LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Town
of Friendship, New York

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commem-
orate the proud and distinguished histories of the people and communi-
ties which comprise the noble body 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 commem-
orate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Friendship, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Friendship was officially formed on March 24,
1815, when it separated from the Town of Caneadea; Friendship originally
included the present-day towns of Cuba, Bolivar, and Wirt; and
WHEREAS, The first settlement in Friendship was built in 1806 by Rich-
ard Friar, who originated from Ulster County, New York; the first school
lessons were taught by Pelatiah Morgan in the winter of 1810-1811; the
first store was opened in the spring of 1818 by Stephen Smith; and
WHEREAS, In 1851, the first locomotive came into town, and a depot was
erected on Erie Road; as a result, various businesses were established
and manufacturing was developed in the town including the production of
cheese, butter, and flour; and
WHEREAS, Churches were established in many denominations in the Town
of Friendship including Presbyterian in 1813, Baptist in 1822, Methodist
Episcopal in 1825, the Seventh Day Baptist Church of the Nile in 1824,
and Universalist in 1854; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and honor milestones in the history of communities large and small
in this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Friendship; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Town of Friendship, New York.