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Digital file copyright by Cornell University
Library 1994.JUDAH COLT’S NARRATIVE
EXPERIENCES AS PIONEER SURVEYOR IN WESTERN NEW YORK,
AND AS AGENT FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA POPULA-
TION COMPANY, 1789-1808.*
I was born at Lyme, in the County of New London, in
the State of Connecticut, on the 1st day of July, 1761. My
father’s name was Joseph; he was born 27th February,
1727, and died on the 15th of October, 1787. He was mar-
ried to Desire Pratt, nth of May, 1755. Of our family
there were five sons and three daughters. The first-born was
Josiah, who was born 5th September, 1757, and died June,
1777; Deborah was born 27th October, 1759; myself, 1st
July, 1761; Desire, bom nth April, 1763; Assenath, born
19th October, 1764; Joseph, born 17th April, 1766; Samuel,
born 23d June, 1771; Jabez, born 19th January, 1772.
From the time of my birth until I arrived at the age of
twenty-three years I resided the greater part of my time in
my father’s family, assisting him in working his farm from
Spring until Fall, and in the winter months was sent to the
common English and grammar schools, where I learned
reading, writing and arithmetic; and having made consder-
able proficiency in these branches I taught a school during
* Now first published, from the original manuscript, by kind permission of
the owner, Miss Frances L. Spencer, Erie, Pa. Extracts from it are utilized in
Sanford’s “History of Erie County, Pennsylvania.” Some portions relating solely
to family and personal matters are here omitted.332
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
the winter of 1782 at Saybrook, North Society; in the winter
of 1783 in the North Quarter of Lyme, in the winter 1784 in
the Old Society of Lyme; and after laboring with my father
on his farm from first of April, 1784, until first of November
following, I resolved to become acquainted with the world,
and obtained the consent of my parents to let me make a
voyage to the southward.
Accordingly on the 15th day of November, 1784, took
passage in the sloop Betsy, Elnathan Hatch, master, for
North Carolina, and sailed same day. On the 16th we
fetched into New London harbor, where we-continued until
the 23d, when we again sailed for the Carolinas; but meet-
ing with adverse winds and tempestuous weather, we were
sundry times drove off the coast, and after being drove to
and fro from the day we left the harbor of New London
until the 1st day of January, 1785, we made the Island of
Bermuda, where we continued until the 1st of February,
disposing of a perishing cargo and repairing our vessel.
We again set sail for N. Carolina. We again had to
encounter sundry severe gales of wind, and after a passage
of 14 days we made the harbor of Ocrecoch [Ocrecoke], N.
Carolina, and sail’d from thence to the town of Bath, at the
mouth of Tar river. While our vessel lay there I hired me
a horse and rode to Newbern, situate about 40 miles west
[southwest] at the junction of the Neuse and Trent rivers.
After spending a short time in that quarter I returned to
Bath, and from thence we sailed to the island of Matta-
musskeal up the Sound toward Edington, where I con-
tinued until about the 23d of April, during which time I
taught a school about two months. The 24th I took passage
in a packet boat, for the Capes of Ocrecoke and from thence
took passage in a small sloop bound to New York, where I
arrived the last of April, after a pleasant passage of about
seven days. From thence took passage in a vessel for Con-
necticut, where I arrived about the 1st of May, after being
absent about six months and two weeks; had the pleasure of
finding my parents, brethren and sisters in good health, and
made welcome by them. While absent on this tour, which
on account of the season of the year was very dangerous, IJOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
333
was in imminent danger of being lost at sea, but my time
was to be prolonged; and as usual, on setting out on my
voyage, the prayers of the Church were put up at the request
of my parents for my safe return, and my pious parents, I
have reason to believe, prayed to God daily for my safe re-
turn. Their prayers I trust were heard. As this was the
first of my going abroad, I was as unacquainted with the
ways of the world as a young man of my age could be; of
course had much to learn, and many obstacles and difficulties
to encounter.
I continued in my father’s family, laboring with him in
the farming line, until about the first of August following,
when I received an invitation from my uncle Harris Colt to
accompany him on a tour to Vermont, to explore a town-
ship of land of which he was an agent and my father a small
shareholder. I accompanied him to Arlington in Vermont,
where Governor Chittenton* then resided. On inquiry we
were informed that the township was not run off by the sur-
veyor general, and could not be subdivided into lots as was
our intention to do. We returned back to Williamstown,
where I engaged in a school, and took an affectionate leave
of my uncle, who returned back to Connecticut.
I continued in this place teaching school until April, 1786,
when falling in company with a Mr. Thomas Sheldon, a
merchant residing at Lansingburgh, State of New York, I
engaged to live with him. I accordingly took leave of my
friends at Williamstown and went to live with Mr. Sheldon,
tending to a store of dry-goods and keeping of accounts,
where I continued until April 1787; there I formed an
agreeable acquaintance and time passed off very pleasantly.
Having been absent from my father’s family about ten
months I felt it my duty to return home and pay them a
visit. I arrived at Lyme about the first of May, where I
found my friends all well.
I continued with them until about the first of June, when
I began to think and talk of returning to Lansingburgh. My
father appeared desirous to have me settle down on part of
* Thomas Chittenden, Governor of Vermont from 1778, before its formal
separation from New York was recognized, till 1789, and again, 1790-97.384
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
his farm and become settled, and made me proposals which
were such as a kind parent would do; but haying seen a
better country for obtaining an estate by labor, than the one
I was raised in, I excused myself from accepting his offer,
and gave him such reasons as I conceived satisfied him. I
however discovered in his countenance and conversation his
anxiety for my present and future welfare; [he] cautioned
me against falling into bad company, against vice and im-
morality, and to walk in the paths of virtue, for which I
thanked him.
About the first week in June, 1787, I took leave of my
affectionate parents, brothers and sisters, and set out again
for Lansingburgh. I never saw my father again. After
returning to Lansingburgh I continued in the employ of
Thomas Sheldon, and lastly a few months with Mr. Stephen
Gorham, who was then a respectable merchant in that vil-
lage. About the 1st of November I was informed by letter
of the death of my father who died as above related about
the 15th October. I immediately closed up my affairs in that
quarter and returned to my friends at Lyme. . . *
I continued at home during the fall and winter, assisting
as one of the administrators with my mother in settling the
estate, and dividing it among the heirs, which I trust was
done to the mutual satisfaction of all concerned. The divi-
sion of the estate took place 23d-25th March, 1787. As the
spring opened I once more took hold of the plow, and with
my brother Joseph commenced husbanding the farm, which
we prosecuted to good effect. For the first time however in
this quarter, be it remembered, the wheat crops were gen-
erally cut off by the Hessian fly, and among others was the
wheat which was on our farm.
On the 20th May, 1788, I set out on a journey to view a
piece of land situate and lying in the upper branch of the
Canada Creek which falls into the Mohawk a few miles
above the German Flats, then Montgomery County and
State of New York, being part of a tract of land known as
the Royal Grant, it being a piece of land I held in common
with Richard Sill, Esq., who then resided in Albany, and
who had purchased this tract of land the year before atJOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
335
public sale. My intention was to have made an improve-
ment on it if I should have fancied it for a farm, which by
the by did not suit me; and after a short stay in that quarter,
which was then an entire new country, I returned back to
Lyme, 13th June, where I spent the summer and ensuing
winter residing with my mother and brethren and sisters.
In the autumn of this year 1788 a treaty was held with
the Six Nations of Indians at the Seneca Lake, Genesee
country, now the town of Geneva, by Oliver Phelps and one
of the Livingstons. They succeeded in part, but the princi-
pal purchase was put off until the year following. From
the time of [my] return, viz., from 13th June, 1788, to the
30th May, 1789, nothing took place worth relating; my
time was principally taken up in farming business, [and]
settling the affairs of the estate of my deceased father. [I]
occasionally rode abroad to some of the neighboring towns
on parties of pleasure, and having it in contemplation for
some time of taking another tour westward, I left the care
of all domestic concerns with my brother Joseph Colt, and
on the 1st day of June, 1789,1 set out [on] my journey west-
ward, with full determination of fixing on some place for a
permanent settlement; having, previous to my setting out,
shipped some provisions, farming utensils, clothing, &c.,
for Albany, which were transported by water by way of New
York to Albany (1st June, 1789) ; and after taking an affec-
tionate leave of my aged mother, brethren and sisters, I set
out [on] my journey for Albany, where I arrived on the 4th
of June. It was in this place I remained for some days in a
dilemma what course next to pursue, whether to go and
begin to work on the tract of land I owned situate on Canada
Creek, Montgomery County, or to accompany Oliver Phelps,
Esq., and sundry other adventurers to the Genesee Country,
who were then at Albany and were shortly to set out for that
quarter.
After deliberating for some time I resolved to relinquish
the idea of settling on the land above mentioned, and to ac-
company Mr. Phelps westward, who had used many per-
suasive arguments for that purpose. And as kind Provi-
dence would order it, it proved to be a very fortunate ad-386
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
venture, respecting which I shall be more minute in relating
circumstances than [of] some former periods of my life.
My goods, &c., which I had shipped to this place ar-
riving, I rigged the wagon, and put in one of Mr. Phelps’s
horses with mine, took part of his baggage, and on the 6th
inst. set out [on] our journey for Geneseo, about 13 persons
in company. We drove our wagon to the German Flats, and
the road being rough our wagon broke and [we] left it and
proceeded from thence on horseback, every one carrying his
own baggage &c. We proceeded up the Mohawk river,
through a scattering Dutch settlement, neither the country
nor the manner of the people any way inviting and the ac-
commodations very poor. We crossed the Mohawk river at
Fort Schuyler, where Utica is now builded, in the afternoon
of the 10th inst., at which time there was but one or two
small log houses. We proceeded westward 10 miles, and
put up at a Mr. Blackman’s for the night, it being the far-
thermost settlement west of the Mohawk river.
From thence we proceeded westward, following a bridle
path, passing through the Oneida Castle, and at night en-
camped on the Canesheraga Flats. Here my horse failed
and could not keep up with company longer. A Mr.
Ebenezer Curtis agreed to continue with me, and move on as
fast as my horse was able.
On the 12th we reached to the Onondaga river and put
up at a Maj. Danford’s near the Salt Springs, and the only
white family we found after leaving Blackman’s except a
man by the name of Alburt or Talbut who resided in the
Castle of Oneida.
On the 13th we arrived at the Cayuga Lake, where a
family by the name of Richardson resided, who ferried our
horses across the lake in two canoes lashed together.
On the 14th, arrived at the village of Geneva and put up
at Gilbert or Beny’s. [ ?] My horse gave out after crossing
the outlet of the Seneca Lake and [we] left him by the road-
side.
On the 15th, I returned back to see about my horse, and
found him in the mire, attempting to cross a muddy run, allJOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
337
under but his head, and with the assistance of some boatmen
hauled him out; he lived a few days and died.
On the 16th remained at Geneva, and at night put up at
Thomas Pean’s [ ? ] about two miles west of Geneva, and on
the 17th set out on foot for Canadarque where I arrived
the same day in the afternoon about 5 o’clock. Took shelter
in a cabin then occupied by Gen. Israel Chapin. Feit very
much fatigued, and from the remote situation of the place
and no provisions but what was brought in boats from Al-
bany & Schenectady, there was a great scarcity of all the
necessaries of life.
On the 18th I was invited to reside in the house then oc-
cupied by Oliver Phelps Esq., who treated me with much
hospitality, as he did all other adventurers who came into
the country with him.
On the 22d inst. I contracted with O. Phelps Esq., and a
Mr. Dennis from Norwich to survey a township of land for
them situate on the Genesee river, known by No. 11 or
Honeoy township.
On the 23d June, 1789, I set out on a surveying tour and
encamped that night on the banks of the Honeoy Creek; on
the 24th arrived at the Genesee river and began to explore
the Flats or interval land on the river; on the 25th began to
survey the flats, where I continued until the 29th, surveying,
ascertaining the contents of the meadow or interval land,
drawing a plan of the township, accompanied by a Mr.
George Denny, whom I assisted in drawing lots- for the
small shareholders. I returned back to Canadarque on the
evening of the 29th. The day following was taken up in
exploring the lands in and about Canadarque.
1st July, 1789. This is my birthday, and have arrived at
the age of 28 years. During all these years have been pre-
served from accident, enjoyed uniform good health, been
liberally clothed and fed, by a bountiful Providence to whom
the praise be given.
On the 2d I purchased of Oliver Phelps a lot in the town
of Canadarque known by No. 4, west of Main Street, and
same day began to clear and girdle the timber, on which I338
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
afterwards built a dwelling-house and resided there for sev-
eral years.
On the 7th, accompanied Oliver Phelps Esq., and others
on a tour to the Genesee river, Big Tree Town, then called;
put up at night near the Honeoy Lake, fell in company with
a party of Indians, held a short council with them, and gave
them some provision and liquor, for which they appeared
very thankful.
On the 8th we arrived at the Genesee river, where we fell
in company with Col. John Ely and his son-in-law Doer.
Eliott, who were on their return from Niagara.
On the 9th proceeded down the river in company with
Mr. Phelps, and at evening put up at a Mr. Morgan’s, who
resided on Township No. 11, 7th Range.
On the 10th we returned back to Canadarque.
From the nth to the 25th I continued the principal part
of the time at Canadarque and boarded with Mr. Phelps;
was once in the time to Geneva, accompanied by a Mr.
Brown, and in consequence of a severe thunderstorm which
came upon us in a swamp, we got bewildered and lay out all
night. I was also out 2 or 3 days exploring a township of
land on the east side of the Canadarque Lake in company
with John Ely and Doct. Eliott. The leisure time was spent
clearing up my town lot.
On the 26th news was brought Mr. Phelps that those
several tribes of Indians who were coming in to treat with
him for the purchase of their lands were encamped about a
mile out of town, and requested he would come out and take
them by the hand and lead them in to the council fire. Ac-
cordingly a number of us accompanied the agent, Mr.
Phelps, on horseback to where they were encamped, who
saluted us with a discharge of their rifles. The chiefs were
seated in a large circle on the ground, who when we arrived
arose, took us by the hand and led us into the center, where
we sat down. Shortly after one of the chiefs, Red Jacket I
believe, arose and made a speech, which was answered by
Mr. Phelps, who at the conclusion gave them an invitation
to march into Canadarque, where the chiefs paraded the
warriors and displayed sundry Indian military manoevers;JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
339
after which they were treated with rum and provisions, and
the day ended pleasantly.
From the 27th [July] to the 6th of August the treaty
continued to be held with the Indians. During this time
[there were] about 1700 Indians, of men, women and chil-
dren, that were served with rations of bread and meat and
occasionally rum, &c. While this treaty continued but little
else was attended to. Although no serious accidents hap-
pened between the whites and Indians there were several
narrow escapes in consequence of the Indians making too
free use of spirits, and the misconduct of the white people,
who were often the aggressors. The payment was made
them in cash and merchandise. They came and went away
hungry, notwithstanding upwards of 100 head of cattle were
killed for them. Flour was not so plenty. It was reported
(during the treaty and I think not unlikely) that the flour
of one barrel made up into bread sold for 100 dollars worth
in silver plates, of various kinds of Indian ornaments. Many
horses died distempered during the treaty. The Indians fed
on them freely, also the blood and entrails of all the beef
slaughtered.
From the nth [Aug.] to the 25th I spent on the Genesee
river, surveying and exploring land. On the 29th, was taken
with the ague and fever, and was so much indisposed was
obliged to return to Canadarque. This season was uncom-
’ monly rainy. The Genesee river and all the smaller streams
were frequently full banks, and being much exposed to wet
wading through streams and swamps, it brought on the
ague, which continued on me until the 10th of September
when it left me for a few days. In this interval I cleared
and sowed about three acres of wheat on my town lot, the
first wheat that was ever sowed in this part of the country.
In the course of the fall Nathaniel Gorham and sundry
others sowed large fields of wheat.
On the 15th inst. my ague returned on me with but little
interruption until the 3d of October, when despairing of get-
ting rid of the ague I concluded to leave the country and
take passage in a boat bound to Schenectady. Accordingly
on the 4th of October I set out in a battoe in company with340
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
Moses Atwater and sundry others. On the nth we arrived
at the Little Falls on the Mohawk river, and put up at a
Mr. Herkemer's. On Monday the 12th I made an exchange
of the wagon which I left in the care of Mr. Herkemer last
June for a horse, and from thence journeyed on horseback.
On the 14th I arrived at the town of Lansingburgh and put
up with my friend Charles Selden, and by changing my diet
and taking plentifully of the bark I got rid of the ague, but
was taken with influenza, which continued with me very
severely until the 22d, when feeling on the mending hand,
set out for Connecticut. Traveled through Williams Town
in Massachusetts, Pittsfield and from thence to Granville;
called on a Mr. Ebenezer Curtis of whom I had purchased
a lot of land containing 640 acres and received of him a
deed—a tract of land which I sold afterwards to Messrs.
Henry Channing and Richard McCurdy. From Granville
rode to Suffield, settled accounts with Oliver Phelps and pur-
chased of him; received a deed for lot of land, and from
thence shaped my course for Litchfield, for the purpose of
seeing and settling some business with Thomas Sheldon;
put up with his brother Samuel Sheldon. On the 4th of
November set out on my journey for Lyme, where I ar-
rived the 6th inst., after being absent about 5 months; found
my mother, brothers and sisters in health, who bid me a
hearty welcome. Altho’ I have experienced much hardship
and sickness I considered the tour a very fortunate one, and'
laid the foundation of an increasing fortune. ...
From the 6th of November 1789 to the 14th of April,
1790 I made it my home at Lyme with my mother and her
family, occasionally riding into the adjoining towns on
parties of pleasure, making some agreeable acquaintances.
In the month of December rode to Albany on business for
Thomas Sheldon; went and returned by way of Litchfield,
where on my return spent several days attending at County
Court during five months, viz., from November to April. I
did not pursue any regular business, had not recovered of
the autumnal fever, but had several returns of the ague and
fever, and not in health to endure much active exercise.
Made the necessary arrangements for my tour westward andJOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
341
on 15th day of April set out on my journey again for Genesee
on horseback. The second day on my journey was taken
very ill with a return of the influenza. My road was
through Hartford, Pittsfield in Massachusetts, and from
thence to Albany and from thence to Schenectady, where I
met with Nathaniel Sandburn and family, and between us
purchased a battoe, on board of which he put his family and
our effects of provisions, &c., and of a Saturday (1st May)
we set off with our battoe from Schenectady, up the Mo-
hawk river and through the chain of waters to the outlet of
the Canadarque Lake, and after a passage 28 days of hard
labor, we arrived safe at Phelps’ Landing, so called, about
seven miles from Canadarque. After my arrival at Cana-
darque, which was the 29th of May, and getting up my
stores from the boat, which was done on the 30th, the 31st
of May I began to plow and prepare ground for spring
crops, viz., for oats, buckwheat and corn, all of which crops
succeeded well. In addition to farming I occasionally at-
tended to small jobs of surveying.
30th June. This day closes my 29th year, enjoying
health, situate in a fertile new country and am anticipating
many happy days and years may follow.
1st July. I have now entered upon my 30th year; and
on 2d August following I set out in company with a Mr.
Babcock, Phelps and others to make a division of Big Tree
Town (so-called) between these gentlemen. Returned by
way of Township No 11, and purchased a yoke of oxen of
Joseph Magner [?], price 50 dollars, which enabled me to
prepare and put in crop about 12 acres of wheat. I returned
back to Canadarque on the 8th, and on the 9th of August
begun to harvest my wheat which I had sown on the front
of my town lot in the fall of 1789, yielding rising of 20
bushels to the acre.
On the 10th, died suddenly, Cap. Walker, a young man
much respected, the first white man that has died in this vil-
lage since the first settlement.
In the course of the summer I secured a commission from
his Excellency George Clinton Esq., appointing me Sheriff
of Ontario County, and on the 3d day of September a Court842
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
of Quarter Sessions and General Sessions of the Peace was
held at the then dwelling house of Oliver Phelps, and since
owned by Meris [?] Atwater, Oliver Phelps Esq. presided
as judge and James Parker and Israel Capens [?] as assist-
ant justices.
I continued at Canadarque until the 9th of December.
My principal business during the summer and fall was farm-
ing. I resided in a small log house owned by Moses At-
water and kept Bachelor’s Hall. Thomas Lord, the son of
John Lord, was hired with me from June until September.
In the fall I erected me a small log house, which I occupied
for a dwelling house the year following. On Tuesday, 9th
December, set out for Connecticut in company with General
Israel Chapin, Nathaniel Gorham and about 8 others. Put
up at evening at Patterson’s, Geneva, and on the 10th set out
on our journey and crossed the Cayuga Lake with our
horses on the ice, at great hazard of our drowning ourselves
and horses, the ice being very thin and weak. At night en-
camped in the woods, and a heavy snow fell on us. The
weather continued cold and the snow about 18 inches deep.
I proceeded on my journey by easy stages, and on the 3d of
January, 1791, I arrived at Lyme, where I was again cor-
dially received by my mother, brethren and sisters, having
been absent since the 15th of April last.
I continued at Lyme but a few weeks, viz, until the 21st
of February following. During this interval, I made my-
self happy with my friends and acquaintances, and made
some advances toward matrimony, to her, whom I married
the winter following.
On Monday 21st February 1791 again took leave of my
friends and set out [on] my journey for Canadarque. Hired
Nathan Phelps for several months, who drove on for me his
yoke of oxen and sled, with sundry stores &c. We had a
prosperous journey until we arrived to the Cayuga Lake
where the snow was all dissolved; was obliged to leave our
sled and store our goods, and arrived at Canadarque on the
16th March. All the appearances of a forward Spring;
birds were singing and the farmers were plowing for the
Spring crops. . . . 5th of April I moved into my log house,JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
343
although small and not an entire shelter from the storm, I
nevertheless felt happy with the idea of being in a house of
my own, anticipating of seeing better days. The prospect
of the country becoming populous is very flattering. Great
number of families moved into the settlement during the
winter and spring, principally from Massachusetts and Con-
necticut, who bring with them their steady habits. The
people generally convened on the Sabbath for worship;
sermons were read and psalms were sung.
My main business this season was farming, clearing up
my land and extending my improvements as my abilities
would admit. Among other improvements built me a
framed barn, to secure my wheat and grass in. This season
thus far has been favorable for bringing forward the Spring
crops. . . .
In the course of this month, July 1791 a treaty was held
with the Seneca Nation of Indians at New Town. Present
on the part of the U. States, Timothy Pickering Esquire.
This treaty was on account of sundry Indians which had been
killed by white people on the waters of the Susquehannah
and elsewhere, viz, Pine Creek. Oliver Phelps Esquire at-
tended the treaty from this county, and sundry gentlemen
from the southward who were at the treaty returned with
him. Among others was Thomas Morris Esquire, who after-
wards purchased and settled at Canadarque. A Major
Thompson from Farmington died at the Genesee river, sud-
denly of a fever [taken] at Canadarque; a man much re-
spected and whose death was much lamented.
Began to cut and harvest my wheat on the 19th of July;
the last year began to harvest wheat 9th August—20 days
difference. The ague and fever is very prevalent in many
parts of the country this season. I continued in the country
this season until the 14th of November, have been favored
with health and successful in my farming pursuits. After
closing up and securing my fall crop, on the 15th November,
set out my journey once more for Connecticut, in company
with Frederick Hosmer. I arrived at Lyme the 4th Decem-
ber, 1791; had the pleasure of finding my aged mother and
friends all in health. . . . Having made up my mind to344
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
live no longer a single life, by mutual consent, I was pub-
lished to Elizabeth Marvin on Sunday, 25th December—
Christmas day—and on Sunday evening 8th January, 1792,
we were married by the Rev. David Higgins. A few of the
family connections were present. . . .
After continuing a few days visiting among our friends
I set out on a tour for New York, on horseback as far as
New Haven, where I left my horse and took the stage. I
arrived at New York on the 14th of January. While in the
city I spent some time in the House of Assembly, where I
fell in company with Col. Lenley, our first Member of As-
sembly from Ontario County, who had lately arrived and
taken his seat in the House. I was also the bearer of a peti-
tion from the Masons of Ontario for obtaining a charter for
a lodge from the Grand Lodge in this city, and was intro-
duced to Chancellor Livingston for that purpose, who then
resided [? presided] as Grand Master. The petition was
granted. I left New York on the 19th January in a very
severe snowstorm, arrived at Lyme on the 22d, where I con-
tinued until the 9th February. During this time I sold
sundry lots of land to Reverend Henry Channing of New
London for a small advance, which enabled me to purchase a
team of oxen and span of horses and sleigh, for the purpose
of moving Mrs. Colt and self and our household goods to
Genesee. My ox team set out on the 10th.
On the 13th of February, 1792, took leave of our friends
and set out [on] our journey in sleigh for Genesee, there
having fallen a snow on the 10th which made it excellent
traveling, which continued good sleighing the whole of our
journey. We arrived in safety at Canadarque on Tuesday
the 20th of February, in good health, no accident befalling
us or our teams on the journey. We put [up] on the night
of our arrival at Nathaniel Sanbum’s, and on the 29th we
moved in and took possession of our log house, apparently
with as much satisfaction as if it had been a palace. My
ox team arrived on the 3d of March, performed the journey
in 22 days. The snow dissolved gradually with the rains
and the sun, and the season opened for commencing farming
about the 10th of April, the ground being settled and dryJOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
345
for plowing and the sowing of spring grain, and sowed my
oats on the nth. Made husbandry my principal business,
occasionally executing the duties of my office of sheriff, in
serving writs, summoning jurors, etc.
[For the years 1792 to the close of 1794 Mr. Colt’s jour-
nal relates chiefly to personal and domestic matters. One or
two records have historic value: “On Sunday, 16th day of
September 1792 the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was
administered in this village by the Rev. Mr. Smith from
Dyton, Mass.—for the first time in this part of the country.
The members who partook of the sacrament were Israel
Chapin Esquire and his wife,----Whitman, Gamaliel and
Ephraim Wilder,-----Warner and------Pitts, seven in all.”
Two children were born to the Colts, but neither lived. In
January, 1793, Mr. Colt again visited Lyme, where illness
detained him for some weeks, but before spring he was back
at Canandaigua with a load of goods, which he retailed to
his neighbors. His brothers Samuel and Elisha visited him
and the former continued in the country.]
January 1794. Continued at Canadarque during the
winter for the first time. Much talk of Indian war with the
Six Nations, and the inhabitants of this new settlement are
under some serious apprehensions of an invasion in the
spring if measures are not taken by the General Government
to quiet them. Early in the Spring news was brought to
Israel Chapin Esquire, Superintendent of Indian Affairs,
that Capt. Brant had assembled with his warriors at Buf-
falo Creek and was proceeding on to Presque Isle, State of
Pennsylvania, to prevent the surveyors from surveying that
part of the country called the Triangle. To prevent serious
consequences Mr. Chapin repaired to Buffalo Creek, My
brother Samuel Colt accompanied him as secretary and
Horatio Jones as interpreter. The Indians were assembled.
After some consultation part of the young men were dis-
missed and a few of the chiefs took passage by water, along
with the Superintendent,^ secretary and interpreter, to
Presque Isle, and from thence went on foot to Le Boeuf,
where were stationed a small command of State troops, com-
manded by a Capt. Ebenezer Denny.846
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
On the Indians making their business known, viz., to see
the surveyors and to forbid them running lines, etc., they
were informed they had shortly before left the country and
had gone down the river. They agreed to return home upon
assurances being given that the matter should be laid before
the President of the U. S., which was done by the Superin-
tendent. It was agreed to hold a treaty with them the en-
suing fall. Timothy Pickering Esquire was appointed for
that purpose and met them at Canadarque in the month of
October, when all matters of difference were amicably set-
tled to the full satisfaction of all parties. There was a large
assembly of Indians and many white people collected on the
occasion. Among others were the noted character Jemima
Wilkenson,* alias the Universal Friend, together with a
number of her followers from the Friend’s settlement, whose
object was to treat with the chiefs of the Mohawk Indians,
to purchase a tract of land of them in Upper Canada, but did
not succeed that I could hear of. At the close of this treaty
all fears vanished, with respect to any invasion from the Six
Nations of Indians.
[In April, 1794, Mr. Colt and his wife returned to Con-
necticut, traveling the whole distance on horseback. Mrs.
Colt, who was in feeble health, did not return to Canan-
daigua until February, 1795. In the interim Mr. Colt made
repeated journeys back and forth, busy with land specula-
tion, the sale of lots, and the interests of his farm and newly-
established store. The journal for this period is here omit-
ted.]
Some time in August [1795] Augustus Porter and my-
self set out on a journey to Presque Isle for the purpose of
purchasing land. Went on horseback to Niagara, where we
left our horses and took passage with Capt. Wm. Lee in a
small shallop to Presque Isle. On our arrival there we
found a number of men encamped in that quarter. The U.
* For an account of Jemima Wilkinson’s preaching to the Indians in 1791,
and of her presence in Canandaigua in 1794, see Buffalo Historical Society
Publications, Vol. VI., p. 494; also David Hudson’s “History of Jemima
Wilkinson, a Preacheress of the Eighteenth Century,” etc., Geneva, N. Y.,
1821. She and her followers made the first settlement in the old town of
Jerusalem, Yates Co., N. Y.JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
347
S. troops were erecting a fort. Gen. William Irwin* and
Andrew Ellicott, commissioners from the State, were laying
out the town of Erie, and had in their service about ioo
militia troops; and Thomas Rees Esquire was acting as an
agent for the Pennsylvania Population Company in the sur-
vey and sale of their lands. We purchased and took two
certificates of 400 acres each at 1 dollar per acre, payable in
five annual instalments. We made but a short stay and re-
turned the way we came. The season was uncommonly dry
and warm, we suffered much with heat, drougth and mus-
quitoes. . . .
I continued in trade until some time in December [1795],
when concluding in my own mind to change my line of busi-
ness I sold off all the goods remaining in my store to Thad-
deus Chapin and others on a credit, attended to settle up
accounts and close all mercantile transactions, in which I was
pretty successful.
January, 1796, preparing my business in order to make a
journey to New England. In the month of February set out
for Connecticut in sleigh with my sister-in-law Phebe Mar-
vin. We had good sleighing the whole of the distance. On
my way called on Oliver Phelps, Suffield, to whom I sold
some land, which enabled me to discharge some mercantile
debts. Arrived at Lyme the latter part of this month [Feb-
ruary] . After spending a few days visiting my friends I
returned back to Hartford on business, and in the month of
March set out on horseback for Philadelphia. Rode as far
as New York, where I left my horse and took the stage to
Philadelphia where I arrived the 13th March.
The object I had in view was, to get confirmed the lands
I purchased of Thomas Rees, agent of the Pennsylvania
Population Company at Presque Isle in August 1795, the
principal proprietors of whom [were] residing in this city.
I had it in contemplation also to purchase a body of land off
the east end of the Triangle, so called, containing about
30,000 acres, and offered them 1 dollar per acre for the
same, but they declined to sell in so large a body. While
the proposition was under consideration of the managers of
*Gen. Wm. Irvine.348
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
said company, viz., John Nicholson, Esquire, John Field,
Theophilus Cazenove, Col. Aaron Burr, one of them, viz.,
Col. Burr, informed me they were in want of an agent to
take in charge the sale of their land, that if I would under-
take the superintendence of their lands they would engage
me, and upon a short consultation on the subject I contracted
with the managers for one year, from the 21st March, at a
salary of 1500 dollars and all expenses paid by them for
board, traveling expenses &c., and powers of attorney and
letters were made out. Maps of the country were furnished
and money advanced to purchase provisions, hiring of labor-
ers, &c.; and in the month of April, set out for the Genesee
country. At New York laid in stores of provisions, sundry
kinds of goods, farming and cooking utensils, which are
generally wanted in a new country; shipped them to Al-
bany, thence across the portage in wagons, from thence they
were taken in batteaux up the Mohawk river, through the
lakes to Presque Isle, under the care and direction of Enoch
Marvin. On their arrival at Oswego they were stopped by
the British garrison stationed there. An empty boat how-
ever was permitted to pass and proceed on to Niagara and
obtain permission of Governor Simco [Simcoe] to proceed
with their loading. It was shortly after this they were in-
formed of the treaty being ratified by Congress which was
made by Mr. Jay with the British Government, a matter
which had for some time agitated the subjects of the two
governments.
I arrived myself at the town of Erie on the 22d of June
[1796], and my boats with the provisions, &c. arrived about
the 1st July following, and shortly after proceeded to busi-
ness. I erected my tent or marquee near the old French
garrison, and continued to reside [there] through the sum-
mer. There was a captain’s command stationed at this
village, in a garrison laid out and builded in the summer of
1795-
In the month of August rode down to Pittsburgh, at-
tended a vendue for the sale of part of the Erie Reserve.
Visited the agent who had the superintendence of a portion
of the company’s lands on the waters of Beaver. CountryJOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
849
new, but few inhabitants, roads bad and accommodations
poor, encamped out, nights, tied my horse head and foot.
The season very warm and dry, made the journey very fa-
tiguing. I returned back to Erie in safety.
In the month of September went on horseback through
the wilderness to Canadarque, principally alone. After mak-
ing a short visit to my family I returned back to Presque
Isle (town of Erie) where I continued to [attend to] the
business of my agency until the 1st November. Met with
considerable opposition during the season by adverse set-
tlers. A company known by Denning McNair & Co. from
the neighborhood of Pittsburgh. After arranging the
aifairs of the company for the winter, leaving the agency in
the care of Elisha and Enoch Marvin, I set out again for
Philadelphia on the 4th November, and after about two
weeks of hard labor and running much danger of losing our-
selves, we arrived with our boat in the mouth of the Genesee
river, it being the last day of the Indian Summer, for at
evening was a severe thunderstorm and the next day and
evening a snow storm. Winter set in without interruption.
I arrived at Canadarque about the 21st November, and had
the pleasure of finding my family in good health. I con-
tinued at Canadarque until about the 20th December follow-
ing, when I again took leave of my family and set out for
Philadelphia by way of Albany and New York. Arrived at
Philadelphia about the 1st January 1797. Continued in the
city until the 5th of March following, and haying settled
with the managers for the last year’s agency, agreed to con-
tinue with them for the current year. After receiving letters
of instruction, and money to be laid out for the further prose-
cuting the settlement, I took my leave of them and set out
again for Presque Isle, viz., on the 5th of March by way of
New York, where I purchased provisions, goods, &c., and
shipped them to Albany. Mrs. Colt having made a journey
to see her parents in the course of the winter I went into
Connecticut and accompanied her back to Canadarque. We
left Lyme 28th March, and from Hartford Mrs. Colt went in
stage to Albany and myself on horseback. On the 6th April
we arrived at Albany, and my stores of provisions &c. ar-350
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
rived from New York about the same time. While I was
employed in transporting these to Schenectady Mrs. Colt
made a visit to her friends at Lansingburgh. On her return
to Albany, being exposed to the small-pox, she was inocu-
lated, and took passage in stage to Whitesborough, put [up]
at the family of Doer. Elizen Mosley, where she continued
until I arrived, which was the 2d May, when I had the pleas-
ure of finding her on the mending hand, having had the dis-
order very favorably.
About this time my brother Jabez Colt came through
from Canadarque with horses for us to ride from this to
Canadarque, and my brother waited at White’s-town and
Fort Stanwix until my boats arrived that were left in the
care of Eliphalet Beebe, and proceeded with them to Ni-
agara. I arrived at Canadarque the 8th May, Mrs. Colt
having received no material injury from the journey. I
continued at Canadarque until the 22d inst, purchasing pro-
visions and cattle,* and employing labor to take to Presque
Isle.
Again took leave of my family and set out for Erie by
way of Upper Canada. Found my boats had arrived at
Queenstown; made the necessary arrangement for their
carriage around the falls. I proceeded westward and ar-
rived at the 16-mile Creek on Lake Erie the 31st May. . . .
[An account of his sister’s sickness and death is omitted.]
On the 1st June, 1797, I rode out to where Mr. Elisha
Marvin was stationed, and who had charge of the men em-
ployed under my agency, situate 9 miles south of the 16-
Mile Creek, now known by Greenfield or Colt’s Station.* I
* The first celebration of Independence Day in the Triangle appears to have
been held at Colt’s Station, now Greenfield, in 1797. Laura G. Sanford, in her
“History of Erie County, Pennsylvania,” gives the following as from the Colt
MS., though it does not appear in the Journal here printed:	“Tuesday being
the twenty-second anniversary of the Independence of America, at the expense
of the Pennsylvania Population Company we gave an entertainment to about
seventy-five people, settlers of the said company. A bower was erected under
two large maple trees, and when the hearts of the people were cheered with
good fare, sundry toasts were drunk suitable to the occasion. After I had
withdrawn, one James Crawford offered the following:	‘May Judah Colt, agent
of the Population Company, drive the intruders before him as Samson did the
Philistines! Three cheers!’ and the woods rang with a roar of laughter for
some time.” The allusion of course was to the dispossession of settlers deemed
irregular by the Population Company.JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
351
made this place my principal stand during this season, or
until the 16th of November following. During this time I
was several times at Meadville, and superintending the lands
of the Company situated on the waters of Beaver or Shen-
ango, where I commenced an establishment on them on the
30th of July, situate about 15 miles west of Meadville, and
left my brother Jabez Colt to superintend that settlement.
This was a season of much business, and owing to the
opposition I met with from adverse settlers, it caused me
much trouble and perplexity, how to keep from 40 to 80 and
100 men in the service of the Company, to defend the settlers
and the property I had the charge [of]. It was more than
once mobs of men from 20 to 30 would assemble for the pur-
pose of destroying houses and for other mischief, sundry of
whom I had indicted and bills were found against them by
the grand jury of the then Allegany County, the court being
held at the borough of Pittsburgh, which occasioned me to
visit Pittsburgh in the month of September with a number
of witnesses which I took to substantiate the riot, &c. Bills
were found against a number of them.
On my return to Lake Erie I loaded a boat with sundry
stores, gave it in charge of one William Edwards, to take
down to the 16 Mile Creek. They were unfortunately over-
taken by a thunder-gust, drove down the lake near to the
Chatockway [Chautauqua] Creek, when the boat upset and
Edwards, Tinker and Pierce were drowned. One of the men
by the name of Hawley was saved, who gave an account of
the disaster. Two of the bodies were found on the 15th
[October], viz, Tinker and Price,* were brought up to the
16-Mile Creek where they [were] interred.
In the course of this season had commenced the building
of a small vessel of about 35 tons at the mouth of the 4-Mile
Creek.
I continued in the Triangle (so called) until some time
in October, when I again visited the settlement under the
agency of my brother Jabez Colt, and after making the
necessary arrangements with him for the winter I returned
back to Greenfield Station, where I made all convenient ar-
* Written both “Price” and “Pierce” in the original.85$
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
rangement possible for the continuance of the settlement
through the winter. Engaged Mr. Elisha Marvin to take
charge of the men employed through the winter in the Com-
pany’s service, and his brother Enoch Marvin took charge
of sundry witnesses in order to attend court at Pittsburgh
respecting the farmer riots, of the Loureys and others which
took place in the months of June and July last. Matters
being thus arranged I set out on the 16th inst (November)
for Philadelphia by way of Canadarqua, on horseback. Took
with me sundry young men. The snow was deep, and had
to camp out a number of nights in going through the wilder-
ness [between] this and the Genesee River. I arrived at
Canadarqua on the 25th of same month, where I had the
satisfaction of finding Mrs. Colt in good health after an
absence of six months from my family.
I continued at Canadarqua with my family until the 9th
January 1798, busily employed in regulating my agency
accounts of the transactions of my agency during the season
past; when I again took leave of my family and set out for
Philadelphia. Took passage in sleigh to Albany with Sey-
mour Boughton. On my way down I visited my uncle
Peter Colt and family, who were then resident near Fort
Stanwix. From Albany took stage to New York and Phila-
delphia, and arrived at [that] city on the 24th January. I
continued in the city until the 16th of April, closed up my
accounts of my agency to the satisfaction of my employers
and engaged to continue in their service another year at a
salary of 2500 dollars per year, to be found with a clerk, and
all reasonable traveling expenses. Took leave of my em-
ployers on the 22d April, accompanied by my clerk, Benja-
min Saxton, in stage to New York. On my arrival, pur-
chased sundry stores and shipped them for Albany under
the care of B. Saxton and Eliphalet Beebe. Proceeded on
to Albany in stage and arrived at Albany the 29th April,
where I continued until the arrival of my stores and until
I had them taken across the portage to Schenectady. After
shipping them on board of small craft up the Mohawk, still
in the care of Saxton and Beebe, I took stage for White’sJOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
353
Town, and from thence on horseback in company with Capt.
Reuben Thayer and a Major Conly to Canadarqua.
I arrived at Canadarqua on the ioth May; had the pleas-
ure of finding Mrs. Colt in good health; where I continued
until the 21st May. Mrs. Colt having agreed to accompany
me to Presque Isle we made our arrangements accordingly,
leased our house and furniture, farm, &c. to my brother
Joseph who was married on the 13th to a Miss Betsy Cell;
and on Monday 21st May we set out on horseback and pro-
ceeded on by easy stages by way of Queenstown, Upper
Canada, and from thence to Fort Erie, viewing the Falls of
Niagara on our route. From Fort Erie we sent our horses
through by land, and we took passage in a small vessel,
sloop Weazle, Dennan [?] master, for Presque Isle, where
we arrived in safety the 31st May.
On the 2d June we set out for Greenfield Station, by
water to 16 Mile Creek, where we were met with our horses
that had been taken through the wilderness by Olney F.
Rice [ ?]. We arrived at our station on Sunday morning of
the 3d of June, having encamped over night in a small cabin
occupied by Aaron Eastman and family. We were very
cheerfully received by Mr. Elisha Marvin, who made us
welcome with such fare as could be had.
I continued to reside at Greenfield with my family until
the 7th of November following—was busily employed dur-
ing the Summer months. The vessel begun by Elephalet
Beebe the summer of 1797 was completed this year in season
to make a trip to Fort Erie. She was named the Sloop
Wasington [ ? Washington].
An accommodation took place between the company of
Wattd Scott [ ?] and the company I act as agent for, respect-
ing land claims. Took a journey to Pittsburgh in the month
of September; visited the settlement under the care of Jabez
Colt and also of Col. Dunning [illegible] on the waters of
Coniatte [ ? Conneaut] in the village of Lexington. On the
ioth October, accompanied about 65 of the company’s
settlers from this station (Greenfield) to the town of Erie,
to attend an election, all of whom were in favor of a Federal
Representative.354
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
On the 7th November I set out with Mrs. Colt on horse-
back for Pittsburgh; snow about 12 inches deep, which had
been on the ground since the 30th of October, and very cold.
Our baggage was taken down French Creek by water; we
got to Meadville on the 9th and to Pittsburgh on the 18th
of November. Being under the necessity of returning back
to Meadville, left Mrs. Colt in the family of Thomas Collins
Esquire. I returned back to where my brother Jabez Colt
was stationed and continued in that quarter, viz., on the
waters of Shenango, arranging the business of my agency
until the 4th of January 1799. From the 2d December until
the 4th inst. continued snowing with but little interruption.
I returned back to Meadville in company with my brother,
and on the 6th inst. he set out with me for Pittsburgh, and
arrived there the 9th inst., weather severe cold. Found Mrs.
Colt indisposed from a fall from a sleigh some few days be-
fore. Shortly after our arrival at this place the weather be-
came very warm, snow dissolved, a great rise of water, frost
out of the ground and the farmers began their plowing.
On the 19th inst. I set out with Mrs. Colt for Philadel-
phia on horseback in company with Thomas Collins and lady
and John Barron Esquire. On our arrival at Shippensburgh
we made a halt a few days until our baggage which was in
the care of Isaac Austin came up with us. We arrived at
Philadelphia on the 2d of February and took lodging at
Solomon March’s [?], where we continued until the 22d
May following. Our journey over the mountains at this
inclement season was very fatiguing and hazardous, but we
were preserved from accident, a cause of much thankfulness.
The winter was spent very pleasantly. A number of
Members of Congress boarded in the same house with us,
among others were Messrs. Langdon, Gallatin, Havens,
Nicholas, Harrison and others. In the course of the winter
attended to the settlement of my accounts with the company,
and at my leisure moments attended to the debates in Con-
gress.
In the course of the winter there was an insurrection in
the counties of Berks and Northampton, which was soon
brought to a close by spirited measures being taken by theJOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
355
Federal Administration, who took the ringleaders and dis-
persed the mob. A man by the name of Fries [ ?] was tried
for high treason, was finally convicted, but after was par-
doned under the administration of John Adams.
On the 25th May, having received my powers of Attor-
ney and letters of instruction from the Pennsylvania Popula-
tion Company, I set out on horseback with Mrs. Colt for
Presque Isle by way of Pittsburgh. We arrived at Green-
field Station the 17th June; the weather extremely warm,
roads bad, which made it extremely fatiguing to Mrs. Colt,
which was the occasion of a severe spell of sickness, and her
life was for some time dispaired of. Was attended by Dr.
Thomas R. Kennedy, who resided at Meadville, a very skil-
ful physician. Mrs. Colt continued in a very feeble state
until the succeeding Spring. I continued to prosecute the
business of my agency as usual.
At the October election James Ross Esquire and Thomas
McKean were the two candidates who ran for Governor.
McKean succeeded. In the course of the fall of the year
the P. P. Co. sent out Emin Williams to assist in correcting
the surveys of their lands, who was the cause afterwards of
much difficulty and misunderstandings between me and my
principals. In the month of November I went on business
to Pittsburgh to settle with the commissioners of Allegheny
County for the arrearages of taxes due on the company’s
land; made a successful settlement with them.
I continued at Greenfield with my family until the 22d
February [1800], when I again took leave of them and set
out again for Philadelphia; left Mrs. Colt in a very infirm
state of health. On my arrival at the town of Erie the
citizens were preparing to partake of a dinner in honor of
the birthday of Gen. Geo. Washington. From the town of
Erie I proceeded on my journey with Enoch Marvin, who
accompanied me to Pittsburgh. I arrived at Philadelphia
about the 1st March, and took lodgings at John Tomlinson’s,
where I remained until the 1st May, 1801, being 13 months
and some days over. During the greater part of this time I
was laboring to effect an amicable settlement with the Com-
pany I had been doing business for. A misunderstanding356
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
had arisen in the minds of the managers against me by the
instigation of Emin Williams, who had laid his plans to
bring me into difficulty and disrepute with the company. He
however failed in his designs. The result of the whole busi-
ness was thereafter a minute investigation of my agency.
My account was passed, my salary paid me during my con-
tinuance in the city, also my expenses for board, clerk hire,
and requested still to continue in their employ. It was how-
ever an unpleasant controversy, and the circumstance of
being so long detained from my family was a matter which
caused me much anxiety and on the whole the most unpleas-
ant part of my life since arriving to state of manhood. . . .
In consequence of my long absence from the country the
settlement was considerably impeded, and the peace and har-
mony of the County greatly disturbed, by the adversaries of
the company I had the agency of, which made the business
of my agency very unpleasant.
In the course of the Summer and Fall we were visited by
a number of clergymen who were sent out by the Ohio &
Redstone Presbytery, who preached in a number of places
and took much pains to collect and establish churches and to
convene the scattering inhabitants for religious societies.
Among others who came out among us was the Reverend
-----McCurdy,* who appeared a very zealous man, and well
calculated to be useful as a traveling minister. On the Sab-
bath of the 27th of September [1801] was appointed and
agreed upon to have the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
administered in the Township of Greenfield, on a plantation
then occupied by William Dundass [?]. When the day ar-
rived, a great number of people assembled. [Mr. Colt here
records at length how he was brought under religious con-
viction and joined the church, with his wife. The ministers
present on this occasion were the Rev. Messrs. “McCurdy,
* The Rev. Elisha McCurdy, a native of Carlisle, Pa., in 1799 licensed to
preach by the Presbytery of Ohio, in Washington Co., Pa. He was active in
the great revival in Western Pennsylvania, i8oi-’o2, in connection with which
awakening he organized the church of Lower Greenfield, now Northeast, Pa.
Mr. McCurdy died at Allegheny, Pa., July 22, 1845. For an account of his
life, see Sprague’s “Annals of the American Pulpit”; also Sanford’s “History
of Erie County, Pennsylvania.”JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
857
Satterfield, Tate and Boid, from the Ohio & Redstone Pres-
bytery/']
October, 1801. In the course of this month took a tour
through the settlement in company with Elisha Marvin and
Timothy Tuttle Esquire, in order to learn the state of the
settlement. Some progress was made in organizing the
militia in Greenfield. Elisha Marvin was chosen their cap-
tain, had about 80 persons enrolled in his company. The
garrison at Presque Isle was commanded by Capt. Cornelius
Lyman, who treated strangers and the inhabitants with much
civility and hospitality.
On the 26th October I set out on a journey to Geneseo,
State of New York. Enoch Marvin accompanied me. At
Batavia, on the waters of Tonewanta, we called on Joseph
Ellicott, who was an acting agent for the Holland Land
Company. Ellicott was a high-toned Democrat, and not
friendly disposed towards the emigrants from the eastward,
from whence his principal settlers came from. I made but a
short stay in the Genesee country. Among other business
which I attended to was to pay off a debt for a tract of land,
bought of Charles Williamson, situated on Genesee River, it
being a balance of $1390.50. On my return passed over into
Upper Canada and sold to Clark & Street a right to Sloop
Washington, which was built near Presque Isle at the mouth
of 4-Mile Creek in the Summer of 1798. The winter set in
and continued severe; until the close of this year busily
occupied in attending to the business of my agency. . . .
November, 1802. ... In the course of this year there
was considerable progress made, organizing the county, in
military, civil and religious [matters]. The Reverend Mr.
Robert Patterson commenced his labors as a minister. . . .
March 3, 1803, set out on a journey to Canadarqua in
company with Enoch Marvin in order to attend to collecting
moneys due me in that quarter for rent and to dispose of
them again for the current year. The weather was very
severe and we traveled on the ice from the mouth of Cha-
tockway Creek to Buffalo. I continued in the Genesee coun-
try but a few days, for while there, there was an express sent
to me from Greenfield, having in charge a packet from James858
JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
Gibson Esquire, requesting my attendance at Philadelphia,
and to be there in time to attend as a witness in sundry
causes which [were] pending in the Federal Court. . . .
[The journal for 1803-1808 relates chiefly to Mr. Colt's
business as land agent, and to family matters. In June,
1803, he assisted the deputy marshal in ejecting intruders on
the company's lands, “some of whom were obstinate and gave
us much trouble." Sept. 1, 1803, “the Rev. Robert Patterson
was ordained to the pastoral charge of Upper and Lower
Greenfield congregation." In the same month Mr. Colt
bought four lots in Erie, “on which was a small house, of
James Wilson, for the sum of 490 dollars." In 1804 he
cleared the land and made some improvements, and on Nov.
21 st moved to Erie to reside. On June 20, 1806, “the share-
holders of the Erie & Waterford Turnpike Company assem-
bled at Waterford and elected their officers. Thomas Touler
[ ?] was chosen president, James Herron and others chosen
managers, and myself their treasurer." Under date of Octo-
ber, 1806, he wrote: “On the 15th of this month the Circuit
Court of this State commenced its sessions in this county for
the first time; Jasper Yates Esquire presided." On Dec. 31,
1806, he makes this entry: “There has been much said for
these two months past respecting preparations that have been
making at the instance of Col. Aaron Burr and others on the
waters of the Ohio, and of boats, ark-men and provisions
which were collected at the mouth of Big Beaver, and Blen-
nerhasset Island near Marietta and descended the Ohio. It
was a matter which excited the attention of the Government
of the U. S." March 2d, 1807, “the stockholders of the Erie
& Waterford Turnpike met at Waterford to elect their offi-
cers. ... In addition to my agency, had charge of the
moneys which were collected on the shares of the Erie &
Waterford Turnpike Road, now making between Erie and
Waterford, which when completed will be of great advantage
to the inhabitants of this country." The journal closes with
an entry on Jan. 1, 1808, but contains nothing further of
historical value.]
Note.—The strife between the Population Land Company, rival interests
and squatters, in the Pennsylvania Triangle, makes a lively chapter in the his-
tory of that part of the State. Mr. Colt, as the preceding journal indicates,JOURNAL OF JUDAH COLT.
359
bore an important part in it, but did not undertake to set forth the causes of the
trouble. These will be found more or less fully given, in numerous publications
readily accessible to the student of the subject, and need not be entered upon
here. Place may be given, however, to the following contemporary account,
from the “Travels” of Christian Schultz, who was at Presqu* Isle in August,
1807, when Mr. Colt was actively promoting the interests of his company: “A
certain company, known by the name of the ‘Population Land Company/ have
purchased a considerable part of this [the Triangle] tract, upon condition of
making certain settlements within a limited time. This has not been fulfilled on
their part, on account, as they allege, of ‘the United States being involved in a
war with the neighboring Indians, which prevented the emigration of settlers/
In consequence of which a very considerable number of settlers had taken pos-
session of several small tracts of their land, as wild lands of the State, and
settled them under the conditions specified by a certain, act of the Legislature,
made ‘for the encouragement of settlers settling upon the western lands be-
longing to the State/ Many of these poor people, after several years struggling
with the difficulties of a frontier settlement, had just begun to reap the fruits
of their well-earned labors, when they found themselves involved in a lawsuit
with the Population Company, who, I am informed, have recovered the claims
upon the ground before mentioned. None of the executions have as yet been
carried into effect; and, if I may judge from the spirit and determination of
the unfortunate sufferers with whom I have conversed, they are determined to
defend what they consider as their lawful acquisitions with the last drop of
their blood. The company are certainly justifiable in establishing their just
claims, yet, considering all circumstances, it would be better to effect some kind
of a compromise with the unfortunate settlers, rather than drive them to acts of
desperation. This question, like many others of a local nature, has at length
become blended with the divided politics of the State, and bids fair to give rise
to a little insurrection. At least it is my humble opinion, that the executions
cannot be carried into effect without the shedding of blood.”