Livingston County 390 



In 1797, Morris, who had promised to effect the extinguish- 

 ment of the Indian title, held a treaty with the natives at Big 

 Tree, now Geneseo, whereby, through the consent of lied Jacket, 

 Complanter, and others, they ceded most of their lands to the 

 whites. At this gathering Jeremiah Wads worth represented the 

 United States, William Shepard appearing for Massachusetts, 

 who lay claim to this section. 



The first settlements were made principally by immigrants from 

 New England before the Indian title was finally extinguished. 

 These men were all tillers of the soil. Their knowledge of the 

 principles of agriculture is evidenced by the fact that the agri- 

 cultural practices instituted in those early days are still followed 

 as being best suited to the locality ; and, being based on live-stock 

 production, the fertility of the soil has been maintained. York 

 and Caledonia were largely settled by a colony of Scotch. 



The grave of Mary Jemison, the noted " white woman," is pre- 

 served at Portage. 



Fifty years ago the mineral springs at Avon attracted large 

 numbers of visitors, and Avon became a noted summer resort. 

 Several noted sanitariums were established, among them being 

 Congress Hall, Knickerbocker, and Allen and Carson's, the latter 

 of which is now known as Avon Inn. The sulphur water is no 

 longer in use for medicinal treatment. 



DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY 



Wheat was the principal crop among the pioneers ; later, during 

 the ravages of the wheat weevil, it was largely superseded by the 

 spring grains. In 1818, however, the census showed that Living- 

 ston County stood second only to Monroe in the production of 

 wheat. 



At about 1800 and later, considerable hemp, flax, and tobacco 

 were grown. These are no longer produced, nor is broom corn, 

 which was once largely cultivated along the Genesee Flats. 



The raising of cattle and sheep forms one of the important 

 industries, Livingston County leading in the number of sheep. 

 The county is also celebrated for its choice herds of pure-bred 

 cattle. 



