CHAPTER LI I. CHEMUNG-.

The town of Chemung is the southeast corner town of the

county, and contains an area of 27,62*1 acres, of which 16,420 acres are improved. It had
a population of 1998 inhabitants according to the census of 1875, of which 1901 were
natives and 97 foreign born ; 1996 white and 2 colored ; 997 males, 1001 females, 17
aliens. A voting population of 541$ of which 495 Avere natives and 45 naturalized ;
males of military age, 393 ; persons of school age, 244 males 311 females; number of
land-owners, 259; persons twentyone years of age and upwards unable to read or write,
28. The surface of the town is a hilly upland, broken by deep and narrow valleys. The
principal water-courses are the Che mung River, which, flowing in an easterly direction,
crosses the town in the south part, and Wynkoop Creek, which, flowing southerly through
the centre of the town, becomes a tributary of the Chemung. Baldwin Creek forms part of
the boundary line on the west border. The soil iu the valleys is a deep, rich alluvium, and
a gravelly loam upon the hills ; all of it being well adapted to the pursuits of agriculture,
in which occupation most of the people are en gaged. Abundant crops of corn, fruit, and
the cereals re ward the husbandman for his toil. The tobacco plant is also quite
extensively cultivated along the rich bottom-lands of the Chemung River.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. A majority of the early settlers of Chemung viewed this

country for the first time as soldiers under General Sullivan, when he invaded and laid
waste the villages and cultivated fields of the bitterly-hostile Iroquois. These hardy
Continental troops, coming as they did from the cold, sterile soil of New England and
Eastern New York, the Jersey sands, and the inhospitable companionship of the
Pennamites of Pennsylvania, were astonished to behold such a fertile region as here lay
outstretched before them. The vast fields of corn, pumpkins, beans, and other prod ucts,
planted and cultivated with the rudest implements, in the hands of a savage people
unaccustomed to the pursuits of agriculture, assured them that this was the land they had
long sought. As one views this valley to-day, is it at all surprising that they resolved to
return and settle here when peace permitted ? Though peace with England and her savage
allies was concluded in 1783, and the Indians never made another fight in this State after
their terrible chastisement by Sullivan in 1779, still numerous and large parties of them
returned to their old hunting-grounds, and committed many outrages and murders upon
the venture some frontiersmen who had pushed too far out from the established
settlements. This fear of the treacherous savage, and the loncc distance to be traversed
with wives and little children before reaching the valley of the Chemung, deterred any
from attempting a settlement until about 1786. It is possible that two or three families
may have settled here as early as 1785, but, in. the absence of any written record to the
contrary, we believe that no permanent settlement was made here until the spring of 1786,
when William Wyn koop, William Buck, and his son, Elijah Buck, Daniel McDowell,
Joseph Bennett, Thomas Burt, Enoch Warren, and his son, Enoch Warren, Jr., came up the
Susquehanna and Chemung Rivers iu canoes and Durham boats, and made a settlement
extending from Wynkoop's Creek west to the second Narrows Hill. Israel Parshall,
Samuel Beidelman, Jonathan Griswold, John Squires, Abijah Batterson, Jacob Kress,
Thomas Keeney, and Isaac Baldwin and his sons came the next year (1787), and settled
in the valley west of the Narrows Hill (Squires, Batterson, and Keeney taking up a
location on the south side of the river) ; and they were followed soon after by Ebenezer
Green, Jacob Lowman, James Wilson, Uriah Wilson, David Burt, Justus Bennett,
Benjamin Wynkoop, John Hillman, Joseph Drake, Moses De Puy, Jacob Decker, Samuel
Westbrook, and at least twenty other families, prior to 1800

Major William Wynkoop came from Saugerties, N. Y., and located on lot No. 1, a tract of
515 acres, lying near the mouth of Wynkoop Creek. He was of a Holland Dutch family,
and served as a volunteer in the American army at the battle of Saratoga. A gentleman of
decided ability, energetic and generous in his business relations, he was ever to be found
among the foremost in any under taking which led to the advancement of public
enterprise or the welfare of his neighbors. He died in 1827, aged seventy-four years.
William Buck, with his sons Aholiab, Asahel, and Elijah, emigrated from New Milford,
Litchfield Co., Conn., and settled first at Wyoming. The sons were all in the Conti nental
army. Captain Aholiab Buck, with his nephew William (a son of Asahel, and a lad but
thirteen years of a"*e\ were in the fort at the massacre. William was killed before the
garrison surrendered. Captain Buck was one of the ill-fated fourteen who met their death
by the hands of murderous Queen Esther. Lieutenant Asahel Buck was killed in an
encounter with the Indians in February, 1779. During these years of savage warfare,
Sergeant Elijah Buck was serving with the Continental army, in New Jersey. After the
war closed he returned to Wyoming, and remained there until 1786, when he journeyed
up the Susquehanna and Chemung Rivers, and settled on lot No. 3 (the site of Chemung
village). His father (William Buck) came up from Wyoming soon after, and died here in
1799. Esquire Elijah Buck was a very prominent citizen during the early settlement of the
valley. He filled many positions of trust and honor in his town, county, and for the
government, and, after a long life of usefulness, died in 1830, at the age of eighty-one
years. His son, Asahel, was also a gentleman of superior attain ments, and as a lawyer,
citizen, and friend, was universally respected. George W. Buck, a son of Asahel,
represented his county (Chemung) in the State Legislature in 1840 and 1867, and was an
active participant in all matters relating to the advancement and prosperity of his town
and county. Mr. A. H. Buck, the only surviving son of Asahel, is a resident of the town at
the present time, and is justly es teemed as a surveyor, farmer, and worthy citizen,
Captain Daniel McDowell, a Scotchman by birth, and a soldier of the Revolutionary and
Indian Avars, settled here in 1786, and located on lots 4 and 5. He was a remarkable man,
remarkable alike for his superior scholastic abilities as well as for his courage, endurance,
and feats of strength and agility. Though but twenty-five years of age when he came to
Chemung, he had already passed through scenes which fall to the lot of but very few men
in a lifetime. With true Highland zeal, he had espoused the cause of the colo nists, and in
that seven years' struggle, as the captain of a company of scouts, the Tories and Indians
had learned to fear and respect him. While on a scouting expedition near Stroudsburg,
Pa., his brother was killed and himself wouuded, but, after a long race for life, he finally
escaped capture by swimming a river.

At Shawnee, Sept. 12, 1782, he, with several of his command, Avere taken prisoners by
the Indians ; from thence they were taken to Niagara, where, in the presence of a large
body of Indians, they were compelled to run the gauntlet. The muscular frame, almost
superhuman bravery, and extreme agility of Captain McDowell enabled him to pass
through that terrible ordeal, and he was the only one, among many, who escaped death.
He was subsequently banished to Quebec, where, after undergoing many acts of cruelty at
the hands of his cap tors, and languishing in prison a year, broken in health, he was
allowed his liberty. While on his way to Niagara as a prisoner, the route led along an
Indian trail near the present location of Chemung Depot, where the party halted at a
spring to quench their thirst. Captain McDowell was so impressed with the beauty of the
scene, the broad bottom lands, with here and there patches of corn, pumpkins, and beans,
and the abundance of wild fruit, that he determined, if ever released, to return and settle
in this fertile and in viting region. This determination, as we have seen, was carried out.
The Indians gave him a name very expressive of his character, physically and mentally, "
Keto" (mean ing the iron man). In the Confederation of the Iroquois he was well known,
and being conversant with the Indian tongue, was both feared and respected by them.
Captain McDowell was intimately associated with the early development of the Chemung
Valley, and was fore most in the formation and organization of the old town of Chemung.
He died in 1808, while yet in the prime of his life, in his forty-fourth year. Hon. Jno. G.
McDowell, son of Captain McDowell, was born in Chemung, Feb. 27, 1794, and at the
time of his death was seventy-two years of age. During the war of 1812 he was appointed
first lieutenant and aid-de-camp, and subsequently captain and paymaster. Under the old
con stitution he was the contemporary in political life of Martin Van Buren, Silas Wright,
Governor Marcy, and General John A. Dix, with all of whom he held intimate personal
relations. He was much in public life, and repre sented his district in the Assembly during
the years 1830- 31. In the fall of 1831 he was elected one of the four senators from the
old Sixth Senatorial District, composed of the counties of Delaware, Broome, Otsego,
Chenango, Tioga, Cortland, and Tompkins. About this period he was appointed president
of the Chemung Canal Bank, and, under the actfor loaning the surplus revenues of the
United States, Judge McDowell was appointed by Governor Marcy Com missioner of
Loans. His last appearance in public life was as presidential elector in 1852. In every
relation of life John G. McDowell possessed the faculty of creating strong
personalfriendships, and his greatest pride and pleasure was to meet and give generous
hospitality to the old pioneers. His memory will ever be cherished and revered as a true
gentleman of the olden school. Two of his sons, R. M. and J. L. McDowell, are residents
of the city of Elmira.

Among the prominent citizens who settled here in the earliest days we should not forget
to mention the names of Thomas Burt, who came from Connecticut, and located on lot
No. 7, containing about 700 acres. He lived to be nearly one hundred years of age. Of
Enoch Warren and his son Enoch Warren, Jr., who came from Connecticut, and settled
just west of the Second Narrows. Sands War ren (a grandson of Enoch Warren, Jr.), now
nearly ninety years of age, resides in the central part of the town.

Israel Parshall came from. Long Island, and settled on the property now owned by his
grandson, Asa Parshall. At the treaty held with the Indians at Newtown, in 1790, Asa, one
of the sons (and father of the present owner of the homestead), ran a foot-race with one of
the fleetest Indian runners, and came off victorious. Samuel Beidelman was from Easton,
Pa., and located on the farm now owned by Gordon Snell, in 1787. He was a most worthy
citizen. Henry S. Beidelman, a grandson, and many other descendants now reside on the
homestead or in tho imme diate vicinity. Thomas Keeney, a Revolutionary soldier, came
from Hartford, Conn., and settled on the south side of the river. He lived to be over ninety
years of age. Jacob Kress, another veteran of the Revolutionary war, came from Ulster
Co., N. Y., accompanied by his son, John Kress. They settled on lot No. 14. The father
lived to be nearly one hundred years of age. Jacob Lowman , another very prominent
citizen and active business man, came from Middletown, Dauphin Co., Pa., in 1788, and
first located about one-half mile west of the Lower Narrows, where Robt. C. Wilson now
lives. Until about 1800 he was engaged in boating on the river. He brought up and sold to
the settlers such merchandise as they needed in that early day, and received as pay such
produce as the people had to sell. He afterwards settled down on the farm now owned by
his son, Mr. George Lowman, who was born in this town in the year 1795. One of the
most prominent families of this valley from the earliest settlement to the present time was
the Baldwin family. Isaac Baldwin, the elder, with a family of eight sons and three
daughters came from Wyoming in 1787, and settled near the mouth of Baldwin Creek.
Thomas, the second son, was a sergeant in the Continental service, and was wounded in
the battle at Newtown. His son, Vine Bald win, is claimed to have been the first white
male child born west of the Allegheny Mountains. Sons of Vine Bald win are living in the
following locations : Thomas, at Troy, Pa. ; Vine, at Wellsboro', Pa. ; Robert C, in
Chemung ; as does also Miles C, who is as well known a farmer as there is in the county.

Waterman, the third son of the elder Isaac, was a remarkable character. It is believed that
he filled to the full his measure of usefulness during the war of the Revo lution, in a
capacity similar to that of Harvey Birch, whom Cooper has made immortal in the tale of
the " Spy," and under the immediate eye of Washington himself. At least, "Watt," as he
was called, prided himself as one whom Washington had trusted. He possessed a silver-
mounted saddle, which had been given to him by the officers of the army, and a horse
called " Roanoke," which performed some feats that were wonderful. "Watt" was also an
adopted son of the famous Indian chief Cornplanter, who had been struck by his bravery
and coolness shown under discourag ing circumstances. He did not take very kindly to
the ways of civilization, preferring life on the mountains and in the woods. Innumerable
incidents of a striking and humorous character are told of him, few of which have ever
seen the light. He was taken prisoner by the Indians three times. It is related that when the
surveying-party were running out the line between this State and the State of
Pennsylvania one of their number was killed by an Indian. The tribe to which the
murderer belonged were induced, by threats or otherwise, to surrender him to the whites.
A meeting of the settlers was called, and after an investigation it was determined to send
him to Niagara, and the hat was passed to raise money to defray expenses, etc. Fourteen
cents was the amount collected. Waterman, Baldwin, and another were detailed as the
party to take him in charge. They started out one morning early, and returned the same
day. At the present time, a trip to Buffalo and return in the same day would be no unusual
thing. Is it to be presumed that Baldwin and his com panion accomplished the journey as
quickly?

INITIAL EVENTS. Major Wm. Wynkoop built the first framed house, the boards and
timbers for which being sawed out by a whipsaw ; he also built the first grist-mill. Asa
Parshall erected the first brick house, in the year 1829. Elijah Buck, Wm. Wynkoop, and
Daniel McDowell cleared and opened the first farms. Wm. Wynkoop kept the first tavern,
1788. A man by the name of Teater was the first to carry the mail through the valley. He
made the trip once a week. Stephen B. Leonard owned the first stage-line, and Joseph
Batterson was one of the first drivers. The post-office was established about 1810, and
Elijah Buck was the first post master. Samuel Walker was the first school-teacher. He was
killed afterwards by tbe Indians. Master Cooper also taught school at a very early day, in
Israel Parshall's weav ing-room. The first church edifice erected was that of the
Methodists, near Wynkoop's Creek, built 1838. The first religious society Avas formed by
the Baptists, in 1789, Rev. Roswell Goff being the leader. Guy Maxwell (a young
surveyor) and Eleanor Van Steinberg, a step-daughter of Major Wynkoop, Avere the first
couple married. It is re lated that young Maxwell engaged the services of a justice of the
peace living at Tioga Point. The justice on his arrival found that he was outside of his
jurisdiction, where upon the large party then assembled at Major Wynkoop's adjourned to
the field near the 63d mile-stone, and crossing the imaginary line dividing the States of
Pennsylvania and New York, the happy pair were made one. The first birth recorded is
that of Morris Catlin, son of Israel and Ditha Catlin. The first death was that of William
Bosworth, from Connecticut. He was an uncle of Elijah Buck, and died 1790. Dr. Hovey
Everitt was the first physician to settle in the town, previously the people had been
attended by Drs. Hopkins and Spring, from Tioga Point. Moses De Witt was the first
surveyor, and ran out all the lots for the first settlers. Nathaniel Goodspeed was the first
commissioner of high ways, in 1788. Elijah Buck kept the first store. Asahel Buck, his
son, was the first lawyer.

CIVIL HISTORY. Chemung was formed March 22, 1788, as a town of Montgomery
County, and comprised within its limits all the territory described and bounded as follows
: " Beginning at the intersection of the partition line be tween this State and the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Pennsylvania line, and running from said point
of intersection due north along said partition line to the dis tance of two miles north of
Tioga River ; thence with a straight line to the Owego River, to intersect said river at the
distance of four miles on a straight line from the con fluence thereof with the
Susquehanna ; thence down the Owego and Susquehanna to the Pennsylvania line ; and
thence along the same to the place of beginning." In 1791, on the erection of Tioga
County, the town boundaries were changed, being limited to the Cayuta Creek on the
east, and extended northward to the north bounds of the county, the same then being
identical with the north line of the present town of Hector, in Schuyler County. The town
of Elmira, as Newtown, was taken off April 10, 1792 ; Erin, March 29, 1822 ; Baldwin,
April 7, 1856 ; and a pare of Ashland, April 25, 1867. The town derived its name from the
river Chemung* an Indian word signi fying Big-horn. The town records for the years
1788, 1789, and 1790 have been lost, except a list of persons (innkeepers) to whom a
license was granted for the sale of strong and spirituous liquors, which list will appear in
another place.

TOAVN-MEETING, 1791. Proceedings of a town-meeting held at the house of George

Hornell, in Chemung, April 5, 1791 : " Pursuant to a law of the Legislature of the State of
New York, Entitled an act for the dividing of the county of Montgomery, passed the
sixteenth day of February, one thousand seATen hundred and ninety-one." Mr. Daniel Mc
Dowell, late town clerk, having advertised a town-meeting agreeably to the above-
mentioned act, Esquires Brinton Paine, Bezaleel Seely, and John Miller, Inspectors, met
agreeably to the advertisement, and the following-named gentlemen were chosen town
officers : Abner Kelsy, Supervisor ; John Kunkle, Town Clerk ; Brinton Paine, Bezaleel
Seely, and Lebius Hammond,f Commissioners of Highways ; Conrad Smith, Jr.,
Constable and Collector ; Christian Loop, John Parkhurst, Daniel De Witt, and James
Cameron, Constables; Joseph Hinchman, Phineas Catlin, and Caleb Baker, Assessors ;
Abraham Miller, Esq., William Jenkins, Samuel Seely, Thomas Keeney, Elijah Buck,
Esq., Thomas Baldwin, Brinton Paine, Esq., Cornelius Lowe, and Caleb Gardner,
FenceViewers ; David Burt, Thomas Baldwin, and Wm. Jenkins, Pound-Keepers.

Overseers of Highways, Epenetus Owens, First District ; Elijah Drake, Second District;
Thomas Baldwin, Third District; Joshua Carpenter, Fourth District; Phineas Catlin, Fifth
District ; Thomas Handy, Sixth District ; and Elisha Brown, " Big Flat" District.
Overseers on the south side of the river Tioga (Chemung), Thomas Keeney, First
District ; Abler Kelsy, Second District ; Wm. Jen kins, Third District ; and Abner
Hatfield, on Seely's Creek. The following is a list of those holding the offices of
Supervisor, Town Clerk, and Justice of the Peace from 1791 to 1878, inclusive :
SUPERVISORS. 1791-92. Abner Kelsey. 1841-42. Alonzo I. Wynkoop. 1793-94. Daniel
McDowell. 1843-44. Daniel D. McDowell. 1795-96. Elijah Buck. 1845-47. George H.
Buck. 1797-1803. Enoch AVarren. 1848. Daniel F. Pickering. 18049. Jacob Lowman.
1849. George Lowman. 1810. Thomas Floyd. 1850. James M. Baldwin. 1811. Benjamin
Wynkoop. 1851. George AV. Buck. 1812. Thomas Floyd. 1852-53. William H. Little.
1813. Jacob Lowman. 1854. I. B. Clark. 1814-16. Benjamin Wynkoop. 1855. William
Collson. 1817. Thomas Floyd. 1856-58. George W. Buck. 1818-29. Asahel Buck. 1859-
60. Robert C. AVilson. 1830-31. Isaac Shepard. 1861-63. George W. Buck. 1832-33.
Ninolia T. Wynkoop. 1864. Robert C. AVilson. 1834-35. Alpheus H. Tozer. 1865-69.
George AV. Buck. 1836. Isaac Shepard. 1870-71. Robert C. Wilson. 1837-38. John G.
McDowell. 1872. Gordon Snell. 1839. Harry N. Floyd. 1873-76. John G. Lowman. 1840.
John G. McDowell. 1877-78. Ulysses W. De Witt.

TOWN (CLERKS. 1790. Daniel McDowell. 1803. Elijah Buck. 1791-92. John Konkle.
1804-6. Joseph Green. 1793-98. John Kress. 1807-10. Elijah Buck. 1799-1800. Daniel
McDowell. 1811-12. Jacob Kress. 1801-2. John Kress. 1813-19. Elijah Buck.

Mr. Hammond was the only person that made his escape, of four teen that were set down
in a circle to be killed by Queen Esther, after the great defeat at Wyoming.

1820. John G. McDowell. 1850--54. Henry Baker. 1821. Benjamin AWynkoop. 1855
AVilson Gamage. 1822- -25. John G. McDowell. 1856 Harris Peck.* 1826--27. Benjamin
AArynkoop. Asahel Buck. 1828. AVilliam Foulke. 1857. Elias B. Doolittle. 1829. Joseph
Foulke. 1858--59. Andrus Gere. 1830. Benjamin AWrynkoop. 1860. Elias B. Doolittle.
1831- -32. Harry N. Floyd. 1861- -63. C. C. McKinny. 1833. Jacob Snell. 1864. Allen AV.
Smith. 1834. AVilliam Seaward. 1865. James M. Sawyer. 1835--38. Ninolia T.
AWynkoop. 1866. Charles Ruggles. 1 1839--43. Oliver D. Boyd. 1867- -68. John H.
Orcutt. 1844. John Pickering. 1869. James M. Sawyer. 1845. Daniel F. Pickering. 1870-
-72. Ulysses W. De Witt. 1846. AWilliam Lowman. 1873. William C. Buck. 1847--48.
AWilson Gamage. 1874-78. Martin Wood. 1849. Noble AWeller.
JUSTICES OP THE PEACE. 1791. Brinton Paine. 1853. James F. Jones. Bezaleel Seeley.
1854. George W. Roberts. John Miller. 1855. Asahel Buck. 1793. Elijah Buck. Robert
Cassidy. 1830. AVilliam McKinstry. 1856. George P. AVest. 1832. Jacob Batterson.
Gordon Snell. Milo Smith. 1856- -57. Noble AVeller. 1833. Sabin Hatch. 1858. Gordon
Snell. Phineas Squires. 1859. M. S. Robbins. 1834. Ninolia T. Wynkoop. 1860. D. D.
Harnden. j M. Griswold. George P. West.! 1835. George Landis. 1861. Andrus Gere. Levi
Little. 1862. Noble AVeller. 1836. Isaac M. Griswold. Gordon Snell. Milo Smith. 1863.
Noble Weller. 1837. Ninolia T. Wynkoop. 1864. Daniel Cornwell. Martin Lowman. 1865.
Simon B. Lathrop. Joseph K. Coleman. John A. Carey. 1838. M. Griswold. 1866. Andrus
Gere. AVilliam Guthrie. 1867. Noble AVeller. 1839. Anthony Collson. Albert P. Maxwell.
1840. AVilliam Guthrie. 1868. John A. Carey. 1841. John Benedict. John Benedict. 1842.
Miramin Griswold. 1869. Thomas B. Hanyon. 1843. AVilliam McComber. 1870. James F.
Harlow. 1844. AVilliam Guthrie. 1871. Gordon Snell. 1845. John Kent. 1872. Andrus
Gere. 1846. Belden Burt. A. D. Carey. 1847. AVilliam Lowman. 1873. John A. Carey.
Wells Newton. 1874. Mason Harrington. 1848. Gersham H. Guthrie. 1875. George
Decker. 1849. Elijah Kress. 1876. George W. Drake. Asa Parshall. Phineas S. Roberts.
1850. George W. Roberts. 1877. Nob'.e Weller. 1851. Noble Weller. 1878. Andrus Gere.
1852. Zachariah Tarble. Elijah Smith.

The names of innkeepers retailing liquors with license, by the payment of 2 each, for the
year 1788, are as fol lows : William Wynkoop, Joel Thomas, Anthony Rummerfield,
Ezekiel Brown. The following were innkeepers and retail liquor dealers, licensed by the
payment of 2 each, for the year 1789 : Jacob Shinneberg, Christian Loop, Joseph
Hinchman, William Wynkoop, Moses Brown. In 1790 there were licensed for the same
purpose, by the payment of 2 each, Joel Thomas, John Konkle, Messrs. Dunn & Hornell,
Isaac Baldwin, Ezra Patterson, and John Love. Ashkenaz Shappee is permitted to keep a
ferry and retail strong and spirituous liquors, not to be drank in his own house, by the
payment of 2.pounds.

Mauch, 17SS. To way of Chemung, To Samuel Tubes, Dr. To twenty-two days spent in
his office laving out roads s. d. in this town, at the rate and allowance of the State laws
for such service per day, 6s 6 12 At a town-meeting held April 3, 1792. it was voted
unanimously that forty shillings be paid by the town for every wolf killed within its
limits. To be paid in grain. The following description of the bounds and limits of the
several road districts in the town of Chemung in 1791 is copied verbatim.

" 1st Dist. Begins at the town line called Kyuta, or Shepard's Mill Creek, and extends to
William Wynkoop's Mill Creek. 2d Dist. Begins in the middle of Mr. Wynkoop's Mill
Creek, and extends to Mr. Isaac Baldwin's Mill Creek, on the middle of the bridse. 3d
Dist. Begins on the middie of the bridge at Mr. Isaac Baldwin's Mill Creek, and extends
from thence to the middle of the bridge at New town Point. 4th Dist. Begins on the
middle ofthe bridge at Newtown Point, and extends from thence northwardly to the old
town line, and westerly to Abisha Marks' Ferry, including cross-roads, etc. 5th Dist.
Begins at the said ferry, and extends to the middle of Mr. Thomas Hcndy's Narrows. 6th
Dist. Begins at the middle of. Hendy's Narrows, and extends from thence to the
Massachusetts Pre-emption line. 7th Dist. Begins at the old town line, and extends to
Catherine's Town and Seneca Lake. Dis tricts south of the River Tyoga. 1st Dist. Begins
at Westbrook's Ferry, and extends to the middle of the Narrows. 2d Dist. Begins at the
middle of the Narrows, from thence extending to the middle of Mr. Culver's bridge. 3d
Dist. Begins at the middle of Culver's bridge, and extends from thence to Marks' Ferry.
4th Dist. Begins near the grave yard, and extends from thence west thro' to the Inhab
itants on Seely's Creek." The following quaint records are from the book kept by the
Overseer of the Poor, and are copied verbatim : THE FIRST TRAMP. A complaint com to
me against Afarom jonson as a straglin fellow on April the 9th, 1798. he, hearin the news,
went ameaditly. THOS. Kenney, Overseer of the Poor.

AN UNGODLY MAN, Dec. the 28th, 1798. Received of Elias Meadow six Shillings for
breach of the Sabath by the hand of Esquire Bucks. Thos. Keeney, Overseer of the Poor.
A WORK OF LABOR. The town of Chemung, To Thos. Keeney, Dr. To looking plases
and riting up too pair of indenters for binding out too of Mltchel bennits children as
apprin- s. d. tices 0 12 0 another tramp. March the 12th, a.d. 1799. The town of
Chemung, to Thos. Keeney, Deter. To one day and a half going down to John Shepards to
warn the widow Moss out of this town, and finding that she was not a resident hear, I
warned her out ? $1 00 The following is a copy of an assessment-roll of the real and
personal estate in the town of Chemung and county of Tioga, made the 10th day of
December, 1799, according to the directions of the statute entitled " An Act for the As
sessment and Collection of Taxes." Assessment made by John Kress, Thomas Keeney,
and Elijah Buck, assessors of the town of Chemung :

Name and Description. Aralue of Eeal Estate. Elijah Buck, house and farm. $2,282.00
Daniel McDowell, house and farm 2,417.00 Thomas Burt, house and farm 2,728.00
Benjamin Wynkoop, house and farm 1,983.00 Johnson Miller, house and lot 363.00
Jacob Lowman, house and farm 187.00 Uriah AVilson, house and farm 340.00 Josiah
Pierce, house and farm 470.00 Franz. Snekenberger, house and lot 153.00 Adam Hart,
house and lot 89.00 Joseph Drake, house and lot 17.00 AVilliam Sisco John Daily George
Hill Joseph Bennett, house and farm 1,190.00 John Budd, house and farm 212.00 Simon
Simonson Jane Cortright, house and lot 347.00 Thomas Wilson, house and lot 70.00
Jonathan AVilson Abial Fry, house and farm 862.00 Thomas Keeney, house and farm
95.00 Kinney Burnham, house and farm 620.00 John Hilhnan, house and farm 570.00
David Burt, house and lot 1,164.00 Justus Bennitt, house and farm 1,130.00 Joseph
Green Ebenezer Green, house and farm 1,065.00 John Squires, house and farm 1,789.00
Abijah Batterson, house and farm 1,695.00 Johu Squires, Jr D. ATancamp B. Burt, house
and farm 3,698.00 B. Hulss Samuel Kress, house and lot 1,802.00 John Westbrook
Samuel AVestbrook, house and farm 1,490.00 Elias Medaugh, house and farm 626.00 V.
Medaugh Jacob Slingman C. Hart, house and lot ] 35.00 Asahel Burnham, house and lot
314.00 Abraham Bennett Jacob Decker Isaac Rawson Silas Baldwin Waterman Baldwin,
house and farm 1,032.00 Moses Depue, house and farm 1,871.00 Jacob Kress Samuel
Vangorden, house and farm 765.00. James Wilson, house and farm 2,079.00 603.00
372.00 553.00 525.00 300.00 350.00 Abraham Brewer, house and farm Gideon Griswold,
house and farm Jonathan Griswold, house and farm... Elisha Griswold, house and farm
Robert Cassady, house and farm Zachariah Van Wye, house and farm, Joseph Yan AVye
Cornelius Kress, house and farm 705.00 George Kress Ebenezer Kress Enoch Warren,
house aud farm 895.00 Enoch AVarren, Jr., house and farm 3,542.00 Israel Parshall,
house and farm 3,252.00 Thomas Keeney, Jr Asa Parshall Samuel Biidelman, house and
farm 1,712.00 Ephraim Bennett E. Brewer Jacob Gray John Kress J. Thomas, land
17,541.00 Samuel Hepburn, land 409.00 A. Wells, land 85.00.

VILLAGES. CHEMUNG VILLAGE, lying near the southern border of the town, east of
the centre, is pleasantly located on a plain which rises to the height of about twenty feet
above the bottom-lands of the Chemung River. It is built upon the land owned originally
by Daniel McDowell and Elijah Buck. Years ago it was known as Buckville. It is a station
on the Erie Railway, and contains two churches (Methodist and Bap tist), one school-
house, tAvo hotels, three stores, two black smith-shops, two shoe-shops, one harness-
shop, two wagonshops, one cabinet-shop, one meat-market, a post-office, about forty
dwelling-houses, and two hundred inhabitants. CHEMUNG CENTRE, on Wynkoop's
Creek, near the northwest corner of the town, has one store, one saw-mill, one
blacksmith-shop, a post-office, and about thirty inhabitants. oaven's mills, a hamlet on
Mallory Creek, northeast of the centre of the town, contains one store, one saw-mill, one
cooper-shop, a post-office, and about twenty-five inhabitants. SCHOOLS. From the
report of the school commissioners of the county of Chemung for the year ending Sept.
30, 1877, we take the folloAving : The town is divided into 17 districts, and has 15 frame
school-houses, valued, with their sites, at $6890. 748 children of the school age reside in
the town, of Avhom 601 were pupils of the public schools, which were in session 486
weeks during the year, and were taught by 9 male and 19 female teachers. 677 volumes
were in the libraries, valued at $273. The income of the school treasury was as follows :
Balance on hand September, 1876, $190.30; received from the State, $1746.48 ; received
from taxes, $1560.45 ; received from othersources, $751.80 ; total income, $4249.03.
Paid teachers' wages, $3612.96 ; other expenses, $524.89; total disbursements, $4137.85.
Appropriation from the State for 1878, $1829.60.

CHURCHES. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP CHEMUNG was formed

during a revival in the year 1819. The original society numbered about 30 members,
among whom were Jerry Holland and his wife, James Ribble and his wife, Epenetus
Owens and his wife, Philip McConnell and his wife, Joseph Swain and his wife, William
Kellogg and his wife, Stephen Vanderlip and his wife, Nancy Floyd, Katie Floyd, Julia
Wynkoop, Betsy Swain, and Treadway Kel logg. The first meeting was held in the
school-house near Wynkoop's Creek. Rev. Horace Agard was the first pre siding elder,
and Rev. Sophronus Stocking one of the first circuit preachers. Rev. William H. Pearne
was the first resident pastor. The society continued to hold its meetings in the school-
house until the year 1838, when they built a small church a few rods east of Wynkoop's
Creek, which was occupied until 1849, when the Erie Railway Company bought them
out, and the society proceeded to the erection of a church in Chemung village. It was
completed in 1850, at a cost of $1500, and has sittings for 450 persons. The society
numbers at the present time 130, and the Sun day-school classes 85. Martin Wood,
Superintendent of Sunday-schools ; Rev. I. B. Hyde is the present pastor. THE FIRST
BAPTIST CHURCH OP CHEMUNG was organized at Dry Brook, Feb. 3, 1855.
Previous to that time they were a branch of the Factoryville Church, and had built a small
church edifice at Dry Brook about 1848. The society, upon its organizing as an
independent body, was composed of 73 members, among whom were Phineas Rogers,
Reuben R. Tooker, Stephen Vanderlip, William H. Bassett, William F. Rogers, Zelotus G.
Car penter, Samuel H. Rumsey, Stephen Hoover, Hawley B. Rogers, John H. Hicks,
Samuel Corey, Abraham H. Knight, C. D. Hill, Ruth Rogers, Hulda Bowling, Emma M.
Knight, Phebe H. Bennett, Mary A. Saunders, and 55 others. The society continued to
occupy the church at Dry Brook until 1870, when the present church of the society,
located in Chemung village, was completed, at a cost of $5000. It will seat 400 people.
Rev. J. M. Coley was the first pastor. The society has a membership of 60 in number at
the present, and 40 pupils in Sundayschool, of which A. H. Knight is Superintendent.
Their present pastor is Rev. William H. Garnett. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. The
Erie Railway, which was completed to this point in 1849, enters the town at the southeast
corner, and, follow ing the course of the Chemung Valley, passes Chemung village
(which is a station), and leaves the town south of the centre, on the west border.

SUSPENSION BRIDGE. By an act of the Legislature, passed May 4, 1869, and amended
May 14, 1875, authorizing the construction and maintenance of a free bridge over the
Chemung River, in the town of Chemung, Mijamin Griswold, Jesse Owens, and Henry
Baker, of the town of Chemung, Avere appointed bridge commissioners to locate and
construct a bridge, at a cost not exceeding $18,000, and to issue bonds which should be
binding on the town. The commissioners, after filing bonds in the penalty of $25,000,
went forward and constructed the present beautiful structure, which is situ ated about one
mile southwest of the village of Chemung. It is of great convenience and importance to
citizens of the town living south of the river, as well as to those resi dents of the United
States who live in Johnny Cake, Pa. SOCIETIES. The Chemung Valley Lodge, No. 350,
F. and A. M., was chartered June 8, 1855, and organized with the fol lowing officers :
Asahel Buck, Master ; Henry Baker, Senior Warden ; William Guthrie, Junior Warden.
The present officers are E. Gere, Master; George W. Drake, Senior Warden ; Fletcher
Snell, Junior Warden ; James Marvin, Treas. ; Wilson Ruggles, Sec. Regular commu
nications are held in Masonic Hall, Chemung. Chemung Grange, No. 204, was instituted
May, 1874, with 40 members and the following officers : Joshua S. Holbert, Master;
Miles C. Baldwin, Overseer; Peter Ben nett, Lecturer; Willard Doolittle, Treas.; M. C.
Gardner, Chaplain ; John M. Crispin, Sec. The present officers are Joshua S. Holbert,
Master ; Miles C. Baldwin, Overseer ; William Holbert, Lecturer; Willard Doolittle,
Treas.; Joseph Joslin, Chaplain ; John M. Crispin, Sec. The grange numbers 106 members
at the present, and meets every alternate Friday in Grange Hall, Chemung. MILITARY.
The part taken by the old town of Chemung during the war of the Rebelliou was a grand
and noble one, such as we should expect from the descendants of her Revolutionary
pioneers. She responded promptly to every call ofthe general government for volunteers,
and was represented on nearly every battle-field in Virginia. Others of her sons marched
with General Sherman to the sea. The toAvn paid in bounties to soldiers $39,145, and in
expenses relating to the same $1760, making a total of $40,905. It Avas reimbursed by
the State to the amount of $12,900 ; the full amount expended being $28,005. The town
raised by subscription, for the relief of soldiers' families, $200. We desire to return thanks
to Messrs. Nile F. Wynkoop, A. H. Buck, Miles C. Baldwin, Asa Parshall, H. C.
Beidelman, George Lowman, Gordon Snell, Dr. Gere, R. M. McDowell, Martin Wood,
John Bosworth, A. H. Knight, John J. Joslin, and John M. Crispin for valuable informa
tion and courtesies extended during our stay in Chemung.

MILITARY RECORD. George AV. AVeller, sergeant, Co. E, 23d N. Y. Regt. ; enl. March
21 ; in several battles. John M. Frances, private, Co. D, 107th N. Y. Regt.; enl. July 23,
1862; disch. June 5, 1865. AVm. Guthrie, private, Co. II, 10th N. Y. Cav.; enl. Oct. 12,
1801 ; disch. Dec. 25, 1804. Franklin M. Slade, private, 10th N. Y. Cav.; enl. Aug. 9,
18G2 ; disch. May 22, 1805. Edward F. Beem, private, Co. B, 107th N. Y. Regt.; enl. July
10, 1802 ; disch. May 22, 1805. George AV. Drake, private, Co. B, 107th N. Y. Regt. ;
enl. July 19, 1802 ; disch. June 13, 1865. C. Harington, private, Co. C, 107th N. Y. Regt.;
enl. July 22,1862; disoh. June 17, 1865. Barent C. Bailey, corporal, Co. M, 14th N. Y.
Art.; enl. Dec. 12, 1863. James S. Fancey, private, Co. A, 107th K. Y. Regt.; enl. July 12,
1862 ; disch. Sept. 14, 1863; d'salility. Leander Scott, private, Co. I, 16th N. Y. Art; enl.
Oct. 2, 1863; disch. Aug. 28, 1865. Daniel B. Scott, corporal, Co. E, 117th N. Y. Regt.;
enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died Aug. 1, 1803, from wounds. Isaac E. Bailey, corporal, Co. C,
141st N. Y. Regt.; enl. Sept. 1, 1862; died Oct. 5, 1864, of wounds. Francis M. Walker,
private, Co D, 107j;h N. Y. Regt.; enl.July 21, 1862; pro. to sergt. Aug. 13, 1862. Lewis
Swain, private, Co. H, 10th N. Y. Cav.; enl. Oct. 3, 1861; re-enl. same company March,
1864: disch. Aug. 1865. E. F. Blossom, private, Co. D, 107th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. July 18,
1862; wounded at Chancellorsville; disch. July 28, 1865. Jason Blossom, drummer, Co.
I), 107th N. Y. R*>gt ; enl. July 18, 1802 ; was taken prisoner at Chancellorsville ; disch.
Aug. 1, 1805. Guy Ellis, private, Co. D, 112th N. Y. Regt.; enl. July 28, 1862; disch. July
28, 1865. John A. Carey, sergeant, Co. I, 141st N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; disch. ;
no date. Theodore Carey, sergeant, Co. 1, 111st X. Y. Regt; enl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; killed
May 27, 1864. Chas. Cogans, private, Co. D, 107th N.Y. Regt; enl. July 28,1862;
wounded in knee at Kenesaw Mountain. E. C. AVelles, private, Co. C, N. Y. Regt. ; enl.
Sept. 3, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 30, 1862, disability. Reuben Griswold, corporal, Co. C, 150th
N. Y. Regt; enl. Sept. 3, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 1861, disability. George Smith corpl., Co. H,
150th N. Y. Regt; enl. Aug. 26, 1861; disch. August, 1864; re-enlisted; disch. Jan. 27,
1865. Stephen M. Beckhorn, private, Co. I, 103d X. Y. Regt.; enl. Aug. 4, 1802; wounded
at Spottsylvania; disch. June 16, 1865. James Ilillman, private, Co. C, 50th N.Y.Regt; enl.
Sept. 3, 1861 ; disch. 18G4; re-enl. January, 18G5; disch. June, 1865.

James Griswold, capt., Co. C, 50th N. Y. R"gt. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1861 ; trans, to 169th >\ Y.
Regt. ; disch. June 25, 1865. Freeman Ellis, private, Co. C, 50th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Sept. 3,
1861 ; disch. Sept. 20, 1861. Freeman Warren, corpl., Co. C, 50th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Sept.
3, 1861 ; disch. 1862, disability; re-enl. March 11. 1S05, 179th N. Y. Regt. Chas. R.
Benedict, sergt., Co. C, 141st N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 23, 1862 ; disch. Dec. 31, 1863,
sickness. Theo. M. AVarren, sergt., Co. C, 141st N. Y. Regt.; enl. Aug. 23, 1862 ; pro. to
1st lieut. June, 1864; killed at Atlanta. Chas. A. Hart, private, Co. E, S6lh N. Y. Regt; enl.
Nov. 1, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 1, 1863; wounded at Spottsylvania ; disch. July 22, 1865.
Frank Sager, private, Co. C, 141st N. Y. Regt.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; pro. to sergt. Oct. 1,
1864; disch. June 20, 1865. Samuel McCutcher, private, Co. M, 14th N. Y. Art. ; enl. Dec.
15, 1863 ; wounded; disch. Oct. 18, 1865. Miles O. Corrycl, private, 8th N. Y. Art.; enl.
Dec. 28, 1863; trans, to 4th N. Y. Art. ; disch. Oct. 5, 1865. Edgar F. Terrill, private, Co. I,
163d N. Y . Regt ; enl. Feb. 5, 1862 ; disch. Jan. 4, 1864, disability. John M. Evans,
private, Co. C, 191th N. Y. Regt; enl. Feb. 24, 1863 ; disch. May 6, 1865. Sylvester
Decker, private, Co. 1, 148th N. Y. Regt.; enl. Nov. 5, 1863; woundod at Cold Harbor ;
disch. Oct. 1, 1865. Benjamin Edwards, private, Co. E, 23d N. Y. Regt. ; enl. April 16,
1861 ; re-enl. in Co. C, 1st N. Y. Cav., July 11, 18G3 ; wounded, no date; disch. Aug. 1,
1865. David E. Champion, private, Co. E, 141st N. Y. Regt.; enl. Aug. 25, 186*2;
wounded at Peach-Tree Creek ; disch. June 5, 1865. Samuel C. Knox, private, Co. E, 20th
N. Y. Regt. ; enl. April 23,1861; disch. May 23, 1863. Morris Kane, private, Co. B, 107th
N. Y. Regt ; enl. July 22, 1802 ; wounded at Fredericksburg; disch. July 20, 1865. Charles
A. Knox, private, Co. E, 14th N. Y. Art. ; enl. Jan. 5, 1864 ; trans, to 6th N. Y. Ait.; pro. to
sergt. Jefferson Decker, private, Co. 1, 141st N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; wounded
at Resaca, Ga., and also at Peach-Tree Creek; disch. May 5, 1865. Win. H. Brown, corpl.,
Co. H, 141st N. Y. Regt ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; pro. to sergt. and 2d lieut AVm. T. Carey,
corpl., Co. I, 141st N. Y. Regt.; enl. Aug. 10, 1862; pro. to sergt.; mortally wounded at
Dallas, Ga. ; died May 31, 1864. AVm. N. Joslin, private, Co. C, 111st N. Y. Regt; enl.
Aug. 21, 1802; wounded at Resaca, Ga. Stephen S. Cornell, private, Co. B, 161st N. Y.
Regt. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1864; disch. Oct. 13, 1865. Samuel Hubble, private, Co. E, 23d N. Y.
Regt; enl. April 21, 1861; dischMay 23, 1803. Charles Harris, private, Co. II, 188th N. Y.
Regt.; enl. Sept. 7, 1864; disch. July 11, 1865. Nathaniel C. Rippard, private, Co. 1, 141st
N.Y. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. March 11, 1863, disability. AVilliam Rose, private,
Co. I, 14th N. Y. Art.; enl. Dec. 11, 1863; wounded at AVilderness; died July 21, 1864, of
wounds. Charles Washburn (substitute), private, 10th N. Y. Regt.; disch. July, 1865.
Francis L. Patterson, private, Co. L, 14th N. Y. Art. ; enl. Dec. 17, 1863 ; wouuded ;
disch. March 9, 1805. Edward Lurcock, private, Co. M, 14th N. Y. Art. ; enl. Dec. 12,
1863 ; taken prisoner before Richmond ; died at Andersonville, Aug. 29, 1864. George N.
Cooper, piivate, Co. II, 46th Penna. ; died May 28, 1864. Harry II. Cooper, private, Co.
M, 14th N. Y. Art.; eul. Dec. 12, 1863; wounded at Wilderness ; died Hay 9, 1864, of
wounds. G. P. McDowell, private, Co. I, 109th N. Y. Regr. ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; wounded
at Spottsylvania; disch. June 16, 1S65. Ray AVarren, private, Co. 1, 141st N. Y. Regt. ;
enl. Sept. 10, 1865 ; deserted. Aaron Slade, piivate, Co. E, 23d N. Y. Regt; enl. May 6,
1861 ; disch.; no date given. Guy Wynkoop, private, Co. H, 10th N. Y. Cav. ; enl.
November, 1861; taken prisoner Oct 12, 1S63; died at Andersonville. Sager AVynkoop,
private, Co. E, 20th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. October, 18G1 ; disch. John Ilerington, private, Co.
B, 109th N. Y. Regt; enl. July 20, 1862; disch. Stowell H. Campbell, private, 2d N. Y.
Cav. ; enl. Dec. 11, 1863. Peter V. Carey, private, 1 4th N. Y. Art. ; enl. Dec. 14, 1863.
Bartholomew Cavens, piivate, 14th X. Y. Art. ; enl. Dec. 14, 1863. Delos J. Tillman,
piivate, 14th N. Y. Art; enl. Dec. 14, 1863. Isaac Howell, private, 14th N. Y. Art.; enl.
Dec. 14, 180!. Samuel Ruggles, private. 14th N. Y. Art; on!. Dec. 14, 1861. AVm.
McCutchin, piivate, 14th N. Y. Art. ; enl. Dec. 15, 1863. Pery Tanner, private, 14th X. Y.
Art.; enl. Dec. 14, 1863. AVm. McMaster, private, 14th X. Y. Art. ; enl. Dec. 14, 1863.
Henry 0. Bennett, private, 14th X. Y. Art.; enl. Dec. 14, 1863. Elmer Howard, private,
14th X. Y. Art; enl. Dec. 14, 1863. Jonas D. Swain, private, 16th X. Y. Art; enl. Dec. 17,
1861. Daniel Dewitt, Jr., private, 10th X. Y. Art.; enl. Dec. 17, 1863. J:icob II. Roblyer,
piivate, 1st X. Y. Art; enl. Feb. 5, 1864. John II. Miller, private, 50th X. Y. Eng. ; enl. Feb.
6, 1864. Charles P. Crawford, piivate, 50th N. Y. Eng.; enl. Feb. 6, 1864. Walter II.
Parcels, private, 50th X. Y. Eng. ; eul. Feb. 6, 1864.
John Baldwin, private, 50th N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Feb. 6, 1801 ; re-enlisted. George Smith,
private, 50th N. Y. Eng.; enl. Feb. 6, 1864; re-enlisted. AVm. Jorden, private, 50th N. Y.
Eng. ; enl. Feb. 6, 1S64 ; re-enlisted. Charles R. Lawrence, private, 179th X. Y. Regt.;
enlisted Feb. 19, 1864. Thomas Chambers, private, 10th N. Y. Cav.; enl. Feb. 28, 1864.
George AV Cown, private, 50th N. Y. Eng.; enl. Jan. 1, 1864; re-enlisted. John Kohuene,
private, 179th N. Y. Regt.; enl. March 30,1864. Patrick Slatsteton, private, 179th N.Y.
Regt.; enl. March 30, 1864. Edward J. Clark, private, 24th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 23,
1864. Albert D. Fields, private, 24th N. Y. Regt, ; enl. Aug. 15, 1861 (substitute).
Archibald Bensley, private, 50th N. Y. Eng.; enl. Sept. 10,1864. Richard Murphy, private,
16th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. Sawyer P. Fuller, private, 8th N. Y. Art ; enl. Sept.
24, 1864. Thomas H. Cannon, private, 8th N. Y. Art. : enl. Aug. 24, 1864. Trueman AV.
Lewis, private, 184th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 24, 1864. Jacob L. Decker, private, 10th N.
Y. Cav.; enl. Aug. 24, 1865. Timothy Brockway (substitute). Thomas Pierce, private,
179th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Sept. 7, 1864. John H. Jackson, private; enl. Sept. 8, 1861. Jacob
Smith, piivate, 179th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864. Peter Kelly, private, 179th N. Y.
Regt. ; enl. Sept. 9, 1864. Michael Cahill, private, 184th N. Y. Regt.; enl. Sept. 8, 1864.
Wheeler Sisson, private, 184th N. Y. Regt; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. James Stanler, private,
184th N. Y. Regt ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. Patrick Broidley, private, 184th N. Y. Regt.; enl.
Sept. 12, 1864. John Galyger, private, 184th N. Y. Regt ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. Patrick
Hagerty, private, 184th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. Moses H. Spillman, private,
184th N. Y. Regt : enl. Sept. 12, 1864. George AVeed, private, 50th N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Sept.
7, 1864. Theron E. Foster, private, 50th N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Sept. 7, 1864. James Little,
private, 184ih N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Sept 16, 1864. Jonas L. Miller, private, 179th N. Y.
Regt. ; enl. Sept. 17, 1864. Abraham Miller, piivate, 179th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Sept. 19,
1861. George Benjamin, private, 12th N. Y. Cav. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864. Harry Benjamin,
private, 12th N. Y. Cav.; enl. Sept 13, 1864. Nelson Benjamin, private, 12th N. Y. Cav. ;
enl. Sept. 10, 1864. S. AV. Miller, private, 12th N. Y. Cav. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864. Thomas
V. Metcalf, private, 28th N. Y. Battery ; enl. Sept. 20, 1864. Thomas Graham, private,
97lh N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Sept.3, 1864. John M. Utter, piivate, 97th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5,
1864. Samuel D. Bodine, private, 1st N. Y. Art.; enl. Sept. 30, 1S64. Samuel D. Wilcox,
private, 161st N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864. Smith Wilcox, private, 101st N. Y. R3gt.;
enl. Oct 5, 1864. Valentine Smith, private, 179th N. Y. Regt ; enl. Oct. 9, 1864. George
Burke, private; enl. Jan. 11, 1865. John W. Huntley, private ; enl. Jan. 11, 1865. John
Salter, private ; enl.Jan. 11, 18G5. Wm. Swain, private; enl. Jan. 12, 1865. John
Hinderson, private ; enl. Jan. 12, 1865. Einigh Roberts, private ; enl. Jan. 14, 1865. Wm.
McCellan, private ; enl. Jan. 14, 1865. Aaron Goldsmith, private; enl. Jan. 14, 1865.
Hugh O'Brien, private; enl. Jan. 18, 1865. James Donohou, private ; enl. Jan. 18, 1865.
Charles Dunn, private; enl. Jan. 18, 1865. Charles II. Washborn, private ; enl.Jan. 19,
1865. Lemuel B. King, private; enl. Jan. 20, 1865. Tracey Emigh, private ; enl. Feb. 2,
1865. Wash. B. Rutgers, private; enl. Feb. 2, 1865. David E Evans, private; enl. Feb. 8,
1865. Edward Jenkins, private, 179th N. Y. Regt ; enl. Feb. 8, 1865. Wm. Dickison,
private; enl. Feb. 9, 1865. John F. Harrason, private, 50th N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Feb. 9, 1865.
Theodore Bartholf, private, 91st N. Y.Regt. ; enl. Feb. 22, 1865. James Griffin, private,
194th X. Y. Rogt. ; enl. Feb. 25, 1865. Squire Clark, private, 194th N. Y. Regt.; enl. Feb.
25, 1865. Horace Mandeville, private, 194th N. Y. Regt ; enl. Feb. 28, 1865. Andrew J.
Coldgrove, private, 194th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Feb. 27, 1865 . James L. Robb, private, 191th
N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Feb. 7, 1865 . Wm.H. Simpson, private, 194th N. Y. Regt; enl. March 1,
1865. Charles Darling, private, 194th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. March 7, 1865. Ezra P.
AVhitmore, private, 194th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Feb. 15, 1865. John L.Johnson, private, 50th
N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Feb. 15, 1805. Robert F. Crandle, private, 194th N. Y. Regt.; enl. March
3, 1805. John Brantford, private, 187th N. Y. Regt; enl. Jan. 5, 1865. BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCH. NELSON WARREN was born Aug. 26, 1806, in the town of Chemung, being
the fifth son of Enoch and Betsey Warren, both natives of Connecticut, who emigrated to
New York in the year 1791 ,

locating one year at Nanticoke, and from thence moved to Chemung County, then Tioga.
Here the worthy couple lived to a good old age, rearing a family of ten children, three of
whom are now living. Enoch Warren died in the year 1834, aged seventy years. His wife
died in 1859, aged eighty-nine years. Nelson began life as a farmer, working on his
father's farm until he was sixteen years of age. He then started out for himself, turning his
hand to whatever presented itself to earn an honest dollar. He purchased his first land in
the year 1832, and the following year purchased the farm on which he now resides, which
at the time was heavily timbered ; and having from time to time added to the first
purchase, his broad acres now reach the high figure of 1300. July 19, 1832, he married
Jerusha, daughter of Gideon and Azuba Griswold, of Chemung, formerly of Connecticut.
The first years of their married life were passed in a log house, near the site of their
present residence. Six children were born to them, two of whom are now living. Tabitha
S., wife of Miles Decker, now living at Addison, Steuben Co. ; Ray, married Charlotte L.,
daugh ter of William and Agnes Cooper, of Chemung ; Polly A., now deceased, married
Miles Cooper, two children survive her. The following are also deceased : Nile, Isabell,
and Zachary. Mr. Warren endured all the privations and hardships of pioneer life, but
being possessed of industry and energy, coupled with an indomitable will, has succeeded
in accumulating a goodly portion of this world's goods. Politically Mr. Warren was a
Whig, subsequently a Re publican, and now is identified with the Greenback move ment.
In addition to agricultural pursuits he has been largely engaged in lumbering, and in
partnership with John Johnsen erected a steam saw-mill. Although on the down-hill of
life, past the Scriptural age of threescore years and ten, he retains in a remarkable degree
the vigor and elasticity of youth. May the remainder of his life be passed pleasantly,
enjoying the fruits of his toil ! CHAPTER LIII. EKTJXT. The town of Erin extends from
near the centre of the county to the north border. Van Etten bounds it o.n the east,
Baldwin on the south, and Horseheads and Veteran on the west. It has a total area of
26,493 acres, of which 11,559 acres are improved. By the census of 1875 it had a
population of 1556 inhabitants, of which 1537 were natives, and 19 foreign born; 1522
white and 34 colored; 801 males and 755 females. Total number of voters, 424, of which
415 were natives, and 9 naturalized. Persons of military age, 306. Number of persons of
school age, 236 males, and 214 females. Number of land-OAvners, 225. Persons
twentyone years of age and upwards, unable to read or write, 38. The surface is an
upland, hilly, and broken by many valleys. The water-courses are small ; Newtown,
Baldwin,

Jackson, and Wynkoop Creeks being the principal ones. The soil is a gravelly loam,
productive, but better adapted to grazing than tillage. The people are principally em
ployed in agricultural pursuits and lumbering. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first settlers
in the town of Erin came from the towns of Danby and Newfield (Tompkins Co.), and
from the counties of Delaware and Orange, of this State. In most instances they came in
with their own teams and conveyances, cutting out their own roads as they advanced
farther and deeper into the then howling wilderness. The Indians had long since
disappeared ; but the dense forests of pine and hemlock were infested with countless
numbers of wild and savage animals, who preyed upon the sheep and other domestic
animals of the first settlers for twenty years afterwards. From the best sources of
information, we are led to believe that Basil Sperry, who came from Newfield, Tomp kins
Co., made the first settlement, in 1815. He located on the lot now owned by Sylvenus
Smith, and remained but a very few years. The next year (1816) John Banfield, James
Elya, Abraham Elston, Daniel and Gabriel Curtis, brothers, James Van Router, and
Thomas, his brother, and Philip Thomas, all from Tompkins County, came in and located
near each other in the Red Chalk Section.* The same year Isaac Shoemaker, Thomas
Baker, Alex ander McKey and his son John, James McMillan, with his sons John, James,
Jr., George, and Joseph, William D. Stewart and his brother, Robert Stewart, Jeremiah
Barnes, and Levi Decker, all from Delaware Co., this State, settled at or very near Erin
Centre, while Robert and Alexander Park (brothers), from New Jersey, Robert McDoel
and his son Varnum, from Vermont, located about two miles north of the centre ; and
Ardon Austin, from Connecticut, Sam uel, Daniel, and James Vaughan (brothers), located
them selves on Austin Hill. Jesse White also settled the same year in the northwest corner
of the town. Isaac Boyer, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, with his sons James and
Israel, came in in 1817 and up the lot now owned by Charles McMillan. They were from
Schuylkill, Pa. Richard Walker, from Newfield, was also one of the first settlers, and
located where John Torrey now resides. David Herrington and sons, from Dorset, Rutland
Co., Vt., settled at Herrington's Corners in 1817, taking up 300 acres of great lot 150. One
of the sons, Amasa L., resides on the homestead at the present time. Colonel John Tuthill
and son, John Tuthill, Jr., very prominent and worthy citizens, came in from Orange
County in 1817, and took up a large tract of land in the south part. Henry, Authony, and
John Hollenbeck, brothers, and James the son of Henry, came from Middleburgh,
Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1819, and settled in the '; Red Chalk" section. The Hollenbecks
are of a Holland Dutch * This section, which is the northwest one of the town, derives
this name from the fact that when it was originally surveyed, the corners and lines were
marked with red chalk, an unusual thing at that time.

family. Their father James was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and Anthony, one
of the brothers, was a soldier of 1812. James, the son and nephew, and the only surviving
one of the pioneers, is a large land-owner, the father of fifteen children, and an active,
hearty man at the age of seventy-seven years. David Caywood, a Revolutionary soldier,
with his son William, emigrated from Orange County, near PortJervis, in 1800, and first
settled at Ithaca. They removed to Erin in 1828, and located on the " Red Chalk" section.
William, the son, was a soldier of 1812, and cleared and opened the farm where his son,
Richard Caywood, now resides. Peter Blauvelt and his brother, Abraham Blauvelt, from
Goshen, Orange Co., settled here in 1832, as did also Cor nelius Becker and his family,
from Delhi, Delaware Co. Among those who settled here early it may be mentioned that
John Banfield was a leading citizen, energetic and ac tive in all that pertained to the best
interests of his town and county. The Stewart brothers, the McKeys, and Ardon Austin
were all men of ability and fair culture. Mr. Austin be came the owner of large tracts of
land. He removed to New Jersey several years since, and died there May 22, 1878, aged
eighty-two years. Philip Thomas'father emigrated at an early day from Con necticut to
Wyoming, Pa. He afterwards removed to Newfield, and died when his son Philip was but
six years of age. Young Thomas was apprenticed to one Cranse, who was both a
blacksmith and miller. He learned the milling business, and at the age of eighteen years
was employed by John Shepard at Tioga Point as the chief in his grist-mill. After
remaining with Mr. Shepard for some years, he gave up that occupation, and taking up
two hundred acres of land in what was then Chemung township, he cleared and opened
the farm where he now resides. In his eighty-sixth year, he is a hale, hearty gentleman,
universally respected, and one of the last living links which connects pioneer and present
history. Mr. Thomas had a half-brother John who was a soldier of the Revolutionary
struggle. He also relates that the first two years of his residence here his taxes on two
hundred acres of land amounted to but seventy-five cents per year.

INITIAL EVENTS. Basil Sperry built the first house, in 1815, on the farm now owned by
Sylvenus Smith. Thomas Baker built the first framed house, in 1825. About the same
time John Banfield built the first framed barn. James and Joseph McMillan, brothers,
erected the first saw-mill, in 1824; it was on Newtown Creek, near Erin Centre. Joseph
Rodbourn built the first grist-mill, about 1855. Basil Sperry opened the first farm, and
harvested the first crops. John Mitchell kept the first tavern ; it was in the south part of
the town, on Wynkoop Creek. The first school-house was built in District No. 1, 1818,
and Robert Stewart was the first teacher. The Presby terians built the first church, in 1836
; it was located about two miles southwest of Erin village. Rev. Mr. Bevridge and John
Graham were influential in its construction. Mrs. Sperry and Mrs. Baker, the wife of
Thomas Baker, were the first who died in the new settlement. Dr. James McMillan was
the first resident physician. James H. Rad bourn established the first store, in 1867. John
McKey and Ardon Austin were the first surveyors.

CIVIL HISTORY. Erin was erected from Chemung, March 29, 1822, being all that part of
Chemung lying north of the north line of great lots Nos. 138 and 139. By the same act,
"All con tractors for lands in Erin, of twenty-one years of age and upwards, and worth
$150 of personal property, or who have made improvements or payments for such lands
to that amount, are hereby declared to be good jurors." A part of Van Etten was taken off
April 17, 1854. To our mind it is an unsettled question how this town derived its name.
There are still living here men who were present when the town was formed, and who
voted at the first town-meeting, but they seem unable to settle this matter, nor have they
any recollection concerning it. Others there are, who claim that it was named Erin as a
compliment to Michael Robinson (the second supervisor), an Irishman by birth, and a
gentleman of considerable local influence in the days of the early settlement. This
statement seems plausible, for we know that no considerable number of Irishmen settled
here then or since. The McKeys, McDoels, McMillans, and Stewards were Scotchmen.

FIRST TOWN-MEETING. " Whereas, the Legislature of the State of New York did, at
their last session, erect the north part of the town of Chemung into a separate township,
by the name of Erin, and ordained that the first town-meeting should be holden at the
house of John Banfield, in said town, on the third Tuesday in May, in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two. " Therefore, in conformity with the said act,
the inhabit ants of the said town of Erin assembled at the time and place before
mentioned, when the following town officers were regularly chosen, to continue in office
until the first Tuesday of March next : "Alexander McKey, Supervisor; Ardon Austin,
Town Clerk ; Daniel Vaughn, Thomas Baker, Ebenezer Brown (third), Assessors ; John A.
McKey, Jared Patchen, David Swartwood, Commissioners of Highways ; John Tuthill,
William D. Stewart, Robert McDoel, Commissioners of Common Schools ; Alexander
McKey, Ardon Austin, Francis Banfield, Inspectors of Common Schools ; John Tuthill
and Robert McDoel, Overseers of the Poor; Varnum McDoel, Constable and Collector ;
Thomas Baker and John Banfield, Fence-Viewers; John Banfield, Poundkeeper. The
following is a list of those elected to fill the offices of supervisor, town clerk, and justice
of the peace from the time of the town's organization to the present : SUPERVISORS.
1822-24. Alexander McKey. 1825-26. Michael Robinson. 1827. John Tuthill, Sr. 1828-
29. Michael Robinson. 1830-34. Ardon Austin. 1835-36. Robert Stewart. 1837-38. Joshua
Baker. 1839-40. Ardon Austin.

1841-43. Thomas N. Andrus. 1844-45. John Hoag. 1846. Daniel Long. 1847-50. Jason P.
Woolever. 1851-52. John A. McKey. 1853-54. Samuel Roberts. 1854. John A. McKey
(v.). 1855-56. Ardon Austin. 1857-58. Jason P. Woolever. 1859. Garret M. Hollenbeck.
1860-61. Hiram Tuthill. 1862-65. Alexander H. Park. 1866-67. Hiram Tuthill. 1868-69.
AVilliam Chapman. 1870-71. Charles H. Lewis. 1872. Charles Baker. 1873. Garret M.
Hollenbeck. 1874-75. Albert H. McDowell. 1876-77. J. J. Park. 1878. John G. Cowan.
TOWN CLERKS. 1822- 1825. 1826- 1830. 1831. 1 832- 1838. 1839- 1841- 1843- 1S45-
1849- 24. Ardon Austin. Thomas Baldwin. 29. Robert Stewart. James V. Baker. Robert
Stewart. 37. Daniel Vaughn. Ardon Austin. 40. Isaac Saunders. 42. Peter McKey. 44.
James McMillan. -48. Zephaniah Richmond. -51. Alexander H. Park. 1852-54. Charles
Baker. 1855. Jason Frost. 1856-58. John Caywood. 1859. Peter Blauvelt. 1860-61. A. H.
McDowell. 1862-66. Alvah B. Rosenkrans. 1867-69. Charles Baker. 1870-71. James
Dibble. 1872-73. Sidney L. Dibble. 1874-77. Giles Hallenbeck. 1878. A. H. Aran Gorder.
JUSTICES OP THE PEACE. 1822--25. Harmon Sawyer. 1853. Jason P. Woolever. Green
M. Tuthill. 1854. Cornelius Hammond. 1826--29. Daniel Vaughn. Francis Beveridge.
Ardon Austin. 1855. Johnson Hawley. 1830. Charles Chapman. AVilliam Chapman. 1831.
Ardon Austin. 1856. Charles Baker. 1 832--33. William D. Stewart. 1857. Ardon Austin.
John AVhite. 1858. Charles H. Lewis. 1834. Hiram Tuthill. 1859. Philip Thomas. 1835--
36. Ardon Austin. 1860. Peter Blauvelt. Philip Thomas. 1861. Alexander H. Park. 1837.
Charles Chapman. 1862. John F. Hillaker. Samuel G. Stage. 1863. Albert II. McDowell.
1838. John A. McKey. 1864. Amasa R. Herrington 1839. Ardon Austin. 1865. AVilliam
Chapman. Philip Thomas. 1866. Charles H. Lewis. 1840. Peter Blauvelt. 1867. Albert H.
McDowell. 1811. M. Everitt. 1868. Amasa R. Herrington 1842. Joshua Baker. 1869.
AVilliam Chapman. 1843. Jacob Banfield. 1870. John F. Hillaker. 1844. Peter Blauvelt.
Peter Blauvelt. 1815. Jeremiah Rumsey. 1871. A. H. McDowell. Samuel Roberts. 1872.
Peter Blauvelt. 1846. Joshua Baker. 1873. AVilliam Chapman. Allen C. Lott. 1874. John
F. Hillaker. 1847. Samuel Roberts. AVilliam Kendall. 1848. Peter Blauvelt. 1875. Albert
H. McDowell. 1849. Zephaniah Richmond. 1876. Amasa R. Herrington 1850. C. C.
Humphrey. John F. Hillaker. 1851. Samuel Roberts. 1877. Alexander Shoemaker 1852.
Peter Blauvelt, J. B. Moore. 1878. Joshua Stevens. The following list of persons assessed
for highway labor, 1823, is interesting and valuable, because it shows the name of every
resident of the town of Erin, at that date, over twenty-one years of age. District No. 1.
Joseph Bennett, Silas Valentine, Zachariah Valentine, John McMillan, Isaac Van Tile,
Joseph Mills, John Hartgrove, Levi Decker, James Decker, Henry Decker, Benjamin
Smith, William Smith, James McMillan, George R. McMillan, James McMillan, Jr.,
Robert Stew art, William D. Stewart, John Burrows, John Cooper, Jer emiah Barnes,
Isaac Shoemaker, Elijah Shoemaker.

District No. 2. Robert Park, Alexander Park, David Park, Jacob C. Swartwood. District
No. 3. James Boyer, Israel Boyer, Isaac Brown, William Brown, Silas Brown, Joseph
Frost, Daniel Vaughn, Samuel Vaughn, Elihu Everitt, Andrew H. Everitt, Cor nelius
Westbrook, Ardon Austin, John B. Andrews, James Vaughn, Jeremiah Jareds. District No.
4. -Robert McDoel, William Hoyt, Daniel Decker, Varnum McDoel, Thomas McDoel,
Francis Banfield, Michael Robinson, Joshua Clark. District No. 5. Thomas Baldwin, John
Boyer, James Elya, Oliver Elya, John Hollenbeck, Anthony Hollenbeck, Henry
Hollenbeck, James Hollenbeck, Abraham Elston, Philip Thomas. District No. 6. James
Van Houter, Thomas S. Van Houter, John Banfield, Daniel Curtis, Gabriel Curtis, David
Jackson, William Groom. District No. 7. John W. Watkins, Lewis Catlin, John Elston,
Nathaniel Campbell. District No. 8. Mathew N. Norris, Richard Walker, Jared Patchen,
Ephraim Bennett, Daniel D. Bennett, Jedediah Bennett, Caleb Curtis, Daniel Howell,
Elias Billington, James Bishop, Henry Clear, Morris Dean, John Wal ker. District No. 9.
Charles Chapman, Herman Sawyer, Horace Sawyer, Smith Pareil, Nicholas Pareil.
District No. 10. Eli Summers, Ira Simmons, Julius Simmons. District No. 11. Abraham
Shoemaker, Daniel Swart wood, Isaac Shoemaker, Abraham Swartwood, David Swart
wood, Jonah Osborne, Joseph Mclntyre, William Mclntyre. District No. 12. Brewster
Goldsmith, Thomas Lewis, Christopher Hedges, Christopher Hedges, Jr., Farrel Hedges.
District No. 13.John Tuthill, John Tuthill, Jr., Green M. Tuthill, Allen Hurlbut, David
Herrington, Ran som L. Wade. District No. 14. Alexander McKey, John A. McKey. Total
number, 111. Of the persons named on this list, Cornelius Westbrook, Varnum McDoel,
John Boyer, James Hollenbeck, Philip Thomas, John Elston, Mathew N. Norris, William
Mclntire, and Brewster Goldsmith are the only survivors. In 1827 there were but three
framed houses in town, owned respectively by Ardon Austin, Thomas Baker, and Robert
McDoel, while Thomas Baker, John Banfield, Charles Chapman, George Humphrey, and
Mathew N. Norris owned frame barns, and George and Cornelius Humphrey a saw-mill.
All other buildings were of logs.