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General
Joseph McCluer was one of the first pioneers in what we know today
as Cattaraugus County, New York. His father is Joseph MacLuer.
The "MacLuer" family was a sept of the Clan MacLeod of
Dunvegan and Harris in Scotland. Born in May 1775, General Joseph
was christened on 10 Sep 1775 in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts.
He was educated as a doctor, but decided to become an agent and
surveyor for the Holland
Land Company.
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During 1805 while surveying, he built a log cabin on present day Elm Street.
In 1806 he moved his family, along with 5 other families to the Ischua Valley. They all lived in the log
cabin while building their own homes. It was here that he established McCluer's Settlement, now known as Franklinville,
NY.
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In the act of March 11, 1808, it was specified that the first town-meeting
should be held at the house of Joseph McCluer. He served as a Captain in the War of 1812. He represented
the counties of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Niagara in the Assembly of 1814-1815. He was appointed the first
postmaster and served as such from 1816 until 1833. He served as County Clerk in 1821, and was a General in
the State militia.
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He died 11 Sep 1833 and was buried in the family cemetery near his home. During
the summer of 1878, the family remains were moved to the Mount
Prospect Cemetery. |
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Compiled from several historical resources.
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Franklinville was chosen for the route taken by the Old Chautauqua Road
in the early 1800s. Thousands of settlers passed through the Village and Town taking Bryant Hill Road and moving
westward. Inns and taverns quickly appeared to accommodate the travelers. Many of these pioneers chose to stay
and make Franklinville their home.
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Farming, dairying and cheese factories became the first industries. Later
mills, factories and stores appeared. Ontario Knife Factory located to Franklinville, and for more than one hundred
years has provided employment for area residents.
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Farms producing produce and milk are giving way to horse farms. Franklinville
is the home to the Miner’s Cabin, a Queen Anne Victorian mansion and museum, as well as the Howe-Prescott
Pioneer House located in the hamlet of Cadiz. The Main Street is graced by century-old homes and the Park Square,
which date back to the 1820s. The Village has over two hundred century-old homes. The brick buildings that surround
the
Square date back to about 1880.
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The Town is home to The Triple R Campground, one of the largest in Western
New York. Trout fishermen from all over the world fish at Ischua Creek and Case Lake. Snowmobile, hiking and horse
trails cover large areas.
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Recreational homes, hunting camps, and retirement havens can be found
throughout the area. The proximity of Ellicottville and the Holiday Valley Ski Resort are proving to make Franklinville
an
attractive area for relocation. |
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From an article by Maggie Fredrickson, Village of Franklinville
Historian and Bruce Fredrickson, Town of Franklinville Historian.
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