History - Marion
History of the Township of Marion
Written in 1916 by Mrs. Lucy H. Mason
The pioneers of Marion, New York were principally Rhode Islanders with a few from the state of Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey. None but brave and heroic men and women could think of overcoming the difficulties in traversing hundred of miles in an almost unbroken wilderness and building up a home here in the dense forest and upon the wild drift hills, with intervening swamps.
Early settlers seem to have sought the hills in preference to the more fertile valleys and roads which ran from summit to summit without any definite course, except to avoid the wet lowlands.
The first highway through the town was the old thoroughfare from Geneva to Canandaigua, through Palmyra and Marion, to the Upper Corner and in direction and vicinity was the same as that now passing in a northeasterly course from the Upper Corners school house to East Williamson. The Sodus road was laid out by Captain Charles Williamson, in 1794.
The second road continued northward from Marion Upper Corners to Pultneyville. The first white man to build a house within the limits of Marion - then a part of Williamson - was Henry Lovell, who came in early in the year 1795 and purchased a large farm now occupied by the south and west portions of Marion village. His log house was built on the village lot, known as the Buckley Newton place, now owned by Mrs. Eva Radder, game was abundant and Lovell was famous hunter and excellent marksman. It is stated that David Sherman once drew in with his oxen-full 30 deer, which Lovell had killed in one day.
Daniel Powell, a charitable, kind and well-to-do man for those. times, had moved from Massachusetts to Palmyra bringing with him his wife and eight children. After a short stay in Palmyra, the Powell's moved to Marion in 1795, taking up the Allen Knapp farm of 126 acres, south of Cory Corners. In this unbroken forest he came with axe upon his shoulder, and alone began to prepare for himself and family a home and support.
A log house was built, a piece of ground was cleared, so far as felling the trees and burning the brush - and corn planted. Later wheat was scattered among the logs and stumps upon soil prepared by rude and cumbrous drag. Powell lacked not strength nor manly vigor, which he proved by clearing over 500 acres in the towns of Williamson and Marion. He built the first frame building in this town in 1797.
A child was born in the Lovell family in 1795, living but a few weeks. This was the first birth and first death in the town. A daughter Betsey, the second child, was the second white child born in the town. At the time of the death of the Lovell babe, Daniel Powell and wife, their only neighbors in the town, took the little body to the knoll back of Lovell's Douse, and there beneath the shade of the giant maple, tenderly laid it to rest. This simple and neighborly act constituted the pioneer funeral in the town. After remaining here for some time, the Lovells removed to the west.
During the summer of 1795, David Sweezey and family came from New Jersey, voyaging the entire distance in light boats, which at the few portages were-carried from stream to stream.
He settled upon a large farm in the south of town, living there until his death. The farm continued in the possession of heirs for some time; then, after changing owners several times, it rested in the hands of the late Freeman Luce, and is now owned and occupied by his grandson, Denton A. Luce.
The last of the four families that settled in Marion during the year 1795, was that of Samuel O. Caldwell from New Jersey. They came by land with ox team and wagon, leading their cow behind. Caldwell took up a large farm-adjoining the Luce farm - and, at his death his son, Joseph Caldwell became the owner. The Caldwell farm is now occupied by Joseph Caldwell's grandson Frank J. Rich, with his children and grandchildren. It having always been in the possession of the Caldwell heirs. Deacon Joseph Caldwell was born September 24, 1799 and lived on that farm until his death August 31, 1875.
He was a man who manifested the greatest interest in all educational and religious matters and no person in the town exerted a more powerful influence for good in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. He was one of the leading agriculturists in Wayne County. For more than 50 years he was deacon of the Congregational Church.
Elizabeth Howell came to this town with the family of David Sweezey and the following winter married David Sherman. This was the first marriage celebrated in the town. David Sherman was a native of Rhode Island. In 1796 he came to Marion from East Palmyra and took up the middle 100 acres (Mud flat) of the Caldwell Farm, which he soon sold to Samuel O. Caldwell. He then bought and cleared the Sherman farm where he passed his life. At his death, his son Zephaniah, inherited the property and was succeeded as owner by his son Jefferson. Jefferson Sherman throughout his life was identified with the best interests of the town, he was a man of superior intellect and fine literary tastes. Besides the office of School Commissioner he held important local offices and in 1879-1880 he represented the 2nd Assembly District of Wayne County in the State Legislature. He death occurred on August 31, 1894, in his fifty ninth year. The Sherman farm is still owned by the widow of Jefferson Sherman, having been in the family 120 years.
In 1795, when nearly every settler along Mud Creek was down with fever and ague, Samuel Caldwell went to mill for them all. He drove his double yoke of oxen with his load of grain through the woods to a mill near Geneva. He is said to have driven the first load of goods from Canandaigua to Pultneyville. The task was performed in six days in the month of August, when from Marion Upper Corners northward was an unbroken wilderness and from Williamson to the lake a continuous swamp.
Seth Curtis, a native of Connecticut, settled the Curtis farm in 1807, his son Daniel Curtis was born, November 1, 1808 and passed his entire life of nearly ninety-six years on the farm where he was reared.
Daniel Curtis was an honored citizen whose memory is revered and three generations of his descendants are living in Marion. At his death the Curtis farm was held until 1912 by his son, Charles D., he has retired to the village to live.
William B. Coggswell, from Rhode Island, took up a farm in the northern part of the town which was owned by his descendants for many years. As an illustration of the trials the early settlers had to meet, it is told of Coggswell, that his tax of two dollars and a half was due and although he had grain and stock in abundance, he could sell nothing for money. Cash only would pay his tax. He loaded a wagon with oats, drove to Geneva, but could not find a buyer. Finding two men seeking land, he brought them home with him, gave them board for a week, went out each day with his team to aid in locating farms and finally charged each of them $1.25 which furnished the amount to pay his taxes.
Within a few years, many more settlers arrived and conditions improved. Not a few of these sturdy pioneers were men of influence and character. Luke Phelps came from Massachusetts settling on the Lookup farm. He was the first supervisor of the town of Williamson and his sons Jared and Ezra attained local prominence. Ezra took up the Phelps farm. He was the town surveyor and ran most of the old lines. The farm was owned many years by his son, Ezra T. Phelps, deacon of the Baptist church thirty-eight years. Deacon Phelps lived an honored life of eighty-four years, promoting the religious and educational interests of the town. He gave liberally toward the founding of Marion Collegiate Institute.
The Phelps homestead was known for its hospitality and was opened to several who were cherished from childhood to maturity. With no children of her own, 'Uncle Ezra' and 'Aunt Minerva' welcomed the homeless and unfortunate of every age and condition, even after retiring from farm life, and living in the village.
The Eddy Ridge was settled by Seth, David and William Eddy, all of whom took up large farms and were highly respected citizens. Seth was the first deacon of the Baptist Church, the first supervisor of the town of Marion and the captain of a company of drafted men. John Harkness and Zadoc Huggins bought large tracts on the Eddy Ridge. Huggins was remembered as the pioneer teacher of singing and his school combined much profit and more pleasure.
John Case was the pioneer preacher of Methodist belief, located at the Upper Corners. Among those who came soon after 1800, were William Cory, from Tiverton, Rhode Island, and Stephen Sanford, who married William Cory's daughter Lydia before leaving Tiverton. Cory settled at Cory Corners named for him. He first built a log house. Later he put up a frame building to accommodate four families, which aroused much curiosity among the settlers. When the frame was raised, all who helped, mounted to the top and gave 'Three cheers for William Cory and his Rhode Island puzzle.' As long as the building stood, till about 1850, it was called the 'Old Puzzle.'
In 1805, Stephen Sanford purchased 100 acres of land, south of Cory Corners for '325 dollars, lawful money of the United States.' and the year following 50 acres adjoining, for '250 dollars, lawful money of the state of New York.' Stephen and Lydia Sanford reared ten sons and five daughters. With the exception of four, all lived to be married, most of them reaching old age. They were substantial citizens, highly respected in the community. It is a remarkable fact, that these fifteen sons and daughters were born and passed their lives in this town and with their parents, their remains rest in Marion Cemetery.
The farm now owned by A. L. Cook and long known as the Pigeon Hill Farm, received its name from the great flocks of pigeons found on its high hills.
The land purchased by Stephen Sanford was divided among his sons. His descendants to the fifth generation are living in this town today. The deeds transferring 150 acres from Daniel Powell to Job Booth in 1797, and finally to Stephen Sanford in 1805, and 1806, are still carefully preserved by a grandson, Chester G. Sanford.
Robert Springer with his family, also from Rhode Island, settled here. (1796) Two of his sons Samuel and Israel, became wealthy and are important figures in the history of the town. Descendants of Israel Springer to the fourth generation are living in Marion. For many years the farm owned by Mrs. Augusta Pulver was held in the possession of the heirs of Reuben Adams who with his son Reuben came in early from Rhode Island.
For a number of years, Dr. Seth Tucker, located near the Upper, Corners, was the only physician in the town. Previous to 1810 the settlement at the Upper Corners was in advance of Marion village and for several years after was fully the equal of it. As early as 1800 a Widow Styles kept the pioneer tavern, which stood on the village lot now owned by Mrs. Pulver. Widow Styles supplied the first settlers with the ever indispensable whisky. She was also the 'doctor-woman' of the town.
In 1825, there were at the Upper Corners a physician, a blacksmith shop, a small cabinet shop, and about ten houses; and at Marion village, a tavern kept by Daniel Wilcox, a store by Archer Galloway, a grist mill, an ashery, a distillery, a school, a blacksmith shop, post office and eleven houses, seven on the east side of Main Street and four on the west. The big willow tree, three feet in diameter, that stood in front of the Methodist church, and is remembered yet, was struck for a fence stake by Harris Cooley, who procured a title to forty acres of land and cleared it up.
Benjamin Curtis came from Orange county in 1817, and took up a farm, building a log house east of Marion. His son, J. Harvey Curtis, then seventeen years old, made the trip on foot from Orange County. In 1828, Harvey Curtis built the house on Mill Street in this village, in which his son, Brainerd T. Curtis was born in 1834, and has passed his life. He is the oldest surviving resident Civil War veteran, of those who enlisted from Marion. In the winter of 1826, Richard Sweet built a canal boat in Marion, drew it to Palmyra and launched it on the Erie Canal.
Elias Durfee was a prominent townsman who began improvements on that historic homestead just west of Marion village. The large limestone house built by him in 1830 still stands in honor to his name. At his death, the homestead was owned for years by Elias Hicks Durfee, then by Sidney F. Durfee, both sons of Elias. The Durfee homestead remained in possession of the heirs until 1900. The present hotel building was erected in 1817, by Timothy Smith, who cleared the land on the west side of Main Street.
The town of Marion was formed from Williamson, April 18, 1825, and was originally called Winchester. This name was changed to Marion on April 15, 1826 at the first town meeting of the town of Winchester, held at Daniel Wilcox's tavern. Seth Eddy was elected supervisor and Samuel Moore town clerk, the latter holding the office six years, when he was succeeded by Dr. E. R. Wright. Those following Eddy as supervisor were Jesse Mason, Isaac R. Sanford, and Elias Durfee. At different periods, Elias Durfee served as supervisor of the town for thirteen years.
Among those later who held office of supervisors the greatest number of years, were Nelson D. Young and Henry R. Taber, men of integrity who did much for the upbuilding of the town. Nelson D. Young was the son of Thomas Young who settled the Young farm which was kept in the Young family for several generations. Proceedings of the early town meetings were interesting. At one time a bounty of one shilling each was offered for all crows killed in town.
The first church established in this town - then Williamson - was the Baptist Church. It was organized by. Elder Seba Norton, on Feb. 29, 1804, with nineteen members, including Rev. Seba Norton and his wife. For many years the services were held in the school house.
In 1829, a church edifice, the first in Marion, was built on a site a few rods southeast of the present Baptist. Church. In 1850, a new building was erected on the present site. This was replaced by the present brick edifice which was dedicated on June 15 and 16, 1904. It was built during the pastorate and largely under the direction of Rev. Walter B. McNinch. The pipe organ installed in 1904 was the gift of a former member, the late Alonzo C. Potter of Los Angeles, California in memory of his parents, Decon Ellera and Catherine Potter, faithful members of the church from 1824 to 1873. Of its twenty-nine pastors, two returned for a second pastorate. The longest pastorate was held by Rev. G. E. Finley from 1905 to 1915.
Rev. Chester J. Oxley is the present pastor, under whose leadership the church is prospering with a membership of about 200. The Sunday school is one of the most enthusiastic in Wayne County. David M. Eddy - son of Seth Eddy, the first deacon of the church - who was for many years a valued member of the Marion Baptist Church and a prominent business man in this town, is still living in Escondido, Calif. and will complete his ninety-eighth year this August. Mrs. Thankful Taber, eighty-five years old, recently received a letter from David Eddy written in a good hand and inquiring about many of his former friends in the church.
On Nov. 1, 1808, the First Congregational Church was organized with eight members. To Thankful Huggins the church largely owes its origin. So strong ,was her desire for a church of her belief, that she rode about town on horseback and induced four men and two women to unite with herself and husband in forming the nucleus of a church which has existed one hundred eight years.
Services were held in the homes of the members and in school houses with no settled pastor until 1820, when Rev. H. R. Howell began a pastorate of four years. Rev. Jacob Burbank, a circuit preacher of western NYS aided in the progress of the church during its early years. His descendants to the fourth generation are not included in the church. In 1831, a house of worship was begun on the present site, which was finished and dedicated in 1832. In 1865, this edifice underwent extensive repairs. It was again improved in 1880. In 1911, the building was removed and replaced by a handsome concrete structure which was dedicated on Sept. 19, 1912.
The success of this great undertaking was largely due to the leadership of the pastor, Rev. Kingsley F. Norris, Andrew Carnegie donated half the cost of the pipe organ placed in the new church. Having been under the care of the Presbytery for several years the church voted in 1891 to connect itself with the Lyons Presbytery - Church. And since that day it has been known as the First Presbyterian Church of Marion. The first instruments used in the old church were the bass viol, played by Jacob Norriss and the flute, by William Rice. Zadoc and Thankful Huggins were the great grandparents of Mrs. Emily Russell, now about eighty years old and living on Main Street.
The present pastor is Rev. W. W. McWilliams under whom the church is prospering with about 100 members.
The Christian church was organized in 1820 by Rev. D. E. Millard and Joseph Badger with forty-one members. The first pastor, was Oliver True. In 1832 a stone church was built at the Upper Corners where services were held. In 1856 the present frame building on Main Street was erected and dedicate in 1857, by Rev. John Ross. For years the church increased in numbers, seventy members being added in the year 1850. Among its pastors were; Rev. Edgar M. Galloway, Rev. Amasa Stanton, who was in charge from 1848 to 1866, Rev. Irving Bullock and Rev. A. Hammond. In 1905, the church edifice was extensively repaired and refurnished under the direction of Rev. Ensign D. Hammond, pastor.
The last pastor was Rev. J. C. Carter, who closed his labors on Nov. 24, 1912. After continuing services with the pulpit supplied until 1913, with attendance waning owing to the number of churches in the village, it was decided by the members to unite with other denominations. The church property was recently bought-by Miss Love F. Seymour of Rochester and presented to Marion Masonic Lodge for the use of the lodge and Richards Chapter of The Easter Star. Workmen are now engaged in making improvements on the building, that will cost about $3,000 and when completed it will be one of the finest lodge homes in the county and well equipped for Masonic ceremonies.
The first Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1845 by Rev. Porter McKinster, with twelve members, but the society had no place of worship until 1854. In that year, Rev. John Dennis reorganized the church. The church building was erected in 1855, and dedicated in Dec. It was repaired and much improved in 1878, and again in recent years. During its existence it has had a remarkable history and in former years was the scene of great revivals. Its membership reached one hundred at one time, but its numbers have been smaller in recent years. Services are conducted regularly by the pastor Rev. J. J. Edwards.
The First Reformed Church was formed in 1860, and the house of worship, now Clarks Hall, was soon built. Services were conducted by Peter DeVuyst for some time. In 1870, the society was reorganized with fifty-six charter members and taken under the care of the Classis of Geneva. The first pastor was Rev. J. W. Warmshuis who took charge in 1871. The large, church edifice was built in 1872 Rev. Mr. Warnshuis was a man of strong personality and accomplished great things among the Holland population, building up a congregation that gathered from miles around and filled to the doors the largest auditorium in the village.
The church has had many able pastors among which were, Rev. Mr. Straabing, and Rev. M. H. Bruins, the later holding a pastorate of eleven years. The church is now in charge of Rev. D. L. Betten, an efficient pastor with 180 members and a flourishing Sunday School.
The Second Reformed Coach of Marion was organized on March 2, 1910, with a membership of 101. Rev. Peter Ihrman, a former esteemed pastor of the First Reformed Church, was installed pastor of the Second Reformed Church on Sept. 6, 1910. A fine church edifice was at once erected on Mill Street, which was dedicated on April 13, 1911. During the short pastorate of Rev. Mr. Ihrman, sixty-two have been added to the church.
The church was enjoying great prosperity, when a year later, Rev. Mr. Ihrman suddenly died. This was a great shock to the church and community. The pastor who followed him, Rev. Isaac Can Cestencturh, was young and popular, as is also his successor, Rev. John Walterink. In Aug. 1915, the church was partly destroyed by fire from an unknown origin. It was rebuilt and with some improvement was rededicated March 14, 1916. This society is full of activity and the Sunday school one of the largest in the village. Rev. John Walterink is pastor with over 250 members in the church.
St. Gregory's Catholic Church began holding regular services in Maccabee Hall in Oct., 1908. The increasing number of Belgians settling in this vicinity materially strengthened the church and the congregations outgrew the temporary headquarters. A fine church as erected and dedicated on June 28, 1914. Bishop Thomas F. Hickey dedicated the church, officiating at the ceremony and delivering an eloquent address. The lot on which the church stands at the corner of Maple and Union Streets cost $500 and was the gift of the acting pastor Rev. James E. Hartley. Rev. Father Hartley expressed the gratitude of the church for the valuable services of the Bishop in supervising the erection of a house of worship in Marion, giving due credit to the trustees, William Corcoran, and James White, and building committee, Peter Corcoran, James Quigley, Cornelius Gensen, and Robert Murphy. Rev. Julius Delbove, the present pastor, conducts services every Sunday attended by 70 families. Thus has Marion won the name of a 'Village of Churches.'
The marked interest in Marion High school is but the continued expression of the people of Marion along educational lines for seventy-five years. In March 27, 1839, an academic school was chartered following a select school in which Morrison Huggins gave instruction in the higher branches. Ornon Archer was the first principal of the old Academy. The building was a stone one afterwards used for a district school, which was replaced by a new school house in the 1890's, that later was purchased for Grange Hall. The 'Old Academy' continued till 1851; July 6, 1855, the mammoth enterprise of founding Marion Collegiate Institute was undertaken, and in the following Oct. a school that stood during all its history for scholarship of the highest order was established in this town.
The school was organized with ninety students in what is now Clarks block, the first principal being I. M. Sawyer. The site chosen for the Institute was on the west side of Main Street, and in the spring of 1856, operations began on the present commodious brick building, three stories high, which eventually was furnished with a well equipped laboratory and library, the funds being raised by subscription. The first board of trustees consisted of fourteen members, of whom Rev. J. W. Osborn, pastor of the Baptist Church, was president; Nelson D. Young, treasurer, and A. H. Dow, secretary. Before the building was completed, funds failed and the work was stopped. Finally by vote of the trustees, the church which would raise $5,000 and complete and fit up the building should have the controlling voice in the board.
The Baptist church complied with the requirements and the new building was first occupied in 1858, with principal C. H. Dann at the head. From the day of its beginning this school has been the pride of Marion.
Marion Collegiate Institute stood for higher education and its graduates have taken honors in the best colleges and may be found in eminent positions, many being college instructors, ministers, lawyers, and doctors, supervisors or art over town schools. Few towns of the size of Marion have sent out into the world as many college graduates. For many years students from other towns and states were enrolled here, helping greatly in supporting the Institute. But subsequently, as high schools were established in surrounding towns, it became difficult to conduct the school on a paying basis. After much deliberation, it was decided to change to Marion High School which was done in Sept. 1904. The last principal of M.C.I. was L. Hosea Clark, through whose influence several students became graduates of Rochester, Cornell and Harvard Universities.
The first principal of Marion High School was W. M. Wilcoxen, who with an increased number of teachers and building equipped with modern improvements, soon convinced the community that the High School would also be a credit to the town. This is proved by the number of our young men and women who are taking or have recently finished a college education. Principal A. H. Bates will open his third year in Sept. as head of the school. It is the aim of the faculty to continue in the high standards of learning and to offer that same character of instruction which has made this community a center of thought and culture.
Among the trustees in its history, who were largely instrumental in maintaining the high standard of M.C.I. were William C. Austin, Dr. Myron H. Adams, Stephen Reeves, Seth B. Dean, Rev. Conway Young, and Horace M. Winslow. The present board of Marion High School includes, Salem W. Sweezey, Rev. D. L. Betten, V. J. Casterton, George Morrison, and Dr. A. R. Halsted.
Marion has furnished six assemblymen; Peter Boyce, Elias Durfee, John A. Lang, Allen S. Russell, Amasa Hall and Jefferson Sherman. Four times has the town been honored in the choice of a sheriff; Thomas M. Clark, Vernon R. Howell, - George M. Sweezey and Orrin H. Sherman - son of Jefferson Sherman. Among all the capable men who have represented the town on the board of supervisors, none has given greater satisfaction to his constituents than Supervisor George S. Reeves, now serving his seventh year in that office. Mr. Reeves was the first supervisor from Marion to be made chairman of the board, an honor accorded him three years.
Marion has had a newspaper for thirty-six years. The Marion Enterprise was founded on Sept. 24, 1880 by Edward Curtis, a native of Madison Co., with his son, Rollo D. Curtis as assistant. Since the death of E. Curtis, R.D. Curtis has been sole editor of the paper, owning the building in which it is published. The paper is the first to be read in every home in the town and has a circulation reaching many parts of the United States. The Enterprise especially prized by former residents of Marion as a weekly visitor from home. The plant conducts a large job printing business. That the Enterprise is a pronounced success is proved by its long existence. In 1881, the first telephone office in town was opened in the Enterprise building, chiefly by the efforts of the company.
Marion has been a no-license town since the recollection of its oldest inhabitants. Many of the modern improvements enjoyed in the town have been added during the last decade. The first passenger train on the Newark and Marion Railroad entered this village on Dec. 14, 1905. Since that date an immense amount of freight has been shipped over the road. This has been due to the great amount of business done annually by the Wayne County Canning Co., the J. B. Malcolm Co. Canning plant and by Snyder and Allerton, produce dealers, and other business concerns in the town.
For many years the firm of J. Heslor & Co. conducted an extensive wholesale business in eggs, which continued after the death of Marion Hesler in 1888 under the direction of Birney Hesler of Worcester, Mass. Since 1911, Marion has been lighted with electricity, its power being largely appropriated in operating machinery in the various plants.
After the big fire on Nov. 15, 1912, which destroyed the Malcolm Plant, the matter of laying out a fire district and establishing a water system in Marion began to be considered. The plan met the approval of tax payers and a contract was made for the construction of Marion waterworks. The system was completed and the fire company organized and equipped in the summer of 1914. The Malcolm plant was rebuilt in time for business in the summer of 1913, continuing till after the death of James B. Malcolm in Jan. 1916.
The J. B. Malcolm Co. plant was established Aug. 1, 1898 by James B. Malcolm and James P. Callou, this firm existing till Aug. 1, 1901, when Myron Cole purchased the interest of J. P. Ballou. Cole retiring in 1904. The business which began in evaporated fruits and produce enlarged rapidly, adding canning facilities on a large scale, under a company with J. B. Malcolm president and manager. In 1905, branch plants were built in Canandaigua and Medina, which have been sold before the big Marion plant was burned in 1912. The plant was rebuilt, the concrete building being erected and business continued till after the death of J. B. Malcolm.
Mr. Malcolm was one of the best known business men in western NYS carrying on an enormous business in this and foreign countries and it was due to the load of responsibility which he had assumed for years that the collapse are. His death followed an illness of six months due to heart trouble and nervous breakdown at the age of fifty-two years. Mr. Malcolm was a public spirited citizen, associated with every enterprise for the improvement of the town.
The immense cold storage plant was built by the Cold Storage Co. in 1913 on land bought of the Wayne Co. Canning Co.
The need for a local bank was long felt by local businessmen who had to make a trip to nearby towns to carry on their financial affairs. In 1914, Roscoe S. Bush, who had originally lived here, returned from Pennsylvania, to look over the community with the intent of starting a bank. He found things favorable and obtained local support thru subscriptions. May 20, 1914 the State Controller sent a telegram permitting the bank to commence business. They started with a capital of $25,000. The first days deposits amounted to $6,000. The first location was on the corner of Main and Buffalo Streets where the fire hall is now. January 15, 1915 the bank moved into its present building which was new. There were 150 safety deposit vaults and in January 1921, a $5,000 burglar proof door was installed. Today it is a member of the New York State Bankers Association, of the American Bankers Association, and Federal Reserve Banking System.
The First National Bank of Marion was officially opened on June 16, 1914 in a temporary home, the Merson building, with Cashier R. S. Bush in charge of the business. Ground was broken for the bank bldg. on Sept. 28, and the last specification was carried out by the contractors on Jan. 23, 1915 and immediate possession was taken. The handsome brick structure is located at Main St. and Maple Ave. The building lot and bank equipment represent an expenditure of eleven thousand dollars.
So great had been the demand for banking facilities in Marion for ten years, that the project of forming such an institution with residents of Marion retaining control of the major portion of all stock issued, commended itself to all business men of the community. The constantly growing wholesale canning industries of Marion and the several large concerns dealing in fruit and farm products profited immediately by the accommodations which the bank affords as previously most of Marion's banking business had been handled in Newark or Rochester.
From the beginning, of its existence, the necessity of such a convenience was proved by the amount of business transacted. The First National Bank of Marion is capitalized at $25,000; surplus $2,000. Fifty stockholders are represented in the corporation. The officers are: C. M. Jagger, President; C. R. Pratt, and B. E. Luce, Vice President; R. S. Bush Cashier.
The Public Library established six years since, is greatly appreciated and well patronized. Miss Love F. Seymour of Rochester has manifested remarkable generosity in her gifts to this town, where she often visited the home of her grandparents, Eli and Margaret Green on the Eddy Ridge during her childhood. Miss Seymour erected the beautiful Soldier's Monument in the Marion Cemetery in honor and memory of her grandparents, which was dedicated July 16, 1904, and on May 30, 1915, The Helen D. Green Memorial Chaple was dedicated. The chapel, built and furnished by Miss Seymour was presented in memory of her aunt Helen D. Green, to Marion Cemetery Association. About one thousand people witnessed the imposing ceremonies on the Sunday afternoon of the dedication. In erecting the Soldier's monument and in building and furnishing the chapel; Miss Seymour was materially aided in executing her plans by Homon S. Potter, her agent in this place.
July 12, 1916, a contract was let to extend to Williamson village, the state road now reaching two miles north of Marion for $35,000.25
The matter of continuing the Newark & Marion railroad to Williamson has been under consideration for some time.
Few places with a population of less than a thousand equal Marion in business activity. The general department store of the firm of Goossen and Steyaart has grown from the small store opened in 1879, on Union Street from which it was removed in 1881, to Main Street. In 1895, James Goossen bought and enlarged the present two story brick building, where his steadily increasing business placed him in affluence.
Peter Steyaart, for years a clerk in the establishment, has been a partner since 1903. The business is extraordinary for a village of this size and with the double store of James Cambier, the needs not supplied may be found by consulting the business directory. The Atlantic Hotel, after running for about a century, ceased to be a profitable investment and was sold recently to Harvey E. Farnsworth, who is conducting a large furniture trade and five and ten cent store at that stand. Among the prosperous propritors of the hotel of former years were Garrett Van Der Veer, Ralph Chapman, and George M. Sweezey. A first class drug store is owned by L. A. Shoales, successor to H. M. Winslow who successfully ran the business for thirty-eight years and retired nine years prior to his death, which occurred April 26, 1915. Two large hardware stores are run by Luce & Pratt and Howell and Lookup respectively.
Cornelius Cattieu conducts a large and attractive meat market with countless other supplies for the table. In addition to a delicatessen store may be found two tailors, two barbers, a dentist, two undertakers, two milliners, and many dressmakers besides liveries and several real estate and insurance agents and two young lawyers.
An extensive business is carried on by the Wayne Co. Canning Co. established in 1893, and increasing every year with C. N. Jagger, Pres. and C. H. Scutt, manager. The benefit to the town from this corporation and also that of the J. B. Malcolm plant in furnishing occupations to men and women for many years. can not be estimated. Other important plants are those of Snyder & Allerton, product dealers; E. Warner & Son, owners of the large cement works and coal business; the Bashford Vinegar Works; A. A. Clark & Son, deals in lumber and coal; Marion Flour Mills, owned by C. K. Seybold and Morrison's Garage. For years C. Roy Curtis has done a very large business in automobiles, and farm machinery as has also M. J. Merson. Recently J.R.. Jagger has undertaken the automobile trade and garage business with success.
The moving picture theatre with W. J. DeRight, proprietor is two nights a week.
Marion's flourishing organizations include: Marion Grange; Marion Masonic Lodge No. 296; The Knights of Maccabees; The Order of Woodmen; The Order of Red Men; Board of Trade; Women's Relief Corps; the W.C.T.U.; the Order of Eastern Star; and Marion Band.
The members of John B. Burrud Post, G.A.R. are rapidly growing less. The Post was named in honor of Capt. John B. Burrud who enlisted from this town in the 160th New York Infantry, returning after the war and living in Marion till his death in 1883.
Of the ninety soldiers who enlisted in the Civil War; from Marion, twenty-three survive, 13 who are non-residents. Of the sixteen who are living in Marion, five are left of the 160 Inf. Washington Hathaway, Henry Ganze, B. T. Curtis, Charles C. Potter, and Jefferson Luce; three of the 9th Heavy Artillery; Charles Van Ostrand, LeRoy Deuel, and Isaac Morrison; John Geer of the 98th Infantry, and Albert B. Short of the 87th. Seven veterans who enlisted from other localities are living in this town.
The post office, under the able management of Post Master Charles M. Hodges, is an important artery in the life of the village and township, two thousand people are promptly and efficiently served by the office force consisting of the post master, Assistant W. H. Curtis and Clerk, R. Stanley Rogers, and three rural carriers, Chester G. Sanford, Frank Van Closter and R. B. Rogers. Over half a million pieces of mail are handled annually and the money order business has amounted to over $40,000 per year. H. M. Winslow was the last of the older post masters to assist occasionally in the office work.
Preceding his death was that of Thomas Geer, who was post master for the longest period of 12 years, and during whose term, rural delivery was established in 1901 and the first office came into the presidential class. Aldin Williams was the first rural carrier appointed and the last to retire from the service. W. H. Curtice was appointed a clerk by W. W. Moon when the latter became post master in 1889. These two and John Richmond of Rochester, are the only former post masters now living. W. H. Curtice held the position of Postmaster from 1910 to 1915.
Dr. Daniel Richards, who faithfully served the town for fifty years, died suddenly on May 21, 1913. The town physicians now are Drs. A. R. Halstead, John Van Doorn, and A. Bessemer. Some of those who practiced here in earlier years were: Drs. Wright, Russell, House, Sayers, and Babcock. No better evidence could be given that Marion is a desirable location for residence, than the fact that many return to pass the evening of life in this attractive village.
NOTE: This history of the village of Marion has been taken from the of August 3, 1916 Lyons Republican. It was written for that paper by Lucy H. Mason.
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