This article appeared in the paper published June 13, 1929

It was among a series of articles on the town names in Yates County.

This particular article was by Mrs. Jessie C. Slocum.

SECOND MILO

Village long known as “Cathead” Daniel Plaisted Tenant House was first school and Public Building second Milo residents Organized Penn Yan Baptist church 99 years ago. Name taken from Local Church

Second Milo is located about four miles south of PennYan on the Penn Yan-Dundee state road. For many years it was called Cathead. The begin of this name, however is apparently unknown.

The original schoolhouse, which was the first public building of Cathed, was located on the farm of Daniel Plaisted. First it was located very near the present driveway, then it was moved south of the residence and is now his tenant house.

On Jan. 19, 1811, eleven people met and organized a church and for several years services were held in this building. Prior to this time religious services were held in different homes. Rev. Simon Sutherland was the first pastor employed by this church. His salary consisting of $25.00 and his cordwood. He served the church as pastor for nearly 20 years. On April 17, 1820, 22 members of this church at their own request took letters and with others organized the Penn Yan Baptist Church. Between 1830 and 1835 the first meetinghouse was built on the site now used as a cemetery. Each member was taxed a small sum to provide money to heat and light this building. The church sheds stood where Floyd Fletcher’s residence now stands. AS the church at Himrod was then called the First Baptist Church of Milo, to distinguish the two this was called the second Baptist church of Milo.

In 1851 the present church building was erected George Dusenberry and most to the carpenter work. Miss Augusta Titus is the only person now living who was present when the church was raised. The land on which the residence was built was given by George and Rebecca Youngs. They also gave the land on which the present schoolhouse stands. Although all records seen to be lost the Cathead schoolhouse was probably built about 1863 to the 70’s. Then salary paid the teacher was $3. Per week. As far back ass the oldest inhabitant can remember a blacksmith shot stood on what is now the property of Mrs. John E Slocum. This was torn down about 36 years ago and another one was built on the place now owned by John Miller; But after being used a few years it was abandoned as a shop. Adjoining this first shop was a wagon shop. This was later moved and is now a part of Mr. Fletcher’s store. The land for what is called the “old part” of the cemetery was given by Isaac Hedges, the first grave in this cemetery being that of Cornelius Genung.

Until 1887 everyone in the community had to go to Penn Yan for their mail and groceries. Then a post office and grocery store and jewelry shop was opened in the house where Roy Anderson now resides. A M Gallo, now of Geneva, was the first postmaster. As soon as Cathead had a post office is had to have an official stamp and although various titles were suggested it was decided to call it Second Milo because the second Baptist church of Milo was located here. The post office was later moved across the road where Jobs Master served as postmaster for several years. He also ran a grocery store in combination with the office. For many years before this Mr. Master conducted a harness shop in the same building and continued this work in connection with the post office and store. Again the post office was moved back to its original home. At this time B M Rector was appointed postmaster but Giles Burnham had charge of the office until it was discontinued when the rural free delivery service was inaugurated. Jonas mcIntire first carried the mail from Penn Yan to Second Milo. When Mr.. Master had charge of the office his son acted as mail carrier want when Mr. Burnham took care of the office his son carried the mail. The mail used to leave Second Milo at 10 am and the carrier made the return trip with the sack from Penn Yan, arriving about 1 p.m when the roads were good but often became late when snow was deep or roads rough and muddy. The first state road west through Second Milo in 1912.

Probably the oldest house to Second Milo standing is nearly its original state is the one owned by Fred Cook. There are eight other old dwelling, most of which have been remodeled or repaired. Eight houses in our little village have been built since 1885. About 12 years ago a town building was erected on the West road, which is the voting, place for Milo. Dist. No 10.

There are two stores in Second Milo at the present time, one owner by Floyd Fletcher and one by William Durham. A few years ago a small factory was erected near the town building where novelty woodcraft was made. Some beautiful work was done in this factory but it was kept open only two or three years. Rev. E W Chapin. To the present pastor of the progressive country church at Second Milo.