Interview about "Black Hannah" Johnson with descendants of Zaggel family, transcript (2019-10-12).htm
In October 2019, descendants of the Zaggel family, Marie A. Sommer and Roberta, met with me at Sweeney Cemetery to share their family’s long-held oral traditions about Hannah Johnson. As we walked through the cemetery, they recounted stories that had been passed down through generations of the family about “Black Hannah,” her life, and her connection to the Zaggel farm and surrounding area. They also pointed out the grave long believed within the family to be Hannah’s burial place. The conversation was recorded on October 12, 2019, preserving an important example of how Hannah’s story survived in local family memory long after her death. Editorial note: Adjacent remarks by the same speaker have been combined. A few brief personal and off-topic exchanges have been omitted and are visibly marked below. Otherwise, the transcript preserves the wording of the recording. Marie A. Sommer ...Fred and Catherine Zaggel. Now they would have...Fred would have been involved. Around the time of Hannah, that they would have had the original farm. NT HISTORY Okay. And this is the this is the Sommer plot here? Marie A. Sommer Yes. Because these were the...this family got together, and that's how we got the Sommers. NT HISTORY Okay. Marie A. Sommer And that was my husband's great great grandparents right here. And these are also my great great grandparents. So we have a double knowing of what went on, through family. NT HISTORY Right. Marie A. Sommer [Looking around cemetery] I didn't realize how bad this place is. You know, the the stones that show ...I don’t even see the names on them anymore hardly. NT HISTORY Yeah, there's a lot. I noticed last time I was here. That's why I sort of despaired at finding the actual Hannah Johnson site. Because there were so many gravestones that... Marie A. Sommer She’s under “Hannah Haines.” Not Johnson. [Looking around cemetery again] Seemed so huge when we were kids. Come all the time to [the] memorial and they would clean around everything in. Our uncles and aunts would talk about this stuff, you know, as we grew up...Nobody does it anymore. ✦ Brief introductions as Lainie joins the group omitted. ✦ Marie A. Sommer Which was also family, too, “The Stags.” They come in with the documents that I mentioned that they're. They're all together. NT HISTORY Oh, wow. Marie A. Sommer And then this is the Zaggel plot. These would come from the original Zaggels you saw when we came in with the old married and with Charlotte and Charles. Archibald and John. And there's Hannah Haines. NT HISTORY Awesome. So what family stories do you have of of Hannah that you were that you recall? Marie A. Sommer Hannah stayed on the Zaggels’ farm with these relatives. But the original one I showed you, it was with the Sommer family, and she just lived there. Part of the family. She had her own little...She sold herbs you know, medicinal. That's what they used in those days. NT HISTORY Yeah. And there was some sort of sulfur well, on the property, too. According to some of the... Marie A. Sommer I have a sulfur well. Yes I do. And they're a pain in the neck. Everybody had sulfur wells. That was nothing unusual. Okay. The only thing is, is with our place in Ellicottville, we have a system on it so that you don't smell it. And it doesn't make the tubs yellow, but otherwise, it's just. It's just an older and older place. It makes everything yellow. NT HISTORY So you mentioned about--was it you online who said that people wouldn't talk to the family? Marie A. Sommer No, no. NT HISTORY Did you say you had photos? Marie A. Sommer I have...you had the photo of the Indian chief that came down for the chowder. So that was a reservation on the other side, Sweeney Street and just past where the Zaggel farm was. You've heard of the curve? Oh. NT HISTORY The “Zaggel curve”? Marie A. Sommer Yeah. On Sweeney Street. By the projects where the boat launch thing is there. There's a curve. NT HISTORY The curve. Okay. And it was just identified as such because that was property. ✦ Conversation about Dennis’s family omitted. ✦ NT HISTORY Any other Hannah recollections? Marie A. Sommer Other than she was a great lady and she sold plants, herbs and for medicine. And that was it. NT HISTORY Now, when you were growing up, did you remember hearing the stories of the woods were haunted people? Marie A. Sommer No, no, I heard that... I'm 78 years old. Well, we grew up with our uncles that talked about Hannah Haines. And it was usually when we come here and do the, the cemetery and but no, there was never anything like that. And they grew up with her. NT HISTORY So where was this, this property? You say the Zaggel bend by Sweeney or off of Sweeney. That's what you're talking about, that if you... Marie A. Sommer Look at it, you looked at the, the maps in the beginning. They owned from Payne Avenue, from Sweeney Street, backing up into almost back to the boulevard because the reservation was at that end. And then eventually, you know, with her down. But their their farm was across the street with the canal. Of course, that was just a path that at that time it was just a path. It wasn't really a road. And they had their farm right there by Zaggel’s curve. And it was there and that's where Hannah lived. NT HISTORY Yeah. I haven't seen any maps yet with the--I mean, I've only seen a few maps. I haven't seen any with what you had some with the, with the Zaggel name on them I can actually.... Marie A. Sommer I, I saw them, I saw a map of his five years ago or whatever. The new Tops in Tonawanda by the police station. When I was checking out and came around. There was a map right there and it had Zaggel’s Curve. And that was the first time I ever seen a map with it on. NT HISTORY Oh, cool I’ll have to check. It gives me my only reason so far for going to that Tops in Tonawanda. Awesome. I'll check. Marie A. Sommer And they called her old Black Hannah because there was never blacks in this area, so she was really an exceptional person because of the color of her skin, but she never really mingled other than they came through to sell the plants in that. And all they would if she waited for her husband to come. Yeah, he came through later, and uncle Jerry pointed this way and says that he's buried by the fence. But I never found out. And now I'm talking 50 years ago. Roberta They should know what’s buried there. NT HISTORY Yeah. Marie A. Sommer This area in the middle over there, close to some stones there. That was Potters Field. There wasn't anything there because that's where you put the people that didn't have money and that's where they were all buried. The rest of them, as you can see, they're all families. Marie A. Sommer They owned the land across the street. Yeah, they owned on the canal and then across the street, because that's where they had houses built for the ones that got married. Yeah, because grandma talked about that. Yep. Yeah. Lucy. Lucy Zaggel was. Her house was there? Yeah, but, you know, she was just a nice lady that stayed there. She was really too old to go on with the rest of the group. So she stayed there with our great, great, great great grandparents. NT HISTORY Okay. Marie A. Sommer But all this other stuff is...this happened about, was it 20 years ago when Zellner started with the historical society? And I have the, the, the clipping from the paper. It has all this stuff then, and I called and we went to the meeting. Yeah. Well they wanted to make--which is fun--it's Halloween time and they do this every so many years. When they think all the Zaggels are dead! Because there isn't a Zaggel that lives here anymore. You know, other than... we were Zaggels but not anymore. You know, but they do it every so many years. Somebody does another story. And we've gone through this. How many times? Yeah. My sister, I think you talked to Brenda on Facebook. NT HISTORY What's her last name? Marie A. Sommer Flateau. Roberta Yes. NT HISTORY Okay. Marie A. Sommer Remember you said that that was her maiden name? Roberta That's her married name. Marie A. Sommer Johnson. This is a married name. Okay. But you could see she had to be very special to grandpa to put her in the family, black. NT HISTORY Right. I should get a photo on here, too. Marie A. Sommer You actually saw the grave. Roberta Yeah. Marie A. Sommer Because the other one says nope. Other one said that, you know, it was a story about it. But there's the grave. And this is a story! NT HISTORY Right. Well, you know, the, a legend isn't necessarily a fiction. You know, a legend just means something that's told among people. And most legends have some historical basis. Marie A. Sommer I think it's kind of nice to remember. Absolutely. They come here during the Underground Underground Railroad she was involved in. And then her husband did come through later, but, but as far as all that other stuff that happened. But it, it's, it's good to have Halloween stuff. Nothing. NT HISTORY Yeah. I'm not much of a super naturalist myself. I don't really believe in ghosts flitting around, but the first time I encountered the story was on the North Tonawanda website, the official website in 2007, and city historian Daniel Bille or Bill, I'm not sure how you say it at that point had like a little tombstone, a little "The Legend of Hannah Johnson" [epitaph] and had, like “the children run faster through the woods. They hear a raven cry.” You know, it's all that sort of stuff. You haven't been personally haunted by Hannah? Marie A. Sommer [Laughs] No. Neither were my uncles or my dad. Didn't they all remember the stories of her? But you know that she lived there was more. More or less like a nanny, you know? That's basically what it was all like back then. And she had to be very special for them to keep her, you know, and then give her a place. Right. And so the Potters field, you know. NT HISTORY That's wonderful. Well, thank you so much for... Marie A. Sommer The city of North Tonawanda was so divided into streets, where you had your Italians, you had your Germans, you had your Polish. It was, it was, you know, and they actually had a whistle when we were kids that blew that if there was a Black person in the area, they had to leave. I didn't see one until I went to community college, which opened in 1960. We never missed and it was my first. This is where we were, we never knew any different. We were never raised to dislike anybody. We weren’t allowed to go in the Polish church, just, you know, we were Italians and we can't we couldn't go in the Polish side, you know, you didn't leave your little... Well, my grandmother, when she came from Italy as she, she said that she wasn't going to live in an Italian section. She was an American and raised her children to be Americans. And she wouldn't let us speak Italian at the house. No other grandpa talked with us. Yeah, I could understand it, but they wanted us to speak English. ✦ Conversation about plans after the interview omitted. ✦ Marie A. Sommer Well, we just wanted to tell you that what we were raised with, you know, and. NT HISTORY I appreciate it. That's great. There's a lot of mystery around it, and details are extremely scarce. Marie A. Sommer Yeah, well, it's given, like the reservation where the Zaggels lived... Oh yeah. But that's, besides where they would have chowder. It's this time of year when the gardens were already...and they'd have the chowder there. And we have the picture with the Indian chief that came for the chowder and they would come down, you know...I still have the pot. NT HISTORY Oh that's great. Marie A. Sommer Yeah. Still have the chowder pot. NT HISTORY Do you mind if I get a photo of you, too? Marie A. Sommer No, no. NT HISTORY You don't mind? Marie A. Sommer No, I don't want. NT HISTORY Everybody's camera shy. It's not going to steal your soul. You're not superstitious? Marie A. Sommer No no no no no no no picture taken. No, I, I do not. Lainie I believe that I don't have a soul to steal. Marie A. Sommer Oh, yes you do, my friend. Yes you do. ✦ Conversation about plans after the interview omitted. ✦ Marie A. Sommer It was a small community back then. So it's like, I'm married to my cousin, you know, because your last name? Sommer. Yeah. And we have the same great great grandparents, right? But I didn't realize how bad this place has gotten. I brought the grandkids here not too long ago, but it's been a while that I didn't realize how rough the the stones have become. NT HISTORY Yeah. Is there is there like, a volunteer agency that comes out here ever to do any cleaning or? Marie A. Sommer I know the city of Tonawanda they have a group that's doing it, but when I see this. So sad, just so sad, and there's so much history here, there's so much history. It's like Frederick, he was in the Civil War that I showed you the first stone. He he was at Gettysburg with Lincoln may have his sword and everything from it. NT HISTORY Oh, wow. Yeah, I know Payne raised a regiment that was involved in the Civil War. Marie A. Sommer Yeah, this is just the flag, Sommer. He was the one that was in the Civil War. NT HISTORY Great. Marie A. Sommer And I was telling him before you came, this was the original. The original Zaggels. Right here. Catherine and Fred. My mother. She's got a map. NT HISTORY Yeah. I'd love to see if you have any any map or anything that helps me delineate the boundaries and figure out where exactly everything was would be extremely helpful. ✦ Conversation about Dennis’s family omitted. ✦ NT HISTORY Well, thanks so much. Very nice to meet you. Marie A. Sommer Well, I'm glad you heard us out. NT HISTORY Yeah. No. That's awesome. Marie A. Sommer Anything can continue your stories, but I want you to know that she was just a very nice lady that grew herbs. NT HISTORY Yeah. Marie A. Sommer In medicine, you know, that was. That was. Yeah. Well, that was all the medicine. NT HISTORY And that is part of the story that I read too, is that she had, you know, herbs and medicinal plants and that she actually and that for a while there was one of the accounts, there was a doctor that lived on the same property. Doctor. John. Fonner. Marie A. Sommer They said Locke last time he's over there. NT HISTORY Or Doctor Locke. No, you're right, Doctor Locke. Marie A. Sommer That was another story. NT HISTORY Yeah, that's another story. Well, and there are, you know, in defense of that story, there are maps from the 1860s with his name on them and with the their cabin with the word Johnson under it. So that's a story that's got a little bit of, you know, but I'd love to see, you know, some, some documentary evi--. Marie A. Sommer Yeah. Well, we won't be around much longer than straighten people out a little bit, you know. NT HISTORY Yeah, absolutely. Well, I appreciate you doing it for me here today. Marie A. Sommer Yeah, well, at least you know where the stone is. NT HISTORY Yes. Marie A. Sommer You know where she's buried? Yeah, that's that's a plus. NT HISTORY That's great. Real pleasure to meet you. Marie A. Sommer Same here. NT HISTORY Very nice to meet you. Thank you. In 1882 Zaggel receives 17 acres in Lot 14 from Elizabteh Betts (form Sturgis?) recorded in 168 p 94. Same year two lots from William Sturgess
Plan de la Cataracte de Niagara et de lIsthme qui separe les Lacs Erie et Ontario, map (1801).jpg
White to Vandervoort, mortgage, 1836-10-01 (vol12 p481).jpg
On October 1, 1836, Stephen White mortgaged his interest in Lot 80—about 185 acres along the east side of the Niagara River, excluding the railroad right-of-way and state-reserved mineral rights—to William Vandervoort as security for a $4,000 loan. White agreed to repay the debt in two $2,000 installments due March 1, 1838, and March 1, 1839, with 7 percent annual interest; if he paid, the mortgage became void, but if he defaulted, Vandervoort could sell the property at public auction, recover the debt and expenses, and return any surplus to White. The instrument was recorded August 18, 1837. (A preservation study says William Vandervoort purchased farm Lot 80 on June 7, 1826. If that is correct, White’s 1836 mortgage back to Vandervoort strongly suggests a missing intervening transaction—most plausibly a deed from Vandervoort to White, perhaps accompanied by this mortgage as security for unpaid purchase money. Until that deed appears, White’s title chain is demonstrably incomplete. -- Page 481 This Indenture, made this first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six, between Stephen White, of the City Boston, State of Massachusetts, of the first part, and William Vandervoort, of the Town of Wheatfield, County of Niagara, State of New York, of the second part: Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of Four Thousand Dollars, lawful money of the United States of America, to him in hand paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged, has granted, bargained, sold, released, enfeoffed and confirmed, and by these presents does grant, bargain, sell, release, enfeoff and confirm unto the said party of the second part, and to his heirs and assigns forever: All that certain part or parcel of land, situate in the County of Niagara and State of New York, and distinguished as Lot number Eighty (80) of the unappropriated lands lying along the easterly side of the Niagara River, as the same lot has been surveyed and divided in the field book and map of said lands filed in the office of the Secretary of said State, containing one hundred and eighty-five acres, or the same more or less; Excepting and reserving to the people of said State all the gold and silver mines, as the same are excepted and reserved in the original letters patent under the Great Seal of the said State, bearing date on the twenty-second day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and eleven; Also the lands used and occupied by the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Rail Road. To Have and To Hold the above bargained premises to the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, to the sole and only proper use, benefit and behoof of the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns forever. Provided always, and these presents are upon the express condition, that if the said Stephen White, his heirs, executors or administrators, shall and do well and truly pay, or cause to be paid, unto the said party of the second part, his executors, administrators or assigns, the just and full sum of Four Thousand Dollars in two equal instalments, with interest at the rate of seven per cent per annum, payable annually, that is to say: Two Thousand Dollars on the first day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight, and two thousand dollars on the first day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine, with all interest thereon due, according to the condition of a certain bond or writing obligatory bearing even date herewith, executed by Stephen White, the party of the first part, to the said party of the second part, as a collateral security— Then these presents and the said bond or writing obligatory shall cease and become null and void. But in case of nonpayment of the said sum of four thousand dollars, or the interest thereof, or any part thereof, at the times limited for the payment thereof, then and in such case it shall and may be lawful for the said party of the second part, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns—and the said party of the first part doth hereby empower and authorize the said party of the second part, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns—to grant, bargain, sell, release and convey the said premises, or any part thereof, with the appurtenances, at public auction or vendue; And on such sale to make and execute to the purchaser or purchasers, his, her or their heirs and assigns forever, good, ample and sufficient deed or deeds of conveyance in the law, pursuant to the statute in this case made and provided, rendering the surplus moneys, if any there should be, to the said party of the first— Page 482 —part, his heirs, executors or administrators, after deducting the principal and interest moneys due as aforesaid, and the costs and charges of such vendue and sale aforesaid, being a part of the purchase money. [A separate notation appears to read: “Jno. M. Whipple.”] Whereof, the party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of N. Page Thom— [surname uncertain] Stephen White [seal] Acknowledgment State of New York, Niagara County. I do certify that on this twenty-sixth day of October 1836, personally appeared before me the within-named Stephen White, to me personally known to be the same person described in and who executed the within deed of mortgage; and the said Stephen White acknowledged that he executed the same. John Sweeney Commissioner of Deeds for the County of Niagara Recording notation Recorded August 18, 1837, at 11 o’clock A.M. Examined. A. H. May, Clerk
Daybook of Drs. Jesse F. Locke and Frederick F. Hoyer (1850-1853), pp 1-303.jpg
Former Vandervoort mansion, Sweeney Industrial Properties office, 1908 map detail.jpg
Mounds, Bone-Heaps, etc., excerpt (E.G. Squier, Aboriginal Monuments of the State of New York, 1849).jpg
CHAPTER IV. MOUNDS, BONE-HEAPS, ETC. Various references to mounds or tumuli, resembling those found in the Valley of the Mississippi, have been made in the preceding pages. These mounds are far from numerous, and hardly deserve a separate notice. It is nevertheless an interesting fact to know that isolated examples occur, in situations where it is clear no dependence exists between them and the grand system of earth-works of the Western States. It serves to sustain the conclusion that the savage Indian tribes occasionally constructed mounds; which are however rather to be considered as accidents than the results of a general practice. The purposes of the mounds of New York, so far as can be determined, seem uniformly to have been those of sepulture. They generally occur upon commanding or remarkable positions. Most of them have been excavated, under the impulse of an idle curiosity, or have had their contents scattered by “money-diggers,” a ghostly race, of which, singularly enough, even at this day, representatives may be found in almost every village. I was fortunate enough to discover one upon Tonawanda Island, in Niagara River, which had escaped their midnight attentions. It was originally about fifteen feet in height. At the base appeared to have been a circle of stones, perhaps ten feet in diameter, within which were several small heaps of bones, each comprising three or four skeletons. The bones are of individuals of all ages, and had evidently been deposited after the removal of the flesh. Traces of fire were to be discovered upon the stones. Some chippings of flint and broken arrow-points, as also some fragments of deers’ horns, which appeared to have been worked into form, were found amongst the bones. The skulls had been crushed by the superincumbent earth. The mounds which formerly existed in Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Livingston, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Chenango, and Delaware counties, all appear to have contained human bones, in greater or less quantities, deposited promiscuously, and embracing the skeletons of individuals of all ages and both sexes. They probably all owe their origin to a practice common to many of the North American tribes, of collecting together at fixed intervals the bones of their dead, and finally depositing them with many and solemn ceremonies. They were sometimes heaped together so as to constitute mounds; at others placed in pits or trenches dug in the earth; and it is probable they were in some instances buried in separate graves, but in long ranges, or deposited in caverns, either promiscuously or with regularity. The period when this second burial took place occurred at different intervals—amongst the different tribes, but was universally denominated the “Festival of the Dead.” Bartram, speaking of the burial customs of the Floridian Indians, says: “After the bone-house is full, a general solemn funeral takes place. The nearest kindred and friends of the deceased, on a day appointed, repair to the bone-house, take up the respective coffins, and, following one another in the order of seniority, the nearest relations and connections attending their respective corpses, and the multitude succeeding them, singing and lamenting alternately, slowly proceed to the place of general interment, when they place the coffins in order forming a pyramid. Lastly, they cover all over with earth, which raises a conical hill or mount. They then return to town in order of solemn procession, concluding the day with a festival which is called the ‘Feast of the Dead.’”* The author here quoted adds in a note, that it was the opinion of some ingenious men with whom he had conversed, “that all those artificial pyramidal hills, usually called ‘Indian Mounts,’ were raised on such occasions, and are generally sepulchres;” from which opinion he takes occasion to dissent. There is no doubt a wide difference between the mounds thus formed and the great bulk of those connected with the vast ancient enclosures of the Western States. The large cemeteries which have been discovered in Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio, seem to have resulted from a similar practice. In these the skeletons were generally packed in rude coffins composed of flat stones, placed in ranges of great extent. The circumstance that many of these coffins were not more than two or three feet in length, gave rise to the notion of the former existence here of a pigmy race. The discovery of iron and some articles of European origin in one of these cemeteries in the vicinity of Augusta, Kentucky, shows that this mode of burial existed at a late period among the Indians in that direction. The “bone-pits” which occur in some parts of Western New York, Canada, Michigan, etc., have unquestionably a corresponding origin. Several of these have been described in a previous chapter. They are of various sizes, but usually contain a large number of skeletons. In a few instances the bones appear to have been arranged with some degree of regularity. One of these pits discovered some years ago, in the town of Cambria, Niagara county, was estimated to contain the bones of several thousand individuals. Another which I visited in the town of Clarence, Erie county, contained not less than four hundred skeletons. A deposit of bones comprising a large number of skeletons was found not long since, in making some excavations in the town of Black Rock, situated on Niagara River, in Erie county. They were arranged in a circle, with their heads radiating from a large copper kettle, which had been placed in the centre, and filled with bones. Various implements both of modern and remote date had been placed beside the skeletons. In Canada similar deposits are frequent. Accounts of their discovery and character have appeared in various English publications, among which may be named the “British Colonial Newspaper,” of September 24th, 1847, and the * Travels, p. 514.
Tonawanda Island area Neutral sites, Aboriginal Occupation of New York, p109 (Bulletin of the New York State Museum, 1900).jpg
William M. Beauchamp’s Aboriginal Occupation of New York was published by the New York State Museum in 1900 as a preliminary statewide inventory of Indigenous sites. Beauchamp assembled reports from earlier investigators such as E. G. Squier, consulted maps, local histories and the Jesuit Relations, corresponded with collectors and residents, and added observations from his own fieldwork. He repeatedly warned that the record was incomplete: some counties had been closely studied, while others were represented only by old reports whose sites and artifacts had already disappeared. His work is therefore most valuable as a record of what was still known in the nineteenth century, not as a modern archaeological survey. Beauchamp believed that the Neutral or Attiwandaron people had once occupied the country east of the Niagara River and north of the Erie Nation, although most of their villages lay in present-day Ontario. He thought that they may once have maintained a considerable population in Western New York, but gradually withdrew westward as the Senecas and the other Haudenosaunee nations grew more powerful. He tentatively placed the southern limit of Neutral territory around Eighteen Mile Creek. Within that general framework, Niagara County—including the Niagara River corridor and the Tonawandas—belonged to the former Neutral sphere, although Beauchamp did not claim that every site he cataloged could be assigned confidently to one nation. At Tonawanda, Beauchamp recorded a circular mound on the upper end of Tonawanda Island and a larger mound, reportedly fifteen feet high, opened by Squier in 1848. Beneath it was a stone circle containing small groups of bones representing adults and children; the remains had apparently been gathered only after the flesh had disappeared, making this a clear case of secondary burial. Beauchamp also listed an open-air flint-working site covering about an acre opposite the island at the mouth of Tonawanda Creek, as well as another poorly documented site northwest of North Tonawanda. He preserved these reports but did not demonstrate that the mound, workshop and other sites were contemporary or parts of a single settlement. Later professional archaeology broadly supports Beauchamp’s larger conclusion that Neutral communities extended across the Niagara River into Western New York, while treating individual identifications much more cautiously. Marian White identified the Van Son site on Grand Island as Neutral, dating it to about 1635–45, and proposed that one or more Neutral communities moved eastward from the Ontario interior to the Niagara River and briefly established settlements beyond it. She connected sites at St. Davids, Grand Island, Kienuka and Cambria with this movement, while emphasizing that many locations were destroyed, poorly recorded or represented by scattered collections. Thus Beauchamp’s regional picture holds up surprisingly well, but modern scholarship requires diagnostic artifacts, chronology and settlement relationships before labeling a particular mound or village “Neutral.” The Tonawanda Island burial is securely describable as an Iroquoian secondary burial; its precise date, community and connection to a Huron-style Feast of the Dead remain plausible rather than proven. (ontarioarchaeology.org) (AI summary) The Tonawanda Island burial mound The best available description is that the Tonawanda Island mound was a late-prehistoric communal burial place, probably made by Neutral people sometime in the sixteenth century or possibly the opening years of the seventeenth. That dating remains broad because the mound was opened before scientific archaeology, and no securely documented European trade goods were reported with the burials. A later archaeological survey accordingly classified Tonawanda Island and “White’s Island” among the prehistoric ossuaries of the Niagara Frontier, while noting that most such sites cannot be dated closely or tied to a particular village. One early investigator nevertheless judged the form of burial “distinctly Neutral.” (New York Archaeology) The mound contained several small deposits of bones within a stone circle about ten feet across. Each deposit represented perhaps three or four people, including both adults and children. The bodies had plainly not been buried there intact: the bones were gathered only after the flesh had disappeared and were then placed together beneath the mound. Traces of fire appeared on the surrounding stones, and objects of bone and antler were also found. Beauchamp’s account therefore establishes the mound as a secondary communal burial, rather than an ordinary cemetery in which people were buried individually soon after death. Its likely purpose was to provide a final resting place for the dead of a family, lineage or community after an earlier period of temporary burial or exposure. That practice strongly resembles the Feast of the Dead known among the Huron-Wendat and Neutral peoples. It cannot be proved that the Tonawanda mound was created during that precise ceremony—the excavation record is much too poor—but the combination of defleshed remains, people of different ages, grouped secondary deposits and monumental covering makes that the most persuasive interpretation. The Feast of the Dead Among the Huron-Wendat, ordinary burial was understood as temporary. Approximately every eight to twelve years, communities exhumed those who had died since the previous ceremony. Their bones were cleaned, wrapped and brought to a chosen gathering place. Several villages might attend, accompanied by feasting, mourning, gift exchange and councils. At the ceremony’s culmination, the bundled remains were placed together in a prepared communal pit. The ceremony honored individual relatives, but it also did something larger: by placing the dead together, living communities renewed kinship obligations, alliances and their collective identity. (Ontario Archaeological Society) The Neutrals practiced a closely related ceremony. A Jesuit account from 1640–41 says that Neutral families sometimes kept bodies in their houses until decomposition forced their removal, placed them on scaffolds, then recovered the bones and displayed them in their cabins until the Feast of the Dead. Their customs were therefore not merely inferred from Huron practice; the ceremony is explicitly attested among the Neutral, although its full Neutral form was never described as completely as the Huron-Wendat ceremony witnessed in 1636. (Ontario Archaeological Society) A terminology caution is useful here. “Huron” does not properly include the Neutral Nation. The Huron-Wendat, Neutral or Attawandaron, and Petun or Tionontati were distinct peoples and political confederacies. All spoke related Northern Iroquoian languages, as did the five—and later six—nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The Neutral were therefore Iroquoian-speaking, but they were neither Huron-Wendat nor members of the Haudenosaunee League. Older writers used expressions such as “Huron-Iroquois” or “Ontario Iroquois” for this broader linguistic and cultural family, which can misleadingly sound as though all belonged to one political nation. The safest wording is: The mound was probably created by Neutral people, a Northern Iroquoian-speaking nation distinct from both the Huron-Wendat Confederacy and the Haudenosaunee League. Its secondary burials may represent the Neutral form of the communal Feast of the Dead. The Huron-Wendat buried bodies promptly and later removed them for the Feast of the Dead. Neutral families, he wrote, often retained bodies in their cabins until decomposition forced their removal, placed them on scaffolds, then recovered the bones and displayed them inside their homes “until the feast of the Dead.” Thus the Neutral ceremony itself is not merely inferred: the Jesuits named it and described the preparatory treatment of the remains. The caution is that Neutral burial practice had its own forms. Neutral ossuaries were often smaller than the immense Huron-Wendat pits, and Neutral communities also used individual graves, small group burials and burials within or near longhouses. Even Beauchamp warned that Western New York burial customs varied greatly and that relatively few sites displayed unmistakable evidence of the “great Huron feast of the dead.” Still, the Neutral and Huron-Wendat were neighboring Northern Iroquoian-speaking peoples with closely related longhouse, agricultural and mortuary traditions; both temporarily kept or buried bodies, subsequently collected the bones, and finally placed multiple dead together. Archaeologists have also documented secondary burials and ossuaries at Neutral sites. Comparative scholarship therefore treats communal ossuary burial as a practice shared—though not necessarily performed identically—among the Huron-Wendat, Petun and Neutral peoples.
Tonawanda Cataract Power Company, article with photos (Western Electrician, 1899-03-18).jpg
Lumber Vessels in the Gratwick Channel, photos (1920).gal
(AI) Exhibit E — Loaded Steam Lumber Barge in the Gratwick Channel A loaded, self-propelled steam lumber barge occupies the narrow channel between White, Gratwick & Mitchell’s Dock No. 3 and the southern end of Dock No. 1, directly opposite the waterfront later acquired by Empire Engineering. The vessel is shown facing upstream in approximately the position used by lumber carriers entering or leaving Dock No. 1. The timber posts in the foreground are remnants of an older water dock on the Empire property. Before about 1910, a railroad track reportedly ran diagonally from shore onto that dock; by the time of the photograph, the track and dock superstructure had disappeared, leaving rows of decaying pilings. Material visible along the right side was identified in testimony as dredged spoil deposited behind those pilings, where it could wash or collapse back into the navigable channel. Stacked lumber can also be seen near the southern end of Dock No. 1. Apparently photographed July 20, 1920. Exhibit F — Tug and Loaded Tow-Barge Approaching Dock No. 1 A tug guides a large, loaded lumber barge through the channel in front of the Empire Engineering property toward White, Gratwick & Mitchell’s Dock No. 1. Unlike the self-propelled vessel in Exhibit E, this barge depended on the smaller tug for steering and propulsion. The photograph demonstrates how completely a working lumber tow occupied the available passage. The tug and barge had to move through a corridor bounded by dock frontage, shallow water, old pilings and the river’s deeper channel. White, Gratwick & Mitchell used the image to show that this was not vacant water available for new construction, but an active approach regularly used to bring Great Lakes lumber cargoes to the dock. Apparently photographed July 21, 1920. Exhibit G — Loaded Lumber Barge Turning Beside the Empire Property The loaded tow-barge shown in Exhibit F is photographed during its turning maneuver in front of the Empire Engineering property. The vessel is swinging back toward the open Niagara River while occupying much of the water between the established docks and the deeper river channel. The view illustrates why the disputed area was important even where vessels did not travel in a straight line. Long steamers and tow-barges needed room to angle away from the dock, swing their bows or sterns across the adjoining frontage and reposition themselves for Dock No. 1, Dock No. 3 or the open river. Witnesses identified Exhibits E and G as accurate representations of vessels dropping down and turning in this channel. Empire’s proposed piers would have projected into the space required for that maneuver. Apparently photographed July 21, 1920. Provenance The three photographs were first used by White, Gratwick & Mitchell in 1920 proceedings before the New York Commissioners of the Land Office, when the company opposed a proposed state grant of underwater land along the channel. They were later admitted as Plaintiff’s Exhibits E, F and G in White, Gratwick & Mitchell, Inc. v. Empire Engineering Company, Inc. and reproduced in the subsequent U.S. Supreme Court transcript of record.
White, Gratwick & Mitchell, Inc. v. Empire Engineering Company, Inc. (1923) .pdf
What the court case was about This is a 1920s dispute between White, Gratwick & Mitchell, operator of two major North Tonawanda lumber docks, and Empire Engineering, which owned the waterfront tract between them. Empire proposed building two large piers for repairing and storing barges and scows. The problem was that the only channel deep enough for loaded lumber vessels to reach White, Gratwick & Mitchell’s northern dock crossed directly in front of Empire’s property. The proposed piers would have blocked it. Empire argued that it owned both the shoreline and the adjoining river bottom, had received a state grant permitting improvements, and remained inside the federal harbor line. White, Gratwick & Mitchell answered that ownership did not permit Empire to obstruct an established navigable channel and destroy access to a neighboring commercial dock. The courts agreed with White, Gratwick & Mitchell and permanently stopped the pier construction. Why it matters to North Tonawanda history The court record unexpectedly preserves the assembly and operation of the Gratwick industrial waterfront. It shows that Gratwick was not developed from one large, untouched parcel. The lumber district was created through a series of private purchases, quitclaims, railroad agreements and state grants of underwater land. It also establishes that John Simson and Benjamin F. Felton were important waterfront owners before William H. Gratwick. Gratwick and his associates gradually acquired or secured rights across their property, joined the docks to the railroad, and extended the usable shoreline outward over the riverbed. Exactly dated land transactions March 16, 1875 — Simson and Felton to Andrew B. Uline. John Simson, Benjamin F. Felton and their wives conveyed a riverfront tract in Lot 72 of the Niagara River Mile Reservation to Andrew B. Uline by warranty deed. The court later described this as most of the upland that became Dock No. 1, with a southern 100-foot strip remaining outside the conveyance. July 15, 1875 — Simson and Felton to William H. Gratwick. Simson and Felton executed a quitclaim deed to William H. Gratwick. A quitclaim did not necessarily represent the sale of an entirely separate tract; it transferred or extinguished whatever interests the grantors possessed in the property covered by it. Its presence shows Gratwick actively clearing and consolidating waterfront title during 1875. December 7, 1876 — New York State to William H. Gratwick and Robert L. Fryer. The state granted Gratwick and Fryer approximately seven acres of land under the Niagara River. The grant required them to use it for commerce by constructing docks and filling portions of the riverbed within five years. This was not a private land sale, but it was essential to creating the Gratwick dock frontage. July 12, 1877 — New York State to John Simson. Simson received an adjacent grant of underwater land in front of his upland property. July 12, 1877 — New York State to John Simson and Benjamin F. Felton. Simson and Felton jointly received additional underwater property adjoining their shoreline. The record contains more than one state patent issued that day involving Simson, Felton and neighboring owners. April 5, 1881 — Simson and Felton to Gratwick, Smith & Fryer Lumber Company. John Simson, Benjamin F. Felton and Ellen Felton conveyed the remaining 100-foot riverfront strip to the Gratwick, Smith & Fryer Lumber Company by warranty deed for $1,500. The tract became the southernmost 100 feet of Dock No. 1 and included the associated waterfront rights. The deed was recorded on April 20, 1881. October 1, 1915 — Gratwick owners to White, Gratwick & Mitchell. The Gratwick interests leased Dock No. 1, including approximately 900 feet of river frontage, its yard, buildings and sheds, to White, Gratwick & Mitchell. The lease could be renewed in three-year periods through October 1, 1930. This was a lease rather than a sale, but it explains why the operating company did not necessarily hold title to every part of its dock complex. September 10, 1920 — State approval of the Barnheisel underwater grant. The Commissioners of the Land Office approved a new grant covering the river bottom between the major Gratwick docks. Earlier underwater rights associated with Simson and other nineteenth-century owners were surrendered so that a consolidated grant could be issued. April 30, 1921 — New York State to Frederick R. Barnheisel. Barnheisel received approximately eleven acres of land under the Niagara River extending from the old shoreline toward the federal harbor line. He paid the state $11,085.89. The grant required the land to be improved through filling, bulkheading, dredging, substantial structures or piers. April 30, 1921 — Frederick R. and Margaret L. Barnheisel to Empire Engineering Corporation. By deed dated the same day as the state patent, the Barnheisels conveyed the upland and underwater property to Empire Engineering. Empire assumed a $10,000 mortgage as part of the transaction. The deed was acknowledged on May 13, 1921, and recorded on May 27, 1921. Related development dates 1876 — Simson and Felton reach a railroad-access agreement with Gratwick and Fryer. The parties exchanged rights to construct branch tracks across one another’s properties, connecting present and future docks with the New York Central system. The printed index dates this agreement May 29, 1876, while the OCR of the instrument appears to read March 29, 1876; the original page should be checked before publishing the precise month. April 20, 1878 — Railroad agreement amended. The arrangement was expanded to permit two branch tracks, evidence that the industrial plans were already increasing in scale. By 1890 — A continuous working dock district had developed. Several neighboring docks were receiving lumber vessels, and the channel had become part of a larger integrated waterfront rather than the private approach to one company. 1901–1902 — Dock No. 1 yard opened and channel enlarged. White, Gratwick & Mitchell’s predecessors dredged and widened the channel to accommodate larger lumber carriers. October–December 1913 — Federal harbor map prepared. The Army engineers’ map records the mature industrial waterfront and the nearby Gratwick street grid: Felton, Porter, Stenzel, Washington, Allen and Frederick among them. Larger historical takeaway The record documents the physical creation of North Tonawanda’s lumber economy: earlier private landholders → Gratwick property assembly → state riverbed grants → dock construction → railroad spurs → Great Lakes lumber traffic → Eastern distribution. It also catches the district at a moment of transition. The nineteenth-century lumber port was still handling immense quantities of white pine, but Empire Engineering represented a newer waterfront economy based on barge storage, scow repair and heavy marine work. The lawsuit arose because the old and new industrial systems needed the same narrow stretch of river. The Gratwick neighborhood developed immediately beside this machinery. East of the railroad stood the street grid and residential community; west of it lay River Road, rail sidings, lumber yards, docks, steel works and the navigable channel. The case therefore helps explain not merely who owned the waterfront, but why Gratwick took the physical form it did. Valuable Firsthand Testimony James O’Connor’s testimony — the most human and anecdotal PDF pages 139–146; printed record pages 126–133. O’Connor was a Tonawanda ship chandler, former sailing-vessel sailor, and 32-year waterfront veteran. He describes the river from memory rather than from corporate paperwork. This is where you get: how boats physically threaded through the docks; the Weston, Hollister, Ollie & McKean and White & Mitchell properties; vessels swinging, backing and repeatedly touching bottom; water-level markers near Rumsey Street; abandoned or repurposed docks; ordinary canal boats still carrying lumber; shallow-draft scows carrying apples and potatoes from Grand Island, bound for Buffalo and New York. That Grand Island traffic is a wonderful little sidebar: not glamorous lake steamers, but produce moving in scows drawing only three or four feet. O’Connor’s description of vessels navigating past mills, backing between docks and grounding during turns is about as close as this file gets to an eyewitness tour of the working waterfront. Henry McAvoy’s testimony — how the lumber port physically worked PDF pages 146–157; printed record pages 133–144. McAvoy had worked around White, Gratwick & Mitchell’s docks since 1901. He discusses opening the yard, taking soundings, dredging the channel, clearing accumulated material and accommodating increasingly deep-draft vessels. He gives practical details historians usually never get: dock frontage and working length; steamboat and barge dimensions; where lumber was unloaded along the dock; a channel widened in 1902; dredging to approximately seventeen feet; mud versus rock in the river bottom. That testimony lets you explain the lumber district not as a row of static docks, but as a continuously maintained hydraulic machine. The usable waterfront had to be dredged, sounded and cleared; it did not simply exist naturally. Omer W. Blodgett — the Great Lakes lumber fleet PDF pages 176–182; printed record pages 163–169. Blodgett was president of the Great Lakes Lumber Carriers Association and had owned or managed a substantial fleet. He testified that the larger share of Great Lakes lumber traffic came to the Tonawandas and Buffalo because this was the principal transshipment point for Eastern markets. His testimony is gold for your Michigan-pine-pipeline story: fleet ownership and management; boat drafts; navigation during the 1890s; grounding and maneuvering problems; the former Wisconsin Lumber Company dock; named vessels and their owners. The named-vessel material could support a whole visual feature: Pridgeon, Ralph, Scotia, Pawnee, Miller, Orton, Middlesex and others. John J. O’Hagen — what the wooden lumber carriers actually looked like PDF pages 157–162; printed record pages 144–149. O’Hagen had roughly three decades’ experience navigating at Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. He describes typical lumber carriers as roughly 200–250 feet long, about 35–40 feet in beam, and drawing fourteen to fifteen feet. Most were wooden. He then begins describing the actual approach: down the channel outside Tonawanda Island, then into the dock system. That matters because it connects your Tonawanda Island research to the industrial river routes. His testimony can help you reconstruct what someone standing on the island or mainland would actually have seen: enormous, deeply laden wooden vessels turning and backing through an improbably tight corridor. James L. Crane — the corporate and commercial picture PDF pages 113–138; printed record pages 100–125. Crane was secretary of both White, Gratwick & Mitchell and its affiliated steamship company. He explains that the company’s vessels carried lumber from the head of the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay primarily to North Tonawanda, with additional tonnage chartered as necessary. Use Crane for: the connection between timber lands, steamship operations, docks and rail distribution; corporate structure; leases and dock ownership; annual receipts; the economic stakes of losing Dock No. 1. O’Connor and McAvoy provide the river mud and busted knuckles; Crane gives you the business model.
North Tonawanda map (Army Corps of Engineers, 1913).jpg
Approximate location of John Chadwick residence (1860).jpg
Google map link
Approximate locations of White mansion and ancient burial mound on Tonawanda Island.jpg
Country residence to let, Beachwater, ad (Niagara Democrat and Lockport Balance, 1841-09-29).jpg
In the haunted house, article (Tonawanda News, 1902-07-18).jpg
IN THE “HAUNTED HOUSE.” **Party of Buffalonians and Tonawandians Hear Ghostly Shrieks and Rumbling.** A party of five, including two Buffalonians and three residents of the Tonawandas took it into their heads one night recently to investigate the alleged mystery in connection with the old White Mansion at the head of Tonawanda Island. The old residence, where Daniel Webster and other celebrities have been entertained has long been in a dilapidated condition but ghostly rappings, footfalls and apparitions are still said to be nightly occurrences during the hours when spirits are supposed to hold high revels. It was after midnight, when the quintet rowed across the river and landed at the head of the island. The night was of inky blackness and everything was favorable for ghostly visitations. The party gained an entrance by way of a window from which the sash and glass had long been missing and at once proceeded to an upper room, where the story goes, a servant had been strangled to death many years ago. At this point one of the party was found missing. It was thought that his nerve had failed him and the remaining four were in high glee in anticipation of the champagne dinner that the first one who showed signs of fear would provide for the others. The small pocket lamp flickered lazily in the close air of the small room. One of the quartet began to tear the boards from a small window to allow a little ventilation, when a low humming which soon grew into a shriek and finally died gradually away into a moan seemed to issue from the room below. The sound of a heavy body rolling down the stairs followed. The four stout hearts stopped as of one accord and their owners thought not to enquire into the cause of the weird noises but fell over each other in their efforts to be the first out of the haunted house. Arriving at the boat they were greeted by the missing member of the party who between convulsions of laughter informed his friends that he would eat a champagne dinner on each of them. He had caused the ghostly shrieks, moans and rumblings by means of a musical instrument and several large stones.
Quiet at Tonawanda, article (Buffalo Express, 1893-06-19).pdf
QUIET AT TONAWANDA Buffalo Soldiery Relieve the Two Separate Companies. PEACEFUL DAY IN CAMP. It Has Been Christened Camp Haunted, Because of the Old Mansion Which They Occupy—Historic Place. Yesterday being Sunday, no lumber was unloaded in the Tonawandas. Nevertheless there was considerable stirring, as the Tonawanda and Niagara Falls military companies were withdrawn from guard duty in the lumber district and the battalion of the 65th Regiment from Buffalo took their place. It was 1.45 o’clock yesterday morning when, preceded by the field music, four companies of the 65th Regiment reached the New-York Central Exchange-street station to take a special train to Tonawanda. The battalion was commanded by Lieut.-Col. Chapin and was made up of Companies A and D of the second battalion and B and F of the first battalion. The little command was officered as follows: Company A, First-Lieut. R. C. Rogers; Second-Lieut. G. W. Windsor; Company B, Capt. H. A. Smith; First-Lieut. G. A. Wilson, Second-Lieut. G. W. Heppleman; Company D, Capt. J. D. Howland, First-Lieut. L. L. Babcock; Company F, Capt. O. E. F. Babcock, First-Lieut. O. J. Becker, Second-Lieut. Arthur Briggs, subalterns detailed from G company. Besides these were the following staff officers: Capt. Clarence Wilson, inspector of rifle practice; Lieut. Harvey W. Putnam, quartermaster; Lieut. H. C. Wadsworth, commissary, and Asst.-Surg. Meyer. The train pulled out 20 minutes after the arrival of the battalion and half an hour later drew into Tonawanda, where everything was found to be as quiet as possible on a hot June Sunday. The 42d Separate Company took the same train to the Falls, and at 10.30 guard-mounting of the 65th Regiment men took place. The 25th Separate Company was relieved as soon as possible. Its members marched to the armory in South Tonawanda and at once became citizens again. Last night they assembled again at the Armory and marched to the First Methodist Church, where they listened to a special sermon. They appeared in full uniform with helmets, and no musicians. Sixty-nine were in line and they made a fine appearance. The day passed without any excitement or special feature except the change of guard. There were hundreds of visitors to the island, as it was Sunday. Among these were very few union men. The union lumber-shovers now call on the merchants of both towns once a week to get subscriptions for their support. Most of the merchants give either goods or money to avoid having their stores boycotted by the union for months to come. Today may see a change in affairs, as an effort will be made to unload the fleet. WHAT THE SOLDIERS DID. Their Comfortable Quarters in the White House—Hospital Arrangements—Guard Duty. The Buffalo train had been switched on to the island track immediately on arrival at Tonawanda and ran across the bridge on Island Street, where it halted in front of Col. Welch’s headquarters in the office of Smith, Fassett & Co. “The Haunted House” or White Mansion, at the head of Tonawanda Island, was assigned to the Buffalo battalion, and in less than 10 minutes from the time the soldier boys reached the place they were settled, and within half an hour they had their bunks made, filled with hay, and ready to occupy. Camp Haunted, as the home of the battalion is now known, is occupied from the basement to the roof. The ground or basement floor is used for the cooking and storing rooms. There are two large cook stoves in the north rooms and every needed convenience. The wide veranda, which runs clear around the building, was used yesterday for the tables, although Company D supped in its rooms on the second floor. The Sunday bill of fare consisted of coffee, bread, butter, ham with mustard, boiled potatoes, dried beef and cheese. This will probably be the fare during the stay at North Tonawanda, except that fresh meat will be supplied and coffee will be allowed hot twice a day. The commissioned officers take their meals at Hotel Sheldon. William Coulson is in charge of the hospital corps, with John B. Gorman as his assistant. They have a complete apothecary shop, which cannot be beaten, as they have taken the large china closet which is on the north side of the house and adapted that to their purpose. The hospital is on the south side of the house, in what was the library of the White Mansion. Walter Coogan, C. L. Roesch’s private secretary, serves on the hospital corps with J. B. Gorman, and it is declared that the hospital corps has never been so good before. The officer of the day yesterday was Capt. Howland of Company D. The officer of the day for today will be Capt. Babcock of Company F. The officer of the guard will be Lieut. Rogers. The guard on duty today is made up as follows: From Company A, 13 men; Company B, 10; Company D, 5; Company F, 6; sergeants, 8; corporals, 6; musicians, 4. Maj. Parsons drove down by carriage, as did Lieut.-Col. Abell of the 74th Regiment. Lieut.-Col. Abell was accompanied by his daughter and took some excellent photographs of the scene. Adjt. Hall of the 65th Regiment went to Camp Haunted to see how the boys were situated, and about half of the second battalion of the 65th visited camp during the day for the same purpose. Many of the officers and men of the 74th were also on the lumber-covered island. Scores of the 65th-regiment boys took advantage of their situation to bathe in Niagara River at the head of the island. WHERE THE TROOPS ARE. A Sketch of Tonawanda Island, Which is Celebrated in Both History and Tradition. Tonawanda Island, now occupied by the troops, is celebrated in history of civilized man and in tradition of the aborigine. Its Indian name is “Ni-ga-waynah-pa-ba,” which means small island. Though it has had a dozen names, the term Little Island is still applied to it, and by that name it is now known. It contains something less than 100 acres. At the head of the island stands the old White mansion, now nearly 60 years old. In this are quartered four companies of the 65th Regiment. Philip Kenjockety, who died in 1864 aged more than 100 years, was born on this island. From him or from his father John, Scajaquada Creek was named. The first name of the island as known to white man was Carney Island, from James Carney, who with his father Edward settled on the island about 1820. Then the island was known as Tonawanda; after that as Bloodgood Island, from Mr. Bloodgood, who owned it. At his death it descended to his wife, who in 1833 sold it to Stephen White of Salem, Mass., and the late Lewis F. Allen. But soon after Mr. Allen sold his interest to Mr. White. In 1835 Mr. White began the erection of the mansion now the quarters of the 65th Battalion. The house cost $18,500 and is said to have been finished in a year. He called the place “Beachwater.” The woodwork, which is solid cherry and black walnut, was bought and worked in Boston. The marble mantels, which are still to be seen in the building, were imported from Italy, and it is said this was the first time Italian marble was used in this part of the country. The house was very substantially built. The walls are of brick and two feet thick. Mr. White’s daughter married, in Boston, Fletcher Webster, the son of Daniel Webster. On their bridal tour they came to White’s Island, as it was now known, and in this house a grand reception was held. Daniel Webster was a frequent visitor in this house, and so also was Gov. Marcy, who, if for nothing else, is remembered for his phrase, “To the victor belongs the spoils.” White lived in this house until 1847, when he moved to New-York, where he died the next year. His widow sold it to the late William Wilkeson, brother of John Wilkeson, who still lives in the family homestead on Niagara Square. It became an elephant on Mr. White’s hands and in 1883 he sold it for $45,000 to Smith & Fassett, the lumber firm. A few years later the transformation of the island into a vast lumber yard began. The drawbridge was built in 1887. Little Island many years ago—in fact, so many years ago that man cannot tell how long—was a part of the mainland and Tonawanda Creek flowed through it diagonally. While the surface of the island was in its primitive state the old channel of the creek could plainly be seen. On the north of it was high ground occupied by a fertile vineyard. The ice floes coming down the river in the late spring gradually cut off the peninsula and formed an island. Not more than 25 feet west of the house a third Indian mound stood as recently as four years ago. When the writer measured it in 1888 it was in the form of a large truncated cone about eight feet high and with a base diameter of nearly 80 feet. It is said to have been used by the Indians as a burial ground. It was described by the late E. G. Squier of Buffalo, one of the men from whom Mrs. Frank Leslie, in her long career, had been divorced. In May, 1889, a dozen skeletons were found while excavating the mound. It was the opinion of David F. Day, an authority on such matters, that they had been buried not more than 150 years. In the office of Smith & Fassett, where Col. Welch has his headquarters, are several relics dug from the mound. Opposite Tonawanda Island, on Grand Island, was the site which Maj. Noah selected for Ararat, a city of refuge for the Jews. Stephen White was one of the characters of the famous Joseph White murder case, which in its day was as celebrated a case, and as mysterious as well, as is the Borden case of today. On April 7, 1830, Joseph White, a rich retired merchant of Salem, Mass., aged 82, was found murdered in his bed. The circumstances of the affair indicated such coolness and audacity that the citizens of that town were led to fear that the same fate might await them in the night, and for days carpenters were busy nailing up doors and windows. Richard Crowninshield was arrested as the actual assassin and Joseph J. Knapp Jr. and John Francis Knapp as his accomplices. Crowninshield hanged himself in jail and the Knapps were tried and convicted. Daniel Webster’s argument in this case was one of the most brilliant efforts of the statesman’s life. John Francis Knapp tried in vain by letters and otherwise to direct public suspicion toward Stephen White, who was Joseph White’s nephew and legatee, and it was the notoriety growing out of this accusation that led Stephen White to leave his home in Salem, Mass., and live for years on this island. Ghosts are said to inhabit this house, and if so, the soldier boys probably will find it out. More than 60 years ago Nathaniel P. Willis, the famous writer of polite literature in his day, wrote a pretty sketch of this retired spot and concluded: “One comes to think that a little money could buy such a paradise for one’s own.”
Son of Dr. Locke drowned, Troy Daily Times (1867).pdf
Mary Rowland, Locke widow, and the Crandall case, article (Buffalo News, 1892-06-10).pdf
Tonawanda Island Bridge Company incorporation, bridge to be reviewed by Secretary of War (48th Congress, 1884-07-05).jpg
Picnics once popular on Tonawanda Island, Clarence O. Lewis (Lockport Union-Sun and Journal, 1965-03-24).jpg
LOCKPORT, N. Y., UNION-SUN & JOURNAL, Wednesday, March 24, 1965 Picnics Once Popular On Tonawanda Island By CLARENCE O. LEWIS Niagara County Historian In last week’s article we related in part the early and rather interesting story of Tonawanda Island. It was called White’s Island at that time. After Mr. White’s death around 1841 the title to the island seems to have reverted to the original owner, Samuel Leggate. In the Sept. 29, 1841 issue of the Lockport Democrat and Balance the Island was offered for sale or lease by Mr. Leggate. During the period between 1841 and 1859 the island or parts of it changed owners frequently. David F. Bacon, Charles Bartlett and George Robinson were separate owners during that period. Just what year it became a picnic resort is not apparent in our records. For a number of years between 1841 and 1859 the White mansion was said to have been haunted. By 1859 it was a popular picnic resort. On August 18, 1859 the Second Ward Presbyterian Church of Lockport held its annual picnic on White’s Island. The newspaper account of that picnic is interesting. It reads as follows: “Mr. Editor, Dear Sir: Permit me to make a few statements re Pic-Nic of the Second Ward Presbyterian Church which took place at White’s Island last Tuesday. Excursionists assembled at church ½ past 7 o’clock a.m. marched to the boats, headed by Papworth’s Brass Band about 8 o’clock. The boats engaged for the occasion were Capt. Crosby’s packet boat “Express” and the line boat W. H. Priest, towed by the steam tug “Jenney - Bell” of Tonawanda. They left the dock here soon after 8 o’clock but by the time they got above the locks and fairly started it was after 9 a.m. “On their first starting they glided over the water at a lively rate — the band playing a beautiful air, and all appearing to be as “merry as a marriage bell.” They had not proceeded but a few miles, however, before a sudden jolting was observed in the tug, and the slackening of their speed. Upon inquiry it was ascertained that she had struck a sunken log and broke one of her paddles, thus rendering it impossible for her to make the trip as quick as she would have done. In this condition she proceeded to the island, not arriving there until after 2 o’clock. During this tedious journey the passengers were engaged in various pastimes — the band occasionally playing; the school children singing, and the “young couples” passing jokes upon each other &c. (the married ones having a hand in — as is generally the case upon such occasions.) “As they passed through Tonawanda the streets were thronged with spectators heartily welcoming them to their beautiful village and island: Soon after arriving at the island, a sumptuous dinner was prepared by the young ladies on committee and the party partook of all the luxuries it afforded, appearing to be highly satisfied at the abundance of almost everything which is not generally the case on such occasions as this — after which they dispersed to different parts of the grove, enjoying themselves with amusements of various descriptions until between 6 and 7 o’clock when the small steamer “Defiance” came and towed them to Tonawanda, where they were delayed some time waiting for a team to tow the packet to Lockport, the steamer not having sufficient capacity to tow more than one boat. As the last boat left Tonawanda, the band struck up Home Sweet Home which was highly appreciated by all those on board notwithstanding they had a pleasant time. They came to Lockport slower than when they went up not reaching here until 1 o’clock Wednesday morning. They were not however all asleep coming down, for “cupid” was busily engaged in sending arrows of love in every direction, some of them taking effect as I should judge by appearances. Thus ended one of the best, and I believe the largest, Pic-Nics that ever left here; there being between five and six hundred present.” THE SAME COLUMN has another item which reads: “On Monday last an excursion was had to White’s Island opposite Tonawanda under auspices of the members of St. John’s Church of this village. “The two boats were loaded to capacity — 400 souls — were towed up by Capt. Hensler’s Steam Tug “Jennie Bell” in about 3 hours and returned in the same time. All the visitors to White’s Island speak in terms of praise of the arrangements there for reception of visitors. Mr. Edwards, the lessee, has fitted up the house and island to accommodate pleasure parties and has boats, fishing tackle, swings, etc.,....” In 1860 the Universalist Church of Lockport held its picnic. Two boats were filled. Other Lockport churches also journeyed via canal to White’s Island for their annual picnics. About 1890 the Tonawanda & Wheatfield Electric Co. occupied part of the island. The Indian mound was leveled off some years prior to 1890. Before our next article we hope to learn more about Tonawanda Island. Returning to the mainland we find that the first mention of the name Tonawanda instead of the “Village of Niagara” was Nov. 29, 1825 when Palmer Cleveland was appointed Postmaster of “Tonawanda.” In 1840 two companies of militia were organized there, one of artillery and one of infantry. There was a movement started to have a military camp on White Island. We have found no record that this project was consummated. THE VILLAGE OF TONAWANDA was incorporated Dec. 29, 1853. It had three wards, two on the Erie County side of the creek and one on the Niagara County side. Soon after jealousy was aroused between the two divisions of Tonawanda regarding village expenditures for improvements. This was especially true on highway expenditures. Finally the friction culminated in 1857 when a load of gravel supposedly intended for the north side was spread on a street in the Erie County side. This precipitated the withdrawal of North Tonawanda by authority of the State Legislature. In 1865 it became a duly incorporated village. In the early 1820’s when the canal construction between Buffalo and the Tonawanda Creek was about completed a dam 4½ feet high was built in the creek between the river and the junction of the canal from Buffalo. Being just west of the mouth of Ellicott Creek this raised the level of the two creeks to nearly the same level as Lake Erie. A lock was built into the dam so that log rafts or boats could pass from the creek into the river or vice versa. It is worth noting that Stephen Jacobs, a veteran of the Battle of Bunker Hill and a settler on eight dollar an acre land in 1817 on the North Tonawanda site, supplied the lumber for this dam and lock. When completed it served every purpose for which it was designed but it had serious consequences during spring thaws or prolonged heavy rains. Floods became a yearly occurrence not only in the two communities but for miles up both creeks. To remedy this situation a “State Ditch” was dug from Tonawanda Creek to Mill Creek and by way of that creek the flood waters reached the river near Seymour Street. This state ditch was entirely inadequate to take care of flood waters of both creeks and nearly every spring low parts of both the Tonawandas were flooded as were farm lands on both creeks. Some years the state paid more than $100,000 in damages. MORE DITCHES were dug along the creek in the Town of Pendleton to draw off flood waters but the problem was not solved until the dam was removed when the Erie Canal was converted into the Barge Canal in 1908-1918 period. After that the greater part of the canal to Buffalo was abandoned and a 12-foot channel in the Niagara River to Buffalo was dredged. James Sweeney, one of the original proprietors of the “Village of Niagara,” later North Tonawanda, deserves special mention here. He purchased a large acreage and began at once to cut the trees. Lumber from these trees was used in building a pier in Buffalo. Wildcats and wolves were still to be found in the forest and a bounty was paid by the then Town of Niagara for scalps of either animal. Mr. Sweeney built the first frame house in North Tonawanda in 1828. He donated the land on which in 1837 was built the first church and the first schoolhouse. In closing I should like to correct an error in my article of March 5. A block house on the river near the mouth of Tonawanda Creek was built by our War Department in 1812 instead of by the English in 1764 as I stated. This 1812 blockhouse was garrisoned by 16 soldiers. In December 1813 it was burned by the English.
Fancy diplomacy obtained Tonawanda Island for U.S., Beach Water ad, article (Tonawanda News, 1965-06-25).jpg
North swing bridge, chutes, photo (HST, c.1920).jpg
History of NT pools, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-07-05).jpg
NT lets swim pool contract, article (Tonawanda News, 1945-11-20).pdf
Memorial pool, platform photos (Tonawanda News, 1957-06-25 2830).jpg
Drs Jesse Locke and Hoyer, journal info (1850-1852).jpg
From Historical Society of the Tonawandas: Taken from an inventory of all historical record repositories in Erie County back in 1983. His journal was part of U.B.'s Medical Collection back then - I think I had found the correct site about 10 years ago - but the curator could not find the artifacts. Note: it is part of the Roswell Park collection - he probably had it at the time of his death. Dr Locke's daughter mentions the journal in the trial notes - just that he never kept an account ledger, only his medical journal. Two addtl minimal mentions of the Johnsons: In Dr Locke's estate probate there is an invoice from Gillie blacksmith for making a pair of hinges "for coloured man" in Dr Locke's account. Also I found Jacob Hook handling a $1.00 cash payment for "Mrs Johnson" at store of Urial Driggs - 1851/52 timeframe.
Court of Appeals Case No. 254, Folios 10851–1089; John Chadwick v. John Fonner et al., 1876.pdf
Court of Appeals case and exceptions in the Johnson/Fonner land dispute, 1849–1876
Memorial Pool renovation plans (1986-11-11).pdf
Memorial Pool, North Tonawanda, selected original blueprints (Wesley Bintz, 1946).gal
Testimonial from Pop Ramsay for Bintz Memorial Pool (Modern Swimming, catalog p53, letter 1948-07-22).jpg
Modern Swimming Pools, catalog of Bintz pools (complete text), plus NT-related excerpts (1950).pdf
Loaded with photos, ads, financial breakdowns and testimonials for Wesley Bintz-designed pools. Excerpts include the Kiddies Wading Pool which was a feature of the original Payne Park Memorial Pool before making way for the guard house, and an illustration of the "Extended Front" which North Tonawanda's pool would have had but for budgetary restrictions. Also at archive.org.
Pickard family get Jacob Hook's land south of Johnsons, notice (1866-07-09).jpg
By 1866, the land immediately south of the Johnson twelve-acre corner was being sold under court judgment against Jacob Hook and others. That helps show the Johnson parcel had a recognizable boundary at its southern edge before the later Fonner/Chadwick judgment deed.
Johnsons' 12.4 acres in Lot 10, 1938 aerial photo.jpg
Montgomery Rasch, obituary (Buffalo News, 1969-07-28)
Montgomery Rasch Dies at 39; Leader In North Tonawanda Memorial services for Montgomery Rasch, 39, businessman and community leader, will be held 11 AM tomorrow in the First United Methodist Church. Mr. Rasch, a member of the church's official board, died Saturday night (July 26, 1969) after a long illness. A community leader in North Tonawanda, he was chairman of the North Tonawanda Youth Board three years. He also served as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, past skipper of Sea Scouts Ship 428 and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 860. In January he was named Elk of the Year, the first person so honored. He held numerous positions in the lodge, among them chairman of youth activities for 10 years. He also was past district chairman of youth activities the New York State Lodge.' Mr. Rasch was past district commander of Tonawanda District Boy Scouts, a past chairman and former member of the Niagara County Juvenile Aid Bureau, Fund worker and a a a a a a of the "member executive board of the Niagara City Association of Town Superintendents. He was vice-president of Riverside Chemical Co., North Tonawanda. He attended North Tonawanda schools, Greenbriar Military Academy, Lewisburg, W. Va., and The Citadel, Charleston, S. C. He served four years with the Navy. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Marion H. Anthony; his wife, the former Marilyn Kowsky; three children, Montgomery Edward, Margaret and Martha; and a sister, Mrs. Gretchen R. Denk of Lewiston.
Sea Explorers Busy at Their Local Base, other Sea Wolf photos, article (Tonawanda News, 1950-10-03).pdf
Cemetery minutes trustees 1868-1878.docx
Minutes of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery Association Organization meeting — February 12, 1868 Cemetery minutes trustees 1868-1921 To the board of trustees of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery with the compliments of your BF Felton Tonawanda Minutes of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery Association Organized under a provision of an act authorizing the incorporation of Rural Association Vol 2nd P.P 635 Received Statutes of State Of New York Meetings of the citizens of Tonawanda Erie Co. in N.Y. and of the Citizens of North Tonawanda Niagara Co N.Y. having met at the council room of the Village of North Tonawanda Niagara co NY want it to notice Present: Hiram Newell Jacob Baker Edmond T (Ages?) George Backer David Robinson Elias P Brown Charles C Harris George W Sherman Benjamin F Felton George (?) Franklin Warren Whitman Jacobs Lewis S Payne Garwood L Judd On motion hon Hiram Newell was appointed president and Garwood Judd Secretary. It was moved and carried that we do now form a corporation under and by virtue of the statute + Known by the name of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery association. It was moved + it was moved and carried that six trustees be elected to compose a board of trustees of said cemetery. The following named gentlemen were by ballot duly elected. Franklin Warren Benjamin S Felton Hiram Newell Selden Johnson John Simson Garwood L Judd The president and secretary did then immediately proceed to classify as follows. First class: Horam Newell Garwood Judd Second class: John Simson Benjamin F Felton Third class: Franklin Warren Selden Johnson Motion was made and carried that the annual meeting in each year of the board of trustees shall be on the first Tuesday at 2 o’clock in the month of February. On motion the meeting is now adjourned. Signed: Garwood Judd Horam Newell The above meeting was held on the 12th Feb 1868 Meeting of the board of trustees of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery Association held at the office of GL Judd North Tonawanda Feb 19, 1868 Present: John Simson Hiram Newell Selden G Johnson Benj F Felton Garood L Judd Franklin Warren On motion it was resolved that the following named gentlemen be chosen for the next year: Selden Johnson President Garwood L Judd Vice “ Benjamin F Felton Secretary Hon Hiram Newell (?) On motion BF Felton was appointed a committee to inform Mr James Sweeney of the formation of this association and request his presence at the next meeting. On motion Mr F Warren was appointed a committee to inform Mrs C Sweeney of the formation of this association and to obtain such papers as were in her possession voluntarily to this association and present them to the secretary. GL Judd John Simson Meeting of the Board of Trustees for Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery Association held at the office of Selden Johnson Tonawanda July 1, 1868 Present: Selden Johnson GL Judd BF Felton H Newell John Simson Meeting called to order by the president and the following business transacted. The secretary presented a deed of a certain portion of land known as the Col. John Sweeney’s Rural Cemetery grounds which has been given to the association by the heirs of Col John Sweeney. On motion the aforesaid was accepted and and the secretary was instructed to have the same recorded in the Niagara Clerks Office. On motion Hon Hiram Newell was appointed superintendent of the cemetery grounds. On motion GL Judd Esq. was appointed a committee to procure a statement of all monies received or paid out for improvements upon said cemetery grounds previous to the present time. On motion the secretary was appointed a committee to ascertain persons who have possession of certain lots in said cemetery grounds and ascertain the amounts due for said lots have been paid by them. On motion the secretary was (?) to procure such stationary as may be required for the use of this affirmation. On motion it was resolved that no burials will be allowed within the cemetery grounds without the written permission of the superintendent and that the secretary notify persons interested of the said resolution. On motion the office of Selden Johnson was chosen as the office of this association and decided that all meetings should be held at that place. On motion the board adjourned until July 2nd at 8’Oclock PM. BF Felton Secretary Meeting of the board of Col. John Sweeney Rural cemetery association held at the office of Selden Johnson Tonawanda July 2nd, 1868 Present: Selden Johnson GL Judd BF Felton Hiram Newell John Simson esq The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. On motion Mr John Simson was appointed a committee to procure a suitable set of stairs to be placed in the south west corner of the cemetery grounds for the purpose of entering the cemetery. On motion the secretary was requested to report a form of Rules + Deeds + submit the same at the next meeting On a motion the meeting was adjourned to Thursday July 9th 1868 at 8 o’clock PM BF Felton Secretary Meeting of the board of trustees of Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery ? held at the office of Selden Johnson Tonawanda July 9th 1868 Present: Selden Johnson president Hiram Newell Garwood Judd Franklin Warren Minutes of the last not present therefore not read. GL Judd reported that he had received a written statement of HP Smith + the NY Erie Bank which was received to be acted upon by the board when called of. On motion the superintendent was instructed to employ Franklin Warren and other men to clean the walks and avenues in the cemetery and the amount of labor expended for such purpose shall not exceed the amount of one hundred dollars. On motion it was resolved the the president and ? be requested to executed deeds of lots to all parties who will pay for their lots and collect the money for the same until the next meeting of the board. On motion the meeting was adjourned until July 23rd at 8 O’clock PM GL Judd Meeting of the board of Trustees of Col. John Sweeney Rural cemetery Association held at the office of S Johnson Tonawanda July 23, 1868 Present: Selden Johnson President GL Judd Vice “ BF Felton Secretary Hiram Newell Mas Franklin Warren Meeting called to order by the president and the minutes of the meeting of July 23 and July 9th were read and approved. The committee read rules and deeds reported and on motion the form henceforth which were then used and adopted. The committee treasurer upon the lots reported persons who had not paid + those who had paid for their lots as far as could be ascertained. In pursuance of motion authorizing the president + treasurer to issue a deeds to Cap Chas Kelly Lot #2 Section E for the sun of $215.00 The supt of the cemetery reported an expense of 38 days labor to the amount of $60. Said report not including the services of F Morrison? Also another expense to the amount of $9.00 for stake + lettering. On motion the president was appointed a committee to collect monies due for lots to tell the next meeting. On motion it was resolved that the sum of $10 be collected upon such lots ? …………added to the present price ? were issued by JD Vandervoort attorney. Monies due on all lots for the amount of funds for stamps to which accrue from the issuance of the new deeds. On motion the president and vice president were authorized to sell + receive moneys for the payment of the lots and issue the proper deeds therefor. On motion the president be authorized ti issue a deed to Elder Joshua Vincent to lot no 2 Section A for the amount of $15. On motion the meeting was then adjourned. BF Felton Secretary Meeting of the board of trustees of Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery association held at the offices of S Johnson Tonawanda October 8, 1868 Present: Selden Johnson President GL Judd Vice “ BF Felton Secretary Hiram Newell Treasurer Franklin Warren esq The meeting was called to order and the minutes from the last meeting of July 23rd read and approved. The treasurer made report as follows Receipts since organization $206. Disbursements $83 Details for the receipts and disbursements will be found in cash book with the respective dates. On motion and order was directed to be drawn on the ? of Hiram Newell treasurer for the amount of $84 for bill rendered. On motion an order was directed to be drawn on by the treasurer in the amount of $27 for labor as per bill rendered. On motion an order was directed to be drawn in favor of John Simson for the amount of $14 as payment for building steps + for lumber for the same as per bill rendered. On motion the superintendent was directed to have the gate removed from it’s present location to the proper place as designated upon the cemetery map. On motion the superintendent was authorized to open and clean such avenues as be may deemed ? at the present time On motion the secretary was directed to notify the individuals who occupy lots unpaid for that they must pay for the same of remove the bodies deposited upon the lots. The persons to whom the secretary was requested to give said notice were: John Chadwick Mrs N Nugent A McGregory Marshal Fales David Robinson Mrs H Stanley Chas Calkins Thomas Ronley Mrs. James Ensley Mrs Moore ? SS McMerrick On motion the meeting was adjured subsequent to ? Call. BF Felton Secretary Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Col. John Sweeney Cemetery Association held in the office of Selden Johnson Nov 20, 1868 Present: S Johnson Pres GL Judd Vice “ BF Felton Secre. H Newell Treas. F Warren J Simson Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. The secretary reported notices to the persons occupying lots that were unpaid for . The treasurer reported the recept of $40 from the nugent , $25 from Mrs HP Stanley, $10 from GL Judd, and $25 from Wm Simson. Your treasurer also reported the following distribuments To BF Betts surveying $100 “ Sunday Persons $40 days labor $61.10 “ M Simson “ “ “ $2.00 D Bellinger for team $1.00 For stamps $2.00 On motion the order was drawn on the treasurer as follows in favor of H Newell paid for labor $66.60 Wm Simson $45.00 The subject matter of persons rendering services unpaid for upon the cemetery grounds was presented and the following bills were duly presented. Bill for services of Mr E Brown amounting to $62.12 upon which was ordered the sum of $57. Balances due Mr Brown $12.12 And on motion an order was drawn for the amount for the same. Also like bill presented from John Simson for the amount of $75. And on motion an order was drawn up for that amount. Also like Bill was presented from AG Kent for the amount of $25 and on motion and order was drawn up in that amount. Also like Bill presented from HP Smith for excess of payments over receipts of $21.87. The secretary was was directed to notify HP Smith that an over was directed to be drawn in his favor for the amount of $21.87 and upon paying to the treasurer the amount of $58.13 deeds for lots no. sec. Would be given to him. On motion the president was directed to enforce compliance with resolution ? served upon persons occupying unpaid for. On motion the meeting was adjured. BF Felton. Secretary Meeting of the board of Trustees for Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery association held at the office of S Johnson Feb 7th 1869 Present: S Johnson President GL Judd Vice “ BF Felton Secretary Hiram Newell Treasurer Meeting was called to order and the minutes from the last meeting were read + Approved. The treasurer reported he had received from Summer Newman $20 from GL Judd 50/100 from WM Hancock $12. From SP Hastings $10 Also reported the following disbursements. Paid LS Payne for recording in Niagara County Clerks Office the articles of the association and the deed of the grounds in the sum of $3. + for stamps $5. On motion Saturday the 2nd day of Feb 1869 at 2 O’clock was designated as the time for the elections of office in place of GL Judd + Hiram Newell whose term of office expired at that date. On motion the meeting was adjured til the 25th of Feb 1869 at 2 oclock pm. BF Felton Secy Meeting of the board of Trustees for Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery Association held Tonawanda Feb 24 1869 Present: SG Johnson Pres GL Judd Vice “ BF Felton Secry H Newell Treasurer Meeting called to order and the minutes of the last meeting read The stated day for the election of the trustees having arrived- On motion the lot owners conceded to the election. Upon Canvas of the votes, the following gentlemen were elected for the trustees: GL Judd Hiram Newell On motion the meeting was duly adjourned. Meeting of the board of trustees for Col.John Sweeney Rural Cemetery association of the office if SG Johnson Tonawanda on May 14, 1869 Present: SG Johnson President GL Judd Vice “ BF Felton Secry Hiram Newell Treasurer F Warren esq Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. On motion the board proceeded to elect superintendent for the ensuing year and James Carney was duly elected. On motion the meeting was adjourned for one month. BF Felton Secry Regular meeting of the board of trustees of Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery Association held at the offices of SG Johnson Tonawanda May 21, 1869 Present: SG Johnson President GL Judd Vice “ H Newell Treasurer BF Felton Secry Franklin Warren The meeting was called to order and the minutes from the last meeting were read and approved. On motion the Supt Mr Carney, was directed to expend a sum of money not to exceed one hundred dollars in improvements to the grounds. On motion the meeting was adjourned. Meeting of the board of trustees of Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery association. Held Tonawanda March 5, 1870 Present: S Johnson President GL Judd Vice “ H Newell Treasurer F Warren Meeting called to order by the president and on motion G Judd was appointed secretary in term. On motion it was resolved whereas in consequence of the day for the annual election of the board of trustees having passed and that said election did not take place it was resolved that GL JUdd be hereby authorized to transmit to the lot owners a written notification that a special election would take place at the office of S Johnson on the 11th day of March 1870 for the election of two trustees in place of BF Felton and John Simson. On motion the board adjourned to meet at the office of S Johnson March 11, 1870. GL Judd Secty Meeting of the board of Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery association held at the offices of S Johnson Tonawanda March 11, 1870 Present: S Johnson President GL Judd Vice “ H Newell Treasurer BF Felton Franklin Warren The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The supt of the cemetery grounds made his report and presented his account the details of Which may be found in the book of the treasurer. The total amount of distributions during the year by him was $100.78 and on motion he was allowed and orders were directed to be drawn on the treasurer for the amount. Hon. Hiram Newell (Treasurer) furnished his financial report as follows The receipts for the season were William Clark $6.75 James S Se????lefield $1 EB Jacobs $1 Conrad Backer $25. Total receipts $27.75 And on hand March 14, 1869 $151.99 Total $2103.24 Total disbursements $100.78 Now on hand March 11, 1870 $102.96 On motion it was resolved that SL Johnson and GL JUdd be directed to take such legal actions as may be necessary to compel persons occupying lots which are unpaid for either to pay for the same or remove the remains of the dead contained within. The time having arrived for the election of two trustees in place of BL Felton and John Simson the election was proceeded with and J Freeman Vincent and Dr Conrad Backer were duly elected as trustees for the term of three years from Feb 1st 1870. The board then proceeded to organize their respected officers for the ensuing years which resulted in the electing: Selden Johnson President Garwood Judd Vice “ Hon Hiram Newell Treasurer J Freeman Vincent Secretary James Craney Superintendent On motion it was resolved that a vote of thanks was tendered to BF Felton for his services as secretary of the board since it’s organization and also for the contribution of the necessary books for the use of this association. On motion the board was then appointed. BF Felton Tonawanda October 27, 1870 Meeting of the Trustees of Col. John Sweeney Rural cemetery at the office of president S Johnson. Present S Johnson President J. Vincent Secty Hiram Newell Treasurer James Craney Superintendant Dr Leonard Backer Minutes from the last meeting were read and approved. The treasurer made the following report which was accepted. Deed from Marshall Fales $40 Daniel Robinson $25 Mrs Frank Chasselette $15 J Burns $40 George Cummings $25 $143 The super Mr Carney rendered the following bill paid for labor $7 grass seed holder $11.38. $18.38 Which was accepted and on motion an order was drawn on the treasurer in the amount. Mr S Johnson asked permission to change his lot for one in section B to be hereafter selected by a motion made and carried the president + sect. Were authorized to take ref? the old deed of the lot now held by Mr Johnson and give him the lot he may select he paying the difference if any. On motion Mess. Vincent and Backer were appointed a committee to confer with + settle the ? with James Sweeney. A motion was made and carried that the superintendent be notified not to allow anyone to bury their dead upon any of the lots unless such lots be paid for and that the secretary furnish the super with a copy of the resolution. On motion the board adjourned until two weeks from tonight J F Vincent Secry Tonawanda Feb 7 1871 — Regular meeting of the Col. John Sweeney cemetery association held at the office of SG Johnson Present: S Johnson President GL Judd Vice “ H Newell Treasurer JF Vincent Secty H Backer F Warren Meeting called to order, minutes of last meeting were read and approved. Committee on settlement with James Sweeney + report progress. On motion we proceed to ballot for trustees in place of Mess Johnson + Warren. The following officers were elected for the coming year: Dr Backer President GL Judd Vice “ H Newell Treasurer J Vincent Secty The treasurer made his report which was accepted the details of which can be found upon his books The following bills were presented and upon motion ordered to be drawn on treasurer for amt. James Craney bill labor $27.80 BF Felton bill Family deeds for $16.40 and 27.80 Meeting was adjourned ? Tonawanda July 25, 1871 — At a meeting of the board of Col John Sweeney Rural Cemetery Association the following gentlemen are present: Dr Backer President N Newell Treasurer Mr S Johnson + GL Judd Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. The following bills were submitted for labor done on the cemetery grounds + on motion orders were drawn on treasurer for amnts: EP Brown $3.00 James Carney $5.25 $8.25 On motion the secretary was directed to notice all persons that have their deeds on lots unpurchased to remove the same between the date and the first day of November next or the same be removed by the board. On motion Dr C Backer was allowed to exchange lot 14 by giving difference in price of the lots. Board Adjourned. GL Judd Sectry Tonawanda October 9th, 1871 — At a meeting for the board of Col John Sweeney Rural cemetery association. Held at the office of S Johnson the following gentlemen were present: Dr C Backer President N Newell Treasurer JF Vincent Secretary And Mr Johnson + Judd Trustees The minutes of the last meeting not being on hand on motion the reading was dispensed with. Mr James Carney presented his resignation which on motion was accepted and Mr Simon Bellinger was appointed in his place. Motion made and carried that GL Judd be allowed to exchange his deed for lot 1 and have his deeds in Lots 1 and 2 of Section “J” by paying difference in price. On motion the Supt. was authorized to use lots _____ in section F (NE corner of the cemetery) To bury the bodies in that are now in the streets + on lots unpaid for. And the treasurer was also authorized to pay bills for for removing such bodies as soon as such bills be presented and audit said bills at the next meeting for the board. Meeting adjourned Live Die JF Vincent secretary Tonawanda Nov 20 1871 Special meeting of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery Association. Present Backer Judd Newell Vincent Johnson Mr Newell treasurer brought in ills for removing bodies of $93.16 which was authorized to be paid at the meeting. Mr, Newell resigned and Mr S Johnson elected his stead balance of money in the treasury of $370.48. On motion the supt was authorized to notify Mr SS McMerrick + Mr ? Hawley to remove their dead or secure deeds from the association. The supt was also authorized to grub out oak trees at as little expense as possible JF Vincent Sectry At the annual meeting of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery Association Present: are Dr Backer presiding, SG Jhnson + GL Judd trustees. The treasurer report was read and accepted. The amount received from former treasurer Mr Hiram Newell was the sum of $307.88 and was received since he came into the office (SG Johnson) $142.25 in all $514.13 and paid out $5 for straps? Leaving in his hands $509.13. It was moved and carried that Lerenzo? Ponney? Have a deed of his lost for the money he has paid to George Wing as per ? of James Sweeney. It was moved that the treasurer report be received as read. On motion the association proceeded to ballot for trustee in place of GL Judd was declared duly elected as trustee in place of SL ? and Simon Bellinger was declared duly elected in place of Hiram Newell. On motion this meeting does now adjourned. Sine and Bie (Live and Die?) February 1872 — At a meeting of the board of trustees of the Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery held at the office of SG Johnson president trustees: Backer, SG Johnson, GL Judd, , F Warren, and Simon Bellinger. It was moved that Dr Backer be our president for the ensuing year. F Warren, vice president. SG Johnson Treasurer, and GL Judd Secretary. It was moved and carried that SG Johnson receive $50 each deed drawn up by ? his entering his bill. He presented his bill for drawing said deeds which was accepted at $30. On motion a bill of GL Judd for ? deeds be allowed at $13.75 and on motion a bill alm of George M Warren of $1. For ? deeds was allowed on motion. The do now adjourn on the call of the president GL Judd 1873 — Col. John Sweeney Rural Cemetery association Feb 5th, 1873 At an annual meeting of the stock holders of the office of secretary on the 5th day of February 1873. Gentlemen present: C Backer, Vincent, Simon Bellinger, GL Judd, + SG Johnson trustees. Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. SG Johnson read his report Which read from the treasurers book and found in his hands $740.98. On motion the board do now proceed to ballot for trustee in place os Secretary Backer and F Vincent which was duly done by ballot and both Backer and F Vincent were duly elected. SG Johnson tendered his resignation as trustee which was duly accepted. Simon Bellinger of ____ $14.25 only presented and allowed and bill ? on bill. BH Neff was duly elected trustee in place of SG Johnson resignation. Now board Adjourns 1873 Present Mr’s Bellinger, Vincent, Backer, + Judd. On motion of GL Judd named C Backer were duly elected president for the ensuing year. F Vincent elected vice president for and BH Neff was duly elected treasurer, and GL Judd was duly elected Secretary for the ensuing year. It was moved and carried that the treasurer BH Neff give the reposite Bail for the safety of the money of the cooperation. S Haymond presented bill for printing of $3.00 which was allowed + bill placed on file. On motion Simon Bellinger was duly elected superintendent of the cemetery for the ensuing year. Simon Bellinger presented bill for services on superintendent of $25. Which was accepted and bill placed on file. On motion the board do now adjourn by the call of the president GL Judd Secretary Janurary 7, 1873 Cemetery board meet at the store of BH Neff Present: Backer Warren Simson Bellinger BH Neff GL Judd Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. It was moved that F Warren + Backer be appointed a committee to see James Sweeney and the Vandervoort estate in relation to the purchase of land for additional cemetery grounds. Supt Bellinger presented a bill for cutting down cemetery fence of $30.00 which was duly allowed + check drawn + bill on bill. On motion the board do now adjourn by call of the president. GL Judd Secretary Sept 5 1873 Board meet presidents store, present: President Backer JL Vincent BH Neff S Bellinger GL JUdd trustee Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. The following bills were presented for payment and allowed: AG Carey Rings + Staples $4.50 SP Hastings 2 Urns $4.50 OH Gorton Hardware paint $98.57 Wm (Nellis?) Hellis labor on fence $6.25 Walrath + Boroner? For lumber $29.46 G W Sterns plaining lumber $20.74 S Bellinger Supt. $102.50 On the above bills on file. It is now moved + Carried that the treasurer copy from the old map onto the new one the names of the lot owners. It was moved and ? that the supt reset all of the stakes in the cemetery + new ones if necessary. On motion the board is now adjourned. Annual meeting Feb 3rd, 1874 — Present: Conrad Backer prescient BH Neff Treasurer Simson Bellinger trustees GL Judd Secretary. The minutes of the last meeting were read an approved The treasurer BF Neff presented his report. Which shows he had received from SG Johnson former treasurer $191.50 making the total amount of $932,48 and paid out since last report $353.52 leaving in the treasurer's hand $578.96. Report accepted and recorded on file. The following bills were presented + duly accepted Henry Backer copying records $25.00 BF Felton for record book $15.00 GL Judd drawing deed $7.50 S. Bellinger Supt. $25.00 _______ $72.50 The following named persons were balloted and elected as trustees in favor of making Franklin Warren and Benj H Neff whose terms as trustees expired abd BH Neff and Benj Felton duly elected. The board then adjourned Sine a die. And the new board on the same day convened. Present: C. Backer S Bellinger BH Neff GL Judd On motion C Backer was duly elected President for the ensuing year. BH Neff Treasurer and GL Judd Secretary and Simon Bellinger superintendent. On motion the board do now adjourn by the call of the president. February 18, 1875 — Pursuant to the call for the annual meeting of the Col. John Sweeney Cemetery Association lot owners for the purpose of electing the trustees in place of GL Judd and S Bellinger whose term of office expires. The meeting was called to order and Conrad Backer was made chairman and Robert Harrington Secretary. Present: C Backer BH Neff S Bellinger R Harrington SA Van Brocklin On motion the meeting was adjourned until Feb 25th, 1875 at 2 O'clock PM at the office of S Bellinger in Tonawanda. Feb. 25th, 1875 3 O’clock Pm — Meeting called to order by Secretary BF Felton Chairman, S Bellinger secretary. Treasurer made his report which was accepted and placed on file. A motion was made that was now proceeded for new trustees. A ballot was had for trustees S Bellinger was duly ha for trustee and W Jacobs was duly elected as trustee to serve for 3 years from this meeting. BF Felton Chairman S Bellinger Secretary Feb 25th, 1875 — Board of trustee meeting convenes. Trustees present: BF Felton, F Vincent, BH Neff, Whit Jacobs, and S Bellinger on motion BF Felton was elected president for the present year and S Bellinger was elected Secretary. On motion BH Neff was elected treasurer and S Bellinger as superintendent. On motion and order was drawn on the treasurer in favor of SP Howard for printing notice of $1.50 and on motion and order be drawn on the treasurer in favor of S Bellinger for $25. For services as superintendent for the last year carried. The above orders were drawn as above the report from the treasurer for the last year were received and placed on file. Which account of the treasurer is as follows: Feb Cash on hand $578.96 Amounts received in 1874 $120.00 Total amounts $698.96 Amounts paid out $118.94 Total amount on hand $580.02 On motion the board adjourned until the next call of the president. S Bellinger Secretary Feb 1st 1876 At the regular annual meeting of the cemetery association pursuant to the notice published in the Lu? ? ? met at the office of S Bellinger for the purpose of electing new trustees in place of Dr Backer and Freeman Vincent whose term of office expires on the first day of Feb 1876. Present: BF Felton President S Bellinger Secretary Dr Backer Vincent trustees On motion Freeman Vincent be balloted for trustees Vincent was duly declared unanimously elected trustee and on motion of Backer George H Smith be elected trustee. George H Smith was duly declared elected trustee for three years in place of Br Backer whose term of office was expired accordingly Freeman Vincent and George H Smith are elected trustees for three years . On motion the meeting adjourned until Feb 8th, 1876 at 7 O’clock PM S Bellinger Secretary Tonawanda Feb 8, 1876 A annual meeting of the trustees of Col. John Sweeney Cemetery association the meeting was called to order, George Smith called to the ? ? ? the trustee made his report and then on motion the treasurer report was recorded and placed on file. On motion the treasurer be allowed to delegate all deeds to the persons purchased on their paying the amount called for in the deed. On motion BF felton was elected president and S Bellinger Secretary and BH Neff as treasurer. And S Bellinger superintendent of the cemetery. On motion made in favor of CH Hayward for $1.50 for publishing notice of annual meeting, Carried on motion on the fee of $25 in favor of S Bellinger for services as superintendent of the cemetery. On motion of F Vincent that the treasurer pay .75 cents to the set fee for every deed that has not been paid up by the purchase of the lot and purchase of lots that be required to pay more than the price of the deed call for carry S Bellinger Secretary A special meeting called by the president Nov 14th, 1876 Present: Geo Smith W Jacobs BH Neff S Bellinger On motion Geo Smith BH Neff was appointed. President Mr Geo Smith presented old notes, papers and money accounts with James Sweeney to have them examined and after looking them over the papers the present member could not do any thing about the matter. On motion BH Neff and S Bellinger be a committee to see SG Johnson + Others to find out what agreement had been made with the Sweneys in agreement of him giving the deed to the cemetery. Adjourned until Thursday evening Nev. 16th at 7 O’clock S Bellinger Secretery At an adjourned meeting of the trustees of Col. John Sweeney Cemetery Nov 16, 1876 Present: BF Felton president F Vincent Geo Smith Whit Jacobs BH Neff S Bellinger. The meeting was called to order by the president BH Neff made a motion that James Sweeney Claim be allowed amount $55.46. Motion was lost. Motion made of Geo Smith that McMerrick be notified to pay for his lot or vacate his lot immediately carried. Motion made that treasurer notify all persons that have deeds to pay up. S Bellinger Secretary At the annual meeting of the lot owners of Col John Sweeney Cemetery Association held at the office of S Bellinger Feb 6th, 1877 for the purpose of electing two trustees in place of BH Neff and BF Felton whose term expires. On motion of BH Neff SG Johnson was chose chairman secretary S Bellinger
You push the button and this new automaton does the rest, article (The San Francisco Call Bulletin, 1901-09-16).jpg
U. S. Automaton Company incorporates, article (Democrat and Chronicle, 1900-02-04).jpg
Three more showings of Holyland, article (Tonawanda News, 1920-08-07).jpg
The electric man, article (Gibson City Courier, 1895-08-30).jpg
Perew starts tour with Holyland show, article (The Buffalo Times, 1921-07-19).jpg
North Tonawanda man patents airship devices, article (The Buffalo News, 1910-06-27).jpg
Mechanical man here today, article (The Pittsburgh Post, 1913-05-03).jpg
Mechanical man, article (The Buffalo Times, 1900-09-02).jpg
Makes giant figure walk, article (Freeport Journal Standard, 1900-09-03).jpg
Hum of city streets, article (The Philadelphia Times, 1902-01-09).pdf
Holyland goes down the canal, article (Tonawanda News, 1921-08-25).jpg
Holy Land Entertainment, ad (Tonawanda News, 1921-08-13).jpg
Holy Land Entertainment, ad (Tonawanda News, 1920-07-30).jpg
Gigantic, but lifelike, article (Hampshire Telegraph and Naval Chronicle, 1900-11-17).jpg
Giant automaton, illustration, article (The Post Intelligencer, 1900-10-21).jpg
Electric men, article (The Solomon Sentinel, 1895-08-21).jpg
A wooden man who walks, article (Los Angeles Evening Express, 1896-07-18).jpg
An Iron Man Wonder, article (Birmingham Daily Post, 1900-09-04).jpg
A new monster, article (Daily Examiner, 1900-12-04).jpg
Solomon G. Haven to Thomas Bolton, deed (1840-09-14).jpg
Haven sells his other half of Lot 10 5 years after selling the first. The consideration was $1,000, which is much higher than the earlier Roop half-interest price of $312.75 and higher than the 1836 Willink-to-Haven whole-lot consideration/mortgage figure. That may reflect improvements, speculation, changed valuation, or some larger financial context not visible in this deed. AI Transcription: Solomon G. Haven To Thomas Bolton This Indenture made the twelfth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty Between Solomon G Haven & Hannah N Haven his wife of the City of Buffalo County of Erie & State of New York of the first part and Thomas Bolton of the City of Cleveland in the County of Cuyahoga in the State of Ohio of the second part Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for & in consideration of the sum of one Thousand dollars lawful money of the United States of America to them in hand paid by the said party of the second part the receipt whereof is hereby confessed & acknowledged have granted bargained sold remised released aliened & confirmed and by these presents do grant bargain sell remise release alien and confirm unto the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns forever the equal undivided one half of all that certain tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the county of Niagara and State of New York being part or parcel of a certain Township which on a map or survey of divers tracts or townships of Land made for the Holland Land Company by Joseph Ellicott Surveyor is distinguished by Township number Twelve in the Eighth Range of Townships & which said tract of Land on a certain other map or survey of said Township into lots made for the said Holland Land Company by said Joseph Ellicott is distinguished by Lot number Ten Bounded West by lot number Twelve sixty chains North by lot number Twenty one twenty chains East by Lot number Eight sixty three chains ninety three links and South by the Tonawanda Creek containing one hundred twenty four acres be the same more or less Together with all and singular the hereditaments & appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversion and reversions remainder and remainders rents issues & profits thereof & all the estate right title interest claim and demand of the said party of the first part either in law or equity possession revision or remainder of in and to the above bargained premises and every part and parcel thereof with the said hereditaments and appurtenances To Have And To Hold the said premises as above described with the appurtenances unto the party of the second part & to his heirs & assigns forever. And the said Solomon G Haven his executors & administrators does covenant grant bargain & agree to and with the said party of the second part his heirs & assigns that at the time of the ensealing & delivery of these presents was well seized of the premises above conveyed as of a good sure perfect absolute and indefeasible estate of inheritance in the law in fee simple without any manner of condition to alter change determine or defeat the same and that the above bargained premises in the quiet & peaceable possession of the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns against all and every person or persons lawfully claiming or to claim the whole or any part thereof he will forever Warrant & Defend In Witness Whereof the party of the first part have hereunto set our hands and seals the day and year first above written the words “all that certain piece or parcel of land” & “Erie” erased before execution. S. G. Haven [L.S.] Hannah N Haven [L.S.] State of New York Erie County ss. On this twelfth day of September 1840 before me came Solomon G Haven & Hannah N. his wife to me severally known to be the persons described in & who have executed the within Indenture & severally acknowledged the executing of the same for the uses & purposes therein expressed and the said Hannah N upon a private examination by me separate and apart from her said husband acknowledged that she had executed the same freely and without any fear or compulsion of her said husband. Geo R Babcock Sup Court Comr. Recorded September 14, 1840 at 9 Oclock A.M. H. A Clark Clerk
Solomon G. Haven to Henry Roop, deed (Book19 p503 1 of 2, 1835-11-19).jpg
By late 1835, Solomon G. Haven was already treating Lot 10 as property in which he held a transferable interest, and he conveyed an undivided half-interest to Henry Roop. This makes Haven, not Locke, the key paper-title figure for the Johnsons’ likely arrival period. The Holland Land Co. reps could also have been involved with any arrangement. Haven conveyed an “equal undivided one half” of Lot 10 to Henry Roop on November 19, 1835, for $312.75. The deed does not give Roop a physically surveyed half of the land. It gives him a one-half ownership interest in the whole 124-acre Lot 10. AI Transcription: Solomon G. Haven to Henry Roop, Nov. 19, 1835 This Indenture Made the Nineteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five Between Solomon G. Haven of the City of Buffalo in the County of Erie and State of New York of the first part and Henry Roop of the same City County and State of the Second part Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of three hundred and twelve Dollars and seventy five cents to him in hand paid by the said party of the Second part, the receipt whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged hath released remised and Quit Claimed and by these presents does release remise and Quit Claim unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever the equal undivided one half of all that certain piece or parcel of Land situate lying and being in the Township Number Twelve in the Eighth Range of Townships being in Niagara County and which said piece of Land on a Map or survey of said Township into Lots made for the proprietors of said Township by Joseph Ellicott Surveyor is distinguished by Lot Number Ten in said Township. Bounded West by Lot Number Twelve Sixty chains North by Lot Number Twenty one twenty chains East by Lot Number Eight Sixty three chains ninety links and South by the Tonawanda Creek containing one hundred twenty four acres be the same more or less. Together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversion and reversions remainder and remainders rents issues and profits thereof and also all the estate right title interest claim and demand of the said party of the first part either in law or equity possession revision or remainder of in and to the above released premises and every part and parcel thereof with the said hereditaments and appurtenances To Have and to Hold the above released premises and every part and parcel thereof to the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns to the sole and only proper use benefit and behoof of the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever. Heirs & part of nineteen written on erasure before signing. In Witness Whereof the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. Signed Sealed and Delivered In presence of A. C. Tuttle S. G. Haven [seal] State of New York Erie County ss. On this Second day of January AD 1836 Solomon G. Haven the within described grantor to me well known came personally before me and acknowledged that he executed the within Deed Let it be recorded Daniel Sherwood Supreme Court Comr. Recorded October 24th 1837 at 6 Oclock P.M. Examined J. H. Roby Clerk
William Willink et al to Solomon G. Haven, mortgage for Great Lot 10 (1836-10-27).jpg
Mortgage; Liber 18 of Mortgages, page 365 — the 1843 discharge. Deed: Book 22 p 186 AI Transcription: This Indenture, Made this twenty seventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six between William Willink, Wilhem Willink, Warnaer Van Heukelom, Jan Teyman Cuming, Isaac Ten Cate, William Willink the younger and Peter Van Eeghen all of the City of Amsterdam in the Kingdom of the Netherlands by David E. Evans their Attorney in fact in the County of Niagara and State of New York, of the first part, and Solomon G. Haven of the County of Erie, State of New York, of the second part, WITNESSETH, that the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of Eight hundred twenty five 82/100 dollars to them in hand paid, by the said party hereto of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and themselves to be therewith fully satisfied, contented, and paid, have granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released, enfeoffed, conveyed, confirmed, and assured, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, enfeoff, convey, confirm, and assure unto the said party of the second part, and to his heirs, and assigns forever, ALL that certain tract of LAND, situate, lying, and being in the County of Niagara in the State of New-York, being part or parcel of a certain Township which on a Map or survey of divers Tracts or Townships of Land, made for the said parties of the first part by Joseph Ellicott, Surveyor, is distinguished by Township Number Twelve in the Eighth Range of said Townships, and which said tract of land, on a certain other Map or survey of said Township into lots made for the said parties of the first part by the said Joseph Ellicott, is distinguished by Lot number Ten in said Township. Bounded West by Lot number Twelve sixty chains North by Lot number Twenty one twenty chains East by Lot number Eight sixty three chains ninety three links and South by the Tonawanda Creek containing one hundred and twenty four acres be the same more or less according to the plan or survey thereof in the margin hereof. Together with all and singular the appurtenances, privileges, advantages, and hereditaments whatsoever, unto the above mentioned and described premises, in any wise appertaining or belonging, and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof, and also all the estate, right, title, interest, property, claim and demand whatsoever, as well in law as in equity, of the said party of the first part, of, in, or to the same, and every part or parcel thereof, with the appurtenances.—To have and to hold, the above granted, bargained, and described premises, with the appurtenances, unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, to his and their only proper use, benefit and behoof forever. AND the said party of the first part, for themselves and each of the surviving party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, do hereby covenant, promise and agree, to and with the said party of the first part, his heirs, and assigns, that they, the said party of the first part, the above described, and hereby granted and bargained premises, and every part thereof, with the appurtenances, unto the said party of the second part, his heirs, and assigns, against the said party of the first part, and their heirs, and against all other persons whatsoever, lawfully claiming or to claim the same, or any part thereof, shall and will WARRANT, and by these presents forever DEFEND. In witness whereof, The said party of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written. Sealed and delivered in presence of William Willink Wilhem Van Heukelom Isaac Ten Eyck Cornelis Isaac Van Eeghen Wilhem Willink the Younger Peter Van Eeghen By their Attorney David E. Evans Genesee County ss. On this 1st day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, personally appeared before me the subscriber a Supreme Court Commissioner for the County aforesaid, and to me known David E Evans to me personally known to be the same person described in and who executed the above instrument of writing who acknowledged that he executed the same as the act and deed of the above mentioned party of the first part for the uses & purposes therein mentioned. I finding therein no material interlineations or erasures do allow the same to be recorded. Daniel H. Chandler Recorded April 1st 1837 at 8 Oclock A.M. H A Clark Clerk
Memorial Pool, posing on the plat, photo (Jim Mis c1977).jpg
Ancestry Link 1810-07-21 in Hollis Center, Maine. 1830 Limerick School in Biddeford Me 1833 Main Temperance Society 1834 College in Maine 1834 Johnsons arrive according to Hannah obit 1837-11-15 Marries Mehitable Hill in Lyman, Maine (Ancestry.com) 1837-12-04 Marries Mehitable Green Hill in Tonawanda (Locke genealogy book on Ancestry.con) 1838 First “resident physician of Tonawanda...Dr. Locke came about (History of City of Buffalo and Erie County p. 419). 1840 Birth of daughter Marian in NY NY? (Ancestry) 1843-02 A J. F. Locke is listed in the Emancipator and Free American treasurer’s report, published March 9, 1843, as collecting subscriptions at Charlestown, Massachusetts; if this is the same Jesse F. Locke later associated with Wheatfield, it would place him in direct financial support of an abolitionist newspaper. (Vol 7 Issue 46) 1843-03-04 Whips a man in tavern for playing possum 1844 First appearance in land records: Jesse F. Locke and Jacob Hug, from Thomas Bolton “of Cleveland” & Wife, Lot 10 124 acres - for $700. “The equal undivided one half…of Lot 10.” So they are partners. 1844 Helps get local Presbyterian worship off the ground with Payne 1847-11-23 Buys Lot 10 from Ephraim Rolles 1848 Birth of daughter Pamelia in NT 1850-09ish Birth of Son Jesse F. Locke Jr. (drowns) 1852-09-18 Wife Mehitable Green Hill dies 1853-11-02 Sells some land to John Chadwick (Chadwick pays $500 for a 31-acre strip in center of Lot 10 from its north boundary to Tonawanda Creek (not Johnsons' land) 1859 Marries Welsh-born Mary Gwynne, later Rowland 1861-03-12 Death 1861-1865 Surrugate court docs
Memorial Pool demolition preparation, photos (Dennis Reed Jr., 2026-05-17).gal
Hannah's Woods, photos (Dennis Reed Jr., 2026-05-17).gal
John Johnson household (U.S. Census, 1840).jpg
AI Summary: In the 1840 census for Wheatfield, John Johnson appears as the head of a small free Black household of three. The visible age columns identify one free colored man aged 24 to 35, one free colored woman aged 24 to 35, and one free colored male aged 55-100. All three householders are described as "employed in agriculture." Neighbors as they appear in the text: Martin Bush Daniel Treichler Martin Dewey Alonzo Chasbrough William Simmons Hugh Kelly Adlai Clark Whitman Nash Horace Nash Adam Castleman Treeman Smith Malichi P. Rewey Oliver Lovell John O Tool Eggbert Mansfield Nars Sawyer George Van Slyke Michael Henesa Alexander Chapelet Jacob Hook David Shooman Christopher Van Slyke John Johnson Robert Mathers Sanya Grapan James Summers Thomas King Barney Capaday William Reed Philo Kingsley
American District Steam Company, photos (c.1950).jpg
Gratwick area, W. Stenzel, B.F. Felton, map detail (1875).jpg
Veteran Keke shows the kids how it's done, transcribed article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-22).jpg
Monday, March 22, 1976 Veteran Keke Shows the Kids How By PETER DRUMSTA Even under the pressure of playoffs, Keke Mortson was clearly enjoying himself. Because, after a hockey career spanning three decades, the colorful Mortson — who will turn 42 years old a week from today — is finishing it up with a flourish as a Buffalo Norseman. It was his guile that sparked the Norsemen to a 5-1 victory over the defending Lockhart Cup champion Johnstown Jets Sunday afternoon before 4041 in Memorial Auditorium, giving Buffalo a 1-0 lead in their North American Hockey League quarter-final playoff series. The series continues with games tonight and Wednesday at Johnstown. The fourth game is set for Thursday in the Tonawanda Sports Center, with a fifth game, if necessary, in Johnstown. The Jets, who finished 36 points ahead of the Norsemen in the NAHL West, didn’t look the part Sunday. --- MORTSON AND his young mates quickly took advantage. He popped in a short shot at the 6-minute, 40-second mark of the first period, with assists from defenseman Wayne Morin and Larry Gould. Gould scored later in the period with a crisp pass from Reggie Lahey for a 2-0 lead. In the second, Lahey and Gould assisted on another close-in drive by Mortson for his second goal midway through the period. The goal that flattened the Jets came less than a minute later, when Jim Stanfield scooped up a pass from Dave Given, deked his way in on goalie Ron Docken, and popped the puck past him for a 4-0 lead. Billy Steele added a short-handed goal in the third period for Buffalo. Johnstown’s Jean Tetreault spoiled what would have been Buffalo’s first shutout of the season, scoring with less than 4 minutes left. --- MORTSON, who joined the team after receiving a call from Norseman General Manager Willie Marshall, vows a permanent retirement after this season with a vehement “you better believe it.” “My wife is after me to quit,” said the smiling Mortson after his smooth-skating performance. “Last time I went home I had six stitches in me. That was the only way she knew I was playing hockey — I don’t fight in bars.” He rates his current occupation far ahead of his other job, with the North Bay, Ont. sewage department. But he hasn’t looked near retirement with the Norsemen. In his 13 games he’s scored 10 goals with nine assists. Lahey, who has improved throughout the season, appreciates the experience Mortson adds to the club, comprised mainly of players half Keke’s age. “He’s amazing,” said Lahey. “He says, ‘You put it there and I’ll BE there.’” --- JIM MAKEY was sharp in the Buffalo nets as the Norsemen outshot the Jets, 41-33. It was the first time in 3 months that Buffalo held the opposition to one goal. --- PLAYER-COACH Guy Trottier of the Norsemen did not play due to a back injury. His status is uncertain for the upcoming games in Johnstown.
Trottier back on ice for Norsemen tonight, transcribed article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-24).pdf
Trottier Back on Ice For Norsemen Tonight Special to Buffalo Evening News JOHNSTOWN, Pa., March 24 — Player-coach Guy Trottier, who scored seven game-winning goals for the Buffalo Norsemen this season, will be back on the ice this evening after a four-game absence. And the team needs him. The Norsemen clash with the Johnstown Jets here in the third game of their best-of-five Lockhart Cup quarter-final playoff series. Each has one victory. The series shifts to the Tonawanda Sports Center tomorrow evening at 7:45, with a fifth game in Jamestown Saturday if necessary. Trottier, who missed the last two games of the North American Hockey League regular season and the first two playoff games with a back injury, takes the place of defenseman Greg Neeld. Neeld drew a game misconduct Monday for hurling his stick into the stands after the game. Trottier scored 58 points in 57 games for Buffalo this season, including 15 power-play goals. Buffalo has been unable to capitalize during power-plays against the rough, penalty-prone Jets.
Strong minor leagues, NAHL recap, article (The Standard, 1976-04-15).pdf
Paul Newman assists Norsemen?, article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-20).pdf
Attack was deliberate, says Neeld, article (The Province, 1976-04-01).pdf
Norsemen vs. Jets Game 4, ad (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-23).pdf
Norsemen storybook tells an exciting tale, article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-26).pdf
Norsemen are down to their last chance, transcribed article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-25).pdf
Norsemen Are Down To Their Last Chance Special to Buffalo Evening News JOHNSTOWN, Pa., March 25 — The home ice advantage and improved goaltending gave the Johnstown Jets a one-game advantage in their playoff series with the Buffalo Norsemen Wednesday evening. Backed by the goaltending of Louie Levasseur, the Jets won their second straight game in the Cambria County War Memorial here, beating Buffalo, 6-2 before 3118 fans in their best-of-three Lockhart Cup quarter-final series. The pressure will be on the Norsemen this evening in the fourth game of the series, with the Jets holding a 2-1 edge. Game time is 7:45 PM in the Tonawanda Sports Center. --- IF THE Norsemen win, the two teams will play fifth and deciding game Saturday in Johnstown. If they lose, their first North American Hockey League season will be over. Levasseur, who led the Jets to the Lockhart Cup title last year, was not with the Jets in their opening-game loss to Buffalo. But he returned to win their last two games and will probably start again this evening. He made 33 saves, and the Jets outshot Buffalo, 43-35. Meanwhile, both Jim Makey and Mario Vien played in goal for Buffalo, neither with much success. The first period ended in a 1-1 tie on goals by the Jets’ Jean Tetreault and Dave Peace. Then Johnstown swamped the Norsemen with three unanswered second-period goals by Henry Taylor, Steve Carlson and Player-coach Jim Cardiff. --- BILLY STEELE interrupted the Jets, scoring for Buffalo early in the third. But Carlson scored again and Vern Cempigotto, Reg Bechtold and Bruce Boudreau all added singles for emphasis. Defenseman Greg Neeld will be back for Buffalo this evening after a one-game suspension, but Player-coach Guy Trottier will not be able to play after receiving a game misconduct. Protesting a call to Referee Steve Dowling, Trottier was called for the penalty after the first period Wednesday. It carries an automatic one-game suspension.
Newman at Johnstown, article (The Evening Standard, 1976-03-24.jpg
Neeld had made "objectionable comments", article (Philadelphia Daily News, 1976-03-29).pdf
Neeld charges intimidation, article (The Montreal Star, 1976-03-31).pdf
NAHL mess - Out of sight, out of mind, article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-30).pdf
Marshall says NAHL ignoring pre-game fight, article (The Globe and Mail, 1976-03-30).pdf
Marshall eyes future of Norsemen, article (The Evening News, 1976-03-30).pdf
Johnstown tops Buffalo, transcribed article (The Harrisburg PA Evening News, 1976-03-23).pdf
Johnstown tops Buffalo JOHNSTOWN (AP) — Rookie center Bruce Boudreau and veteran left wing John Gofton each scored two goals yesterday as the Johnstown Jets defeated the Buffalo Norsemen 6-4 in a North American Hockey League playoff game. The victory evened the best-of-five, Western Division semifinal series at one game apiece. Johnstown, the defending Lockhart Cup Champions, finished atop the division in the regular season while Buffalo finished fourth, 36 points back. The Jets outshot the Norsemen 46-30 with Dave Birch and Hank Taylor contributing single goals. Buffalo’s scores came from Dave Given, Charlie LaBelle, Larry Gould and Greg Neeld.
Johnstown floods Buffalo net, transcribed article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-23).pdf
Johnstown Floods Buffalo Net Special to Buffalo Evening News JOHNSTOWN, Pa., March 23 — The defending-champion Johnstown Jets re-emerged as the physical team they were throughout the North American Hockey League season and the results were the same. The Jets battered the Buffalo Norsemen, survived numerous shorthanded situations and scored a 6-4 Lockhart Cup quarter-final playoff victory here Monday evening before 2364 in the Cambria County War Memorial. The outcome evens the best-of-five series at one game each. The two teams clash here again tomorrow evening, with a fourth game set for the Tonawanda Sports Center Thursday at 7:45 PM. The Jets, listless in their opening-game loss to Buffalo Sunday, punished the Norsemen and outshot them, 47-30, despite being called for 55 minutes in penalties. The Norsemen were called for only 14 minutes. --- BRUCE BOUDREAU scored the only first-period goal on a breakaway to give Johnstown the lead, but Dave Peace tied the game early in the second on a controversial goal which the Jets claimed was batted in with a high stick. The Jets then ran up four goals in a 10-minute stretch. Boudreau scored his second, Henry Taylor tallied, and both assisted on a goal by Dave Birch. John Gofton netted the first of his two goals for a 5-1 lead. Charlie Labelle and Larry Gould brought the Norsemen within range with single goals, but Gofton’s second score on a power play at the 15:11 mark iced it. --- GREG NEELD scored Buffalo’s final goal while the Jets were two men short. But the young defenseman disqualified himself for tomorrow evening’s game when he threw his stick into the stands in anger at the end of the game. He received a game misconduct from Referee Gene Kusy after the game which carries an automatic one-game suspension. Mario Vien replaced Jim Makey in goal for Buffalo in the midst of the Jets’ four-goal surge. Each gave up three goals, with Vien making 24 saves. Makey 15.
Jets win by default, face Firebirds tonight, article (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 1976-03-28).jpg
High-sticking duel, Dennis Anderson, photo (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-26).pdf
Buffalo contends NAHL dominated by "goon" hockey, article (The Daily Courier, 1976-03-30).pdf
Ironton addition, George P. Smith and August J. Hathaway subdivision, map (1891-04-27).jpg
Owner would raze Plaza Apartments, article (Tonawanda News, 1938-05-24).jpg
Lost - Our only skyscraper, article (Tonawanda News, 1938-08-11).jpg
25-story skyscraper to rise on Plaza Partments site, April Fools story (Tonawanda News, 1938-04-01).jpg
Tonawanda Iron and Steel, photo (1934-08).jpg
Tried to block Ely's road, article (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1895-05-14).jpg
Transcribed by AI: TRIED TO BLOCK ELY’S ROAD. North Tonawanda Firemen Called Out to Prevent Track Laying. An effort was made in North Tonawanda last night to block the Ely trolley line to Buffalo. A gang of George P. Smith’s workmen attempted to lay tracks across Payne avenue at Robinson street, but were prevented by firemen under orders from the street committee. The Smith Company have a franchise on Robinson street and were laying their tracks by virtue of it, although the plain object is to block the Ely line. At 7 o’clock about 20 men were at work on the point named when Trustees Geib and Wilcox of the street committee told J. A. Read to have the men stop work. The reason for ordering the men to stop was that the work should have been done in the day time. The foreman said he had orders from Mr. Smith to quit work and he could not do so. The committee then went to the nearest fire alarm box and called up a fire company. The laborers continued to spike down tracks until a well directed stream of water ended their ardor for work and they stopped. The committee then took the team from the hook and ladder truck and pulled up the rails. At 9 o’clock the Smith workmen abandoned their work. Watchmen were stationed on the scene to prevent further work. It is possible another attempt will be made today. There is much excitement over the action of the committee as well as that of Smith. The fight is supposed to be between the two companies and out of the hands of the village.
1897 Biography: "George P. Smith Smith, George P., one of the most enterprising men of Niagara county, was born in Lockport, June 15, 1842, a son of Hon. Henry P, and Christina (Long) Smith and was educated in Genesee College. ln 1862 he removed to Saginaw Bay, Mich., where he has since been interested in the lumber business; in 1874 he returned to North Tonawanda, which has since been his home, except an additional nine years spent in Saginaw. He has done a great deal for North Tonawanda through his connection with the Tonawanda Lumber & Saw Mill Company, the Tonawanda Standard Light and Power Company, the Standard Gas Company, the Ironton Land Company, the United States Water Company, the Niagara Real Estate and Investment Company, the North Tonawanda Land Company, and the Tonawanda Street Railway Company. In 1884 Mr. Smith married Susan Otterson of Michigan, who was born in Woodstock, Ontario, Can." - From Landmarks of Niagara County, New York, by William Pool, D. Mason & Co., Syracuse, NY, 1897. GenWeb. President of multiple companies. In 1893 sells his Tonawanda home to Martin Reisterer for $18,000 and plans to build a new one in Ironton. [Ends up on Christiana St. instead]. In 1895 involved in dispute with city and Ely tracks. He died on 17 April 1928, in Missoula, Missoula, Montana, United States, at the age of 85 according to FamilySearch.com Ancestry.com
The rise and fall of the Plaza Apartments, transcribed article (Tonawanda News, 1938-07-02).jpg
Transcribed by AI There's an old saying that everything that goes up must come down, and the truth of this statement is being borne out in the Tonawandas these days with the razing of the Plaza apartments on the corner of Tremont and Main streets. The work being done on the condemned building is causing a mild bit of attention, as each day sees it approaching the level of the ground that has supported it for 42 years. Its erection and final completion in 1896 caused appropriate notice. A newspaper of that period reported: "On the corner of Webster and Tremont streets, Mr. George P. Smith, one of the leading developers of North Tonawanda, has this year erected a towering six-story business block. From the top of the elevator tower the historian recently spent a half hour taking a birds-eye view of this city and its surroundings.” Mr. Smith was indeed one of the leading citizens of old North Tonawanda. He was the son of the Hon. H. R. Smith and Christiana Long Smith, for whom Christiana street is named. The younger Smith was raised entirely in North Tonawanda and became engaged in the lumber business. His great executive ability finally led him to become, not only the head of that concern, but also president of the Standard Light and Power company, the Standard Gas company of Tonawanda, the Tonawanda Street Railroad company, the Ironton Land company of North Tonawanda, the United States Water Works company, the North Tonawanda Land company, and the Niagara Real Estate and Insurance company.
Razing work is started on Plaza Apartmets, article (Tonawanda News, 1938-06-15).jpg
Plaza Apartments fire origin is undetermined, article (Tonawanda News, 1938-02-19).pdf
Inquiry ordered into taxes of Plaza apartmets, article (Tonawanda News, 1938-05-17).jpg
The Smith Building, former Real Estate Exchange, photo (c.1936).jpg
R. T. Jones Lumber Co., photo (c.1938).jpg
International Paper Co., photo (c.1938).jpg
Bascule bridge opening, Webster Street, photo (c.1938).jpg
Norsemen team photo 2 (c.1976-02-08).jpg
NOT IN OTHER PHOTO 30 - 11 - Gordon Nielson? (C, appears in 2/27 program, 4GP) 9 - Robbie Balyc? (NA, appears in 2/27 program, 19GP). Randy Montgomery? 12/27 10 - 20 - Bob Barnes? (D, appears in 2/27 program, 23 GP); George Kuzmicz? 12/27 NOT IN THIS PHOTO 9 - Bill Steele (in Jets 1/2?) 30 - Jim Makey (he is in 2/27 program w P. Rupp) 10 - Labelle (he is in 2/27) 12 - Dave Given (in Jets 1/2?) 20 - Dennis Anderson (in Jets 1/2?)
South Swing Bridge, pen and ink (2026-02-19).jpg
Pioneer Period of Western New York, book (Chipman P. Turner, 1888).pdf
Pettit's Run and the Easiest Victory of the War of 1812 - Excerpted from Pioneer Period of Western New York, Chipman P. Turner, pp. 35-36 (1888).htm
A slight haze rose from the marshes on the borders of the Niagara River, but not enough to shroud the banks or the road that lay along its shore in obscure darkness. It was the route from the year 1800 for military transfer from Fort Niagara to Black Rock, Buffalo and other western points. The march of regiments, companies and detachments, was a common, hourly expected occurrence, not usually creating surprise or apprehension of peril. The tragedy of Lewiston had been enacted, creating constant fear in the minds of all. Buffalo and Black Rock were threatened points. Volunteer regiments had been drafted from eastern sections to the rescue, timidly approaching the scene of war, to which they were unaccustomed; crackling brush, a rustling leaf, were startling omens, and prudence in advancing was deemed “the better part of valor,” and made the adopted strategy in the instance related. The scene of action, according to the record of the time, may be placed at what is known as “Pettitt’s Run,” taking the name of Joshua Pettitt, locating at its junction with the Niagara river, a short two miles below Tonawanda, as early as 1810. Nearly as early a settler as Pettitt, was George N. Burger, who made a beginning by erecting a log house, which in the exigency of war was appropriated by the government as an arsenal for the depositing of arms and ammunition, guarded by a small number of volunteer citizens. The hour of midnight had but just passed when the vigilant watchman were aroused by the footsteps of marching men, tramp of horses and mud-bound wheels of a wagon train, in slow progress up the river. Whether friend or foe was yet to be determined; moments were not to be wasted or retreat justified, without at least the best defence that could be made. Necessity became “the mother of invention,” and proved to be the available relief. The stream passed through a bed of mud, mixed with melting snow, bridged in rough corduroy, that proved fitting for the success of the exploit they had resolved upon. An old dilapidated, one-horse lumber wagon was employed to represent a cannon, “big gun,” by trundling it over the uneven logs. Burger in the full strength of his voice, giving the command: “Bring up the guns, form in line!” while the wagon was drawn again and again by the squad noiselessly through the mud, and thundering back over the bridge, to create the imaginary array of a host. Soon an order was heard directing a halt of the approaching volunteer militia, that was yet to see battle, if at all, while preparations commenced to meet the sudden surprise. Outlooks detached from both the trembling parties approaching each other in hailing distance and in sight of each other, it was discovered they were the same color of clothes; greeting each other as friends, the Colonel, surprised that “ten should overcome a thousand and one,” while Captain Burger exulted that he and his few comrades had gained the easiest victory of the war of 1812.
Early Ironton School principal Walter Luman Case, bio (c.1890).jpg
Island Street Lumber Co. Mill, 11 Felton Street, photo set (Dennis Reed Jr., 2025).gal
A business of the same name produces this ruler and gives an address of 65 Island Street.
Niagara Musical Instrument Co., mailer (1914-04-27).jpg
Featuring a photo of the so-called "Midget Orchestra"
Incinerator Walck and Zimmerman, photo (Dennis Reed Jr. 2008-01-16).png
Tonawanda Power Co. car and probably High Speed line, photo (Power News c. 1926).jpg
Tonawanda line crew pauses for picture, photo (Power Events, c.1926).jpg
Structure at Robonson Street station, photo (c.1926).jpg
Station invites attention, photo article (Power Events, 1927-08).jpg
Power furnished by chips, article (Power Events, 1927-01).jpg
Old dynamo found in haystack, photo article (Power Events, 1927-05).jpg
Niagara falls Power Co wagon and horse, photo (c.1896).jpg
Sweeney, James Sr. and James Jr., portraits and bio (A History of the City of Buffalo, pp187-188, 1908).htm
Archive.org, transcribed by AI: James Sweeney, Senior, and James Sweeney, Junior.—About the year 1820 three residents of Buffalo—James Sweeney, John Sweeney, and William Vandervoort—came into possession of three farm lots north of Tonawanda creek, comprising in all about five hundred acres, and upon which a part of the city of North Tonawanda now stands. This land had been selling at a very low figure, land that only awaited the development of the Niagara Frontier to become one of the most valuable tracts in this section of the State. George Goundry had a third interest in the property at one time, Mr. Goundry being one of the pioneers of North Tonawanda. In 1824 the owners of this land, which is located north of Tonawanda creek, began to dispose of it piece by piece, to the village corporation and the residents therein. A copy of a deed of land from James Sweeney, John Sweeney, and William Vandervoort to the village of North Tonawanda, dated 1824, is still in possession of James Sweeney, Senior, son of the James Sweeney mentioned above. In a few years the remaining property passed over to the control of the Sweeney family and has remained in their possession since. The sales which have been made from time to time to individuals, and also to the city of North Tonawanda, leave at the present time in the possession of the Sweeney family about one hundred and fifty to two hundred acres, and comprise what is left of the original grant of the three farm lots. At the death of the elder Sweeney, his son, James Sweeney, took over the management of the property, which was becoming more valuable year by year. About ten years ago, he in turn gave over the control of the property to his son, James Sweeney, Junior. The elder Sweeney still lives and is manager of the property, but James Sweeney, Junior, acting as his agent, does the active work in connection therewith. During the latter part of the ten years that James Sweeney, Junior, has been in control, he has paid particular attention to the building up of large factory buildings and industries on the property. During the past five or six years he has closed twenty-three factory deals, the owners of the land erecting the factories on the property and leasing them to the manufacturers on long terms of from ten to twenty-five years. These factories, combined, employ about two thousand people, and the desirability of the property as a site for manufacturing purposes is plainly manifest. It is situated on the thousand ton barge canal and the Niagara River, accessible to connections with every important railroad line in this part of the country. Natural gas and electric power from Niagara Falls add to its desirability. James Sweeney, Junior.—Sometime before the War of 1812, the old family records show that he was one of those who fled up the beach road, when the British and Indians sacked the town in 1814. After peace came and the hardy settlers went back to their former vocations, Mr. Sweeney seems to have been attracted Tonawandards, and he also owned a large amount of land in the south village of Tonawanda, as well as in the north village. He was subsequently actively identified with the early railroad interests in this section of the State, and was one of the stockholders of the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad, which ran between those points as early as 1836 and was later merged with the New York Central, whose Buffalo and Niagara Falls division now runs over the same road. James Sweeney, Senior, one of the preceding James Sweeneys, was born in North Tonawanda in 1831, and received his early education in the Buffalo public schools. Having completed his school education he began to assist his father in the management of his large holdings in the Tonawandas. Ten years ago his advanced age forced him to retire from the active management of the property, but he still maintains an active interest in Buffalo and Niagara Frontier affairs. He is a trustee of the Erie County Savings Bank, a member of the Buffalo Historical Society, the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, the Buffalo Club, and several other social and business organizations. He has been identified with the history of old St. Paul’s Church for many years. His father was one of the original members of the church and the son was the holder of one of the original pews. He is at present time one of its vestrymen. James Sweeney, Junior, was born in this city in 1866 and supplemented his early training in the Buffalo public schools with a thorough course of training in Professor Briggs’ Classical School, from which he graduated. After spending a year in Europe Mr. Sweeney returned to this country, and at once took up the active management of the Sweeney property, which he retains up to the time of this writing. He is a member of the Buffalo, Ellicott, Country, Saturn, and Park clubs of this city and of the Frontier Club of North Tonawanda. Other business associations are with the American Savings Bank and the Tonawanda Power Company, he being a trustee of the former and a director of the latter organization. Mr. Sweeney’s office is in the building which was formerly occupied by the first bank established in Tonawanda.
E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company Niagara Plant historical files.htm
From Hagley Archives: The E.I. du Pont de Nemours Niagara Plant produces a number of specialty chemicals, such as polymer acetates, sodium cyanide, and methyl chloride; the plant was purchased by the DuPont Company in 1930. The Niagara Plant, located in Niagara Falls, New York, can be traced back to two chemical companies founded in the late nineteenth century. The first was the Niagara Electro-Chemical Company, formed in 1896, which manufactured metallic sodium. The second was Roessler & Hasslacher (R&H), which began in 1885 as a precious metals business that later developed into a specialized producer of chlorine products, hydrogen peroxide, other oxides, and metal cyanides. Both companies were very successful and understood the value of combining their companies to form even greater success. They merged in 1925 and operated the Niagara plant until 1930 when DuPont purchased their assets. The purchase ensured DuPont a steady flow of raw materials for manufacturing dyes and tetraethyllead. In addition, the R&H acquisition provided DuPont with access to numerous specialized chemicals such as sodium cyanide used in electroplating, methyl chloride for refrigerants, hydrogen peroxide for oxidizing and bleaching, formaldehyde for plastic and disinfectants, dry-cleaning agents, fumigants, insecticides, and ceramic colors. The plant operated as the R&H Department of DuPont until 1946 when it became known as the Electrochemical Department; in 1971, it was transferred to the Industrial Chemicals Department. The plant marketed the following products: polymer acetates, chlorine products, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, cyanides, and several other specialty chemicals. The Niagara Plant was included in the DuPont Performance Chemicals spinoff that created the Chemours Company in July 2015.
City of North Tonawanda, map (Niagara County Atlas, 1908).jpg
EL-2 railroad signal, Rose Coal, photo (1930).jpg
Great Sale of Lots in the Ironton District, ad (Polish Everybody’s Daily, 1922-10-17).jpg
Translation from the Polish by AI: Great Sale of Lots in the Ironton District Real Bargains for 10 Days In the Fastest-Growing Neighborhood of Our City Stop paying rent! Own your own home! Don’t pay high streetcar fares! Live close to your workplace Times are improving There is plenty of work — steady employment — higher wages. PRICES: $60 to $600 $5 down payment $5 per month 10% discount for cash. Surveying/preparation $10 extra. Clear title guaranteed. Large selection of lots The safest investment of money Protection in case of unemployment or illness Great value at low cost Last chance to get bargains like these First come, first served.
Ironton-related news from Polish Everybody’s Daily newspaper (1912-1923).jpg
[Translated from a Buffalo Polish newspaper by AI] 1912 A grand jury has indicted the brothers Jan and Stefan Kuczmiński for burglary (theft with breaking and entering). They stole clothing and other goods worth $502.00 from a railroad car in the Ironton district. They left their stolen loot at the saloon of Walenty Yunger on 7th Avenue. The jury also indicted this saloonkeeper for storing and buying stolen items and goods. — The brothers Kuczmiński committed this robbery and theft on the Lehigh Valley railroad a few months ago, but managed to get away. — Meanwhile, what is meant to hang won’t drown. The Buffalo police arrested them for third-degree assault and for beating Stanisław Rosiński of Tonawanda. — For that they were put in jail for 100 days. Now, as a result of the grand jury indictment, Deputy Sheriff John H. Bollier of Tonawanda has received a court warrant, under which he will arrest the brothers and take them to Lockport as soon as they finish serving this one sentence... To be continued. And the longer they sigh there behind those “Swedish curtains” (jail bars), the better it will be for society and for the Polish community of Tonawanda, because they’re bad birds, and everyone will be glad to be rid of them. 1912-04-24 Marya Malik from the Ironton district on 8th Ave. has evidently fallen into religious insanity. — She walked the streets with a prayer book and prayed loudly without stopping. — She had been ill for quite some time. — The police took her into care, and with her husband’s consent she was sent to the state asylum for the insane. 1912-05-03 New policemen. The police force of North Tonawanda has been strengthened by two policemen, so that the police contingent now totals 15 members, together with a chief, a sergeant, and a special detective. It is not a force that one could boast about in terms of numbers, but it consists almost exclusively of intelligent and respectable citizens. The police consider the Ironton district the most dangerous; pr[illegible word] they will have policemen patrol there in pairs. — In several cases, during arrests they had to resort to revolvers, as in the arrest of Basara’s murderers. — One may expect that in the future the people of Tronton will behave more modestly. 1913-01-04 KACZOR STOLE PARAT’S WIFE TONAWANDA HAS ITS OWN LITTLE HOLIDAY SENSATION. Kaczor is accused of stealing not only several dozen dollars but, in addition… Miss Katarzyna Parat. — After the wedding! — Fr. Bubacz bound the pair of lovers with a lifelong marriage bond. Buffalo has its sensations; so does the much smaller Tonawanda—or rather North Tonawanda, since Poles live in Tonawanda in only small numbers. In North Tonawanda, in the Ironton district, there lives a certain Parat family. They are fairly well-off people. They’re doing well. The Parats have a daughter—moreover, very comely, even pretty. Her name is Katarzyna. Katarzyna fell in love, as later turned out, with a bachelor named Franciszek Kaczor. Kaczor, too, was madly in love with the girl—and the romance was ready-made. Bad luck had it that last week, about $150 worth of various items disappeared from the Parats in Ironton, and in addition $37 in cash. And along with all that, gone without a trace (like a stone in water) were the Parats’ daughter, Miss Katarzyna, and also Mr. Franciszek Kaczor. As later turned out, the young lady and the bachelor went to Niagara Falls, where they wanted to Parat from Ironton notified the police; the matter was uncovered, and in Niagara Falls the little pair was arrested—before they got married! So they were brought back home to North Tonawanda, Mr. Kaczor was brought before the court, and people awaited the hearing. But when the hearing was supposed to take place, Miss Katarzyna begged her father and mother, and the young man—who had “stolen” their daughter away and meant to make her happy—was forgiven, with the help of that clever, brave, and no doubt spirited young lady! Somehow the judge dismissed the charge; instead they were led to the church, the groom and the young bride, and Fr. Stanisław Bubacz bound them with a lifelong marital bond. And that Kaczor will be a capable husband, and the Parats’ daughter likewise a capable wife—of that no one doubts. All of North Tonawanda wishes the young couple—who lived through so much fear and suffered a lot as well—the happiest life together and every success. They earned it, one way or another, by loving each other; and the whole world loves people in love! The costs of lawyers and defenders were paid by the Parats, who could afford it. Now everyone is satisfied and happy, because this whole wedding “sensation” has ended—and that’s the main thing! Long live the newlyweds! 1914-06-13 N. TONAWANDA, N.Y. NOTICE TO RESPECTED SUBSCRIBERS. Once again, I ask you to remember that every recipient of “Dziennik dla Wszystkich” should pay for the paper regularly. Otherwise, further delivery of the newspaper will be stopped. At the same time, I ask for prompt payment of overdue subscriptions. Andrzej Niemiec, agent, 11—6th Ave., N. Tonawanda, N.Y. ROBBERY IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. Poles themselves are to blame for these sad conditions. Some robber, not yet tracked down, sneaked into the home of Stanisław Glica at 27—5th Ave. and took jewelry worth $45—namely a watch, rings, and various other items. This is a warning to housewives that they should not leave their homes without any supervision, with the doors left open, as happened in this case. That theft is spreading among us is the fault of the citizens themselves, because they do not try to [...] when the moon is shining, thank God for that; but when it’s cloudy, someone could twist an ankle or two on the sidewalk and, in other words, wouldn’t find their way in the darkness. Not only are the streets dark, but also the access roads for coal and firewood—the so-called “alleys.” In those alleys at night, thieves of various sorts hide and steal chickens, etc. A person with good intentions doesn’t go there at night. THE NEW CLUB IS ASLEEP! A civic club has been formed here, that is, the “Ironton City Sons Club,” which was supposed to be the “best” of them all. Evidently something has gone wrong there—and that’s a shame, because it could have done a lot of good for the local Polish community. Come on, citizens, to work—wake up, all of you! FROM THE SOCIETY OF OUR LADY OF CZĘSTOCHOWA. On Sunday, the usual monthly meeting. The societies are developing fairly well, though there still aren’t enough of them / not enough participation. Among others, the Society of Our Lady of Częstochowa, Polish Union in America No. 81, is doing quite well financially and has the largest number of members. The monthly meeting will take place on Sunday, June 14, 1914, in the parish hall at 2 p.m. All who wish to belong to this society may come to this meeting, and they will be warmly received. - The Board 1914-06-17 KNIFE AT WORK AFTER THE PICNIC. An unknown “knife-knight.” In Ironton a Polish society picnic took place. When Franciszek Heretka, from No. 125 Wheatfield St., returned from the picnic, he stopped in to see his friend, Wiktor Brusko, in Tonawanda. Meeting another comrade there, he drank one or two with him, and then they quarreled. Both became worked up, and Heretka’s companion, having seized a knife, struck his friend in the head several times and bloodied him badly. The unconscious man was taken home, and Dr. C. W. Clendennan treated him. The police are looking for the knifeman, although they don’t know his name, and he certainly took off. A very sad and ugly end to a picnic and a bit of fun… And won’t our countrymen come to their senses in this regard—must individual wrongdoers always bring shame upon the whole community?! 1914-06-27 FROM NORTH TONAWANDA. The civic political club, that is, the Ironton City Sons Club, will hold its monthly meeting on Sunday, June 28, at one o’clock in the afternoon, in the parish hall. The presence of every member is desired. New members are invited to attend in as great numbers as possible. — With fraternal greetings, Stanisław Rosiński, president; Andrzej Niemiec, secretary. 1914-10-29 A neighborly quarrel. — Boiling water as a weapon. — A meeting on Oliver Street. A neighborhood dispute has resulted in Katarzyna Kowalska, of No. 127 Wheatfield Street, being confined to bed, as she has a badly scalded left arm. Mrs. Józefa Korgom, from the same address, is under police accusation, charged with third-degree assault. The case is to be heard today before City Judge George J. Smith. Mrs. Kowalska lives on the ground floor, and Mrs. Korgom on the second floor of the same house. Yesterday afternoon the two women quarreled over some small matter in the yard of the house. In anger, Korgom ran into the house, grabbed a pot of boiling water, and poured its contents over Kowalska. Mrs. Kowalska fainted, and several people rushed to her aid. The burns were treated by Dr. A. J. Martin. — In Mr. Dąka’s hall on Oliver Street, a meeting of the “Ironton” Republican Club was held. The mayoral candidate, W. A. Moore, addressed those gathered. On the… GREAT FIRE IN TONAWANDA HALF A MILLION DOLLARS IN DAMAGE. Three lumber yards and factories the victims. A huge fire, which caused about half a million dollars in damage, broke out yesterday just beyond the borders of our city, in Tonawanda, and even at this moment the fire has not been completely extinguished. It broke out shortly after midnight, at 12:30 a.m., but the fire department performed so valiantly that within an hour the blaze was already under control and thus localized. Above all, the firefighters took care that the fire did not spread to the residential houses in the vicinity of the “lumber yards.” The extinguishing and the work of the fire brigade were ham...It also added greatly to the disaster that, almost at the same time, a fire broke out at the Adamit Abrasive Company factories, located only two blocks from the burning lumber yards. The flames also engulfed the Buffalo Sled Company plant, causing damage there amounting to $5,000, and then the fire spread further to the department store warehouse of F. S. Pashen, inflicting major losses there as well. Rail traffic came to a halt because the flames raged across the tracks of the New York Central and Erie railroads. Traffic on the Buffalo, Lockport & Rochester line was likewise stopped, and all communication with Niagara Falls was suspended. All telegraphic communication in the city was cut off. Nearby homes and factories suffered heavy damage—not from fire, but from water—used to protect them from the flames and to save the surrounding neighborhood from further destruction. This fire was evidently set in several places, as firefighters found oakum soaked with kerosene in several different locations, even inside factories and lumber yards. As for the fire at the Adamit Abrasive factories, witnesses even reported seeing a young man lighting matches, applying them to something, and then running away… Near the raging flames, two tank cars filled with gasoline stood on the tracks. Had the fire reached them, a terrible explosion would have occurred—one that might have shaken the entire town to its foundations. Fortunately, brave railroad workers stepped forward and, amid smoke and flames, used a locomotive to pull those two cars out of the danger zone, risking their lives. Unfortunately, during this effort a mishap occurred: a gasoline train struck some unfortunate onlookers who were watching the fire. A 35-year-old man, Kalbot Abbott of Oliver Street, was severely injured and might lose—and likely will—…who lost his leg and will likely die in the hospital due to loss of blood. He was treated by Dr. R. H. Wilcox and taken in the doctor’s automobile to the General Hospital, but it appears he will not survive. Firefighter Fred Stickney was also seriously injured when a falling shield struck him on the head, but he is expected to recover. At the Adamite factory not one stone was left upon another, and the damage amounts to over $30,000. In short, it was a fire the like of which Tonawanda had never known, and the police are searching in every direction for the arsonists—but so far they have no “key,” nor any idea who or how someone could have been driven to commit such a criminal act, one that nearly caused the entire city to fall victim. 1914-11-20 A BRAVE COUNTRYMAN. A fire destroyed the house and barn of Jan Kuszkowski on Payne Avenue. At 1:30 a.m., the Kuszkowski family’s tenant, Antoni Robiński, noticed flames engulfing the house. Without losing his composure, the brave man awakened the household and then rescued five children one by one—three of whom were already half-suffocated by smoke, so artificial respiration had to be applied. About one hundred head of poultry burned in the barn. The loss amounts to $3,000 and is partially covered by insurance. THE SZEWCZYK BROTHERS ON A RAMPAGE. One of the late passersby found a man lying terribly injured in a pool of blood on Wheatfield Street the other night. It turned out to be Michał Olszowski, living at No. 9 Simson Street. He had a smashed head and a cut wound under his right eye. Upon regaining consciousness, Olszowski testified that he had been badly beaten by the brothers Jan and Józef Szewczyk from Ironton Street, with whom he had had a dispute for several months. The hearing of the Szewczyk brothers for assault is to take place on Friday. 1915-03-05 A fine for assault. — Drunk. — From the poor relief office. — Water purification. — Police examination. — Factory closure. Young Andrzej Cypak, son of Jerzy, of 77 Wheatfield Street, was fined $5 for assaulting Paweł Markowicz of Robinson Street. The altercation occurred two weeks ago in the Ironton district. For causing disturbances on a streetcar, two countrymen were not only thrown off into the street but also arrested. The judge found them guilty of drunkenness and sentenced both to 10 days in the county jail. The “heroes” are 50-year-old Jan Szantys and 32-year-old Jan Nowak of Lockport. They were put off on Oliver Street. The city spent only $70 on the poor in February—half as much as in the same month last year. Evidently poverty is felt less keenly at present. 1915-06-08 DISPUTE OVER SUNDAY SHOWS. Judge Marcus, in the higher Buffalo court, issued a ruling in favor of the owner of the moving-picture theater on Oliver Street and against Mayor Rancia’s decision banning Sunday performances. This decision is also important for the Dreamland theater, owned by a Pole, Mr. Gerlach. As we are informed, Mr. Gerlach no longer leases out his theater but operates it under his own management. The sensational case of a tin can containing the ashes of a newborn being buried in St. Francis Cemetery has not yet been clarified. The investigation into this mysterious matter has now been taken up by the City Physician of Buffalo, Dr. Fronczak, as there are indications that a certain Buffalo woman committed the crime. For stealing coal from the Central Railroad yards, two countrymen were arrested: Aleksander Kozłów of No. 24 Ironton Street and Dominik Grykel of Kent Street. Both paid fines of $3 each. In the past month, the following disease cases occurred in North Tonawanda: whooping cough—25 cases; cancer—7; mumps—4; typhus—3; scarlet fever—1; pneumonia—1. Whooping cough is spreading particularly widely. 1915-10-14 N. TONAWANDA, N.Y. OUR YOUTH ON TOP! In the Polish Ironton district of North Tonawanda, the police arrested an entire gang of railroad thieves who robbed two Erie Railroad freight cars. The theft was committed in the vicinity of Oliver Street—this “center of Polish life”—on the night from Saturday to Sunday. The following Poles were arrested: Grzegorz Zakazany, age 15, of No. 30, 7th Ave.; Wilhelm and Leon Kiljan, ages 12 and 13, of No. 3, 7th Ave.; Rudolf Klaus, age 14, of No. 1, 8th Ave.; Jan Wrażeń, age 12, of No. 2, 7th Ave.; and Piotr Krzemiński, age 13, of No. 1, 6th Ave. The boys stole goods—especially sugar—worth $100. Detectives found part of the loot in the homes of the parents of the underage hooligans. All of the boys were either sent to the “Father Baker” institution or placed on probation. 1915-10-16 OPENING OF EVENING SCHOOLS. On Monday, October 18, at 7:30 p.m., evening courses for foreigners will open at the Ironton School. English will be taught, along with other elementary subjects. The registration fee is $1.00, but it will be refunded if the student attends at least 80% of the lessons. In addition, under the same conditions, courses will be offered in business letter writing, geometric and technical drawing, etc. Poles should enroll in large numbers in these useful classes. [WORKER SHORTAGE] In both Tonawandas there is a shortage of workers for ordinary jobs, and for that reason many factories have raised wages just to get people to work. Especially in the sawmills there is an urgent need for laborers. The sawmills have increased wages by 25 to 50 cents per day. A worker now earns $2.25 a day there, and despite this the companies complain that they still have too few workers. [FATHER ARRESTED FOR SON'S RAILROAD CAR THEFT OF SUGAR] As a result of thefts of goods—especially sugar—from Erie Railroad cars, the father of one of the suspected Polish boys was arrested: Marcin Krzemiński of No. 7, 6th Avenue. Part of the stolen goods was found in his home, and therefore Mr. Krzemiński will be held responsible for receiving/harboring stolen property. The judge postponed the hearing. Mr. Marcin’s son, Piotr Krzemiński, was sent for penance to “Father Baker’s.” 1915-10-28 CONCERT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CHURCH. On Tuesday, the 15th of this month, a large concert of choirs will be held in the hall of the Dreamland Theater, organized by the parish of Our Lady of Częstochowa on Oliver Street. After the concert, a dance will take place. The proceeds from the evening are intended for the new Polish church, whose construction will begin in Ironton in the spring. Participating in the concert will be the “Lutnia” choir from Niagara Falls, the church choir from Black Rock, and the “Harmonia” choir from North Tonawanda. [FIRE ON 8TH] In the kitchen of the home of Mr. Jan Iłonek on 8th Avenue, a fire broke out in the stove. The fire department extinguished it skillfully using chemical apparatus. The damage amounts to about $50. The workers on the Wheatfield railroad, employed in the construction of the state road near Chestnut Ridge, have abandoned the job. They claim that the contractor has not paid them their wages for two months. Piotr Baha of 6th Avenue was summoned before the Grand Jury for defaming Piotr Zaborowski of the same street. The case has been dragging on since August, when during a neighborhood quarrel Baha struck his compatriot with a brick and severely smashed his head. The accused is at liberty on bail. 1915-11-24 IMPORTANT NOTICE. We inform our esteemed countrymen that in North Tonawanda the women have joined together in solidarity to organize a new society. On Sunday, November 27, a meeting of the newly organized society was held in the parish hall. There were more than 30 participants. At this meeting, 24 new members signed up, and from among them a committee was elected to lead the undertaking, consisting of the following persons: Maryanna Gerlach, president; Maryanna Witkowska, vice president; Franciszka Janiszewska, financial secretary; Helena Nadolewska, recording secretary; Michalina Rosińska, trustee; Dominika Glogora, trustee; Walerya Nowak, marshal; Anna Frąszczewska, doorkeeper. The committee was chosen from among capable women, under whose leadership we expect successful results. The society resolved to hold its next meeting on Sunday, February 2, in the parish hall, in the evening, for the purpose of completing applications and refining organizational matters. We invite the remaining women who belong to this organization and wish to join to come forward. Younger parish girls are also welcome. The society adopted the name “Star of Victory” and will affiliate with the P.N.A. It is the first women’s group in North Tonawanda, to which we wish every success. — Fr. Janiszewska, secretary. 1915-12-01 VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE. Last evening the annual banquet of the local Chamber of Industry was held. The beautiful auditorium hall of the YMCA was filled to capacity, with guests also attending from Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Lockport. The principal speaker and guest of honor was the Secretary of State of New York, Francis M. Hugo, who particularly emphasized the importance of the navigational canal for Tonawanda. Congressman Dempsey spoke about the nation’s military preparedness. A speech was also delivered by Mr. O’Keefe, secretary of the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce. For smashing Walenty Kranth’s head with a stone on Second Avenue, Piotr Cyran of 6th Avenue was arrested. Kranth is confined ill at home. The attack took place at night after a parish dance. The hearing is to be held today. Police were notified that a band of intoxicated Poles was fighting on Oliver Street near 6th Avenue, by a certain saloon. However, when the police arrived at the “battlefield,” the valiant countrymen had already vanished without a trace. In critical condition in the hospital lies 30-year-old Antoni Horka of No. 100 Simson Street. He slightly cut a finger on his hand; the wound became so badly infected that doctors fear for his life. After a week’s vacation, evening schools have now reopened in Ironton and Goundry. 1916-09-01 Next Monday, that is on the national holiday “Labor Day,” a parish picnic will be held on the grounds between 8th and 9th Streets. This picnic was originally scheduled for July 4, but for important reasons had to be postponed. All proceeds from the picnic will be devoted to the construction of a new church, as the current church building has become too small for the local Polish community, which has grown very rapidly in recent times. Festivities will last all day, with the main attraction being a picnic football match between the “Polish Defenders” club and a club made up of skilled players, led by Mr. Stanisław Rosiński, who will surely prove to everyone that he has not yet retired from athletic competition. The Polish community is growing every day. Recently many families have come to our city, especially from Buffalo, so that today there is no housing at all available for newcomers. On side streets one can notice home construction, and in the spring many new houses will certainly appear. In the past week Poles purchased fourteen building lots on Centre Avenue, East Avenue, and First Avenue, through Mr. Prelewicz. There is plenty of work in local factories, and everyone is earning good wages. There will be no Polish candidates for municipal offices in the upcoming primaries this year. However, Polish voters will support those candidates who have shown goodwill and have aided Poles when needed. It turns out that the number of Polish votes is far too small for such a large Polish population. There are only 155 Polish votes. At Sunday’s meeting of the Falcons (Sokół), applications from twenty-two new candidates will be considered. The ranks of the “gray team” in North Tonawanda continue to grow. The matter of purchasing land for a new Sokol Hall will be discussed, as well as the sale of a lot on Centre Avenue. The Sokół organization is steadily working toward one goal: to erect a new Sokol Hall as soon as possible, where people may gather and deliberate not only on the development of the organization, but also on the needs and improvements of the Polish district. Following a complaint by Mrs. Julia Dziwanowska of 144 Ironton Street, police arrested Filip Gutkowski of 696 Oliver Street on charges of third-degree assault and battery. At the preliminary hearing held yesterday morning, it was learned that the accused allegedly struck Mrs. Dziwanowska after she reprimanded him for supposed improper behavior toward her daughter in her apartment. By agreement of attorneys for both sides, the court postponed the case until next Thursday. The accused posted bail and remains free pending trial. After a period of inactivity, the Zorza Benevolent Society intends to resume work in earnest and is organizing a theatrical performance, the date of which will be decided at the next meeting. Members have begun collecting donated items. The Polish community—especially Polish patients—is pleased, as they can now be treated by a Polish physician, Dr. W. Tyszliński, who has lived here for several weeks. A Polish dentist is expected to arrive soon. The school year will begin next week. The Felician Sisters have already arrived, and classrooms are being cleaned daily so that there will be no obstacles next Tuesday. 1917-07-06 STABBED HIM IN THE BACK. In Ironton, North Tonawanda, a picnic and celebration was taking place, which among others was attended by Antoni Zawadzki, a 30-year-old local resident. While Zawadzki was engaged in conversation with several Polish young women near Center Street, suddenly—under cover of darkness and in the shadow of the trees—some criminal attacked him and plunged a large knife into his back, then disappeared into the night, unseen by any reliable witnesses to the murderous assault. Dr. Tarasiński provided medical assistance to Zawadzki, but there is little hope of keeping him alive. 1921-03-12 RUSIN AND JAWORSKI ARRESTED. After a chase and a gunfight with revolvers, the police succeeded in arresting Stefan Rusin, of 15 Fifteenth Avenue, and Fred Jaworski, of 2 Miller Avenue, in the city of North Tonawanda, early in the morning. Both are 19 years old and are charged with robbing a freight car. During the pursuit, the police opened fire. At ten o’clock in the evening, the police received a report that someone was breaking into freight cars. One car was standing on the tracks leading toward the city of Lockport. When Chief Ryan and the officers arrived at the scene, the two suspects jumped from the car and began shooting, then fled across the tracks into the Ironton district. 1921-05-20 A double celebration on Sunday, May 22. — In the morning, schoolchildren will receive their First Holy Communion. In the afternoon, a parade of societies and the May celebration. — Poles decorate their homes with Polish and American flags. — The Harmonia Singing Society launches a membership drive. — Personal news. — Piernowski’s wife threw a plate at her husband. — An interesting court chronicle. — Polish affairs. Sunday, May 22, has entered the history of the local parish of Our Lady of Częstochowa as a landmark day of religious and national importance. It is the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of May 3rd — one of Poland’s greatest national holidays — and also the day of First Holy Communion for schoolchildren. As every year, all societies affiliated with the parish of Our Lady of Częstochowa have been invited by the parish priest to take part in this solemn occasion. The children will be led in a ceremonial procession from the school to the church. The solemn Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Benedykowski, who will deliver an address appropriate to the moment before distributing Holy Communion. Overall, the Sunday celebration at the parish promises to be impressive. That same Sunday at 1:30 p.m., church and national societies will assemble into a demonstrative procession to mark the great May celebration. The Polish community of North Tonawanda is expected to honor this great national holiday — the anniversary of the Constitution — in a fitting manner. It is a great day for all of Poland and for Poles everywhere. During the procession, Poles will decorate their homes with national flags. It is a civic duty in North Tonawanda that every Polish man and woman be properly dressed on this day, and especially that national colors be worn. The well-liked Harmonia Singing Society, which owns its own building, has begun a campaign to recruit new members. At its last meeting, each member pledged to bring at least two new candidates within two months. Citizens and youth of North Tonawanda should join the Harmonia Singing Society in large numbers. It promotes Polish song — and everyone knows that Polish song is the most effective defense against the denationalization of the Polish people. Children and youth who join Harmonia gain access to a highly valued community. Thanks to Harmonia, cultural and educational work among local youth continues to advance, nurturing the young Polish spirit. Long live song! After the meeting, Harmonia held a so-called “Smok” (social gathering) for members. The evening was lively and cheerful, with games, entertainment, and discussions for the youth. In short, the meeting was a great success, and the organization benefited greatly. Many people shop at the “Rozmaitości” (Varieties) store on Oliver Street, owned by Mr. Józef Pawlik. The store offers goods at the lowest prices, while guaranteeing honesty and courtesy. The slogan is “Buy from your own.” Everything we can recommend. Last Sunday, a lively christening celebration took place at the home of local residents on Oliver Street, attended by many relatives and friends. The festivities lasted late into the night. The godmother of the newborn was Miss Józefa Pawlik, and the godfather Mr. Bolesław Kaczmarek. At a generously set table, guests enjoyed themselves warmly…, and the good cheer was enhanced by a speech from Mr. Teofil Lipiński of Buffalo, formerly a resident of Tonawanda and founder of a butter shop near the parish school. Miss Zofia Pawlicka was asked to collect donations. The following contributions were made: Teofil Lipiński — $1.00 Mr. and Mrs. Franonek — $1.00 Mr. and Mrs. Susanek — $1.00 Mr. and Mrs. Waszkowski — $1.00 Mrs. Dembek — $1.00 S. Dembek — $0.25 Mr. and Mrs. Kaszubski — $1.00 Mr. and Mrs. Pawlicki — $2.00 Mr. Jakowski — $0.50 Total — $8.75 The money was presented to the parish priest, Fr. Benedykowski, who expressed heartfelt thanks to the donors. Because the dinner that his wife cooked and served to her husband, Józef Piernowski of Ironton Street, did not suit his taste, Piernowski threw a bowl of soup at his wife, spilling it so badly that it splashed over the tableware, and then continued throwing objects at her. A plate struck Piernowski in the eye, injuring him; nevertheless, he managed to flee. The injuries were significant. The police were notified and an officer arrived on a motorcycle, but Piernowski had already left the house and hid in a place known as a “bimber” joint called “Pod Krzyżem.” He was eventually found and placed under arrest. He is charged with assault and battery against his wife in the third degree. 1922-02-07 BANDITS RAMPAGE IN NORTH TONAWANDA Severe beating of the owner of a soft-drink shop. Frank Nowak arrested. In the Ironton district of the town of North Tonawanda, a major disturbance broke out recently when police received reports about lawless bandits. The result of the police investigation was the arrest of one of the alleged bandits. For now, police have not yet filed formal charges and are awaiting further developments. Police arrested Frank Nowak, age 28, of 48 Third Avenue, as one of the alleged bandits who attacked Jan Brzeziński, owner of a soft-drink shop at 5 Fifth Avenue. Brzeziński sustained such serious injuries that he was beaten unconscious; during the fight several gunshots were fired. Later that evening, police learned that a gang had broken into the home of Frank Czerwiński at 38 Seventh Avenue and assaulted participants of a gathering there. Police believe that the same gang was responsible for the attack on Brzeziński. 1923-02-08 Poles in North Tonawanda are actively working to obtain citizenship for as many people as possible. A special session of the naturalization court held this week granted citizenship to 37 new Polish citizens in North Tonawanda. Much credit for this work is owed to Mr. Stanisław Rosiński, who helped prepare the first papers and served as a principal witness for several of our compatriots. This year it is expected that Poles in North Tonawanda will gain approximately 100 new citizens of this country. In North Tonawanda, new enterprises are being built—specifically, two Poles, Mr. Bork and Mr. Krasiński, are constructing a large new coal yard at a cost of $25,000 at Ironton Avenue and 6th Avenue. This is a business that will undoubtedly develop rapidly here. Much is being said about an upcoming bazaar to be organized by the Slavic Citizens of the Polish Home in early March. The bazaar is intended to increase financial resources to help pay down part of the debt on the building, and at the same time to maintain the Polish Home and construct a new bowling alley, which the youth have been strongly requesting. All societies operating in North Tonawanda have pledged to assist with this bazaar. The Polish Women’s Society “Zorza” and the Rosary Women’s Society will certainly organize their own booths. All booths will be stocked with abundant goods, which are already in good supply. On Thursday, February 1, an elegant surprise party was held at the home of Mrs. Marya Jetter on 5th Avenue. Participants in this pleasant gathering were presented with beautiful gifts. The party was held in honor of Mrs. Marya’s name day. The following ladies took part: H. Zakrzewska, Z. Okójska, G. Krzywda, A. Turmanek, J. Pawlicka, J. Neel, A. Stempińska, Mrs. Woloszen, J. Kotecka, and Miss Kwiatkowska. The celebrant extends heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to making the event enjoyable. The Polish Women’s Society Zorza is organizing a masquerade on Tuesday, February 6, at the Polish Home. Reportedly, beautiful prizes will be awarded—unmatched by any previous masquerade held by any society. The active organizing committee is working tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. Proceeds from the event are designated for a noble cause, as Polish women are always ready to offer help.
Village of Niagara, advertising poster at Long Homestead (1824-07-05).jpg
Mary Long, portrait at Long Homestead (c.1840).jpg
Benjamin Long, portrait at Long Homestead (c.1840).jpg
John Carr buys 111 acres of Lot 75, deed (1868-04-27).jpg
This Indenture, made the Twenty-seventh day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight BETWEEN Arthur J. Ayer, Susan S. Ayer his wife of the Town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, of the first part, and John Carr of the same place. of the second part, Witnesseth, That the said party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of Six Thousand, six hundred sixty-seven dollars and twenty cents, to them in hand paid, hath sold, and by these presents do grant and convey to the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, ALL that tract or parcel of land situate in the Town of Wheatfield Niagara County State of New York being the northerly half of Lot number seventy-five and bounded as follows to wit East by the Mile line and West by the Niagara River; North by the [north] line of lot seventy-four & South by a line parallel with the north line of said lot number seventy-five. Containing one hundred and eleven acres & 12/100 acres of land. Excepting the lands conveyed to the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Rail Road Company & the Canandaigua & Niagara Falls Rail Road Company! This being the same lands conveyed by deed to Orson Shepard and Jonathan S. Ayers dated Oct 15th 1855 & recorded in the County Clerk’s Office of Niagara County Oct 31st 1855 in Book of Deeds No 65 at page 495. Quick abstract (key facts) Date: 27 April 1868 Grantors: Arthur J. Ayers and Susan B. Ayers (wife), Wheatfield, Niagara County, NY Grantee: John Carr, Wheatfield Consideration: $6,667.20 Land: Northerly half of Lot 75, Wheatfield East: Mile Line West: Niagara River North: Lot 74 line South: line parallel with Lot 75 north line Acreage: 111.12 acres Exceptions: prior conveyances to Buffalo & Niagara Falls Rail Road Co. and Canandaigua & Niagara Falls Rail Road Co. Prior deed breadcrumb: deed to Orson Shepard and Jonathan S. Ayers dated Oct 15, 1855, recorded Oct 31, 1855, Deeds Book 65, p. 495 (Niagara County Clerk)
Born 1817 in Dromore Parish, Down, Ireland. In Wheatfield by 1860. https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/22937845/person/272174679708/facts?usePUBJs=true
Tonawandas, Sanborn insurance map overview (1913).jpg
Wurlitzer player piano, ad (New York Tribune, 1918-03-31).pdf
Along the frontier, Erie Canal placed New York First, article (Tonawanda News, 1924-11-18).pdf
A. Weston and Son, postcard receipt (1882).jpg
Tondas out for season, article (Niagara Gazette, 1974-10-20).png
Brief history and large ads for North Tonawanda Land Co., Ironton Land Co., A.W. Story portrait (Tonawanda News, 1894-06-12).pdf
History includes Cleveland investors. North Tonawanda Land Co. located in Real Estate Exchange Bldg. List of factories within last two years.
New North Tonawanda officials, Gilmore, photo (Buffalo News, 1914-12-31).pdf
Tonawanda Iron and Steel Co., note (Engineering and Mining Journal, 1889-07-13).png
Tonawanda Iron and Steel Co., note (Engineering and Mining Journal, 1889-01-19).png
Tonawanda Iron and Steel and Tonawanda Island, photo (c.1950).png
Tondas take establishment to court, article (Niagara Gazette, 1976-10-17).jpg
The Transfer Lumber and Shingle Company, letterhead and bill (1906).jpg
Payne Wheatfield registry drama, article 1865-11-01_002.pdf
P. W. Scribner, advertising card (c1890).jpg
NT Centennial edition, Payne, Felton, Bodoni, article (Tonawanda News, 1965-06-26).pdf
Martinsville Hotel and brass band, photo (c.1880).jpg
Joseph E. Gilmore, obit (Tonawanda News, 1948-03-30).png
Jack's White Flash, service station, O.iver and Linwood, photo (Ancestry, 1938).png
Ironton football team, newspaper photo (1926).jpg
Indian bones uncovered, article (Buffalo Express, 1884-08-14.pdf
History of Twin Cities, Millener, article (Tonawanda News, 1921-04-19).pdf
Highlights in history of the Tonawandas, article (Tonawanda News, 1930-04-07).pdf
Close sketches of business, municipal growth of the Tonawandas.
Gratwick Hose Christmas party, Santa and three pigs, photo (19498-12).jpg
Fredreick Robertson and Co. Bankers, illustrated ad (Tonawanda News, (1925-05-04).png
Christian Wittkiwski obit, 1939-07-14.jpg
Cholera, Ironton home afflicted, article (Buffalo News, 1892-10-07).pdf
Chokes to death as Vic plays, 46 Sweeney, article (Tonawanda News, 1923-02-23).jpg
Carl F. Platter, obit (Tonawanda News, 1985-08-06).jpg
Walenty Krzeminski, Polish-born 1865 and others, photo (Ancestry, before 1947).png
Rose Zoladz at 17, photo (Ancestry 1938).png
Rose Scrivo making punch cards at Remington Rand, photo (Ancestry, 1943).jpg
Rosebrock w Auto-Kart on Payne Ave, photo (Ancestry c1915).jpg
Oliver and Center, across from OLC, carriage, Krzeminski, Frances and Cecilia, photo (1915).jpg
Mabell Lydia Zaggel, photo (Ancestry, c.1910.jpg
Joseph Albert Grzenkowski at his wedding reception, photo (Ancestry 1923-08-10).jpg
John Pasciak holding granddaughter Theresa, 418 Rogers St, photo (Ancestry, c1930.jpg
John Olewnick Jr marries Rose Zoladz at OLC, photo (Ancesty, 1942-01-10).png
Grunzweigs trimming hedges, Tonawanda (Ancestry, 1940).png
Girl on bike, 59 Allen Street, Kaufmann (Rev. Helmuth) house, photo (Ancestry, c1916).png
Family with bike, 59 Allen Street, Kaufmann (Rev. Helmuth) house, photo (Ancestry, c1916).png
Family next to garden wall, 59 Allen Street, Kaufmann (Rev. Helmuth) house, photo (Ancestry, c1916).png
Denny & Gladys with Evelyn Teal, photo (Ancestry c1934).jpg
Christian Flateau, Wurlitzer employee badge (c1930).jpg
Celso, Serena, Carlo Merletti, East Schenck, photo (Ancestry, c1945).jpg
But, Lawrence, Sister Mary Kobos, Walenty Krzeminski (3 unk), North Tonawanda, photo (Ancestry, before 1947).png
Bush's Bridge, Rosseau, Edward, Ida (Sahr), photo (Ancestry, c1940).jpg
219 Robinson, HST, photo (Ancestry, 1888).png
59 Allen Street, Grandpa Kaufmann (Rev. Helmuth) house, photo (Ancestry, c1916).png
William Schultz, unknown solder, Fred Schultz, Hagen?, photo (Ancestry, c. 1917).jpg
Uncle Jimmy in Grandpa's chicken coop, 41 Bryant, photo (Ancestry).jpg
Tony Vona and Nellie Yates wedding party, photo (Ancestry, 1938-07).jpg
Tofts, 107 Keil, photo (Ancestry, 1918).jpg
Toft family, flags, 109 Keil Street, photo (Ancestry c1915).jpg
Toft family, 109 Keil Street, photo (Ancestrt c1915).jpg
Sweeney Street farm, George Stagg and Uncle Fred Zaggel (on right), photo (Ancestry).jpg
Sharlene & Sandy, Sister & Brother, Falconer St. Home, photo (Ancestry c1940).jpg
Mary Keil, 21 Jackson Street, photo (Ancestry, c.1937).jpg
Maria Piepenhagen center front, 100 Washingtin St., photo (Ancestry, c1940).jpg
Lockwood Joyce Rathbun, mother and baby, photo (Ancestry, 1924).jpg
Keil family farm on Nash Road, photo (Ancestry c1894).jpg
JMLT portrait, 109 Keil, photo (c1915).jpg
Henry Louis Keil and his sisters, Nad Rd farm, photo (Ancestry c1894).jpg
Great Great Grandpa and Grandma Zimmerman, NT (Ancestry c 1890).jpg
Friedens confirmation, photo (Ancestry, 1918).jpg
Chris and Ed Flateau, wrong side of fence at Falls, photo (Ancestry).jpg
Charles A. Toye Sr. and other Toyes, photo (Ancestry c. 1950).jpg