Yates County

Yates County, New York

History - Town of Jerusalem

From the History of Yates County, NY
published 1892, by L.C. Aldrich

Jerusalem is practically and substantially the mother of towns in Yates County. The district, sometimes called township, of Jerusalem, was organized in 1789 as one of the subdivision of Ontario County, and included with its limits all that is now Milo, Benton and Torrey, as well as its own original territory. On the erection of Stueben County in 1796, the region or district called Bluff Point, or so much of it as lies south of the south line of township seven, was made a part of the new formation; but in 1814 an act of the Legislature annexed Bluff Point to Jerusalem, and to which it has since belonged.

In 1803 the town of Jerusalem was definitely erected, embracing township seven, second range, and so much of township seven, first range, as lay westward of Lake Keuka and lot No. 37. At or about the same time the other territory that had previously formed a part of the district of Jerusalem was organized into a town and called Vernon, after Snell and finally Benton.

The town of Jerusalem, as at present constituted, in the largest of the towns of Yates County; also it is one of the most important towns of the shire. As compared with the eastern towns of the county, Jerusalem may be called quite hilly, and in some places, mountainous. Bluff Point, if standing independently, might properly be called a mountain, at least its southern extremity, but with its surroundings becomes not more than a formidable hill, elevated, at its highest point, more than 700 feet above Lake Keuka. Rose Hill in Jerusalem is 572 feet above the lake, while the country poorhouse is 634 feet higher than the lake. The highest general elevation in the town is on the west side near Italy, from whence there is a gradual descent as one travels eastward toward the West Branch inlet. Still further east is another though lesser rise of land, the summit of which is about two miles from the lake. It will be seen, therefore, that Jerusalem possesses superior natural drainage advantages. At the same time the town is exceedingly well watered, as it has more lake frontage than any town in the county, not eve excepting Milo. A considerable depression in the surface is noticeable in the northeast part of the town, the locality being designated by the name of Shearman’s Hollow.

Shearman’s Hollow possibly includes historic ground, for it is alleged that in the southeast corner of lot 48, near the schoolhouse site, are the remains of an old fort; and that this fort was neither American, Indian or French in its construction. Therefore, if such allegations are true, the fort, or whatever may have been its character, was undoubtedly of pre historic origin. But there have not been discovered relics to show whether the fortification was the work of the mound-builders or some other ancient race. But as this is a subject of entire speculation, and can only be treated facetiously, might more properly be passed and remain a mystery.

Jerusalem too, contents for whatever of honor attaches from the fact that Red Jacket, the famous Seneca chief, first saw the light of day on the sores of Keuka Lake, at a point near the village of Branchport. But the people of a town in Seneca have very recently, in 1891, erected a monument to the memory of Red Jacket, and on the stone is recorded the fact that the celebrated warrior was born very near the spot on which it stands. It may be said however, that the claims of Jerusalem to the place of birth of the chief were and are founded on the statements made by himself on the occasion of one of his speeches at Geneva. But even this is not an important question, and whatever may be the truth it will neither benefit nor injure the people of Jerusalem one single whit.

Township seven of the second range formed a part of the vast Phelps and Gorham purchase, a full history and description of which may be found among the general chapters of this work. The proprietors, Oliver PHELPS and Nathaniel GORHAM, sold township seven, second range to Thomas HATHAWAY and Benedict ROBINSON in 1789, but not until the following year was the deed executed. In 1790 the town was surveyed into lots under the direction of Noah GUERNSEY and it was found that the measurements, both north and south, overran six miles square.

HATHAWAY and ROBINSON purchased this township that it might be made the permanent abiding place of the Public Universal Friend, and that on the lands surrounding her home there might be built up dwelling places and farms for those of her followers who remained faithful and true to her leadership and teachings. Such seems to be the understanding of those best informed concerning the Friend’s affairs, although at the time the purchase was made she has not been to the vicinity of the New Jerusalem, but was still at and near Philadelphia. If this be true, then the settlement and colony at Hopeton and on Seneca Lake were but temporary. It is not understood either, that there was as yet an disturbance or dissension in the Friend’s Society. But whatever motive may have prompted the Friend to cause the purchase of the town to be made cannot not be well explained, but form what was done we may suppose that she was looking carefully into the future of herself and her society. At all events it is generally understood that the purchase was made at her solicitation and under her advice. But the worthy proprietors found themselves unable to pay the consideration money for the whole township, whereupon they reconveyed to their grantors a strip about two miles in width and extending across the south part of town. This tract contained some seven thousand acres of land. It passed through a number of ownerships and finally came into the possession of Captain John BEDDOE, after which it was ever known as the Beddoe Tract.

On the west side of the town, HATHAWAY and ROBINSON conveyed a strip of land from the north line of the Beddoe Tract to the north line of the township to William CARTER as grantee, but he latter also appears to have defaulted in his payment, as he conveyed back the strip, embracing 4,000 acres to Phelps and Gorham. This tract, after passing through several owners, was finally sold on foreclosure of mortgage held by the State of Connecticut. It was bought by Gideon GRANGER of Canandaigua, who perfected the title to the tract and afterward, June 30, 1816, sold it to Henry and Oren GREEN for $12,000 or $4.00 per acre, and this became thenceforth known as the Green Tract. The rest of the lands of the town appear to have been retained by Thomas HATHAWAY and Benedict ROBINSON for the use of the Friend and her society. However, it appears that Thomas HATHAWAY sold or conveyed his interest in the township to his associate, Benedict ROBINSON, and the latter appears to have been the principal actor in the matter of after transfers. Commencing in 1792, the Friend made frequent purchases of lots and parches of land in township seven, so that when her acquisitions were completed, she was the possessor of 4,480 acres of land in the town, but not in her own name. According to her belief and holding, she could not hold real or other property in her own name and right, or at least she would not do so, and the conveyances were made to one of her trusted lieutenants, generally Sarah RICHARDS, but occasionally Rachel MALIN, each of whom held the property in trust for the Friend.

In 1791 the Friend and Sarah RICHARDS made a selection of land in the town upon which should be erected her domicile and other buildings for a permanent residence. They selected a tract in the vale of the Brook Kedron, as they were pleased to term it, and Sarah RICHARDS directed with her own hand the improvements necessary to be made.

In 1793, after clearings had been made, some ten or twelve acres of the land were enclosed and a log house erected. But the faithful Sarah never lived to see the completion of her undertaking, for she died during the latter part of 1793.

During the spring of 1794, the Friend left the Seneca Lake place and took up her home at the newly built log house in Jerusalem. She was followed here by many of her former adherents, but was not subject to the intrigues of her enemies until some years later. For the poorer members of her society, the Friend provided a home upon her own tract, while those of her society who were able to buy and built for themselves, did so on the lands of the town. Therefore the Universal Friend herself was a pioneer in this town, as were those of her followers who also made this an abiding place. Many, however, of her society remained at the original settlement near the lake, and never became residents of Jerusalem.

The Public Universal Friend, Jemima WILKINSON, was of course a pioneer of this town, the same as she had bee in the locality and settlement on Seneca Lake. In 1790 she first came to the Genesee country and four years later she established herself permanently in the town of Jerusalem. One of the general chapters of this volume has narrated at length concerning the Friend, her life and works, in view of which nothing further need be said in this place.

The pretty, pleasant and healthful little village of Branchport is situated wholly within the limits of the old Beddoe Tract. Directly its location is on elevated ground, within convenient walking distance from the west branch of Lake Keuka. It is distant from the county seat about eight miles, and the journey between these points is made by daily stage and by boat; by the latter however, only during the warm months of the year.

Originally the village was called Esperanza, a Spanish name, signifying hope; but the staid denizens of the locality considered this cognomen rather sentimental or romantic for their quiet ways in life, and as a consequence changed the name to Branchport. In population the village amounts to no exceeding four of five hundred inhabitants, and has not materially increased in numbers or industries during the last score of years. In 1867 the village became incorporated, taking upon itself certain municipal characteristics that its local affairs might be ordered and governed independent of the township of Jerusalem, of which it forms a part.

The first movement in the direction of establishing this as a trading center and subsequent village, was made in 1831, by Judge Samuel S. ELLSWORTH and Spencer BOOTH, who erected a store building at the southeast corner of the intersecting roads. Judge ELLSWORTH soon afterward withdrew from this store, but the business was continued by Mr. BOOTH until 1866. In 1832, Solomon WEAVER built a hotel on the southwest corner of the crossroads. Judge ELLSWORTH built a store on the northeast corner, and William D. HENRY, the store and dwelling on the northwest corner. The stone schoolhouse was built in 1868, Mary WILLIAMS being the first, and Mr. HENNEBERG the second teacher of the village.

Town Supervisors : Eliphalet NORRIS, 1799; Levi BENTON, 1800; Benjamin BARTON, 1801; Daniel BROWN Sr., 1802; George BROWN, 1803-09;, 1813-16; John BEDDOE, 1810-12; John B. CHASE, 1817; Joel DORMAN, 1818-22; Jacob HERRICK, 1823,1827; Elisha MILLS, 1824-26; Alfred BROWN, 1823-30; John PHELPS, 1831; Aza B. BROWN, 1832; Asahel STONE Jr., 1833; Henry LARZELERE, 1834-35; Spencer BOOTH, 1836, 1840-41, 1844; Lynham J. BEDDOE, 1837; James BROWN, 1838 –39; Samuel BOTSFORD, 1842, 47, 51, 60;; George WAGENER, 1843; Albert WAIT, 1845; Simeon COLE, 1846; Myron H. WEAVER, 1848; Peter H. BITLEY, 1849,54; George CRANE, 1850; Hiram COLE, 1852; Uriah HANFORD, 1853; John C. MILLER, 1855; Ferris P. HURD, 1856, 57, 65; Henry W. HARRIS, 1858; Bradley SHEARMAN, 1859; J. Warren BROWN, 1861-62; Daniel B. TUTHILL, 1863-64; Phineas PARKER, 1866; Morgan SMITH, 1867; Harrison H. SISSON, 1868; John LAIRD, 1869-70; Charles W. TAYLOR, 1871-74; William F. HURD, 1875-76; Leonard STEVER, 1877; Watkins DAVIS, 1878-79; Joseph PURDY, 1880-81; William F. HURD, 1882; George C. SNOW, 1883; John C. WATKINS, 1884; John F. FINNEGAN, 1885; George W. HOBART, 1886; Edward N. ROSE, 1887-88; Henry R. sill, 1889-90; Thomas CAMPBELL, 1891. (Footnote: There appears no reliable record of supervisors of Jerusalem prior to 1799, except that the office was held by Thomas LEE in 1792, and by James SPENCER in 1797.)

Justices of the Peace: Daniel BROWN Jr., Giles KINNEY, John BEAL, Thomas SUTTON, Joel DORMAN, Joseph GAY, Nathaniel COTHERN, Nicholas BENNETT, Erastus COLE Sr., Ezra PIERCE, Elisha MILLS, Erastus COLE, 1830,34; Uriah HANFORD, 1830,31,32,37; Jonathan TALMADGE, 1831; Bartleson SHEARMAN. 1832, 35; Hixon ANDERSON, 1833; Martin QUICK, 1836, 43, 45; William CULVER, 1838; John A. GALLETT, 1838; Israel COMSTOCK, 1839, 43; Henry HICKS, 1840; Hiram COLE, 1841; George WAGENER, 1844; Benedict R. CARR, 1846; Almon S. KIDDER, 1847, 51; James P. PARDON, 1848; Heman SQUIRES, 1848. S. S. MILLSPAUGH, 1849, 53; Benjamin COLEGROVE, 1850; Isaac PURDY, 1852; Josiah WHITE, 1854, 58; Jeremiah S. BURTCH, 1855; Miles B. ANDRUS, 1856, 60, 64, 69; Charles H. VAIL, 1857; Watkins DAVIS, 1859, 63; Levi MILLSPAUGH, 1861, 65; Thomas W. SMITH, 1862, 66; J. Warren BROWN, 1867; Botsford A. COMSTOCK, 1868, 72, 76, 80, 84; James HERDERSON, 1870; Seymour B. COE, 1871, 77, 81; James MC KIE, 1874; Henry STORK, 1875, 79; James E. WATKINS, 1878; Thomas CAMPBELL, 1882, 86; John N. MACOMB Jr., 1883; Robert C. BISHOP, 1885; William VAN TUYL, 1887; John J. COMSTOCK, 1888; William M. BARRON, 1889; Roland CHAMPLIN, 1890; Nathaniel KEECH, 1891.

History & Directory of Yates County, Volume I, by Stafford C. Cleveland published 1873

When the district of Jerusalem was organized in 1789 it embraced all that is now included in Jerusalem, Benton, Milo, and Torrey, if its boundaries were distinctly defined. So much of Bluff Point as lies south of the seventh townships in the first and second ranges was included in Steuben County when that County was set off from Ontario in 1796. The name Jerusalem was bestowed in deference to the Friend and her Society, she having named the land settled by her disciples the New Jerusalem. As early as the autumn of 1791 a bush house was erected and a little clearing commenced on the Friend’s place in the valley on lot 23, Guernsey’s Survey, where her residence was established in 1794. Her own household were therefore nearly if not quite the first settlers in the town of Jerusalem as now bounded. In 1803 a town was erected, consisting of township number seven of the second range, and so much of township number seven first range as lies west of Keuka Lake and lot 37. This town retained the name of Jerusalem and the residue of the original town was named Vernon. To Jerusalem was added in 1814, by act of the legislature, that part of Bluff Point which had previously been included in Steuben County. This is an elevated ridge embraced between the arms of the Lake and extending nearly five miles southward of townships number seven, a part of which belongs in township number six of the first range and a much larger part in township six of the second range. Such is the town of Jerusalem, including about 36,000 acres or 13,000 acres more than one full township.

From the Italy line eastward there is a descent of about nine hundred feet to the level of the Lake and the valley of the west branch inlet. On the north side of the town this inclined plane is broken by Shearman’s Hollow, from which a ridge rises to the eastward separating it from the valley of the inlet creek. From this creek to the east there is a steep acclivity through most of the town, extending about two miles to the summit, which is considerably lower than the elevation on the west side of the town. From this ridge there is a rapid slope eastward to Penn Yan and the east branch of the Lake. The continuity of this ridge southward is broken by a deep depression, extending across from the head of the west branch to the east branch of the Lake. It is a reasonable inference that at some geological period the waters of the Lake covered this depression, uniting the two branches of the Lake and forming an island of Bluff Point.

Almost the entire town of Jerusalem in its natural state was a densely wooded region. Much of it was very heavily timbered with pine of the finest quality, especially in the west part of the town. Valuable as the land has become under eighty years of gradual improvement, the town would probably be worth more money if it could be now restored to its precise state as it stood when Daniel GUERNSEY traversed it with his compass and chain in 1790 to survey township number seven of the second range into lots. So thickly was the valley of the inlet creek covered with hard maple of the largest and most thrifty character that it was proposed by Gideon WOLCOTT to call the brook Sugar Creek. No name, however, has been permanently affixed to this stream, which rises in southwest Benton, crosses a corner of Potter, and forms the west boundary of the east tier of lots in township number seven of the second range. It is the only mill stream in Jerusalem, except one or two of its tributaries which have had saw mills erected on them.

The vicinity of Branchport, the inlet valley and Shearman’s Hollow afford abundant evidence that the Indians had through that region a favorite abode. Their burial places have frequently been found and their bones disturbed in the improvement of the land. The earlier settlers threaded their trails along that historic valley, extending north from the west branch of the Lake and across the hills in various directions. They had an important burial place near the “Old Fort” in Shearman’s Hollow. But the so-called “Old Fort” itself was probably not an Indian work. It was situated near the district school house on lot 48, and was an earthwork enclosing about two acres of ground, and an excellent spring. It belonged no doubt to that class of works which competent investigators have ascribed to a race anterior to the Indian tribes swept away by European civilization.

RED JACKET, the distinguished native Orator, who figured as a chief of the SENECAS during the later and more disastrous years of the Indian occupation, was born on the shores of the west branch of Keuka Lake and probably within the boundaries of Jerusalem. For this statement we have the authority of RED JACKET himself. On a journey with other chiefs to Washington not far from the period of Gen. JACKSON’s first inauguration to the Presidency, RED JACKET addressed a public meeting called to give him a reception at Geneva. In that speech he stated that his birthplace was near the west arm of the Keuka, so-called from its resemblance to a bended elbow. He further stated that he lived here with his parents till he was about twelve years old, when they removed to the Old Castle near KANADESAGA, and several years later to CONEWAGUS. A sketch of that speech was reported by Roderick N. MORRISON, for the Penn Yan Democrat, and Alfred REED, then an apprentice in that office, was the printer who put it in type. These corroborating facts are given because it is alleged by Col William L. STONE, in his Life of RED JACKET, that his birthplace was CANOGA, on the west bank of Cayuga Lake; a statement rendered improbable, not only by the facts already stated, but by the further fact that CANOGA was on the territory of the CAYUGAS. In Col. STONE’s work, the word Keuka has probably been transformed by some error into CANOGA. RED JACKET, (SAGAYEWATHA in the SENECA dialect,) was an illustrious character, whose place of nativity we may well be proud to claim. He was not a great warrior, and was denounced by BRANT as a coward. But he saw what BRANT could not or would not see, that war was the extermination of his people. He was gifted with rare eloquence and was an able reasoner. Men of the highest capacity and accomplishments, who shared the acquaintance of this noted chief regarded him as a marvel of his race and a truly great man.

The sale of township number seven second range, by PHELPS and GORHAM to Thomas HATHAWAY and Benedict ROBINSON was negotiated in 1789, though the conveyance was not executed till September 1790. Daniel GUERNSEY surveyed the township into lots in the summer of 1790. Forty-seven years thereafter, when he was seventy-seven years old, his deposition was taken at Monroe, Indiana, with regard to this survey, to be used as evidence in a suit, involving the title to lot 9, wherein Rachel MALIN and David B. PROSSER, were plaintiffs and Joseph KETCHUM was defendant. Mr. GUERNSEY stated in his deposition that he and Noah RICHARDS made a contract in March 1790 with Benedict ROBINSON for the survey in question, and that the work was begun June 30^th. He proceeds to say “Abram BURDICK, and Nathan BURDICK, his son, assisted me as chain-men, and Benedict ROBINSON and Thomas HATHAWAY accompanied us four days in traversing and establishing the exterior lines of the township. Benedict ROBINSON erected a cabin near the Lake and employed Nicholas BRIGGS, Seth JONES, Peter ROBINSON, Jabez BROWN, and a negro boy named ZIP, to assist in surveying and clearing a lot for improvement. Here we all resided and were supplied with victuals, and directions both as to surveying and clearing, by Benedict ROBINSON, who resided with us, except when he was called abroad on business, till about the twentieth of September, when we all left the place on account of sickness. During this time Thomas HATHAWAY visited us but seldom."

The township was found to overrun its six-mile boundaries, by seventy-two rods north and south, and sixty rods east and west. This overplus was equally apportioned to the several lots which were otherwise one half mile from north to south and one mile from east to west, containing three hundred and twenty acres each. The first tier of lots was numbered from north to south, beginning with number one at the north east corner of the township. The second tier commenced on the south at number thirteen and was numbered northward to twenty-four. It will thus be seen that the township contained seventy-two lots by this survey. By agreement of HATHAWAY and ROBINSON the inlet creek was made the west boundary of the first tier of lots, owing to the difficult ground over which the line had to be traced. This made the first tier much larger than the remaining lots, and the second tier correspondingly small. The east line of township number seven, second range, is the line that separates Potter and Benton and is the east line of the ROSE estate.

Finding themselves unable to meet their engagements in paying for the land, HATHAWAY and ROBINSON re-conveyed to Oliver PHELPS seven thousand acres on the south side of the township, a strip about two miles wide, as the water of the Lake was not included. This tract was sold by Mr. PHELPS to James WADSWORTH, the pioneer of Geneseo, and by him it was sold in London to John JOHNSON, for £4,300 sterling, a price greatly above its value at that time. By JOHNSON it was conveyed to his brother-in-law, Capt. John BEDDOE, who settled upon it. After taking off two thousand acres from the east end of this tract the residue of five thousand acres was subsequently re-surveyed into lots of one hundred and sixty acres each, or half a mile square. These lots are numbered from one to thirty-two, beginning at the south west corner, the first tier numbering northward, the second southward, and so on.

Another tract of 4,000 acres extending from the BEDDOE Tract northward across the west side of the town, was re-conveyed to Oliver PHELPS by William CARTER, whose title was derived from Benedict ROBINSON and Thomas HATHAWAY, on the first of October 1794. On the 9^th of February Mr. PHELPS deeded the same to De Witt CLINTON, who mortgaged the land the same day to PHELPS, who in the following January assigned the mortgage to Henry CHAMPION. CLINTON deeded to Peter B. PORTER, April 5, 1796, and PORTER back to PHELPS seven days later. Mr. PHELPS conveyed portions of the tract to William OGDEN and Heman ELY, by whom it was re-conveyed to him. On the 5^th of April 1801, Mr. PHELPS mortgaged 2,000 acres to the State of Connecticut, by whom the previous assignment of De Witt CLINTON’s mortgage was held. In 1807 Mr. PHELPS sold 1350 acres to Stephen B. MUNN. In 1814 the mortgage of 1801 was foreclosed by the State of Connecticut, and the land sold to Gideon GRANGER, of Canandaigua, who received a quit claim deed of the State of Connecticut for the entire tract, a release of dower from Mrs. PHELPS, and a conveyance from Stephen B. MUNN, of 1,350 acres. The Connecticut quit claim was dated May 8, 1816. June 30, 1816, Henry and Oren GREEN purchased for $12,000 the entire tract of 4,000 acres. They also became the owners of lot 56, GUERNSEY’s Survey, which they disposed of with their principal tract, thenceforth known as the Green Tract.

This was also re-surveyed by the GREENs, making three tiers of lots from north to south of 154 acres each, numbered from one to twenty-seven. Number one is in the north west corner of the town and the lots number southward on the first tier, northward on the second, and south again on the third.

This explanation will show why the lots as surveyed and numbered by Daniel GUERNSEY, are not recognized on the maps in that part of the town covered by the BEDDOE and GREEN tracts. Otherwise they stand as originally numbered.

Thomas HATHAWAY and Benedict ROBINSON when they purchased the “Second seventh” were both firm and devoted adherents of the Friend, and it was with her advice and concurrence, and with a view to promote the interests of the Society that the purchase was made. This motive at least had much to do with it, as all the facts that come to view go to prove. It was in compliance with previous understanding that the Friend was given a large tract of what appeared to be the most desirable land within the township. The Friend really led the way in the settlement of the town, and led many of her Society and their connections to join in the pioneer movement that opened that wild region to civilization. The town settled very slowly, and was for a long period overrun with the wild animals of the native wilderness. But its settlement would have been still longer postponed and more tardy, but for the early nucleus planted there by the Friend and the ties attached thereto by religion and kindred.

The story of her people has already been briefly related. It only remains to speak of pioneer families generally, some few of whom were more or less connected with the Friend’s Society, and many more who were not. Among the former is that now most conspicuously represented by Bartleson SHEARMAN. (see Bios pg 454, for town of Jerusalem)

During the later years of the eighteenth century a little settlement on the first road leading into Jerusalem, on lot 58 of township seven of the first range, was made which took the name of Sabintown, because the principal families were SABINs. Henry BARNES, who passed through Sabintown in 1800, states that there were about a dozen log houses of humble pretensions within a small space, forming a little hamlet in the wilderness. The road led from the Friend’s Settlement, by way of Lawrence TOWNSEND’s and Moses CHISSOM’s to Daniel BROWN’s. At Sabintown a branch forked off to the right leading to the Friend’s place in the valley of Keuka Lake inlet. The road was a rough, stumpy highway almost wholly bordered by the woods, in 1800, and Sabintown was therefore a point of importance, on the road between the Friend’s Settlement and the Friend’s home in the wilderness of Jerusalem. The houses were first roofed with bark but afterward were well covered with puncheon. Among these early settlers were Asa and Burtch SABIN, and their nephew Huram SABIN, who purchased about a mile square of land, now owned in part by John DORMAN, James PECKENS, Nathan COLEMAN and heirs of Hosea WILLIAMS. Huram SABIN in after years moved to Naples, where he became a prominent citizen. Asa and Burtch SABIN and their wives died and were buried at Sabintown. Of the family of Asa SABIN an only remaining daughter was the widow of Frederick PIERCE, and died the wife of David B. PROSSER, of Penn Yan. Anna, daughter of Burtch SABIN, married Gideon BURTCH, of Pawling, Dutchess County. They came with her parents and were permanent settlers of this little colony. They both died the same year at the age of eighty-two. Their children were Polly, Jeremiah S., Joel, and Daniel. Polly was the first wife of Deacon Stephen RAYMOND, and died leaving five children, Jason, Betsey, Anna, Mary A., and Jeremiah B.

Jeremiah S. married Deborah, daughter of Elisha LUTHER. They settled first near the homestead, and now reside on lot 4, of Guernsey’s Survey. He is a carpenter, a farmer, and a worthy citizen. Their children are Mary J., Joel, and Allen. Mary J., is the second wife of Dr. Samuel H. WRIGHT. Joel married Emma MC GUINN, of Penn Yan, and they reside on the homestead.

Joel BURTCH married Clamana HULBERT, daughter of a Baptist minister, and died in Jerusalem, of consumption, leaving a daughter, Elizabeth, who married Francis DAVISON and moved to Michigan where she lives a widow with two children.

Daniel BURTCH went West, where he married. He lives now near Chattanooga, Tennessee. His wife is dead, leaving two children.

Braman BURTCH, a cousin of Gideon BURTCH, was also an early settler at Sabintown, and died a very aged man where John DORMAN now resides. One of his sons died in Penn Yan about 1855, after living West.

Another early resident of Sabintown was Hezekiah DAYTON, whose wife was Sally, sister of Mrs. Gideon BURTCH. He died in Geneva, of consumption.

Zephenia BRIGGS was the first settler on the Deacon RAYMOND place on lot 69 of the first seventh. He lived there about twenty years and kept a tavern at quite an early day. When he opened his tavern there was a great gathering to raise the sign post, and the occasion was notable for the large number of young men who became hopelessly drunk. Another legitimate fruit of this tavern was frequent pugilistic encounters, even between prominent citizens. The tavern was kept up but a year or two after the property passed into the possession of Deacon RAYMOND. Zephenia BRIGGS was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church, and frequently fell from grace through his love of liquor and the rough amusements of his time, but was as frequently restored to church favor by penitent confession.

The descendents of the early settlers of Sabintown are only represented in this County now by Jeremiah S. BURTCH and family.

This place was first called Fox’s Corners, Abraham FOX being an early settler there and for some time keeper of the public house at that point. He lived there many years and both the first and second wives of James WILLETT, were his daughters, Ebenezer SLAWSON, was an early settler in the same neighborhood, and was Overseer of the Poor in Jerusalem many years. The Corners was a place of popular resort for many years, and the settlers from the surrounding clearings made it a uniform practice to gather there on Saturday afternoons to race horses and engage in all sorts of athletic sports, and occasional fights. Whiskey was freely dispensed and wrought its usual effects. Two or three families of the name of ALTHIZER were among the early residents and one of them kept the public house for a time. There was for some time a saw-mill near the Lake, the little creek being much more of a creek than now. John TOWNSEND, son of Lawrence TOWNSEND, owned the public house some years and the farm connected therewith. He rented the tavern at first to Giles KINNEY. The place finally took the name of Kinney’s Corners from Giles KINNEY. His father Stephen KINNEY, was from Connecticut, and a Revolutionary soldier. His mother was a sister of Sanford COATES, who died recently in Jerusalem. The family settled in 1815 on the land afterwards owned by John N. ROSE. Their children were John, Giles, and Rebecca. John and his father and sister emigrated to the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio, where they became wealthy as distillers. Giles remained and married Polly BURTON, of Connecticut. She died leaving two children, Albert, and Burton, and he again married in 1824, Mira, daughter of Samuel CORNELL, of Jerusalem. He conducted the tavern at the Corners, and had a store, ashery, and distillery besides. In 1838 the family moved to the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio, and now live at Xenia. The children by the second marriage were Lester B., Sarah A., Coates, Mary G., George, John C., Andrew G., Charles, Frances, Emeline, Helen, and Eliza. Coates, John, George, and Andrew served in the army during the Rebellion. George and Andrew were in different regiments of the same army corps, of the army of the Potomac, often in the same battles, and neither knew of the near presence of the other till their return from the war. Coates KINNEY was a pay-master. He transported $2,000,000 in gold from New York to Cairo, Ill., early in the war, and paid it out to the army, and enterprise of much risk, which he accomplished satisfactorily. The coin was carried as freight in nail kegs.

Coates KINNEY was born in Jerusalem and has gained a fair share of celebrity in the world. He has an ardent, impulsive temperament, is an able writer and editor, and a man of superior literary taste and capacity. He was at the head of an advanced institution of learning in Ohio before the war, and since that period has conducted the Xenia Torch Light, a spirited weekly paper, noted for its incisive editorials and its poetic effusions. He is the author of the popular and beautiful ballad entitled “Rain on the Roof.”

Since Giles KINNEY left, the Corners have become a place of less business. The public house has generally been kept up, with a frequent change of proprietors, and very little else besides a blacksmith shop has kept up any show of village life. Hixon ANDERSON is the present tavern keeper, with no whiskey to attract the idle and tippling class of patrons.

The two arms of Keuka Lake divide around a bold promontory rising quite abruptly from the level of the surrounding water upwards of seven hundred feet at the southern extremity. The ridge which thus separates the two branches of the Lake is called Bluff Point. It varies a little in width but is hardly more than a mile and a half from shore to shore for a distance of about five miles. The land on this ridge is for the most part of good quality and it has become the abode of many thrifty farmers and the theatre of an extensive grape culture, on the slopes next to the Lake. The west line of township number six, first range, strikes the point about one mile north of the south end, and at the northern verge of the township reaches nearly a mile west from the Lake, thus including from five hundred to seven hundred acres of the Point in the first sixth. The rest of the Point falls in the second range. So much of it as belonged to the first sixth of course became the property of the Lessees. That in the second sixth was reserved by Charles WILLIAMSON from the PULTNEY estate as his own property and descended to his heirs. It was a favorite locality with Captain WILLIAMSON. He was charmed with its beauty as viewed from beyond the head of the Lake and all sides; and with the grand picture presented to the eye from the elevation at the end of the Point itself. It is seldom that one beholds a more enchanting panorama of natural scenery. Mr. WILLIAMSON caused one hundred acres to be cleared at the end of the Point and had a tenant there at an early period. Who that early resident was is now unknown. The improvement was not kept up, and the Point being a fine place for game, the land was sometimes burned over to drive the deer to the water’s edge for the convenience of hunters. It is said that Mr. WILLIAMSON sometimes on his way from Geneva to Bath, would ride to his place on the Point and swim his horse across to one or the other shore and continue his journey. The WILLIAMSONs frequently visited the Point for fishing and hunting. Charles A. WILLIAMSON had the land surveyed in 1814, by John N. HIGHT, whose map and field notes are now in the possession of George WAGENER, the present Sheriff of Yates County. The whole tract embraced about 3,500 acres. Beginning at the north line of township six, second range, the first six lots extended across from the first sixth to the west branch of the Lake. They seem not to be uniform in width. Lot 3 contains 159 acres, 4 contains 154 acres, lot 5 has 90 acres, and 6 contains 221 acres. From lot six southward they are nearly all of the uniform width of 100 rods, and divided by a nearly central north and south line. On the surveyor’s map they are numbered from 7 to 18, each division having the same respective numbers east and west. On the County map the west division numbers from 7 to 17 from north to south, and the east division from 19 to 29 from south to north, and number 18 disappears. This is perhaps an error in engraving the map. The surnames of the original owners or occupants are neatly traced on the surveyor’s map, and that is the most that can now be known of many of them. They are as follows: Lot 1, THOMAS; 2, THOMAS; 3, MILLS; 4, TRACY; 5, CURTIS; 6, HALL, CURTIS, and WEED. On the west division, 7, LANE; 8, ALBERTON; 9, ANDRUSS, and ANDRUSS; 10, BROWN; 11, BROWN; 12, CARPENTER; 13, SCUTT; 14, SNOOKS; 15, CRANDALL; 16, CRANDALL and FRENCH; 17, FRENCH; 18, OLMSTEAD. On the east division, 7, POND and CURTIS; 8, OSMAN; 9, BEALS; 10, ANDRUSS; 11, OWEN, and OWEN; 12, PHELPS; 13, blank; 14, CURTIS; 15, FRENCH; 16, FRENCH; 17, TEMPLAR; 18, OLMSTEAD. Surveyor HIGHT’s map embraces the whole of the Point included in the second sixth, but his Field Book begins with lot 7, and he makes mention of the quality and form of the land and timber, giving it for the most part a good character. Lots 8, and 9 of the west division, he says are “middling good lands—the hill tolerably moderate;” of lot 10, “the hill not very steep, but lengthy—soil good.” Lot 11, “soil only middling. Hill steep and lengthy.” Lot 14, “this lot is more than half hill.” Lots 15 and 16 “take in part of the old clearings,--soil middling.” Lot 17 “includes the old buildings and takes in the Big Spring of water,--soil middling good quality.” Lot 18, which included the end of the Point, and contained 90 acres; the surveyor says, “lays on the side hill, the soil tolerable good and the greater part may be cultivated with the plow. No doubt but a ferry house will be erected on this lot of land. The timber on this tract is chiefly oak, chestnut, hickory, maple, ash, &c.” Of the lots of the east division the surveyor speaks in good terms for the most part, and states that 15 and 16, which are 20 and 21 on the County map, “take in part of the old clearings, and very hilly.” Lot 17 he says is “chiefly hill and most intolerable.” It is now deemed good land for grapes. His final observation is, “the land on the north end of this Tract is as good as any oak lands in our part of the country, but the south end towards the Point are not as good but would make exceeding good farms if it were not for the hills which make them inconvenient.” The surveyor speaks of Jonathan FINCH as having possession of lot 6.

It would seem that as soon as the survey was completed the Point filled up with settlers, many of whom never succeeded in paying for their land. It was a long time before Charles A. WILLIAMSON succeeded in getting it entirely off his hands. As late as 1828 Abraham WAGENER paid for one hundred acres on the end of the Point with a span of horses. He bought other lands of Mr. WILLIAMSON, some of which he paid about six dollars an acre for and finally owned about 1,000 acres on the south part of the Point, of which about one third belonged in the first sixth, and extended down the east branch of the Lake to near the present homestead of Alanson S. DUNNING, where Melchoir SNAPP was the first settler. George WAGENER moved on the Point to live in 1831, and remained till he was elected Sheriff in 1849. He says it bore a very wild, uncultivated aspect on his advent there. In 1833 his father built a fine stone mansion there, now standing. It is a structure of solidity and taste, and cost $6,000. Abraham WAGENER went there himself to live in 1837 and remained four years. Two hundred and eighty acres at the end of the Point still belongs to George WAGENER, and is a good productive farm.

John BEAL was an early settler on the Point, locating on lot 9, of the east division of Hight’s Survey, number 27 on the County map, in 1813. John BEAL was a man of note in his neighborhood. He was Justice of Peace twenty years in Jerusalem, and was a leading member of the Baptist Church. He was a Presidential Elector in 1828. The family came to this county from Galway, Saratoga County. The parents both died on the Point. Their children were Elisha, Nicholas, Reuben, Edward, Moses, Sarah, Sabra, Eliza, Beula, and Almira. No members of the family are now living in this County, since the death of Mrs. John MOORE, and only one grandson, Almon BEAL, son of Edward who married Martha, daughter of Ira SMITH, and resides in Milo. They have a family of seven children, viz: Almeda, Ella, Lois, Sarah, Charles, George, Milly, and Emily. Ella married in 1869, William HATMAKER, of Milo, and resides near Milo Centre.

Two of the sons, Elisha, and Edward, with their families, reside at Bloomington, Illinois. Sarah married Hiram NASH, of Penn Yan, where he died. She removed with her family to St. Anthony, Minnesota. Their children were Zebyron, Edgar, Mariam, Adaline, and Zarlino. Mariam married Myron WYNANTS, of Penn Yan, and went to Minnesota. Adaline married Mr. VAN BLUNT, of Geneva, and went to Minnesota.

Capt. William THRALL a Revolutionary soldier was the first settler where Cyrenus TOWNSEND resides, on lot 7 of the Green Tract. He died there and the family moved West.

Zadock BASS settled on a part of Albert R. COWING’s farm, lot 27 of the Green Tract. His wife committed suicide, and the family moved away.

Silas COOK settled where James CAMPBELL lives, on lot 10 of the Green TRACT, and Israel ROGERS where the CHAMPLINS are on lot 10. John GREEN, settled where Geo. W. CHAMPLIN lives on lot 9.

Benjamin and William LAFLER were the first settlers where Josiah WHITE resides on lot 11. Some of the family now live in Middlesex.

Joseph GAY first settled where Mathew HENDERSON lives on lot 8. He was a Justice of the Peace by appointment. Some of the family are now residents of Steuben county.

Enoch REMINGTON was the first settler where James MC KEY lives. He moved to Illinois.

Seth HANCHETT settled first where James B. WRIGHT resides. His was a talented and leading family. They enjoy good fortunes elsewhere in the world.

William SIMMONS was the first settler where Reuben TURNER now lives; and where John TURNER lives on lot 5, David CONLEY was the first settler.

Where Mrs. Julane DINEHART resides on lot 3, the original settler was John PURDY, the father of Isaac S. PURDY.

Henry DENNIS settled and staid a short time where Mr. HOOS now lives north of David TURNER.

William FOLSOM, husband of Jerusha, daughter of Capt. Henry GREEN, was an original settler in the same vicinity.

Reuel ROGERS, husband of Sally, daughter of Capt. Henry GREEN, settled on a part of the place where Walter HENDERSON resides.

Horton ROUNDS settled on lot 17 on the road from the present residence of George W. ROBINSON on lot 2.

Lewis R. CARVEY and Ira CARVEY settled on lot 18, on land now occupied by Lewis R. CARVEY.

Jacob CODDINGTON, a fine scholar and school teacher, settled on the corner south of Samuel P. CARVEY’s on land now owned by him.

Benjamin WASHBURN, now of Gorham, settled on lot 21 where Abraham WATKINS now resides. Abraham WAGER also settled in the same vicinity. Everhart WAGER, the father of Abraham WAGER, was the first settler where James WILCOX lives on lot 22. James WILCOX was comparatively early on the Tract and has been a successful farmer by dint of industry.

Jacob YOUNGS, father of Abraham YOUNGS, was the first settler on the place afterwards owned by Thomas W. SMITH, and previously by Thomas OWENS, on lot 15. On another portion of the same place Edmund ROBINSON a Quaker was the first settler. His son Jeremiah ROBINSON was a remarkable deer hunter. Jeremiah; a brother of Edmund ROBINSON, was the first settler on land where Isaac S. FOX now resides on lot 14.

Samuel WELDON was the first settler where Eberle E. SMITH resides, and his father, Jonathan WELDON, where Nathan G. BENEDICT now resides on lot 24.

John BLACKMAN was the first settler where Amsey HORTON lately resided on lot 25.

Platt KINNEY of Ovid settled next south of Seth HANCHETT and after a few years returned to Ovid. William PAUL and Peter SIMMONS were early settlers on the Green Tract.

The early settlers on the Green Tract were justly regarded as having a hard prospect for gaining a livelihood and still worse for the accumulation of property. After the first crops were taken off much of the land seemed cold and unproductive. It was hard to till and rendered a poor return for the labor bestowed upon it. But it has rewarded the diligence of those who persevered, quite as well as most other sections. The tenacity of the TURNERS, STODDARDS, BENEDICTS, CARVEYS, SMITHS and others who might be named, has given them goodly possessions, and the qualities of character which have triumphed over the natural obstacles of their location, are such as belong to the highest order of manhood.

William RUNNER moved from Pultney in 1825 and settled on the south side of the Beddoe Tract. He married Eveline PARKER, and by honest industry gained a good property. They had five children, James, Lovina, Lois, John, and Eliza. She died in 1842, and he in 1865, aged sixty-two years. John, now living in the town of Seneca, is one of the most prominent citizens there, and a thorough business man.

John RUNNER, the father of Wm. RUNNER, settled near his son in 1826, and had a family of nine children, Margaret, William, Hannah, Christiana, Jacob, Eliza, Lovina, John, and Arminda. His wife, “Mother RUNNER,” as she was called, was one of the most useful women of her day. She served both as doctor and nurse, in hundreds of cases, many preferring her to the best physicians. Her strong constitution enabled her to live many years, and she died at the home of her daughter, Eliza TOWNSEND, widow of the late Remer TOWNSEND, in 1870, aged eighty-seven years, having survived her husband twenty years.

Ezra LOOMIS moved from the town of Seneca in 1826, and settled on and improved the farm now owned and occupied by his son, Ezra, and daughter, Jane, on lot 12. He enlisted in the War of the Revolution at the age of sixteen, and served two years, until the close of the war. A more resoluto and persevering man of his age, is seldom seen. He had a family of thirteen children by two marriages and died in 1839, aged seventy-four years, his last wife surviving him eleven years.

John COLEMAN moved from Benton in 1826, settled on the farm now owned by Daniel JOHNSON, about the year 1831, sold out to James COWING, and moved to Genesee Co., where he now lives.

Henry NUTT, in 1826, settled on lot No. 30, on what was then called the Oak Flat, remained there a few years, then traded farms with George CRITCHEL of Torrey, where he now resides. At that time the road from Branchport to Italy Hill was not laid out and the first settlers had to cut their own roads.

Benjamin ROGERS settled on the farm now owned by Seneca BADGER in 1826, lived there a few years then sold out and bought the HAYT farm, afterwards sold to Joel TOWNSEND, and left the town.

Morris ROSS came in the town in 1826, settled and improved the farm now occupied by Wm. HERRIES and Thomas SCHULL, on lot 22. He was a blacksmith, remained there a number of years, sold out and moved to Wisconsin.

Meli TODD came to this county with his father, Benajah TODD, in the year 1811, in his eighth year, from the State of Vermont. The family consisted of a father, mother and four children, one older than himself, Truman, and two younger. Benajah TODD took up a lot of land and built a log house about two and a half miles south of where Dundee now is. He lived eighteen months there and died. The reader can have but a faint idea now of the privations and hardships a family left fatherless and surrounded by a wilderness filled with ferocious animals, had to endure. In 1812 they had their only pig caught by a bear in the day time, which carrying it ten rods from the house, took a good meal and covered the remainder with leaves. The rattlesnake was the most to be dreaded. Meli has stepped over them many times barefooted when they were curled up under small bushes. The family bought in 1814 the farm where Lodowick DISBROW now lives in Barrington. Truman and Meli cleared it mostly and paid for it. They frequently went to Bennett’s Settlement, a distance of three or four miles, and worked for eighteen pence and a shilling a day; took their pay in wheat and backed it to mill. Meli married a daughter of William OVENSHIRE, of Barrington, and in 1830 came to Jerusalem and settled on the Beddoe Tract. He built a log house and commenced chopping and clearing his land, converting the pine into shingles, of which he has rived, shaved and bunched as many as four thousand in one day, one thousand being considered a day’s work. In 1840, he bought the farm now occupied by Daniel JOHNSON, built a frame house and barn, and in 1850 sold out and bought where he now resides, one and a half miles west of Branchport. They have reared two children, Benajah and Lydia. Benajah is a well-to-do farmer living half a mile north of his father. Lydia married Frank STEVER, and lives on the homestead with her father and mother. Mr. TODD has been in very poor health for a number of years, in consequence of chopping with too heavy an ax (one of six pounds) in his younger days. The strain of his chest has affected him through life.

Rochester HURD moved from Starkey in 1826, improved to some extent what is now known as the FRENCH farm, on lot 29; remained there two or three years and traded farms with John FRENCH, of the town of Reading. The farm has been owned ever since by some of the FRENCH family, until 1869 when Ferris P. HURD purchased it of the FRENCH heirs, Chester, the youngest son of John FRENCH, and the owner of the premises, having died without issue. John FRENCH’s family consisted of nine children, Amasa, Lewis, Charles, Ann, Philemon, Robert, Betsey, Maria, and Chester.

James ROYCE moved from Starkey in 1827, improved a part of the farm now owned by William P. HIBBARD, on lot 20, stayed there two or three years, sold out to James HAYT and went back to Starkey. James HAYT subsequently sold to Benjamin ROGERS, who afterwards sold to Joel TOWNSEND, a local preacher. He with his son-in-law, William P. HIBBARD, have made additions until the farm now numbers nearly two hundred acres, the original purchase being only forty acres. Father TOWNSEND, as he was known, died in 1860, aged seventy-eight years. His wife survives him at the age of eighty-two years. They had four children, James, Remer, Betsey A., and Sarah M. James died single. Remer married Eliza RUNNER, had one son, Wilber F., and died in 1858, aged forty-three years. Sarah M. married Alexander PARKER, of Pultney, where they now reside. Betsey A. married William Philo HIBBARD. Their children were Sarah E., James R., Elizabeth, Phebe A., Charles, Schuyler, and Hattie. Phebe A. married William, brother of Ferris P. HURD, and has two children. The others are unmarried. James R. enlisted in the 126^th Regiment, N.Y.V., and died of typhus fever while in service with the Union army, at Harper’s Ferry, in 1863. He was an active, intelligent, and liberal-minded young man.

Rufus HENDERSON came from Starkey in 1827, purchased the BURCHARD lot, now owned by Ferris P. HURD, near the white school house. He remained on the farm two or three years, sold out to Joseph LONG and went back to Starkey.

Dexter LAMB moved from Wayne in 1826, settled and improved the farm now owned by his son Franklin, on lot 28. He married Sarah PIERCE, and they had nine children. He died in 1857, aged 63 years. Their children were Esther, Chester, Franklin, Charles, Emily, Avery, Martha, Sarah, and Henry H. Franklin and Sarah are the only surviving children. Franklin married Christine FRANCISCO, and they have one child Mercer. He is a prosperous farmer and a good citizen.

Samuel S. ELLSWORTH and Spencer BOOTH erected the first store in Branchport in 1831. Previous to that time, no village aspirations took root in that locality. The store of Ellsworth and Booth was on the southwest corner, at the principal street crossing and they occupied it many years, Mr. BOOTH remaining till after 1866. Solomon D. WEAVER built the hotel on the southeast corner in 1832. William D. HENRY built the store nad dwelling on the northwest corner and Samuel s. ELLSWORTH the store on the northeast corner, now occupied by Lynham J. BEDDOE, with hardware.

Before the title of Branchport was given to the village, it was called Esperanza by some of its more polished neighbors. This name, the Spanish equivalent of Hope, was too poetical for a new country full of pine stumps, and in view of its location at the head of the west branch of Lake Keuka, it was called Branchport - a name conferred by Spencer BOOTH. The block of stores next the hotel, known as the WEAVER block, was built by Solomon D. WEAVER in 1850. The place was incorporated as a village in 1867, with about a mile square of territory. The population in 1865 was 304 and in 1870 was 309. The present stone school house was built in 1868. The first school teacher in Branchport was Mary WILLIAMS, and the next, Mr. HENNBERG. The principal merchants of the place have been Spencer S. BOOTH, Samuel S. ELLSWORTH, William D. HENRY, Peter YOUNGS Sr., Lawrence & Smith, Harry I, ANDRUS, Goodrich, Easton & Co., Myron H. WEAVER, Solomon D. WEAVER, Bradley SHEARMAN, Frederick PARIS, James H. GAMBY, John LAIRD, Asa E. PETTENGILL, Peter H. BITLEY and Clark RIGHTER.

John VAN NESS and Cyrus C. CRANE built a foundry, which was continued by Van Ness and Johnson and afterwards by the PARIS brothers. It was afterwards turned into a spoke factory.

The blacksmiths of the place have been: Andrew SLINGERLAND, John VAN NESS, D. H. BENNETT, Riggs && Bennett, R. N. BENNETT, William DERRICK, John A. MILLER, Frederick PARIS, Wilson MATTISON, William A. PELTON, Stever & German.

Wagon makers: Gage & Mariner, Henneburg & Quick, S. H. STORMS, C. B. QUICK, John MIDDLETON, Levi MILLSPAUGH, Robert HERRIES, Herries & Paris.

Druggists: Bush & Andrews; Elliott BUSH, Lynham J. BEDDOE, Myron H. WEAVER, Robert BOYD, Tomer Brothers, Theodore B. BOYD, James H. GAMBY.

Hardware dealers: James T. DARRY, James C. HATHAWAY, Lynham J. BEDDOE, Joe DORMAN.

Harness makers: William D. HENRY, N. G. PETTINGILL, Henry & Vail, Charles H. VAIL, James SPENCER.

Boot and shoemakers: Pelton Brothers, William D. HENRY, Charles H. VAIL, Charles F. DICKINSON, N. DICKINSON, John SISSON, E J. MORGAN, Cornwell & Teets, Waterous & Kinner, James PARIS Jr., C. H. GROW.

The finest residences of the place are those of Rev. B. W. STONE, Solomon D. WEAVER, Peter H. BITLEY and John LAIRD. The health of the locality is sometimes seriously affected by the exhalations of the adjoining marsh, which are found to be a prolific source of fever and ague. The scenery, viewed from the Branchport side of the lake, is beautiful, taking in a view of Bluff Point and the high ridge east of the inlet.

Thomas LEE was Supervisor of Jerusalem in 1792 and without doubt, the first one. There is no record or recollection on the part of living persons showing who followed him till 1797, when James SPENCER was Supervisor. From 1799 and onward the record is complete, as follows:

Town meeting was held at the house of Lawrence TOWNSEND till 1802, when it was held at the house of Abraham WAGENER. After Jerusalem was set off from the original district, town meeting was held at the house of Daniel BROWN till 1816, when it was held at the house of Stephen KINNEY; the two following years at George BROWN'S; in 1819 at Giles KINNEY'S; in 1820 at the house of Elisha MILLS, near Daniel BROWN'S mills and also next 3 years; in 1824 at Brenton W. HAZARD'S mills; and thenceforward till 1830 at Henry LARZALERE'S. In 1841 town meeting was held at the house of Solomon D. WEAVER in Branchport; in 1842 at LARZALERE'S; in 1842 at Branchport; in 1844 at LARZALERE'S; 1845 at Branchport; 1846 at LARZALERE'S and thenceforth at Branchport without change. It was a hard struggle to wrest the town meeting from Mr. LARZALERE, who seemed to have a strong hold on the people.

The first Justice of the Peace in Jerusalem of whom any record has been traced, was Daniel BROWN Jr., who appears to have held the office from 1800 onward for 10 or 12 years, if not longer. He was perhaps, appointed still earlier. After him, Giles KINNEY, John BEAL, Thomas SUTTON, Joel DORMAN, Joseph GAY, Nathaniel COTHERN, Nicholas BENNETT, Erastus COLE Sr., Ezra PIERCE, Elisha MILLS nad Allen COLE. Erastus COLE Sr. was elected Justice of the Peace in 1830 and 1834. Uriah HANFORD in 1830-1832 and 1837. Jonathan TALMADGE in 1831. Bartelson SHEARMAN in 1832 and 1835. Hixon ANDERSON in 1833. Martin QUICK in 1836, 1843 and 1845. William CULVER in 1838. John A. GALLETT in 1838. Israel COMSTOCK in 1839 and 1843. Henry HICKS in 1840. Hiram COLE in 1841. George WAGENER in 1844. Benedict R. CARR in 1846. Almon S. KIDDER in 1847 and 1851. James P. BARDEN in 1848. Heman SQUIRES in 1848. Samuel S. MILLSPAUGH in 1849 and 1853. Benjamin COLEGROVE in 1850. Isaac PURDY in 1852. Josiah WHITE in 1854 and 1858. Jeremiah S. BURTCH in 1855. Miles B. ANDRUS in 1856, 1860, 1864 and 1869. Charles H. VAIL in 1857. Watkins DAVIS in 1859 and 1863. Levi MILLSPAUGH in 1861 and 1865. Thomas W. SMITH in 1862 and 1866. J. Warren BROWN in 1867. Botsford A. COMSTOCK in 1868; and James HENDERSON in 1870.

The first Post Office in Jerusalem was established in 1824, located near the mill now owned by George ADAMS, and called the Jerusalem Post Office. A tavern was kept there at that time by Stephen HAVENS. Nathaniel COTHERN was the first Postmaster. In 1826 Henry LARZELERE having started his tavern in the valley, took charge of the Post Office as Deputy. The near year he was appointed Postmaster, and held the office till 1852, when it was discontinued. In 1832 the Post Office was established at Branchport. Spencer BOOTH was the first Postmaster, and held the office till 1849, when he was succeeded by Myron H. WEAVER, who was followed by William S. BOOTH, son of Spencer BOOTH, in 1853. In 1861 Bradley SHEARMAN was appointed Postmaster. He was succeeded by Peter YOUNGS Jr., whose wife, Almeda YOUNGS, is now Postmistress, and has been, much to the public satisfaction, for the past few years. William C. VAN TUYL was Postmaster a few months in 1866.

A Post Office was established at Kinney's Corners in 1850 and Robert CHISSOM was first appointed POSTMASTER. He was succeeded by John BISHOP, who was followed by Dr. Alva B. CHISSOM nad he by Heman SQUIERS. Stephen WOOD, Miles B. ANDRUSS, John VAUGHN and J. Warren BROWN have also held the office. The present Postmaster is Osborne MOORE.

A Post Office was established at Sherman's Hollow in 1841. The first Postmaster was Isaac HAIGHT. Delanson MUNGER was afterwards appointed and he was succeeded by Nathaniel KEECH, who resigned and the office was discontinued in 1866.

In 1800, Jerusalem, still including what is now Benton, Milo and Torrey, has but a population of 1219. In 1810, reduced to its present limits, omitting Bluff Point, its population was 450 and the census gave report of 5,162 yards of cloth made in the town the previous year. by the census of 1814, the population had reached 776; in 1820, it was 1,610; in 1825 it reached 2,50; in 1830, it was 2,783; and in 1835 it reached, 2,843; and in 1840 the maximum of 2,935 and 508 families. In 1845 the census fell back to 2,710 and gained in 1850 enough to reach, 2,912. Again reduced in 1855 to 2,797, it raised in 1860 to 2,873 and in 1855 fell back to 2,682. 1870 gives a population of 2,612. Of the population of 1865, there were 1,519 who were natives of this town, 2,272 of the State of New York and 2,454 of the United Stated, 56 of England, 127 of Ireland and 207 in all, foreign born.

In 1865 the town contained 10 stone dwellings, valued at $49,500; one of brick, worth $1,000; 480 framed, worth $319,000; 46 of logs, worth $2,000. In 1855 the dwellings were: 7 of stone worth $30,400; one of brick; 438 framed, worth $223,974; 95 of logs, worth $5,415.

In 1840, Jerusalem had three persons between 90 and 100 years old, and four Revolutionary soldiers, John BEAL, 84, Jacob FREDENBERG, 81, Castle DAINS, 91 nad Elisha BENEDICT, 80.

In 1855. Jerusalem had 26, 294 acres of improved land, and the census reported the cash value of farms at $1,422184; of stock, $176,064; tools, $46,518. The winter wheat harvest of 1864 was reported at 28, 159 bushels, form 3,049 acre; oats 22,819 bushels from 2,045 acres; rye, 5,395 bushels from 508 acres; barley, 17,710 bushels, form 1,459 acres; buckwheat, 2,149 bushes from 678 acres; potatoes, 7,878 bushels from 151 acres; butter, 106,673 lbs; cheese, 8,062 lbs. Horses, 1,035, sheep, 9,047, pounds of wool, 41,845, yards of fulled cloth 22 yards, yards of flannel, 197, cotton and mixed cloths, 35.

The same census gave account of three blacksmith shops, one furnace, one steel spring manufactory, two wagon shops, one grist mill, one cooper shop, two boot and shoe shops, one tannery, one cabinet making shop, one tailor shop.

In 1865, the value of farm land was reported at $1,722,290; stock, $279,359; tools, $168,144; acres plowed, 7,305; acres of pasture, 8,130; meadow, 6,481; tons of hay in 1864, 7,338. Bushels of winter wheat harvested in 1864 from 2,369 acres, 24, 512. Bushels of oats from 2,722 acres, 42, 281. Bushels of rye from 804 acres, 3,807. Bushels of barley from 748 acres, 8,047. Buckwheat form 482 acres, 8,742 bushels. Corn form 1,443 acres, 35,447 bushels. Potatoes from 188 acres, 24,122 bushels; Apple trees, 15,223. Apples in 1864, 11,310 bushels. Milch cows, 1,161. Butter, 128,527 lbs. Cheese, 5,758 lbs. Pork, 203,354 lbs. Sheep, 22,360. Wool, 105,578 lbs.

Jerusalem had 152 soldiers in the War for the Union, of whom 33 died in the service and 5 were buried in that town. The census of 1865 reported 311 males in the town between 18 and 45 years.

In 1820 the town had 383 farmer, 28 mechanics, 5 free blacks; taxable property, $115,065; electors by property qualification, 329; and 6,814 acres of improved land; cattle, 1,705; horse, 273; sheep, 4,025; yards of cloth made in families, 9,810. Jerusalem had 639 votes by the census of 1855, and 552families, 456 owners of land and 64 inhabitants over 21 years old unable to read and write.

In 1865 the town had 729 voters, 75 aliens, 551 families, 407 owners of land nad 41 over 21 years, unable to read and write.

Until 1803 there was about one Road District in what is now Jerusalem. Two principal highways, meeting at Robert CHISSOM'S, one leading to Potter's Mills in Augusta and the other to Daniel BROWN'S, were the chief roads of that section. At Daniel BROWN'S, the road passed in one direction across the valley to the DAVID and INGRAHAM neighborhood, in another direction, to the Friend's.

In 1803, George BROWN and Achilles COMSTOCK, Commissioners, and Benedict ROBINSON, Surveyor, laid otu the road from Isaac TOWNSEND'S (Kinney's Corners) to John BEDDOE'S. It is described as a road leading from Steuben County (Bluff Point) to David WAGENER'S Mills in Vernon, (now the mill of Jillett & Longwell).

In 1804 the road was surveyed by way of Daniel BROWN'S from Potter's Mills (Yatesville) to the south line of the town. This road was not all kept up. The same year a road was laid out from John INGRAHAM'S southwesterly to the town of Middletown (Italy). Also a road from Ezekiel SHERAMAN'S to Potter's Mills.

In 1805 the following division of road districts was made in Jerusalem: First, being the town of Vernon, running westerly by Samuel CLARK'S to the road running from Daniel BROWN'S to Potter's Mills. Second, beginning at the forks of the road about a mile westerly of Robert CHISSOM'S, running southwesterly to or near Samuel KEENEY'S. Third, beginning at the town of Vernon, running up by the Crooked Lake by Isaac TOWNSEND'S to the County line; also the road running from said TOWNSEND'S to No. 7 in 2nd range. Fourth being at the town of Augusta, running southerly to the corner of Daniel BROWN'S orchard; also a road from Asahel STONE'S school house running westerly and northerly to the town of Augusta. Fifth, being at or near Samuel KEENEY'S house, running west and south by Daniel BROWN'S, and all the roads south of Said BROWN'S and east of the mill creek in No. 7, in 2nd range.

Sixth, being on the bridge near Sarah CLARK'S old house, running westerly and southerly by John INGRAHAM's to the county line; also the road by said INGRAHAM'S to the town of Middletown. Seventh, beginning near Daniel BROWN'S, running northerly and westerly by Ezekiel SHEARMAN'S to the town of Augusta, as dividedby George BROWN and Achilles COMSTOCK, Commissioners of Highways and Daniel BROWN, Town Clerk.

In 1812, Joseph BENTON surveyed a road from near George BROWN'S Mills to the road leading from Daniel BROWN'S to Ezekiel SHEARMAN'S; Achillies COMSTOCK and Ezra RICE, Commissioners.

In 1814, John N. HIGHT surveyed a road described as follows: Beginning at the ridge road on the line between township 6 in the first range and township 6 in the second range; then northerly to the great road leading by John BEDDOE'S to "Penyang" ( Penn Yan). The other roads on the Point were surveyed by John N. HIGHT the same years, and the name of David MORSE appears with that of Richard WINSHIP and Achilles COIMSTOCK, as commissioners. Achilles COMSTOCK was Commissioner of Highways from 1803 to 1816. His son, Israel COMSTOCK was Commissioner of Highways in 1819, with Judah CHASE and Joel BABCOCK. His grandson, John COMSTOCK, is sole Commissioner of Highways for the town in 1870. Daniel BROWN appears on the records as Town Clerk from the first organization of the town till 1816. In the division of road districts in Jerusalem in 1817, one road was described as leading from Daniel BROWN'S to "Morrisville." (Penn Yan). George C. SHATTUCK was a Surveyor of Roads in 1817 and James BROWN Jr. and George BROWN, Commissioners. Alfred BROWN was a Commissioner in 1819. Alfred BROWN was a Surveyor of Roads in 1818 and Judah CHASE, Erastus COLE and Thomas SUTTON, Commissioners.

Jonathan COLEMAN, Wallace BENEDICT, George PALMER, Elnanhan BOTSFORD Jr., Henry BARNES, Job BABCOCK, Elijah BOTSFORD, John INGRAHAM, William H. TORRRANCE, Elizur BARNES, Samuel SAMPSON, Nathan N. HERRICK, Stephen BABCOCK, William HEWSON, Richard WINSHIP, John BEAL, John ANDERSON, Sully HERRICK, Leman DUNNING, James BROWN Jr., Horton ROUNDS, Seth HANCHETT, Benjamin BONNEY, Justus HATFIELD, Ebenezer SHATTUCK, Samuel WILLIAMS, Jesse IDE, Russell BRIGGS, John S. ROWLEY, Joseph COLE, Daniel EARL, Nathaniel COTHERN.

In 1820 Alfred BROWN surveyed the road on the town line next to Benton and Middlesex. Erastus COLE and Jasper COLE were Commissioners in Jerusalem. A. SWARTHOUSE and Stephen CHASE in Benton, and Israel ARNOLD and M. PUTNAM in Middlesex.

On Israel COMSTOCK'S authority it is related that the road from Italy Hill to Shearman's Hollow was cut through the woods at an early period, in one day. A gang of choppers begun at each end of the route and met about half way. This road fro was a long period a very important thoroughfare, by which great quantities of lumber were taken to the towns of Seneca and Phelps and plaster and other supplies taken back to Prattsburg and Wheeler and the far back regions that depended in the former days on the earlier settled nad more fruitful towns of Ontario. The most accustomed track was by way of Shearman's Hollow, Israel COMSTOCK'S, the Potter place, VOAK'S and FERGUSON'S.

	Acres		Acres
H. P. STURTEVANT	13	Isaac HERRICK,	1
Patrick GREGG,	18	Isaac HAIGHT,	1
Frank A. WAGENER,	7	John HAIGHT,	4
Harvey D. PRATT and		J. & R. SANDERSON,	9
Jeremiah S. JILLETT,	17	S. HORTON & Co.,	8
Frank M. MC DOWELL,	40	Frank KENYON,	4
Thomas VAN TUYL,	17	Abraham TAYLOR,	1
HESS & SMITH,	12	Benjamin KENYON,	1
Eli R. STEVER and		John C. FITZWATER,	2
William H. OLIN,	40	Morris BROWN,	10
James R. STEVER and		Erastus W. PARKER,	30
J. LLOYD,	11	Jacob HERRICK,	8
Alanson S. DUNNING,	5	John W. HUFF,	2
Lawson ROGERS	4	Gilbert T. STEWART,	2
George and Aaron HECK,	2	William CULVER,	8
Charles HEWINS,	2	Franklin CULVER,	3
Edward KENYON,	1	John CASTALINE,	1
David S. WAGENER,	4
At Kinney’s Corners and Vicinity
J. N. GILLETT and Dr. F. M.		John C. DINEHART,	2
HAMMOND,	15	Thomas BARROW,	2
Gen. E. SWIFT,	15	Daniel AUSTIN,	1
Gen. Eli LONG,	10	Jacob WEST,	2
S. B. COE and F. B.		Oren PENFIELD,	1
PATTERSON,	10	Henry R. SILL,	6
Isaac and Frank H. Purdy	3	Charles MOORE,	1/2
Isaac PURDY,	3	John MERRITT,	¼
Dr. Alvah B. CHISSOM,	3	Nancy BENNETT,	1
J. Warren BROWN,	3	Levi NORTHROP,	4
John MOXCEY,	2
Near Branchport.
S.S. ELLSWORTH,	8	George EDWARDS,	12
Harris COLE,	10	Joel DORMAN,	3
Samuel BOTSFORD,	1	Moses EDGETT,	3
Fred PARIS,	1 ½	D.H. BENNETT,	4
Solomon D. WEAVER,	1 ½	Levi MILLSPAUGH,	6
George STEVER,	3	David WRIGHT,	7
Peter STEVER,	7
Total acres			438 ¾

The only distilleries known to the history of Jerusalem are that of Daniel BROWN, Jr., and one at Kinney’s Corners, which was kept up there by Giles KINNEY and others. No distillery was ever erected on the Friend’s Tract.

The line separating the Beddoe Tract from the rest of the township was surveyed by Augustus PORTER in 1794. He states that the Tract is two miles in breadth from north to south, or 640 rods. He also states that the township contains 24, 661 acres, showing that he had re-surveyed its boundaries. His map shows a jog in the township line across the lake, which was afterwards corrected. By the correction, 103 acres were added to the Beddoe Tract on the east side of the lake.

A subsequent survey by Jabez FRENCH for the GREENS gives 24,914 acres for the township.

At an early period Anna WAGENER owned lots 2 and 53, and Jacob WAGENER lots 29, 30, 31, 43, and the west half of lot 4, and 100 acres of the east end of lot 44, Jonathan DAVIS having the east half. David WAGENER also had lots 49, 50, 51 and 52 and 48; Asahel STONE, lot 1; Daniel BROWN lots 5 and 20, and 60 acres of the east end of lot 29; Benjamin BROWN, lots 6 and 7, and one of the INGRAHAMS lot 42.

William CARTER, who had a considerable interest in the ownership of Jerusalem lands, was a Shaker and a very worthy man.

The first brick made in Yates county were manufactured in the brick yard of Benajah BOTSFORD, on what is now called the Street farm, on lot 1, Guernsey Survey.

The first saw mill on the inlet creek was that of Arnold POTTER, erected on the town line of Potter (then Augusta,) and Jerusalem. The next was the Friend’s mill, erected where Silas S. CHAMPLIN’s mill now stands, on lot 22. This was built about 1797.

Richard SMITH, of the Friend’s Society, commenced at an early day improvements on lot 29, where he built a saw mill. His grandson, David W. SMITH, still owns the same place and has a saw mill on the same ground.

The first grist mill in Jerusalem was erected where that of George ADAMS now stands, on lot 18, by George BROWN, about 1812. For some years it has been in part run by steam. The mill was once burned, when Elisha MILLS was the miller.

The second was the steam mill at Branchport, erected by Peter H. BITLEY in 1847.

The Plank Road from Penn Yan to Branchport was made in 1850. The use of plank has been abandoned several years and a solid road has been constructed by the use of gravel and broken stone. It is still maintained as a toll road, and has sometimes been a source of no little irritation on the part of the people, but there is no doubt the road in its present condition is one of decided public value.

By arrangement of Josiah WHITE, Albert R. COWING, Darwin SHATTUCK Jackson WRIGHT and other citizens of Jerusalem, Israel H. ARNOLD on the 13th of October 1870, made observations with his Transit Instrument, from which the following measurements are deduced. The summit in Italy, on Peter PULVER'S land, Lot 36, North East Survey, less than half a mile west of the Italy line, is 1,525 feet higher than Canandaigua Lake, 16 miles due north:

Italy Summit above Ansley's Stone House, 3 miles distant on Lot 14, Beddoe Tract, 120 rods east of the White School House Corners on Branchport and Italy Hill road - 507 feet

Schull's above Nathaniel G. Hibbard's Carriage House, distant 176 rods - 160 feet

N. J. Hibbard's above base of Keuka Hotel, Branchport, distant 400 rods (1 1/4miles) - 462 feet

At the White School House or Hurd's Corners, corner of lots 11, 12, 13, 14, Beddoe Tract, the descent westward to the line between lands of Albert R. COWING and Ezra LOOMIS was found to be 25 feet, distance 990 feet, or about 61 rods. From the latter point west to the Italy line, 440 rods, the elevation was 69 feet. So the Italy line at this point was found to be 6 feet below the White School House, and 811 feet above Lake Keuka. An the Italy Summit appears to be ,2,064 feet above Tide water.

One of the most striking natural features in Jerusalem is the great ravine know as the Big Gully. Its bed is the course of a rivulet having its source high up on the Green Tract, and running in almost a straight direction eastward to the inlet creek, which it joins in Larzelere's Hollow, on lot 19. Draining a considerable extent of country, when freshets occur it becomes a mighty stream, bearing along immense collections of debris gathered in its course, even to trees of large size and rocs weighing tons. The last three miles of its way is a deep rocky glen, which in the lapse of long ages has been hollowed out by this torrent. Ordinarily, at the present day, it is but a modest and beautiful little brook of clear and sparkling water. The glen is wild and romantic in the highest degree. Rocky ledges 300 feet in height form its precipitous walls, and the dark evergreen foliage of the pine and hemlock adds to the wild and picturesque beauty of its craggy scenery. This dark retreat was long a secure fastness for the untamed beasts of the wilderness. To the lover of bold, inspiring scenery or the student of nature, it must ever be a delightful resort, and it could with little difficulty be made accessible to all. This ravine has been made the subject of a highly creditable poem by Miles A. DAVIS, entitled, "The Shaded Stream."

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