BIOS: Willey, George Warren; Ogden, Monroe co., NY

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Author: George T. Davis
Source:
Ogden Centennial Pioneer Reminiscences, 1802-1902
compiled by Mrs. Augusta E. N. Rich
assisted by Mrs. Sarah Flagg Smith and Mr. H. H. Goff
Press of John C. Moore
Rochester, N.Y.

George Warren Willey,  November 2, 1767 - 1852

The first pioneer of the town of Ogden was George Warren Willey, he with his
ax on his shoulder and pack on his back walked from East Haddam, Conn., and
crossed the Genesee river at Avon, then northerly by what is now the
Scottsville to Ogden Center, where he located and made his mark by cutting
down two trees, then stepped on the butt of one, swung his hat and gave
three hearty cheers, which must have sounded strangely in those solitudes, as
there was no settlers nearer than six or eight miles.  He then walked to
Geneseo and told Mr. Wadsworth where he had located, procured a man to 
help cut the timber to erect a log house.  After they were prepared they went
in different directions to invite men to the raising.  They were obliged to go
as far as Braddock's bay, Hanford's landing, Scottsville and Hanover
settlement to obtain help.  There were about twenty persons, Mr. Wadsworth 
being one of them.  In his tour of invitation, Mr. Willey got lost, remaining
in the woods all night, and did not get back until the building was partly
raised.  History says that there was a premium to the person who built the
first house in town   six bushels of wheat, a barrel of pork and a barrel of
whisky.  I think that they must have had a good time, as they remained all
night, not even letting Mr. Wadsworth get any sleep, and kept up the back
woods enjoyment.  After this Mr. Willey attempted to make some improvement,
but was taken sick and went to Geneseo and partly recovered.  He then
went home to Connecticut, moving out the year following with his family. 
Among the first purchasers of real estate in town are the names of Benajah
Willey, father of George W. Willey, Abraham Colby, John Gould, John Webster,
Sally Worthington, Benjamin Freeman, Daniel Spencer and Mr. Snow.  The
first religious meeting was held at George W. Willey's house in 1805.  Rev.
Mitchel Jinks officiated.  The first settled minister was Rev. Ebeneezer
Everett.  The first school in town was kept by a sister of G. W. Willey, who 
became the wife of Col. Brown.  The first born in town was John Colby.  The
first death was the wife of George W. Willey, aged thirty-five years, and was
the first buried in the town in the old cemetery.

At a pioneer meeting in Rochester, Mr. Willey was awarded the medal as the
oldest resident pioneer in the year 1849.  I would like to know who has it
now.

George Warren Willey was born at Ludlow, Mass., Nov. 2, 1767.  He was married
in Millington, May 11, 1788, to Deidamia Cowderly, who died in Ogden April 2,
1804, aged thirty-five. His second wife was Clarissa, daughter of James
Lubruit Davis Newcomb, of Lebanon, Conn.  In 1823 he was appointed agent for
the Ogden and Murray estates.  He died in 1852, aged eighty-five years. 
He was the son of Benjah and Ann (Fuller) Willey.  Benjah was born about 1748. 
He settled in Ludlow, Mass., where he was the first town clerk in 1774, and
afterward selectman and assessor.  He built the first frame house and barn in
Ogden, where he died in 1820.  He was the son of Benjah and Rachel (Dutton)
Willey.  This Benjah's birth is not recorded.  His wife was born November 6,
1727, and baptized at East Haddam, Conn., Jan. 26, 1728.  He died before
February 4, 1752, leaving an estate of 2,119 pounds, 19 shillings, 11d.  He
was the son of John and Elizabeth (Harvey) Willey.  John was born Feb. 24,
1674, at New London, and married in Oct., 1698 at East Haddam, Conn.  His wife
was born in 1680. He was described as Sergt. John Willey in 1750.  He died in
1754.  He was the son of John and Miriam (Moore) Willey.  This John was born
about 1648, and married March 18, 1668.  He was the son of Isaac and Joanna
Willey, who were probably founders of the family in America.  It is thought
his father's name might have been Allen Willey.  Isaac is recorded as living
in Boston as early as 1640, removing to Charleston, Mass., before 1644.  He
imigrated with John Winthrop, Jr., to New London, Conn., and died about 1685. 
It is not known from what part of the old country the Willeys came. 

There is a rumor that it was from Wales, that one of the ancestors married a
daughter of Charles II., of England.

George T. Davis