This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: DeMott, Skinner Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/SRB.2ACE/12173.1 Message Board Post: John DeMott, is early manhood, having learned the shoemaker's trade went to Dutchess county, where he was married; and soon after removed to Chenango county; thence, in the fall of 1809, with his wife and five children, to Ellery on the Cassadaga creek, near Wm. Barrows, and so near the time of Mr. B.'s arrival, that it is doubtful which was the first on the ground. The date of DeMott's purchase, in Lot 5, was Nov., 1809; that of Mr. Barrows, in Lot 6, was June, 1810. This, however, does not determine priority of settlement. There being then no bridge across the Cassadaga at this place, the creek was forded or crossed in a canoe whenever he was obliged to go to Canadaway for supplies or milling. His oldest son, Daniel, took the south half of the old farm, where he resided until his death in 1851. His youngest son, Lorenzo, resides near the site of his father's residence. John DeMott died Dec. 1831; his wife, April, 1838. (History of Chautauqua County, New York - Young) John DeMott. b. 1776. d. Dec. 24, 1831. Age 55. bd. Red Bird Cemetery, Town of Ellery. md Susan Skinner. b. ____d. Apr. 1838. bd. Red Bird Cemetery, Town of Ellery. John planted an apple orchard from seeds he had brought when he came to the Town of Ellery from Chenango Co. on an ox sled with wife and five children in 1809. The orchard was producing apples in 1822. (Town of Ellery Historian's files)