1783 left it in possession of the victorious colonies. But the indistinctness of the original charts involved Massachusetts and New York in a sharp controversy, each State insisting upon its claim to this part of the western territory. This dispute was submitted for decision to commissioners, appointed by the different States, who met at Hartford, Dec. 16, 1786, and was settled by a compact between the two States, in which New York "ceded, granted, released and confirmed to Massachusetts, all the estate, right, title, and property, (the right of government, sovereignty and jurisdiction excepted,) which the former had to a large territory west of the Military Tract, comprising the whole part of country through which the Genesee runs, from its source to where it flows into Lake Ontario." The amount of land was estimated at about six million acres. By the Legislature of Massachusetts, this district, in 1788, was granted to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham, for the sum of $100,000, and from that time became private property. Phelps and Gorham the same year opened a land office in Canandaigua.

Besides this Massachusetts Reserve, there was the Military Tract. These constituted the two general divisions of Western New York. The Military Tract was reserved by an act of the New York Legislature, Jan. 25, 1782, to be distributed among the officers and soldiers of New York State who served in the Revolution. It was situated directly east of the Massachusetts Reserve, or the Phelps and Gorham Purchase. The western line of the Military Tract was drawn from the mouth of As-so-ro-dus Creek, (or Great Sodus Bay, a contraction of the Indian name,) south, along the western shore of Seneca Lake, and east by a line drawn from the most westerly boundary of Oneida, or Tuscarora County, on the Oneida Lake, through the most westerly inclination of the west bounds of Oneida and Tuscorora territory, south, by a line drawn due east from the southern extremity of Seneca Lake. The tract included 1,680,000 acres, and embraces the present Counties of Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Cortland, the greater part of Tompkins and a small part of Oswego and Wayne.

The earliest white inhabitants were hunters and trappers. The first permanent settlements were made in 1789, at Palmyra, under the auspices of Gen. John Swift, agent of a company of settlers from Connecticut; and at Lyons, under Charles Williamson, agent for the Pulteney Estate. The name of John Swift figures conspicuously in the early settlement of this county, being identified with every effort to advance its political, social and religious interests.* * Mr. Charles Williamson built roads from Palmyra and Lyons to Sodus Point; upon these the early settlers mostly located. He also laid out a city at Sodus Bay, which has not yet been built.

*See Palmyra, for more full account of Swift's career.

From 1790 to '94, colonies came in from Rhode Island, Long Island and Maryland. The latter brought with them several slaves; but it was soon found that slave labor was unprofitable. The settlements did not progress with great rapidity for several years, owing to the diseases which prevailed. The fear of Indian hostilities, and of British invasion during the war of 1812, greatly retarded settlement. On the return of peace, settlers began to arrive in considerable numbers, principally from New England and Eastern New York. The completion of the Erie Canal gave a new impulse to immigration; and in a few years the flourishing villages of Lyons, Clyde, Palmyra and Newark were built up along its course. The N. Y. C. R. R., built through the county in 1852-53, greatly benefited it, and enhanced the value of the lands.

Few now survive of the adult emigrants who, up to the beginning of the present century, pitched their tents in the then howling wilderness of "Ga-nar-gweh," (the aboriginal name of the tract,) now transfomed to the blossoming gardens, the cultivated fields, and the happy "homes" of Wayne County. The reminiscences disclosed in the life of these early settlers are rife with interesting incidents, which have been snatched from the fleeting memories of the past, for the contemplation, perhaps emulation, of present and future generations. Such reviews are designed to quicken our patriotism and piety, and give new strength to the roots which bind us to the soil and the principles of our progenitors. Their works have left an impress upon the annals of time, like footprints on the sandy sea-shore, which bear to us rich lessons of wisdom and instruction. They were actuated by the same motives and passions which influence their descendants; and the same political, social and religious differences were rife then as now. It will perhaps present an interesting contrast of early and latter times, to mention an incident remembered by but few of the present inhabitants of the district where it transpired. Politics ran high about the years 1807-8, under Jefferson's administration, and the "federal" and "democratic" parties became greatly embittered in their divisions. The school was disturbed by these party animosities, even the boys in attendance espousing the quarrel, siding according to parental classification or individual sentiment. The trustee elections, and the teacher appointments, were all influenced by the political divisions, and the "federals" being in the ascendency of numbers, carried the district exclusively for their own side. It was resented by the "democrats," who in consequence procured a severance of the district, and the erection of a "democratic school house," with "democratic teachers." Such an example of partizan spirit by these good fore-fathers, might well admonish their sons to patience and forbearance in the evanescent party strifes annually occurring at the present day.

It was customary for the early settlers to take observations on "Winter Green Hill," of the marks, at different points, of the impressions made by civilized man. Seventy years have now passed away, and could the same men stand on the same eminence, how striking would be the contrast of the surrounding country at the present time to its pristine wildness! The dark and lofty forest has given way to the waving harvest. Where went up the smoke of the wigwam, now rises the elegant mansion. Instead of the howl of the wolf, are now heard the cheerful sounds of a busy and happy community. But what imparts the greatest interest to the recollection of things as they were, is the comparison presented by the canal, the railroad, the telegraph, the churches, the schools, the printing-presses, the edifices of industry and domestic peace, the densely populated streets, (comparatively,) the busy hum of commerce and trade, and the monuments of improvement and civilization generally, which now mark the same locality. Before us are evidences of men and agencies, to whom we may apply the words of inspiration:-"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them." There are some things in the early history of this county, which should be regretted and shunned. Stephen Durfee, (one of the early settlers,) used to say, "the first curse that came among us was whiskey." It was the ruin of many of the early settlers and their sons. "I," said the old veteran, " made the first move in the cause of temperance. In 1811, I raised my house without a drop of intoxicating drink," Afterwards, the "Friends" adopted strict temperance as a part of their discipline. Many a strong man has been cast down by this enemy. It is a painful fact that so noble a patriot as John Swift should be beguiled of his discretion, and fall a prey to the enemy through so insidious a foe. We would indeed go backward with a mantle of charity; but as we look forward we inquire, "Shall the sword devour forever?" My readers, you move over the graves of your fathers. Do you cherish their virtnes? Will you make as good a bequest to posterity as they did? You, like they, are writing history, which others will read. These hills and valleys will remain, with the indelible impress of your works written on their rugged surface. Your posterity will turn, upon their Thanksgiving days, upon your memory; and they will come on pilgrimages to look at the humble stones which mark your last resting place. Shall the review stir the noble sentiment, the high resolve to promote intelligence, extend liberty-to know God-to save the world?

Two of the most notable events that have transpired in the history of this county, from their magnitude and importance, is the rise of Mormonism in Palmyra, and the origin of Spiritualism in Arcadia, for full account of which see respective towns.

During the late four years struggle for the life of the Republic,

Wayne County was fully represented by the many noble sons who fought and bled for their country's sake on Southern soil. It was our intention to have presented a complete statement of the disposition of the troops from this county, but owing to incompleteness of the military records, during the early stages of the war, it was found impracticable, and the census returns are evidently so far short of the truth, in regard to number of enlistments, as well as other details concerning military matters, that it was considered advisable to omit its publication altogether. Suffice it, that every town and every neighborhood, sent forth of their numbers a goodly portion of their fathers, sons or brothers, the bone and sinew of the land—and, after four years of fearful war; after one of the greatest struggles the world ever knew, success crowned both right and might, deciding that " This Union is one and inseparable," and that freedom and universal liberty belong to all who dwell in this great country-where good and bad, the great or poor, and oppressed of every land, find shelter and a home. Peace, smiling peace, returned to bless us, and those who outlived the great fight returned home, their breasts filled with rapture, for it was their day of hope and pride. But ah, how many did not return! Peace did not bring joy to the hearts bowed down with grief for the loved and lost. Theirs was a noble sacrifice, and should ever be remembered as such by a grateful country. O, may the differences now existing between the people of this country be speedily adjusted; and may we all again become a united and happy people; and may each State once more become a "bright particular star" in the coronet of this unequaled nation; and in time of peace or war, in time of truth or prosperity, ever defend

"That banner, with the proud device, EXCELSIOR.”

GAZETTEER OF TOWNS.

ARCADIA was formed from Lyons, Feb. 15, 1825. It lies on the south border of the county, a little west of the center. Its surface is a rolling region, broken by drift ridges. Mud Creek flows east through the town, north of the center, and receives several small streams as tributaries. The soil is a sandy, gravelly loam, mixed with clay on the hills. Gypsum is found in the south-west, and marl in the centre. There are 25 school districts in the town, employing 58 teachers, (15 male, and 43 female,) with an average daily attendance of 647 pupils. The valuation of school property in 1866, was $21.750. The population of the town, taken from the census of 1865, was 5,253; area 30,944 acres.

The

Newark, (p. v,) including Arcadia, (p. v.) in the south part, was incorporated July 21, 1853, as Newark. It is on the Erie Canal and is a station on the direct branch of the N. Y. C. R. R. village is about one mile south of the depot, and is very pleasantly located, the streets being regularly laid out and beautifully shaded by well preserved ornamental trees, The Newark Weekly Courier is published by B. Howe Randolph. The village contains a union school, with nine teachers, and has an average yearly attendance of 300 scholars; 10 churches, viz: 1 Dutch Methodist, 1 Methodist Episcopal, 2 Baptist, 1 Dutch Reformed, 1 Christian, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Roman Catholic, 1 Episcopalian, and 1 Universalist; 2 banks, 2 flouring mills, 2 tanneries, 2 furnaces, and nearly 3,000 inhabitants. A number of years ago, the building of a large collegiate institute was commenced on the summit of the large hill at East Newark, but owing to trouble in collecting subscriptions, the building was discontinued after being raised to the height of two stories. The difficulty since being arranged, the work has recently been recommenced, and with a prospect of early completion. When done, Newark can boast of one of the finest school buildings in the State. The Sodus Point and Southern Railroad, which was to extend from Sodus Bay to Hall's Corners, in Ontario County, was incorporated in April, 1852. The route was surveyed, and in various places, sev