Matthias Farnsworth

Matthias married Mary Farr in 1647 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts. Mary (daughter of George Farr and Elizabeth Stowers) died in 1717 in Massachusetts; was buried in Old Burying Ground, Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married James Robertson on 16 Jan 1667. James was born in 1632 in England; died on 5 Dec 1720 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; was buried in Old Burying Ground, Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Matthias married Sarah Nutting in 1681 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Sarah was born on 29 Mar 1663 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died on 11 Mar 1717 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41606250/sarah-stone

Sarah married Simon Stone about 1685 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Simon (son of Simon Stone, Jr. and Mary Whipple) was born on 8 Sep 1656 in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died on 19 Dec 1741 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; was buried in Old Burying Ground, Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married William Lakin on 4 Jan 1685 in Chelmsford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. William (son of Lieutenant William Lakin and Lydia Brown) was born on 6 May 1655 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died on 18 Mar 1735 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Captured in August 1704 by Native Americans, brought in captivity to Sault-au-Recollet, acquired by the Sulpicians at the seminary of St-Sulpice. Matthias was baptized 10 January 1706, in Ville-Marie, under the name of Claude-Mathias Farneth. His godparents were Claude de Ramezay Governor; Elizabeth Souart, wife of Charles Lemoyne, Baron de Longueuil. He was naturalized in May 1710 and settled in a home at Riviere-des-Prairies. He married, on October 2, 1713, Catherine Charpentier, the daughter of his friend Jean Charpentier and Francoise Hunault. Claude-Mathias and Catherine had 12 children. In 1764, Catherine and Claude-Mathias Fanef came to Saint-Antoine, in order to be near several of their children and there ended their days.
Claude-Mathias is known as the ancestor of all Phaneufs in Canada and the U.S. This memorial was placed in this cemetery in October 1999 by a reunion of his descendants.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/113831743/matthias-claude-fanef

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: Abt 1730; Harvard Military Company

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41689122/simon-stone

Simon married Sarah in 1712 in Harvard, Worcester County, Massachusetts. Sarah was born in 1688/1689; died on 30 May 1767 in Harvard, Worcester County, Massachusetts; was buried in Harvard Center Cemetery, Harvard, Worcester County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Mariam Erwin on 29 Jul 1731 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts. Mariam was born in 1710 in Scotland; died about 1793. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married Benjamin Lakin on 23 Sep 1706 in Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Benjamin (son of Sergeant John Lakin and Mary Bacon) was born on 6 Nov 1672 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died on 7 Sep 1753 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Sarah Shattuck. Sarah (daughter of John Shattuck, Jr. and Mary Blood) was born on 5 Oct 1701 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died before 1729 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Lydia Parker on 27 Oct 1729 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Lydia (daughter of Nathaniel Parker and Lydia Nutting) was born on 30 Oct 1711 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died after 1800. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 1725; Lovell’s War April 1725

Isaac married Elizabeth Shattuck on 27 Jan 1726 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Elizabeth (daughter of John Shattuck, Jr. and Mary Blood) was born on 11 Jul 1705; died after 1769 in Pepperell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

As the eldest son of the family he succeeded in 1748 to two-thirds of his father’s lands in Harvard, by paying his brothers and sisters in money for their interests. He continued in Harvard until about 1756, when he disposed of his property there and moved westward about 40 miles to the then recently incorporated town of Greenwich, Massachusetts, and is called 'of Greenwich' on 27 October 1767....On 3 February 1771 he was elected a deacon in the Greenwich Church, being the fifth consecutive Simon Stone to hold this office; on 3 March 1771, he was chosen town treasurer; and he died in Greenwich, 17 April 1785, aged 70 years. [Note: The former town of Greenwich no longer exists; today it is beneath the Quabbin Reservoir, which provides the Boston area's water supply. --MS]

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/132116341/simon-stone

Family/Spouse: Eunice. Eunice was born in 1714/1715; died on 12 Jul 1791 in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts; was buried in Quabbin Park Cemetery, Ware, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married Phineas Fairbanks in 1740. Phineas (son of Joseph Fairbank and Mary Brown) was born on 8 Apr 1719 in Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts; died on 22 Aug 1800 in Harvard, Worcester County, Massachusetts; was buried in Harvard Center Cemetery, Harvard, Worcester County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hannah married John Pierce on 10 Mar 1747 in Harvard, Worcester County, Massachusetts. John was born on 23 May 1716 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died before 1789. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Sarah Sawyer. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 1754; French and Indian War Killed in Action during the Crown Point Expedition

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 17 Dec 1777, Amherst, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire; American Revolution (US)

William married Presilla Ames on 27 Feb 1756 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Presilla was born on 24 Apr 1739 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died in May 1756. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Anna Gragg on 2 Feb 1758 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Anna (daughter of Hugh Gragg and Jean) was born in 1741 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died on 17 Sep 1798 in Hancock, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Gabriel married Phebe Lakin on 13 Apr 1758 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Phebe (daughter of Ebenezer Lakin and Lydia Lakin) was born on 12 Sep 1738 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jonathan married Jemima Williams on 1 Aug 1763 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Jemima was born on 10 Oct 1749 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married Ezra Farnsworth on 26 Apr 1726 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Ezra was born on 17 Jan 1704 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died on 17 Jun 1788 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rachael married David Nutting on 1 Sep 1747 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. David was born on 8 May 1717 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died before 1760. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rachael married Jonathan Pratt on 24 Apr 1760 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Jonathan was born about 1715. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Named in her father's probate records 18Mar1774 as Sarah Bennett, deceased.

Sarah married Benjamin Bennett, Jr. on 8 Jan 1747 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Benjamin (son of Benjamin Bennett and Mary Lakin) was born on 29 Jan 1724 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died est 1790. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hannah married Levi Lakin on 7 Jan 1773 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Levi (son of Isaac Lakin and Elizabeth Shattuck) was born on 7 Jan 1747 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Simeon married Mary Lovejoy about 1751. Mary was born in 1731 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died in 1786. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Levi married Hannah Lakin on 7 Jan 1773 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Hannah (daughter of John Lakin and Lydia Parker) was born on 24 Aug 1743 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Simon married in 1768. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Simon married Dorothy Harwood on 2 Jun 1773 in Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts. Dorothy was born on 13 Feb 1744 in Rutland, Worcester County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/301660806/lydia-cleland

Lydia married Sergeant Thomas Cleland on 10 Jul 1779 in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. Thomas (son of James Cleland and Thankful Wilder) was born on 11 Nov 1741 in New London, New London County, Connecticut; died about 1817 in Pittsford, Monroe County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Aaron married Elizabeth Rae on 16 Dec 1773 in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. Elizabeth was born on 15 Aug 1755 in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 19 Apr 1775, Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts; American Revolution (US) Lexington Alarm Battle of Bunker Hill

Moses married Mary Alden on 4 Mar 1772 in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. Mary was born about 1750. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Tabitha married Isaac Rae on 14 Jul 1772 in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 27 Nov 1776, Dorchester, Suffolk County, Massachusetts; American Revolution (US)
• Military Service: 1789, Washington County, New York; NY Militia Ensign 1789, Lt 1790, Capt 1795, Major 1803.

Notes:

Salem NY Supervisor 1805; Sheriff of Washington Co.,NY Feb1798 to Feb 1802. Justice of Peace 1814.

Abner married Susanna Blackmore on 20 Jul 1779 in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Abner married Anna Powers on 22 Nov 1812. Anna was born on 26 Jul 1776 in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Thankful married Captain Isaac Powers on 31 Oct 1784 in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. Isaac was born on 2 1feb 1736; died on 27 Sep 1811; was buried in Quabbin Park Cemetery, Ware, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 22 Jun 1778, Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts; American Revolution (US) Alarm at Rhode Island Camp Totoway,NY 1780
• Military Service: 1793, Ontario County, New York; NY Militia Ontario County Regt Commissioned Lieutenant 1793 Under Lt Co. Othniel Taylor

Notes:

1789 removed to Pittsford, Monroe Co., NY township with his cousin Simon Stone. Here they purchased over 6,000 acres, or half the township, from Phelps and Gorham. Israel established his homestead beside the spring near the old canal in the village. They soon sold portions of their track to various new settlers; and many years after the death of Israel his widow brought suits against several of these grantees to recover value of her dower which she had not released at the time of the sales. The Israel Stone in 1790 three away from Thomas Cleland in Genesee District, Ontario Co.,NY.

Israel married in 1787. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Monroe County Clerk

Amos married Eunice Stone in 1798 in Pittsford, Monroe County, New York. Eunice (daughter of Aaron Stone and Elizabeth Rae) was christened on 24 Jan 1779 in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jonathan married Asenath Parks in 1802. Asenath was born on 1 Jul 1786 in Hancock, Delaware County, New York; died after 1855 in Hancock, Delaware County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He came from Salem, MA in 1781 and located at the southwesterly extremity of Linekin Neck, building his house nearly opposite Negro Island. He lived there until his decease. No publishment is found and it is thought he was married when he came to Boothbay. His wife's name is unknown and the exact birth of his children apparently unobtainable. He followed fishing and farming. It is thought that there were some children who failed to live to maturity between John and Benjamin.

Benjamin married Sarah Lakin in 1778 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Sarah (daughter of Simeon Lakin and Mary Lovejoy) was born on 16 Nov 1756 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49982181/mary-gregg

Mary married John Gregg, Jr. on 26 Sep 1779 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. John (son of John Gragg and Jennet Wilson) was born in 1755 in Peterborough, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire; died on 28 Nov 1812 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

May be the Daniel Bennett died 1840 Hillsboro, NH

May be the Daniel Bennett died 1840 Hillsboro, NH

Mary married John Phelps on 24 Dec 1772 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. John (son of John Phelps, Jr. and Deborah Lovejoy) was born on 20 Apr 1744 in Andover, Essex County, Massachusetts; died in 1838. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married Benjamin Bennett in 1778 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Benjamin (son of Benjamin Bennett, Jr. and Sarah Lakin) was born on 25 Oct 1753 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; died on 11 Feb 1804 in Boothbay, Lincoln County, Maine. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1850, Lucinda was living in Victor,NY with her son Samuel.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/113649766/lucinda-fisher

Lucinda married Captain Robert Fisher on 25 Jan 1797 in Palmer, Hampden County, Massachusetts. Robert (son of Captain John Fisher and Bethiah Scollay) was christened on 24 Feb 1771 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts; died in 1816 in Victor, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Fishers Cemetery, Victor, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James married Elsie Herd about 1805. Elsie (daughter of Philo Herd) was born on 6 Sep 1781 in Albany County, New York; died on 21 Jul 1849. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Thomas Cleland Jr. was born in 1784 in Greenwich, Massachusetts, a son of Thomas Cleland and Lydia Stone. His story follows a westward path through New York into Pennsylvania, traced in deeds, census records, and an unusually candid family letter.

Thomas’s early New York years were spent in Victor, where his parents were early settlers, as were his sister Lucinda and her husband Robert Fisher. Their daughter Lucinda Fisher later married Thomas McMichael, whose letter preserves a memorable glimpse of Thomas’s affairs.

By August 22, 1816, Thomas was living in Pittsford, then part of Ontario County. A deed naming “Thomas Clealand Junior” records his purchase of fifty acres from Joseph Blake of Billerica, Massachusetts, for $400. On December 22, 1820, he sold seventy acres to Warren Davis of Perinton for $700. That property reached the Victor and Perinton town lines and carried a mortgage Davis agreed in part to pay. The differing acreages leave open whether these transactions involved the same land but appear to be possibly inherited acreage added on.

By 1825, Thomas had a working farm in Chautauqua Township. The state census transcription lists two males and two females, sixteen improved acres, four cattle, two horses, twenty sheep, and two hogs. Both women were recorded as unmarried and between sixteen and forty-five. His sister, Anna, then forty-four, could have been one of them, but neither is named. The household leaves Thomas’s marriage date uncertain.

On August 2, 1829, Thomas McMichael wrote from Chautauqua to his brother-in-law Charles Fisher in Victor, urgently seeking money. He wanted Charles to collect outstanding notes and sell the horse, cow, and wagon he had left behind. His explanation was blunt: “I have got to pay T.Cleland $150.00 dollars by the first day of January for he swears by God he will close the mortgage if not paid by that day.”

McMichael had never been so disappointed in a man, he wrote, and had not received a dollar in money since leaving Victor. His potatoes, buckwheat, flax, hay, and a sow with five young pigs lifted his spirits, but could not supply the cash he needed. The letter brings the family’s financial pressures vividly to life. It also preserves only the debtor’s side of the disagreement. Family and geographical connections strongly suggest that “T. Cleland” was his wife’s uncle Thomas, although the letter does not explicitly identify the relationship.

By April 1, 1830, Thomas and his wife were living in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. A deed describes them as residents there while selling approximately fifty acres in Chautauqua for $500. It names his wife as Jane Mariah and records her name at its conclusion as Jane Cleland. This fuller name helps connect Jane in the deed with Maria and Myra in later family records.

The 1830 North East census lists Thomas in a five-person household. A man aged forty to forty-nine fits his 1784 birth; the woman was twenty to twenty-nine. James King appears immediately after Thomas—a promising possible connection to Jane Mariah’s family, though proximity alone does not establish kinship.

By 1840, Thomas was in Tionesta, Venango County, Pennsylvania, with a household of nine. The oldest man and woman had each advanced into the expected age group. The next census household belonged to Oliver Cleland, Thomas’s first cousin. Born October 25, 1793, in Plainfield, Massachusetts, Oliver was the son of John and Thankful Cleland; John was Thomas Sr.’s younger brother. Oliver’s age also fits his census entry. The cousins’ consecutive listings strengthen the connection between the Pennsylvania household and the Massachusetts family, suggesting that Thomas moved within a wider network of relatives.

A marker in Fagundas Cemetery records that Thomas Cleland died on July 20, 1850, aged sixty-seven. This appears to mark the end of his westward journey, although the stated age implies a birth about 1783, slightly earlier than the family’s 1784 date. In the 1850 Tionesta census identified in the family research, Maria appears with Bainbridge, Colby, Calvin, and Wayne.

The sons maintained connections on both sides of the state line. In 1865, Bainbridge and Colby were farmers in consecutive Busti households. Bainbridge’s name also appears in land descriptions along Preacher Road in Pennsylvania, where Calvin acquired property in 1871. A Fagundus newspaper column in February 1886 reported, “Colby Cleland is visiting his brother.” Though the brother was unnamed, the notice offers a small glimpse of the family ties that continued after Thomas’s death.

From Greenwich and Victor to Pittsford, Chautauqua, North East, and Tionesta, Thomas’s life was shaped by land, family, and the demands of making a living. His deeds record the business of settlement; McMichael’s letter reveals its human strains. Jane Mariah and their sons carried that family story forward across the New York–Pennsylvania border.



Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/192932335/thomas-cleland

Thomas married Jane Mariah King about 1828. Jane was born on 12 Feb 1806 in New York; died on 17 Oct 1854 in Tionesta, Forest County, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Eunice married Amos Stone in 1798 in Pittsford, Monroe County, New York. Amos (son of Elias Stone and Sarah Sawyer) was born on 25 Jul 1773 in Deerfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts; died in 1813 in Pittsford, Monroe County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Phebe married Doctor James Stone in 1811. James was born on 7 Sep 1783; died on 18 Dec 1857 in Phillipston, Worcester County, Massachusetts; was buried in Upper Cemetery, Phillipston, Worcester County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Deborah Marie Early. Deborah was born on 6 Jan 1822 in Delaware County, New York; died on 18 May 1881 in Plainfield, Waushara County, Wisconsin; was buried in Oasis Cemetery, Oasis, Waushara County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Polly married Zephaniah Walker Gooding on 27 Mar 1800. Zephaniah (son of William Gooding and Bathsheba Walker) was born on 25 Sep 1777 in Dighton, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 19 Jun 1856 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John D. Trafton. John (son of Benjamin Trafton and Eunice Fisher) was born on 26 Dec 1782 in Dighton, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 10 Nov 1848 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Bristol Center Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

War of 1812

George married Elizabeth Gooding about 1810. Elizabeth (daughter of Job Gooding and Mary Claggett) was born on 8 May 1784 in Dighton, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 21 Jan 1859 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50334675/fanny-briggs

Fanny married Artemas Briggs on 17 Nov 1809 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Artemas (son of Captain Jedediah Briggs and Bathsheba Paull) was born on 29 Aug 1786 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 4 Jul 1870 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Luther and Betsey raised sons on east end of Lot # 33, across from the
Burning Springs. There is a 1/2 acre burial plot close by.
Artemus Briggs was appointed Guardian of Luther's four minor sons on
August 27, 1850. Luther's youngest sons, per 1850 Census and court
records, lived with thier mothers twin sister Fanny Briggs. In 1850,
she was age 50 and husband Artemus age 74 both from Mass.

Elizabeth married Luther Bartlett on 3 Oct 1815 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Luther was born about 1793. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Benjamin married Fanny Pratt on 8 Mar 1814 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Fanny was born on 5 Dec 1793 in Dighton, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 17 Jun 1866 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Thomas Briggs. Thomas (son of Abiel Briggs and Dyer Paull) was born on 27 Jan 1790 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 02 Aug 1863 in Sharon Twp, Medina County, Ohio; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Charles Fisher, was born in Stockbridge, Mass., November 30, 1796, and came with his parents to Woodstock, Madison county, when he was two months old, and afterwards, in the year 1811, to Henrietta, Monroe county. In the year of 1814 he located permanently at Fisher's, in the town of Victor. He was among the earliest settlers here, and the place was named after him. He was justice of the peace for a term of years, postmaster, and entertained travelers until there was a hotel started in the place. He married twice, first July 29, 1821, Rebeckah Gaskell, of Victor. They had two sons and three daughters: Harriet; Charles, now of Newton, Kansas; Almira; Robert, an attorney of Victor village; and Mary R. Mrs. Fisher died September 7, 1848, and he married second Helen J. Pardee, on October 21, 1850. They had two sons, Henry P., born December 27, 1851, died June 25, 1893, who married Lucy E. Bushman, November 9, 1875, and had two children: Clara and Charles. William F. was born March 9, 1854; September 6, 1882, he married Addie C., daughter of Almon and Emily Preston, of Battle Creek, Mich. They have two sons, Almon P. and Henry S. Mr. Fisher was a produce dealer with his brother for some time, but is now farming on the old homestead. He is a member of Milner Lodge, No. 139, F. & A. M., Victor, and Excelsior Chapter, No. 164, R. A. M., Canandaigua.

Charles married Rebeckah Gaskell on 29 Jul 1821 in Ontario County, New York. Rebeckah was born on 19 Aug 1797; died on 7 Sep 1849 in Victor, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Boughton Hill Cemetery, Victor, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Charles married Helen Jane Pardee on 25 Oct 1850 in Mendon, Monroe County, New York. Helen was born in 1820 in Victor, Ontario County, New York; died in 1893 in Fishers, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Boughton Hill Cemetery, Victor, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Samuel Curtis. Samuel was born in 1807 in Oneida County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1850 living in East Bloomfield.
1860 living in Tekonsha,Calhoun Co.,MI

Died:
Consumption

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/74536406/lorinda-strong

Lorinda married Charles Strong on 1 May 1823. Charles (son of Daniel Strong and Hannah Richmond) was born on 30 Jun 1801 in Durham, Middlesex County, Connecticut; died in 1877 in Tekonsha, Calhoun County, Michigan; was buried in Windfall Cemetery, Tekonsha, Calhoun County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Living in Napoleon,Jackson Co.,MI in 1850 and in Jackson,Jackso Co.,MI 1st Ward in 1860

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/16685904/john-robert-fisher

Family/Spouse: Mary Richmond Lyon. Mary was born on 18 May 1813 in New York; died on 9 Oct 1863 in Jackson, Jackson County, Michigan; was buried in Mount Evergreen Cemetery, Jackson, Jackson County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18083078/samantha-rose

Samantha married Thomas Rose about 1855. Thomas (son of Rev. John Rose and Jennett Patterson) was born in ca 1805 in New Jersey; died after 1885 in Iowa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/58597280/lucinda-mcmichael

Lucinda married Thomas McMichael about 1828 in Ontario County, New York. Thomas (son of Charles McMichael and Sophia Haines) was born on 24 Sep 1807 in Ontario County, New York; died on 24 Feb 1864 in Naples, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Samuel was living in North Bristol in Ontario County when he died in
March 1853 after a short illness. His children were cared for by the
Wheeler family in Bloomfield.

Samuel married Anna L. White about 1846 in Ontario County, New York. Anna (daughter of Joseph White and Alice Abell) was born in 1817 in Cayuga County, New York; died on 15 Aug 1888 in Horton, Jackson County, Michigan; was buried in Horton Cemetery, Horton, Jackson County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

later moved to Burligton,Cahoun Co.,MI about 1844.

Caroline married Nelson Strong in 1831 in Ontario County, New York. Nelson (son of Daniel Strong and Hannah Richmond) was born on 8 Feb 1815 in New York; died on 7 Sep 1862 in Calhoun County, Michigan; was buried in Burlington Township Cemetery, Burlington, Calhoun County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8680548/alvin-cleland

Family/Spouse: Harriett E. Wales. Harriett was born in 1810 in Vermont; died on 6 Nov 1892 in Kansas; was buried in Hoyt Cemetery, Hoyt, Jackson County, Kansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Mary Ann Onstott. Mary was born on 10 Mar 1822; died on 28 Dec 1899; was buried in Gilead Cemetery, Gilead, Miami County, Indiana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/101357192/bainbridge-cleland

Family/Spouse: William Wells Holliday. William was born in 1842 in New York; died in 1916; was buried in Cuba Cemetery, Cuba, Allegany County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Alfred K. Badger. Alfred was born in 1836 in Pennsylvania; died on 30 Nov 1901 in Denver, Denver County, Colorado; was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Denver, Denver County, Colorado. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

MANDSRVILLE CLELAND
Manderville Cleland died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Perry Sweet, 32 West James street, afternoon. Mrs. Sweet his only daughter, a brother Calvin Cleiand of West Hickory, Pa., a sister, Mrs. Ann Badger of Lindsay, Cal., one grandson, Vincent Sweet and a granddaughter June Sweet, both of Falconer, are left to mourn his loss. The funeral will be held from the home of his daughter, Mrs. Perry Sweet, Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Flowers are gratefully declined.
(Jamestown Evening Journal, Thursday, August 8, 1918)

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/107161661/manderville-cleland

Sarah married Ivory C. Berry on 30 Jan 1873. Ivory (son of Isaiah Berry and Sapphira Ely) was born on 8 Jan 1850 in Granger, Allegany County, New York; died on 3 Jul 1922 in Plainfield, Waushara County, Wisconsin; was buried in Ray Cemetery, Plainfield, Waushara County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

On April 15 1850, he and five others including his son Horace took an ox team by the "Overland Route" to California. They arrived September 19, 1850. The party separated but he and Horace stayed together. He soon became sick from the journey and died. ("An Excellent Citizen Gone")

Hiram married Eunice Cory on 01 Feb 1826. Eunice was born on 03 Mar 1808 in Jefferson County, New York; died on 5 Feb 1901 in Sennett, Cayuga County, New York; was buried in Pine Hill Cemetery, Troop, Cayuga County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Richard Bailey. Richard was born on 4 Mar 1793; died on 19 Apr 1844; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Ezekiel Cudworth. Ezekiel was born in 1806 in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 18 May 1878 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Laura married Phineas Kent in 1826. Phineas was born on 4 Oct 1804; died on 2 Jan 1891; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sally married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Richard Gardner. Richard was born in 1806 in Connecticut; died on 20 Nov 1857 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Sarah. Sarah was born in 1818 in New York; died on 4 Nov 1851 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Bristol Center Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Benjamin married Nancy about 1852. Nancy was born in ca 1827 in Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Eliza A. Totman. Eliza (daughter of Calvin Record Totman and Charlotte Washburn) was born on 9 Apr 1820 in Adams, Jefferson County, New York; died on 27 Dec 1916 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

four sons and three daugters

Elizabeth married Isaiah Stephen Cornell on 22 Nov 1827 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Isaiah (son of Stephen Cornell and Hannah Simmons) was born on 7 May 1802 in Dighton, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 18 Aug 1853 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Abbey married Othniel Gooding in 1834. Othniel (son of Elnathan Gooding and Esther Simmons) was born on 30 Nov 1811 in Ontario County, New York; died on 5 Nov 1900 in Washtenaw County, Michigan; was buried in York Cemetery, York Twp, Washtenaw County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Apparently raised by her Aunt and Uncle, Polly and Zephaniah Gooding - in 1855 census Zeph is referred to has her father.

Family/Spouse: Seymour W. Case. Seymour (son of Jonathan Joy Case and Lucy Simmons) was born in 1812 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died on 20 Jan 1874 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Lucy Lucinda Case. Lucy (daughter of Isaiah Case and Rachel Reed) was born on 6 Jul 1822 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died on 31 May 1912 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Nancy Pennell on 30 Jun 1833. Nancy (daughter of John Pennell and Martha Tenney) was born in ca 1812; died on 31 Dec 1851 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Eveline M. Wells about 1852. Eveline (daughter of Pascal Paoli Wells and Anna Munson) was born on 6 Jul 1820 in Manchester, Bennington County, Vermont; died on 20 Dec 1894 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jedediah married Elizabeth S. Brown about 1845. Elizabeth (daughter of Warren Brown and Elizabeth Allen) was born on 15 Aug 1822 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died on 15 Jan 1892 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Fanny married John Frederick Thayer on 4 Dec 1837 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. John was born on 23 Jan 1812 in New York; died on 2 Mar 1840 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cyrus, was born in 1820 in the house now occupied by his son, which was built by the father of Cyrus, Artemas, in 1817. The latter was born in 1786 in Dighton, Mass., and came on foot to Bristol, Ontario county, in 1806. In 1809 he married in Bristol, Fanny Gregg, born in 1789. His father, Jedediah, was born in 1738. He had thirteen children, several of whom came to this county. Artemas traded his farm in Bristol for one here, whither he removed in 1814. He served in the War of 1812, and fought in several of the battles on the Niagara frontier. He settled on the west side of Honeoye Lake, and owned land south of Main street in Honeoye. He and his son, Jedediah, each gave half the land for the original cemetery and he gave the land for the First Methodist church. He was one of the founders of the church here. The edifice stood on the site of Mrs. Phillips's house on Lake street. His children were: John G., born in 1811; Jedediah, born in 1815; Fanny, born in 1818; Cyrus, born in 1820, and Mary, born in 1823. Cyrus was educated at East Bloomfield Academy, and was a farmer. He married first Emeline McMichael, daughter of Thomas McMichael, a tanner here, and they had two sons: Zachary J., born in 1849, and John C. He married second Cynthia E. Hadley, by whom he had no children. He died in 1888. John C. married in 1878 Minnie A., daughter of John Van Buren. She was born November 8, 1857. They have had two children; Fred J., born in 1885, died in 1889, and Hattie F., born May 26 1889. Mr. Briggs farms the old original homestead first taken up by Abel Short and later owned by Artemas Briggs. Jedediah, brother of Artemas Briggs, was born in 1779 and was a sea captain. During the War of 1812 he was captured by the English and taken to England, returning after the war. Enoch, the oldest brother, born in 1770, came after Artemas, and settled in Bristol, where his descendants may be found at the present time. The ancestry of the family dates back to Sir Robert Briggs of England, who lived about thirteen generations back.
(History of Ontario County; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893)




Cyrus Briggs, one of the old residents of Honeoye, died at Rochester last Saturday night, aged 68. Mr. Briggs had been in poor health for about a year, and went to the house of his brother-in-law, Mr. McCrossen, of Rochester, the 6tb of last December, in the hope that a change would benefit him, Mr. Briggs was born at Honeoye, and always made that place his home. He leaves two sons Zachary and John both of whom live at Honeoye. Also, one brother and one sister—Mrs. Henry Huff of Jonesville, Mich. The funeral was held Wednesday. The appreciative obituary notice will be found in another column.

THE LATE CYRUS BRIGGS.
Cyrus Briggs of Honeoye died at the residence of his brother-in-law, R. D. McCrossen, of Rochester, on Saturday evening, Dec 29th. Though all feared there was no hope of recovery, when the news of his death reached his native place it came with a shock that was almost startling. Cyrus Briggs was a man loved by his friends and respected by all. Born at the old homestead Nov. 18th, 1890, sixty-eight years later he was carried and placed by loving hands in the very room that saw his birth. He was the youngest son of the late Artemus Briggs, who removed from Bristol to Richmond in 1814. Of his immediate relatives, a brother, Jedediah, of this place, and a sister, Mrs, Mary B. Huff, of Jonesville, Mich., survive him. His sons, Zachary and John, are residents of Honeoye, the latter occupying the old home on the farm that has been in possession of the Briggs family for seventy-four years. Mr. Briggs was twice married. His first wife, Miss Emeline McMichael of Naples, died in '66, and he married Miss M. E. Hadley of Brooklyn in '67. He leaves a successful competence gained by honesty, industry and strict attention to his own affairs. The funeral services, conducted by Rev. S. M. Day, were held from the Congregational church on Wednesday, the 2d, at 11 o'clock, the burial taking place while en route to the church, in Lake View cemetery, and which was once included in the original deed to the old farm.
(Livonia Gazette, January 4, 1889)

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64555425/cyrus-briggs

Cyrus married Emeline A. McMichael about 1848 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. Emeline (daughter of Thomas McMichael and Lucinda Fisher) was born on 28 Sep 1828 in Bushnells Basin, Monroe County, New York; died on 28 Apr 1866 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Cyrus married Minnie E. Hadley in 1868 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. Minnie (daughter of Doctor William Warriner Hadley and Caroline Roberts) was born in Oct 1843 in Akron, Summit County, Ohio; died on 4 Dec 1925 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41893523/mary-huff

Mary married Henry Huff in 1851. Henry (son of John Huff and Rachel Allen) was born on 29 Jul 1817 in New Jersey; died on 26 Nov 1877 in Fayette Twp, Hillsdale County, Michigan; was buried in Somerset View Cemetery, Jonesville, Hillsdale County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Brooks Cementary Stones: Small Country cementary for southwest of
Chicago.
Mary Bartlet (1850 -1851)
August Valentine (1847-April 18, 1929)
Othello Bartlett (1855-1892) Milton & Rhonda's daughter
Ernest Roy Bartlett (1873-1876) son of Milton Parish & Mary Elizabeth

Family/Spouse: Harvey Beach. Harvey was born in 1810; died on 18 Dec 1882; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Nancy married Ira Totman in 1834. Ira (son of Samuel Totman and Naomi McCartney) was born on 7 Nov 1810 in Warren County, New York; died on 3 Mar 1900 in West Bloomfield, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Fannie married Thomas Morton Hunn in 1848. Thomas (son of James Gideon Hunn and Elizabeth Gillette) was born on 28 Aug 1822 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York; died on 1 Apr 1902 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Bristol Center Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married Hiram Peter Abbey on 12 Dec 1850 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Hiram (son of John Abbey and Elizabeth Baker) was born on 22 Jan 1822 in Allen's Hill, Ontario County, New York; died on 5 Apr 1895 in Allen's Hill, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Baker Cemetery, Richmond, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married William Henry Allen in 1855. William (son of Hoel Allen and Sophia Lewis) was born on 7 Mar 1825 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died on 9 Nov 1897 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: George Washington Crane. George (son of Barnabas Crane and Hannah Crane) was born on 13 Mar 1809 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 20 Jan 1884 in Sharon Twp, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Alinda Briggs was born on November 12, 1816, in Bristol, New York. She and her older sister Louisa were both married on June 29, 1834, in a double ceremony in East Bloomfield, Ontario, New York. Alinda married Barnabas Crane, and Louisa married Barnabas' brother, George Washington Crane.

Within months, the newlyweds and the rest of Alinda's family including her parents Thomas and Abigail Briggs moved to Sharon, Ohio. Alinda and Barnabas had four children on their 192-acre farm in Sharon. The youngest child was only three when Barnabas died on November 11, 1856. Two years later, on July 13, 1858, D.G. Briggs officiated at the marriage of
Alinda and the widower Ira Totman of Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Ira's son Seneca "Nick" Samuel Totman was about 13 at the time of their marriage. Alinda and Ira had a child together, Irene Imogene Totman, in 1860. In 1867, Alinda's daughter Lucy Clara Crane married her stepbrother
Seneca Totman.

Alinda's children were all still living in Sharon when she died of breast cancer on July 30, 1880. She and Barnabas Crane share a monument in the Sharon Center Cemetery.

Alinda married Barnabas Crane, Jr. in 1834. Barnabas (son of Barnabas Crane and Hannah Crane) was born on 14 Jul 1806 in Massachusetts; died on 11 Nov 1856 in Ohio; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Alinda married Ira Totman on 13 Jul 1858 in Medina County, Ohio. Ira (son of Samuel Totman and Naomi McCartney) was born on 7 Nov 1810 in Warren County, New York; died on 3 Mar 1900 in West Bloomfield, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Rhoda Ann Pratt. Rhoda was born on 27 Jun 1817; died on 25 Jan 1898; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Harriet C. Dinsmore. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Angeline Lake. Angeline was born on 10 Jan 1826; died on 13 Nov 1907 in Medina County, Ohio; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

George G. Briggs, the pioneer fruit man of California, in 1861 became the owner of the Rancho Santa Paula y Saticoy, in Ventura County, and said rancho was subdivided and thrown open for settlement by him.

Notes:

There are three men most responsible for the development of the Crescenta-Canada Valley: Dr. Jacob Lanterman, Dr. Benjamin Briggs, and Senator Frank P. Flint.

DR. BENJAMIN BRIGGS

Benjamin Bennett Briggs was in terrible shape when he arrived here in 1881. Years earlier he?d been shot through the lung -- the bullet still lodged in his chest, leaving him in constant pain. He was among the very first to head west for the Gold Rush, leaving the East Coast in March of 1849.

Near Salt Lake City, he and his brothers befriended some local Indians. While showing off their marksmanship, the 22-year-old accidentally stepped in front of his brother?s target.

The bullet ripped through his right lung and imbedded in his spine, the tip just visible under the skin. His journal entry for the day reveals a stoic personality. After describing the terrain and location he merely adds, ?Got accidentally wounded.?

In keeping with the medical practice of the time, he was bled. This complicated his condition, producing terrible sweats, fevers and chills. After a eight days the caravan moved on, leaving his brothers to tend to him.

Fearing they wouldn?t make the Sierras by winter, the Briggs brothers had no choice but to continue west and if need be bury him along the way. When they arrived in California, to their utter amazement, young Benjamin stood up.

His brothers worked the gold mines while he recuperated. With little to do but stare at the ground -- he became convinced that California?s soil would be perfect for growing citrus.

After some serious cajoling, he persuaded his brothers to collect the proper cuttings. This required not only the arduous journey back to the east coast -- but ocean voyages to South America and Spain, the latter in which to learn the raisin business.

Through painful trial and error -- and years of perseverance -- the Briggs brothers pioneered California?s fruit industry -- the first to plant citrus in the Sacramento Valley. George Briggs became one of the state?s first millionaires.

The Mission Padres had experimented with fruit growing before, but never on a large scale. The Briggs ranch in Santa Paula was so vast that visitors were cautioned to carry guns as flares since many a worker got lost overnight in the endless maze of fruit trees.

But a cloud followed young Benjamin. His wife Abby died of tuberculosis. Heart-broken and still suffering from his own lung injury, he abandoned the fruit industry for medicine.

He became obsessed with finding a cure for tuberculosis and other lung diseases. Over the years he earned seven medical degrees including one from the Heidelberg Academy in Germany which at the time led the world in tuberculosis research.

Despite a successful medical practice in Indiana, Brigg?s longed for a healthier climate. With his new bride (his wife?s sister) and his daughter Irene, he traveled extensively throughout Europe and America in search of the perfect climate. He found it in Rancho La Canada.

Tall, angular and bearded, Briggs reminded locals of the late President Lincoln and they took to calling him Old Abe. After moving here, Brigg?s health immediately improved.

Brigg?s purchased the entire western half of Rancho La Canada from Lanterman and Williams. He had the land surveyed and divided into ten-acre lots for sale as ranches. This included the future site of Montrose.

From his perch atop Pickens canyon, the mountains made crescent shapes -- so he named the area La Crescenta. Before that it had been called simply ?The Big Rocks?.

Brigg?s started the first school in the valley, the first town center, the first church, the first public park, and the first full-time medical practice. He also planted thousands and thousands of trees.

Briggs? daughter Irene had married the Reverend Lawrence Ward. For over 20 years, they were missionaries in the Islamic country of Persia, part of modern-day Iran. While on furlough, Briggs asked them start the first church in the valley. They formed the First Presbyterian church in Dr. Brigg?s home.

The church would later move to this cement structure on Foothill. A rare commodity in those days, Brigg?s bought the cement after it had been used as ballast on a ship from Germany. It was said to be the first cement structure in all of Southern California. The church would eventually move to its present location on Montrose Avenue.

Briggs accomplished all this in less than 12 years. When he was 66 he decided to have the bullet removed from his chest. It had been lodged against his spine for 44 years. Shortly after doctors extracted the lead ball, Benjamin Briggs died.

Col. Pickens and Dr. Briggs lived on the same piece of land for roughly the same amount of time -- during which the former chopped down an entire forest, damned up the canyon and forced others to pay him for the water -- while the latter planted thousands of trees, established a new town, and paved the way for future generations to move here.

All that honors the memory of this extraordinary man is the name of the street which once led up to his home.



Buried:
Although Benjamin Bennett Briggs, M.D. has a grave marker in Sharon Center Ohio, he was cremated by Rosedale Cemetery, Los Angeles. His ashes were not claimed and they were interred there without record.

Family/Spouse: Abigail Crane. Abigail was born on 7 Oct 1824 in Chatham, Barnstable County, Massachusetts; died on 13 Jul 1862 in Santa Paula, Ventura County, California; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Edwin Haskell. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

JOSEPH W. BRIGGS, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in New York in 1832. He was the son of Thomas Briggs, of New York. In his childhood his father removed to Medina County, Ohio, where our subject was reared and schooled, obtaining such education as the schools of that date afforded. He early learned the details of the work on his father's farm in assisting in its management.

He made the overland journey to California, and upon his arrival joined his brother, who resided near Marysville, the two entering into extensive fruit-cultivation, thus becoming pioneers of that industry in this State. He continued in k until 1854, when he returned to Ohio, and there married, in that year, Miss Mary J. Oldes, the daughter of Albert and Mary (Bennett) Oldes, who resided in Medina County, Ohio. After a two years' stay in Ohio, he went to Franklin County, Kansas, where he purchased land and established himself as a farmer and stock-raiser. There he made his home for several years, in fact until, in 1862, he returned to this State, and, with his brother, John G., and his brother-in-law, Edward Haskell, entered largely into fruit-culture. His family joined him in his new home in 1863. Mr. Briggs eventually bought out the interests of his partners, and for a time managed these orchards, of hundreds of acres in extent, without other assistance than that of hired help. In 1873 he sold out these interests and came to Santa Clara County, where he bought a tract of 120 acres on the Trimble road, on Coyote Creek, in the Midway School District. He immediately began the work of planting extensive orchards and small-fruit vines, and succeeded before his death in producing a splendid farm, upon which his widow now resides. Fifty acres were devoted to the raising of plums and prunes, twenty acres to pears, ten acres to apples, twelve acres to cherries, and the remainder to pasturage. Six acres of raspberries, and five of strawberries, were cultivated among the fruit-trees. Plenty of water is supplied by five artesian wells, each of which furnishes an average flow of water. These lands, being in a high state of cultivation and very productive, testify to Mr. Briggs' skill in horticulture. In addition to the supervision of this large farm, Mr. Briggs engaged largely in fruit-raising near Visalia, purchasing in 1881, 200 acres of land. His son, Frank T., bought 160 acres near this property, and in 1885 Mr. Briggs also acquired that tract by purchase. His design was the conversion of the whole into orchards, but his plans were destroyed by the hand of death, which occurred April 19, 1887.

He left three children: Frank T., married and living in San Francisco ; John G., who married Miss Lizzie Adams, of Alviso, now a resident of San Jose; and Albert L., residing on the old homestead. He also left, besides a devoted family, f friends, by whom his loss was deeply felt. He was a man of great strength of character, of untiring energy, as the magnitude of his enterprises proves. He was well versed in the business affairs of life, and was thus able to bring to a successful issue his many plans.

His worth in social circles was thoroughly appreciated, and by his death many secret organizations mourned the loss of a most useful member. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar, and was also connected with tcan Legion of Honor, Chosen Friends, Knights of Honor, and Ancient Order of United Workmen.


Pen Pictures From The Garden of the World or Santa Clara County, California, Illustrated. - Edited by H. S. Foote.- Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1888.
Pg. 572

Joseph married Mary J. Oldes in 1854. Mary was born about 1835. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: George Day. George was born on 4 May 1822 in New York; died on 3 Dec 1851 in Mendon, Monroe County, New York; was buried in Mendon Cemetery, Mendon, Monroe County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Almira married Robert Bruce Moore about 1852. Robert was born on 21 May 1819 in Victor, Ontario County, New York; died on 12 Apr 1895; was buried in Boughton Hill Cemetery, Victor, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Adeline Charlotte Preston. Adeline was born in 1858; died in 1897; was buried in Boughton Hill Cemetery, Victor, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;

Henry P. Fisher, Victor, was born at Fisher's, Victor, December 27, 1851. He was educated in the public schools, was a produce dealer for some time, and later a farmer. November 9, 1875, he married Lucy E., daughter of Abner and Phoebe P. (King) Bushman of East Mendon, and they had two children: Clara B. and Charles H. Mrs. Fisher's father, Abner Bushman, was born in Monroe county November 28, 1801, was a school teacher, farmer, and also justice of the peace for twenty years. He married twice, first to Jane Ely, and they had one daughter, Mrs. Bentley Corby, of Pittsford. April 14, 1849, he married second Phoebe F. King of Brighton, Monroe county, and they had seven children, three died in infancy, four survive: Hanford E.; Lucy E.; Clara M.; and Julia who died at the age of eight years. A branch of her family named Hopkins dates back to the Mayflower. His grandfather on his mother's side, Silas Pardee from Columbia county, was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary War, and Mrs. Fisher's great-grandfather, Rufus King, was in the Revolutionary War. Henry P. was a staunch Democrat. He died June 25, 1893.

Notes:

of Syracuse,NY

Family/Spouse: Thomas Heath. Thomas was born on 17 Oct 1812; died on 10 Feb 1879; was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

of Toledo, Ohio. in his youth worked at his uncles Mills.

1850 census appears to be in Victor with the Sharp family

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

of Belmont,NY

Family/Spouse: James Hoffman. James (son of Mr. Hoffman) was born in 1826; died on 8 Feb 1888. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

never married, no children

Notes:

of Greenwood,NY

Martha married Geroge W. Bemis in 1859. Geroge was born in Aug 1835 in New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Charles married Sarah Jane Howard about 1855. Sarah was born on 2 Sep 1835 in Sweden, Monroe County, New York; died on 28 Jan 1905 in Tekonsha, Calhoun County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Annis married Benjamin Franklin Cogswell on 19 Oct 1852 in Tekonsha, Calhoun County, Michigan. Benjamin (son of William Cogswell and Samantha Petit) was born on 15 Mar 1827 in Hancock, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Almira married Hiram Sischo on 13 Nov 1848 in Burlington, Calhoun County, Michigan. Hiram was born in 1826 in New York; died on 2 May 1897 in Burlington, Calhoun County, Michigan; was buried in Windfall Cemetery, Tekonsha, Calhoun County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/91032340/chauncey_guernsey-strong

Albert married Netta Anson on 19 Oct 1878 in Calhoun County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

of Jackson,MI in 1869

Eliza married John R. Evarard on 18 Jan 1865 in Jackson County, Michigan. John was born in ca 1829 in England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]