Turtle Point was the name given to the present village in 1830, whenHenry Bryant, an Olean lawyer, erected the large saw- mill there. When cleaning out the mill-race the workmen found a large turtle buried deep in themud. A few remnants of the old village were to be seen in 1885, although the new village was transferred to the corners nearer the railroad. Bryant invested $11,000 in this milling concern, but the panic coming on swept it away. Later he took Enoch Fobes as partner and James H. Wright as miller. In 1844 S. A. Backus purchased Bryant's interests, leaving the original owner to begin life anew in California.
Newell Creek and neighborhood were settled about fifty years ago. Among the names of old families are John and William Crawley, Ed. McMahon, Tim. Mullin, Murty and Patrick Driscoll, George Oliver, Patrick Masterson, Con. Doyle, John O'Connor, Jerry Riley, Michael McAuliffe, Philip Cooney, Thomas Dunn, Richard and Dennis Delany, Thomas Bizell, W. M. Londrigan, James Harkin.
St. Mary's Church was established here in 1847, and Rev. J. J. Burns was resident priest in 1 850, when the old church was erected and dedicated by Bishop O'Connor. Fathers Dean and Galligan were missionary priests in 1847-48, and Father Smith was resident pastor from October, 1848, to June 16, 1850. In 1853 Rev. Coady succeeded Father Burns, who was followed by Father Madigan in September, 1856, and he by Father Murrill in December. 1866. Father P. J. Patterson, V. F., came in September, 1868. In 1869 he commenced the present church building, which was dedicated in February, 1872, by Bishop Mullen. The congregation comprises 150 families. The church at Newell Creek may be said to have absorbed old St. Mary's above Smethport, leaving the southern members alone to the new parish of Smeth port. The pastor died December 21, 1889. Father Cosgrove is successor of the venerable Father Patterson as pastor of St. Mary's parish, including Port Allegany, Austin, Costello, Duke Centre and other places.
The Annin Creek Humane Society was the name given to a cemetery asso ciation in June, 1851, of which D. Buckley, I. H. Holcomb, S. Foote, S. D. Cooper, Theron Cooper, J. P. Evans, Jr., Joshua D. Knapp, J. C. Evans, N. B. Foote, Joseph Hodges, C. Graham, J. H. Knapp and J. P. Evans were members.
The Methodist Church was incorporated in September, 1867, on petition of Joseph Merrick, Niles Kinney, C. H. Bessee, G. F. Tubbs, H. M. Harder, M. S. Hadley, S. H. Kinney and A. H. Bessee.
The First Baptist Church was incorporated March 21, 1887, on petition of S. L. Holcomb, Eli B. Buckley, L. H. and F. K. Winship and G. O. Buckley. The First Regular Baptist Church of Turtle Point was incorporated June 3, 1887. The subscribers were Theron Cooper, D. C. Winship, S. L. Hol comb, Albertus Cooper and Darius Simpson.