New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-01
THg wADswoRTH PIONEERS.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir, In regard to "A Bit of History" as edito-
RALLY noted IN Christmas issue OF The Tribune
It is OF general knowledge in Western NeW-forK
that Colonel jeremiah Wadsworth and OnVeF
Phelps were acquaintance and officials in the COM
nssary department Of the Connecticut line In the
Revolution Oliver Phelps. man OF noble parts
and of honored memory throughout this section OF
country, was the active and executive member OF
Phelps and Gorham IN obtaining a commission
from the Governor of Massachusetts to legal rights
IN what is known as the Phelps and Gorham pur-
chase Of the Genesee tract, subject to the indian
claims. When on his way TO Kanadesaga'
Geneva" IN May, 17SS, to advance the under
taking by an adjustment Of differences with
the Indians by treaty in this place Oliver
Phelps was in direct communication with Colonel
Wadsworth, indicating the latter's knowledge OF.
and interest IN. the important and historical trans
fer which belief later strengthened by his pur-
chase OF large tract of land, known as the Big
Tree Tract on the Geuesee Flats. In the spring of
1890 Colonel Wadsworth. whose home was in Hart
ford. Conn.,. offered his nephews, James and Will
lam Wadsworth. of Durham, Conn. the sale of
part Of his Big Tree tract Of land upon advan-
tageous terms and an agency that would embrace
the and sale Of his remaining lands. in
sderation that they would erlgrate to the Genesee
country for that purpose.
At this time James Wadsworth. the younger
brother-and direct ancestor Of James s.. James w.
and James w. Wadsworth. jr.. Of succeeding gen
erations-was only twenty-five years of age his
father having died before the had completed
his course in Yale College, In 1857 These enter
prising young men accepted the offer of their
F uncle James coming through to the western will
derness by the water route, by way Of Long Island
Sound the Hudson. Mohawk and Seneca rivers and
Canandaigua outlet, While William journeyed over
land, joining his brother at Canandaiguar where
the latter had awaited him several days and from
which place they proceeded in company TO the Big
Tree tract. encountering many difficulties and dis
couTagements.
Colonel Wadsworth besides being a Connecticut
official also intrusted by the Congress at Phil
adelpia with the duty Of paying and subsIstng the
Church, performed the same service for the French
/ army under ROchambeau. He was later a member
of the 1st. "a and Sd Congresses.
General James WadSWorth, major general in
the Connecticut line of the Revolution and mem
Der OF the Continental Congress, another uncle Of
the CIeneSee pioneers, land presumably the source
from which the Christian baptismal names of
later generations OF the family We're derived" was
also q and counsellor Of his neDhews. He
sound advice as to the importance OF orderly and
regular conduct in a settlement. OF proper
observation of the Sabbath Of justice in their deal
ings, especially with the Indians. his admonitlons
being deeply imbued with religious sentiment.
the matter OF land sales, Colonel Wadsworth
conveyed lands TO settlers IN the Ninth Town.
First Range which is in the old town of Seneca
Of which Geneva was formerly a part-as early as
1893, with James Wadsworth as witness, and the
Through acQuain lance with some Of these early
settlers and their descendants the record and ira
dealings and personal acquaintance with the Wads-
worth pioneers the latter were not only much re-
speced by the settlers but a closer association @"
attachment OF endearment was invariably noted
emanating from 4 belief and realization that they
had been most generously treated III the convey
aning terms and settlements
In view of the fact that Geneva VIII within a
few months make effort suitably to celebrate
her centennial as village and take a general
retrospect Of her earlier experiences these records
appeal more closely 10 en- OBSERVER.
Geneva, n. Y, Dec IS 1905