Nathan Shelley

      Nathan Shelley was born in Hartford, Washington County, N. Y., March 17th, 1798. In May, 1812, with his father's family he removed to Gaines.  His father settled on the Ridge road,  two miles west of the village of Gaines.
      War with Great Britain was declared soon after he arrived. After the defeat of the Americans at Queenstown, in October, 1812, many of the inhabitants on the frontier retired eastward, and Mr. Shelley took his family and went with them, but returned in December after.
      Nathan Shelley married Doreas Tallman, May 21st, 1820. She was born in Washington County, N. Y., August 4th, 1795.
      In 1821, he took up and settled part of lot forty-five, township fifteen, range two, on which he has ever since resided.
      His first log house had but one room, only four lights of glass, and a bedquilt for an outside door, when he moved into it to reside in the winter of 1821-22. Beginning poor, by a life of steady industry and prudence he became a wealthy farmer.



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