General Joseph McCluer was one of the first pioneers in what we know today as Cattaraugus County, New York. Born in May 1775, he was christened on 10 Sep 1775 in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. He was educated as a doctor, but decided to become an agent and surveyor for the Holland Land Company.
During 1805 while surveying, he built a log cabin on present day Elm Street. In 1806 he moved his family, along with 5 other families to the Ischua Valley. They all lived in the log cabin while building their own homes. It was here that he established McCluer's Settlement, now known as Franklinville, NY.
In the act of March 11, 1808, it was specified that the first town-meeting should be held at the house of Joseph McCluer. He served as a Captain in the War of 1812. He represented the counties of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Niagara in the Assembly of 1814-1815. He was appointed the first postmaster and served as such from 1816 until 1833. He served as County Clerk in 1821, and was a General in the State militia.
He died 11 Sep 1833 and was buried in the family cemetery near his home. During the summer of 1878, the family remains were moved to the Mount Prospect Cemetery.
-Compiled from several historical resources by Maggie and Bruce Frederickson.