A number of James Franklin’s descendants attended the dedication including (front, from left) Cindy Klamp, Beth Franklin, Max Franklin, (behind him) Leah Franklin, Ella Franklin. Back row: Myra Johnston, Jennine Sauriol, Anna Franklin, David Franklin, Robert Franklin holding Chase Franklin, Richard Franklin, (behind him) Sue Franklin.

LEON — In celebration of the town of Leon’s first pioneer settler, James Franklin who arrived in 1818, the Leon Historical Society dedicated a new sign in his honor at the Leon Hollow Cemetery on April 21.

State Senator Catharine M. Young (R-Olean) and Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C,I Gowanda) joined some of Franklin’s descendants, members of the historical society and friends as they marked the 200th anniversary year of Franklin’s arrival.

Senator Young presented Myra Johnston, Franklin’s fifth great-granddaughter, with a Legislative Resolution commemorating the bicentennial anniversary of the town of Leon’s first pioneer settler.

“On April 17, I passed a senate resolution,” she said.

“What that means is this commemoration for the 200th anniversary of James Franklin, this gathering today and some of its history are now part of the permanent state record.”

Johnston said Franklin donated part of his property for the Leon Hollow Cemetery that was established in 1821. She said Leon resident Diane Ellis generously paid for the sign designating the cemetery and the historical society added the educational sign by the entrance in dedication to Franklin.

The sign reads, “Here on Holland Land Company lot 50, land granted to him for his service in the Revolutionary War, James Franklin and his son, James, built the first cabin in what was to become the town of Leon. Because the Franklins and the neighbors who soon joined them came from the town of Riga, in Monroe County, New York, they called their new home Riga.

James donated the southwest corner of his land for this cemetery, originally called the Franklin Cemetery, now named the Leon Hollow Cemetery. He is probably buried here himself in a grave marked by a simple fieldstone.”

According to Johnston, a member of the historical society, this event was not a celebration of the incorporation of the town of Leon in 1832; it was to commemorate Franklin, the town’s first settler who came in 1818 when the Leon area was part of the town of Little Valley.

Johnston said the Franklin family left New Hampshire and lived in Riga, near Rochester, for 20-24 years before settling in Leon. Then, the War of 1812 broke out.

“James had four sons that served in the war and were present when Buffalo was burned on Dec. 30, 1813. All the people were leaving because they didn’t want to be tomahawked by the Indians that were allies with the British at that time,” she said. “The refugees left by way of Riga and, I think, that was part of the inspiration why they decided to pack up and come to Leon where they could find some peace and quiet.”

Johnston said her ancestors did not come to Leon alone; they brought a lot of Riga, New York with them. She said more ancestors came within months of James Franklin and his son, and they named Riga Road as a memory of back home.

The Leon Historical Society will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the town’s first settler and its earliest history with a series of special programs, exhibits and events that will be open to the public throughout the year.

Jan. 1-Dec. 31: “Pioneer’s Journey,” an educational program for children ages 8-12 and anyone older who likes to play and learn. This game uses miniature models and artifacts to explain what an early 19th century homestead in the wilderness of Western New York State would have been like. The program is available to area libraries, schools and any other interested group, free of charge. Contact Tina Scherman at (716) 836-5268 or tnelsonscherman@gmail.com to schedule a visit.

¯ Saturdays, May 5-Oct. 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: “Pioneer Life Exhibit,” Leon Historical Museum and Church. Public welcome to view exhibit and play the “Pioneer’s Journey” game.

¯ May 31: “From Soldier to Pioneer,” Leon’s Annual Memorial Day Parade. In the concluding ceremony, Myra Johnston will describe the role her ancestor, Revolutionary War Veteran James Franklin and others like him, played in the first settlement of New York State.

¯ Aug. 18: Annual Leon Town Picnic, Leon Fire Hall. “Pioneer Life Exhibit” will be on display and game available to play.

¯ Dec. 9: Annual Christmas program will include a special presentation, “Church in the Wilderness,” about the early settlers’ community worship. Leon Historic 1836 Church.

The Leon Historical Society owns and maintains the Leon Methodist Church, built in 1836, and the Leon Grange Hall, built in 1903, that houses the museum in Leon, along Route 62. The two historic landmark sites are listed in the National Register.

Beginning in May, the museum will be open every Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. or by appointment through October. For more information, visit online at leonhistoricalsociety.webs.com and Facebook, or contact Leon Historian Pat Bromley at 296-5709 and brompl@lanetv.com.