Elma was formed from Lancaster and Aurora, December 4, 1857. The first settler in the area is believed to have been Taber Earlle. In 1860 there were 2 churches (Presbyterian and Roman Catholic).
French, J.H., Gazetteer of the State of New York: Embracing a Comprehensive View of the geography, Geology, and General History of the State ..., Ira J. Friedman Inc., Port Washington, NY 1860