Daniel David Altenburg was born about 1788 in Ballston, Saratoga Co., NY, and died August, 1832, in Hope Twp., Durham Co., Newcastle Dist., Upper Canada, at about age 44. Cause of death was Cholera. He is the son of Wilhelm Aden Altenburg (Born July 12, 1857, in Hersfeld, Hesse-Cassel, Germany; Died January 19, 1821, in Unknown) of Hersfeld, Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and Elizabeth Mosher (Born July 12, 1765, in Dutchess Co., NY; Died July 3, 1845, in Attica, Wyoming Co., NY) of Dutchess Co., NY.

Elizabeth Fancher was born about 1793 in Sussex, Sussex Co; NJ, and probably died 1882, in Columbus Twp., Warren Co., PA, at about age 88. She is the daughter of Ephraim Fancher (born September 9, 1763, in Roxbury, Morris Co., NJ; died after 1830 in Indiana), and Margaret Nitzer (born 1760 - 1770, in Unknown; died after 1830, in Indiana). Resided in Port Hope, Durham Co., Upper Canada.

Daniel David Altenburg and Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg had eight children:

1. Jonathan William Altenburg: Born June 14, 1815, in Fort Plain, Minden Twp., Montgomery Co., NY; Died after 1880 in Unknown. Married April 17, 1852, at Point Douglas, Denmark Twp., Washington Co., Minnesota Territory, to Mary Tashentonkawe (a member of the Dakota Indian tribe): Born about 1828 in Northwest Territory (Minnesota); Died August, 1869, Cottage Grove, Washington Co., MN (about age 41). Cause of death was Consumption (Tuberculosis).
2. Ephraim Fancher Altenburg: Born 1818, in Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada; Died September 18, 1854, in Cattaraugus Co., NY (age 36). Buried in Randolph Cemetery, Randolph, Cattaraugus Co., NY. Married 1848, in Cattaraugus Co., NY, to Elvira B. Bushnell: Born March, 1826, in Napoli, Cattaraugus Co., NY; Died August 17, 1921, in Salamanca, Cattaraugus Co., NY (age 95). Buried in Randolph Cemetery, Randolph, Cattaraugus Co., NY.
3. Mary Ann Altenburg: Born Born June 10, 1821, in Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada; Died March, 1887, in Oil City, Venango Co., PA (age 65). Married January 8, 1840, in Jamestown, Chautauqua Co., NY, to Henry Campbell Crippen: Born January 4, 1815, in Watkins Glen, Chautauqua Co., NY; Died Unknown.
4. Margaret M. Altenburg: Born March 28, 1823, in Hamilton Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada; Died June 10, 1904, in Randolph, Cattaraugus Co., NY (age 81). Buried in Randolph Cemetery, Randolph, Cattaraugus Co., NY. Married 1849, in Unknown, to George Adam Fox: Born October 10, 1824, in Fonda, Montgomery Co., NY; Died October 13, 1882, in Corry, Erie Co., PA (age 58). Buried in Randolph Cemetery, Randolph, Cattaraugus Co., NY.
5. George Altenburg: Born September 11, 1825, in Upper Canada; Died February 2, 1869, in Cattaraugus Co., NY (age 43). Buried in Allegany Cemetery, Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., NY. Married to Sarah Oyer: Born August 18, 1831, in East Otto, Cattaraugus Co., NY; Died April 25, 1887, in Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., NY (age 55). Buried in Allegany Cemetery, Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., NY.
6. Elizabeth C. Altenburg: Born September, 1827, in Hamilton Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada; Died February 27, 1905, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY (age 76). Buried in Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, Susquehanna Co., PA.  Married about 1862 in Pennsylvania, to Jonas Mack: Born 1813 in Bridgewater, Susquehanna Co., PA; Died July 28, 1890, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY (about age 76). Buried in Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, Susquehanna Co., PA.
7. Sarah Jane Altenburg: Born August 8, 1830, in Upper Canada; Died May 25, 1918, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY (age 87). Buried in Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, Broome Co., NY. Married  October 3, 1850, in Unknown, to Archelaus Towne Hall: Born October 20, 1823, in Westfield, Chautauqua Co., NY; Died February 22, 1899, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY (age 75). Buried in Floral Park Cemetery, Johnson City, Broome Co., NY.
8. Abigail Elizabeth Altenburg: Born June 14, 1832, in Port Hope, Durham Co., Upper Canada; Died July 24, 1924, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY (age 92). Buried in Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, Broome Co., NY. Married (1) after 1850, in Unknown, to Edwin Vail: Born about 1831 in New York; Died Unknown. Divorced about May, 1862, in Warren Co., PA. Married (2) about 1866 in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY, to Charles Nitzer Fancher: Born March 28, 1823, in Bridgewater, Susquehanna Co., PA; Died March 11, 1869, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY (age 45). Buried in Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, Broome Co., NY. Abigail then then Married (3) after 1883, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY, to Charles Geer Merrill: Born about 1831, in Pennsylvania; Died March 5, 1891, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY (age 60). Abigail then Married (4) February 4, 1902, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY, to Spencer L. Woodworth: Born July 6, 1831, in Cattaraugus Co., NY; Died April 29, 1902, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY (age 70). Buried in Oakland Cemetery, Fort Dodge, Webster Co., IA.

Daniel David Altenburg died August, 1832, in Hope Twp., Durham Co., Newcastle Dist., Upper Canada, at about age 44. Cause of death was Cholera.

Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg then married Phineas Winters Abbey.

Phineas Winters Abbey was born about 1802, in Haldimand Twp., Durham Co., Newcastle Dist., Upper Canada, and died after 1885, possibly in Pennsylvania. He is the son of Nathaniel Abbey of the Province of New York, and Mary "Polly" Winters of the Province of New York.

Phineas Winters Abbey (about age 32), a bachelor, and Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg (about age 41), a widow, were married about 1834 in Port Hope, Durham Co., Newcastle Dist., Upper Canada.

Phineas Winters Abbey and Elizabeth (Fancher) (Altenburg) Abbey had one child:

1. Pauline Lorinda Abbey: Born September, 1836, probably in Ellicott, Chautauqua Co., NY; Died 1876, probably in Sherman, Grayson Co., TX (about age 40). Married November 27, 1856, in Columbus, Warren Co., PA, to Edson Scott Fancher: Born November 23, 1834, in Bridgewater, Susquehanna Co., PA; Died June 11, 1908, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA (age 75). Buried in Angelus Rosedale Cemetery, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA.

TIMELINE

https://fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html

Ontario was known as: "Upper Canada" from December 26, 1791, to February 10, 1841; "Canada West" from February 10, 1841, to July 1, 1867; and "Ontario" after July 1, 1867.

In 1798, the Parliament of Upper Canada passed a statute defining the boundaries of the counties. Durham was then defined to include: "That the townships of Hope, Clarke and Darlington, with all the tract of land hereafter to be laid out into townships, which lies to the southward of the small lakes above the Rice Lake, and the communication between them and between the eastern boundary of the township of Hope, and the western boundary of the township of Darlington, produced north, sixteen degrees west, until they intersect either of the said lakes, or the communication between them, shall constitute and form the County of Durham."

Mary Honeywell was born May 13, 1801, in Northumberland Co., Upper Canada.

Clement Neff V and Mary Honeywell were married about 1818 in Upper Canada.

Oliver Nathan Bradley and Dorcas Potts? Abbey were married 1803 in Northumberland Co., Newcastle District, Upper Canada.

The 1803 Census for Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Nathan Bradley is the Head of Household. There are 2 Males age 16 - 60; 3 Males under age 16; 1 Female age 16 - 60; and 3 Females under age 16.

The 1803 Census for Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Isaac Abbey III is the Head of Household. There are 1 Male age 16 - 60;  2 Females age 16 - 60; and 1 Male under age 16.

The 1804 Census for Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Nathaniel Abbey is the Head of Household. There are 1 Male age 16 - 60;  1 Female age 16 - 60; 2 Males under age 16; and 2 Females under age 16.

The 1812 Census for Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Oliver Nathan Bradley is the Head of Household. There are 1 Male age 16 - 60; 2 Males under age 16; 1 Female age 16 - 60; and 3 Females under age 16.

On September 21, 1812, Nathaniel Abbey petitioned for a lease on the broken front of Lot No. 25, in front of the 1st Concession of Hope Township, a Reserve.

On June 23, 1819, Isaac Abbey petitioned to be recognized as a Settler, and was assigned One Hundred Acres of Land in the North Half of Lot No. Eight, in the Third Concession of Smith Township, Newcastle District, Upper Canada. He stated that he was age 21, was born in the United States, and had been in this Province 20 years. The Final Settlement Date was November 27, 1824.

The 1819 Census for Hope Twp., Durham Co., Upper Canada, shows, Isaac Phineas Abbey is the Head of Household. There are: 4 Males age 16 and over, 1 Female 1 Female age 16 and over; 2 Males under age 16; and 5 Females under age 16. Leigh Larson Note: This would be Isaac Phineas Abbey.

The 1819 Census for Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Oliver Nathan Bradley is the Head of Household. There are 1 Male age 16 - 60; 5 Males under age 16; 1 Female age 16 - 60; and 4 Females under age 16.

The 1823 Census for Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Dorcas (Abbey) Bradley, widow of Oliver Nathan Bradley, is enumerated in one more census, that of April 1823, then she disappears from these census returns for Haldimand Township.

A search of the census and assessment rolls for Hope Township, an area a little to the west of Haldimand, for the year 1824 reveals and indication that Dorcas (Abbey) Bradley, widow of Oliver Nathan Bradley, re-located to Hope Township. The census information did not survive but the assessment rolls are available at the NA. In this roll Dorcas is enumerated in both the years 1824 and 1825. From this roll we know that she did not own land but that she did own 1 horse, 0 oxen, 3 milch cows and 3 horned livestock --- probably goats. A very interesting aspect emerges from this roll. There has been some controversy as to what was Dorcas’ maiden family name. Some researchers have indicated Potts; some have suggested Brown; still others have suggested Abbey. Well, on this role in both years she appears, her name is adjacent to a Ann Abbey, who does own property - 20 acres on Lot 26 in Concession 1.

Daniel David Altenburg died August, 1832, in Hope Twp., Durham Co., Upper Canada, at about age 44. Cause of death was Cholera.

John Taaffe Irwin and Lucinda B. "Sandy" (Bradley) Abbey were married April 15, 1833, in Hope Twp., Durham Co., Newcastle Dist., Upper Canada.

On April 17, 1840, Nathaniel Abner Abbey petitioned to Locate or sell the Militia Right of lands due him for the Military service of his deceased father, Nathaniel Abbey, for services During the Late American War, he being a Private in Capt. John Burns Company.

The 1842 Census for Clarke Twp., Durham Co., Upper Canada, shows Nathaniel Abner Abbey is the head of Household. The 5 people in the household are all natives of English Canada. There are: 1 male ages 6 - 13; 2 single males ages 14 - 17; 1 married male ages 30 - 59; and 1 married female ages 14 - 44. a total of 3 have Church of England affiliation. There are 100 acres owned, and 40 acres are cultivated in Wheat, Oats, Pease, Indian Corn, and Potatoes. Leigh Larson note: These two Abby farms are adjacent to each other.

The 1842 Census for Clarke Twp., Durham Co., Upper Canada, shows Orrin Abbey is the head of Household. The 2 people in the household are all natives of English Canada. There are: 1 married male ages 30 - 59; and 1 married female ages 14 - 44. No religious affiliation is listed. There are 30 acres owned, and 20 acres are cultivated in Oats, Indian Corn, and Potatoes. Leigh Larson note: These two Abbey farms are adjacent to each other.

In 1844, Barney Etcher is living at Lot 31 3rd Concession, Hamilton Twp.

In 1848, Nathaniel Abner Abbey was living in Concession 5 Lot 2 in Clarke Twp., Durham Co., Ontario, Canada.

Nathaniel Abner Abbey died March, 1849, in Clarke Twp., Newcastle Dist., Durham Co., Canada West, at about age 52. Buried in the old cemetery near where he resided.

After Nathaniel Abner Abbey died, Mary Louisa "Polly" (Nugent) Abbey married Barnabas "Barney" Etcher.

Daniel David Altenburg was born about 1788, in Ballston, Saratoga Co., NY.

Elizabeth Fancher was born 1793 in Sussex, Sussex Co; NJ.

Phineas Winters Abbey was born about 1802, in Haldimand Twp., Durham Co., Newcastle Dist., Upper Canada.

The two items below are from the publication To Cast A Reflection published by the Oshawa Historical Society, Ontario, Canada, in 2018. Since this date, new information helps to clarify the original publication.

The 1818 Census for Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Daniel Altenburg is the Head of Household. There are 1 Male age 16 - 60; 1 Female age 16 - 60; and 2 Males under age 16. There is no Tax Assessment. Daniel David Altenburg, born about 1788; Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg, born 1793; Jonathan William Altenburg, born June 14, 1815; and Ephraim Fancher Altenburg, born 1818.

The 1819 Census for Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Daniel Altenburg is the Head of Household. There are 1 Male age 16 - 60; 1 Female age 16 - 60; and 2 Males under age 16. There is also a Tax Assessment for no land, with an assessment of 4 £. Daniel David Altenburg, born about 1788; Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg, born 1793; Jonathan William Altenburg, born June 14, 1815; and Ephraim Fancher Altenburg, born 1818.

The 1820 Census for Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Daniel Altenburg is the Head of Household. There are 2 Males age 16 - 60; 1 Female age 16 - 60; 2 Males under age 16; and 1 Female under age 16. There is also a Tax Assessment for 100 acres Uncultivated, in Lot 7 of the 2nd Concession land, with an assessment of 23 £. Daniel David Altenburg, born about 1788; Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg, born 1793; Jonathan William Altenburg, born June 14, 1815; Ephraim Fancher Altenburg, born 1818; and Mary Ann Altenburg, born June 10, 1821.

The 1821 Census for Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Daniel Altenburg is the Head of Household. There are 1 Male age 16 - 60; 1 Female age 16 - 60; 2 Males under age 16; and 1 Female under age 16. There is no Tax Assessment. Daniel David Altenburg, born about 1788; Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg, born 1793; Jonathan William Altenburg, born June 14, 1815; Ephraim Fancher Altenburg, born 1818; and Mary Ann Altenburg, born June 10, 1821.

The 1822 Census for Haldimand Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Daniel Altenburg is the Head of Household. There are 2 Males age 16 - 60; 1 Female age 16 - 60; 2 Males under age 16; and 1 Female under age 16. There is no Tax Assessment. Daniel David Altenburg, born about 1788; Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg, born 1793; Jonathan William Altenburg, born June 14, 1815; Ephraim Fancher Altenburg, born 1818; and Mary Ann Altenburg, born June 10, 1821.

Margaret M. Altenburg was born March 28, 1823, in Hamilton Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada.

The 1823 Census for Hamilton Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Daniel Altenburg is the Head of Household. There are 1 Male age 16 - 60; 1 Female age 16 - 60; 2 Males under age 16; and 1 Female under age 16. Daniel David Altenburg, born about 1788; Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg, born 1793; Jonathan William Altenburg, born June 14, 1815; Ephraim Fancher Altenburg, born 1818; and Mary Ann Altenburg, born June 10, 1821.

The 1824 Census for Hamilton Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Daniel Altenburg is the Head of Household. There are 2 Males under age 16; 1 Male over 16; 2 Females under age 16, and 1 Female over age 16. Daniel David Altenburg, born about 1788; Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg, born 1793; Jonathan William Altenburg, born June 14, 1815; Ephraim Fancher Altenburg, born 1818; Mary Ann Altenburg, born June 10, 1821; and Margaret M. Altenburg, born March 28, 1823.

The 1827 Census for Hamilton Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada, shows Daniel Altenburg is the Head of Household. There are 3 Males over 15; 3 Males under age 15; 1 Female over age 15, and 2 Females under age 15 . Daniel David Altenburg, born about 1788; Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg, born 1793; Jonathan William Altenburg, born June 14, 1815; Ephraim Fancher Altenburg, born 1818; and Mary Ann Altenburg, born June 10, 1821. There are 115 acres of land uncultivated; 85 acres of land cultivated, in Lot 31, Concession 1.

Elizabeth C. Altenburg was born September, 1827, in Hamilton Twp., Northumberland Co., Upper Canada.

On February 25, 1831, Daniel Altenburg made a Land Lease Petition for Lot. No. 8, 5th Concession, Clarke Twp., Durham Co., Newcastle Dist., Upper Canada..

On November 9, 1831, Phineas Winters Abbey petitioned for a lease in the Clergy Reserve, Lot No. 25, 7th Concession, in Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Newcastle Dist., Upper Canada.

Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg then married Phineas Winters Abbey.

Phineas Winters Abbey (about age 32), a bachelor, and Elizabeth (Fancher) Altenburg (about age 41), a widow, were married about 1834 in Port Hope, Durham Co., Newcastle Dist., Upper Canada.

After their marriage, both Phineas Winters Abbey and Elizabeth (Fancher) (Altenburg) Abbey sold their lands in Durham Co., Newcastle Dist., Upper Canada, and the family moved to Chautauqua Co., NY.

Pauline Lorinda "Polly" Abbey was born September, 1836, probably in Ellicott Twp., Chautauqua Co., NY.

The 1840 U. S. Census taken on 1840, shows Phineas Abbey is living in Ellicott Twp., Chautauqua Co., NY. Living there are: 1 Male age 30 - 39 (Phineas); 1 male age 10 - 14 (Ephraim); 1 Female age 30 - 39 (Elizabeth); 1 female age 10 - 14 (Abigail); 1 female age 5 - 9 (Jane); and 1 female under 5 (Pauline).

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on September 10, 1850, shows Phineas Abbey (age 43) born in Canada, is a Farmer, and is living in Randolph Twp., Cattaraugus Co., NY. Living with him are: Elizabeth Abbey (age 52) born in New Jersey; Elizabeth Altenburgh (age 21) born in Canada; Jane Altenburgh (age 19) born in Canada; Abigail Altenburgh (age 17) born in Canada; Polly Altenburgh (age 14) born in New York; Isaac Stanly (age 33) born in New York, a Farmer; Luther Stanly (age 8) born in New York; and Joseph Stanly (age 8) born in New York.

In 1852 or 1853, the Phineas Winters Abbey family moved from Randolph Twp., Cattaraugus Co., NY, to Columbus Twp., Warren Co., PA.

On August 21, 1854, Edwin Vail purchased several parcels of land in Columbus Twp., Warren Co., PA.

On March 5, 1856, Phineas Abbey purchased for $250 from Edwin Vail and wife, of Columbus, Warren Co., PA, a 35 acre parcel of land in Columbus Twp., Warren Co., PA.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 7, 1860, shows P. W. Abbey (age 60) born in New York, and with Real Estate of $600 and Personal Estate of $150 is a Farmer, and is living in Columbus Twp., Warren Co., PA. Living with him are: Elizabeth Abbey (age 65) born in New York; and Abigail Altenberg (age 27) born in Canada, a Domestic.

Leigh Larson note: Abigail Elizabeth (Altenburg) Vail had apparently already separated from her husband, Edwin Vail, and was using her maiden name of Abigal E. Altenburg.

Margaret Altenburg Fancher was born about 1867 in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on September 18, 1870, shows T. W. Aby (age 67) born in Upper Canada, and with father and mother of foreign birth, and with Real Estate of $1,400 and Personal Estate of $780 is a Farmer, and is living in Columbus Twp., Warren Co., PA. Living with him is: Elizabeth Aby (age 76) born in New Jersey, who is Keeping House.

It seems that neither Phinehas W. Abbey nor Elizabeth (Fancher) (Altenburg) Abbey could read or write. Their letters appear to have been written by others.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June, 1880, shows Phinneas Abbey (age 70) born in New York to New Jersey and Vermont-born parents, is a married Farmer, and is living in Columbus Twp., Warren Co., PA. Living with him are: his wife, Elizabeth Abbey (age 87) born in New York to New York and New Jersey-born parents, and who is not totally blind, who is Keeping House; his widowed daughter, Abbie Fancher (age 44) born in Canada to New York and New Jersey-born parents, who is Keeping House; and his granddaughter, Marguri Fancher (age 12) born in New York to Pennsylvania and Canada-born parents.

Elizabeth (Fancher) (Altenburg) Abbey probably died 1882, in Columbus Twp., Warren Co., PA, at about age 88.

Phinehas Winters Abbey died after 1885, possibly in Pennsylvania, at about age 85.

Mary Ann (Altenburg) (Crippen) Hamilton died March, 1887, in Oil City, Venango Co., PA, at age 65. Buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Corry, Erie Co., PA.

Jonas Mack died July 28, 1890, in Allegany Cemetery, Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., NY, at age 77. Buried in Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, Susquehanna Co., PA.

Elizabeth C. Mack died February, 1905, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY, at age 76. Buried in Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, Susquehanna Co., PA.

Abigail Elizabeth "Abbie" (Altenburg) (Vail) (Fancher) (Merrill) Woodworth died July 24, 1924, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY, at age 91. Buried in Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, Broome Co., NY.

Abbie E. Mack died November 25, 1938, in Binghamton, Broome Co., NY, at age 68. Buried in Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, Broome Co., NY.

FC11

The Fredonia Censor 21 May 1884, Early History of Hanover, Continued.

John and Holam Vail were natives of Otsego county, this state. At an early day their father with his family emigrated to Alexander, Genesee county, where he engaged in millwright work. He had been a person of large property, but through indorsing for others and an unfortunate contract in building a mill, he had lost nearly all he had. He was regarded as being a first class workman in every respect at the millwright business, and found no difficulty in obtaining employment in his new location. Both his sons, John and Holam, worked with him for three or four years after settling at Alexander, but after a while John became restless and left the parental roof. He found his way to Sackett’s Harbor on Lake Ontario, where he engaged as a ship carpenter through the winter, sailing on Lake Ontario through the season of navigation. He continued this for several years, until he was quite competent at ship building, and capable of commanding a vessel.

During the time he was at Sackett’s Harbor he became acquainted with Miss Panama Fuller, daughter of Capt. Fuller, who commanded a government schooner during the war that had closed a few years previous to that period. Holam Vail continued to reside at Alexander and was employed at millwright work with his father. While there he became acquainted with Mary Buxton and married her in the fall of 1823. Early the next spring he concluded to find a location where his services would be in greater demand or where he could branch out for himself.

Early in April he found his way to this locality, his wife coming in June following. His first employment was in repairing the Fayette Mills for Platt & Levi Rogers. Shortly after this he purchased the site and water power where G. L. Weeks’ grist mill now stands and engaged in building for himself a sawmill. At that time there was a large amount of all the different varieties of timber especially whitewood, black walnut, cherry and oak, and a good demand for sawed lumber. In the spring of 1826 he had his mill in complete running order.

His brother had come from the lower lake and settled here the fall before, and finally talked Holam into building a schooner. This was commenced the first week in May, 1826, and was launched the last of September of the same year. This vessel was called the Victory and was the first that was ever built here. She was for that period a medium sized vessel (about 125 tons burden,) but now would be regarded as little more than a yacht. The ship yard was located on the east bank of the creek near where Charles Hammon now resides. There were several vessels built on the same ground subsequently, all of which were launched into the creek. A channel had to be excavated to let them into the lake.

Although the Victory was launched the last week in September, she was not fully fitted out until the next spring. In building the Victory, Mr. V. had been compelled to get into debt to a considerable extent, and in order to fit out his schooner completely he was obliged to place a mortgage upon it, hoping that if he met with good success he would in a couple of years be able to liquidate and settle up. But fortune frowned upon him, as it had done to several other of this locality who had attempted to accumulate property by the aid of a sailing vessel. After two seasons of varied success, neither of which was very encouraging, Mr. Vail was compelled to succumb, and the schooner Victory, which had cost him considerable money and a large amount of hard labor, became the property of other parties.

Mr. Vail was not left entirely penniless, for he still had his sawmill. Although it was somewhat encumbered, it proved a source of considerable profit to him. There was a good demand for lumber, and the surrounding country supplied him with plenty of logs for sawing. When his time was not required at his mill, he found plenty of employment at millwright work at prices that were quite remunerative. It was but three or four years after the loss of his schooner Victory before he was in quite comfortable circumstances again.

In the summer of 1834 he met with quite a serious accident, which for a time caused great apprehension that he might be deprived of his eye-sight and become totally blind. In addition to millwright work he sometimes worked as a machinist and at the time specified he was engaged in constructing a turning lathe for Luther Heaton and while on some part of this work a small bit of steel about the shape of a flax seed, but not quite so large, flew from the shaft on which he was at work and lodged in the center of his eyeball. There was no physician here that had instruments suitable for extracting it, nor could one be found in Fredonia or Westfield that dared to attempt it. Soon inflammation set in and it became so painful that his attending physician was compelled keep him under the influence of powerful narcotics for some time. The eyeball finally decayed and ran out. The sight, from sympathy, of the other eye was sensibly affected for some time.

Also his general health was seriously impaired for some time, but during the following winter he recuperated so that early the next spring (1835) he purchased from Lyman Howard, Esq., the lot and erected the dwelling house where Mrs. Maria Mixer now resides. At that time this was one of the largest and most pretentious dwelling houses in the village. The large square columns in front, and the general appearance of the house has always attracted the notice of the passer by. Soon after the completion of this home he commenced to erect a building nearly adjoining his sawmill for the manufacture of shoe pegs.

Mr. James Howard had come here a few years previous from Warsaw, Wyoming Co., N.Y., and purchased from Mr. J. M. Wilson the wool-carding and cloth-dressing establishment. In making this purchase Mr. Howard became the owner of the first privilege of the water and in order to run the new enterprise successfully it was necessary to have more power. To obtain this he [Vail] formed a limited co-partnership with Mr. Howard. They soon had their peg factory in operation, employing ten or twelve men.

But once more fortune cast her shadow over Mr. Vail’s enterprise. His building took fire and with all their tools and machinery was consumed, without a dollar of insurance. Many of his best friends thought this was a blow from which he would be unable to rise, but a man of his energy and perseverance could not be kept down. Before the remains of his building had ceased smoldering, he had timber upon the ground for another, and this time decided to increase the size of the building so that it could be used for other manufacturing purposes if required, and before the building was fully enclosed it was decided to turn it into a flouring mill.

To complete this he was compelled to raise money on his homestead, also mortgage his mill property for the security of payment for milling machinery. In a few months he had his mill complete and in running order, but this like nearly every other enterprise in which he engaged did not prove a success. The mill was a good one and did good work, but there were two requisites in which there was a failure. First, there was a lack of water power, and second, a lack of custom. Other localities could purchase wheat and manufacture flour and ship it here at a less cost than it could be done for here.

Still Mr. Vail struggled along for three or four years, but finally was compelled to dispose of his homestead, which was purchased by Harvey Mixer, Esq., of Buffalo for a home for his parents and sister, Miss Maria, who still resides there. This last event appeared to have a more discouraging effect upon Mr. Vail than any of his former troubles. At the time he erected the house he hoped that it would be his home for the remainder of his life. Two or three years after the disposal of his home he succeeded in finding a customer for the mill property at a price something above the mortgage. Soon after this he gathered the remnants of his property together and went to Mayville, this county, where he engaged with two or three others in building a steamboat for Chautauqua Lake. This boat we believe was burned the second season after it was built. His next move was to Columbus, Warren Co. Pa., where he engaged quite extensively in the lumber business, at which he continued until he died, in 1857, aged 54 years. There were but few men known in this section of country who would equal Mr. Vail in accumulating money by their own industry and perseverance. He was peculiarly fortunate in this respect, but equally unfortunate in engaging in enterprises with other parties that proved disastrous, and in a short time all his hard earned accumulations would be swept away.

Capt. John Vail continued to reside here. His summers were spent almost wholly upon the lake, as master of a vessel. He was a part owner of two or three vessels that were built here under his directions. About this time (1835) he conceived the idea of building a small steamboat here to be placed on the route between Barcelona, the lake port for Westfield, and Buffalo, touching at Dunkirk and this place. He was assisted in this enterprise by the Hon. W. F. F. Taylor of Buffalo. The hull of the Taylor was built during the last of the winter and the summer of 1835 on the east bank of the creek where the Lake Shore railroad now crosses the creek. She was towed to Buffalo, where her boilers and machinery were put in, and she was otherwise fitted out, but did not commence running until the spring of 1836, and only continued on the route two seasons. Her engine was of high pressure and not sufficient power, and therefore was too slow and proved a failure. In the spring of 1838 she was taken to Lake Michigan to run between Chicago and New Buffalo, where she was lost by going on to the beach and breaking up in a gale of wind in the fall of ’38.

Capt. John Vail’s next enterprise was purchasing the hull of the steamer Barcelona, which was built to run on the route between the port of that name and Buffalo, but like the Taylor proved too slow and otherwise unsuitable. She was dismantled. Capt. John converted the hull to a sailing vessel and ran it one or two seasons in the lumber trade quite successfully when he disposed of it at a handsome profit above cost to parties in Detroit.

We believe that for the next two or three years he was engaged in sailing vessels for other parties, when in 1844 or 1845 he purchased the hull of the old steamboat Constitution, which had been dismantled on account of her being regarded as unseaworthy, but Capt. Vail succeeded in having the hull partially rebuilt and in purchasing an old engine that had been taken from another steamer. When this was in position, the old steamboat, Constitution, which had withstood so many hard gales of wind and storm was once more placed in commission. This investment did not prove a paying one, and we believe it was not long before the boat was turned over to the creditors of Capt. Vail.

The next we hear of him was about 1850 or 1851. He was engaged in commanding a steamboat on the Sacramento river, California, with headquarters at Sacramento, where he died three or four years after. Capt. John Vail was one of those who had a warm heart for his friends but was exceedingly harsh with his enemies. He was also one who passed through many of the vicissitudes of fortune.

57 Main Street
Silver Creek, NY  14136
Town of Hanover
The Vail-Mixer-Barresi House

THE MIXER-BARRESI HOUSE

[Excerpted from “Once Upon a Time,” by Marion Thomas, who was the Silver Creek historian in the mid-20th century.]

It is the old homes which enrich the Silver Creek streets giving character and stability to the ever changing scenes of village life and adding a touch of drama with their suggestion of a vanished way of life. It is heartwarming to consider the wealth of hospitality accrued to their century-seasoned, hand-hewn timbers, the Thanksgivings shared, the feasts prepared, the thanks devoutly given. It is a pleasure to let one’s imagination play around the thought of what the early Thanksgivings were like in the Dr. C. Barresi home on Main Street. This fine old landmark was known and loved in earlier days as “The Mixer Place.” Admired for well over a century for its architectural beauty and dignity, this fine old structure was Fayette’s “first mansion.” Although it has passed through many hands and suffered many changes and outrages known as “improvements,” it has remained structurally intact. Thanks to its present owner it has been magnificently restored to both its early beauty and position in life. This early home with its Grecian columns, graceful hand carvings, hand-turned spindles, and hand wrought hardware bears a hint of romance, for it was built by a master shipbuilder in the picturesque days when the harbor life was at its peak with sailing vessels loading and unloading their cargoes at Lee’s Wharf.

The “mansion” was fashioned with pride and care by Holman Vail in 1835, for this was to be his home for all time and for his posterity. Alas, his years of happiness were brief. He invested heavily in “The Victory,” one of the most beautiful and swift ships on the lakes. This proved to be a most unsuccessful business venture, and he lost both the ship and his home, which had been mortgaged to finance “The Victory”. Reluctantly, he sold his stately home in 1844 to Harrison Mixer of Buffalo, a wealthy lumber merchant, whose forebears were a distinguished pioneer family in Hanover Township. The home was purchased for his aging parents and his sister, Maria. Maria was a famous hostess who established a standard of gracious living and lavish hospitality which became a tradition of the house. She often entertained for weeks at a time her niece and namesake, Maria Louise Mixer, only daughter of Harrison Mixer. A great beauty, Maria married a French count of a distinguished line and lived most of her life in a chateau well known in French history. As the Comtesse de Frise, she frequently visited Silver Creek and at her death in 1953 was brought here at her request for burial on the Mixer lot in Glenwood Cemetery.

Upon the death of Maria Mixer in 1889, the house passed into the ownership of Mr. and Mrs. Robins, an older couple who lived with their daughter, Ruby Bennett and her well-known husband, James Bennett. The next owner was Myron Lawrence of Buffalo who was associated with the Montgomery Upholstering Factory. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence were an attractive couple and in a short time were a part of the social life of the town. The house was refurbished; partitions were taken out and others put in; the dirt cellar was extended to accommodate a furnace to heat the first floor. Soon the house was again the scene of frequent entertaining. This period was unfortunately terminated by the burning of the upholstery factory in 1914 or thereabouts. The Lawrences moved to Massachusetts under a somber cloud of misfortune.

Frank Porter, who owned the furniture store and was an undertaker, was the next owner. Being an industrious soul he set about to take out the new partitions and put back some of the old. In the meantime, he ripped out and removed to the barn five of the handmade white enameled mantels which were nothing but a nuisance to him. Being practical minded, he converted the old attached woodshed into a sun room of sorts and raised a section of the roof at the back to provide more height although at the same time sacrificing some of the intriguing, so called, “bellybutton” windows. His most conspicuous change was to convert the pillared front porch into a two storied veranda with a spindled railing around the upper one. He also extended the side stoop to reach the sitting room. This improvement provided ventilation for the middle section of the house besides affording more summer rocking space. Though a quiet living older couple, they were warm-hearted, and their home was always open to their friends. Their hospitality was of a very simple and homespun nature, but it was wholehearted and sincere and prized by those who shared it.

Upon the death of the Porters the home was purchased by Mrs. Porter’s sister, Miss Minnie Shofner, who having always lived in town, was “one of the girls.” Her home now became the center for her old school friends, especially those on Main Street. Tea parties came into their own again as did all day quilting's with boiled dinners and impromptu Sunday night suppers. Like the foregoing owners, upon taking possession Miss Shofner promptly set about making improvements. The old partitions were replaced which restored “Maria’s bedroom” with the bay window off the living room. The mantels were rescued from the barn and replaced where the Porter-made double doors between the parlor and sitting room would permit. The house took on much of the semblance of “The Mixer Place” once more. Minnie fairly reveled in her home in its central location, and she was very proud of her possessions. It was with sad hearts that her contemporaries saw Minnie’s treasured belongings auctioned off from the front veranda one summer day when her estate had to be settled.

The next owners were the Howard Parsons returned from their years in Garden City, Long Island, where Howard’s engineering had taken them. Again life, vitality, music, and fun prevailed, though muted by the depression years and the Second World War. Here young Howard grew up, his friends filled the house with young life. Here too the Garden Club was promoted by Abbey, its founder and first president. In this house also, the Women’s Trio, consisting of Abbey, the late Mabel Horton Plummer, and Helen Clothier with Mary Montgomery as accompanist was formed and practiced regularly. The Parsons were content to limit their changes to redecorating and adding dining room corner cupboards, but for the most part they accepted the house as they found it and preserved “Maria’s bedroom.” With ruffled curtains at the small-paned windows and the white enameled woodwork, the effect was very much that of an early New England home. It was not willingly that the Parsons left their home early in the war years when Howard Sr. was in government service.

A rental period followed. It was by no means the first for the occupancy of the owners had not been continued by any means. During the settling of estates or during long “For Sale” periods it became a tenant house. For one brief period it was a place of business, a funeral home. It had also been a tourist home, a headquarters for the state police stationed here; and at one time it was made into an upper and lower apartment so that two families were accommodated. This house which was destined for a “mansion,”  and in 1860 was described as “the largest and most impressive dwelling in the village” had its vicissitudes and knew the deterioration which comes with disregard or disinterested temporary occupants. There were times when creeping age and the rental pain and sagging timbers were only too apparent. When Dr. C. S. Barresi returned from World War II, he bought the house in 1945. With the ownership of Dr. Barresi and his wife, Mabel, came the renewed beauty, dignity and prestige of the earliest years. Neither money nor pains were spared in the restoration of this fine old example of early Fayette building while adapting it to modern living, comfort and convenience.

While Holman Vail or Maria Mixer would never recognize the interior with its absence of the many little mantels and the parlor, sitting room and Maria’s bedroom ill as one spacious living room with a picture window, they would still find much unchanged. The charm of this fine old home lies not only in its architectural beauty with its stately columns and proud bearings, but in its atmosphere redolent of the years and the lives of those who fashioned and preserved it through its one hundred forty years. No, it is not hard to imagine the early Thanksgivings when Holman Vail was still the prosperous shipbuilder and mill owner (where the Excelco plant now is) and the following forty-five years of the Mixer’s privileged life. And it isn’t hard to think of the Barresi home with added respect as the memorial to Holman Vail, master shipbuilder in the glorious Harbor Days of 1835. (For any who are interested, Vail recouped his losses at a later date and was once again a man of wealth.) [Published November 1958.]