LOCAL HISTORY. 
Long before North America was discovered Western New 
York was inhabited. In Western anc conten Si tes the great 
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Iroquois Indian cOffederacy composed of the following tribes, 
Oneidas, Onadagas, Mohawks, Cayugas, penecas, and later the 
Tuscaroras. The Senecas roamed from Seneca Lake Westward to 
the Niagara River. Consequently the territory now under 
discussion was under their control. The tribe was very large 
and strong. They had many villages and a larce portion of 
the a) 
these were in,Genesee county. In the dense forests of ,the 
uplands they pursued the game that gave them a-large part of 
their sustenance and in the lower, more fertile, less forestec, 
and open lowlands along the streams near which their towns were 
located , they practiced Agriculture. Apples flourished, as also 
aid corn, potatoes, and beans. The Seneca Indians did not 
Live by themselves alone, but they .were an active and strong 
force in the councils of the Iroquois nation. When war was 
declared, they, went. to the front, and their enimies trembled 
not only because of their great number, but also because of 
their sagcacity, fearlessness, and blood thirstiness. 
The county of the Senecas early became known to the 
Europeans. At first French Missionaries came to the Indians 
to instruet them in the Gospel. But soon the acauaintance 
of the French with the Iroquois was to be of an entirely 
aifferent nature. In 16C9 Champlain, near the lake that bears 
