History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II, Part 58

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 1138

USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 58
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 58

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

George Washington Lodge, No. 82, F. & A. M., was instituted un- der a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the state, bearing date November 25th, 1856. Its charter from the same body is dated May 18th, 1857. The first principal officers were the following: W. M., Joseph A. Bunnell; S. W., John Wallace; J. W., Joseph S. Riggs; treasurer, Samuel A. Cotter; secretary, Thomas Wallace, Jr. The Lodge being organized at a time when King Hiram, of Birmingham, was in suspense, naturally at once entered upon a vigorous growth, which has not been much interrupted. In 1890 there were about 160 members in good standing, and the place of meeting was in Masonic Hall, a well ordered room on Main street.

In the same room are held the convocations of the Mt. Vernon Chapter, No. 35, R. A. M., which was chartered in May, 1872, and in- stituted by the grand high priest, William Wallace Lee, on the 25th of June following, with the following principal officers: High priest, J. H. Whiting; king. J. E. Remer; scribe, John Lindley; treasurer, N. Sperry; secretary, George O. Schneller. The chapter has had a rea- sonable degree of prosperity, numbering among its members many of the leading Masons of Ansonia and Seymour. Among others active in its affairs, as officers, have been D. F. Hoadley, Charles T. Beards- ley, F. G. Bassett, J. H. Redshaw, J. W. Willis, Samuel D. Redshaw, William L. Parmalee, L. F. Anschutz, O. L. Dibble and A. C. Peck.

Naugatuck Lodge, No. 63, I. O. O. F., was instituted March 16th, 1849, with the following charter members: Robert R. Wood, Charles Cooper, Timothy E. Miller, Charles Root, Abijah Hawkins, William B. Bristol, Hiram Lyman, Richard M. Johnson, A. N. Prindle, John Lindley, Edward Root, David T. Johnson, Jonah Clark, Hiram N. Hubbard, Julius R. Pond, John R. Johnson, Giles B. Allen, H. Skinner. The first meetings were held in Creamer's Hall, but since that time a number of other rooms have been occupied, the increasing member- ship demanding larger accommodations. In 1890 the hall was on Main street, in the Hotchkiss Block, which has been the home of Ansonia's Odd Fellows for a number of years. Robert R. Wood was the first noble grand, which office has since been filled by more than 60 other members. The aggregate membership has exceeded several hundred, and the Lodge is in a prosperous condition. Its property the past few years has been in charge of trustees, J. A. Bristol, A. H. Bartholomew and A. S. Terry.

In the same room are also held the meetings of Hope Encampment, No. 26, which has a large and active membership; and also the monthly meetings of Canton Totoket (Patriarchs Militant), composed of Odd Fellows of this and the adjoining towns.

Ansonia Lodge, No. 24, K. of P., was instituted December 9th, 1870, with but 11 members, but in the course of two years had 70 members in good standing. Later it took rank as the banner lodge of the order in the state, and its high reputation is still maintained. It has a finely

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furnished hall and a good library and cash fund. Robert Peck was the first presiding office. For many years Homer A. Peck has been the keeper of the records and seal. The membership is large and in- creasing.

Endowment Rank, Section No. 131, K. of P., is composed of mem- bers of the above, and has a fine reputation in the order for the extent of its beneficiary work.

Among the orders at Ansonia are several prosperous temperance organizations, Garnet Temple of Honor, No. 24. T. O. H. & T., being one of the oldest and most successful. It was instituted December 17th, 1877, with 18 charter members. It soon drew to itself an active membership, and the meetings of the Temple were occasions of great interest. After the lapse of more than a dozen years the standing of the society is well maintained. In April, 1879, Ruby Social, No. 13, was established as a female branch of the above, and its meetings were held in the same hall.

Another noteworthy temperance society is Ansonia Division, No. 31, Sons of Temperance, whose meetings are also held in the Temple of Honor Hall. It is reported in a prosperous condition.

Connected with the Catholic church are the V. M. R. C. T. A. & B. Association, the St. Aloysius Cadets and the Father Matthew T. A. B. Society, all of them being useful in their several spheres. The first and the last hold monthly meetings in Military Hall.

Conspicuous among the more important minor societies are the following: Union Lodge, No. 2,835, Knights of Honor, which holds semi-monthly meetings and has a good membership; Friendship Lodge, No. 34, A. O. U. W., organized in September, 1888, but which is already well established; Valley Council, No. 23, K. of C., which has a liberal support given by Irishmen; the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, organized in 1862, and still supported with unabated interest; Lord Nelson Lodge, No. 137, Sons of St. George, a young but vigorous body; Court Anson G. Phelps, Foresters; Tent No. 5, Knights of Maccabees; Wepawaug Tribe, No. 7, I. O. of R. M .; Hermann Lodge, No. 400, D. O. H .; Naugatuck Valley Lodge, No. 70, D. O. H .; Ansonia Council, No. 113, and Schiller Council, No. 234, Order of United Friends, are all young and vigorous beneficiary orders.

The Ansonia Club, the Independent Social Club and the German Turn Verein are social organizations which are well supported.

Thomas M. Redshaw Post, No. 75, G. A. R., was instituted at An- sonia December Sth, 1884. There were 37 charter members and the following principal officers: B A. Cramer, P. C .; Charles French, S.V .; Joseph Killingbeck, J. V .; Julius A. Bristol, Q. M .; Austin P. Kirkham, adjutant; Charles M. Platt, S. M. At the first meeting only eight mem- bers were mustered, but the others were soon added, and in all 136 comrades were mustered up to October, 1890. At the same time the number belonging to the Post was 106. Those elected post command-

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ers were as follows: 1884-5, B. A. Cramer; 1886, Charles French; 1887, J. A. Bristol; 1888, George Goodsell; 1889, S. M. Blair; 1890, Austin P. Kirkham. The latter, as the first adjutant of the post, served until 1886, when C. M. Platt filled that position one year. Charles French served in 1887-8, and C. M. Platt since that time.

In connection with the Post a Woman's Relief Corps was organized May 12th, 1887, with 22 members. The number has been largely in- creased, and the Corps has become a valuable auxiliary. In the same well furnished hall are held the meetings of

The William B. Wooster Camp, No. 25, Sons of Veterans, which was organized in 1888. This is also a prosperous body, having a con- stantly increasing membership.

Previous to the organization of Redshaw Post, there was at Ansonia a Veteran Soldiers' and Sailors' Association, whose object was benev- olent, and which especially provided for the care of the graves of deceased comrades. It had a membership of more than 50, among those most actively interested being Wakeman R. Mott, Julius A. Bristol and Charles Stowell, who served for some years as the execu- tive committee.

The Soldiers' Monument, in the Evergreen Cemetery at West An- sonia, was erected more than a dozen years ago. It consists of heavy bases and a die, all of granite, surmounted by a bronze life-size figure of a soldier in the artillery service, executed by M. J. Power, of New York. On the upper base are cut, on the four sides, the names of An- tietam, Mobile, Malvern Hill and Gettysburg. The south side of the die is inscribed as follows:

Ansonia's Tribute To the Memory of Her Sons Who gave their lives To their Country In the Rebellion of 1861 -- 1865.

The monument stands on a green grass plat, whose appearance is made more impressive by four large cannon resting on the angles of the same. The pile is plain and unpretentious, but is very substan- tial and fitly serves its purpose.

Prior to the founding of the village of Ansonia, the histories of schools and churches of this section were the same as that of Derby. One of the oldest religious bodies is the Congregational church of An- sonia. This was temporarily organized in 1848 for the accommoda- tion of such members of the old Derby church and others as had moved to this locality. The pastor of that church occasionally preached, and prayer meetings were regularly held. In the winter of 1848-9 stated services were held every Sabbath, but during the sum- mer months they were remitted. The following winter they were again resumed, and from that time regular services have been main- tained.

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This encouraging interest led to the formal organization of the church, April 17th, 1850, when 31 persons entered into covenant rela- tions.

The congregation held its meetings in Colburn's Hall, on Main street, having the Reverend J. R. Mershon as the stated supply. In the winter of 1850-1 a most extensive work of grace in the community took place, when 44 persons united with the church on their profession of faith. A frame church edifice was being built, meantime, which was dedicated July 1st, 1852. It served as a place of worship until Oc- tober, 1865, when it was burned, having taken fire from the flue of the furnace, while some women were cleaning the church. A new stone edifice was at once erected, on the fine lot, on South Cliff street, which was dedicated May 25th, the following year. Improvements and re- pairs since that time have made it one of the handsomest and most in- viting places of worship in the borough. On the opposite side of the street is the home of the pastor of the church.

The Reverend Owen Street was the first settled pastor. He was installed September 1st, 1852, and dismissed in May, 1857. In the next three years the church was supplied mainly by Reverends Chaun- cey Goodrich, Moses Smith and S. L. Thompson. March 22d, 1860, Reverend A. L. Frisbie was ordained as the pastor, in which capacity he served until July 11th, 1865. Again the church was without a pas- tor about three years, in which period Reverends William S. Adam- son and James T. Hyde preached. Reverend Charles J. Hill was next installed as the pastor, in September, 1872, and continued until Octo- ber, 1875. In December of the same year, Reverend Edward P. Pay- son was inducted into the pastoral office, where he remained about a dozen years. In October, 1887, Reverend Miles G. Bullock, D.D., here began his pastoral labors, which continued three years, the church in October, 1890, being without a settled minister. At this time there were 274 members, and the Congregational families in the parish num- bered 258. The Sabbath school had about 350 members, and John B. Davidson was the superintendent. Dana Bartholomew was the clerk of the church, and Burnet A. Cramer the treasurer. Other official members were: Deacons, John Jackson, Robert Coe, J. H. Steinman, S. B. Bronson and Charles Thomas; society's committee, T. P. Terry, A. S. Terry, F. E. Hoadley; parish clerk, W. P. Judson; treasurer, H. W. Case; collector, S. B. Bronson. The parish is one of the wealthiest in the lower Naugatuck valley, and is yearly increasing in impor- tance.

Christ Church (Protestant Episcopal) was organized November 27th, 1849, as the Trinity church and parish of Ansonia, the following persons associating themselves for that purpose: Samuel French, Charles Cooper, Eleazer Peck, Samuel P. Churchi, Charles Gale, Will- iam B. Bristol, Lorenzo Kinney, John Gray, E. B. Gillett, H. S. Hill, R. M. Johnson, John Lindley, H. L. Smith and L. A. Clinton. The

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rector of St. James' church, of Birmingham, Reverend Thomas Guion, presided at these preliminary meetings, and aided in the organization. On the 28th of January, 1850, the first officers of the parish were chosen, namely: Samuel French, senior warden; Eleazer Peck, junior warden; R. M. Johnson, John Lindley, H. S. Hill, John Gray, Charles Gale and H. L. Smith, vestrymen. This being done, measures were taken to erect a house of worship on a lot centrally located, on Main street. The building was enlarged in 1864, at an outlay of $2,000, and in that shape was used nearly a dozen years. Larger accommodations being demanded, they were secured in a new edifice, erected in 1875, at a cost of $12,000. In this were placed beautiful memorial windows, commemorative of the services of the early rectors of the Episcopal church in old Derby-the Reverends Mansfield, Jewett and others. In 1883 the church was further beautified and enlarged by the addition of a Sunday school room, and the same year the rectory was repaired.

But the continued growth of the parish has necessitated the use of a still larger edifice, and, April 7th, 1890, it was voted to build a capa- cious and substantial new church as soon as a suitable site could be secured; and a fund for this purpose has been started.

Reverend Henry Olmstead was settled as the first rector of Trinity parish, and first held his services in two places-in what was locally called "Up Town " and in Ansonia. In the former locality, after the removal of St. James church to Birmingham in 1841, there still re- mained a few Episcopal families who desired the continuance of ser- vices in that neighborhood, and held them in the school house. En1- couraged to believe that a regular church could be established, they applied to the diocese for organization as a parish, and in 1844 were admitted by that body, as is shown by the following action: " Voted, that the parish in Derby, organized on the first day of June, 1843, under the name of St. James Parish, be and the same is hereby admit- ted as a new parish into the union of this convention, by the name of Christ Church, Derby." After being thus officially recognized, the old parish of St. James, at Birmingham, relinquished its interest in the old church property in favor of Christ parish. The old church was now reopened and services held in it by Reverend N. S. Richard- son, the rector. In the course of a few years Reverend Mr. Putnam succeeded him, and for a time he and Reverend Henry Olmstead, of the Trinity parish, labored conjointly. This had the effect of demon- strating the wisdom of a closer union of the two parishes, which was consummated April 21st, 1851, when Trinity parish dropped its name, and the consolidated parishes took the name of Christ Church and Parish. The " Up Town " church was vacated, and thenceforth all attended services at Ansonia. The rector of the two parishes having resigned in order to bring about this change, the united parishes called Reverend P. M. Stryker as their rector, in which office he served one year.

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The subsequent rectors of Christ church have been the following: Reverends D. F. Lumsden, one year; Samuel G. Appleton, two years; John Milton Peck, ten months; Louis French, six years, leaving in 1863; Julius H. Ward, a little more than a year; Charles H. W. Stock- ing, three years; J. E. Pratt, from October, 1869, to June, 1872; Samuel R. Fuller, two years; Sheldon Davis, acting rector, thirteen months prior to December, 1875, when Reverend S. B. Duffield became the rector, and so continued until March, 1878; in April following Rever- end H. J. Widdemer became rector, and continued until April, 1882; the same month Reverend Walter C. Roberts followed him, and re- mained until April, 1888. He had the help of assistant rectors, Rever- end Robert G. Osborn, in 1885, and Reverend C. H. Proctor, in 1886. Since April, 18SS, the rector of the parish has been Reverend C. E. Woodcock, and under his ministrations there has been a continuance of the unity and prosperity which attended the labors of his prede- cessors.

Among the more salient features of the later history of the church was the complete wiping out of the parish debt in 1886. The amount was about $3,300, which was mainly raised by Senior Warden John Lindley, one of the most active members of the church, who died in September, 1887.

In May, 1887, a movement was set on foot to increase the perma- nent fund of the church, and in April, 18SS, the Alton Farrel Memo- rial Fund was started, and the church officers appointed trustees of the same. He, also, was a devoted churchman.

March 3d,1889, Bishop Williams visited the parish and confirmed 30 persons, which was one of the largest confirmations in the history of the parish.

In the old Episcopal church Abel Gunn and John Holbrook were the first wardens. Of Christ church the senior wardens have been, since 1850: Samuel French, George Bristol, T. C. Scroop, Eleazer Peck, Peter Tomlinson, J. H. Doolittle, John Lindley, for many years, and after his death, in 1887, Franklin Farrel, who had for some years previous been junior warden. He was succeeded by Edson L. Bryant in that office.

In 1890 the parish embraced 350 families, the whole number of in- dividuals being 1,200. The registered communicants numbered 462. In the Sunday school were 360 members. The total amount of money raised in the parish for all purposes of church work was $6,887.16. William T. Lyman was the parish clerk, a position which had long been held by Alton Farrel, who had also been treasurer of the parish. In 1890 S. W. Smith held that office.

The Young Men's Christian Association had its origin in a meeting held March 12th, 1866, and the constitution which was adopted that year was signed by 28 of the leading young men of the village. John J. Jackson was elected president; Samuel B. Blair, vice-president;

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Charles E. Page, secretary. The latter office was filled in 1868 by Charles H. Pine and by Dana Bartholomew in 1869. In the latter year a popular course of lectures under the auspices of the association added to the interest of the movement. In 1873 the members num- bered 37, increasing steadily the following years, twelve being added in 1876. In the latter year the eleventh annual convention of the State Y. M. C. A. was held at Ansonia. But the interest in the good work declined a few years later, and from 1878 until 1881, only a nominal organization was maintained. In September of the latter year a meeting was held to revive the association, when W. F. Page was elected president, V. Munger, vice-president, and W. H. Fielding, secretary. In February, 1882, many members were proposed, and an active existence was begun. In the fall of 1883 the services of a general secretary were secured, W. A. Fiske being called to that office; and since that time the association has been an aggressive factor in the community. In 1885 the expenditures of the association were about $2,100, $600 of which was paid for the rent of five spacious rooms, fitted up for this especial purpose in the Gardner Block.

In January, 1886, the association became an incorporated body, and the growth since that time has been constant and substantial. In Oc- tober, 1890, there were 103 active and 117 associate members, and the association maintained regular religious meetings in its lecture room. Rooms had also been fitted up for a regular course of instruction in many branches in evening schools. There is a fine gymnasium, in which systematic instruction in physical culture is imparted. The reading room contains many of the current periodicals, and there is a library of about 1,000 volumes. Besides these there are recep- tion rooms and parlors, invitingly arranged, about $2,500 being ex- pended yearly in carrying on the work of the association.

In December, 1885, Porter W. Hill became the general secretary, serving until July, 1887. He was then succeeded by Starr Cadwalla- der, who remained until October 8th, 1888, when the present general secretary, Charles M. Bryant, assumed the care of the affairs of the association.

Emanuel Free Church is located at West Ansonia, and was erected to afford the inhabitants of that locality a convenient place of worship, this being the only church edifice in that section. The prime inover in this laudable work was Reverend Sheldon Davis, a retired minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church. With this purpose in view he purchased a lot, in 1881, upon which the work of building was com- menced April 8th, 1882. The plans of the house were prepared by Mr. Davis for a gothic frame structure, 35 by 65 feet, and several years were consumed in its erection. It was opened for the first public service April 3d, 1887, when Reverend Mr. Davis and others preached. The church has 300 sittings, and cost about $3,600. During the life- time of Reverend Sheldon Davis it remains in his control, but upon

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his death becomes the absolute property of the Episcopal Diocese, to which it has been devised by him.

Since the 1st of November, 1887, Reverend Merritt H. Wellman, of the Episcopal church, has, with the consent of the bishop, maintained free services in the building, the people of this locality assisting by their free will offerings and increasing attendance. In October, 1890, there were in this congregation 30 communicant members; and, con- nected with it, was a Sunday school of six teachers and 60 scholars.

The Methodist Episcopal Church became a separate organization in 1851. The church was founded by Reverend David Osborn, in con- nection with his charge at Seymour, at which place he resided. But prior to that time Methodist meetings had been held in this com- munity in connection with the above church or the society at Bir- mingham. Regular preaching was first held in Colburn's Hall, on Main street, and the society had many struggles and discouraging obstacles to overcome before it secured its own house of worship. In 1865 the commodious frame church on Main street, near the upper bridge, was erected, and has since been kept in proper repair. It has about 600 sittings, and from its central location accommodates large congregations. In 1890 there were about 300 members, forming classes led by S. N. Roberts, C. D. Evans, J. H. Bowes, R. Johnson and J. J. Allingham. The Sabbath school, having 325 members, is a most useful factor in the work of the church, and is ably superin- tended by John E. Lewis. The church property is valned at $20,000. The relation of exhorter is sustained by W. F. Page, and the past few years the pastor has been Reverend R. S. Putney. Other ministers have been the following: 1852, Reverend J. L. Peck; 1853, E. S. Heb- bard; 1854-5, J. Pegg, Jr .; 1856-7, J. J. Wooley; 1858, W. Portens and William Tracy; 1859, W. Silverthorne; 1860-61, W. Howard; 1862-3, A. B. Pulling; 1864-5, C. T. Mallory; 1866-7, W. H. Wardell; 1868-70, C. S. Wing; 1871-2, G. P. Mains; 1873-4, S. H. Smith; 1875-6, L. Parker and Reverend Lindsay; 1877, J. M. Carroll; 1878, I. E. Smith; 1879-81, R. H. Loomis; 1882-3, E. Cunningham; 1884, G. A. Hubbell; 1885-7, S. M. Hammond; 1888-90, R. S. Putney.

The Baptist Church of Ansonia was established in 1874. After the discontinuance of the Baptist church at Seymour there remained no organization of that faith in the lower Naugatuck valley. But occa- sional meetings held at Ansonia led to the desire for a Baptist church in that community, and in consequence one was organized June 22d, 1874, under the direction of Doctor Turnbull, the secretary of the State Baptist Association. On that day 39 persons were enrolled as mem- bers, but the number soon increased, and the church and the society have, in the main, prospered since that time. In 1890 the church had 255 members.

After the ministry of Doctor Turnbull, Reverend E. M. Jerome preached, holding meetings in the Opera House, but soon secured a

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more desirable room in the Hotchkiss Block. Meanwhile a church edifice was building, which was completed in April, 1877, and cost about $15,000. Mr. Jerome occupied it as the first pastor of the church, which at that time numbered 75 members. He resigned his pastorate April 1st, 1879, and for nearly a year there was no settled minister, when in February, 1880, Reverend F. B. Dickinson became the pastor. In 1884 Reverend W. D. Mckinney assumed the pastorate, and con- tinued in 1890. The church property is valued at $21,000, and the parish is in a prosperous condition.

A most important auxiliary of the church has been the Sabbath school, which was formed by Doctor Turnbull with 34 scholars. Dea- con Sharon Y. Beach, of Seymour, became the first superintendent, energetically serving until 1879, when he was succeeded by Doctor B. F. Leach, under whose care the school continued to prosper. In the course of lialf a dozen years the membership was increased to 120. Later, Filmore M. Watrous was the superintendent, and in 1890 John A. Starkweather. It numbered at this time about 300 members.

The church has long had the services as deacons of William Spen- cer, Sharon Y. Beach, H. C. Cook and David Somers, all but the first named continuing in office. B. Whiting is the treasurer and W. H. Fielding the clerk.

The Second Baptist Church (colored) has lately been organized in Ansonia, and in 1890 the place of worship was on North Main street. Reverend Edward Johnson was reported as the pastor, and Moses Diggs, Noah James and Henry Matthews as the deacons.

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History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II, Part 58

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.) Publication date: 1892 Publisher: New York : W. W. Preston Number of Pages: 1138

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 1138