Early in the 19th century, as villages dotted the landscape along the Genesee River and Western New York, churches sprang up, and residents organized according to Protestant doctrinal persuasions—Presbyterian, Baptist, … Continue reading Scales, Shape Notes, and Singing Schools
As history bears out, one of the greatest motives for murder begins with an extra-marital affair. This was the case in the murder of Leman Bradley Withey of Avon, New … Continue reading CRIME ALONG THE GENESEE: THE MURDER OF LEMAN BRADLEY WITHEY
For history researchers, personal letters and diaries can be treasure troves of information, not only about the person you’re researching but also about the time period in which they lived. … Continue reading The Letter Mystery
After the departure of the Johnson family from Hornby Lodge somewhere between 1844 and 1845, the owner, Colonel George Williams, bought out the remaining lease from Elisha Johnson. Williams then … Continue reading Ambition by Design: The Life of Elisha Johnson Part Two
Part One When the Genesee River Valley opened for settlement in the early 1800s, it was driven primarily by the Holland Land Company, a group of Dutch investors and banks. … Continue reading Ambition by Design: The Life of Elisha Johnson
Before Major Van Campen’s discharge from the army, he had one more significant encounter as an American soldier. In late summer of 1783, as he scouted the woodland trails in … Continue reading Moses Van Campen, Part III – Marriage, Family, & Public Service
PART TWO – Moses Van Campen could not finish the final weeks of Sullivan’s Campaign, which ended in October 1779. He was sent home to recover from “camp fever” in … Continue reading VAN CAMPEN FAMILY TRAGEDY AND PRISONER OF WAR
One of the Genesee’s most famous and colorful historical figures was Moses Van Campen of Angelica, New York. His long life was filled with incredible exploits and challenges in his … Continue reading Moses Van Campen: Revolutionary War Hero and Pioneer in the Genesee Country
A boulder on the Houghton University campus (formerly Houghton College) marks the final resting place of one of the Genesee’s legends, Copperhead. His identity was also disputed at one time, … Continue reading Copperhead, The Last Seneca in Caneadea
The Castile Sanitarium, which drove the economy of the Village of Castile for more than 60 years, hosted a long line of remarkable women over its storied history. Besides Frances … Continue reading Letters, Conversation, and Flowers – The Life and Legacy of Frances Bennett Callaway
