Town of Genesee Related Articles

The following was researched & submitted by Richard Palmer; Transcribed by Ron Taylor

Original printing, Bolivar Breeze - December 7, 1894

REMINISCENCES OF EARLY DAYS.

Interesting Interview - With "Uncle"
George S. 'Crandall, One of Genesee's
Oldest Citizens.

From the Ceres Mail.

      "Uncle" George S. Crandall, probably the oldest resident in the Town of Genesee, was a pleasant caller at this office, yesterday.
      Despite his 83 years, Mr. Crandall moves nimbly about without the aid of a cane. Mr. Crandall came to Ceres from Cortland county in 1832, and in 1834, bought the farm which has been his home ever since. His "farm" at that time was covered with a dense growth of pine timber, which he "cleared" with the aid of a yoke of oxen. The fine orchard of grafted fruit for which his farm is noted, he set out with his own hands. In those days V. Perry Carter and his father-in-law, John Smith were the only merchants in Ceres. Goods were brought from Buffalo by wagon, a distance of 8o miles, over the roughest roads imaginable.  Railroads and canals were unknown then. At that time Union street in Olean boasted of not more than a dozen buildings and Olean Point had less than 200 population. Portville boasted of but one house, a tavern and store combined, kept by Luman Rice.
      When Mr. Crandall came to Ceres, religious meetings were held in a little slab school house located about where William Harmon's house now stands. This whole section was a wilderness inhabited only by wild animals. Mail was received once a week from Friendship, and John King was postmaster. The office was located in Mr. King's house at the mouth of King's Run. Of the hardships encountered by the early settlers, Mr. Crandall talks most interestingly.
      Mr. Crandall has always been a republican, that is ever since the Whigs changed their name. He cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison and his last one for Gen. Benjamin Harrison. He never cast a vote for but one democratic candidate and he has always regretted it.
      At some future time we hope to be able to print a series of pioneer sketches inspired by our aged and jolly friend.