AREA HISTORY PAGE ONE
 

STATE ROAD AND BARGE CANAL. (Feb. 2, 1911 paper)

Seneca Lake the Objective Point of Both these Great Improvements. The Seneca Lake is the objective point of the two great works internal improvement now in progress of completion in the Empire State. The System of the State Highways, which was considered in the Chronicle last week, touches both its head and it and skirts its western shore, the Barge Canal. Construction in its waters at the outlet, and will restore the commerance of' the past, before the days of railway Transportation. The Seneca. Central of the fruitful land between the Hudson River and Lake Erie and it is fitting that all thoroughfares should lead to its delights. The Superintendent of public Works in his annual- report of Canals of the State speaks of the Cayuga and Seneca Canal the proposed enlargement of the waterway. Two contracts have been awarded, having a total of $1,806,177, a saving under estimates of nearly $450,000. Based on the prices, for which these sections of work were let, it is believed that the whole project may be completed within the $6,000,000 appropriation. The magnitude of the undertaking tray he inferred from a comparison with on anal oat of the Cayuta and Seneca Canal, which was 4,000, expended from x8s6 to the distance is twenty. One miles, and the decent seventy-four. The Seneca and Cayuga Barge Canal will end at the outlet of the northeastern corner of the Lake, according to the according to the present plans instead of following the course to Geneva. While this portion of the waterway may ultimately be closed to traffic, This can not be-done at the option of the Canal Board, on account continual provisions which prevents the abandonment of any public waters without authority. (this part of article cut off) would have to be refinished or safe-guarded against becoming detrimental to the locality. The probabilities are that it will still be kept open for the-passage of smaller craft than barges. The Barge Canal; will be protected - by breakwaters at its of merging with Seneca Lake. - Near this point the engineers have problem in connection with the tracks of the Lehigh Valley Railway There are at present two bridges over the stream both of long of which have been constructed long since the waters were open to navigation The claim that the replacing of these bridges at with one structure at a considerable higher altitude, should be done. Holly at the expense of the State seems unfounded from the fact that the outlet has always been considered a portion of the Cayuta and Seneca Canal. Sod at the beginning of its course is located the guard-lock constructed to control the level of the Lake. This costly work which has wrought great damage by flooding the valley lands at the head of Seneca, will require entire removal. The Canal plans are said to include the erection of extensive warehouses along -its course for the storage of grain and goods shipped-and received via the waterway- These structures are to be built by the State, and will form an important adjunct of the system of water transportation. History will repeat itself should storehouses be again in place at available points along the shores of Seneca Lake, in which might be stored for shipment baled hay and straw and other bulky products of the farm. The builders of the Barge Canal are building for the future. For a time when the population of the Lake Country will have doubled and quadrupled when every available acre will have been put to use and every favorable location will be the seat of enterprise. These are no idle dreaming of time hour, but the plain facts that coming generations are to know. The Seneca Lake is the most important body of water of the Central New York Country. It occupies the most favorable location and extends farther southward than any of the navagatable waters of this section. This brings its head over the thickest portion of saline bed, and renders it nearest to the coal deposits of Pennsylvania The salt manufacture of Seneca, extensive as at is at the present in it the beginning of its development The coal transshipment works of the future will be of much greater magnitude than of the past, for barges will convey the product to all the centers of industry from New York Bay to the Great Lakes The resuming of traffic down the Catharine Valley by the Erie Railway is indicative of this, and time will see a spur of the Lackawanna Railway into Watkins. There never was a period in history of the Head of Seneca Lake, when more opportunity was before capital for permanent and remunerative investment than at the opening of this auspicious year of 1911.central of the fruitful land between the Hudson River and Lake Erie and it is fitting that all thoroughfares should lead to its delights. The superintendent of Public Works in his annual- report of Canals of the State speaks of the Cayuga and Seneca Canal the proposed enlargement of the waterway. Two contracts have been awarded, having a total of $1,806,177, a saving under estimates of nearly $450,000. Based on the prices, for which these sections of work were let, it is believed that the whole project may be completed within the $6,000,000 appropriation. The magnitude of the undertaking tray he inferred from a comparison little on anal oat of the Cayuta and Seneca Canal, which was 4,000, expended from x8s6 to the distance is twenty. One miles, and the decent seventy-four. The Seneca and Cayuga Barge Canal will end at the outlet of the northeastern corner of the Lake, according to the according to the present plans instead of following the course to Geneva. While this portion of the waterway may ultimately be closed to traffic, This can not be-done at the option of the Canal Board, on account conational provisions which prevents the abandonment of any public waters without authority. (this part of article cut off) would have to be refinished or safeguarded against becoming detrimental to the locality. The probabilities are that it will still be kept open for the-passage of smaller craft than barges. The Barge Canal; will be protected - by breakwaters at its of merging with Seneca Lake. - Near this point the engineers have problem in connection with the tracks of the Lehigh Valley Railway There are at present two bridges over the stream both of long of which have been constructed long since the waters were open to navigation The claim that the replacing of these bridges at with one structure at a considerable higher altitude, should be done wholly at the expense of the State, seems unfounded from the fact that the outlet has always been considered a portion of the Cayuta and Seneca Canal. Sod at the beginning of its course is located the guard-lock constructed to control the level of the Lake. This costly work which has wrought great damage by flooding the valley lands at the head of Seneca, will require entire removal. The Canal plans are said to include the erection of extensive warehouses along -its course for the storage of grain and goods shipped-and received via the waterway- These structures are to be built by the State, and will form an important adjunct of the system of water transportation. History will repeat itself should storehouses be again in place at available points along the shores of Seneca Lake, in which might be stored for shipment baled hay and straw and other bulky products of the farm. The builders of the Barge Canal are building for the future. For a time when the population of the Lake Country will have doubled and quadrupled when every available acre will have been put to use and every favorable location will be the seat of enterprise. These are no idle dreaming of time hour, but the plain facts that coming generations are to know. The Seneca Lake is the most important body of water of the Central New York Country. It occupies the most favorable location and extends farther southward than any of the navigable waters of this section. This brings its head over the thickest portion of saline bed, and renders it nearest to the coal deposits of Pennsylvania The salt manufacture of Seneca, extensive as at is at the preset in it the beginning of its development The coal transshipment works of the future will be of much greater magnitude than of the past, for barges will convey the product to all the centers of industry from New York Bay to the Great Lakes The resuming of traffic down the Catharine Valley by the Erie Railway is indicative of this, and time will see a spur of the Lackawanna Railway into Watkins. There never was a period in the history of the Head of Seneca Lake, when more opportunity was before capital for permanent and remunerative investment than at the opening of this auspicious year of 1911.

*************************************************************************************

PAINTED POST The name was given over to this locality long prior to the settlement. Erection or Organization; of either the township or the county, there is little doubt. The name appears to have been a landmark well known, throughout the bounds of frontier civilization. The locality, a favorite region of the roving tribes of the Six Nations which they used for a Council and Game Park until it was destroyed by the invasion of the white man. There has been no traditions or record of an Indian battle being fought upon these grounds, either before or after the appearance of civilization. A favorite haunt of the red man long previous to its settlement by the whites is surely indicated by the abundance of Indian relics found scattered in and around the valleys. Stone hatchets, flint arrows and lance points, pottery, mortars and graves abound in great profusion. Many of these mementos of the past and

PAINTED POST
Most of the information below was taken from the booklet titled “History of the Town and Village of Painted Post”
This booklet was written by Charles H. Erwin and published in 1874. In parts of this narration it is being stated by Mr. Erwin himself.
This booklet was secured at the Painted Post-Erwin Museum located in the RR Depot in Painted Post. Permission was given to me by the Principal Docent, Jamie O. Bosket, as long as I mentioned the source.
PAINTED POST The name was given over to this locality long prior to the settlement. Erection or Organization; of either the township or the county, there is little doubt. The name appears to have been a landmark well known, throughout the bounds of frontier civilization. The locality, a favorite region of the roving tribes of the Six Nations which they used for a Council and Game Park until it was destroyed by the invasion of the white man. There has been no traditions or record of an Indian battle being fought upon these grounds, either before or after the appearance of civilization. A favorite haunt of the red man long previous to its settlement by the whites is surely indicated by the abundance of Indian relics found scattered in and around the valleys. Stone hatchets, flint arrows and lance points, pottery, mortars and graves abound in great profusion. Many of these mementos of the past and curiosities of the present have been gathered. In post-holes sinking it not unusual to find graves, in which are the bones, Indian pottery, arrows and amulets. (Mr. Erwin) While sinking a posthole on the southwest corner of the lot upon which our residence new stands, we exhumed an Indian skeleton and found an arrow point, as white. As marble, and some pieces of broken pottery; and in 1860. At the Bronson block an Indian skeleton while excavating. Bronson Block is on the SW corner of Hamilton and Water Streets. This grave contained the bones of a very large person, the thigh and arm bones being of unusual length; it was buried in a sitting posture as was indicated by the skull, vertebra and rib bones being massed, while the bones of the legs were extended and regularly placed; the broken, but well preserved pieces of Indian pottery and arrow points, showing that he had been amply provided with ammunition and cooking utensils for the long journey to the happy hunting grounds. These indications alone, was sufficient evidence that for ages before, this was a well known and favorite locations of the numerous tribes of native Americans, throughout the whole country; but we shall be able to present other and, more conclusive proofs. From quotations of legal documents, deeds of purchase and titles of the Pultney and Hornby estates.

THE NAME- PAINTED POST

The origin of this name, is found in a curious fact, unknown as a custom of the Indians, the erection of a monument to the memory of the brave Seneca Chief Montour a half-breed and son of the distinguished Queen Catherine. Of Wyoming celebrity died in the year 1779 from wounds received at the battle of Freeling’s Fort on the west branch of the Susquehanna River, and buried under an elm at Painted Post. This account of the name, death and grave, of Capt. Montour was told by Mr. Taggart, a young boy Who was at the time a prisoner under the notorious Tory, Captain McDonald. and was present at the burial. A similar account from Col. Harper, but he did not mention the name, (History of Steuben County pg. 51) A difference of opinion regarding the place where Montour- was wounded. Some authorities say it was at the battle of the Hogback just below and near Newtown, (now City of Elmira) but none exist as to the place of his death and burial, as the following account by the late Capt. Samuel Adams, who received it by interpreter’ from the mouth of the renowned Seneca Chief Cornplanter, in 1833, substantially proves. Capt. Adams said, “At the urgent request of Capt. Samuel Erwin, to call upon this chief and get if possible, a correct version of the facts regarding the post found here and in need of repairs. Cornplanter’s on the Allegany River, Interpreter Benjamin Marsh, Jr. and called upon the distinguished chief I had not a little difficulty approaching him, as he assumed the dignity of an unconquered sovereign, which in truth he was; his peace and good will having been purchased only with an annuity and reservation from the Government.
Through the kindness of Mr. Marsh, who introduced me as a person of distinguished influence, who had came from a great distance to get from him some reliable description as to the exact location or the origin of the name Painted Post. He motioned me to a seat upon one of three stools, which with was a rude deer skin lounge and an old table, constituted the entire furniture of their reception, and I believe only room of his palace. I noticed his yet dark black eyes sparkle, his nostril expands, and the faintest possible smile pass over his usually sad features at the mention of Painted Post. Momentary excitement, recalled doubtless, by the mention of the name appeared on his face. Being seated, without a moments hesitation he related briefly through his interpreter, ‘that a great chief and brave was taken sick, died and was buried under the shade of an elm, on the north side near the month of Conhocton river. At the same time he mapped it out on the ground floor and marking with his knife the place of the grave of Cornplanter and that he was one of the council that placed over the grave a post, stained with the juice of the wild strawberry, to mark the spot. Nothing was said to make him divulge the name or tribe of this great chief. He did explain the moons and winters, as at that he was more than 106 years old. Undoubtedly Cornplanter did not consider it politic or consistent with that of a great chief to acknowledge wounds, or revel the name of a chief or a brave to received wounds in the in the losing battles of the Six Nations with frontier civilization. Another witness, Mr. Little, a young man from Northumberland, Pa. was with General Sullivan in the battles of the Hogback and other battles of the Chemung. He as taken prisoner and with Taggart by McDonald to Canada. After his escape he on his journey stopped a few days with Benjamin Patterson. He informed him, ‘‘that Captain Montour was wounded at the Hogback, taken up the river in a canoe to Painted Post., where he died and was buried. That it was spoken of in the camp in Canada before his escape. Through Indian history and others who kept journals it was well known that Queen Catherine had sons fighting the borders. Col. Harper and Little were with Sullivan and did report that Chief Montour died after being wounded on the Susquehanna. A Post was erected over his grave and the stained post found by the first settlers was the same. Edmond Cooper, a resident of the village, Robert Patterson of our town, Mr. Samuel Cook of Campbell and other have seen it and pointed out the same spot. Being pointed out by other residents Capt. Samuel Erwin, Francis Erwin, and other while living have each shown by Cornplanter’s knife on the map he drew on the ground floor. It was within a few feet and in front of the NE corner of Messrs. Stout and Hurd’s wagon shop. The Attorney General of New York State reported on December 1786 the western part of this state including what is now the county of Steuben, was in possession of the native Indians. The first settlement of the civilized man in this county of Steuben as made by William Harris, from Pennsylvanian. His home was situated very near the north end of the Conhocton Bridge in the village. While he was in Pa. for a visit at Christmas time, his house was burned. He was an Indian Trader. (also stated in Steuben History page 29,32 and 51) April 1, 1788 Messrs. Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham purchased the pre-emption right (see photos and article on this area) of the State of Massachusetts. On July 8th 1788 they purchased the right of soil of the Five Nations of Indians to the lands comprising the counties of Steuben, Yates, Ontario, part of Genesee and Livingston. And about half of Allegany. These men took immediate possession and had it surveyed into townships and the towns into sections. Gen. Porter of Niagara (thought to be) was one of the surveyors. Early summer of 1789 while the surveyors was no finished the work in this vicinity, Co1. Arthur Erwin a man from Erwina, Bucks County, Pa., came to Painted Post with a drove of cattle to Canandarque. (Canandaigua) Erwin along with an Indian guide climbed to the summit of the surrounding mountains. He was much impressed with the beautiful view. He hastily made his trip to Canandaigua to the offices of Phelps and Gorham. He purchased the land that is now Erwin. Within 24 hours a man Judge Eleazur Lindley for the same land and he subsequently purchased what is now Lindley. The Purchase of the lands (July 9, 1789) from Phelps and Gorham was Fourteen hundred pounds. They spelled his name on the deed, (Arthur) Arwin, naming he came from Bucks Co. Pa. It stated that is was located in the county of Ontario, NY state, being townships # 2 in the second range of Town being six miles north of Pa. line and six miles west of the Massachusetts Pre-Emption being six miles square, containing 23,040 acres by the name of Painted Post. This deed was recorded from Nathaniel Gorham, at Albany Feb. 9, 1792, at the request of Mr. Arwin (Erwin) Sept. 1790 Co. Arthur Erwin, Solomon Bennett, Joel Thomas, and Uriah Stephens purchased the towns of Hornellsville and Canisteo. It was described as lands being in the district of Erwin and known by the name of Old Canistear Castle. Erwin came from near Antrim, Ireland before the Revolution. He settled Erwina, Bucks Co. Pa., almost opposite Frenchtown, NJ. He was owner of land extending eight or nine miles along the West Bank of the Delaware River. He served in the Revolution War and shortly afterward purchased almost 5000 acres in the Chemung Valley, near Tioga Point. (Athens) than in 1789 and 1790 he made a purchase of the town of Erwin and parts of the town Hornellsville and Canisteo. He married twice and had ten children. Among his sons, Capt. Samuel, Francis and Maj. Arthur were also early settlers of the town and vicinity. On a return trip he stopped at the house of Daniel McDuffe, one of his tenants, near Tioga Point. He sat listening to violin music being played by same, he as shot from outside and fell to the floor. Several hours later he died. Blame was placed on an ex-squatter by the name of Thomas, who that night was reported to have stolen a horse. He was never heard from again. Great dispute were blamed for several threats that if being ejected from land they now held they would kill the one who claimed the land. Col Erwin was the only victim of these threats. Painted Post was organized in 1793, taking in the six townships of Hornby, Campbell, Erwin, Lindley, Corning and Caton. Eli Mead was one of the first settlers and the first Supervisor.

**********************************************************

The below letter was sent by a former resident of the area. She was known as Miss Eunice Dowling, brought up on Cobble Hill. She married Mr. J. D. Engle.

THE LEGENDS OF COBBLE HILL(Feb. 1901

A locality in the town of Orange where drilling is now in progress.

The following story was written years ago by Eunice Dowling, a girl brought up on a farm on the edge of Cobble Hill, which happens to be in the Schuyler County adjacent to the newly developed gas field.

She graduated from Cook Academy and Cornell University went west and was married to J. D. Engle, of Minneapolis where they have lived since resided. When she read in the Watkins paper, of the recent gas development going on in sight of her old home, she remembered her story, as it recalled to her mind the incidents of the legend of those early days, which in the light of present development is, has seemed to turn a fancy into a reality. And she now believes that when drilling has proceeded far enough the prospectors will find the mother pool oil and gas and even the more precious minerals underneath her old farm. You have never heard of Cobble HILL? ' This is because those acquainted with the place have not yet claimed its wonder to the world lieBe mine the first attempt. I will not tell you Its- exact -location, but will Only NY that It is away up among the hills of the Empire State. It is not noted as the birthplace of any distinguished man, nor is it famous as summer resort; neither does it go up -to the sides a summit ever white with snow; still to the dwellers round about, they’re crackling wood fires. But repeat stories and legends of Cobble Hill I remember two old geography pictures which - astonished my childish mind and have never been forgotten. One was a party descending the Alps.-A lady-seated upon a mule, clinging to it with desperate tenacity, while the guides- were holding It back with all- their might., The other was a picture of. some venture some travelers coming down Mt. Vesuvious.; they came down much more - hastily than gracefully - Some such experience might be yours, should you attempt to visit Cobble Hill. You would surely think You would think with longing of the valley from which you came, however much you might be delighted with the views-of forest-crowned hills, quiet little villages and peaceful blue lakelets. Many. a day I have wandered thru the pine woods and high bushes on the top of the hill in search of berries, or to take a look once more with wandering ayes upon the spot of special interest, a deep hole which has been dug in the highest part end and went home with hands hail of lilies and wintergreen. pondered upon the mystery of the bill. Years ago they say, the place proved rather troublesome to . the inhabitants of the houses nearby Just be--- a storm a- terrible roaring would heard In the bill, and the ground would shake for some distance around, even shaking the dishes from t he shelves in the house where we afterward lived and causing the water in the wells and springs to turn black as ink. Naturally. such strange demist rations caused much consternation in the neighborhood. and many discussions were held regarding the commotion .A mineral rod man was sent for in the hope of solving the mystery of this underground disturbance. After moving his rod from down in the depths of the earth, on a level with the roots of an oak tree a ways down the hillside, a vein, of gold was hidden Immediately the oldest inhabitants remembered a story, which had been handed down from his ancestors that the Indians had found gold there and after taking all they wanted had and had covered up the place so that its riches might never come into the possession of their white conquerors . Filled with a thrust for wealth and anxious besides to still -(--------paper cut off) ----ging for some time hiding some of the dirt full of shinning particles and some black so the opinion was divided as to when they should finally find gold or coal; but one or the other was surely to give them the reward of their labors. The work came to a sudden one day when one of the workman was badly hurt by a falling stone. After this all enthusiasm seemed to have left them and they never even returned for their tools but left them till they were buried by the earth which constantly fell from the side of the hole until it was nearly full. The roaring and shaking of the earth seemed to have ceased though a few superstitious people still declared, “that occasionally they could hear the roaring in the know.” as one man called it. I thought not superstitious can remember that when a child. my mother would often call us to the door after a heavy summer shower to hear the noises apparently proceeding from the inside of the hill. There was a continuous and resounding roar that lasted for about an hour. We children with voices filled with awe would say, “That is the roaring in the knob” only a few years ago some men suddenly began digging again in the hill. Whether they had dreams that there was hidden a chest of gold and they had found it at the end of the rainbow. I do not know but they seemed to be more successful in their predecessors, for they found curious stones and shinning earth. Probably someone spoke or it thundered so that the buried treasure sank beyond their reach else their perseverance failed before they had accomplished their purpose. Mandy other stories are told of wonderful discoveries made in the vicinity of Cobble hill. Some children who have now grown to manhood and womanhood. used to amuse themselves by playing about a well in the woods. It was n larger around than a dinner plate, and very deep. Then they would take long poles and try to sound its depths, but however, long the poles were, they never touched the bottom and finally people said that the well was bottomless and shuddered as they thought of the deep. black-looking water, going on down, down to where? As the field was used for pasture, it is posed that the well was covered up lest it might prove dangerous to the cattle, at least, it is no more to be found. Though during the winter, this hill is the coldest places for miles around, the wind never ceasing its reveling there and the snow drifting and heaping all about , yet in one spot, a small circular place the snow melts as fast as it falls, and however deep the now elsewhere it is always bare ground within this circle. No one has attempted to explain the reason but it is connected with the other mysteries and together they remain as unsolvable as the riddle of the Sphinx. Once when my sister and I were berrying, we wandered farther over the hill than usual and came to a very strange looking place, it was a small place, very steep, but without any trees on it, full of little mounds, long and narrow and in rows with large queer shaped stones lying among them, some of them looking as though they had been traced with strange characters. We as others feeling that every foot of ground held a secret, imagined ourselves in an Indian berrying ground , and a feeling of deep solemnity came over us as we pictured to oueselves, the company of noble braves and dark squaws who might have gone from this charming place to the happy hunting grounds leaving only these mounds as a reminder of their race. near the top of the hill where the road winds around its summit is an old deserted house. It is decaying . It is back in a yard filed with miles? and flag, and other old fashioned flowers and plants. It is long since the house was inhabited except by owls and bats and the families of birds who find her shelter for their nests. It is known ass the Azuba house because that was the home of its last occupant. The house became hers by inheritance and she with an older sister came here from some faraway place to live. She was young and fair. too fair for so lowly a home, and soon it was rumored that she was to wed a man of wealth and position and became the pride of his beautiful home. The wedding day dawned bit the bridegroom laid a lay a corpse in his distant home. The, bride overcome with anguished at the news, rushed from the house, an though her friends followed her it was in her footsteps. for they could find no trace of footsteps. She had disappeared and never again was she seen by any surviving It is said that every year on of the anniversary of the wedding day, the lost Azuba may be seen, and in her bridal robes, wandering about her former home in search of the missing bridegroom. It is only a story.. We do, not believe in ghosts and never watch to see the spirit of the lost maiden haunts her last earthly dwelling place, still, if there! ghosts, we would not be Surprised if they found a home on Cobble Hill as did the mythical Grecian Gods find an abode on Mr. Olympus. Those are the legends already told of Cobble Hill. The future will probably add still more, until the place will have a complete mythology of its own.

NOTE: (Since the above legendary story was written, a vein of coal has been opened in this vicinity. Both gold and silver were taken out of a shaft. I search of minerals. The chips taken out of the shaft sent to the Horne smelting works of Chicago and assayed were found to contain $97.70 in silver and $2.00 of gold to the ton at a depth of 101 feet. Mr. Engle now has the above assays in his possession. A coal mine was also discovered in immediate neighborhood of Cobble Hill. Mrs. Engle’s brother remembers reaching into the mine and taking out samples of a high-grade quality of coal.) Mr. Engle, as Superintendent, for the Cobble Hall Oil and Gas Company, is now moved a drilling rig into this farm said it was down about 500 feet on his gas well and every indication that be will strike a good one. Mr. Engle is at present making his headquarters at Bradford, N. Y.

A second article appeared in the news paper Feb. 15, 1931.

LEGENDS of Cobble Hill may come true. The little elevation is located in Schuyler County adjacent to the newly developed gas fields there. The success of these present ventures have recalled to Mrs. J. D. Engle's to a story she wrote in her youth. She was brought up on the edge of Cobble Hill. Mr. Engle has come East again. Whether his trip here is due to the legend penned by his wife and inspired by mysterious rumblings under the earth of Cobble Hill, or whether he came because of the gas that has been discovered in close proximity to Mrs. Engle’s girlhood home doesn’t matter. He is super-intendant of the Cobble Head Oil and Gas Company and has moved _____to dig onto the farm. He has a distance of 500 feet in gas and it is optimistic, as Mr. Engle over the outcome. At present he is making his headquarters in Bradford, Pa. A mine has been discovered in the immediately neighborhood of the hill. Mrs. Engle first read in this newspapers of the re development going on in of area of her old home. In the light of present development seem t have turned a reality.

*********************************************************************

THE PAINTED POST FIRE

The MOST DISASTROUS EVER EXPERIENCED BY THE VILLAGE

(Correspondence of the Advertiser)

PAINTED POST, N.Y., July 17. (? 1884)The fire here this morning broke out at about 12:45 o'clock in the vacant lot of the north end of

Van Orsdale & Casterline's grocery and provision store and consumed four buildings. The saloon and grocery store of W. E. Howell was destroyed, loss being $1,200, insured for $700. The second floor was occupied as a shoe shop by J. M. Sawyer; whose lose is $300, no Insurance. Van Orsdale & Casterline lose on their stock $2,500; insured for $2,000. On the meat market of O.Randall the loss was $300; no insurance. Both buildings were owned by B.C. Wood. The lose on the grocery and variety store of G.S.Smith, building and stock, was $2,500 insurance for $I, 5OO. The long double building house also owned by B. C. Wood and occupied by two families was consumed, Their loss being $1,800. Wood has only $1,2000 insurance on all his buildings. The fire communicated to the mansard roof at the Bronsun house and that fine hotel, the pride of our village, was soon one mess of flames. This building was owned and kept by J. C. Born, whore loss is $10,000; Insured for$6,000. The east Walls of Bronson's bank are sprung. This is a fireproof building unit cut off further progress of the fire westward. The building In probably damaged to the extent of $1,000 Some at the plate glass in the windows of Bronson's brick block were cracked by the intense heat. A steamer from Elmira, accompanied by a hose company from Corning, arrived about 2:40 a.m., too late to render any assistance. They will please accept the; thanks our citizens.

************************************************************************

Early History of Starkey (printed 1907)

LakeMont Alias Eddytown, Once a Strong Competitor of Dundee
Starkey seminary Monthly The village of Lakemont, nestling along the old stage road from Geneva to the head of Senaca has a situation that is ideal for health and loveliness. It overlooks Seneca Lake, and occupies a broad plateau, which was anciently a seabed, when Seneca was a great inland sea. In process of time the waters subsided and the present gorge of Seneca was channeled out ___and the heads _____position of the place, and made it their home. Here they were four hundred feet above the lake, and they could have a clear view of water and shore for miles and miles to the front, or to the north or south. Easily the mind can rebuild the primitive habitations of the savage, some of them right here on the Seminary grounds, and one can see the dusky warrior pursuing the chase in the forest or plying the lake in the light canoe. Even to this day the plowman, as he turns his furrow, often throws up rude implements which the red man once used in his fishing or his handiecrafts. But the Seneca's were allies of the British in the Revolution, and after the war they made deadly raids and massacres on the white settlers in the wilderness. In the summer of 1779 Washington and Congress determined to break the spirit of the Seneca's and stop their devastations forever. So General Sullivan was dispatched into the Lake Country with a force of 5,000 men. He encountered the Indians and Tories under Brant and Walter Butler, near the present city of Elmira, where they had fortified themselves with the log barricades and earthworks. After stubborn fight he routed them with such slaughter that they ever dared face him again so he marched as he pleased about Seneca Lake, destroying all their villages were quiet extensive. They occupied substantial house, some of them having a second story. They had ample granaries extensive orchards, wide fields of grain and enclosures for cattle. All these resources he completely destroyed, after reserving that he needed for his troops. In all he had burned about forty villages, some of them having more than a hundred houses. The orchards he cut down, the grain fields he set on fire and the cattle he drove away. It is computed that if the corn that he burned had been harvested it would have returned 180,000 bushels to the red man. Everywhere he made a clean sweep, driving the Indians to their refuge under the wing of the British at Fort Niagara, and making it impossible for them to find sustenance in the Lake Region if they were to venture back again. Naturally after the Lake Region had been swept free of the Indian, the next step in history would be the settlement by the whites, and naturally again the first settlements would be on the eastern side of the lake. This would be the first cleared tract to be met, and the pioneers would have the advantage of enjoying the fruit of any trees that Sullivan might have missed in his burnings. As tradition has it, the first white settler on the site of Lakemont was William eddy, who worked a farm here for some years. But he got wind of a phantom fortune awaiting him in Ireland and so he sold out and went after what was not there, and passes out of this history, except as he left the legacy of his came in the title of the village, which was called Eddytown for a hundred years. The actual settlement of the village came later. In 1800 a colony came to the east side of the lake from Sandgate Vermont. The next year the three brothers Royce; Mathew, Simon and Reuben and with them Abner Hurd crossed the lake and settled upon farms in the heart of Eddytown. The Lakemont that now is. They were soon followed by others, and the land was speedily occupied. The houses of the three Royce Brothers were along the stage line between Geneva and the head of the Seneca and the most of the homes were built at first along the highway and so made the village a long street rather than a compact settlement a feature which remains characteristic to this day.
******************************************************************

WORK OF A CYCLONE Hornellsville, Belmont and Friendship in the Track - Building Blown down and Unroofed Orchards Uprooted.
One Man killed A girl stuck by lightning. Several Persons Slightly Injured. An the in the storms path. Hornellsville July 6, 1884 The most destructive wind Storm that ever visited this section was witnessed yesterday afternoon about 3 o‘clock, three miles northeast of this place. IL cams from the southwest, and was accomplished with torrents of rain. Although the storm was wide spread, the whirlwind that the destruction was limited in extent, covering a territory about 1100 500 ft. wide, and about two miles in length. This territory con-tamed a loge number of farm houses and barns. Scarcely a building escaped. The first one struck was a large barn belonging to Stewart Shine. This was situated in the direct path of the storm as it entered the valley of the Big creek. The barn was completely demolished and the debris thrown in every direction, Five men were in the barn at the time, but all escaped without injury except one, a man named Gifford, who was slightly bruised. Entering the valley, the storm raged with furious velocity. Fences for a long distance were leveled and rails thrown in all directions. The scene was a wild one. Trees were blown down, others torn up by the roots and twisted in every shape. ‘Telegraph and telephone wires were also prostrated. On the farm of O. Seares a fine orchard was uprooted. A. tenant house was also destroyed. Iii fact, there was nothing left to show that a house had once stood there, except a few splinters mixed with the wreck of house hold goods. The escape from instant death of the occupants was marvelous. The house was occupied by Frank Palmer, who, with his wife and child and Luster Dyer, of this place, buried in the ruins. Mrs. Palrner’s arm was fractured, Dyer had several bad gashes cut in his head and face, and Palmer was somewhat bruised. The large farmhouse belonging to Mr. Searles, Mr Searles almost opposite was uprooted on one side. Two large barns near the house and two sheds were entirely destroyed. James Kingkade, who works the farm, saw the storm coming and started for the house. He opened the door and stepped inside just as the wind struck the house. The wind was so violent that he was unable to close take door, and the windows on the silo of the house were blown out and the roof torn off in a moment. A man -at work, in a field over the brow of-the hill said that he could see boards and other debris whirling through the air at a great height. On the farm of William D. Sayles a creamery, which had just been built, was destroyed, the farm house unroofed,two barns blown down and the orchard uprooted. A little girl of Mr. Searles’s was slightly injured. L Spaulding had two barns blown down and one uprooted, but his house was uninjured. George Bardeen had a large new barn entirely demolished and another lifted from its foundation and’ carried six or eight feet. Several large sheds were also blown down. Mr. Roan and his little boy were sitting in the back part of his house when the storm broke, carrying away the entire rear half of the house. Mr. Roan’a back was injured by failing timbers. The boy was also somewhat bruised. A barn and shed were entirely destroyed. Two barns opposite we’re badly damaged. At the farm occupied by Mr. Phillips two houses were unroofed, and a barn, shed and tool-house were blown down. The loss is incalculable but it amounts in many single instance to between $1,000 and $2,000,

*********************************************************
 

**************************************************************

TIOGA NOTES

Mr. Brown's Stolen, Team, The Faring and other Interests

(1884)

(Correspondence of the Advertiser). I
Tigoa Pa. Aug. 26. —Aug 26 M. B. Brown, of Somer‘s Line, was in town today and relates an exciting story of thee pursuit and capture of his stolen team, an account which appeared in the Advertiser last week. Mr. Brown returned on Saturday night with his team. The thieves escaped by jumping from the wagon and running, but one of them dropped his satchel when a shot struck him on the knee.
—A larger quantity of peaches was sold in ‘this town this week’ than in any three weeks of previous years, and neither market could supply the demand.
—A light frost was visible on Monday morn. A heavy fog rote and but little damage was done.
—Mrs. G. P. Watrous, of Lewisburg, Pa, has been visiting old-time friends in this vicinity.
—A large number of our citizens are attending court this week at Wellsburg.
—Professor and Mrs. N. A. Miller, of Elmira spent Sunday with his parents.
----Rev. G W Howland is visiting his daughter, Mrs. V. I.. McAllister.
—Miss Ada Inscho, of Elmira is visiting relatives and friends in this town.
—The presiding elder preached in the M. E church on Sunday evening.
—-Two car loads of sheep were loaded and shipped from here to—day
__C. D Miller has the fattest horse and hound in the county.
__Mrs. E. A. Dillistin is in Elmira attending a silver wedding anniversary.
__Deacon A. S. Kenney is able to be on the streets again.
__The potato rot has struck this locality
__School commences next Monday.

**************************************************************

Herald Tribune 1931

Indian Death Drums Rumble at Seneca As Lake Rocks Slip Geologists Rob liquors of Ancient Superstition in Explaining Earth's Groans

Ithaca, NY June the death drums of the Iroquois"are rumbling again over Lakes Cayuga and Seneca, In the heart or the region the once was the stronghold of the fiercest of eastern tribesmen. Out of the dim past, out of the wig wams out of the Forests prim evil before the coming of the white man came the legend giving the name by which the unexplained Phentnaenon is known to this day. The sounds, not Imagined but real, come in series, separated by irregular Intervals only on calm days, at a time of air stagnation Or in the dead or night, about this time of the year. The Seneca's explained the weird revelations in this legend: Once there was a Seneca brave straight as an arrow, The great Agayentah fierce in battle, kind in peace, calm The council fire. One day near Seneca Castle (now Geneva) Whither the trail of the bear had lead him. Agayentah rested and took shelter from the approaching storm. Lightning, the arrow of the Great Hunter, struck Down tree and man alike, hurling bow into the waters of the Seneca Lake. They floated out upon ht surface and not until the sun went down did they disappear. And since that time the death drums sound, as explained In the legend at that the Seneas would never forget Agayentah great in battle. But geologists, no believers In super natural offer several theories in explanation At the reverberations. One is that the booming results From fault movements rock beds at or under the lake bottom slipping past or over each other. Others suggest that the sound from the rise of bubbles of gas originating lass the originating in the depth of the lake. and bursting on reaching the top. It is credited with Old Seneca is a lake of eccentricities. It is credited with being the deepest body of water wholly within The United States. With the single exception of Lake Michigan. Only four times in the memory of white men has it frozen it had frozen over. At 210 ft. down it maintains a uniform temperature of 7 degrees above freezing, frogs and evaporation are almost Unknown. It has been a called the most treacherous lake in America. With a south Wind the lake will change From a mis-leading calm to an angry roughness in ten minutes Waves sometimes roll higher than a house. Sometimes, despite its expanse thirty-six miles in length and it rises to five miles in width it rises or drops as much as two feet within a few hours. Near the head Of the Lake and on the Eastern Shore stand palisades, like the buttresses of old fortifications. Upon the faces of these ages ago the Indians left painted stories of their deeds and the record remains as their memorial. Old fortification. `Upon the faces of these ages ago, the Indians left painted' cannel Of their deeds sad l the record remains as their memory.

**************************************************************

OUR VILLAGE HISTORY TOLD 36 YEARS AGO (Aug. 19, 1931)

The following article, with illustrate, appeared in the Rochester

June 15, 1895 Post Express
Watkins Glen.June 15
Probably there is no village in the world more well known than Watkins, at the head of Seneca Lake a village that has a about three thousand inhabitant, it is beautifully laid out and has been made famous owing to its glen attractions. The place is known far and wide as a summer resort and had been visited by persons representing almost every nation, on the globe. Watkins once the favorable resort of the Seneca Indians, the "Happy Hunting ground" of that spot of all known spot where all like to visit. It has an interesting history, and noted for its unsurpassed scenery. It is one of the village in Western New York.that it is talked about more than any most others. Watkins is located in the towns of Dix and Reding but mostiy in the town that was named after John A.Dix. It Is the capital of Schuyler County, that was formed from Steuben,Chemung and Thompkins Counties, April 17th, 1854, and is named in honor of General Phillip Schuyler. Watkins dates . back as far as 1788 when Wolcott and Wilson, . Culver and Smith and. George Fausett with their families moved into this region and erected their cabins. Wilson and Smith are buried in the old County Grave yard on the county line. The settlement here was first called "Culvers Town’ after David Culver, whose Inn was south of the Glen entrance. John Dow a native of Connectiut. was another pioneer of this county. he came here in 1789 and in the summer of 179 raised a large crop of corn at the head of Seneca lake. It was John Dow who built one of the first log cabins a few rods north of the post office that was erected in the region then: assisted in building. a mansion en :the west hill known as the "White House." This was the residence of John W. Watkins, representing a company consisting of Royal Flint, Jonathan
Lawrence, Robert C. Livingston, John Lamb, . Melancthon. Smith, James Watson and others. In those days was the place was the most important in what was the “Watkins And Flint Purchase” end the Glen as the Big Gully” Near what is called "Omega Falls,” at the upper end of second basin. Charles Watkins, a brother of John W., built the first blacksmith shop and gristmill in this region. It was Dr. Samuel Watkins who laid and mapped out the village. He came here in 1821. and named the. village: Salubria. Dr. Watkins who built the Jefferson House, which was competed in 1834 and it is today and is one of the oldest and best hotels in the State of New York. Dr/ Watkins also built Havana stores, dwellings, flour and saw mills in this village. The Doctor changed the name of the village, Salubria, to Jefferson, by which It was incorporated on April Il, 1842, and again changed to that of Watkins on April, 1852. Isaac Q Leake was also among the early settlers of the village and called the Reading portion of it, Savoy. It is stated that a sister, or widowed sister of John W. Watkins opened the first Sunday school in this part of the state at at the White House, above mentioned. The first tavern in Watkins was occupied : by one McChinstre, who died in 1825. On the bank of the lake in 1828. Dr. Adams opened the first drug store, and a general store was kept about the same time by Hiram Chapman. In 1815 in the first dry goods store was opened in this section by Allen & Veader, and about this time a tavern was established on the hill side by Claudius Townsend. The post office was first established as Watkins, having first been known as Catlin. Watkins became the county seat of Schuyler county in 1854. and Judge Simeon L. Hood was the first county judge. In 1881 the present charter of the village went into operation and George Q. Freer was the first president of the board of trustees. The first newspaper established in Watkins was the Chemung Democrat” in 1842. witch was afterwards changed to the Democratic Citizen. The first express office was opened here by Wells & Co. in 1848. The first church In Jefferson, now Watkins, was built by the Presbyterians in 1833 at a cost of $1,000. The first fire company was organized in 1852 and 1853 with 50 members and James Haywood was the first foreman. The early records of the village destroyed by fire in 1856, but it is believed that the first trustees were Orlando Hurd, William A. White. Benoni Peck, Winthrop H. Booths, George H. Quinn: Colonal Enouch Armitage first clerk: William R. Williamns first treasurer. In 1849 Ellis & Cotton es establiahed the first carriage factory end the first lumber yard was operated Newman & Drake in 1855. Watkins is not only delightfully situated in the beautiful Seneca Lake Valley, but it is also situated in the heart of the finest grape and fruit raising section in Arnerlca, besides a grain growing region. Much might be said in this direction. It is also a grand place of residence, the location being first class in all respects and the sanitary condition of the village unexcelled. It is a very healthy place and many and many of its citizens live to a ripe old age.
******************************************************************

The Valois Castle With Relics of Empress (From the Elmira Telegram. May 1925)Reposing Conspicuously on the east shore of Seneca Lake 10 miles from Watkins amid shadowing pines which harmonize with the artistic landscape and filling the air with its fragrance afflicted in the waters and surrounded by the picturesque hills, which make the valley one of the scenic beauty spots of New York state, is the widely known Valois Castle now Valois Farm Castle. That itself probably means little to the average tourist, as he observes an entrance from the main highway, unable to view the mansion beneath the sloping elevation. But to resident of that section it carries a deeper significance while to Evans L. M. Holts; it owner, it inspires real sentiment. A brother John Holt also established his residence there recently. History too, is associated with the famous structure. This takes one back to the battlefields of France during the Franco Prussian War of 1870-1871 to the rescue of the Empress Eugenia and made subsequent flights to England and to be settlement of the estate of Thomas V. Evans, MD. DDS. ; PhD resident of the American International sanitary Committee, commander of the Legion of honor and founder of the American Ambulance who came in personal possession of vast quantities of her Majesties personal effects. Many of these now fill the rooms and festoon the walls of the spacious dwelling. The estate is the home of Mr. Holt, so while it probably Will remain as such in future years, it soon will he transformed into a Seneca lake Summer resort. Plans for which now are being made. Present, indications point to the public opening about June lst. Erected by Arthur F. Volice (pronounced Valwals,) the castle first came into prominence some 30 years ago. Mr.Valois was an attorney of international fame with his principal office in New York City and subsidiary office in Paris. The Lake Seneca resort was his summer home. Shortly prior to his death it was sold with its furnishings to the parents of the present owners When the Empress Eugenia was forced to flee from France she took temorary refuge in the, home of Mr. Evans estate. he in tern assisted her in leaving the country and through his familiarity and aquaince with the peasants was successful in escorting Her Majesty safely into England. Intern she presented Mr. Evans considerable of her personal effects and it was these Mr. Valois came into possession of as executor of Mr. Evans estate. Crystal mantle pieces, mirrors, tapistries, pictures, marble case forming fire places, beds, hand-carved. Ebony chairs and various additional furnishings formerly the property of the Empress Eugenia, wore transferred to this country by Mr. Valois and placed in the possession. clay oil lamps used about 1,500 B.C. also are numbered among the prize collection. While dismantling a writing desk recently Mr. Hold came upon a letter which is added to the valuable list. It was addr3essed to Mr. Valois and was in acknowledgment from the secretary to the late President McKinley, written from Buffalo in 1901. It stated that President and Mrs. McKinley would accept Mr. Valois invitation to spend several days at the castle after completing their duties at the Pan American. but the unforeseen assassination of the late president prevent the visit. And now comes the conversion of the castle into a summer resort which promises to be one of the most popular on beautiful Seneca Lake. Plans fulfilled June 1st the public will be privileged to enjoy the hospitality which now greets the individual when he visits Mr. Holt's home.
NEXT
BACK TO THE TWIN TIERS MAIN PAGE