Senate Resolution No. 4568

BY: Senator YOUNG

COMMEMORATING the Bicentennial Anniversary of the
Town of Leon's first pioneer settler, James Franklin

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize
events of significance which exemplify the history and development of
the State of New York; each city, town, village and hamlet within the
borders of our great Empire State proudly resonates with its rich and
noble history; and

WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
and commemorate the anniversaries of the founding of municipalities
throughout the State, noting in turn their contributions to the fabric
and progression of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Town of Leon's first
pioneer settler, James Franklin; and

WHEREAS, James Franklin was born in Massachusetts and lived in New
Hampshire where he joined the Revolutionary cause; he enlisted twice and
was at the Battle of Bennington and "Ticonderoga and went over upon
Mount Independence;" James returned home to Winchester, New Hampshire
and after the conflict, moved his family to Riga, Genesee County (now
Monroe County), New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1818, James Franklin and his son, James, were the first
pioneers to the Conewango (Leon) area; they settled on Lot 50, building
the first log house and working the land; with one dozen or more
revolutionary war soldiers that came and settled on bounty land in the
Leon (Conewango) area, he is given the honor of being the first; the
area exploded with settlers over the next few years, and his sons served
during the War of 1812, and they settled in Leon as well; and

WHEREAS, James Franklin donated land from his farm to start a
cemetery, the Franklin Cemetery, now known as the Leon Hollow Cemetery;
he passed away in 1835 at the age of 85; and

WHEREAS, On April 21, 2018, a sign dedication at the Leon Hollow
Cemetery will be celebrated, kicking off a year of events commemorating
the bicentennial of the Town of Leon; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize and honor milestones in the history of municipalities that
make up the rich history of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Town of Leon's first
pioneer, James Franklin; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Town of Leon.