Norsemen roster lists area icers among 30 free agents (Tonawanda News, 1975-07-31).jpg
date: 1975-07-31

Norsemen prospect not the gentlemanly type (Tonawanda News, 1975-09-05).jpg
date: 1975-09-05

Norsemen plan game in Aud (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-19).jpg
date: 1975-12-19

Norsemen overpower Nordiques, photos (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-11).jpg
date: 1975-12-11

Norsemen next 4 home game tickets, basic illustrated ad (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-14).jpg
date: 1975-11-14

Norsemen next 4 home games, basic illustrated ad (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-29).jpg
date: 1975-11-29

Norsemen next 4 home games, basic illustrated ad (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-21).jpg
date: 1975-11-21

Norsemen need an about-face, Trottier photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-05ish).jpg
date: 1975-12-05

Norsemen lose, bag Greg Neeld again (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-14).jpg
date: 1975-12-14

Norsemen list schedule (Tonawanda News, 1975-05-30).jpg
date: 1975-05-30

Norsemen host Codders (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-23).jpg
date: 1975-12-23

Norsemen get boost (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-14).jpg
date: 1975-11-14

Norsemen drop 3-2 Erie duel (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-22).jpg
date: 1975-12-22

Norsemen coaching mystery to end Thursday (Tonawanda News, 1975-08-26).jpg
date: 1975-08-26

Norsemen camp open, first game set Friday (Tonawanda News, 1975-09-22).jpg
date: 1975-09-22

Norsemen blast Johnstown 7-4, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-01).jpg
date: 1975-11-01

Norsemen blast Blades 8-4, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-29).jpg
date: 1975-11-29

Norsemen become Toronto farm (Tonawanda News, 1975-09-03).jpg
date: 1975-09-03

Norsemen bag 4-1 win (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-03).jpg
date: 1975-11-03

Norsemen are halted (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-20).jpg
date: 1975-11-20

Norsemen are belted 7-4 (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-04).jpg
date: 1975-12-04

Norsemen are back in basic training (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-11).jpg
date: 1975-12-11

Nistico impresses in Norsemen action, player photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-21).jpg
date: 1975-11-21

New executive ticket offices open, team record (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-26).jpg
date: 1975-11-26

N-nem stop dusters, Guy pleased, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-06).jpg
date: 1975-10-06

N-men to instruct Youth Hockey Clinic (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-13).jpg
date: 1975-12-13

N-men take on Blazers (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-07).jpg
date: 1975-11-07

N-men outscore Syracuse 4-2, chopped photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-13).jpg
date: 1975-12-13

N-men lose 7-5 (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-06).jpg
date: 1975-12-06

Mickey seeks Norsemen post, Marshall confirms, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-05-14).jpg
date: 1975-05-14

Mayorial candidate Kissel part-owner, on Board of Directors, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-09-25).jpg
date: 1975-09-25

Marshall wonders if Norsemen will get Gerry the Animal Rawlings (Tonawanda News, 1975-09-20).jpg
date: 1975-09-20

Marshall is GM of NAHL club, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-05-06).jpg
date: 1975-05-06

Marshall goes to NHL meetings hoping for some answers (Tonawanda News, 1975-06-12).jpg
date: 1975-06-12

Larry Gould - He knows what he must learn to get back to the big time, Gould photo (Tonawanda News, c1975-09-28).jpg
date: 1975-09-28

Islanders drop out of Norsemen picture (Tonawanda News, 1975-07-04).jpg
date: 1975-07-04

Houston sends 2, Toros 1 to Norsemen facility (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-07).jpg
date: 1975-10-07

Greg Neeld making best of it in bid for pro ice hockey career (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-17).jpg
date: 1975-12-17

Greg Neeld joins Norsemen icers, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-10).jpg
date: 1975-12-10

Gould named weeks best, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-22).jpg
date: 1975-11-22

Goon tactics trigger NAHL suspensions (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-10).jpg
date: 1975-11-10

Good luck, Norsemen (Tonawanda News, 1975-09-03ish).jpg
date: 1975-09-03

Freddie Hunt Jr now making good on own, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-14).jpg
description: AI transcription: Famous Dad image hurt Freddie Hunt Jr. now making good on own You might think that if you were interested in becoming a professional hockey player and your father was connected with a team, your chances of making it into the pro ranks would be good. Fred Hunt Jr., the steady right-winger of the Buffalo Norsemen, knows that song-and-dance and he will be the first to tell you that having his father connected with the Buffalo Sabres hurt his chances of making the club. The name Fred Hunt is synonymous with hockey in Buff. The long-time player, coach and general manager of the old Buffalo Bisons of the American Hockey League and now the assistant general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, is the father of 23-year old Fred. Fred Jr., after playing four years of high school hockey at Nichols School and four years of college hockey at the University of Vermont, was put on the Sabres negotiating list after his sophomore year. “I went to their camp before my senior year to see what it was like,” Fred remembers. “After I was done with school I went back to the Sabre camp for a tryout,” he continues. “This was two years ago. What a wasted year that was. “It was tough trying to make the team because I had to be so much better than everyone else only because I was Fred Hunt’s son. The organization was overcautious and had to worry about the criticism. It hurt my chances considerably,” he added. Fred spent most of his first year in the pros traveling among the Sabres’ farm clubs. He started in Cincinnati of the American Hockey League, for a month, was assigned to Dayton of the International League before he was called back to the Swords. They shipped him to Charlotte of the Southern League before the year was out. “It was kind of tough to get going that year because I was in so many places,” he said. “But, the next year I was back at the Sabres’ camp and was having the best camp of my life before I broke my jaw. That kept me out of action for eight weeks. “I worked …
date: 1975-11-14

For the relief of the sufferers on the Niagara Frontier, 1814.jpg
date: 1814

Ex-Sabre, Atkinson, seeks Norsemen coaching post, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-08-05).jpg
date: 1975-08-05

Decision is due on coach choice early next week (Tonawanda News, 1975-08-13).jpg
date: 1975-08-13

Codders clobber Norsemen, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-24).jpg
date: 1975-12-24

Coaches appointed by NAHL Jets, Comets (Tonawanda News, 1975-08-14).jpg
date: 1975-08-14

Coach due soon-Herman loses Norsemen post (Tonawanda News, 1975-08-20).jpg
date: 1975-08-20

Chances for Sauve going to Norsemen appear good (Tonawanda News, 1975-06-20).jpg
date: 1975-06-20

Buffalo Norsemen week proclaimed, photo of Turecki and Nevearth (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-17).jpg
date: 1975-12-17

Buffalo Norsemen Hockey Team season tickets now on sale, illustrated ad (Tonawanda News, 1975-06-05).jpg
date: 1975-06-05

Buffalo Norsemen are here, illustrated ad (Tonawanda News, 1975-07-30).jpg
date: 1975-07-30

Brawl costly as Norsemen bow in Philly, penalty minutes stats (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-06).jpg
date: 1975-11-06

Binkley, Cheropita blending well, goalies photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-02).jpg
date: 1975-12-02

Big league cuts due at SC camp (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-02).jpg
date: 1975-10-02

Big injuries added to Guys problems (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-08).jpg
date: 1975-12-08

Beauce set for N-men, team scoring stats (Tonawanda News, 1975-11-11).jpg
date: 1975-11-11

Atkinson nets Toro goal (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-27).jpg
date: 1975-12-27

Atkinson may have edge (Tonawanda News, 1975-08-06).jpg
date: 1975-08-06

Atkinson - NHL vet searches for lost self-confidence, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-09-25).jpg
date: 1975-09-25

Appointed, Paul D. Herman, vp marketing, photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-06-16).jpg
date: 1975-06-16

Another Willie Marshall on ice (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-22).jpg
date: 1975-12-22

Ailing Norsemen ponder Toros ties, Willie Marshall photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-12-29).jpg
date: 1975-12-29

Lumber Laden Vessel, North Tonawanda, postcard (1919).jpg
date: 1919

St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal Church history (Parish Register, 1868).pdf
description: [AI transcription] The Reverend George G. Parnell, A.M., of the Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y., held the first service according to the rites and ceremonies of the Protestant Episcopal Church on the 16th day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, in the Methodist Episcopal Church (Tonawanda, Niagara County, N.Y.) Messrs. Sherman, Payne, Judd and Lane were appointed a committee to obtain a place for holding services, and also to take charge of the financial affairs of the Parish. The Methodist Episcopal Church was procured in which place the following services were held by the Reverend George G. Parnell. A.D. 1868. on Wednesday Evening September 16th Monday Evening October 6th Sunday P.M. ditto 11th Sunday P.M. ditto 25th Sunday P.M. November 9th Sunday P.M. ditto 15th Sunday P.M. ditto 29th Friday Evening December 19th Sunday P.M. ditto 13th Friday Evening ditto 25th Sunday P.M. ditto 27th A.D. 1869. ``` Sunday P.M. January 3rd Sunday P.M. ditto 10th Sunday P.M. ditto 17th ``` The persons who attended the services determined by unanimous vote to form a permanent Parish and to have a resident Minister. The Reverend Fredk. W. Peabody, Deacon, commenced his duties as such on the 1st day of January A.D. 1869. The ordination service at Washington Hall was solemnized and appropriately arranged for holding the services of the Church. The first service was held in the morning of Sunday the 24th day of January; the Rector and Assistant Minister officiating. On Wednesday the 3rd day of February, the persons who met and incorporated themselves as a Parish to be known in law as the Rector, Churchwardens and Vestrymen of St. Mark’s Church, Tonawanda, Erie County, N.Y. The certificate of incorporation was filed and on the following day was registered in the book of Records, Erie County, N.Y., at Lockport, in Liber \_\_\_\_\_. The first Rector of the Parish: The Rev.d George G. Parnell. The first Assistant Minister: The Rev.d Fredk. W. Peabody.…
date: 1868

Tonawanda Cemetery on deed map (1857, 1897).jpg
description: The graves in this early Tonawanda burying grounds (shown on an 1857 map as the "Niagara River Cemetery") are moved starting in the 1840s to Sweeney Cemetery in what will become North Tonawanda. Erosion began exhuming the bodies ahead of the rapture, and children walked by exposed ancestors on the way to school. 1857 map found in 1897 deed by Stone and Story Society of North Tonawanda.
date: 1857

1837 Tonawanda Cemetery and 2025 Sweeney Cemetery locations, map overlay.jpg
description: Cemetery as it appears on Chart of Tonawanda Harbor, with villages of Tonawanda and Whitehaven (1837).
date: 1837

(Some) John Sweeney correspondence with War Department over disability suffered at Fort George in November 1813 (1813–1821).pdf
description: This is probably not the famous "Colonel John Sweeney." This John Sweeney in 1813 joined Capt. Ransom Harmon’s company of the 13th New York Militia—possibly as a volunteer within a drafted detachment—and was mustered into U.S. service at Fort George in Upper Canada. There, in November 1813, he suffered a debilitating hernia after falling into a cellar while returning from picket duty. Although multiple comrades and a surgeon attested to his injury and honorable service, the War Department ultimately denied his 1821 pension application on technical grounds, ruling the injury occurred outside the line of duty. He would have been present at the notorious burning of Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake). Colonel John Sweeney, in contrast, served the year before in Dox’s Light Infantry under Gen. Van Rensselaer, where he participated in the ill-fated 1812 Battle of Queenston and reportedly sustained a knee wound that left him lame the rest of his life (obit). Affidavit of John Sweeney – August 31, 1818 Just previous to the 3rd of October last, Mr. E. of Youngstown being at my house, I enquired of him respecting the services of Mr. Sweeney during the present campaign. He stated that Capt. Sweeney had joined the militia in the early part of the campaign (probably about the 1st of September last) and performed duty until late in the year. On my farther inquiry, he observed that he joined the United States army as a volunteer or militia man; that his detachment was attached to several drafted men; was mustered into the U.S. service and formed part of the regular Militia; and performed his duty at Fort George. That he continued to do militia duty at Fort George in the service of the United States (the army at that post being under the command of Gen. George McClure) for about two months and until the destruction of the town of Newark, when he was again drafted together with the said detachment; that he did not procure a discharge from the commanding officer at that time, although he w…

Burgar and Van Slycke on List of Sufferers on the Niagara Frontier from Fort Niagara to the Tonewanta Creek and from Lewiston on the Ridge Road to the widow Forsythe, page 4 (1814).jpg
description: No Pettit.
source: New York Heritage Digital Collections, https://nyheritage.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/VTP005/id/273/rec/19
date: 1814

Niagara River near Tonawanda, map (1876).jpg
date: 1876

Forts, Battles, Batteries on the Niagara Frontier (as ceded by the Senecas to the British Crown, 1764, 1919).jpg
date: 1764

Tonawanda Harbor, map (archives.gov, 1882-03).jpg
date: 1882-03

Tonawanda Harbor, map (archives.gov, 1881-06-30).jpg
date: 1881-06-30

Tonawanda on Survey of the Northern and Northwestern Lakes of Lake Erie, nucleus of Ironton, 1880).jpg
date: 1880

Tonawanda Island, map detail (Principal part of Tonawanda Harbor, 1880-06).jpg
date: 1880-06

Principal part of Tonawanda Harbor, map composite (1880-06).jpg
date: 1880-06

Landmarks of the Niagara Frontier, Peter B. Porter, book (1914).pdf
date: 1914

Wurlitzer Factory, snow, NT, photo (1930).jpg
date: 1930

Wurlitzer Factory, alley, NT, photo (1930).jpg
date: 1930

Wheatfield gold, article (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1878-12-11).jpg
date: 1878-12-11

Papetiers, Felton Bros., 331 Main Buffalo, 1876-08-16).jpg
date: 1876-08-16

Locke buys Lot 10 excepting mortgage and life-lease (1847-11-23).jpg
date: 1847-11-23

Locke and Hug receive undivided one-half of Lot 10 from Boltons of Cleveland, indenture (1844-07-01).jpg
date: 1844-07-01

Gold in Wheatfield, article (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1878-12-04).jpg
date: 1878-12-04

Gold found on farm in Wheatfield, article (Lokport Daily Journal, 1878-12-04).jpg
date: 1878-12-04

Felton Stationers, 331 Main, Buffalo, ad (Republic, 1876-07-26).jpg
date: 1876-07-26

Black Rock blockhouse, illustration (Landmarks of the Niagara Frontier, Peter B. Porter).jpg
date: 1914

Van Raalte, Elks Club, canal from Tonawanda, photo (1925-10-13).jpg
date: 1925-10-13

L.A. Fisher's Romana, Tonawanda Iron and Steel in background, photo (c.1910).png
date: 1910

Bascule bridge south abutment construction, railroad bridge in use just east, photo (Annual canal report, c1918).jpg
description: Clear view of old train bridge with pediments
date: 1918

Bascule bridge construction, coffer dam, railroad bridge in use, photo (Annual canal report, c1918).jpg
date: 1918

Future Fish Place (Fireman building) photo, gypsy story, front page (Tonawanda News, 1923-05-22).pdf
date: 1923-05-22

Survey of lands under water for William H. Gratwick and Robert L. Fryer, map (1876-12-07).jpg
date: 1876-12-07

Survey of lands under water for Simson, John, at Grawick, map (1877-07-24).jpg
date: 1877-07-24

Survey of lands under water for McGraw and Co., Bond and Front Streets, map (1877-07-24).jpg
date: 1877-07-24

Survey of lands under water for John Simson and Benjamin F. Felton (1877-07-24).jpg
date: 1877-07-24

Survey of lands under water for John Simson, Benjamin F. Felton (1877-07-24).jpg
date: 1877-07-24

Survey of lands under water for John Simson & Theoren W. Woolson, Lots 80, 81 (1877-07-24).jpg
date: 1877-07-24

North Tonawanda, Martinsville, Ironton, map detail (1895).jpg
date: 1895

Map of Niagara River, lands ceded to state (1822).jpg
date: 1822

Map of Harbor and Lumber District (1877).jpg
date: 1877

Niagara Frontier War of 1812, map (1888).jpg
description: Showing Tonawanda "Guard House." Is this the block house? Maybe. In small outposts, a blockhouse might also serve as a guardhouse if it was the only shelter available. But in formal reports or engineer maps, the two terms were distinct.
date: 1812

Sweeney Cemetery plots, c.1919.jpg
date: 1919

40 boats completed at Tonewanta, letter (The documentary history of the campaign upon the Niagara frontier, Cruikshank, 1812-08-17).jpg
date: 1812-08-17

Locke cemetery plot deed for children, transcription (1865-01-03).jpg
description: AI Transcription: Cemetery Association Deed Know all Men by these Presents, That the Colonel John Sweeney’s Tonawanda Rural Cemetery Association, in consideration of Forty dollars paid to them by the Children of Jesse F. Locke, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do hereby grant, bargain, sell, and convey to the said Children of Jesse F. Locke, their heirs and assigns all of Lot Seven in the Cemetery of the said Association, called “Colonel John Sweeney’s Tonawanda Rural Cemetery,” situate in the North Village of Tonawanda, County of Niagara, in the State of New York, which Lot Seven is herein delineated and laid down upon the Register map or plan of the said Cemetery, in the possession of the said Association, and is therein designated as follows, to wit: Lot Seven in Section B. Dimensions one Rod front by Nine Rods deep; be the same more or less. The above granted premises to the said Children of Jesse F. Locke, their heirs and assigns, to have and to hold forever; subject to the conditions and limitations, and with the privileges specified in the Rules and Regulations hereto annexed. And the said Rural Cemetery Association do hereby covenant to and with the said Children of Jesse F. Locke, their heirs and assigns, that they are lawfully seized of the premises above granted, in fee simple; that they have a right to convey the same; that the same are free from encumbrances; and that they will warrant and defend the same to the said Children of Jesse F. Locke, their heirs and assigns, forever. In Witness Whereof, The said Rural Cemetery Association have caused this instrument to be signed by their Vice-President and Treasurer, and their common Seal to be hereunto affixed, this Third day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five. \[Seal] John Sweeney, Vice-President H. P. Smith, Treasurer. State of New York County of Niagara } SS: On this third day of January A.D. 1865, before me came John Sweeney, who being by me duly sworn…
date: 1865-01-03

Foreclosure sale, Lucy P. Hale v John Fonner, Elizabeth Fonner et al (Lockport Daily Journal (1881-04-06).jpg
date: 1881-04-06

Fonner v Johnson, trespass ( Reports of Cases Decided in the Court of Appeals of the State of New York Volume 78, 1879-11-11).jpg
date: 1879-11-11

Fonner to Chadwick, 62 acres for $5,200, formality (Index of Deeds 154 p153, 1881-05-11.jpg
description: This never takes effect; the sheriff's sale actually transfers title
date: 1881-05-11

Fonner to Chadwick, 52 acres for $659.11, excepting Fisher's 10, sheriff's sale (Index of Deeds 134 p196, 1881-05-10.jpg
date: 1881-05-10

Sheriff seizes Fonner's lands for mortgage foreclosure, article (Lockport Daily Journal, 1880-05-10).jpg
date: 1880-05-10

Offer two sites for new parks, Chadwick's and Black Hanna's woods, article (Tonawanda News, 1927-10-10).jpg
date: 1927-10-10

Masonic Tonawanda Lodge 247 invites brethren to burial of Jesse T (sic?) Locke (Lockport Daily Journal & Courier, 1861-03-14).jpg
description: 1861-03-14
date: 1861-03-14

Human bones tell old story, article (Niagara Democrat, 1909-02-05).jpg
date: 1909-02-05

Foreclosure sale of Fonner's western swath of Lot 10, article (Lockport Daily Journal, 1881-04-27).jpg
date: 1881-04-27

Chadwick v Fonner judgment affirmed with costs (1876-01-17).jpg
date: 1876-01-17

Chadwicks passenger list - NYM237_19-0362.jpg

Ben Felton, mention of Hanna woods, article (Tonawanda News, 1959-07-15).png
date: 1959-07-15

Hannah Johnson on 1880 U. S. Census.jpg
date: 1880

John and Hannah Johnson, collected federal and state census information.doc
description: 1840 U. S. Census - Town of Wheatfield Name Category John Johnson Free colored male between ages of 24 and 35 * Free colored female between ages of 24 and 35 * Free colored male between ages of 55 and 100 1845 N. Y. Census 1850 U. S. Census - Town of Wheatfield Name Age Race Occupation Place of Origin Value of Real Estate Owned Over 29 Cannot Read/Write John Johonson [sic] 53 B Farmer New York $480 Hannah Johnson 47 B - New York Henry Hall 20 B - Virginia 1 Joseph Polly 38 B - Canada Ann Polly 30 W/M - Ireland 1 Stephen Smith 35 B - - 1855 N. Y. Census Name Age Sex Color Rel. to Head Origin Married Resident for Occupation Persons of color not taxed Over 21 Cannot Read/Write Owners of land John Johnson 52 M B Washington 1 25 yrs Farmer 1 1 1 Hannah Johnson 47 F " Wife Albany 1 " 1 1 Henry Hall 65 M " Maryland " Farmer 1 1 1860 U. S. Census - Town of Wheatfield From Bille. Johnsons' ages about about 10 years younger than expected. Name Age Sex Color Origin John Johnson (Jonson) 52 M B NY Hanna Johnson 46 F " " Isaac Davis 61 M " " Clarissa Davis 42 F " " Dennis Colens 1 M " " 1865 N. Y. Census Dwg. material Dwg. value Name Age Sex Color Rel. to Head Origin Married Times Married Occupation Persons of color not taxed Over 21 Cannot Read/Write Owners of land Frame $100 John Johnson 58 M B Washington 1 1 Farmer Hannah Johnson 49 F " Wife Albany 1 1 1870 U. S. Census 1875 N.Y. Census 1880 U. S. Census - Town of Wheatfield From Bille. Name Color Sex Age Origin, Mother, Father Occupation Widowed Divorced Johnson, Hanna B F 59 N. York, Prussian, Prussian 1 Bohling [Behring], Frederick W M 66 Prussian, Prussian, Prussian Laborer 1 Agriculture Schedule on 1880 U. S. Census Name of the person who conducts this farm: Johnson Hanna Owner? 1 Acres of land — Improved Tilled, including fallow and grass in rotation (whether pasture or meadow): 10 acres Permanent meadows, permanent pasture, orchards, vineyards: 0 Acres of land — Unimproved Woodland and forest: 2 acres Other unimproved,…
date: 1840

John and Hanna Johnson on 1865 New York State census.png
date: 1865

John Chadwick in court over cow with Old Man Behring, over alleged barn arson with Oldenburgh, articles (Tonawanda Herald, 1883-1885).jpg
description: Clippings by Bille
date: 1884

Franklin Warren v John Chadwick, charges defendant owes money and used property for two years, summary (Niagara County Supreme Court, 1876).png
date: 1876

New trial in Johnson-Fonner property dispute scheduled at Lockport, article (Tonawanda Herald, 1878-04-18).jpeg
description: Clipped by Bille.
date: 1878-04-18

Jesse F. Locke land sale to John Chadwick (1853-11-02).jpg
description: Chadwick pays $500 for a 31-acre strip in center of Lot 10 from its north boundary to Tonawanda Creek (not Johnsons land)
date: 1853-11-02

Johnsons quit-claim their 12 acres to John Chadwick for $1, indenture and deed, transcription (New York Land Records, 1873-07-08).jpg
description: John Johnson to Chadwick (Index of Deeds) 161:78 (Lot 10) 12 Acres - On July 8, 1873, John and Hannah sell the land to Chadwick for $1. AI summary: In July 1873 Johnson quit-claims to Chadwick everything he has—both his right to the land itself and his right to force Fonner to give him a deed—by signing over his interest for a nominal one dollar. A “quit-claim” deed is simply a way to say, “I’m giving you whatever I have in this property,” without any promise that I actually own it free and clear. In this case, Johnson isn’t selling new land; he’s handing off his existing claim—the referee’s finding that he paid for and should get the twelve acres—so that Chadwick can be the one to finish the job of recording the decree, demanding the deed, and taking possession. Johnson uses this tactic for a few clear reasons. First, Chadwick and Sherman have been fronting the court costs, handling filings, and managing the lawsuit for months; they’re the ones with both the money and the drive to push it all the way through. By quit-claiming, Johnson makes Chadwick the official party in charge—Chadwick no longer has to rely on Johnson’s health, schedule, or wallet to see the case to its end. Second, a quit-claim avoids a tangle if Johnson were to die or fall ill: rather than Chadwick having to open an estate or ask a judge’s permission to take over Johnson’s side of the suit, the deed instantly transfers Johnson’s rights to Chadwick, who can step in unchallenged. Third, because the deed recites only “one dollar” as consideration, it meets the simple recording requirements without any big cash transfer. It’s a cheap, straightforward way to make sure the courthouse records show Chadwick as the holder of both the lawsuit and the land interest. Once that quit-claim is on file, Chadwick holds both the “equitable title” (the right a court already said Johnson had) and the “legal title” power to demand and record the final deed from Fonner or the sheriff. In short, this move bundles up a…
date: 1873-07-08

Johnson 12-acre farm and house in 1852, approximate location on modern streets (1852).png
date: 1852

John and Hannah Johnson appearances in U. S. Census (Bille, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1880).jpg
description: Compiled by Dan Bille. Scribbling by me.
date: 2000

Hannah Johnson, obituary (Tonawanda Enterprise, 1883-06-23).jpeg
date: 1883-06-23

Chadwick v Fonner, summary (The New York Supplement, 1896).png
description: Rehashes reason for reversal.
date: 1896

Chadwick called untrustworthy by many Tonawanda heavies in unrelated trial v Hewett, plaintiff (Supreme Court of New York, 1894).png
description: Payne, Felton Kent and others say defendant Chadwick's reputation for veracity is "not good." Defendant does summon a few middlng defenders. B. L. Rand called into testify on falsification of a receipt.
date: 1894

Fonner v. Johnson, Fonner keeps title (69 N.Y. 404, 1879-11-11).png
description: AI summary: "Fonner actually first took title in **April 1868**, when he bought the 62‐acre tract (including the 12 acres in dispute) from Locke’s heirs. After Johnson’s suit went to a referee and the referee ordered Fonner to convey those 12 acres, Fonner and his wife executed (and Buffalo recorded) a “Deed—Covenant against Grantor” in favor of John Chadwick on **July 21, 1874** (recorded February 1876). That 1874 deed was the practical upshot of the referee’s report—but when the Court of Appeals **reversed** Chadwick v. Fonner in **November 1879**, it effectively wiped out the order that had compelled the 1874 conveyance, leaving Fonner with the title again." "Once the Court of Appeals reversed in November 1879, that was the final word in New York. There was no higher state court to which Chadwick could take the case a second time. And since the fight turned purely on New York evidentiary and property rules, there was no federal question to carry it up to the U.S. Supreme Court either. The 1879 reversal therefore stands as the last appellate decision." Regarding missing record of land conveyance back to Fonner: "What the Court of Appeals did in November 1879 was vacate the referee’s order (and the judgment) that had forced that conveyance, effectively saying in law that Chadwick never got title. To reflect that reversal on the land‐records you’d normally see one of two follow-on filings: - A Reconveyance Deed: Chadwick (or his estate) would execute and record a deed back to Fonner (often a simple quitclaim) after the reversal, putting the world on notice that the 1874 transfer was a dead letter. - Docketing the Appellate Judgment: The county clerk would docket the Court of Appeals’ mandate or a certificate of reversal in the judgment docket—linking that decision to the original 1876 judgment roll—so that anyone researching would see the trial-court judgment was reversed. If you still only see the 1874 deed and no later reconveyance or docketed certificate, it just…
date: 1879-11-11

John Fonner to John Chadwick, Deed Covenant against Grantor (NY Land Records, Vol.141, p.547-8, 1874-07-25).jpg
description: *AI Transcription* John Fonner To John Chadwick Deed. Covenant against Grantor This Indenture made the twenty first day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy four Between John Fonner and Elizabeth Fonner his wife of the Town of Wheatfield Niagara County New York of the first part and John Chadwick of the Town of Wheatfield Niagara County New York of the second part Witnesseth That the said party of the first part for and in consideration of a judgment entered in the office of the Clerk of Niagara County directing the Conveyance of the within described property to the defendant have granted bargained sold remised released aliened conveyed and confirmed and by these presents do grant bargain sell remise release alien convey and confirm unto the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns forever All that certain piece or parcel of land situate in the Town of Wheatfield in the County of Niagara and State of New York and being the north east part of Lot number ten Township number twelve and range eighth of the Holland Purchase (so called) bounded and described as follows, Commencing at the north west corner of said lot number ten; Thence running east along the north line of said lot ten chains; Thence south on a line parallel to the west line of said lot and at the distance of two chains east thence along twelve chains and forty links to the present line fence, and parallel with the north line of said lot, to the west line of said lot ten chains; Thence north along the west line of said lot about twelve chains and forty links to the place of beginning containing twelve acres more or less. Together with all and singular the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereto belonging, or in anywise appertaining and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof, and all the estate, right, title, interest, dower and right of dower, property, possession, claim and demand whatsoever a…
date: 1874-07-25

Chadwick, Johnson and Sherman v. Fonner reversed, new trial granted (Reports of Cases Decided in the Court of Appeals of the State of New York Volume 69, 1878, 1877-04-24).jpg
description: AI: "In which the Court reversed the General Term decision printed at 6 Hun 543 and granted a new trial on the ground that Johnson’s own testimony about paying $30/acre was inadmissible under the Code’s dead-man rule. In other words, this is the official published decision showing Albany’s first reversal of the Fourth Department’s affirmance—remanding the case for retrial because of the improper hearsay question."
date: 1877-04-24

Chadwick, Johnson and Sherman v. Fonner, report (Reports of Cases Heard and Determined in the Supreme Court of New York, Vol. 13, 1876)
description: This appellate decision [later reversed?] upholds a referee judgment confirming that Johnson held an equitable title (a court-recognized right to the benefits of ownership despite the missing deed) to the contested twelve acres. It reasoned that Locke’s own spoken admission of payment during his lifetime created a trust in Johnson’s favor, and Johnson’s open, ongoing possession put any later buyer, like Fonner, on notice of that claim. [Johnson seems to have given some inadmissible testimony] *AI Transcription* JOHN CHADWICK, RESPONDENT, v. JOHN FONNER AND OTHERS, APPELLANTS. Parol declaration of vendor of land—against whom admitted. Parol declarations of the vendor of land, showing that the vendee has paid the purchase-price thereof, are admissible in an action by or against him, or by or against any other person deriving title from or under him, with notice of the vendee’s claim. Actual possession of land by a vendee is, in law, equivalent to actual notice of his claim, whatever that may be. 544 CHADWICK v. FONNER. Fourth Department, January Term, 1876. Appeal from a judgment in favor of the plaintiff, entered upon the report of a referee. This action was commenced by John Johnson, John Chadwick and David Sherman against John Fonner and wife, and the heirs of Jesse F. Locke, deceased, to compel them to convey to the plaintiff John Johnson, twelve acres of land in the town of Wheatfield, in the county of Niagara, which land, it was claimed by the plaintiffs, Jesse F. Locke had sold to said Johnson in his lifetime, and had received the purchase-price thereof, but had executed and delivered no conveyance thereof. Jesse F. Locke died in the spring of 1861. The defendant John Fonner purchased the premises, with other land, sixty-two acres in all, of the heirs of Jesse F. Locke, by deed dated in April, 1868, paying for this whole farm sixty dollars per acre. At the time of this purchase Johnson was in possession of the premises to recover which this action was brought, …
date: 1876-01

Approximate Johnson farm and home location within Lot 10, with AI rendition of farmhouse.jpg
date: 2025

Niagara County, map (D. H. Burr, 1829).jpg
description: Author Burr, David H., 1803-1875 Date 1829 Short Title Niagara County. Publisher D.H. Burr Publisher Location New York Type Atlas Map Obj Height cm 41 Obj Width cm 43 Scale 1 151,000 Note Hand col. engraved map. Relief shown by hachures. Shows flouring mills, factories, forges, saw mills, churches, parcels, etc. Includes "Remarks" concerning land subdivision in county. Prime meridian: Washington, D.C. State/Province New York County Niagara County (N.Y.) Full Title Map of the County of Niagara. By David H. Burr. Published by the Surveyor General, pursuant to an Act of the Legislature. Entered according to an Act of Congress Jany. 5th. 1829 by David H. Burr of the State of New York. Engd. by Rawdon, Clark & Co., Albany & Rawdon, Wright & Co., N. York. List No 0103.048 Page No No. 49 Series No 52 Engraver or Printer Rawdon, Clark & Co. Engraver or Printer Rawdon, Wright & Co. Publication Author Burr, David H., 1803-1875 Pub Date 1829 Pub Title An atlas of the State of New York, containing a map of the State and of the several counties ... under the superintendance & direction of Simeon DeWitt, Surveyor General, pursuant to an Act of the Legislature, and also the physical geography of the State & of the several counties & statistical tables of the same, by David H. Burr. New York, published by David H. Burr. 1829. Engravd. by Rawdon, Clark & Co. Albany & Rawdon, Wright & Co., New York. Pub Reference Phillips, 2206; Nestler, H. A bibliography of New York State communities 3d ed., p. 107; Creek, A.B. Maps of the Genesee Valley & Finger Lakes Region 1776-1950, p. 62; LeGear. Atlases of the United States, L2396; Ristow, W.W. American maps and mapmakers, Pub Note This atlas is the second atlas published in the 19th century of one of the individual states in the U.S., preceded only by Mill's Atlas of South Carolina, issued in 1825, and followed closely, also in 1829, by Greenleaf's Atlas of the State of Maine (Ristow, p96). This copy is the 1st edition, second state, actually…
date: 1829

Hannah Johnson 1880 Census agricultural schedule.jpg
date: 1880

Hannah Johnson, obituary (Lockport Daily Journal, 1883-06-23).jpg
date: 1883-06-23

Foreclosure sale in Lot 6, John Chadwick v others, article (Lockport USJ, 1870-05-31.png
date: 1870-05-31

Chadwick-Fonner, notice (Lockport Daily Journal & Courier, 1869-12-20).png
date: 1869-12-20

Jesse F. Locke surrogate court documents, transcripts (1861-1865).doc
description: Jesse F. Locke dies March 12, 1861, without a will. The land John and Hannah Johnson have been living on is believed to be his. His old pal Lewis S. Payne becomes first administrator of Locke's estate. Both Payne and Chadwick appear to have claims against the estate. In 1864 Locke's daughter Miriam and a Mr. Sherman are appointed administrators (Sherman will be plaintiff w Johnson & Chadwick in later ation. against Fonners). * April 1, 1861 – Letters of Administration * October 14, 1861 – Citation on Payne’s Claim * Jan 11, 1862 - Claim of said Lewis S. Payne against estate allowed ($210.03) * February 5, 1864 – Renunciation of Administration * October 14, 1861 – Citation for Payne’s claim * Feb 1864 - Chadwick appears * Feb 15 1864 - Daughter Miriam D. Locke administratix (Payne out) * March 4, 1866 – Settlement order * March 4, 1866 – Payne's settlement petition ---- **April 1, 1861 – Letters of Administration** > In the matter of the Administration of the goods, chattels and credits of Jesse F. Locke, deceased. > > The People of the State of New‑York, To Lewis S. Payne of Wheatfield, Niagara County, New‑York: > > Whereas Jesse F. Locke late of the town of Wheatfield in the County of Niagara and State of New‑York, deceased, as is alleged, died intestate; having, while living, and at the time of his death, goods, chattels and credits within this State, and you being entitled thereto, and having first taken and subscribed an oath faithfully and honestly to discharge the duties of such Administrator according to law; and having with your sureties executed a Bond to us, for the faithful performance of those duties; which oath and bond are duly filed in the Surrogate’s Office of our said County of Niagara; we do by these presents, Depute, Constitute and Appoint you Administrator of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits which were of the said Jesse F. Locke, deceased; and do hereby grant unto you, the said Lewis S. Payne, full power, by these presents, to ful…
date: 1861

Wurlitzer Centennial, articles (Tonawanda News, 1956-08-25).pdf
description: A special edition of the Tonawanda News with dozens of articles and photos pertaining to the city's most famous business.
date: 1956-08-25

Wurlitzer Factory, North Tonawanda, abandoned upper floors, photo gallery (Dennis Reed Jr., 2023).gal

Wurlitzer Centennial Souvenir photo album, excerpts (1956).gal
date: 1956

Map of Niagara River or streights between the lakes Erie and Ontario, map (1765).jpg
description: "with the islands, falls, and rapids therein, as also the carrying place with its road and distance.'
date: 1765

Map of the western part of the state of New York, 1823, detail (Vance, NYPL).jpg
date: 1823

The War of 1812 on the Niagara Frontier, book (Babcock, 1927).pdf
date: 1927

Moss Island and the Hermit of the Falls, excerpt (pp68-69, Burke's Illustrated Guide to Niagara Falls, 1855).jpg
date: 1855

Niagara Falls Power Company - Information for Visitors, book (1907).pdf
date: 1907

The Niagara Frontier- Embracing Sketches of its Early History, and Indian, French and English Local Names, book (c.1865).pdf
date: 1865

Gillie Machine Co., illustrated ad (Tonawanda City Directory, 1903).jpg

Couple, cabinet card photo (Clench).jpg

Richardson Boat company, map detail (1951).jpg

Thompson Ice Cream Co., photo ad, (N. Tonawanda City Directory, 1907).jpg

Thomas Music House, 84 Webster, ad (N. Tonawanda City Directory, 1907).jpg

The World's Best Musical Instruments, stamped F. R. Wurlitzer (1916).jpeg

Rand Visible Index catalog, Rand Company (c1914).pdf

Polish pupils taken care of after Polish school destroyed by fire, article (Tonawanda News, 1919-03-25.jpg

Old-timers' mistrust and jealousies blocked merger of Tonawandas, article (Tonawanda NEWS, 1948-07-21).pdf

Niagara Hotel and the unreliable stagecoach, article excerpt, transcribed (1833-09).jpg
description: AI transcription: THE FALLS OF NIAGARA. EXTRACT TO THE EDITOR, DATED Niagara Falls, Sept. —, 1833. Having arrived at Tonawanda about 1 o’clock, on the morning of the 16th August, 1833, we left the packet boat, and set off for the Falls of Niagara, about 11 miles distant. We were undecided at first how to travel; a stage, it was said, would leave Tonawanda for the Falls, by which we were advised to go, as the best and most expeditious conveyance.—We accordingly roused the inmates of the Niagara Hotel, in order to ascertain at what hour the jumbling vehicle would start. We were informed that that depended on the number of passengers; but that if there was a load, the coach would leave the hotel at 8, A. M. Time being of importance, we determined to walk, so that by arriving at the Falls sooner, we might have more leisure, for the inspection of that interesting phenomenon. We left Tonawanda between one and two o’clock. There is, I believe, nothing remarkable in this place, except that it was originally a settlement of the Senecas, and now a small village on the creek of that name, at which the Erie Canal issues, and where canal (not canailles) voyageurs, who wish to visit the Falls, leave the boats. Our road, a mere trackway, lay through a wood, and for some way along the Niagara Creek. The night was clear, cool, and moonlight; the wide waters on our left reflected her beams upon us so strongly, that the opposite wood appeared veiled in gloomy darkness. After a walk of six miles, we crossed the Cayuga creek, where our approach to the Falls was first indicated by the sound of a distant roar. The way was lonely, and
date: 1833-09

Irate farmers drive gypsies from stronghold, article (Tonawanda News, 1905-08-07).jpg

Bridge nightmare comes true, article (Tonawanda News, 1961-03-13).jpg

Adamite Abrasive Co., letterhead (1914).jpg

Petit Creek, map detail (1837).jpg
date: 1837

Genesee Lands with County Subdivisions, map (1829?).jpg
date: 1829

City of North Tonawanda, map (N. Tonawanda City Directory, 1903).jpg
date: 1903

Tonawanda Power Company, bill (1929).jpg
date: 1929

Payne defeated, Republicans won at North Tonawanda, article (Daily Cataract, 1898-03-09).jpg
date: 1898-03-09

On guard! Buffalo's 65th guards Tonawanda Island from striking Poles, article (Buffalo News, 1893-06-19).pdf
date: 1893-06-19

Niagara River houseboat, Sour Spring Grove, Grand Island, photo (1897).jpg
date: 1897

New (Felton) High School dedicated, article (Tonawanda News, 1901-09-06).jpg
date: 1901-09-06

N. Tonawanda, Lockport have similar histories, article (Clarence O. Lewis, Lockport Union Sun and Journal, 1957-05-24.jpg

Martinsville asks police protection, article (Tonawanda News, 1907-06-04).jpg
date: 1907-06-04

Man with badge, cabinet card (Torrey, c.1900).jpg
date: 1900

Harry Dragan, 206 East Ave., Sacco-Vanzetti Defense Committee (1927-09-22).jpg
date: 1927-09-22

Gypsies at Gratwick, article (Tonawanda News, 1907-10-05).jpg
date: 1907-10-05

Former J & T Charlton, fire house location on Thompson near tracks (Google satellite).jpg
date: 2020

Former Dreamland, 540 Oliver (2008).jpg
date: 2008

Former Artizan, Christmas colors, photo (Dennis Reed Jr., 2025-12-25).jpg
date: 2025-12-25

Fire Chief Fred Knight praised, Old Log Cabin, article (Tonawanda News, 1934-04-18).jpg
date: 1934-04-18

Supervisor J. T. Schmidt moves brick house from Oliver to his property, article (Tonawanda News, 1908-04-28).jpg
date: 1908-04-28

J. T. Schmidt victim of murderous attack, article (Tonawanda News, 1913-12-08).jpg
date: 1913-12-08

J. T. Schmidt dies at home, article (Tonawanda News, 1918-03-11).jpg
date: 1918-03-11

J. T. Schmidt's Cafe, Oliver Street, postcard (c.1900).jpg
date: 1900

J & T Charlton, map detail (1893).jpg
date: 1893

Heart failure claims Mrs. Augusta Schnmidt, article (Tonawanda News, 1918-04-13).jpg
date: 1918-04-13

1099 Oliver (2024 Google).jpg
date: 2024

The Schooner Tonawanda, postcard (c1890).jpeg
date: 1890

The Schooner Tonawanda, photo (c1890).png
date: 1890

The Lumber War - Views of Tonawanda Island, article (Buffalo Illustrated Express, 1893-06-25).pdf
date: 1893-06-25

Stella Perew, 46 Sweeney, obit (Tonawanda News, 1947-03-08).jpg
date: 1947-03-08

Skidoo, kids, curfew whistle, article (Tonawanda News, 1907-06-01).jpg
date: 1907-06-01

Scheme to fill in Little River, 1907, article (Tonawanda News, 1981-10-08).jpg
date: 1981-10-08

Scanlan claims State Ditch rights, article (Albany Argus, 1891-06-18).pdf
date: 1891-06-18

Rose Coal, 217 Oliver, illustrated ad (Tonawanda News, 1935-04-23).jpg
date: 1935-04-23

Postcard from Addie, front (1917-09-20).jpg
date: 1917-09-20

Girl, R.J. Clench, cabinet card (c1880).jpg
date: 1880

Early barges in the river, North Tonawanda, cabinet card (c.1890).jpg
date: 1890

Thatch Roofs - Creo-Dipt excerpted catalog (1919).jpg
date: 1919