This collection of records was very graciously sent to me by John J. Haskins to share with Haskins researchers I have posted it almost exactly John transcribed and sent it so not to me so as not lose the integrity of the original. To make it easier to read, I eliminated some of the original unnecessary indentations that did not have any bearing on the content. The numbers on the left in italics are the page numbers.
Copied as
close as possible to the photocopied “original”, with all the warts and mistakes. -John
J. Haskins, Jan 2001.
Note: From typing and proofreading this document several
times I believe Hanna Haskin Case was the sole transcriber, but at several sittings.
Excerpts
from letter to me from Claude Haskin dated 5 Nov. 1983:
“ – ..as I told you, the first part of the notebook (ledger
book jjh) is strictly on business notes on grape picking & how much they earned,
the sales of grapes, credit accounts etc. All quite informal notes. The 34 pages I
reproduced was all of the narrative written in the book. The only other pages not
reproduced were about 10-12 pages of poetry written by 2 or 3 family members (would
like to obtain jjh) dedicated to the annual reunion during the 1880’s and
1890’s. -..do not concern yourself too
much about errors you will notice when you compare dates and places in the reunion
narrative with those noted in my charts and sheets. Remember that the writers of the
narrative were calling upon their memories which in some instances were going back 60-70
years and some details were naturally a little confused. -…I have verified the
correct dates by seeing and photographing the tombstones just west of Fort Ann, N.Y. in
the Haskins cemetery .. I have other bits of information, such as the wills of the first 2
Anthony’s and Hiram. Also some published notes (from books) about Seth’s
murder. -..I am hoping that someone still has the original reunion “Record”
-..”
94
OBITUARY OF FREEDOM
HASKIN’,S
Died in Fentonville
Dec 21st 1886;
Mr. Freedom
Haskin’,s at the advanced age of 83 year 5 months and 20 day
Deaseased was born
in Hadly Vermont 1803 Was married to Mifs Catharine Lesher of Norway Herkimer Co: 1826
Emigrated to Chau Co NY in year 1828 where lived and endured the many hardships of the
Earley setlers of the town of Ellery. In the spring 1851 he bought a farm in the town of
Caroll near Fentonville He took pleasure in
hunting and traping the winter he was 80 year old he caught 14 foxes and other small game He was the Father of Eight Children Six now living
39 Grand Children and 40 Great Grand Children He
leaves a faithfull wife she has been a true help Mate Sharing his joys and sorrows for
over sixty years and always good natured and Kind hearted never would turn a man from his
doorway His heart always went out to the poor
soldier and many a one he has Kept overnight He
loved to hear them tell how they fought for their Country
He had 3 son’,s in the war of 1861 George, Henry, and Ethan, his
youngest enlisted when only 17 years old and served faithfully three years. When he
started to enlist His father said go my boy and be true to your Country
95
He was beloved by
all who knew him as the large attendance at his funeral showed and may we feel and Know
that he has only passed Beyond where there will be no more sorrow no pain where all tears
shall be wiped away and there shall be no more Death.
Father has passed to an unknown shore
Here we shall see his bright smile no more
But in yon bright Heaven we’,ll meet him again
Where there is no more sorrow or trouble or pain
Memorial by Maria
Bennett
Mrs Catherine
Haskin died at her old home near Fentonville Apirl 1st 1899. Age 91 years she was born in Saratoga Co April 2, 1808. she
Married Freedom Haskin Oct 15 1826 and Moved to Ellery Chau Co in 1828. where they endured
the many hardship of Early setlers. she had lived on the farm near Fentonville 49 years Was the Mother of eight Children six now living George Haskin of Randolph Seth H of Corry
Mrs Ezra Bennett of Acley Mrs
Milton Bennett of Fentonville and Henry and Ethan of Frewsburg. 36 Grand Chil 61 Great
Grand Children 3 Great Great Grand Children she lived to see the fifth Generation: One Brother of Albion NY one sister Mrs Esabell Cobb of Ellery God gave her a long life because she was a good
woman. like a sheaf that was fully ripe she passed away and was gathered home to a more
beautifull land. her hand was never idle-she has pieced 102 since she was 78 pieced 7
since she was 90
96
some of them from
one thousand to fifteen Hundred in one quilt she was beloved by all who knew her and the
large atendance at the funeral showed she had many Friends
May her memory ever be Cherished as one who has made the world brighter and
better for her having lived in it: God
has taken her to heaven
She is free from
every care
Some day the summons will be given
For us all to meet her there.
Maria
We are drifting Yes
we are drifting
Soon our work will all be done
For our bark is swiftly gliding
Onward toward the setting sun
Long we’,ve drifted on life Ocean
Stemed the torent and the tide
And we have longed to stop the motion
Longer here we would abide.
But the Pilot hand
is steady
As he points far down the stream
Cast the anchor be ye ready
For this life is but a dream
Soon we’,ll see the shining portals
And the green fields bright and fair
In the home of the immortal
We will all meet over there
Maria
104
The History of the
Haskin Family
Written by Mrs. Hannah Haskin Case Jan 1904
Ira Haskin, the son
of Seth Haskin was born in Sheldon Vermont April 10 1792 and died July 20, 1873. Age 81 he married Hannah Serles in year 1813 in Hadly,
Saratoga Co; Hannah died June 20 1859. His Brother Freedom Haskin was 21 years older than
his Brother Ira. he moved from Saratoga in 1819 And moved with Ox team over logs through
Woods. and Located on the farm that he clear up with his Boy’,s Hiram James and
Andrew his farm was Mapel Oak and Chestnut
& a lovely Mapel sugar bush where he made all the sugar that his family used. for in
those days there were no Granulated sugar when wanted something nice in the sugar line
they would stir the Maple Syrup when it became sugar. until it was small particles of
sugar for the table use. and make bucketts full of soft sugar. for pumkin Pie or Cake with
no frosting. which was a thing unheard of then. in my early day the only nice Fruit for
Sauce was boiled Apple Cider down thick with sweet apples. made lovely sauce for any one
to eat in those day’,s he built a new
log house and later built a nice Barn which in those times there was a Raising Bee every
body turned out to help for there was a big time then men carried their wife’s then
to help to make a visit Sister Jane can
remember
105
When that Barn was
Raised and what a time they had. with those heavy timbers to lift in place; They got their
water down the hill a nice spring with water as clear as crystal with two or three nice
specle trout in the spring to keep pure and nice. he had a shed for his cows and ox team
and when he had his new house he thought he had a palace then later he was Justice of
Peace he has tried many a Suit. for then there was not so many to war against one and
other for every one lived and let others live. He was a man that was never Sued, nor he
never sued a man. That is saying a good deal for a man that has lived on the same farm for
seventy years or more. I can remember of a Wedding of two of his Daughters Mary Jane and
Lucy Mary Jane Married Reuben Brown and Lucy
Married Richard Culver. no clergy ever Married Ira Haskin at time he was Justice and at
time they had a lovely Wedding, I was a small girl then thought some thing wonderfull that
so many could get together for so grand a time. Later with my Father and Mother went to a
wedding in north part of the town where he Joined Sheldon Jackson to Rachell Ann Marsh.
such a nice time they had such since were not very common those day. I remember they had
Honey sat a long table and I had to wait and
eat with the small ones which I did not like. they had a fine time I tell you
106
The Builder of his
large Barn was Tubal C Owen he done the carpeninting that of been seventy or eighty year
ago and in 1849 he built a new Cottage house on a hill south of the old log house which in
those day was a Palace for Style and architecture was something wonderfull. Cellar the
whole lingth of the house which held all the Vegtables. of the season there was Large
Parlor, Diningroom, Kitchen, and Wood house six bedrooms two from each room and had a nice
bed in it. the Pantry was from the kitchen and a large one for we had cows, which used to
be all the place for to care for the Milk Butter use to be cheap in those day’,s I
can remember when Father only got 10 and some & cts for it but they thought that big
price the next year My Mother was taken sick and was sick one year she did not live long
to enjoy her new house which we move in 1850 she was taken to much Comfort in her new home
to stay with us long. and in June 20 –1851 she died and then we were left
without a mother. Cornelia and my self Cared for the house. and then my Father got married
again brought a wife home and Children so we steped out
Father married Mrs Sarah Moulton or Beach as she was called she had quite
large family four boys and 2 girls. so they step in we steped out. then he sold or traded
his one Hundred Acres for fifty of Hiram farm Joining and moved there. he had got to old
to work so hard and to take life easier he was taken sick and died 20 July 1873 age 81
years
107
he was buried in
Lewis burying ground where Mother Brothers and Sisters are buried and good Many relatives
are buried and where they are at rest and their works do follow them My Father and Mother
were the parents of eleven children four Boy’,s and seven Girls. the oldest James
Haskin was born in Hadly Saratoga Co NY 1814.
died BemusPoint Jan 20 1886 age 71 one month 20 day he was the Father of 4 Children two
Boy two Girls his first wife was Mifs
Cornelia Brown she died then he Married Amy Culver the first a daughter Sarah C Haskin not
married Ira Haskin Married Augustine Sperry of Mayville they had one Child a Boy they live
in Denver. Then Hiram Haskin Married Elizebeth Cone of Dewittville they have a daughter
they live at Cherry Creek. Lillian Haskin Married Charles Leet of Dewittville they have one daughter. Hiram Haskin son or Ira
and Hanna was born in town of Hadly Saratoga Co NY Nov 20 1816 and died in Ellery Chau Co
23rd day of Sep 1889 and buried in Lewis burying ground has been Married three
times on the 1 of Jan 1836 was Married to Mifs Cathrine S Caldwell of Ellery they had six
children James 2 year old scalded to death. the next died in infancy. 3d Mercy
Jane born Oct 3rd, 1841. Married Aaron Wilbur of Ellery. 4 in infancy. 5 Sarah
M Haskin born Aug 30 1843 she Married A H Winchester of Ellery they had two Boys Grant
Married Nettie Arnold they have two Children Boy and Girl. Roy Winchester died in Cal 25
year old of Small pox 6th Catharine S Haskin born June 5th 1851
Married in Ellery Eliscomb Weeks had two Boy Deforest . Liscomb then she Married Ira H
Lewis they had three Children two Boy one Girl then Hiram Haskin Married for his 2d
108
Wife married
Rebecca Parker of Ellery they had no children she died June 30:1867. his 3d
wife was Adelia Sturgis they had two Boys Frank Haskin Married Rua Scofield they live at
Lakewood they have three Children two Girls one boy. Clarence Haskin son of Hiram Married
girl from Mich they have one daughter do not know who he married. Adeline died at Lakewood
1901 they buried her Jamestown on her Daughter Lot Sally
Ann the oldest daughter of Ira Haskin was born Dec 3rd 1819 she died at
LakeWood Chau Co NY died Frid July 20 1900 funeral at Bemus Pt buried in Lewis burying
ground on her father lot which was her choice she was the wife of two Husbands her first
Husband B F Lewis they had two Boys Ira Lewis married Mss Brigs they had six children his
second wife was Catherine Weeks they had two son one daughter Peter S Lewis Married Etta
Greely they one son one daughter. then Sally Ann Married Thomas Dalrymple of Stocton they
had five Girls, Susan, Hannah, Weathy, Jane, Nette. Thomas now living in his 89 year of
his age. Mary Jane Haskin Brown the next oldest Girl of Ira Haskin was born in Ellery Dec
10.1821 she Married Reuben C Brown of Ellery they had seven children 3 boy four Girls 1 Huldah Married Nathan Wilbur no children 2d Ira married Bell Haskin of Corry Pa they have
five Children 4 girls one boy they live in Ellery 3d Lunette she married Edwin
Smiley they had three two Girls one boy 4th Kate Brown Married Olliver Haskin
the son of David Haskin they had 6 children three Girl three Boy
109
Sarah Brown she
Married George Scofield of Dewittville they have three Boys they live at Bemus Point.
Reuben Doyl Brown Married Alice Haskin Granddaughter of Freedom Haskin they have one child
a daughter 7 Randall Ray youngest son he married Augusta Reats of Dunkirk they have two
Boys. and my sister Jane makes her home with
them…
Melifsa Haskin Akam
was born in Ellery NY Oct 5 1823 and died Apr 12:1887 age 63 year 6 mon 7 day she Married
Johnson Akam of Dewittville they had six Children three Boy three Girls 1th
Mary Ann Married Hiram Pond no Children. then she Married Mr Davis of Corry they had no
children 2d Robert Akam married Kate Van Dreser of Corry they had one child
then he married Almira Lindsey they had three Boy three Girls living at Concord Pa 4th
Belinda Married Samuel Mellon they had two Girls one boy live at Concord Pa 3d Richard died he enlisted went to war
was wounded battle of Gettysburg died of his wounds he lies buried in southern Clime not
Married. 5th Anna Elizabeth Married Dell Drake they had three children two boy
one Girl Anna is dead 6th George Akam Married Emma Tanner of Corry they have
five children three boy two Girls they live at Concord Pa
Lucy Haskin was born in Ellery Aug 17-1825 she married Richard Culver of
Ellery she died in Ellery Oct 29-1877. age 52 year she was buried in Lewis burying Ground
they had six Children four Boy two Girls 1th Smith Married Kate Akam then he
Married a Mifs Griffith of Griffith Pa no children 2d Eliza Married Frances
Razes they have two Boy Wayland Johny they live Lakewood
110
3d
Stephen Culver Married June Smiley they had one son 4 Abigal Culver married Frank Barney
they had no children she dead Byron Culver is in the far West do not know that he is
married.
Andrew Haskin third
son of Ira & Hannah Haskin was born in Ellery Chau Co Sep 15: 1827. died at Bemus Pt
Aug 21: 1896 buried Sun 23 Andrew was Married to Eliza Wood of Ellery they had six
Children one Boy five Girls. Amos Married do not know who. 2d Hannah Married J
Switzer they had no children 3 Emmily Married Williams they had three two Girls and a Boy
4th Josephene Married no children 4 Rose married Wilcox they had four Girls 2
died. Perry Haskin 4 son of Ira was four year old when he died Born 1829 Patty Haskin was born in Ellery Chau Co Aug 18th
1831 she Married Elihue Carpenter she died at Ashville Dec 7 1890 buried the 9 funeral at
Bemus Pt buried at Lewis Burying they had seven Children three Boy four Girls. 1st
Annette Married Joseph Bohall they live at Midway they had two Girls one Boy 2d
Bernard Carpenter the oldest he Married Samantha Arkison of Ashville they have five
Children three Boy 2 Girls 3 Milton Carpenter Married Caroline Hosier of Ashville they had
one Boy his wife died. He Married again Mifs Hoag of Ellery.4th Bristen
Carpenter do not know who he Married they have three Children Girls they live at Cherry
Creek Chau Co 5 Hannah Married John Seymore live at Lakewoodthey have two Girls
111
6th
Ellette Carpenter Married John McLaughlin they live at Randolph they have one son 2
daughters 7th Emma Carpenter married W W Morey they live at Long Point on Chau
Lake this is all of Elihue & Patty children Elihue died 1891 at Ashville bu Lewis B
Hannah Haskin was born Dec 16, 1833 she is yet living at the age of 70 years in 1852 she
Married G W Haviland. They had three children 1 son 2 daughters first died in infancy 2
Ellee Victoria Married George Fenton of Picard St they
had two Girls. Franz B Haviland got killed in accident R R July 8 1895 he Married Grace M
Gordon they had four little Girl
Hannah Married again to P R Case of Fluvanna they
were the parents of 2 Boys Nillson F Case
born Dec 5 1870 married Hattie Morse had 3 boy 1 Girl
Reuben Ira Case born March 9:1876 Ellery Chau Co he Married Mabel Gordon they two son 1
daughter
Cornelia B Haskin was born in Ellery Chau Co the 13 day March 1835 died Feb 3rd
1893: 56 year old she Married Joshua Brown
of Ellery they were the Parents of 6 Children 2 Boy and four Girls they are all living but one boy who died with
Diphtherea four year old 1st Agnes. Married Sheldon Bates. they have one girl.
2d Nora E A Scofield. they had three daughter one boy. De Wayne Married a Mich
Lady they have two daughter one son
Minnie Brown Married S M Watson of dewittville they have one son De Etta Brown Married
George Griffith of Dewittville they have three Daughters
Of so large a family of Children I do not know how many Grand Children or Great Grand
Children there are for the family are so scattered that
would be difficult to obtain them.
112
And you can arange
and write of them as you see fit am sorry I was so long in giving you the information that
you wanted if anything is lacking you and Uncle Charley come down and stay longer next
time.
And see More of the Old Time Haskin Family or their decendents out of the eleven Children
of the Late Ira Haskin All have gone to their
long home. Never more to return. but two Mary Jane Brown year 83 next to
Eldest Girl and Hannah Case year 70 next the two Younges of Ira Haskin family.
Written in Year
1904 Jan 12 by Mrs P R Case . Westfield Chau Co NY RFD20
118
The following was
read June, 8:1882;
Fentonville.N.Y. Dec. 27. 1881.
We will open this
Record with Anthony Haskin who was born at Benington Vt: in the year 1726 and died in Fort
Ann Washington Co. NY. in the Year 1818 Married
Rhoda Goodrich who died. 1824. They had a large family: first child named Anthony he died
in the Army of the Revolution at Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain the other Children were Patty – John –
Isaac – Seth – Frank – Ira – William – Rhoda and David
Patty married Winegar, they had 8 children 1.th Sally Married Ira Weller 2.th
Hannah - James Farr 3.d Lenord – Abby Wilson 4.th Kate – Wm Stockham 5.th
Polly – Leonard Wilson 6th Patty – not married 7th
Sophronica Married Wm Madison 8th Anna married Nathan Ferris
John Married Sally Wood. they had Seven Children
1.th Hannah Married John Serles 2.th John not Married 3.d
Samuel Married Susan Wilbur 4th Sally Married Ira Langworthy 5th
Peter 6 Ira went west 7th Maggie married Thomas Langworthy
Isaac Married had three Children
1th Elihue 2 Patty 3 Jerusia.
119
my Great Grand
father
Seth Haskin married Lucy Litchfield they had seven children
1st Rhoda Married Tubal C Owen. Charley Owen father
Seth Haskin born
about the Year. 1764: and died about the Year: 1819: Was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war and quite young. a Mill Wright by trade and worked at it until the war broke out 1812
when he joined this Army and fought for his country. after which he returned to his trade
at which he worked until he was Murdered about the Year 1819 in the town Hadly Saratoga Co
NY by Benjamin Bennette who pounded him on the head with a stone left him for dead but he
lived several day. Bennett was tried and hung: the
first Man hung in State.
Freedom Haskin son
of Seth was born in the town of Sheldon in Vermont on the fourth of July. 1803. he went to
live with his Uncle David Haskin. when only four year old. lived with him until he was 19
years old and then went for himself worked at farming till he was 23 years when he was
married to Katie Lesher Oct 15. 1826. She was
born in Galoway Saratoga Co year 1808. they went to keeping house in the town of Norway
Herkermer Co NY in 1826 They had Eight Children 5 Girls 3 boy’s 1th Ira
born in 1827 Aug 14 Freedom and Katie Moved to Chaut Co in April. 1828. into the town of
Ellery. where their
120
2 Child George Haskin was born April 28 1829: 3d Harriett Haskin was born April 13
1831. 4th Martha Haskin was born
March 9 1833. 5th Seth Haskin was
born March 7 in Ellery 1835 Freedom
and Katie moved in 1835 to the town of Carroll Chau Co NY. Where their six Child Maria was
born Oct the 4th 1838. seventh Henry was born March 11th 1842 . eight Ethan was
born May 2 1846. We will now follow up these children
Ira was Married to
Lydia Owen they had two Boy John and George
Ira died Jan 19. 1863. and his wife Lidia died April 14 1864 Their son John died June 16. 1864
George Haskin Married Sarah Johnson who live in Carroll and have 2 children John and May:
George Haskin Freedom son married Mary Stodard they had 10 Children
1th Jane Married Andrew More They have 2 –
2d George Married Mary Murphy they 1 child
3rd Freedom kill on tram rail way 16 year old 4th Kate 5 Henry 6th
Alice who Married Doyl Brown of Ellery they have one Child 7th Ira 8th
Lycnan died young 9 Hattie 10 Eugene
121
3d Eva Married Dell Ricarson they have
one Child named Roy 4th Charles married Mifs Bates and have two Children 5
Edward Married Emma Babcoch.
Martha Daughter of Freedom and Katie Married Ezra Bennett they have 6 children 1. Henry
Married Nettie Way and have 2 children 2 Ella Married Richard Wyman one child. Named Giff Richard died and Ella Married Authur Richerson
they have one Child named Alice. 3 Daniel 4th George 5 Westley 6 Lincon: Seth son of Freedom Married Salina Crandall
they had ) 5 children 1th Bell 2 James 3 Ray 4 Martha now dead 5 Guy ) Martha
(Maria) daughter of Freedom Katie Married Millon Bennett they have 6 children 1th
Freedom Married Hellen Forbush 2 Marvin 3d Herbert 4th Effie 5 Fred 6 Viola.
Henry Haskin Married Lucinda Edmunds they had one child after which his wife died. he
Married for his second wife Mary Holt they had 5 children Edward who died young Albert
Bertha Kleber and Clayton:
Ethan Haskin Married Phebe Holt they had five children Eric 2 died 3 Earl 4 Gerty 5 Gleni This is record of Uncle freedom and Aunt Katie as
near as Uncle Freedom could remember
122
The following
History was also furnished by Freedom Haskin of Fentonville NY and at the Haskin Reunion
held June 8th 1882 at Maple Springs
was read by Rev G E Owen of Detroit Mich
This old
Grandfather Anthony Haskin was of Welsh descent. and raised in the Green Mt of Vermont.
was a great hunter and lived on the Mountain and as the the Country was new. there was not
much chance to get a living by farming. and as he had a large family to support he had to
hunt or starve. He would get up in morning shoulder his gun and sometime Kill a deer
before breakfast of before they could have meat for to eat. Therefore he was forced to
become the Great Hunter that he was. he has Kill as high as four deer a day. and been as
long as two day without food and when he did get it had to put up with Water Johny Cake
and Venison. they were the two luxuries as well as the necessaries of Life that could be
procured in those day’,s He lived in
that way untill the French and Indian war broke out in 1762
Where a party of French & Indians came up Lake Champlain and also lake
George where they were met by a company of
Green Mountain Boy’,s among whom Anthony play his part about two miles from the head
of Lake George at: Bloody Pond: where he and his Comrads. gave the French and Indians one
of the worst whippings a set of Men ever got. they Killed a lot of Indian and rather than
bury them they threw them into a small pond. hence the name Bloody Pond he returned then to his home and Hunting where
123
Where he lived on
Jonny Cake and venison till the war broke out in 1776 when he Volunteered in the American
Cause. his principle business for about three Years was boating on Lake Champlain Carrying
Supplise to the Army at Fort Ticonderoga after
which he was engaged in the battle of Bennington He
and two of his boy’,s: were in the Battle of Saratoga
After the war he moved to the town of Fort Anne Washington Co NY where he
went into the woods and he and his boys: Cleared up a farm. He was now getting to old to
do much work. so his Youngest son took the farm and he lived with them or him till he died at ripe old age of Ninety two: His
wife out lived him six Years. and died at the age of 88 Years.
I will now give you
a discription of old man and woman he was
about six feet tall: broad shouldered and his Weight about 200 dark complexion dark Eyes and hair heavy beard and
evidently a very strong man in his day. The
old Lady was Medium height straight and squarely built fair complexion blue Eyes light
hair and quite gray when I knew her and evidently handsom when I knew her: so you see they
were a pretty square couple in their day She
was a very generous old lady and never turned a beggar from her door hungry. She was a Mother to me from the time I was four
years old until I was 19 hence the reason I know their history so well. I cannot say much about my Uncles and Aunts any
more than they were Considered honest people and good Citizens: As to My Father I gave his history as as well as I
knew it in the Record: and as to My History you have the most of it in the Record but I
will say a little more. After I came to Chautauqua
124
in 1828 I lived in My Brother Ira house the first
Year. Choped six acres for him. cleared it
off. and planted three acres of Corn the next Year bought a piece of land near Ellery
Center. lived there one year: sold out to Tubal C Owen and Moved back to West Ellery and
lived in Uncle David Haskin House one summer after which I bought a farm in East Ellery
built a house and moved in the fall of 1831. The farm was all woods not a stick cut till I
cut it: I lived there six years in which time I cleared about 30 acres: then sold out
Moved to Carroll Chau Co about 2 miles east of Frewsburg where I lived till 1851 when I
sold out Moved to Fentonville in Chau Co where I still reside I had three Boy in the Union
Army George Ethan Henry George was taken prisoner and taken to andersonville Prison and
kept there nine months: where he had the very worst fare he weighed 160 lbs when taken
Prisoner and 92 when he left Andersonville Prison he was in Army 3 years Henry was in the Army about 9 months and was with
Gen Grant. when they took Lee: Ethan a volunteer served three years and was wounded at the
Battle of Cold Coal Harbor and with Shearman at the surrender of Johnson:
Now the Haskin
family in general. I think will average although none ever raised to any distinction none
of them am proud to say ever wore the shackles of a crimanal none of them ever had a great
education but there were none but knew how to read and write none very wealthy none very
poor I have been pretty well aquainted with them all never went to see one of them but
that they could
125
could give me a
good meal and a good bed to sleep on They are
all benevolent and friendly glad to see you when you came.
And now dear friends and Relitives
I try and tell to you the Happy times we used
In the years so long ago
We lived in good log houses then
Our door with wooden hinge
The Latch was made of wood also
And opened with a string
Then there was the great fire place
That eat up lots of wood
Where we baked our Loaf of Indian bread
And I tell you it was good
I was all woods in Ellery
Some fifty Years or more
And lots of Game we hunted then
When there came a tracking snow
The Women spun and made the cloth
To make our shirts and pants
You ask one now if she can spin
She will answer you I Cant.
Oho how the fire would laugh and dance
And how nice the rib would roast bake
Oh I can almost taste it now
That Rib and Jonny Cake
There in the evening when we’,d
A visit for to make
We’,d hitch the oxen on the sled
And all the Children take
The old ones now are almost gone and young ones fill their place
And I hope they will all honest be
And honor the Haskin race
126
My Wife and I are
getting old
Our Journey is almost ore
But I hope You will remember us
When we meet with you once more
As I said before My Aunts Brothers
And Sisters have
all crossed the river and left Me the oldest Haskin living by a half a score of Years. I
am Most four score years old and I begin to feel as though I should not be with not much
longer on this side Myself Probaly shall not
meet them at a great Many more Reunions. The Cable that holds me anchored is almost
fritted away. I will soon part where I too will drift off. where the rest have gone and to
where those who are left will shortly come. to That fairy land where pain and sorrow and
parting will be no more and where we expect to see our Fathers Mothers Brothers Sisters
Uncles and Aunts all our friends. Yes all the families of the Earth will Meet in one great
Family Reunion and
And there we will
stay and shout and sing
And Make the fairy arches ring.
When all all friends get there.
There we will bask
in sunshine of everlasting joy
There love and friendship reign supreme with nothing to anoy
There God soft hands will wipe the tear from every weeping Eye
There pain and sorrow. hate and fear and death itself shall die
I have said nothing of or about the folks
in Ellery for you know them better than
I do. Signed Freedom Haskin,
Fentonville, N.Y.
127
Ira Haskin Married
Hannah Serles 3d Betsey married Alexander Childs 4th John married
Litty Lash 5 Sally married Isaac Jackson 6 Freedom married Katie Lesher 7 Lucy married
Harford Winchester Rhoda Married Tubal C
Owen. Frank married Kate Winigar they had 9 children 1th Patty mar Caleb Tomson
2 Samuel Married Jane Tucker 3d Anna Married Henry Spauldin 4th
Clara Married Harvey Spaldwin 5th
Anthony Mar but not whomb 6th Amanda Married no not whomb 7 Katie 8 Maria 9
Julia
Major or Ira Haskin
Married Clara Baldwin they had one Child Anna who Married Luther Mason William Married Abby Hoyt they had 8 children 1th
Susan Married Comfort Barnes 2d Permelia 3 Lavina – 4 william Married
Aurelia Fosburg and Giles David Joshua Willard I
know not who they Married Rhoda died while
young David
Married Anna Annis had 8 Children 1 Nancy died young 2 Salina Married Updike
Rathburn 3d Katie Married Lota Brilt 4 Andrew Married Samantha Allen 5th
JaneDavid Married Jane Carpenter 6 Jane Married Levi Carpenter 7 Caroline
Married Simeon Brown 8 Juliaette.
All of these old
Uncle and Aunts are now dead three of them John Ira and David are buried in Cemetry at
West Ellery call Lewis Burying Ground
sign Freedom Haskin
Fentonville
130
Chautauqua Lake
June 5: 1884
We have gathered
once more. on this beautifull shore
With our hearts and our minds all so free
To meet Uncles and Aunts and cousins once more
And be happy as happy can be.
We are mostly all farmers. That here reunite
And have plenty of work, that we know.
But one day in the Year we think it is right
To be free and have nothing to do.
Of course. there
will be a little expense
For our dinners we will have to buy.
But where is there a farmer that cant raise fifty cents
If he is willing. and only will try.
No worry about basketts and dishes and Cake
For our dinners will all be prepaired
By Mr Picard who knows just what it will take
To suit all our company here.
Now let yus
be happy for one day at the yearLeast
And as free as the birds in the air
Have one day of sunshine. of Joy and of peace
Not one thought. of our troubles and care.
One Year has rolled since we met with our friends here.
With its joys. and sorrows. and its cares.
With a good of work. and a little of rest.
And trouble. and trial. and tears:
131
Five dear ones are
gone. that met with us last year
Four are now in the west far away.
We miss their bright faces and wish they were here.
To join in our pleasures to day.
And one Uncle has gone. to that land far away
He will meet with us here never more.
We miss his bent form from among us to day
He has gone to that ever bright shore.
Now let us be
united and true to our band
And prepare. to meet in that home
To dwell with the loved ones. in that beautiful land
Where no trouble. nor sorrow. can come.
I hope we all. will be permited to meet.
In this place. just one year from to day
And if not. we’,ll wait your coming to greet
In that beautifull land. far away.
June 5 1884 Maria Bennett Fentonville.
N.Y.
Freedom Haskin to
his wife on the occasion of a family Reunion. B Col Heman Winchester May 23. 1885 cal.
I Love My old Wife
Though wrinkled and old
Far more that Earth wealth, A thousand times told
She is richer and fairer and worth more to me.
Than all things of Earth or gem of the sea.
Yes I love my old
wife. though eighty long years.
Have made in her cheeks. deep forrow for tears.
As she stands now beside me. Old feeble and Gray.
To me she looks fairer that in youth sunny day.
132
Yes I Love my old
wife. for she’,s purer by far
Than the light that comes down from the bright evening star
Her love knows no change but forever will bloom
And her heart be my heaven beyond the dark tomb
Yes My darling old
wife is my guard and my guide
The angel that loves me and stands by my side
Ever blessing and cheering. my pathway in life
In darkness and trouble God bless My old wife
What the future may
be I know not nor care
While she stands beside me ever willing to share
With me as in youth time the sour with the sweet
And walk by my side though thorns pierce her feet
Ere another year
passes perhaps we shall sleep
Where weary hearts rest. where eyes never weep.
Our years have been many should this be our last
Remember us Kindly and forget errors past
With the best wishes of the Aurther
To Freedom and Katie
Died at Bemus Point
Jan 2.0. 1886
James Haskin Aged
71 years 1 month 20 day he leaves a wife and
four Children. Sarah Ira Hiram and Lilian and a large circle of friends to Mourn his loss.
James was the son of Ira and Hannah Haskin and was born in the town of Hadlly Saratoga Co
Dec.1.1814. his parents Emigrated to Chautauqua in 1818 and settled in town of Ellery James was the oldest of a large family 4 boy 7
Girls
133
He endured the many
hard-ships and privation of the early settlers of this county Many a tall tree has been
felled by his hands. where now the beautiful green fields can be seen. and many yes almost
countless are the fish he has caught in the waters of our beautifull Chautauqua He was a good Christian and died in the faith of
Jesus Christ his work is finished and our Heavenly father has biden him come home. to the
eternal Mansion prepared from the foundation of the world
He has joined that reunion where there will be no more parting. no more
sorrow. no more pain. All is well he is at rest.
Death Come and lays
his icy hand
On many loved ones brow.
Our tears and prayers will not avail
He say they must come now.
Mrs Amy Haskin died
at the home of her daughter in Jamestown Mrs Charles Leet Tues Apr 1:1902 age 72 years 8
months a relict of James Haskin; survived two Daughter 2 son’s Mifs Sarah C Haskin of
Santiago Cal Ira Haskin of Denver Hiram of Dewittwille Lillian of Jamestown and two
Brothers Richard and Stephen Culver of Ellery. Death takes the father and the son
And take the
daughter fair
Takes from our arms the little ones
Ere from our tender care
He takes the mother
from our home
And leaves a vacant seat
But something soon you’,ll come
In heaven we all shall meet
Maria Bennett
134
June 12: 1890
Obityary of Hiram
Haskin
By Nathan Wilbur
Again we are called
to pay the last tribute to one of our dear ones. and a son of Ira Haskin this time it came
very close as of former years to many of this number Oone of the aged ones has passed away
Twice before have our numbers been lessend among the first Haskin. by the death of James
and Freedom Haskin this demonstrates the saying that the old must die the young may.
Hiram Haskin was
born in Hadly Saratoga Co NY on the 20th day of Nov.1816. and died at Ellery
Chautauqua Co 23 day of Sep 1889 and buried in Lewis burying Ground’ ’ He moved
with his parents from Saratoga Co to Chau Co: in Aug 1819. he then being nearly 3 years
old. the journey which was made with ox team. over hill hollow and logs. took 6 weeks to
acomplish. and we can almost Encircle the Globe in that time. His father settled on the
owned by Hiram at his death. having lived there 70 years. On the.1.day of Jan 1836 he
being only 20 years old was Married to a very Estimable Lady Mifs Catherine S Caldwell.
they had 6 children 1th James born Sep 29:1838. 2d child died in
infancy not named 3d Mercy J born Oct 3.1841. 4 died in infancy 5 Sarah M born
Aug 30. 1843. 6th Catherine S born June.5.1851. Hiram wife died June 20.1851.
Hiram: Mother: died the next day June 21 1851 one buried one day the other the next day
sad days for us all: sad sad days----
135
For his second wife
he married Mifs Rebaca Parker Dec 1851 they had no children she died Jan.30.1867 His third wife was Adelia Sturgish They had two
children Frank and Clarence From Youth to old
age his principle buisness has been that of farming and was a good one too. till age and
infirmites deprived him of health and strength to perform the work. He was classed our
good buiseness men honest upright always to be trusted. during his middle life he was one
of the best fishermen on Chau Lake I have
often heard his name Mentioned as being realy an expert both at spearing and trolling year
ago. He played the Violin and play it well too: for dances all over the country. and it
was a good :omen: for a grand time to know that Hiram Haskin was to play he was Jolly
lively enthuastic all neccary for public recreation these traits of Caractare followed him
all his Life: we can look back during his 8 years of his Presidency of the Reunion and
remember how he inspired it with his enthuiasm and earnestness: for several years he had
the the Cannon Booming at 7 Am: telling to all around the day of Jubille Haskin Reunion:
About 35 Years ago he changed his Course of Life some What in starting out in behalf of
Christian Religion which he rigdly and earnestly Clung to till death He never was one of those long faced ones but
jolly and ready to do his part all times Liberal in his views. believed every person had a
right to worship acording to their own dictate realy progressive.
136
In the Year 1881 he
commenced to act as President of the assosiation and had that position till June.13. 1889
at which time on acount of failing health the deemed it best to ask for a successer and
tendered his resignation: It was as you all know acepted with regrett but necessary - and
for a long and continued labor at the head of the assosiation He was presented with a good Upholstered Chair by
an Unanimous Vote of the assosiation we can never forget those words of: Thanks. from him
on that day. they will live among us in long Year to Come.
We shall miss his
sweet smile
Of Hiram now at rest
He has gone at little while
To mingle with the blest ;
13 Reunion June 11
1891: Henry Haskin Prisident
Neew Theology
Grounds.
Election of Officers Hiram Haskin 2d
takes Charge aponits the next Meeting 2 Thurs in June place to be determined in future
This Poem was written for the ocasion 13 Reunions of the Haskin family June 11:1891 by Col
H Winchester
How the Years have
flown away
Loved ones mouldering in the Claydecay
Once with hopes as fair and bright
As thrills each loving heart to night
They had Youth and beautie too.
Hopes were bright and skies were blue.
Years went by and now sleep
In oblivion waters deep
137
Here the Young of
Years ago.
Meet with hearts as white as snow
Soon to cross the waveless river
Where youth’,s spring time bloom forever
In their places Girls as fair
With rosy cheeks and dark brown hair.
Eyes that shame the stars of night
With dreams as brilliant and bright.
And boys have up to
Manhood grown’
Dreaming dreams before unknown
Yet these dreams have been
Dreamed by Girls and dream by Men
Years ago when skies were blue.
And hope’,s were bright and life was new
Yet with Years have flown away
The hopes once bright are dead today
So life passes one
by one.
Are gathered to the Church Mould
The doom of all since life begun
The infant Youth and grand sire old
Must their debt of Nature pay
Live their lives then pass away
Who of all that meet us here
Will be the first in death to sleep
Who will. in the comeing Year
Oher the ashes sigh and weep
For some loved one laid away to rest
Hands folded on the silent breast
138
The Old Man writing
here today
Thinks of Eighty years or moregone by
And of loved ones laid away
Shall we meet them by and by:
Tho false to me to others true
But death is sure to me and you
Heman Winchester.
Lower Lake Cal
Died
This old Man of Eighty Year or More
Has silently passed to the other shore
His hands are folded across his breast
He is laid away in the Church Yard to rest
Said beside his
dear old Wife
No more to toil with pen nor strife
She toiled with him Years in Years out
And was a faithful wife no doubt.
Far away they went
from their land of birth
And now they are laid in the silent Earth
Their spirits will roam forever More
Untill friends are gathered on the other shore
Will bid adieu to one and all
Untill we meet the death bell call.
Mrs P R Case Portland Chau
Co NY
Feb 15: 1904.
139
Died at Lakewood
Funeral at Bemus Point
Sally Ann Haskin oldest daughter of Ira and Hannah Haskin
She was born in LakewoodEllery Chau Co 1819 died at Bemus
PointLakewood July 20 18961900 age 781 year 20
day
She leaves a husband and three Children Ira Ira
and Peter Lewis one daughter a large circle of friends to mourn her loss 5 Children had
passed on before: her daughter could lend a helping hand to the suffering Mother she will
meet them at the pearly Gates of heaven. she leaves two sisters to Mourn her loss and her
Husband at the advanced age 84 needs a kind hand to steady him over the tide of Life Funeral was held at the New Church at Bemus Pt she
was laid to rest in Lewis burying Ground beside her Father and Mother Sister Brother &
host of Friends
She has onely gone before to that bright and shining shore
To meet her loved ones there. and with her the blessing share
Forever More
To her Mourning
Husband dear
We our Sympathy extend
Sorrow for and feel with him
That we too have lost a Friend
Forever More
Written by Mrs P R Case
Jan 15. 1904
140
Dewittville Chau Co NY Apil
12 1887
Melifsa Haskin Akam
age 63 year 6 month and 7 day she was the third Daughter of Ira and Hannah Haskin Was born Oct 5 1823 died April 12: 1887 Was
Married to Johnson Akam of Dewittville June 7 1841 in March 1852 moved to Concord PA.
bought a farm on which they lived and reared a family of Children three of them born at
Dewittville three in Concord Pa 5 are still
living 4 in Pa one in Dewittville Richard the
oldest Boy enlisted in the late war of Rebelion and was wounded in the Battle of
Gettysburg July 2 died July 24 1863 his Mother went down and to
bring his body home but her journey there and the Suffering the Poor Boy endured she could
hardly endure so left him there she was so nearly exausted hardly knew what she was doing:
he was a Mother Noble Boy:
Our Sister lived a
usfull life was ever kind and obliging always had a good word for every one was ever ready
to lend a helping hand to the sick and
afficted was loved by all who knew her we miss her. but
she only gone a little while before us. Soon
we shall Join her over on the evergreen shore.
Hear what the voice from Heaven declares
To those in Christ who die.
Realeased from all their Earthly cares
They’,ll reign with him on high
Mrs Hannah Haskin Case
Feb. 20, 1904
158
The old Willow
Chair sung at the
Haskin Reunion, Bemus Point June 12. 1890. at J Picards
The old Willow
Chair now so aged and worn.
Where Grandmother sat Years before I was born.
Though covered with dust and so near its decay
Is dear to my heart in its treasure to day
How often My Mother would rock me to sleep
And when I was Young or,’e my fevered cheeks weep
And then I would list to her low fervent prayer
While held in her arms in the old willow Chair
My Memory lingers
in pleasure to day
Round those blissfull scenes in our home far away
Where birds sang so sweet. and the flowers bloomed so fair
As I Lay asleep in the old Willow Chair
It rocked me by day and it rocked me by night
While Mother sweet song filled my heart with delight
And from her dear lips I first learned Childhood prayers
While holding me safe in the old Willow Chair
The old house at
home is in ruin they say
And all I once loved gone to lingering decay
The form of a stranger I see near the door
That sheltered me safe in those bright day of yore
The hillside is lone and the vally is gloom
And sunless the spot where the wild flowers bloom
The Poplar lies low and the forest is bare
Where once I was rocked in the old Willow Chair
159
I do not remember
my GrandMother Mild
When she was called home. I was only a Child
But Mother has told me again and again
How camly she bore all those years of pain
By day and by night she was happy they say.
While rocking the hours of the morning away
And this is the present she left to our care
The best of all treasures the old Willow Chair
When from our dear
fireside we wandered away
And left the old home in its lingering decay
We knew not that never again we would see
Those treasures of old dear to fond Memory
The day of our Childhood forever have have gone
And left us to wander in sorrow alone
And only in dreams of the past can we share
The fond recolections of Grandmother Chair
It stood in the
Kitchen long long Year agoe
Through Many a season of sunshine and snow
The old willow Chair by our Grandfather Made
And where in the Slumbers of Youth I was laid
And then in those days I so love to recall
It was by our Circle Most treasured of all.
But now in the Garrett a relict so rare
All covered with dust and webs stands the old
Willow Chair