Allegany County Reporter

Wellsville, Allegany Co., NY

Thurs, Jun 19, 1884

LONG, LONG AGO

The Olden Times Compared with the New.

The Hornellsville Times gives this interesting account of an interview with Mr. Seth G. S. ROWLEY,  and his sister, both along in the eighties, who were on their way to visit to their brother Mr. John S. ROWLEY of Richburg (Allegany Co., NY ): --
"Mr. Seth G. S. ROWLEY and sister Annie ROWLEY, of Otsego county, uncle and aunt of Mr. S. H. MERRIAM, stopped over yesterday on their way to Richburg. Mr. ROWLEY is 85 years of age his sister 80. She with her family passed through this town in 1829 on her way to Richburg. They went with ox teams over the rough roads and as there were very few bridges, forded most of the streams. They also passed through Elmira and Bath. She says Bath was the largest town they passed through between Otsego and Allegany counties. There was a small huddle of log houses here at the time; Indians and wild animals were very plenty. Bears would sometimes come into the door yards, and the wolves were continually carrying away sheep. She says we talk about hard times now, but she doesn't really think we know what it means. She remembers having given 16 bushels of rye, 50lbs. to the bushel, for a barrel of salt, and then took it ten miles to make a bargain. She also remarked that there was some difference in the time taken to travel the distance; a half day now, thirteen and a half then. Both of these old people are straight and active, happy and witty, she having perfect hearing and he perfect eyesight. He was reading the Times yesterday morning, holding the paper without the slightest tremor. He does not wear glasses at all. They both busy themselves about the farm and garden, and she often walks a couple of miles."

Judy's note: This is actually Seth George Salisbury Rowley (1-7.2378), his sister Anna, and the John referred to his Seth's son John Salisbury Rowley ( 1-7.2378/8.02).