February 21

— 1871 – A tragic household accident resulted in the death of three-year-old George Martin’s son after he pulled over a kettle of boiling water–such incidents were distressingly common in the 19th century.

— 1898 – The first Chautauqua County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in Westfield, later merging with the Fredonia Prescott Chapter.

— 1987 – The first Mayville Ice Castle was constructed, kicking off a winter tradition enjoyed by many.

February 22

— 1843 – Jamestown recorded its first-ever murder–and the county’s second–when Alvin Cornell killed his wife.