Daniel Jameson 1789-1940

Daniel Jameson was born in Dunbarton, New Hampshire where he spent his childhood years. When about ten years old he moved with his parents and the family to Barnet, Vermont where they all lived for about another ten years

Mr. Jameson when a young man, in his early twenties - probably around 1811 or 1812;[1] went with his older brothers, Hugh and Joseph, to the northwest part of New York state in the vicinity of Riga, New York, which at that time was part of Genesee county, just west of Rochester.[2] This area of the country was very much part of the wilderness in the early part of that century.

Daniel was a soldier during the war of 1812. He enlisted, along with many others from that area of New York state,[3] June 29, 1812, into Elias Streeter's Company, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis' Regiment, of the New York Militia. He first marched to Batavia, New York, where he was mustered into service of the United States. They then marched to Buffalo, New York and then back again to Batavia where Corporal Daniel Jameson was discharged, July 10, 1812. Daniel remained in the New York State militia[4] for many years, at least until 1822, where he rose through the ranks, eventually reaching that of Captain of the 177th Regiment.[5]

After the war Daniel returned to the Riga area, where he took up a section of land. After clearing a few acres and making some improvements, he sold this and bought another section within the same county, which became his permanent home while he lived. He built a good house, barn and outbuildings, having all the conveniences then known in farming. He lived and raised his families, with both wives, in what is now Chili, New York. His home always gave a warm welcome to relatives and friends. He was generous and kind-hearted in his family and strictly honest and upright in all business relations.[6]

In 1822 that area of Genesee county was incorporated into Monroe county and Riga township further divided into Riga and Chili townships. Daniel Jameson lived in this reapportioned area in what would become Chili township, Monroe county, New York. Specifically Mr. Jameson lived[7] in the area near Buckbees's Corners, a crossroads now known as the intersection of Chili Avenue and Union Street.[8] Mr. Jameson was very much a part of it's early structure. In-fact he was appointed constable at the time the town was organized in 1822.

Mr. Jameson died accidently under unusual and unfortunate conditions (see article). Having apparently been thrown from his horse he was later found dead from drowning with his face half buried in ice in a shallow ditch. Daniel's loss was much lamented, as he was a well known and influential man in Chili. He left a widow and a large family of children. Mrs. Jameson survived him but a few years after which the family separated and settled in different parts of the country.