry Snyder married Polly Adamns of Ontatio County, N. Y., where they both resided a number of years. In 1826 he bought the farm that Josiah Talbert had settled on. The farm is now owned and occupied by his great grandson, Charles Parker. Mr. Snyder was a man well appreciated by his neighbors, as well as the people in the town where he lived. He served the town of Cambria as its supervisor one or two terms, 1846 and 7, and held other responsible positions in the gift of his townsmen. He died on the farm his hands helped clear in 1853, aged 67 years. His partner in life’s tolils followed him the same year, aged 68 years.
Freer Antecedants Settle.
Soloman Freer, son-in-law of Henry Snyder, came from the town of Gorham, Ontario County, N. Y., the next year, 1827, and settled on the west part of his father-in-law’s farm of 50 acres. Mr. Freer was a carpenter by trade and many of the houses and barns of those early days, a number of which are still in good repair, are the workmanship of his hands. Mr. and Mrs. Freer were favored with a large family, many of whom still hold their residence at Warren’s Corners. Three of the girls after their marriage went to Iowa with their husbands where they have established pleasant homes.
After years of a peaceful and happy life they were borne by sorrowing friends to their last resting place in the Budd cemetery, aged respectively 70 and 69 years. John Freer their youngest son, retains the homestead.
After years of a peaceful and happy life they were borne by sorrowing friends to their last resting place in the Budd cemetery, aged respectively 70 and 69 years. John Freer their youngest son, retains the homestead.
Crocker Homestead Built.
Luther Crocker, with his wife, came from Barnstable Maine. He purchased his farm just previous to the war on the Old Niagara road, town of Lockport in 1812, but did not move on to it until 1815. He was a man well calculated for pioneer life, enterprising, industrious and a good manager with the means under his control. With the aid of his efficient wife a large farm was cleared and commodious buildings erected, adorned with pleasant surrounding. Mr. Crocker died February in 1861, at an advanced age. His wife survived him a few years. Mrs. Sarah Crocker, his daughter-in-law who recently passed the 81st anniversary of her birthday, who is enjoying comparatively good health and mind, retains the homestead. She died in 1900 aged 96 years.
Fowler Traded Farms.
Thomas Fowler, brother-in-law of Joseph and David Carlton, a native of New Hampshire, settled on the farm now owned and occupied by Ferdinand Thompson, town of Lockport, in 1815. He was an active and worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he held many official positions. In 1836 he exchanged farms with Demus Perry of the town of Royalton where he and his worthy partner in life’s journey passed their lives. The farm is known as the Barnett farm on the Chestnut Ridge road, east of Lockport. Jesse Stoten settled at the corners in 1816 on the farm now owned and occupied by Anson Eastman. The family lived on and improved the place a number of years and then sold out to James Griswold and then moved to Michigan.
Samuel Adams Arrives.
Samuel Adams was a native of Goram, Ontario County, N. Y. He was connected with a prominent family of that place. The first member of the family that settled at Warren’s Corners was Mrs. David Carlton, previously noted. Subsequently nine of the family were residents at or near the corners. Mr. Adams served in the regular army of 1812, as fifer in the drum corps. Soon after the war he married Miss Eliza Freeman, daughter of Sanders Freeman, who lived on the Old Niagara road east of the old Painted Post hotel Mr. Adams settled on the farm now held by Henry Pickles in 1816. His wife died early, leaving him with six children, Clark Alexander, John Portland, Mich., Alphonso, Spencer, Iowa, Samuel. Clark spent his youthful days at home until his death, which occurred in June, 1896. Samuel is an honored and worthy citizen of East Wilson, N. Y. Their father survived his wife many years. He died about the year 1852, aged 51 years.
Freeman Builds Sawmill.
Timothy Freeman, brother-in-law to Samuel Adams also from Ontario County, bought and moved on to the farm now owned and occupied by James McMaster. He, in connection with his brother Alexander built a saw mill on the creek a few rods north of the hotel that furnished the pioneers with lumber for a number of years. He sold a lot of two or three acres to his brother-in-law, Marvin Adams, on the north side of the road who erected and was proprietor for many years of the first tavern on the present site of the old hostelry. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman lived but a few years to enjoy the home of their choice, at their death leaving three children, Malern, John and David. The two oldest were cared for by their relatives and at mature age went west. David was brought up by his uncle, David Carlton. His uncle having a son by that name, to designate them in the family called the young child Porkie. That was a name he retained for years. When a young man he went to Canada and engaged in the lumber business. When married he returned to Niagara County where he managed a saw mill three miles south of the village of Wilson on the Twelve Mile Creek. In 1870 he purchased the Beebe steam saw mill in East Wilson and in connection with manufacturing staves and heading built up a paying industry that secured him and his family a pleasant home at that place. In 1892 he died from the effects of a cancer in his throat in the 53d year of his age. He was a man genial in his intercourse with his friends and neighbors. When he passed away he was mourned by them as well as his immediate family.
Joseph A Sherman came from Rhode Island. He had spent the early part of his life as a seafarer. On his arrival in Western New York in 1816 he sojourned in Genesee County and there became acquainted with and married the daughter of Ebenezar Mixone of the Holland Land Company. Company’s business. After his marriage he came and located on the farm later owned by Nathan Lerch west of the old hotel stand. He and his wife there spent their lives, passive away August 8, 1846, aged 69 years.
Joseph A Sherman came from Rhode Island. He had spent the early part of his life as a seafarer. On his arrival in Western New York in 1816 he sojourned in Genesee County and there became acquainted with and married the daughter of Ebenezar Mixone of the Holland Land Company. Company’s business. After his marriage he came and located on the farm later owned by Nathan Lerch west of the old hotel stand. He and his wife there spent their lives, passive away August 8, 1846, aged 69 years.
Tailor in 1819.
Isaac Warren, a cousin of Ezra Warren, was a native of Vermont. He settled on the farm of the estate of the late Robert Wilson on the turnpike road, one mile east of he corners, in 1819. He worked and improved the farm a number of years. Being a tailor by trade he devoted much of his time in cutting and making men’s apparel as the most of their clothes were made to order in those days. In a few years they like many of the early pioneers, pulled up stake and went to the new state of Michigan, where they spent their allotted time on earth. He was connected with the first organization of the Methodist Church at Warren’s Corners.
Beasts Drive Gunn Away.
Alexander Gunn married Miss Betsy Adamns of Gorham, Ontario County, N. Y., in 1818. Soon after they came and settled on a farm contiguous to the corners, on the farm now owned and occupied by Peter Young of the town of Lockport, located on the Howd road. In 1819 he erected the pioneer log cabin, but did not occupy it but three or four years. Bears coming from the mountain ravines destroyed his small patches of corn and sacked his pigpens. The foxes filched away their poultry and in connection with their maraudering the rattlesnakes were so numerous that it was dangerous for a person to venture out in the warm days of July and August without being well protected, as well as cautious. At times they would stealthily crawl into the house and create panic. Principally for these reasons they availed themselves of the first opportunity to sell the place to Mr. Howe and move back to Ontario County. When the contracts were completed for the building of the old Strap railroad from Lockport to the Falls Mr. Gunn took a sub-contract to build a certain portion of it north and west of Lockport. In 1835 he with his family moved back to Niagara County, living in Lockport a few months, then changing his residence to Warren’s Corners occupying the Talbort house on the Ridge road. In 1838 he and his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he had taken a contract to construct a portion of the Ohio Walhonding canal that was being dug about that time. There he remained until his death which occurred in 1849. After his death Mrs. Gunn returned to Warren’s Corners where she made it her home for nearly ten years. Then she with her family returned to Cleveland or near there, where she died in 1865, aged 65 years, with her family around her to mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate mother, one that had led a romantic life, but was always cheerful in life’s mutation.
First Negro Arrives.
Jonas Dunbar was a mulatto, unmarried. He settled on the farm now owned by Michael Sheehan, on the Lockport and Warren’s Corners Stone road, town of Lockport in 1815. He was a man well liked by the community notwithstanding the great prejudice against colored people in those days. He was known frequently for making the statement he so sensitively realized his situation that he would willing undergo the paint of being skinned alive if it would change his condition in respect to his color. John Gibson and his family lived in his house and he boarded with the family. He became so attached to Sally, one of his little girls, with her winning ways, that at his death which occurred early in his life, he left almost his entire estate to her. She subsequently, when arriving at womanhood, married Clayton Baker of East Wilson. They held the farm for a few years and then sold it to Mr. Webster, and attorney of Lockport Mr. Webster sold it to Mr. Sheehan.
Physicians were Numerous.
Dr. Allen settled on the farm belonging to O’Connell estate about the year 1820. He served as a practicing physician for a number of years. He was the brother of Norman Allen, the first Sunday School superintendent at Warren’s Corners. Dr. Allen moved west in 1831. Then Dr. Derius Shaw minister to the physical infirmities of the people in this locality over 20 ears. His memory is still cherished by many of the older people who were cared for by him in sickness. In 1853 Dr. William Raymond, who studied in Dr. Shaw’s office for the medical profession, supplied his place as physician. Dr. Raymond resided two miles west of the corners on the Ridge road. He was a very successful physician and had an extended practice. Dr. E.W. Wollaber is at the present time serving the people at Warren’s Corners in a very acceptable manner and receives their patronage to a great extent.
Mr. Murch settled on the Budd farm soon after the war of 1812. Lived on it until 1832, then sold it to Scotchman who came from Canada by the name of Torrance. In 1850 he sold to Andrew Budd an the farm is still held by direct heirs.
Mr. Murch settled on the Budd farm soon after the war of 1812. Lived on it until 1832, then sold it to Scotchman who came from Canada by the name of Torrance. In 1850 he sold to Andrew Budd an the farm is still held by direct heirs.
Cooley Migrated West.
Noah Cooley, who was well known in his day and generation as Captain Cooley, settled on the farm now owned and occupied by Orrin Longmate in 1816. He was a brother-in-law of Col. Andrew Sutherland. Mr. Cooley held the farm until 1830 or near that time and then sold out and went to Michigan. He was one of those considerate men that required a long time to make up his mind what to do, therefore slow to action. Mr. Cooley was noted for being a successful checker player and spent much time with his favorite game. Being so very considerate in every move made, six or eight hours was usually occupied in playing a game. The house he built and occupied while on the farm was subsequently moved on the Sutherland estate.
First School Opened.
The first district school taught at the Corners was taught by a Scotchman by the name of Watson. He had previously served in the English army. Therefore he strictly adhered to the principle of rigid discipline and cherished the wise suggestion of Solomon, “That to spare the rod would spoil the child.” Many scholar under his tutorship had reason to remember him, if for no other reason than the severe castigations they received from him. The school house was a log one, located on the farm of Col. Andrew Sutherland, used while the family were east during the war, a like west of the Ridge road. Watson taught during the winters of 1811 and 12. In 1814 and 15 a part of a double log house on David Carlton’s farm, located on the Old Niagara road a short distance east of the corners, was used as a school room until 1816 when by subscription a frame school house was built on a site given by Ezra Warren and remains as one at the present time. It was in all probability the first school house of the kind built in the county. The writing desks were arranged around the sides, benches made of slabs with the smooth or soft side up, with wooden pegs for legs, movable to suit the occasion required of them. If writing or studying backs to the teacher. If reciting right about face. The capacious fire place and chimney took up one end of the 18x24 foot school room. The first teacher employed to teach in it was Miss Amanda Rice, who after the expiration of the term married Joshua Taylor. When the district was organized under state laws it was designated after final division of the county into its several town in 1824, as joint school district No. 1 of the Town of Lockport, being composed of a part of the town of Cambria, Lockport, Newfane and Wilson. The patrons of the school at or previous to this time were embraced in an area of five miles square. In 1836 the house was purchased by David Adams and moved on to his lot a few rods north and west where it was enlarged and used by him and others for a dwelling many years. In 1890 it was demolished and its place now occupied by the parsonage barn. The year of its removal, 1836, a cobblestone school was erected, a structure when completed looked as though it would stand the test of ages. Its internal arrangements were more in accordance with the improved style of the days. But in the order of mutation that too had served its day and generation and was demolished and the school house that at the present time occupies the same site was erected in 1861. At the first organization of the district in 1816 Aaron Taylor, Ezra Warren and Luther Crocker were elected trustees and Col. Andrew Sutherland district clerk.
About the time of building the present school house the districts of the towns were renumbered and the district at the present time is known as school district No. 2 of the town of Lockport.
About the time of building the present school house the districts of the towns were renumbered and the district at the present time is known as school district No. 2 of the town of Lockport.
Methodist Church in 1825.
The Methodist Episcopal Church
The early settlers coming as they did from various sections of the county where their religious teachers varied, it would be expected that they would differ in respect to church creeds and beliefs and in those days they were pronounced in their convictions. The first preacher we have any account of that visited this part of God’s heritage, which is more from tradition than history, was the Rev. Daniel Shepardson, an itinerant of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the years 1815 and 16. His circuit extended from Genesee to Niagara Rivers and required a month of six weeks to fill his several appointments. The eccentric and noted evangelist Lorenzo Dow, drew a large number of its inhabitants together one pleasant Sunday morning in the month of June, 1817, by singing and exhorting the people of Warren’s Corners to turn from the error of their ways, using a large stump located near where the church now stands, as his pulpit. It was the first and last time he visited the corners. Meetings were frequently held in the school house. Elder Sawyer, a Baptist preacher who in those early days was well and favorably known in Niagara County, often held meetings in the school house and those of other denominations were favorably received. In 1825 the Rev. Jon Copeland, a circuit preacher of the Methodist denomination, organized the first class. The official members were Ezra Warren, Thomas Fowler, German Bush, Isaac Warren, Edwin Warren and Thomas Carlton. Then a young man who later years became manager of the Methodist book and publishing concern of New York. Jonathan Benson was chosen the first class leader. Elder Copeland their first pastor. The young church continued to grow in numbers and strength. In 1836 a contract was entered into by the official members of the church and Luther Forsyth, Soloman Freer and Henry Warren to erect a church on the present site given by Ezra Warren, late in fall of that year it was dedicated for God’s service by presiding elder of the district, Rev. Glazen Fillmore. In 1858 the church becoming somewhat dilapidated and unfit for use it was sold to Albert Mighells and moved on his farm where it is still in use as an out building.
The early settlers coming as they did from various sections of the county where their religious teachers varied, it would be expected that they would differ in respect to church creeds and beliefs and in those days they were pronounced in their convictions. The first preacher we have any account of that visited this part of God’s heritage, which is more from tradition than history, was the Rev. Daniel Shepardson, an itinerant of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the years 1815 and 16. His circuit extended from Genesee to Niagara Rivers and required a month of six weeks to fill his several appointments. The eccentric and noted evangelist Lorenzo Dow, drew a large number of its inhabitants together one pleasant Sunday morning in the month of June, 1817, by singing and exhorting the people of Warren’s Corners to turn from the error of their ways, using a large stump located near where the church now stands, as his pulpit. It was the first and last time he visited the corners. Meetings were frequently held in the school house. Elder Sawyer, a Baptist preacher who in those early days was well and favorably known in Niagara County, often held meetings in the school house and those of other denominations were favorably received. In 1825 the Rev. Jon Copeland, a circuit preacher of the Methodist denomination, organized the first class. The official members were Ezra Warren, Thomas Fowler, German Bush, Isaac Warren, Edwin Warren and Thomas Carlton. Then a young man who later years became manager of the Methodist book and publishing concern of New York. Jonathan Benson was chosen the first class leader. Elder Copeland their first pastor. The young church continued to grow in numbers and strength. In 1836 a contract was entered into by the official members of the church and Luther Forsyth, Soloman Freer and Henry Warren to erect a church on the present site given by Ezra Warren, late in fall of that year it was dedicated for God’s service by presiding elder of the district, Rev. Glazen Fillmore. In 1858 the church becoming somewhat dilapidated and unfit for use it was sold to Albert Mighells and moved on his farm where it is still in use as an out building.
Brick Church Built 1858.
The same year a contract was made by church officials with Edwar Farley and Alfred Ransom for the building of a brick church, which was completed late in the fall. In January, 1859, it was dedicated by the Rev. H. Ryan Smyth, who years later served as its pastor. All who will are permited to receive their spiritual inspirations from within its walls at the present time under the pastorate of the Rev. Ashel Staples.
Sunday School – The first Sunday School organized at Warren’s Corners, was in the old frame school house in 1824. Norman Allen serving as its superintendent. For many years it was maintained only in the summer season. Since 1863 it has continued its beneficial work through the year. It had successfully continued under successive superintendents until the present time. Sylvester See who had served as its superintendent for 13 years, is at present receiving the hearty support of all interested in Sunday School work.
Sunday School – The first Sunday School organized at Warren’s Corners, was in the old frame school house in 1824. Norman Allen serving as its superintendent. For many years it was maintained only in the summer season. Since 1863 it has continued its beneficial work through the year. It had successfully continued under successive superintendents until the present time. Sylvester See who had served as its superintendent for 13 years, is at present receiving the hearty support of all interested in Sunday School work.
Military Activities.
Military Duty – Soon after the war of 1812 the state law required every able bodied male citizen between the age of 18 and 45 that they should perform military duty when warned out by proper authority, unless legally exempt. A regiment was organized in Niagara County in or about the year 1823. Andrew Sutherland of Warren’s Corners was duly appointed colonel of the regiment. Edmund Forsyth captain of Company A. The members of the company which comprised nearly a hundred men were ordered out for company drill about the first September of each year, armed and equipped for duty. The company drill for Company A would usually occur at the corners. Where a military man of the present day, accustomed as they are to see uniformity of dress and accouterments permitted to look along the line of that company where they presented arms, his mind would be alive to many ludicrous as well as pleasing reflections. When Captain Forsyth had served his time David Adams succeeded him as captain, who served for a number of years. When he resigned Benjaman Perdy was appointed to fill his place. He served until the company was disbanded by change in the state law about the year 1849.
Early School Life.
Social Life – The social history of pioneer life at Warren’s Corners, like many other places, were the most pleasing and satisfactory element that intended to smooth down and alleviate the many wants and burdensome tasks that were of necessity thrown upon them. The long winter evenings were made pleasant and cheerful by the evening visits of neighbors, when nuts, apples and cider took place of rich and costly viands. The quiltings, logging and husking bees, the frequent house and barn raising brought the older people often together, tending to bring them in touch with their neighbor’s wants and necessities, even willing to lend a helping hand. If so with the older, it was equally so with the younger people. The evening parties, apple pearing bees, the singing, writing, spelling and debating school and lyceums all had a favorable bearing upon their future usefulness in life.
Black Famine in 1816.
The Cold Summer- If the years of the war of 1812 were a great source of anxiety and unrest to the few families that tarried on their farms until its close, the years of 1816 and 17, was remembered long after as the year of want and destitution, the like of which they never realized before or since. It was called and remembered years after as the cold season. Quite heavy frosts occurred in nearly if not quite every month through the Spring and Summer season, killing fruit, vegetables and grain, so that but a meager supply was saved. Before the year was out and another crop harvested, wheat and corn brought $3 a bushel, with but a stinted amount of money to purchase it with. It taxed the ingenuity of the pioneer and his wife to provide for wants of their families. A good chunk of pork would pass from one neighbor to another, that if might be used to season the pot of greens that made the early dish in the spring, until its virtue was exhausted. Grain before it was matured was plucked and boiled to satisfy the wants of hunger. Cattle were kept alive by the browse they got from fallen trees. Never did the return of a bountiful crop in 1817 receive a more cordial welcome, as it cheered the hearts and gladdened the homes of the new settlers.
Stage Coach Days.
Warren’s Corners Hotel – But few at the present day remembered the dimensions and surroundings of the hotel as it presented itself to the passengers of a four in hand stage coach as its horses came up to it in grand style seventy-five years ago. The hotel was 30x75 feet, two stories high, with an upper and lower veranda, supported by a number of large and heavy colonnades. The upper one enclosed with a balustrade to serve as a protection.
Blacksmith Industry.
After David Adams retired from the business, which occurred in 1844, Thomas Bates, with his family, moved from Albany, N. Y., locating at Warren’s Corners, and carried on the business in a shop near where Hubret Loefler’s house now stands, living in the Buffin house. He subsequently purchased the Howell cottage and lot, erecting a large shop on the lot near the Stone road, where he continued the business till 1864. In 1865 a new shop was erected on the corner of Turnpike and Beebe roads by Alvin C. Bradley, William Enderston, Michiel Tonel, William H. Richardon and John Stodard occupied it at different times, until it burned down in November, 1888, when occupied by John Stodard. In 1880 William H Richardson, who had formally worked at the Corners as blacksmith, bought a lot of Mrs. Myron D Tracy, moved onto it and erected a shop in 1890. He has been the “Vulcan” at the corners up to date.
Threshing Machines.
The first power threshing machine was constructed by Thomas Mighells. It was stationary. The horse power was attached to an upright shaft, made of a round stick of timer, with long sweeps attached at the bottom to hitch onto. Gearing arranged at the top, midway to suit convenience to run a belt, connected to a small thresher fastened to the barn floor. It would thresh from fifty to seventy bushels of wheat a day. The farmers drawing their unthreshed grain to it. It was considered some of an improvement to the flags then in general use. In 1830, Edmund Forsyth purchased the first portable threshing machine used in this locality. The horses attached to four sweeps, and a belt enclosed in a tight box, connecting the power with the thresher, which was fastened to the barn floor. One hundred to a hundred and fifty bushels of wheat could be threshed in a day, but it was necessary to clean up the grain in the evening to prepare for another day’s work, if the crop required it. From that important improvements were made until four or five hundred bushels could be threshed in a day by using a ten horse power. In 1850 the first separator was run by William Adams at the Corners, an old and experienced thresher. It would thresh and separate four or five hundred bushels of wheat a day. In 1870 Robert Buffin commenced threshing with steam power. It proved so satisfactory to the farmers that it has effectually done away with the horse power threshing machines.
The traction engine in use at the present time, accompanied as it is with its tender, tank and separator, makes a display as it approaches a farmers barn, that would make our pioneer grandfathers look in winder and astonishment.
The traction engine in use at the present time, accompanied as it is with its tender, tank and separator, makes a display as it approaches a farmers barn, that would make our pioneer grandfathers look in winder and astonishment.
Harvesting Impliments.
The first grain crops raised at the Corners was harvested with the sickle. Mr. Warren frequently had twenty or thirty acres of wheat cut this way, employing a number of hands to accomplish the task, as one acre was considered a good day’s work. The grain cradle came into use about the year 1820, and was used exclusively for that purpose nearly forty years. When the reaper, and soon after the self-rake machine were used, the grain cradle became of small consequence as a farm impliment. The binders of today have made the harvesting of grain crops a light burden to farmers, what it was years ago.
Cooper Industry.
Whiting Taylor established first cooper shop in 1822, on the farm owned by his father, Aaron Taylor, west of the Corners on the Bridge road. He manufactured flour and heavy, tight barrels for the trade. In a few years he gave up the business to attend to his farm work. In 1842, David Adams erected a large shop a little east of the Corners on the Stone road. It did not prove a very paying investment. In a few years a fire wiped it out. Soon after, Asa Warren put up a small shop and run it quite successfully for a number of years. About the time when large crops of apples were shipped from the county in the ‘60s, when apple barrels brought from forty to sixty cents a barrel. John Patrick was a successful and enterprising cooper and made apple barrels in a number of small and temporary shops at the Corners from 1864 to 1870. At the present time Frederick Brown, who was a shop on the Budd farm, west of the Corners is in a way supplying the demand.
Plows and Harrows.
Joseph Carlton in connection with his wagon making, made plows for the farmers in this locality. For material he selected a maple tree of suitable size, that was winding in its growth, one as the saying used to be “that wound nine times between the bow holes,” having reference to an ox yoke, at least so much so that its shape would be suitable for a mold board, which was covered with sheet iron and a point, so as to penetrate the ground with a strong wooden beam and handles arranged to guide and hold it. As often as the sheet iron worn off the mild board, it was replaced. These were the kind of plows in use until 1826, when the cast iron Woods plow was introduced with its various important improvements in form and ways remains the plow of today. The crutch drag, as it was called in those days, was made of a small tree that had two main branches large enough for the purpose required of it, or three pieces of scantling, made in the shape of a capital letter A, supplied with from nine to thirteen wooden pegs for teeth, or wrought iron as the case might be, was all the impliment of the kind to prepare the ground for crops after ploughing. These were the kind of harrows used until the year 1831, when the thirty-tooth square harrow came into use. Since that time there has been a great variety of impliments of its kind brought into use by the farmers.
One Horse Waggon.
The first one horse wagon that there is an account of was brought to Warren’s Corners by William Pardy. He and Mrs. Pardy came in it from Goram, Ontario County, N. Y., in 1825, to visit their children. The next year he sold his farm in that town and they made it their home with their daughter, Mrs. Edmund Forsyth, where Mrs. Pardy died in 1830. The next year Mr. Pardy returned East to visit his daughters and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Juliah Stebbins, in Walworth, Wayne Co., N. Y. The wagon was in general use as no neighbor was denied the use of it. If in existence today it would be a suitable relic to adorn the surroundings of the Pioneer log cabbin at Olcott.
Boot and Shoe Industry.
After Mr. Mighells retired from the business, William Buffin and family came from Lockport in 1852 and purchased the lot where his son Robert resides. He secured the shop formerly used by Mr. Mighells and moved it on the corner where it now stands, used at the present time as the post office and grocery. Mr. Buffin served the community as their boot and show maker as well as cobling with the exception of about three years, while serving the Union army to subdue the rebellion until his death which occurred in 1870.
Post Office.
In 1857, Nelson T. Mighells was appointed the first postmaster of Warren’s Corners, at and after that time until 1888, the mail was delivered tri-weekly since that last date its patrons have received it daily.
The present postmaster, ‘Robert Buffin,’ has served its patrons for a number of years.
The present postmaster, ‘Robert Buffin,’ has served its patrons for a number of years.
Manufacturing.
In respect to manufacturing establishments, every farm home might in the early settlement of Warren’s Corners, be truly considered one. The raw material would come to the home and be so manipulated by home frugality and industry that the wearing appearal, bedding, tapestry and in fact all that tended to make home comfortable and pleasant, was so utilized and arranged that nothing seemed to find its way into the waste basket.
Roads.
Warren’s Corners is located at the east terminus of the Ridge road, that extends west to Dickersonville and Averells on the north branch. East of the Corners the old Niagara and Batavia road that had been travelled as such from a number of years, and was used by the early pioneer as the principle thoroughfare going to and from Niagara County. In 1850 the west part from what was known then as Wilson’s Corners, to Warren’s Corners, was chartered to a company as a plank road with the privilege of receiving toll for travel. Subsequently it was legally allowed to be changed to a stone road, and is the main road to Lockport. The Turnpike road that connects the Ridge roads at Wright’s and Warren’s Corners, was prior to 1813, impassible most part of the year, owning to the depressions in the land, and the creeks that intervened. Soon after the commencement of the War of 1812, General Dearborn, the commanding officer of the Niagara frontier, asked and received a grant of two or three thousand dollars from the United States Government to construct a causeway, which was made of logs, brush and dirt to enable him to transport heavy artillery and military stores from Genesee to Niagara river. For a few years the road this constructed was of great advantage to Warren’s Corners, as it enabled the stages and emigrant wagons to make direct connections from Rochester to Lewiston. In a few years the logs began to decay and the spring freshets floated many of them out of place, it became a heavy tax upon those interested in its maintenance to keep it in repair. In 1824, David Maxwell applied and received a charter from the Legislature to construct a turnpike road, and put a toll gate at Wright’s Corners. He owned and controlled the road until 1869. For the first score of years it brought in quite an income, but the Erie Canal and the Central railroad reduced the travel by stage and diverged the trend of teaming so that it would hardly pay expenses and was therefore sold for a nominal sum to the Towns of Lockport and Newfane. It still retains its former name, the Mill road, as it was formerly called, owing to the Mighells sawmill being located near it, extends south to the Cambria mountain road, and is a town line road that far was used as a highway as early as 1815. The Bebee or East Wilson road is of later date, though in the early settlement of East Wilson there was a wagon track provised so that the ridge could be reached part of the year. It was regularly laid out and established as a road about the year 1837.
Cemeteries.
A few of the pioneer families had family burying grounds as there were no public cemeteries established until after the War of 1812. The Forsyth and Warren family cemetery, where John Forsyth was buried, as formerly noted, though containing a number of their kin folk, has no doubt received its last consignment with a prospect in a few years of the remains of those deposited there being removed to a public cemetery. The Taylor family burying ground located on the farm once owned by Joash Taylor, in the southeast corner near the Ridge road, has been nearly depleted of those who were buried in it, to other cemeteries. The family cemetery of the Crocker family, located a few rods east of the old homestead, has ceased to be one. The remains of their dear ones have been taken to Glenwood. After 1815 the Molyneaux cemetery received the remains of many of the citizens of Warren’s Corners, as it was the only public place of burial contiguous to it. In 1853 an association was formed, called the North East Cambria Union Cemetery Association. They purchased acres of land of Andrew Budd. After its survey and the arrangements of roads, alleys and lots were made, the lots were sold to pay for and keep the cemetery, in proper condition. Charles S. Lofler a three-year-old son of Jacob and Emily Lofler, was the first person buried in it, September 18th, 1853. The first trustees, nine in number, were Wm. W Wallaber, Erastus Snyder, Sylvenus B. Pinney, James Griswold, Albert B. Mighells, Corgedon Mighells, Alanson Bradley, Parend Steadman and Demus Perry, all of the trustees above names have been sorrowfully and tenderly laid by the side of their kindred in the cemetery the so generously and mindfully planned and arranged, with the exception of two, Wm. W. Wollaber of Cambria and Erastus Snyder of Medina, N. Y.
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