The Town of Ossian was formed as an independent town from the Town of Angelica, Allegany Co. on March 11,1808 by an act of the New State Legislature. For forty nine years it remained part of Allegany Co., when, in 1857 the Town of Ossian was annexed into Livingston County. Nestled in the southern border of the county, Ossian boasts a picturesque, hilly landscape, with its highest summits reaching 600 to 800 feet above the valleys. Sugar Creek meanders through the heart of the town.
The First Settlers
The town’s first settlement occurred at its center in 1804 when Judge Richard W. Porter and his brother, James Porter, arrived from New Jersey. They were soon joined by other early pioneers, including Richard N. Porter, James Haynes, James Croghan, Jacob Clendenin, Orrison Cleveland, William and John Gould, and Heman Orton, among others.
Milestones and Achievements
In 1818, Ossian saw the formation of its first church, a Presbyterian congregation
Abraham Porter, born in 1805, marked the town's first birth, while the first marriage took place in 1816 between John Gelson and Betsey Shay
Tragically, the town experienced its first recorded death in 1807 when John Turner was killed by a falling tree
Education and commerce began to flourish in Ossian with the opening of its first school in 1813-14, the first inn in 1817, and the first store in 1824
The town's industrial roots were established with the construction of the first sawmill by Nathaniel Porter in 1808-09 and the first gristmill by John Smith in 1826
Places of Worship
Ossian is home to two churches: a Presbyterian congregation and a Methodist Episcopal church.
Geography and Demographics
Ossian covers an area of 39.7 square miles, with the majority being land
As of the 2000 census, the town had a population of 751 residents, predominantly of White ethnicity
The town is characterized by a mix of family households and a strong sense of community
Notable Person
Jasper Bisbee, one of the early rural musicians to produce a record, was born in and lived in Ossian until 1858.
Communities and Locations
Ossian Center: A hamlet near the town center
Westview: A hamlet in the northwest corner of the town on Route 436
Rattlesnake Hill Wildlife Management Area: A state conservation area in the western part of the town
Economy
The town’s economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, and it has adapted to modern economic realities while maintaining its rural charm.
Education
Ossian values education, and its schools have played an important role in shaping the community.
Address
We invite you to explore our town’s rich history and vibrant present through the various resources on this website. Ossian, NY, continues to evolve while cherishing its past, making it a unique and welcoming place to live, work, and visit.