Craft Masonry in Ontario, Seneca and Yates Counties, New York

Claudius Victor Boughton, child of Hezekiah, jr., became a prominent man in the town, after him the town was named.

Cladius Victor Boughton (son of Hezekiah and Huldah Willson Boughton), b. West Stockbridge, Mass., August 15, 1784, m. Victor, NY, May 17, 1802, first, Elizabeth (or Betsey) Boardman, b. Dec. 30, 1782, and settled in Pittsford, NY, where she died Nov. 7, 1815; m. second, March 24, 1817, Clarissa Beecher Hotchkiss, b. Feb. 2, 1784, and settled in Canandaigua, NY. It is said the town of Victor was named for Claudius Victor Boughton, and that subsequently the state of New York presented him with a sword, for valuable services rendered in the war on the Niagara frontier, 1813. He died at Phelps, NY, Nov. 10, 1831.
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/k/a/y/Barbara-J-Kaye/BOOK-0001/0003-0024.html

ASAHEL BOUGHTON (ELEAZER⁶, ELEAZER⁵ BOUTON, JR., ELEAZER⁴, JOHN³, JOHN², JOHN¹) b. 19 Apr 1786 in New Canaan, CT; d. 4 Sep 1861 in Victor, NY; m. HARRIET HART in Victor, NY, d/o JOB HART and RACHEL BALL. She was b. ca 1804; d. 12 Aug 1849 in Victor, NY.

Residence 1: 1795, One of founders of Victor, NY; Residence 2: 1837, Moved to Marengo Twp., Michigan
Children, born in Victor, Ontario, NY:

 i. MARION b. 15 Sep 1817; m. HIRAM SEYMOUR.

 ii. TROWBRIDGE B. b. 12 Aug 1821; d. 1889, Buffalo, NY.

 iii. ELIZA b. 26 Sep 1824; d. 17 May 1856, Syracuse, NY; m. DANIEL (SLOSSEN) DELANO; b. 4 Jun 1824; d. Feb 1892, Middletown, NY.

 iv. GEORGE b. 16 Apr 1827; d. 13 Jan 1905, Marshall, MI.

 v. JULIET b. ca 29 Jan 1833; d. 27 Aug 1860, Marshall, MI.

 vi. HARRIET H. b. 02 May 1837; d. 23 Aug 1905; m. JOHN E. CHISHOLM, Marshall, MI.

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/f.html

Charles Fisher, Victor, was born in Stockbridge, MA, 30 Nov 1796, and came with his parents to Woodstock, Madison county, when he was 2 months old, and afterwards, in the year 1811, to Henrietta, Monroe county. In the year of 1814 he located permanently at Fisher's, in the town of Victor. He was among the earliest settlers here, and the place was named after him. He was justice of the peace for a term of years, postmaster, and entertained travelers until there was a hotel started in the place. He married twice, first 29 Jul 1821, Rebeckah GASKELL, of Victor. They had two sons and three daughters: Harriet, Charles, now of Newton, Kansas, Almira, Robert, an attorney of Victor village, and Mary R. Mrs. FISHER died 7 Sep 1848, and he married second Helen J. PARDEE, on 21 Oct 1850. They had two sons:

Henry P., born 27 Dec 1851, died 25 Jun 1893, who married Lucy E. BUSHMAN, 9 Nov 1875; two children: Clara and Charles.

William F. born 09 Mar 1854; 6 Sep 1882, he married Addie C., daughter of Almon and Emily PRESTON, of Battle Creek, Mich. They had two sons, Almon P. and Henry S.

Mr. FISHER was a produce dealer with his brother for some time, but is now faming on the old homestead. He is a member of Milnor Lodge, No. 139, F&AM, Victor, and Excelsior Chapter, No. 164, RAM, Canandaigua.  (Charles died 1872)

------

Jacob Lobdell, who was about 18 years old when he first came, became the owner of a 100-acre farm by purchase from the Boughtons; he married the daughter of Levi Boughton, and sired a large family.  He was the first supervisor elected for Victor, and was otherwise prominent in town affairs. He died in 1847.

The old Lodge prospered for a time but was finally forced to suspend operations by the intense bitterness against everything Masonic aroused in that vicinity during the Morgan period. It succeeded in regularly electing officers until December 31, 1831.

The officers elected at that time were:

Jacob Lobdell, Master.
Asahel Boughton, Senior Warden.
Asahel Moore. Junior Warden.
Zaccheus P. Gillet. Treasurer.
Sheldon Walling, Secretary.
Peter Perry, Senior Deacon.
John Powell, Junior Deacon.

Jabez Felt, Steward

Moses Watkins, Steward

From the date of this meeting there are no records to show when or how often meetings were held. Dues to the Grand Lodge were paid up to 1833. Shortly after this the warrant was declared forfeited and an officer was directed to demand the warrant. For years the sound of the gavel was seldom heard and the altar was rarely lighted, but the spirit of freemasonry in the breasts of these faithful masons was unsubdued and as conditions began to change, when the violence of persecution had spent its force, their spirits soon revived and they resolved to again resume their labors. While they were aware that the warrant had been declared forfeited and that an officer had been directed to take it from them, but who had been induced to leave it in their possession, they determined to continue the organization, feeling sure that in the end the Lodge would weather the storm and all would be well.

In order to show the wisdom of their action and how fully their hopes were-realized, as well as to explain the difficulties of their position, an excerpt from the minutes of the Grand Lodge is given.

On June 8, 1848, the Committee on Forfeited Warrants reported as follows:

''That Milnor Lodge, No. 303, paid their dues regularly to the Grand Lodge from the time their charter was granted in 1818 up to and including the year 1833; the building in which the Lodge was held was rented by the Owner thereof to an individual known to be inimical as it appears to the interests of Freemasonry and as your Committee also believe, from the information they have derived, that the opposition to the Order of Freemasonry, raging as it did, in its utmost fury, the members of Milnor Lodge were compelled, even at the point of the bayonet to relinquish their meetings and no election of officers was held afterward.

In 1836 or 1837 W.'. Bro. Luther Kelly visited Milnor as Grand Visitor for the purpose of formally demanding the surrender of their charter, but that on becoming acquainted with all the circumstances and learning the violent opposition they had met with, the threats that had been made against them, but more especially the strong solicitude manifested by the members to resume Masonic labors should circumstances transpire which would enable them to do so, the Grand Visitor waived the formal demand of their charter which he would not then take from them, advising them to remain quietly, watch the progress of events and if a more favorable state of things presented, to then recommence their labors.

In 1845 and 1846 a correspondence was entered into between the members of Milnor Lodge and the officers of lodges and distinguished brothers of the Order in various parts of the State, all of which gave them encouragement to believe that the Grand Lodge under the circumstances would commiserate their unhappy condition and extend to them favorable regards notwithstanding their constitutional irregularity. In February, 1847, Milnor Lodge drew up a memorial to the Grand Master, in a letter to Bro. Hughes giving him a statement of their grievances and difficulties. That memorial or letter was forwarded to Wor. Bro. John M. Hughes, past Master of Milnor Lodge, but who was then a resident of Albany, who stated the substance of the memorial or letter to the Most Worshipful Grand Master for advice and counsel.

The reply of past Master Hughes embraced the advice of the Grand Master, which was, that there was a constitutional objection to lodges working under forfeited charters and advising further that the members of the Lodge present to him or to the Grand Lodge a statement of the facts and application in writing, when it would be seen what might properly be done, and whether the warrant could be constitutionally revived.

The advice of past Master Hughes was that the members again commence their Masonic labors under that charter.

Your Committee are also assured that a memorial to the Grand Lodge of the State was drawn up the latter part of May 1847, giving a full statement of the difficulties of Milnor Lodge and asking advice of that Body, that the committee to whom the memorial was entrusted and whose duty it was to forward it to that Body neglected to put it into the hands of the representative of the Grand Lodge who then resided in Rochester and whom they had designated to present it to that Body at the then approaching Annual Communication.

In view of all the facts and after deliberate consideration the members of Milnor Lodge concluded to recommence their Masonic labors and in the fall of 1847 held an election of officers and did so recommence work.

In view then of all the facts in the case and considering that the members of Milnor Lodge from all the counsel and advice which they seemed solicitous to obtain and avail themselves of, as your Committee believe in good faith, and taking into consideration also the favorable location of Milnor Lodge, being from ten to fifteen miles from other Lodges and from the Masonic character and standing of the petitioners your Committee beg leave to offer the following resolution, viz.:

Resolved. That a new warrant be granted to Milnor Lodge, No. 303. on payment of the constitutional fee. That Asahel Moore be named therein as Master; Asahel Boughton, Senior Warden ; and Jabez Felt, Junior Warden.

Resolved. That the doings of said Lodge since the forfeiture of its charter are hereby healed.

Resolved. That Bro. Richard W. Wells, the present delegate from said Lodge to this June Communication be allowed the same pay as a Representative.

Enos Barnes.
Alanson Skinner."

The report was accepted and adopted.

On June 19, 1848, a new warrant was issued naming as officers:

Asahel Moore, Master.

Asahel Boughton, Senior Warden.

JAbez Felt, Junior Warden.

The first meeting under the new warrant was held September 7, 1848, when the following officers were installed by M.'. W.'. Joseph Enos, past Grand Master:

Asahel Moore, Master.

Asahel Boughton, Senior Warden.

Jabez Felt, Junior Warden.

ZACCHEUS P. Gillet, Treasurer.

Samuel H. Lee, Secretary.

Ansell Perkins, Senior Deacon.

Hiram Brooks. Junior Deacon.

Richard N. Wells, Steward.

WAlter D. Hubbard, Steward.

Ambrose C. Ford, Tiler.
Since the revival of the Lodge its affairs have been prosperous and it has enjoyed a steady and healthy growth.
Grand Lodge Officers.
Bolivar Ellis was District Deputy Grand Master in 1871. He is one of the oldest active members of the Lodge, having been a member since June 28, 1860. He was elected Secretary December 26, 1861, served one year and was Master fourteen years.
Masters of No. 303.

1818. Jacob Lobdell.

1819. Jacob Lobdell.

1820. Jacob Lobdell.

1821. Asahel Moore.

1822. Asahel Moore.

1823. Asahel Moore.

1824. Asahel Moore.

1825. Samuel Gillis.

1826. Asahel Moore.

1827. Asahel Moore.

1828. Jacob Lobdell.

1829. Jacob Lobdell.

1830. Zaccheus P. Gillet.

1831. Zaccheus P. Gillet.

1832. Jacob Lobdell.

http://history.rays-place.com/ny/victor-ny.htm

All authorities concede to Jared Boughton the honor of being the first pioneer settler in what is now Victor. Enos Boughton, brother to Jared, was a clerk - for William Walker, ths principal agent for the surveys and sales of the Phelps and Gorham Co. Enos purchased township No. 11, fourth range, from the proprietors, paying twenty cents per acre for the land, the money being furnished by his father, Hezekiah Boughton, and other members of the family. In the spring of 1789 Enos and Jared Boughton came to Canandaigua, and soon afterward visited the recently purchased township, in their journey following the old Indian trail. In the extreme south part of No. 11, they built a small cabin and made other preparations for a permanent residence in the then wilderness region. In June following, Hezekiah Boughton, jr., and Jacob Lobdell arrived at the cabin, bringing with them cattle and implements for household and farm use. After making improvements and clearings, and harvesting the season’s crop, all these pioneers, except Lobdell, returned to the east for the winter. In February, 1790, Jared Boughton and his family set out upon the journey to their future home, and after many noteworthy incidents, and some hardships, they safely arrived at their destination on the 7th of March, and gained the distinction of being the pioneer family of Victor.

The Boughtons were a prolific as well as adventurous family, and after their surname the historic Boughton Hill itself was named. Hezekiah Boughton, the father, with his son Seymour and daughter Theodoria, came to the town in the fall of 1790, and settled in the “hill” neighborhood in a locality afterward called “Turner’s Hill.”

Jacob Lobdell, who was about eighteen years old when he first came to this locality, became the owner of a hundred acre farm by purchase from the Boughtons, and he married Hannah, the daughter of Levi Boughton, and was also the sire of a large family. He was the first supervisor elected for Victor, and was otherwise prominent in town affairs. He died in 1847. Hezekiah Boughton in 1792 built the first framed house in the town, which he put to use as a tavern, in which occupation he was the pioneer. He died in 1798, and was succeeded as landlord by one Dickinson. Jared Boughton left the town in 1799, but two years later returned, and remained until his death. Frederick, son of Jared, was the first child born in the town, the date being June 1, 1791. Claudius Victor Boughton, child of Hezekiah, jr., became a prominent man in the town, and after him the town was named.
The first recorded road was surveyed by Jacob LOBDELL in the town of Victor on May 30, 1796.
-----

Asahel MOORE was a pioneer from Stockbridge, MA, at an early date. He located upon a road, now vacated, back in the woods in the rear of RILEY. His business was that of tanning deer-skins and making mittens.  He married Mary, the daughter of Abijah Williams.

Masters Of No. 139.

1848. Asahel Moore.

1840. Asahel Moore.

1850. Asahel Moore.

1851. Asahel Moore.

1852. Asahel Boughton.

1853. Samuel Titus.

1854. George N. West.

1855. George N. West.

1856. George N. West.

1857. Walter D. Hubbard.

1858. Walter D. Hubbard.

1859. Walter D. Hubbard.

1860. Lindley W. Smith.

1861. Lindley W. Smith.

1862. Levi B. Lobdell.

1863. Levi B. Lobdell.

1864. Bolivar Ellis.

1865. Bolivar Ellis.

1866. Bolivar Ellis.

1867. Bolivar Ellis.

1868. lambert Gillis.

1869. lambert Gillis.

1870. lambert Gillis.

1871. lambert Gillis.

1872. lambert Gillis.

1873. lambert Gillis.

1874. lambert Gillis.

1875. Bolivar Ellis.

1876. Bolivar Ellis.

1877. Bolivar Ellis.

1878. Curtis A. Kellog.

1879. lambert Gillis.

1880. lambert Gillis.

1881. lambert Gillis.

1882. lambert Gillis.

1883. Stephen B. Crocker.

1884. Milton Stafford.

1885. Milton Stafford.

1886. Bolivar Ellis.

1887. Bolivar Ellis.

1888. Bolivar Ellis.

1889. Bolivar Ellis.

1890. Bolivar Ellis.

1891. Bolivar Ellis.

1892. Bolivar Ellis.

1893. Stafford S. Lusk.

1894. Stafford S. Lusk.

1895. Stafford S. Lusk.

1896. Stafford S. Lusk.

1897. James F. Draper.

1898. Henry C. Parmelee.

1899. Charles E. Padelford.

1900. Charles E. Padelford.

1901. Eugene S. Berry.

1902. Eugene S. Berry.

1903. Frank R. Appleton.

1904. F. E. Cobb.

1905. Edgar B. Case.

1906. Edgar B. Case.

1907. Eugene S. Berry.

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/ba-bl.html

Orrin Stebbins Bacon, Canandaigua, was born at Academy (town of Canandaigua), 29 Mar 1837, a son of Hiram BACON, a Free Will Baptist minister, and a native of Pennsylvania born in 1809. He had 5 children all now living: Rev. John S. BACON, of Corning; Roxina L., widow of John BEARDSLEY, of Schuyler county; Eliza D., wife of Spencer HORTON, of Penn Yan; Daniel R., a farmer of Pulteney, Steuben county; and Orrin S. Hiram BACON came to this section in 1828 and followed his profession until his death 13 Nov 1886. Mrs. BACON died in Gorham aged 88 years.

When Orrin S. was very young his parents moved to Potter, Yates county, where he lived about 11 years and then went to Gorham. Orrin S. was educated in the common schools and spent three winters at Dundee Academy. From there, at the age of 17 he taught school one winter in Jerusalem, Yates county. In 1855 he went to Victor where he followed farming one year, and then worked at the carpenter and joiner's trade one year. For 23 years he conducted a meat market, also dealt in real estate, etc. During the most of this time he held many of the minor town offices, and in 1879 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for sheriff and elected by a majority of 866 over Milton STAFFORD, of Victor. At the expiration of his term in 1883 he was appointed deputy revenue collector under Henry S. PIERCE, and held this office four years. April, 1887, he was employed by McKechnie & Co. as financial manager, in their bank in Canandaigua, an office which he has ever since held. He is one of the directors for the Canandaigua Lake Steamboat Co., and a member of Victor Lodge [No. ?], F&AM. He married, 14 Sep 1850, Harriet E. SIMMONS, of Victor, and they have had five children: Lillian M., wife of George M. DUNLOP, a silk manufacturer of Spring Valley, Rockland county; Orrin S. BACON, Jr., connected in business with his father; Albert S., a Presbyterian minister of Niagara Falls; Lizzie, wife of Edward W. SIMMONS, of Canandaigua; and Jennie O.

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/ca-cl.html

Dr. William B. CLAPPER b. in Bristol, NY, 13 Dec 1864. His mother was of English descent and his father, German. He attended the public schools and Starkey Seminary and after a year in Syracuse University, entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore, MD, from which he was graduated, 19 Apr 1894. He began to practice his profession, 5 Jul 1894 at Farmington, NY and continued there until 1901. Since was located at Victor, NY. He made a specialty of the diseases of women and children. Dr. CLAPPER was a member of the Ontario County Medical Society, the New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and was an honorary member of the Canandaigua Village Medical Society. He was on the board of directors of the County Tuberculosis Hospital. Although he was a Democrat in politics in a republican town and county, he was elected trustee of the incorporated village and for two terms as supervisor of the town, holding office for four years and taking a prominent part in the board of supervisors of the county. He was a member of Victor [Milnor] Lodge No. 139, and consistory of Rochester. He married 1 May 1895, Minnie A. HAUSNER, born at Cayugaville, NY, 25 Mar 1864, d/o Irvin and Ruth HAUSNER. Her father died in 1872 and her mother, 5 Dec 1894. Children: Ruth E., born 11 Apr 1896; Mildred L., 16 Jul 1897.

http://ontario.nygenweb.net/Esurnamefamilysketch.htm

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893:

< Bolivar Ellis, Victor, was born in Victory 25 Feb 1833. He was educated in the public schools, and in early life was a farmer, surveyor, and conveyancer many years. Has been supervisor of his town three years, and justice of the peace twenty-four years. In the fall of 1882 he was elected county clerk and served three years. Was also loan commissioner three years. Mr. Ellis (and his brother Daniel) is a member of Milnor Lodge  No. 139, F&AM, and has been its Master for 15 years. He is a member of the Excelsior Chapter No 164, RAM, of Canandaigua, and of Munroe Commandery KT, No. 12 of Rochester. 30 Jun 1874, he married Frances M., d/o Jacob L. and Joannah (Farr) Lobdell, of Victor, and they have one daughter, Isabel. 

Mr. Ellis's father, Henry, was born in the town of Florida, Montgomery county, 10 Dec 1798, and was a farmer. 29 Dec 1823, he married Isabel Bennett of Duanesburg, Schenectady county, and came to Victor 5 Apr 1824. They had six children, four survive: Nancy M., who married Thomas C. Turner; Jane E., who married James B. North; Bolivar, and Daniel. Mr. Ellis's father, Samuel, was a Mason and soldier in the Revolutionary War. The ancestry of the family is Welsh and Scotch. Mr. Ellis is one of the deacons in the Universalist Church.

http://auburnhistoricproperties.org/upload/pdf/Titus%20Samuel.pdf

SAMUEL TITUS (SAMUEL 3, JAMES 2, BENJAMIN 1) b. 4 Jul 1818 in Ballston, Saratoga , NY; d. 26 May 1905 in Auburn, Cayuga, NY; m. MARY M. HOLLISTER 31 Dec 1840 in Burnt Hills, Saratoga, NY, d/o SOLOMON HOLLISTER and ZILPHA CADY, b. 18 May 1820 in Burnt Hills, Saratoga. NY; d. 19 Dec 1895 in Auburn, Cayuga, NY. Samuel built the Erie Canal expansion aqueduct at the Schenectady Mohawk River location. Superintendant of the building of the Bradley Memorial Chapel at Fort Hill Cemetery. Master mason. 1879, Dealer in flagstone sidewalks, cement, drain & sewer pipes across from prison on State St.

Children:

i. MARY M. TITUS, b. 1846, NY; d. 14 Mar 1913, Auburn, Cayuga, NY.

ii. HENRY D. TITUS, b. Jun 1849, Victor, Ontario, NY; d. 12 Jul 1933, Auburn, Cayuga, NY.

iii. SAMUEL CADY TITUS, b. 1856, Auburn, Cayuga, NY; d. 15 Jun 1933, Auburn, Cayuga, NY; bur. Fort Hill Cemetery

iv. JENNIE S. TITUS, b. 1859, Auburn, Cayuga, NY; d. 19 Sep 1925, Auburn, Cayuga, NY.

http://books.google.com/books?id=dNYqAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA221&lpg=PA221&dq=%22james+lyle+gillis%22+%22victor%22&source=bl&ots=fEN42jUq5D&sig=En7-8bZESUg__SzJWvo-H9xxuLk&hl=en&ei=HRB9S4XqIoSXlAe_ysW2BQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22james%20lyle%20gillis%22%20%22victor%22&f=false page 220.

James Lyle Gillis and Samuel Gillis

The ancestors of the GILLIS family were members of the Gillis clan, who moved from Scotland to the north of Ireland at the time of the persecutions.

(I) Robert Gillis, the first member of this family about whom we have definite information, was born in Boston, MA, in 1740, three days after the landing of his parents, and died at Hebron, Washington, NY, in 1836. His young manhood was spent as a sailor on coasting vessels running between Boston and New Orleans and other American ports. He m1. Jerusha Clark, of New Hampshire; m2. Sarah Stewart. Of the five children by the first wife all lived to at least 80 years of age, and one, John, died at the age of 93. Children of second wife:

1. Enos, died at Ridgway, Elk county, PA, aged 67; a tanner.

2. Samuel, died at Wasseon, Ohio, aged 84; a tanner.

3. James Lyle, of whom further.

4. Thomas, born 10 Jun 1794, died at Warren, PA; a tailor; married, had at least one child.

5. Elizabeth, died at the age of 55; married Elisha Ingersoll.

6. Hugh, deceased.

(II) James Lyle Gillis, son of Robert and Sarah (Stewart) Gillis, was b. at Hebron, 2 Oct 1792; d. at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, 18 Jul 1881. He received a good education, attending the common school three months in the year. Although his educational opportunities were meager compared to those offered in our time, he made the most of them. In 1808 his parents went to Argyle, NY, and here he served an apprenticeship of three years at the tanner's trade.

In 1812, immediately after the declaration of war between Great Britain and the US, he enlisted in the mounted dragoons, commanded by Captain C. V. Boughton. This was an independent company, and served as the escort of General Hull. When the regiment went into winter quarters, James Lyle Gillis enlisted again, this time under the command of Colonel Stone. During the year he was at Fort George with General McClure; after the abandonment of this fort he was sick and was sent to Batavia, NY. In the meanwhile Buffalo, Lewiston, Youngstown, Black Rock, and Manchester were captured and burned, and in the winter of 1813-14 Captain Boughton's company was discharged. In the following spring Mr. Gillis again enlisted for one year, and he was in the battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. He was wounded at Lundy's Lane and his horse was shot from under him. On 7 Aug he was in charge of sixteen men sent on a foraging expedition; they were surprised and four were killed; nine, including Mr. Gillis, were captured, and they were confined at Toronto, Kingston, Prescott and .Montreal.

Mr. Gillis with twenty-five others was put on board the transport "Stately," 14 Nov 1814, which was about to sail for England, but he and five others escaped in a boat and landed near Quebec. After wandering in the woods three days they met a Frenchman, who agreed to conduct them to a place of safety, but they were again taken by the British and kept at Halifax until peace was made in the spring of 1815.

For some time after the war Mr. Gillis lived at Victor, NY, and worked with his brothers, Enos and Samuel, at tanning. In 1822 he came to Jefferson, now in Elk county, PA, and settled in the wilderness, seventy miles from the nearest post office, and with no neighbor nearer than sixteen miles. Here he cleared what is now the Montmorenci farm, and built a saw mill and grist mill three miles west of Montmorenci. He was the first to manufacture lumber on a large scale in this district. In the new community he became a leader. Being appointed associate judge of Jefferson and Franklin counties, he held this office for two terms. In 1840 he was first elected to the state legislature, in which he served three terms in the house and three terms in the senate. Then in 1856 he was elected to membership in the US House of Representatives. In the same year he was a delegate to the convention which nominated James Buchanan for president of the US; President Buchanan and James Lyle Gillis were intimate friends.

The last office which he held was that of agent for the Pawnee Indians, to which he was appointed in 1859. Three years later he went to Iowa and there lived with his son, Charles B. Gillis, until the latter's death. James Lyle Gillis was thus a leading figure in the affairs of his time and in the pioneer activities of Elk county. He was a Democrat. He attended the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his second wife was a member.

He married (first) in 1816, Mary Ridgway, of Philadelphia, who died in 1826, (second) Cecilia Ann, b. in Walton, Cattaraugus, NY, 1806; d. at Ridgway, Elk, PA, 25 Apr 1855, d/o Henry Berray, who was a farmer in Cattaraugus county, NY, died there when over 80 years old.

Children of first wife:

1. Ridgway B., b. 15 Feb 1818, Victor, NY; d. at Mount Pleasant, Iowa; he was with his father in the lumbering business; moved to Mount Pleasant in 1848; the next year he went to California as a prospector; returned to Mount Pleasant and lived on his farm; he was accidentally shot; married Margaret Bain, from Elk county; 6 children.

2. Jeannette Caroline, b. 02 May 1820, Victor; d. 22 Feb 1892, at Ridgway; m. Jacob V. Houk, from Beaver county, PA; he was a lumberman and merchant ; child, Son, died young.

3. Charles B., b. 01 Apr 1823, Victor; d. 23 Feb 1881, Mount Pleasant, Iowa; he was a farmer at Mount Pleasant, and was murdered by a tramp, as he was standing in his own doorway; the murderer confessed in 1911, explaining that he mistook Mr. Gillis for the marshal; m. Emma J. Howard, from McKean county, PA; child, Emma, died young.

Children of second wife:

4. Mary B., b. 23 Aug 1829, Montmorenci, PA; d. 8 Feb 1895, Brockton, NY; m. Samuel Porter, from Chautauqua county, NY; he was a carpenter; children: Anna, James, Augustus, Claude, another daughter.

5. James H., b. 14 May 1831, Montmorenci; d. at Melbourne Beach, FL; a commodore of the US navy; m1. Lydia Alexander; m2. Ursula Z. Canfield who resided in Syracuse, NY, in the summer and at Melbourne Beach in the winter.

6. Bosanquet W., b. 08 Aug 1835, Ridgway; resided in Brooklyn, NY; was a proof reader for the New York Times; m. Martha Radcliffe; children: Frank, Martha, Cecilia, Roberta, Arnold.

7. Emma Augusta, b. 07 Mar 1837, Ridgway; resided at Portland, NY; m. James Noxon, a farmer from Chautauqua Co., NY.

8. Robert S., b. 01 May 1840, Ridgway; d. 13 Sep 1907, Mount Pleasant, Iowa; president of a bank and had a large farm; m. Sophia Whiting, from Mount Pleasant; children: James, Sarah, Henry, Hugh, Ansel.

9. Claudius Victor Boughton Goodrich, b. 14 Sep 1841, Ridgeway; Past Master of Kane Lodge, No. 566, in Pennsylvania.

10. Cecilia A., b. 03 Apr 1844, Ridgway; m. Henry Whiting; a retired mechanical engineer; he became blind; they spend the winters in Florida; no children.

For an account of the alleged indictment of James L. Gillis in the Morgan excitement,

see Appendix II at the end of this present compilation.

-------

Sincerity Lodge No. 200. Phelps, New York
Warrant: The warrant in possession of the Lodge is dated Jane 19. 1858.

The name has never been changed. The first number was 443. On June 9, 1859, at a session of the Grand Lodge, a petition from the Lodge was presented praying for a change in the number to 200, that being the number of an extinct Lodge bearing the same name which had preceded the present Lodge. The next day the Committee on Warrants reported adversely and the petition was denied, but on the following day, June 11th, on motion of William M. Crosby, Master of the Lodge, the action was reconsidered, and, "on motion the petition of the Lodge was granted and the number of said Lodge changed to 200."

Minutes: Intact. The Lodge also has in its possession the records of its predecessor from May 7, 1811, to December 22, 1822.

During the year 1857 a successful effort was made to revive an interest in Freemasonry and organize a Lodge in the town of Phelps. Informal meetings were held by a number of Masons residing in that vicinity, and finally a petition was prepared asking for a dispensation.

The petition was signed by the following:

William M. Crosby. Calvin H. Carpenter.

Thadeus A. Lawrence. Jerome B. Jackson.

David B. Sweet. Justus H. Dawley.

Joseph June. Charles Scott.

Benjamin F. Salisbury.

The petition was recommended by Canandaigua Lodge, No. 294, and Newark Lodge, No. 83.

On March 15, 1858, a dispensation was issued by John L. Lewis, Jr., Grand Master, which named as officers:

William M. Crosby, Master.
Calvin H. Carpenter, Senior Warden.
Thadeus A. Lawrence, Junior Warden.
The dispensation was presented to the Lodge in person by the Grand Master at a meeting held in Odd Fellows Hall on the evening of March Hi, 1858. At this meeting the following additional officers were selected.

David B. Sweet, Treasurer. Jerome B. Jackson, Senior Deacon. Joseph June, Tiler.
Justus H. Dawley, Secretary. Benjamin F. Salisbury, Junior Deacon.

The Lodge continued to work under the dispensation until the warrant was granted June 19, 1858.

The officers named in the dispensation were also named in the warrant.

The first officers elected after the warrant had been granted were publicly installed on December 28, 1858, and as this ceremony was received with such favor by the community the officers have frequently been installed in public, the most recent being the installation of the- officers who served in 1901.

When first organized the Lodge met in Odd Fellows Hall. In July 1858 it secured quarters in what was known as "Old Masonic Hall,” this property being at that time owned by the first Master, William M.. Crosby. It remained in these quarters until 1870, when it moved into" a new hall which it had built over the Gibson Block, and here it still has well furnished and commodious quarters owned by the Lodge.

The Lodge has participated in numerous public ceremonials, among them being the laying of the corner-stone of the Public Library at Newark, NY; the laying of the corner-stone of the Masonic Temple at Seneca Falls, the laying of the corner-stone of the Masonic Temple at Geneva, NY, the laying of the corner-stone of the Town Hall at Victor, NY, and the laying of the corner-stone of the Home at Utica, NY.

The predecessor of Sincerity Lodge, No. 200, was a Lodge by the same name and number organized in 1811 (at Vienna). The first recorded meeting of this Lodge was held May 7, 1811. The officers selected at this meeting were:

Wells Whitmore, Master.

William Burnett, Senior Warden.

Alfred Witter, Junior Warden.

Luther Root, Treasurer.

John S. McCAY, Secretary.

Michael Musselman, Senior Deacon.

David Sanderson, Junior Deacon.

Russell B'lint. Steward.

Joseph Daniels, Steward.

E. Craky, Tiler.

The officers were installed by Philetus Swift. In addition to those before mentioned there were present at this meeting: Elias Cost, Roland Dewey, John Warner, George Hickey, Isaac Dean, James Fisk, Chauncey Dean and Nathaniel Stern.

The date of the dispensation under which the Lodge must have been working at this time is unknown, but shortly after this a petition was prepared praying for a warrant, which was read at a session of the Grand Lodge held September 4, 1811, and referred to the Grand Officers.

On December 7, 1811. a warrant was issued, and on the 24th of the same month the Lodge was duly constituted and the officers installed by

Philetus Swift, as Deputy Grand Master. Polydore B. Werner, as Junior Grand Warden.
Parley Phillips, as Senior Grand Warden. Davenport Phelps, as Grand Chaplain.
Jacob Doxe, as Grand Secretary.
Bro. Philetus Swift, one of the area's most prominent settlers, came to Phelps from Vermont in 1789 and established very successful flour and saw mills (later known as Barlow's) on his large farm northwest of Oaks Corners. The old brick building at Unionville across from York Inn was his center of trade as a wholesale dealer in grains and other produce; a large painted sign announced "Swift's --Cash for Wheat". His teamsters with their 4 and 6 horse  teams made regular trips to Albany with wheat, bringing back wagon loads of provisions unobtainable here. In 1816, he built the fine cutstone house, today the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lansing Hoskins, Phelps Road. His rank of General was received during War of 1812, when he commanded a regiment on the Niagara frontier. He was a judge of the County Court and later a member of New York State Senate.
The officers installed were:

William Burnett, Master.
Michael Musselman, Senior Warden.
Luther Root. Junior Warden.
Nathaniel Wilson, Treasurer.
Elias Cost, Secretary.
David Sanderson, Senior Deacon.
Theodore Ban(n)ister, Junior Deacon.
John Warner. Steward.

John H. Hawks, Steward.
Stephen Dunwell, Tiler.

http://burrcook.com/history/Ontario/oaks3.htm

Colonel Elias Cost, who appeared on the Phelps scene from Maryland about 1800, was a most interesting and important man. He had his fingers in every business and political pie in the area. At first, he owned the Kirtland farm; when he married his second wife, Fanny, widow of Thaddeus Oaks, he built for her the stately white-pillared brick house, now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Canton Oaks. His military ranks are of interest, too. He was Captain Cost on the night he was at Sodus, during the War of 1812, when the British attacked the Point to capture stores hidden there; Asher Warner was killed in that engagement. He was Major Cost when appointed chairman of a committee to complete our meeting-house in 1814. As Colonel Cost, he served as first postmaster of Oaks Corners, when Andrew Jackson was President, and later as a Whig Member of Assembly at Albany. After his death, the Loomis family purchased the property. Mrs. Loomis, mentally confused in her later life, delighted in an attic swing, built especially for her, and spent hours there reliving her childhood. The swing has remained in the attic all these years; it is said if you steal very quietly up the attic stairs, you may see the empty swing moving gently back and forth as though she had just left it. Few have tiptoed silently enough to see it swaying.
----------
At this meeting by-laws were adopted and two candidates initiated.

There are but few papers relating to this Lodge on file in the Grand Secretary's office. The returns for the year 1818 show a membership of fifty and that seven candidates had been initiated during the year. The returns for 1819 show a membership of forty-three; this appears to have been the last returns made by the Lodge. In 1820-21 and 22 it was reported in arrears for dues.

At a session of the Grand Lodge held June 13, 1823, the Grand Secretary reported that the Lodge had been summoned to pay its dues. The following paper, the original of which is on file, shows what action was taken by the Lodge upon receiving the summons:
"At a regular meeting of Sincerity Lodge at the Lodge room, August 19. 5823. On motion, Resolved that the Secretary be directed to write to the Grand Lodge and inform them the balance due them (from the Lodge) is now collected and will be forwarded at their communication in September next if a safe and convenient opportunity offers. If not, we will forward it in the month of October by one of the brethren of our Lodge appointed for that purpose.

"R. W. E. Hicks. G. Secretary. I forward you for the Grand Lodge a copy of our resolutions, which will be punctually attended to.

"Yours, etc.,

"Theodore Partridge,

Shortly after this the Morgan anti-Masonic crusade burst upon the community, and the town of Phelps became a seething hot bed of excitement and persecution, so much so that the Lodge ceased to meet at its regular quarters, but held infrequent meetings at the homes of the brethren. The intense bitterness of those who, through ignorance of the purposes of the Fraternity and blinded by prejudice, assailed them finally forced the Lodge out of existence, and in December, 1829, its warrant was declared forfeited.

One only of the members of the old Lodge, Frederick Vaudermark, became a member of the present Lodge. He was made a Mason in 1814. joined the present Lodge in 1858, remaining a member until his death in 18C2. James P. Bartle, who was Master in 1821-22, was the first Master of Newark Lodge, No. 83, in 1824.

The records of the old Lodge contain some curious and interesting items. The following are excerpts:
"October 29. 1811, ' Voted that L. Hoot procure a pair of candle snuffers for the Lodge.' April 13. 1813. 'Resolved that Brother L. Root shall he a committee to furnish one quire of paper and one ink stand for the use of the Lodge.' December 27, 1813. 'Voted that the Lodge loan W. D. Sanderson Ten Dollars for six months and give him Ten Dollars out of the funds thereof as a compensation for the loss which he has sustained by fire.' "
The Lodge appears to have been generous in its donations to the distressed and needy, which is to its credit, but its financial methods proved unfortunate. It appears that the funds wore loaned by the Treasurer to individuals to such an extent that in 1818 its cash assets consisted mostly in bills payable. This practice led to the appointment of a "Committee of Investigation," which made the following curious report:

"The object of the original institution your Committee believes to have been to alleviate the miseries and calamities of their fellowmen, to embellish their minds with Science, to develop a liberal charity in the hearts of men and inculcate the fundamental principles of benevolence and brotherly love.

"If such then were the principles on which Masonry was anciently founded, it should be the imperious duty of each individual association anchored on that same pure basis to support those God-like virtues, lest the superb edifice should crumble into dust and bury beneath its ruins every trace of its celestial origin.

"That our charity may be extensively useful, our personal services and our sympathy in the distress of a weary brother are grateful, but personal services and sympathy though they always convey cannot effectually redeem the claims upon our benevolence. With such opinions your Committee believe our ancient brethren were guided and directed to create a firm and lasting pecuniary source to which the weary and distressed brother might with confidence approach, be comforted, and depart, having no other reward than the tributes of a gratitude, sincere and ardent, as were his necessities, severe and unresisting.

"Stimulated by their principles and emulating their examples the brethren of Sincerity Lodge have a charitable fund to be appropriated to every suffering friend by a beneficent generosity controlled by no bound except the due regard to the claims of all. Without any disrespectful restriction to the brethren of the Lodge, your Committee feel it their duty to ask if too great liberality may not have been exercised in dispossessing the Lodge of those means of relief for the call of a worthy brother which the anticipation of future applications would have prevented. If such be the fact. then ought not the Treasurer as soon as the present impoverishing and distressed situation of our common Country permit, collect the moneys which are now due to the Lodge."

Grand Lodge Officers.

Charles H. Burt, District Deputy Grand Master William A. Judd, Grand Sword Bearer.

Frederick D. Vanderhoof, District Deputy Grand Master.

Masters Of Sincerity Lodge, No. 200.

Warranted December 7, 1811.

1811. Wells Whitmore.

1812. William Burnett.

1813. Michael Musselman.
1814. Michael Musselman.
1815. Michael Musselman.
1816. Michael Musselman.
1817. Michael Musselman.

1818. Michael Musselman.

1819. Thomas Smith.

1820. Thomas Smith.

1821. James P. Bartte.

1822. James P. Bartte.

1823. Michael Musselman.

No further records of elections.
Wells Whitmore (b. ca 1867; d. ca 24 Mar 1838, age 70) married, Nancy Dean (d. 5 May 1858, age 81) d/o Seth Dean(e); her sister was the wife of Bro. Philetus Swift.

http://burrcook.com/history/Ontario/oaks3.htm

Wells Whitmore came into the district with Jonathan Oaks in 1789, from Conway, Mass. He was a skillful carpenter and iron worker; most of the elaborate Iron railings and fences around the early lawns, gardens and cemeteries of this area were his work,  He helped build Oaks Tavern and our old church, you remember-- also the mills of Phelps and Geneva Hotel.  He was made constable at the original meeting of the Town of Seneca 1793. A brother-in-law of Bro. Philetus Swift, the two men were associated in many activities.  In Masonic circles, he was Senior Warden at the installation of Sincerity Lodge in Vienna.  His home at Oaks Corners was close by the south edge of the old Simmons burying ground (Oaklawn cemetery) the cellar hole is still visible

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/cems/phelps/oldpio/phelpspiopics5.htm

Michael Musselman (b. ca 1779; d. 8 Jan 1852, age 73). US patent X4,301 Application of steam to machinery was issued to Michael Musselman of Phelps, NY. It was granted on 29 Dec 1825. He was also a brother-in-law of Bro. Philetus Swift. He settled ‘at and early date’ (before 1813) east of Oak Corners.

Masters of Sincerity Lodge, No. 200.
Warranted June 19, 1858.

1858. William M. Crosby.

1859. William M. Crosby.

1859. Calvin H. Carpenter

(after Aug. 9th).

1860. Calvin H. Carpenter.

1861. Calvin H. Carpenter.

1862. Calvin H. Carpenter.

1863. Philip S. Rogers.

1864. Ezra J. Peck.

1865. Ezra J. Peck.

1866. Ezra J. Peck.

1867. Philip S. Rogers.

1868. Philip S. Rogers.

1869. Philip S. Rogers.

1870. Philip S. Rogers.

1871. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1872. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1873. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1874. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1875. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1876. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1877. Philip S. Rogers.

1878. Philip S. Rogers.

1879. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1880. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1881. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1882. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1883. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1884. John Wolven

1885. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1886. Frederick D. Vanderhoof.

1887. Russell B. Cobb.

1888. Russell B. Cobb.
1889. Russell B. Cobb.
1890. Russell B. Cobb.
1891. Russell B. Cobb.
1892. Russell B. Cobb.
1893. Russell B. Cobb.
1894. William M. Crothers.
1895. William M. Crothers.
1896. William M. Crothers.
1897. William A. Judd.
1898. William A. Judd.
1899. Charles H. Burt.
1900. Charles H. Burt.
1901. Charles H. Burt.
1902. Seymour Fridley. (1866-1933)
1903. Seymour Fridley.
1904. Russell B. Cobb.
1905. Ulysses G. Burnett.
1906. Ulysses G. Burnett.
1907. Albert Bosshart, Jr.
1908. Albert Bosshart. Jr.

1909. Elmer G. Miller.

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/bios/ba-bl.html

Burt BALDWIN, cashier of the Ontario National Bank of Clifton Springs, NY, while young in years, has gained an amount and diversity of experience in his business career, which is frequently not attained in a life time by others. He is energetic, versatile and has a remarkable amount of executive ability, which has enabled him to think and act quickly as occasion demanded. His family has been settled in America many generations, his grandfather having been a farmer in the state of Pennsylvania.

Vincent, son of George BALDWIN, was born in the town of Chemung, Pennsylvania, 3 Aug 1836, died in 1905. He was successfully engaged in the hotel business for many years. He married Mary KENNEDY, who was born in Troy, PA.

Burt, son of Vincent and Mary (KENNEDY) BALDWIN, was born in Bradford county, PA, 9 Oct 1873. His elementary education was acquired in the public schools of his native township, and he then attended in succession the Mansfield Military School and the Genesee Western Seminary, from which latter institution he was graduated in 1893. In 1905 he came to Clifton Springs, Ontario, NY, where he was engaged in the coal business and occupied with agricultural matters. Three years later he sold these interests in order to accept the position of cashier of the Ontario National Bank, as above mentioned. He has been prominently identified with the public interests of the community in which he lives, and served as president of the village of Clifton Springs for a term of three years. His fraternal affiliations are with Sincerity Lodge, No. 200, F&AM, Newark Chapter No. 117, Royal Arch Masons. Mr. BALDWIN is a man of a frank and winning manner, quick in arriving at a decision, and modest and unassuming in his demeanor. Mr. BALDWIN married 27 Dec 1904, Eunice May, d/o Truman B FOX., of Clifton Springs, and they have one son, Truman Vincent. 

Albert Bosshart, Jr.

http://www.comtrader.com/archives/012605/history/history.html

Several decades ago, when downtown Clifton Springs had a thriving business district, the proud firm of Bosshart & Morphy, Jewelers was an active local business firm. The senior partner was Albert Bosshart, Jr. the son of Alfred Bosshart Sr. who had been head chef at the Clifton Springs Sanitarium. In the summer of 1897, Mr. Bosshart Jr. then a youth just out of high school, left his home here to take a course of training at the Huchinson School of Watchmakers and Engravers at Laporte, Ind. After being graduated in July of 1889, he entered the employment of E. S. Ettenheim & Co., in Rochester, NY where he remained for two and a half years. R. H. Gulvin, a Geneva watchmaker, having offered him a position, he moved to that city remaining there until he opened up his jewelry store in the Walsh Block on Crane Street in Clifton Springs on 4 Nov 1904. Albert was busy with both the local traffic and the large influx of summer visitors to Dr. Foster's Sanitarium. The store carried fine jewelry, watches as well as some china and silverware. The main source of revenue was the jewelry and watch sales and the repair hereof.

Mr. Edwin Morphy was born in Clifton Springs on 20 Feb 1900. While a senior in high school he took a part-time job at what was then Albert Bosshart's Jewelry Store. The year was 1915. He attended New York University for a time and returned to Clifton Springs to work and learn from Mr. Bosshart. In March of 1925 he was admitted to partnership and the firm became known as Bosshart & Morphy. By this time the jewelry store was located in the Foster Block just east of the Devereaux Book Store. This is where we "oldsters" remember the two at work. Here most of the local population went to obtain their wedding rings, watches and plate ware. The walls were hung with clocks and the cases filled with a fine selection of gold, diamonds and silverware. We often wondered how the two put up with the constant ticking of the clocks but to them it was probably like the "background music" of any vocation.

The firm both before and after the forming of the partnership, was successful in attracting an important patronage for many miles around, as well as guests to the Sanitariuim. There was no great secret as to how this was done. Both members seemed to have the qualification, which stood them well. Mr. Bosshart retired in 1951 and died in 1963. Following his demise, Ed Morphy took over sole ownership of the business.

From Geneva Daily Times 11 February 1909:
Clifton Springs, N. Y. - On Wednesday afternoon, at 4 o'clock, occurred the marriage of Miss Zana F. Rector, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Rector, to Albert Bosshart, Jr., both of Clifton Springs. The ceremony was performed in the presence of only the immediate relatives of the bride and groom at the home of the bride's parents, about two miles north of this village.

Dr. Charles H. Burt

http://books.google.com/books?id=bzYuAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA56&dq=%22Charles+H.+Burt%22+%22phelps%22#PPA56,M1 pg. 56.

Charles H. Burt, married 1886 Ina T. Vanderhoof, b. Phelps, NY, 1867: d/o Bro. Frederick D. Vanderhoof and Armeda R. Hyde; one daughter, Mae A. Burt; He was educated at Phelps Union and Classical School and the Hahn Seminary of Clifton Springs; graduated 1895, from Woman's Medical College of the NY Infirmary for Women and Children; degree 1895 M.D.; post-graduate clinic and hospital work; Health Officer of the Town of Phelps one term and of the Village of Phelps two terms; Ontario Co. Chairman of the A. M. A. Public Health Education Committee; member, Monroe Medical Society, Blackwell Medical Society of Rochester, Woman's Medical Soc. NY State; Regular. Residence and office: E. Main St., Phelps, NY.

http://www.burrcook.com/history/Ontario/mabel%20oaks.htm

Dr. Calvin H. Carpenter, (b. 27 Jul 1829 Little Falls, Herkimer, NY; d. 1 Dec 1878 Geneva, , NY ), W. Main St., Phelps, served as surgeon [Major] with the 148th Infantry Regiment in the Civil War [from Aug. 29, 1863 to June 22, 1865. Was assistant surgeon from Sept. 9, 1862 to Aug]. After the war he lived on Lester Road in the house once the home of Dr. Joel Prescott 1st. Later he practiced in Geneva where both he and his eleven year old son died from diptheria during the dreadful epidemic of 1878. He was the son of Elder Calvin Carpenter.

In Groton, Tompkins Co., on the 18th of January 1855, by the Rev. A. Pomeroy, Dr. Calvin H. Carpenter of Phelps, (married) to Miss Jennette K. DeLano of the former place.