finished so the family stayed with Rochester's land agent Enos Stone, who'd been living in Allen's former mill on the east side of the river, until its completion on July 4, 1812. Next came Jehiel Barnard, arriving on September 1 and erecting the settlement's first tailor shop, which would also become its first meeting house and church. Other initial settlers included Abelard Reynolds, who established a pioneer saddlery and the village's first post office, and whose son, Mortimer, is believed, in 1814, to be the first white child born in Rochester; Silas O. Smith; Elisha and Hervey Eli; and Josiah Bissel, Jr. The War of 1812 helped Rochesterville grow as settlers living in Charlotte and other settlement along the shore of Lake Ontario sought to move farther inland. Furthermore, numerous skirmishes and war activities were taking place throughout western New York and Rochesterville served as a waypoint for troops heading west as well as a depot for military supplies. The exposure proved advantageous for the settlement, as many people who had travelled through purchased lots or tracts in or near the village. In fact, one lot, which sold for $200 in 1811, would eventually for $11,200 in January 1817. In 1817 Rochester served on a committee to petition the state to build what would become the Erie Canal on a proposed northern route that included a route across the Genesee River at Rochesterville. The eventual decision by the state's government to accept this northern route became a predominant factor in the growth of the future city. In late 1817, Rochester helped petition the state for the incorporation of Rochesterville. Although the first petition failed due to opposition from neighboring jurisdictions, a second petition passed and the City of Rochester was incorporated on 21 April. The suffix -ville was dropped in 1822. Also in 1817, Rochester was part of a group which organized St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Genesee Falls, with Rochester serving as its first Senior Warden. Eventually Rochester gave land for the building of the church on Fitzhugh Street. In 1821 Rochester played a pivotal role in the creation of Monroe County, which Rochester named after President James Monroe. When the county was officially formed, Rochester became its first county clerk and was elected as the county's first representative to the New York State Assembly. Later years Rochester remained an active participant in the growth of the town and county