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(continued)

Western New York was a dangerous place in which to live during those days. The British at Fort Niagara, who dreamed of re-establishing their dominion in the area, continued to agitate the Indians. Consequently, a string of forts were built by early settlers for protection.

The Wadsworth family built one near Geneseo, and another was built near Avon facing the Seneca village of Canawaugus across the Genesee River. A fort was built on the Ball Tract at Honeoye Falls. It was located south of the present intersection of Monroe Street and Rt. 15A. Today, parts of it can still be seen as an old stone house on the west side of the road. Other forts were built in Canandaigua, Clyde and Fishers.

The fort in Fishers was to play a major role in Aaron Burr's later activities. It was built on a knoll overlooking the once navigable Irondequoit Creek at the intersection of Fisher and Fisher Circle roads. This fort and a goodly acreage was owned by Abraham Franklin of New York City, a close associate of Burr. The three Parson sisters, who were first cousins to Burr, moved to the Township of Victor, Ontario County and settled near the fort.

Joshua Ketchum, who married Lucy Parsons, lived at what is now 118 Fisher Road. Aaron Ingersoll with his wife Lydia Parsons lived at what is now the Phillips Homestead on Phillips Road near Main Street, Fishers. The final sister, Jerusha, lived with her husband, Ira Seymour, on what is now Gillis Road near the present Cobblestone Creek Country Club.

Fort Burr, as some called it, later served as a staging area for Burr to recruit and train young men, whom he hired to help with his western adventures. It is reported that Burr was in the area on two separate occasions. One time, he is supposed to have been entertained at the present Stone-Tolan House in Brighton. Another time, it is said he visited the Peter Sheffer home in Scottsville.

Burr's political fortunes turned for the worse after the disputed presidential election of 1800. Although it was understood that Jefferson was to lead the ticket, Burr as the vice presidential candidate, technically had the same number of electoral votes. A group of northerners who did not trust the “Virginia Democrat” conspired to make Burr president.

The election was thrown into the House of Representatives, which held 37 tie votes before Alexander Hamilton was able to turn the tide in favor of Jefferson, forcing Burr to settle for the vice presidency. Dissatisfied with that office, Burr made an attempt to run for governor of New York. Again Hamilton blocked his path. This time, the bad blood erupted into violence and Burr killed Hamilton in a duel.