“History of the City of Buffalo and Erie County” by Henry Perry Smith, published in 1884, offers an extensive and detailed account of the development of Buffalo and Erie County. This two-volume work, enriched with illustrations and biographical sketches, serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the historical progression of the region from its earliest days through the 19th century. Volume I focuses on the history of Erie County, New York, and its townships, excluding Buffalo. For the detailed history of Buffalo, readers should refer to Volume II.
The book begins with an exploration of the early history of Erie County, detailing its naming, boundaries, and initial system of governance. It then delves into the geography and topography of the area as it was in the early 17th century, describing the diverse landscapes and the rich natural resources, including the rivers, lakes, creeks, and forests. The presence and activities of indigenous nations, such as the Neuter Nation, the Eries, and the Iroquois, are thoroughly examined, alongside the early interactions with French and Dutch settlers.
Subsequent chapters trace the region’s history through various phases of European colonization, highlighting key events and figures in the establishment and development of trade, religion, and governance. The impact of major conflicts, such as the French and Indian War, the American Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812, is explored in detail, providing insights into the strategic importance of the area and the resilience of its inhabitants.
The book also covers the establishment and growth of Buffalo as a significant urban center. It examines the roles of influential pioneers and leaders in shaping the city’s infrastructure, economy, and social fabric. The development of transportation networks, including the Erie Canal and the burgeoning railroad system, is documented, showcasing their critical role in connecting Buffalo to broader markets and fostering economic growth.
In addition to the narrative history, the book includes extensive biographical sketches of notable men and pioneers who contributed to the region’s development. These biographical entries provide personal insights into the lives and achievements of individuals who played pivotal roles in various sectors, including politics, business, and community leadership.
Table of Contents for Volume 1
Chapter I: The Subject (pages 2-14)
Beginning of Erie County’s History–When it was Named–Its Boundaries–Its Area–The System Pursued.
Chapter II: Erie County in 1620 (pages 15-23)
Topography–Level Land in the North–Rolling Land in the Center–Hills South of Center–Fertile Lands in Extreme South–River and Lake–Creeks–Character of Forests–Old Prairies–The Animal Kingdom–The Buffalo–The Neuter Nation–The Eries–The Hurons–The Iroquois–Former Occupants–Fortifications–Weapons–Inferences–The French in Canada–The Puritans in New England–The Dutch in New York.
Chapter III: From 1620 to 1655 (pages 23-27)
The French Traders–Dutch Progress–The Jesuits–De la Roche Daillon–The Company of a Hundred Partners–Capture and Restoration of New France–Chaumonot and Breboeuf–Hunting Buffalo–Destruction of the Kahquahs and Eries–Seneca Tradition–French Account–Norman Hatchets–Stoned-up Springs.
Chapter IV: The Iroquois (pages 27-32)
Their System of Clans–Its Importance–Its Probable Origin–The Grand Council–Sachems and War-chiefs–Method of Descent–Choice of Sachems–Religion–Natural Attributes–Family Relations.
Chapter V: From 1655 to 1679 (pages 33-38)
The Iroquois Triumphant–Obliteration of Dutch Power–French Progress–La Salle visits the Senecas–Greenhalgh’s Estimates–La Salle on the Niagara–Building of the Griffin–It Enters Lake Erie–La Salle’s Subsequent Career–The Prospect in 1670.
Chapter VI: French Dominion (pages 38-45)
A Slight Ascendancy–De Nonville’s Assault–Origin of Fort Niagara–La Hontan’s Expedition– The Peace of Ryswick–Queen Anne’s War–The Iroquois Neutral–The Tuscaroras–Joncaire–Fort Niagara Rebuilt–French Power Increasing–Successive Wars–The Line Of Posts–The Final Struggle–The Expedition of D’Aubrey–The Result–The Surrender of Canada.
Chapter VII: English Dominion (pages 45-55)
Pontiac’s League–The Senecas Hostile–The Devil’s Hole–Battle near Buffalo–Treaty at Niagara –Bradstreet’s Expedition–Israel Putnam–Lake Commerce–Wreck of the Beaver–Tryon County– The Revolution–Four Iroquois Tribes Hostile–The Oswego Treaty–Scalps–Brant–Guienguahtoh– Wyoming–Cherry Valley–Sullivan’s Expedition–Senecas Settle in Erie County–Gilbert Family– Peace.
Chapter VIII: From 1783-1788 (pages 55-61)
Treatment of the Six Nations–The Treaty of Fort Stanwis–The Western Boundary–Origin of the name of Buffalo–Miss Powell’s Visit–“Captain David”–Claims of New York and Massachusetts– How Settled–Sale to Phelps and Gorham–The Land Rings–A Council Called.
Chapter IX: The Council (pages 61-67)
Brant–Butler–Kirkland–Phelps–Farmer’s Brother–Red Jacket–Cornplanter–The Mill seat–The Bargain–Butler’s Pay.
Chapter X: From 1788 to 1797 (pages 67-75)
“Skendyoughwatti”–First White Resident–A Son of Africa–The Holland Purchase–Proctor’s Visit –British Influence–Woman’s Rights–Final Failure–The Indians Insolent–Wayne’s Victory– Johnston, Middaugh and Lane–The Forts Surrendered–Asa Ransom–The Mother’s Strategy–First White Child–The Indians Sell Out–Reservations.
Chapter XI: Survey and Settlement (pages 75-83)
The Holland Company–Three Sets of Proprietors–Their System of Surveys–The State Reservation–The West Transit–The Founder of Buffalo–The First Road–Indian Trails–New Amsterdam–Hotel at Clarence–A Young Stranger–Ellicott Made Agent–First Wheat–The Office at Pine Grove–A Hard Problem–The First Purchase–Dubious Records–An Aboriginal Engineer–A Venerable Mansion–Chapin’s Project–The First Magistrate.
Chapter XII: From 1802-1807 (pages 84-96)
Formation of Genesee County–First Murder–First Town Meeting–Primitive Balloting–The Big Tree Road–Buffalo Surveyed–Dr. Chapin–Erastus Granger–The Pioneer of the South Town–A Hard Trip–Snow Shoes–Division of Batavia–Willink–Erie–Settlement of Boston–An Ancient Fort–Settlement of East Hamburg–Of Evans–Of Aurora–Of Lancaster–Le Couteulx and Pratt–First Post Office–Organization of Willink–Erie Town-Book–A Primitive Mill–Warren and Williams–A Tavern in Evans–A Grist Mill in Hamburg–A Four Days’ Raising–First Meeting-house in the County–A Mill in Aurora–Settlement in Wales–First Methodist Society–A Traveling Ballot Box–First Erie County Lawyer–Chivalry at a Discount.
Chapter XIII: Re-organization (pages 97-100)
Division of Genesee County (pages 97-100) Necessary–Inconvenient Towns–Captain Bemis’ Strategy–Erection of Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties–Short Courts–Town Changes–Clarence–Willink–Destruction of the Town of Erie–Actual Beginning of Erie County–First Officers–Attorneys–Court House.
Chapter XIV: Pioneers and Indians (pages 100-113)
Poverty–An Aristocratic Mansion–A Horse Bedstead–Oxen–A Raising–Clearing Land–The Logging Bee–The Rail Fence–The Barn–The Well–The Sweep–Browse–Sheep and Wolves–Sugar-Making–Money Scarce–Wheat and Tea–Potash–Social Life–Schools–The Husking Bee–Buffalo Society–Indians–Describing a Tavern–Old King and Young Smoke–Anecdotes of Red Jacket.
Chapter XV: From 1808 to the War (pages 113-124)
Organization of Clarence–Settlement of Cheektowaga–Settlement on Cayuga Creek–Progress in the Towns–A Pioneer Funeral–Glezen Fillmore–Porter, Barton & Co.–“The Horn Breeze”–Census of 1810–Town of “Buffaloe”–New Militia Regiments–Peter B. Porter–The Ogden Company–Settlement of Alden–The “Beaver’s” Cannon–Settlement of Colden–First Settler of Gowanda–The Buffalo Gazette–Feminine Names–Old-time Books–An Erudite Captain–Advertisements for Workmen–“A Delinquent and a Villain”–Morals and Lotteries–The Medical Societies–A Federal Committee–Division of Willink–Hamburg, Eden and Concord–Approach of War–Militia Officers–An Indian Council–A Vessel Captured–The War Begun.
Chapter XVI: The Campaign of 1812 (pages 125-136)
Confusion–“Silver Greys”–The “Queen Charlotte”–“The Charlotte Taken”–Fear of Indians–Red Jacket’s Logic–Iroquois Declaration of War–Capture of Two British Vessels–The First Victim of War–Black Rock Bombarded–The Queenston Failure–Smyth’s Proclamation–A Gallant Vanguard–A Vacillating General–Invasion Relinquished–An Erie County Duel–A Riot Among the Soldiers–Political Matters–Quiet.
Chapter XVII: The Campaign of 1813 (pages 136-148)
The Young Commodore–Officers and Committeemen–Hunters Caught–Canada Invaded– Transition Period of Our Military System–Surrender at Beaver Dams–Chapin’s Exploit– Indians Enrolled–Farmer’s Brother and the Marauders–A Raid and its Repulse–Skirmishing at Fort George–Perry’s Victory–More Skirmishing–Burning of Newark–McClure Runs Away–Fort Niagara Captured–Danger Impending.
Chapter XVIII: Sword and Fire (pages 148-159)
Number of Troops–The Enemy’s Approach–Movements in Defense–Chapin’s Wrath–Attack and Repulse–Another with same Result–Blakeslie’s Advance–Battle of Black Rock–The Retreat–The Flight–Universal Confusion–“The Indians! the Indians!”–Attempt at Defense–Chapin’s Negotiation–The Village in Flames–Murder of Mrs. Lovejoy–The Enemy Retire–The Slain–McClure to Blame–The Flight in the Country–The Buffalo Road–The Big Tree Road–Successive Vacancies–Exaggerated Reports–Return of the British–More Burning–The Enemy at Hodge’s and Cold Spring–The Scene at Shop Reese’s–Harris Hill–Relief.
Chapter XIX: The Campaign of 1814 (pages 159-175)
Mars and Hymen–Scott and Brown–Elections and Appointments–Discipline at Buffalo–The Death Penalty–The Advance–Capture of Fort Erie–Approaching Chippewa–An Indian Battle–A Retreat–A Dismounted Young Brave–Victory-Scalps-“Hard Times”–Advance to Fort George–Return–Lundy’s Lane–The Romance of War–Retreat to Fort Erie–“Battle of Conjockety Creek”–Assault on Fort Erie–The Explosion–Call for Volunteers–The Response–The Track through the Forest–The Sortie–Gallantry of the Volunteers–General Porter–Quiet–Peace.
Chapter XX: From The War To The Division Of The County (pages 175-190)
The Situation–Red Jacket’s Speech–General Porter–Tracy and Wilkeson–Another Newspaper–First Murder Trial–The Old Court House–Scarce Money–First Bank–The Cold Summer–Marshal Grouchy and Red Jacket–Senecas in England–A President’s Visit–Terrible Roads–Indian Sufferers–Religious Improvement–Father Spencer–The Erie Canal–Political Factions–First Steamboat–First Framed Church-Edifice–The Boundary Commission–Attempt to Buy the Reservations–Red Jacket’s Opposition–The Second Execution–The Grand Island War–Clintonians and Bucktails–Slavery in Erie County–Census of 1820–Division of Towns.
Chapter XXI: From Formation of Erie County Until 1830 (pages 190-207)
The New County–Niagara Perpetuated–Change of Characteristics–Towns and Post Offices–Wolves and Hunters–A Supine Cleopatra–Pigeons–Buffalo and Black Rock–So-on-ongise and Kauquatau–A Crime of Superstition–A Remarkable Trial–Resignation of Ellicott–Beginning the Canal–New Constitution–A Future President–Alden and Erie–Paying for Land in Produce–The Three Thayers–LaFayette’s Visit–Noah and Ararat–Completion of the Canal–Purchase of Part of the Reservations–The Morgan Excitement–Shooting Niagara–Impeachment of Red Jacket–An Erie County Cabinet Officer–Anti- Masonry–Census of 1830–Post Offices–General Appearance–Death of Red Jacket.
Chapter XXII: From 1831 to 1840 (pages 208-221)
“The Year that Holt was Hung”–Erie and Newstead–German Immigrants–Mary Jemison–Incorporation of Buffalo–Politics–The Cholera–Commercial Prosperity–Inflation–Speculative Collapse–Formation of Tonawanda–General Gloom–An “Agrarian Convention”–Opposition to the Holland Company–The Patriot War–Camp on Navy Island–Destruction of the Caroline–Militia Called Out–Scott on the Frontier–Dispersion of the Patriots–An Expedition to Erie–North and the Volunteers–Patriotism on Ice–Capturing Cannon–Final Dispersion–Bargaining for the Reservations–Dubious Proceedings–Formation of Brant and Black Rock–The Harrison Campaign–Population in 1840.
Chapter XXIII From 1841 to 1860 (pages 222-234)
Slow Recovery–First Railroad–The Indian Treaty Confirmed–A Compromise–Buffalo Creek Reservation Surrendered–Cattaraugus and Allegany Reservations Retained–Tonawanda Reservation bought and given to Indians–New Settlements–Mr. Fillmore a Candidate for Governor–General Prosperity–New Constitution–The Buffalo Convention–Mr. Fillmore Elected Vice- President–He Succeeds to the Presidency–Census of 1850–The Ebenezer Society–German Immigrants–Increased Prosperity–Formation of West Seneca–Extension of Buffalo–Formation of Collins, Marilla and Grand Island–Political Changes–The Census of 1857–Formation of Elma–Campaign of 1860.
Chapter XXIV: During and Since The Union War (pages 234-239)
The Outbreak–The First Company–The Militia–First Erie County Regiment–Other Organizations–Erie County in Congress–Origin of the “Greenbacks”–Another Regiment in 1862–Changes in the Board of Supervisors–Events of 1864–Close of the War–Numerous Political Changes–The Commercial Barometer–Conclusion of Continuous History.
Chapter XXV: Twenty-first Infantry and Other Regiments (pages 240-249)
The First Company–Four Companies go to Elmira–The Rest Follow–Organization of the Regiment–Roster of Officers–Dispute about Length of Term–Men Imprisoned–Off to Washington–In Garrison at Fort Runyon–Bull’s Run–In Wadsworth’s Brigade–At Upton Hill through the Winter–Fort Buffalo–Parting with Wadsworth–Operations in the Spring–The Twenty-first at Fredericksburg–Its Farthest Southern Point–Weary Marches–Conflict of July 28th–Second Bull Run–Hard Fighting–Attacking a Railroad Embankment–Men Falling Fast–The Attack Repulsed–The Fight Continued–Pope’s Army Defeated–Heavy Losses of the Twenty-first–Sufferings of the Wounded–The Twenty-first at South Mountain–At Antietam–Driving the Enemy–The Campaign of Fredericksburg–Provost Duty–Return Home and Discharge–Changes Among Officers–Final Roster–Thirty-third Infantry–Richmond Guards–In Virginia–Brigaded with the Forty-ninth–The Thirty-third at Yorktown–At Golden’s Farm–At Mary’s Heights–Discharge–Forty-fourth Infantry–Company A–Battles of the Regiment–Changes Among Officers of Company A.
Chapter XXVI: Forty-ninth Infantry and Other Regiments (pages 250-258)
Organization of the Forty-ninth–Roster of Officers–To New York and Washington–Preparation–Movement to the Peninsula–Williamsburg–Gallantry of the Forty-ninth–Mechanicsville–The Retreat–Return to Alexandria–Too Late for Second Bull Run–Antietam–Fredericksburg–Chancellorsville–Capture of Mary’s Heights–Recrossing the Rappahannock–Accession from the Thirty-third–Extraordinary March–Gettysburg–Winter Quarters–The Great Campaign–Wilderness–Spotsylvania–Cold Harbor–Heavy Losses–Fort Stevens–On the Shenandoah–Opequan Creek–Discharge of Non-Veterans–Consolidation into a Battalion–Cedar Creek–Death of Bidwell–Back to Petersburg–Capture of the Last Strong-hold–Return and Discharge–Roster of Officers at Muster-out–List of Battles–Sixty-fourth Infantry-Company A, from Erie County–Its Battles–Various Officers–Seventy-eighth Infantry–One Company from Erie County–Its Battles, etc.
Chapter XXVII: One Hundredth Infantry (pages 259-273)
A New Regiment Authorized–Recruiting Commissioners–Camp Morgan–Colonel Brown–Roster of Officers–Homes of the Men–Off to Washington–On the Peninsula–Williamsburg–Battle of Fair Oaks–Colonel Brown’s Coolness–Charge–The One Hundredth–Deadly Conflict–Death of Brown–Other Losses–Valor of Casey’s Division–Retreat of the Enemy–March to the James River–Malvern Hills–The Regiment Adopted by the Board of Trade–To Gloucester Point–Colonel Dandy–Removal to North Carolina–To South Carolina–Charleston Harbor–Folly Island–Capture of Part of Morris Island–Assault on Fort Wagner–Second Assault–Valor of the One Hundredth–Desperate Fighting–Repulse–Heavy Losses–The Siege–Captain Payne’s Services–Capture of Wagner–Through the Winter–Return North–In the “Army of the James”–Surprised and Driven Back–“Wearbottom Church”–North of the James–Capturing a Battery–Before Petersburg–Across the James Again– Winter Quarters–Again Before Petersburg–Capture of Fort Gregg–Final Victory–Official Changes–Consolidation–Discharge–Final Roster.
Chapter XXVIII: One Hundred and Sixteenth Infantry and Other Regiments (pages 273-289)
Committee to Raise a New Regiment–Major Chapin Appointed Colonel–Rapid Recruiting–Muster Inn–Roster Of Officers–To The Front–At Sea–Ship Island–Carrollton–Baton Rouge–Demonstration Against Port Hudson–“Camp Niagara”–Forward Again–Battle of “Plain Store”–The Charge of the One Hundred and Sixteenth–Assault on Port Hudson–Death of Chapin–Siege of Port Hudson–The Surrender–Down The River–Cox’s Plantation–At Fort Williams–Officers Furnished the “Corps d’ Afrique”–To Sabine Pass and Back–Western Louisiana– “Camp Emory”–The Red River Expedition–Sabine Cross-Roads–Battle of Pleasant Hill–Return To Alexandria–To Morganza–At Sea Again–At Washington–In The Shenandoah Valley–Victory at Opequan Creek–At Fisher’s Hill–The Army Surprised at Cedar Creek–Sheridan Restores The Battle–The One Hundred and Sixteenth Plants its Flag on the Intrenchments– Through the Winter–“The Best Regiment in the Nineteenth Corps”–At Washington– Mustered Out–Reception At Buffalo–The Last Roster Of Officers–Concluding Remarks–The One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Infantry–Two Companies from Buffalo–Services in Virginia– Promotions and Changes–One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Infantry–Two Buffalo Companies–Officers’ Names–Its Battles–Its Losses–One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Infantry–Roster of Officers–Services–Discharges.
Chapter XXIX: Cavalry and Artillery Volunteers (pages 290-296)
Tenth Cavalry–Four Erie County Companies–Their Officers–Hard Service–Battles–Consolidation–Muster Out–Promotion, Etc.–Eleventh Cavalry–Company M–Its Services–Twelfth Cavalry–Companies K and M–Services–Muster Out–Fourteenth Cavalry–Metcalf’s Company–Its Services–Consolidation, Etc.–Sixteenth Cavalry–Four Erie County Companies–Services–Consolidation, Etc.–Twenty-fourth Cavalry–Three Erie County Companies–Their Officers–Battles of the Regiment–Muster Out–Second Mounted Rifles–Three Erie County Companies–Officers–Battles, Etc.–Wiedrich’s Battery–Its Organization–Battle of Cross Keys–Second Bull Run–Chancellorsville–Gettysburg–Lookout Mountain–The Atlanta Campaign–Final Ground March–Twenty-seventh Light Battery–Services and Officers–Third Light Battery.
Chapter XXX: The Citizen Soldiery (pages 296-306)
The Early Militia–“General Trainings”–Early Organization–Changes in 1816–Numerous Successive Changes–A Strange Looking Inspector–A Court-Martial–A Roster of 1828–The Militia in the Patriot War–Prompt Turn-out–Buffalo City Guard–The Two Hundred and Eighth Infantry–Re-organization of the militia–The Uniformed Regiments–The Sixty-seventh Regiment–Its Services–The Ninety-eighth Regiment–Its Services–Sketch of the Sixty-fifth Regiment–Sketch of the Seventy-fourth Regiment–The Seventh Battery.
Chapter XXXI: The Erie Canal (pages 306-313)
Its First Advocate, Jesse Hawley–Governeur Morris–Hawley’s Essays–Western Inland Lock Navigation Company–Judge Forman’s Resolution–Survey Ordered–Commissioners Appointed–The Inland Route Adopted–Law Authorizing Canal–Law Repealed During Year of 1812–DeWitt Clinton–Canal Law of 1817–Ground Broken–Contest Between Black Rock and Buffalo–Decision in Favor of Buffalo–First Work in Erie County–Breaking Ground at Buffalo–The Canal Completed–Grand Celebration–Telegraphing by Cannon–The Wedding of Waters–Description of the Canal–Immense Business–Enlargement Authorized–Work on it Stopped–Political Conflict–The Enlargement Carried Through–Description of the Enlarged Canal–Its Cost–Preparations to Sell the Canals–The Canals Relieved of Tolls.
Chapter XXXII: Railroads (pages 314-320)
Charter of Buffalo & Aurora Railroad Company–First Railroad Built–Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad–Other Enterprises–Completion of the Buffalo & Attica Road–The Lake Shore–The Buffalo & Rochester–The Buffalo & New York City Company–Road to Batavia–Taken Up–The Buffalo & Brantford Road–Formation of the New York Central–The Buffalo & Pittsburg–The Buffalo & Allegany Valley–The Canandaigua & Falls Road–Purchase of the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Road by the Central–The buffalo & Washington–Consolidation with the Buffalo & Allegany Valley–Name Changed to Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia–Slow Construction–The Canada Southern–The “Air Line”–Consolidation of the Grand Trunk & Great Western–Suspension Bridge in Erie Junction Railroad–The Buffalo & Jamestown–Change to Buffalo & South Western–New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad–Buffalo, Pittsburg & Western–Consolidation With the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia–Leased Lines of the Latter–Other Property–Assumed Business–New York, Lackawanna & Western Railroad–Rochester & Pittsburg–New York, West Shore & Buffalo–The Lehigh Valley Railroad–General View.
Chapter XXXIII: Erie County Agricultural Society (pages 321-333)
Niagara County Agricultural Society–Officers and Town Managers–First Fair–Dr. Chapin’s Efforts–Success Under Difficulties–Change of Name–Decease of the Society–Revival in 1841–First Fair of the New Society–The Cattle of that Period–Second Fair–“Hamburg Cheese”–Report for 1843–For 1845–1846 & 1847–The Fairs Deteriorating–The State Fair of 1848–Great Success–Distinguished Visitors–Another County Fair at Buffalo–First County Fair in the Country Towns Held at Aurora–Great Improvement–At Lancaster in 1851–At East Hamburg in 1852–Large Crops–At Cold Spring in 1853–At Aurora in 1854–At East Hamburg in 1855–First Charge for Admission–Horace Greeley’s Address–Re-Organization in 1856–Ground Leased Near the Indian Church–Fairs Held There Nine Years–At Cold Spring in 1865–At Springville in 1866 & 1867–At Hamburg at 1868–It Continues There–Officers for Successive Years–Efforts to Change Location–Fair Extended to Four Days in 1876–Increase of Funds–Purchase of Land–Clean Purchase–Large Receipts–Value of the Property–The Grounds.
Chapter XXXIV: County Buildings (pages 334-338)
First Court House–A Circular Plot–First Jail–Destruction of The Court House–Another Erected–The Second Jail–Erie County Penitentiary–The Third Court House–Erie County Alms House–Movement for a County and City Hall–Law Authorizing It–Commissioners Appointed–Franklin Square Selected–Ground Broken–Laying the Cornerstone–Changes of Material–The Work Completed–Celebration of the Event–Description of the Building–The New Jail.
Chapter XXXV: Civil List (pages 339-349)
President–Vice President–Secretary of War–Postmaster-General–Foreign Ministers–United States Judge–United States District Attorney–Clerks of the District Court–Superintendent of Public Printing Office–Members of the House of Representatives–Presidential Electors–Generals of the Regular Army–Governor of New York–Lieutenant-Governor–Secretary of State–Attorney-General–Comptrollers–State Treasurers–Canal Commissioners–Inspector of State Prisons–Superintendent of Public Instruction–Regent of the University–Canal Appraisers–Judge of the Court of Claims–Circuit Judge–Judges of the Supreme Court–Member of the Council of Appointment–State Senators–Members of Assembly–Members of Constitutional Conventions–First Judges of the Common Pleas–County Judges–Sheriffs–County Clerks–District Attorneys–Surrogates–County Treasurers–School Commissioners.
Chapter XXXVI: Geology of Erie County (pages 350-359)
The Method Employed–The Sea Beaches and the Rocks–Coral Reefs and Limestone Beds–The Rocks Under Erie County–Their Location–The Ancient Inland Sea–Deposition of the Rocks of the Onondaga Salt Group–Formation of Coral Reefs–Ground into Lime–Formation of the Waterlime Group–The Age of Fishes–Pure Limestone–Coral Remains at Williamsville–Deposit of the Coniferous Limestone–Clay Turned into Shale–Carbonaceous Matter Intermixed–Later Clay Deposits Without Carbon–Corals and Limestone Again– Moscow Shale–Tully Limestone–Genesee Slate–Sand Formations–The Portage Group– Rocks Farther South–The Pennsylvania Coal Beds–Formation of Rivers–Excavation of the Niagara, Tonawanda, Etc.,–The Great Ice Period–Its Effect–Its Direction–The Bowlder Clay–It Fills the Valleys–Formation of Lake Erie–Lake Beaches–The Bowlders–Their Origin–Excavation of Cattaraugus Creek–Eighteen Mile Creek, Etc.–The Evidence of Time of Excavations–Growth of Forests–Present Surface–No Gold or Silver–No Coal or Oil–Existence of Salt Probable– Valuable Cement–Buffalo Marble–Building Stone.
Chapter XXXVII: History of the Town of Newstead (pages 359-379)
Chapter XXXVIII: History Of The Town of Clarence (pages 379-396)
Chapter XXXIX: History of The Town of Amherst (pages 396-412)
Chapter XL: History of the Town of Tonawanda (pages 412-426)
Chapter XLI: History of the Town of Grand Island (pages 426-438)
Chapter XLII: History of the Town of Alden (pages 438-452)
Chapter XLIII: History of the Town of Lancaster (pages 452-466)
Chapter XLIV: History of the Town of Cheektowaga (pages 466-476)
Chapter XLV: History of the Town of Marilla (pages 476-488)
Chapter XLVI: History of the Town of Elma (pages 489-500)
Chapter XLVII: History of the Town of West Seneca (pages 501-510)
Chapter XLVIII: History of the Town of Hamburg (pages 511-524)
Chapter XLIX: History of the Town of East Hamburg (pages 524-534)
Chapter L: History of the Town of Aurora (pages 535-560)
Chapter LI: History of the Town of Wales (pages 561-571)
Chapter LII: History of the Town of Evans (pages 571-583)
Chapter LIII: History of the Town of Eden (pages 583-592)
Chapter LIV: History of the Town of Boston (pages 592-601)
Chapter LV: History of the Town of Colden (pages 601-607)
Chapter LVI: History of the Town of Holland (pages 607-616)
Chapter LVII: History of the Town of Sardinia (pages 617-623)
Chapter LVIII: History of the Town of Brant (pages 623-629)
Chapter LIX: History of the Town of Concord (pages 630-644)
Chapter LX History of the Town of Collins (pages 645-656)
Chapter LXI: History of the Town of North Collins (pages 656-666)
Illustrations
Allen, Dr. Jabez, Aurora, portrait, facing 548
Allen, Ellery S., Elma, portrait, facing 496
Allen, Lewis F., portrait, facing 426
Allen, Orlando, portrait, facing 322
Baker, Benjamin, East Hamburg, facing 534
Bartholomew, Chauncey, Cheektowaga, portrait, facing 470
Bigelow, H. F., Amherst, portrait, facing 406
Bird, Col. William A., portrait, facing 184
Bowman, Palmer S., Lancaster, facing 452
Briggs, J. B., Elma, portrait facing 490
Campbell, John B., Cheektowaga, facing 472
Dodge, J. Wayne, Amherst, (steel,). facing 402
Driggs, Urial, Tonawanda, (steel,) facing 420
Dunn, A. M., Cheektowaga, portrait, facing 468
Ellicott, Joseph, portrait, facing 76
Eshleman, Jacob, Clarence, portrait, facing 390
Eshleman, John, Clarence, portrait facing 388
Farnsworth, Jerry, Alden, portrait, facing 450
Flood, Joseph P., Marilla, portrait, facing 484
Foster, H. T., Marilla, portrait, facing 486
Haven, Solomon G., portrait, facing 228
Hitchcock, Apollos, Cheektowaga, facing 466
Hitchcock, James, Cheektowaga, facing 474
Hoag, Wilber N., Newstead, (steel,). facing 378
Hodge, William, portrait, (steel,) facing 156
Hopkins, T. A., Amherst, portrait, facing 410
Hopkins, T. S., Amherst, portrait, facing 398
Hunt, Garret B., Clarence, portrait, facing 380
Hurd, C. W., Elma, portrait, facing 492
Johnson, Dr. Ebenezer, portrait, facing 122
Kraus, John, Clarence, portrait, facing 392
Long, Isaac, Hamburg, portrait facing 518
Marvel, Alfred, Elma, portrait, facing 498
McBeth, Dr. John, Wales, portrait, facing 570
Nice, John, Grand Island, (steel,) facing 438
Parker, Dr. Jared, Clarence, portrait. facing 386
Penfield, Henry F., portrait, facing 676
Potter, Samuel, M. D., Lancaster, portrait, (steel) facing 460
Randall, Rev. William H., Amherst, facing 412
Rich, Charles S., Holland, portrait, facing 616
Riley, Gen. Aaron, Aurora, portrait, facing 558
Robinson, William, Alden, facing 446
Sanford, Anson, Lancaster, portrait, facing 464
Simson, John, Tonawanda, (steel,) facing 424
Smith, Elisha, M. D., East Hamburg, facing 532
Spaulding, E. G., portrait, (steel) facing 236
Stedman, Jonathan, Marilla, portrait, facing 488
Vaughan, Jesse, Cheektowaga, portrait, facing 476
Walden, Ebenezer, portrait, (steel,) facing 96
Wilkeson, Samuel, portrait, (steel) facing 176
Williams, Wesley, Clarence, portrait, facing 394
Wiltse, Livingston G., Clarence, facing 396
Biographical Sketches
Allen, Dr. Jabez, Aurora, 558
Allen, Ellery S., Elma, 496
Allen, Lewis Falley, 701
Allen, Orlando, 666
Baker, Benjamin, East Hamburg, facing 534
Bartholomew, Chauncey, Cheektowaga, 471
Bigelow, Harry Forest, Amherst, 406
Bird, Colonel William A., 699
Bowman Palmer S., Lancaster, 465
Briggs, Joseph Benson, Elma, 499
Campbell, John B., Cheektowaga, 472
Dodge, J. Wayne, Amherst, 409
Driggs, Urial, Tonawanda, 424
Dunn, A. M. Cheektowaga, 473
Eshleman, Jacob, Clarence, 391
Eshleman, John, Clarence, 395
Farnsworth, Jerry, Alden 450
Fillmore, Millard, 689
Flood, Joseph P., Marilla, 484
Foster, Harrison T., Marilla, 485
Haven, Solomon G., 670
Hitchcock, Apollos, Cheektowaga, 473
Hitchcock, James, Cheektowaga, 474
Hoag, Wilber N., Newstead, 378
Hopkins, General Timothy S., Amherst, 410
Hopkins, Hon. Timothy A., Amherst, 411
Hunt, Garret B., Clarence, 393
Hurd, Clark W Elma, 497
Johnson, Dr. Ebenezer, 674
Kraus, John, Clarence, 391
Long, Isaac, Hamburg, 523
Marvel, Alfred, Elma, 498
McBeth, Dr. John, Wales, 570
Nice, John, Grand Island, 438
Parker, Dr. Jared, Clarence, 393
Penfield, Henry F., 676
Potter, Samuel, M. D., Lancaster, 466
Randall, Rev. Wm. H., Amherst, 412
Rich, Charles S., Holland, 616
Riley, Gen. Aaron, Aurora, 558
Robinson, William, Alden, 451
Sanford, Anson, Lancaster, 464
Simson, John, Tonawanda, 425
Smith, Dr. Elisha, East Hamburg, facing 534
Spaulding, Elbridge Gerry, 677
Stedman, Jonathan, Marilla, 488
Vaughan, Jesse, Cheektowaga, 475
Wilkeson, Samuel, 682
Williams, Wesley, Clarence, 394
Wiltse, Livingston G., Clarence, 395
Gallery of Photographs
Source
Smith, Henry Perry, History of the city of Buffalo and Erie County : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, 2 volumes, Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co., 1884.