Rushford and Rushford people

Preface

This book is a result ol the Rushford Centennial which was held August 16-21, 1908. It has been written to keep in memory not only the names but the noble deeds and the bright sayings of those who helped to make the town what it was and is.

The preparation of the material which appears here was begun February i, 1908, and has been continued to the present time. Old letters, diaries, deeds, records of various kinds, and copies of the Republican Era, the Neivs Letter and the Spectator have been used. The books which have been consulted are "75th Anniversary of the Baptist Church of Rushford, N. Y.," "Home Life in Colonial Days" by Alice Morse Earle, "Nathaniel Ely and his Descendants," compiled by Heman Ely, "History of the Genesee Conference" by Conable, "Allegany County Directory" (1874-5), "History of Allegany County" (1879), "Allegany and its People" (1896), "Pioneer History" by Turner, and "History of Cattaraugus County." I must express my great obligation to my son, Allan H. Gilbert, for his assistance in copying the manuscripts and for his valuable criticisms; also to Miss Ellen Lyman for her aid in getting school matter ready for publication. In preparing the roster of soldiers I gladly acknowledge my indebtedness to Miss Mildred Hildreth, Philander D. Ellithorpe, John R. Heald and Abram J. Lyon. The list of pastors of the Free Methodist Church was furnished by the Rev. C. E. Pike, that of the Methodist Episcopal Church by Miss Ellen Gordon. In writing the sketch upon the Methodist Episcopal Church I received help from a paper written by James Benjamin, and in writing the one upon the Presbyterian Church I was aided by

Preface

Mrs. Aurora Thompson Green. Martin Lyon, F. E. Hammond, S. E. Kilmer, Chauncey Williams, Newell White, Mrs. Cornelia Metcalf, Chester Perry, and last but not least, my husband, Eddy C. Gilbert, have been especially helpful to me in my work. I wish to express my appreciation to the many for their interest, their good wishes and their generous response both to numerous questions and to requests for written contributions.

In any revision of the papers it has been my aim to preserve not only the thought but the individuality of the writer. Owing to the great variety of matter, there is something in the book to interest everyone. As a work of reference it will be of value since no pains have been spared to make sure of accuracy.

If the readers of the book receive in its perusal something of the pleasure and profit which have been derived from its preparation, I shall be satisfied.

Helen J. White Gilbert.

Rush ford. New York, July, 19 lO.

Table Of Contents

PAGE.

CHAPTER.

I Centennial AcUli-ess ^

Contents

Samuel White— Helen J. White Gilbert in

The Griffins Ii6

George Scott 120