Richfield Springs and vicinity : historical, biographical, and descriptive

Introduction

UTHENTIC annals are always desirable. The conspicuous circumstances connected with the early settlement of any town, are no doubt interesting to thoso who become identified with its growth and prosperity, and especially, if by some fortuitous circumstance, unusual celebrity attaches to the particular locality.

Situated just outside the line of territory distinguished in the annals of American history, we find our only resource of information without prestige ; and confined exclusively to the oral statements of aged citizens of this region. These forms are fast fading away, and with them a knowledge of many of the early events will pass into irretrievable oblivion. Deeply impressed with the great importance of securing at least a share of this information before it shall be forever too late, we have attempted, at no small sacrifice of time and labor, to collect these reminiscences, and give a brief history of Richfield Springs, its first settlement, growth, and present condition; and have noticed some of the leading features of the adjoining towns, that may prove of interest to some. We have also given short biographical sketches of a few of the leading men, who have been identified with this place and immediate vicinity; and have noticed briefly some of those now living far beyond the allotted age of man. We have been particularly careful to admit nothing into these pages but facts from the most reliable sources. The constantly growing

VI

INTRODUCTION.

importance of this village, annually attracts many strangers to the place during the summer months, for the use of its “ Mineral Waters ,” as well as for pleasure and recreation. This consideration, in connection with the pleasure it may afford those who regard it with especial love as the place of their nativity, first induced the attempt to prepare this volume. Around the place of our birth, there is always thrown a veil of the most delightful illusion, that time can never entirely obliterate. This love is no doubt strengthened by familiarity with past events, and, as time advances, reverence and recollection add their influence to the natural affections. If in the effort to prepare this work, we shall be so fortunate as to meet the reasonable expectation of the people of this place and vicinity, we shall have achieved all that our ambition can crave, or our most sanguine hopes have ever anticipated.

We have also designed the work as a guide to the invalid, for the convenience of those who seek information in the use of these invaluable “ waters ; ” and we acknowledge especial obligation to Drs. W. B. Crain, and N. Getman of this place, for their elaborate articles on this important subject.

And our acknowledgments are also due to Mr. O. C. Brown of this place, for his assistance in the arrangement of the work.

Trusting that our labors have not been in vain, we now submit the work to the public.

W. T. B.

Richfield Springs, March 24th, 1874.

Index

American Hotel

Andrustown settlers

Around tlie Lake

Bates, John

Bennett’s Hill

Bloomfield, Jonathan

Braman, Elias

Business Houses

Canadarago Valley

Canadarago House

Canadarago Hill

Cary, Darius H

Cemetery .

Central Hotel

Chamberlin, Hon. O. C

Chamberlin, Hon. Alfred. . . .

Clieeseman, Edward.

Cherry Valley ......

Circulating Library

Cleland, Hon. Jonas

Clinton’s Expedition

Columbia, town of

Common School

Comstock, Ezekiel