Alfred (town), New York
Encyclopedia
Alfred is a town
in Allegany County
, New York, United States
. The population was 5,140 at the 2000 census.
The Town of Alfred has a village named Alfred
in the center of the town.
Alfred University
and Alfred State College
are located in the Village of Alfred.
"The naming of Alfred has traditionally been attributed to Alfred the Great. That attribution may never be definitively verified because there appears to be no extant document from the period when the town was named that ties it to King Alfred – i.e., no town, county, or state record regarding the source of the name.
Despite that missing documentation—There is, however, evidence in support of the legend, and there are no records that point to any other source for the name. Nineteenth-century accounts do cite Alfred the Great as the source. In addition, there was no early settler named Alfred (first or last name) for whom the town might have been named." [2]
"The Seneca Indians were the original owners of this land, but following the American victory in the American Revolutionary War, "all foreign claims of ownership were extinguished, and the power of the Indian Confederacy was broken... but New York and Massachusetts each claimed ownership under conflicting patents. In 1786 New York conceded the lands to Massachusetts but retained the sovereignty." [3] Ownership of the land changed hands several times until 1791, when "most of the lands of Alfred were sold to the settlers at from $2 to $4 per acre." [4]
"The earliest settlers followed Indian trails, the chief one leading from Fort Niagara to and down the Canisteo, Chemung and Susquehanna rivers. This passed near the northeastern corner of Alfred and had become well worn by war parties during the Revolution. Settlers from the far east might come by Albany, and the Schoharie and Susquehanna valleys or by Schenectady, Utica, Geneva and Bath. Whatever way they chose the roads were mostly bridgeless and of the most primitive kind, making travel tedious and difficult. From Hornellsville westward for many years the only roads were little more than wood paths marked by 'blazed trees'."[5]
"1807: The first settlers moved in the Alfred area, began clearing forests and building log cabins in order to bring their families in. These settlers were three men – Seventh Day Baptists – from Berlin and Brookfield, New York: Clark Crandall, Nathan Green, and Edward Green. Crandall later became a county judge and joined the state legislature."[6]
"The original settlers were mainly Seventh-day Baptists. Their first church in this country was organized by members who withdrew from the First Baptist church at Newport, R. I., in 1671. This church was the sixth Baptist church organized in America, and they differed from their mother church only in the observance of the "seventh day," or Saturday, as the Sabbath. During the latter half of the 17th century, and the whole of the 18th, this people established strong settlements in the southwestern part of Rhode Island, chiefly in Westerly and Hopkinton. Out of these by 1800 grew strong settlements and churches in Rensselaer, Jefferson, Madison, Cortland and other counties of this state. From these out-stations and from the original settlements emigration set westward to the 'Genesee country'."[7]
"The log schoolhouse early sprang up in each neighborhood, and the district school, the singing-school, the spelling-school and the Sabbath-meeting became a part of the life of the community. As prosperity permitted, the large frame-barn took the place of the pole-sided, straw-shingled stable, and a little later the frame house, with its shaved shingle roof, much smaller generally than the barn, replaced the log hut as the family dwelling."[8] "Amos Crandall, called 'Deacon Crandall' and originally from Rhode Island, taught school four winters at $10 per month, boarding himself and taking his pay in produce or labor. He was one of the earliest teachers of singing schools in the town, and established the first Sabbath school." [9]
"The first business of the settlers in Alfred was to make "clearings." The ashes, carefully saved from the burned fallows and converted into potash, was the first source of revenue. The making of maple sugar supplied home requirement and the surplus,
bartered with the merchant, helped to secure needed family supplies. Lumber had little value beyond the cost of making, on account of lack of roads and a market. Those who could hunt could in that way help supply themselves with food, especially if they were fortunate enough to secure the bounty offered for the killing of wolves. Flax was raised, prepared by hand, carded, spun, woven and converted into clothing. When it became possible sheep were raised and their wool formed, entirely by hand processes, into clothing. Few indeed were the early homes into which the cards, the spinning-wheel, the flag-wheel, the quill-wheel, the swifts, the warping-bars, and loom did not find an early entrance. Oxen were in general use because considered more economical and useful than horses. The virgin soil, enriched by the ashes of the burned timber, was highly productive; and
when the seasons were favorable, good crops of grain rewarded the farmer's toil among the roots and stumps. Year by year the clearings widened, orchards were planted, flocks and herds increased and roads became more passable. Here and there a mill was built, and a few small stores were opened." [10]
"The shale rock, and heavy underlying beds of clay of the northeastern part of the town, becoming of great value as material for fine brick and pottery, extensive terra cotta works have been established at Alfred for the manufacture of roofing tile, etc. These works have cost $150,000 and employ from 20 to 50 men. Tile of improved patterns excelling any other manufactured in America is shipped to every part of the country. Extensive pressed-brick works have also been established at Alfred Station."[11]
"The first settlers were, for the most part, sons of soldiers of the Revolution, and themselves soldiers of the war of 1812. Alfred's sons were conspicuous in the border warfare in Kansas. At the opening of the Rebellion they were prompt to respond to the call for volunteers... The names of nearly 150 of her boys are on her roll of honor. Four or five of the professors and hundreds of Alfred students fought in the Union ranks, many attaining high rank."[12]
The Village is the home to Alfred State College, Alfred University, and The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Because of the existence of these schools there are more buildings of larger stature than might normally be found in a small rural village. Downtown Alfred is quite historic with many fine examples of architecture. One of the traits of many houses is the terra cotta tile roofs made using local clays.
, and The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.
Alfred University
was started in 1836 as part of the Alfred Select teacher's college and is considered one of the oldest coeducational institutions in the US. Alfred University is a smaller school with generally about 2,000 graduate and undergraduate students.
Alfred State College
started as the New York State College of Agriculture at Alfred University in 1908. In 1948 the state legislature formed the State University of New York
system and Alfred College of Agriculture and Technology, or Ag-Tech, was one of its founding members. Alfred State College has about 3,400 undergraduate students in many areas of study including Information Technology, Nursing, Surveying, Court Reporting, and Web Development.
The New York State College of Ceramics
is a statutory college of the State University of New York operated by Alfred University on behalf of the SUNY Board of Trustees. It was founded in 1900 as the New York State School of Clay-working and Ceramics at Alfred University.
, the town has a total area of 31.6 square miles (81.8 km²), of which, 31.5 square miles (81.7 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) of it (0.19%) is water.
New York State Route 244
passes across the town and terminates at New York State Route 21
near Alfred Station. County roads 10, 11, 12 and 42 pass through the Town of Alfred.
There is a small stream known as Canacadea Creek, that flows throughout the year from south to north. This stream flows to the Canisteo River which is a tributary to the Susquehanna River watershed. The topography is steep hill country as it is part of the Allegheny Plateau, being the northern part of the Appalachian Mountain chain.
[13] of 2000, there were 5,140 people, 996 households, and 468 families residing in the town. The population density
was 163.0 people per square mile (62.9/km²). There were 1,134 housing units at an average density of 36.0 per square mile (13.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 91.79% White, 3.46% Black or African American
, 0.25% Native American, 2.47% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.95% from other races
, and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.26% of the population.
There were 996 households out of which 21.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.3% were married couples
living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 53.0% were non-families. 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the town the population was spread out with 8.3% under the age of 18, 66.8% from 18 to 24, 9.7% from 25 to 44, 10.2% from 45 to 64, and 5.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 21 years. For every 100 females there were 135.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 138.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $32,067, and the median income for a family was $57,159. Males had a median income of $28,667 versus $29,821 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $10,785. About 2.4% of families and 22.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.
1. "Alfred's Town Name", Dr. Susan Strong, 1997, Special Collections and Archives,
Herrick Memorial Library, Alfred
University. Reprinted with permission of the author.
2. Strong, "Alfred's Town Name"
3. History of Alfred, New York A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany County, New
York, John S. Minard, Esq. Historian, Mrs. Georgia Drew Andrews, Editor. W. A.
Fergusson & Co., Alfred, N. Y. 1896, p. 624. Transcribed by: Diana Gates Reinhart.
4 Minard, History of Alfred, 624.
5. Minard, History of Alfred, 625.
6. Strong, "Alfred's Town Name"
7. Minard, History of Alfred, 625.
8. Minard, History of Alfred, 634.
9. Minard, History of Alfred, 630.
10. Minard, History of Alfred, 633-34.
11. Minard, History of Alfred, 635.
12. Minard, History of Alfred, 636.
13 American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
in Allegany County
Allegany County, New York
Allegany County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 48,946. Its name derives from a Delaware Indian word, applied by settlers of Western New York State to a trail that followed the Allegheny River. Its county seat is...
, New York, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 5,140 at the 2000 census.
The Town of Alfred has a village named Alfred
Alfred (village), New York
Alfred is a village located in the Town of Alfred in Allegany County, New York, USA. The population was 3,954 at the 2000 census. The village is named after Alfred the Great....
in the center of the town.
Alfred University
Alfred University
Alfred University is a small, comprehensive university in the Village of Alfred in Western New York, USA, an hour and a half south of Rochester and two hours southeast of Buffalo. Alfred has an undergraduate population of around 2,000, and approximately 300 graduate students...
and Alfred State College
Alfred State College
Alfred State College is a State University of New York College of Technology located in Alfred, New York in Allegany County. This college, formerly the Agricultural and Technical College at Alfred, now grants baccalaureate degrees in 18 areas, associate degrees in nearly 60 areas, as well as a...
are located in the Village of Alfred.
History
Allegany County was re-organized on March 11, 1808. "At the same time, the town of Alfred was named and organized by the state legislature as one of five towns formed from the larger town (actually co-extensive with the county) of Angelica: Angelica, Alfred, Caneadea, Nunda, and Ossian." [1]"The naming of Alfred has traditionally been attributed to Alfred the Great. That attribution may never be definitively verified because there appears to be no extant document from the period when the town was named that ties it to King Alfred – i.e., no town, county, or state record regarding the source of the name.
Despite that missing documentation—There is, however, evidence in support of the legend, and there are no records that point to any other source for the name. Nineteenth-century accounts do cite Alfred the Great as the source. In addition, there was no early settler named Alfred (first or last name) for whom the town might have been named." [2]
"The Seneca Indians were the original owners of this land, but following the American victory in the American Revolutionary War, "all foreign claims of ownership were extinguished, and the power of the Indian Confederacy was broken... but New York and Massachusetts each claimed ownership under conflicting patents. In 1786 New York conceded the lands to Massachusetts but retained the sovereignty." [3] Ownership of the land changed hands several times until 1791, when "most of the lands of Alfred were sold to the settlers at from $2 to $4 per acre." [4]
"The earliest settlers followed Indian trails, the chief one leading from Fort Niagara to and down the Canisteo, Chemung and Susquehanna rivers. This passed near the northeastern corner of Alfred and had become well worn by war parties during the Revolution. Settlers from the far east might come by Albany, and the Schoharie and Susquehanna valleys or by Schenectady, Utica, Geneva and Bath. Whatever way they chose the roads were mostly bridgeless and of the most primitive kind, making travel tedious and difficult. From Hornellsville westward for many years the only roads were little more than wood paths marked by 'blazed trees'."[5]
"1807: The first settlers moved in the Alfred area, began clearing forests and building log cabins in order to bring their families in. These settlers were three men – Seventh Day Baptists – from Berlin and Brookfield, New York: Clark Crandall, Nathan Green, and Edward Green. Crandall later became a county judge and joined the state legislature."[6]
"The original settlers were mainly Seventh-day Baptists. Their first church in this country was organized by members who withdrew from the First Baptist church at Newport, R. I., in 1671. This church was the sixth Baptist church organized in America, and they differed from their mother church only in the observance of the "seventh day," or Saturday, as the Sabbath. During the latter half of the 17th century, and the whole of the 18th, this people established strong settlements in the southwestern part of Rhode Island, chiefly in Westerly and Hopkinton. Out of these by 1800 grew strong settlements and churches in Rensselaer, Jefferson, Madison, Cortland and other counties of this state. From these out-stations and from the original settlements emigration set westward to the 'Genesee country'."[7]
"The log schoolhouse early sprang up in each neighborhood, and the district school, the singing-school, the spelling-school and the Sabbath-meeting became a part of the life of the community. As prosperity permitted, the large frame-barn took the place of the pole-sided, straw-shingled stable, and a little later the frame house, with its shaved shingle roof, much smaller generally than the barn, replaced the log hut as the family dwelling."[8] "Amos Crandall, called 'Deacon Crandall' and originally from Rhode Island, taught school four winters at $10 per month, boarding himself and taking his pay in produce or labor. He was one of the earliest teachers of singing schools in the town, and established the first Sabbath school." [9]
"The first business of the settlers in Alfred was to make "clearings." The ashes, carefully saved from the burned fallows and converted into potash, was the first source of revenue. The making of maple sugar supplied home requirement and the surplus,
bartered with the merchant, helped to secure needed family supplies. Lumber had little value beyond the cost of making, on account of lack of roads and a market. Those who could hunt could in that way help supply themselves with food, especially if they were fortunate enough to secure the bounty offered for the killing of wolves. Flax was raised, prepared by hand, carded, spun, woven and converted into clothing. When it became possible sheep were raised and their wool formed, entirely by hand processes, into clothing. Few indeed were the early homes into which the cards, the spinning-wheel, the flag-wheel, the quill-wheel, the swifts, the warping-bars, and loom did not find an early entrance. Oxen were in general use because considered more economical and useful than horses. The virgin soil, enriched by the ashes of the burned timber, was highly productive; and
when the seasons were favorable, good crops of grain rewarded the farmer's toil among the roots and stumps. Year by year the clearings widened, orchards were planted, flocks and herds increased and roads became more passable. Here and there a mill was built, and a few small stores were opened." [10]
"The shale rock, and heavy underlying beds of clay of the northeastern part of the town, becoming of great value as material for fine brick and pottery, extensive terra cotta works have been established at Alfred for the manufacture of roofing tile, etc. These works have cost $150,000 and employ from 20 to 50 men. Tile of improved patterns excelling any other manufactured in America is shipped to every part of the country. Extensive pressed-brick works have also been established at Alfred Station."[11]
"The first settlers were, for the most part, sons of soldiers of the Revolution, and themselves soldiers of the war of 1812. Alfred's sons were conspicuous in the border warfare in Kansas. At the opening of the Rebellion they were prompt to respond to the call for volunteers... The names of nearly 150 of her boys are on her roll of honor. Four or five of the professors and hundreds of Alfred students fought in the Union ranks, many attaining high rank."[12]
The Village is the home to Alfred State College, Alfred University, and The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Because of the existence of these schools there are more buildings of larger stature than might normally be found in a small rural village. Downtown Alfred is quite historic with many fine examples of architecture. One of the traits of many houses is the terra cotta tile roofs made using local clays.
Higher education
Alfred is home to three prominent institutions which are Alfred University, Alfred State CollegeAlfred State College
Alfred State College is a State University of New York College of Technology located in Alfred, New York in Allegany County. This college, formerly the Agricultural and Technical College at Alfred, now grants baccalaureate degrees in 18 areas, associate degrees in nearly 60 areas, as well as a...
, and The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.
Alfred University
Alfred University
Alfred University is a small, comprehensive university in the Village of Alfred in Western New York, USA, an hour and a half south of Rochester and two hours southeast of Buffalo. Alfred has an undergraduate population of around 2,000, and approximately 300 graduate students...
was started in 1836 as part of the Alfred Select teacher's college and is considered one of the oldest coeducational institutions in the US. Alfred University is a smaller school with generally about 2,000 graduate and undergraduate students.
Alfred State College
Alfred State College
Alfred State College is a State University of New York College of Technology located in Alfred, New York in Allegany County. This college, formerly the Agricultural and Technical College at Alfred, now grants baccalaureate degrees in 18 areas, associate degrees in nearly 60 areas, as well as a...
started as the New York State College of Agriculture at Alfred University in 1908. In 1948 the state legislature formed the State University of New York
State University of New York
The State University of New York, abbreviated SUNY , is a system of public institutions of higher education in New York, United States. It is the largest comprehensive system of universities, colleges, and community colleges in the United States, with a total enrollment of 465,000 students, plus...
system and Alfred College of Agriculture and Technology, or Ag-Tech, was one of its founding members. Alfred State College has about 3,400 undergraduate students in many areas of study including Information Technology, Nursing, Surveying, Court Reporting, and Web Development.
The New York State College of Ceramics
New York State College of Ceramics
The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in Alfred is a statutory college of the State University of New York . It is divided into the School of Art and Design and the Inamori School of Engineering. Although the School of Engineering is nominally administered by NYSCC, the...
is a statutory college of the State University of New York operated by Alfred University on behalf of the SUNY Board of Trustees. It was founded in 1900 as the New York State School of Clay-working and Ceramics at Alfred University.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 31.6 square miles (81.8 km²), of which, 31.5 square miles (81.7 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) of it (0.19%) is water.
New York State Route 244
New York State Route 244
New York State Route 244 is a state highway in Allegany County, New York, United States. It runs parallel to and south of the Southern Tier Expressway between the village of Belmont and the town of Alfred and it passes through more rugged and scenic countryside than the superhighway...
passes across the town and terminates at New York State Route 21
New York State Route 21
New York State Route 21 is a state highway extending for through the western part of New York in the United States. The southern terminus of the route is at NY 417 in Andover. The northern terminus is at NY 104 in Williamson...
near Alfred Station. County roads 10, 11, 12 and 42 pass through the Town of Alfred.
There is a small stream known as Canacadea Creek, that flows throughout the year from south to north. This stream flows to the Canisteo River which is a tributary to the Susquehanna River watershed. The topography is steep hill country as it is part of the Allegheny Plateau, being the northern part of the Appalachian Mountain chain.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
[13] of 2000, there were 5,140 people, 996 households, and 468 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 163.0 people per square mile (62.9/km²). There were 1,134 housing units at an average density of 36.0 per square mile (13.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 91.79% White, 3.46% Black or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.25% Native American, 2.47% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.95% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.26% of the population.
There were 996 households out of which 21.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.3% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 53.0% were non-families. 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the town the population was spread out with 8.3% under the age of 18, 66.8% from 18 to 24, 9.7% from 25 to 44, 10.2% from 45 to 64, and 5.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 21 years. For every 100 females there were 135.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 138.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $32,067, and the median income for a family was $57,159. Males had a median income of $28,667 versus $29,821 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $10,785. About 2.4% of families and 22.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.
Communities and locations in the Town of Alfred
- AlfredAlfred (village), New YorkAlfred is a village located in the Town of Alfred in Allegany County, New York, USA. The population was 3,954 at the 2000 census. The village is named after Alfred the Great....
– The Village of Alfred in located in the north-central part of the town. - Alfred Station – A hamletHamlet (place)A hamlet is usually a rural settlement which is too small to be considered a village, though sometimes the word is used for a different sort of community. Historically, when a hamlet became large enough to justify building a church, it was then classified as a village...
northeast of Alfred village on Route 244. - Alfred Center – A former hamlet on Whitney Valley Creek.
- Dykes Creek – an important stream in the town's south that flows to Andover and then to Wellsville where it joins the Genesee River.
- East Valley – The Valley to the east of the Railroad Valley. This leads all the way to Andover and is mostly parallel to Railroad Valley separated predominantly by Ben Socer Hill.
- Five Corners – A hamlet west of Alfred village on Route 244 where County Roads 10 and 11 intersect Route 244 and the Town Roads of Hanneman Rd and Moland Hill Rd.
- Jericho Hill – A hill south of the Village of Alfred. Alfred University maintains a playing field for rugby and another for football on this hill top.
- Pine Hill – An hill [elevation] east of Alfred village.
- Railroad Valley – The next valley to the east of the Village of Alfred which contains Tip Top
- Tip Top – An area southeast of Alfred village on Route 21 known as the highest point along the old Erie-Lackawana Railroad.
- Tinkertown – A location northeast of Alfred village on Route 244. Known for its strip of stores and houses in a tight valley.
- Whitney Valley Creek – An important stream in the north of the town that flows eventually into the Canisteo River and then into the Susquehanna River basin.
1. "Alfred's Town Name", Dr. Susan Strong, 1997, Special Collections and Archives,
Herrick Memorial Library, Alfred
University. Reprinted with permission of the author.
2. Strong, "Alfred's Town Name"
3. History of Alfred, New York A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany County, New
York, John S. Minard, Esq. Historian, Mrs. Georgia Drew Andrews, Editor. W. A.
Fergusson & Co., Alfred, N. Y. 1896, p. 624. Transcribed by: Diana Gates Reinhart.
4 Minard, History of Alfred, 624.
5. Minard, History of Alfred, 625.
6. Strong, "Alfred's Town Name"
7. Minard, History of Alfred, 625.
8. Minard, History of Alfred, 634.
9. Minard, History of Alfred, 630.
10. Minard, History of Alfred, 633-34.
11. Minard, History of Alfred, 635.
12. Minard, History of Alfred, 636.
13 American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.