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Early History

 

In 1815, Basil Sperry settled in the “Red Chalk” area of what is now Erin.  He was the first to build a house, clear a field, and plant crops but he was soon joined by other settlers, many of whom were Scotch and Dutch.  On May 29, 1822, the Town of Erin was created from the northern part of the Town of Chemung.  Logging was the first industry in Erin.  James and Joseph McMillan built the first sawmill on Newtown Creek in 1824.  Other early industries included chair and cabinet making, blacksmithing, tanning, and basket making.  By 1845, the population of the town was 1,581.

 

 

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