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Gc 974.701 W15w 1899 1417553
M. L.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
GEN
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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bind in cover
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Picturesque
Wallkill
Valley
MONEY PAID IS MONEY SAVED ..
.... when it is paid for a
Sharples Dairy Separator
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P. M. Sharples, 1
West Chester, Pa., U. S. A.
Che Wallkill C
Valley
In Art and Story.
Its People Its River Its Environs and Its History
PRESS OF JOHNSTON & PECK, NEWBURGH, N. Y.
PUBLISHED BY
The Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association, Walden, N. Y.
UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE SECRETARY.
-
EMBLEM OF THE WALLKILL VALLEY FARMERS' ASSOCIATION,
Announcement
1417553
1889 1899
D ECADES PASS in rapid succession and the panorama of life yields little of its detail if even its outline, to the generation that follows. It is but a brief interval since the aboriginal denizens of the forests held unrestricted sway over the mountain fastnesses and intervening valleys of Southeastern New York.
It has been said that, in America, our local history has not yet received its full development. We have been careless of our traditions, monuments and relics, which, "if of a dif- ferent sort from those of Europe, are no less interesting and important to preserve."
The following pages are too few to make any pretence to being a history of the Wallkill Valley. They may serve, however, to record much that might otherwise pass with the forgotten and unknown, and hence are merely offered as a contribution to the growth of local song and story "to cling like green vines about the broken fragments of the past."
The response to former publications of this character has met with such complimentary reception at home and abroad that we are encouraged to add the present volume to those of former years.
I desire to acknowledge the invaluable co-operation and assistance of the many individuals who have contributed in many ways to give this souvenir much of whatever value it may have.
Me Hark
SECRETARY.
3.75- 6-1-6
Tutti
THE HOMESTEAD.
"Welcome, ye pleasant dales and hills, Where dreamlike passed my early days, Ye cliffs and glens and laughing rills That sing unconscious hymns of praise ; Welcome, ye woods with tranquil bowers Embalmed in autumn's mellow sheen, Where careless childhood gathered flowers, And slept on mossy carpets green.
"The same bright sunlight gently plays About the porch and orchard trees; The garden sleeps in noontide haze, Lulled by the murmuring of the bees ; The sloping meadows stretch away To upland field and wooded hill ; The soft blue sky of peaceful day Looks down upon the HOMESTEAD still.
"Unchanged it greets the changeful years- Its life is one unending dream ; No record here of grief or tears; But, like the limpid meadow stream, It seems to sympathize with youth, Just as the river does with age, And ever whispers- Sweetest truth Is written on life's title page."
Beacon Lights of the Wallkill Valley.
CORNELIA F. GILLESPIE.
UR grand old Wallkill Valley furnishes us an almost inexhaustable supply of sub- ject matter upon various topics, but of all topics the one most dear to our hearts is the "Beacon Lights"-the churches. These lights mean civilization and progress.
Note the rapid advancement of the people in foreign lands after the introduction of the Christian Church, then what mighty power must be ours, who are continually within its light. At almost any point along the Wallkill upon a quiet Sabbath morning one can hear some Beacon bell calling.the people to the house of God. In faith our forefathers reared these blessed shrines throughout this beautiful valley to be the lights to guide our souls to the Heavenly land.
Many of those who were instrumental in rearing these houses of worship have long since passed to their final resting places. They did their work faithfully and well and are now only sleeping after a life of toil waiting for the resurrection morn, when they, with the noble ones of to-day, who would for Christ's dear sake lay down their lives, if duty demanded, will be united in that Kingdom not made with hands.
We will attempt to name and locate, as nearly as possible, the Churches in the imme- diate river valley. Lack of space prevents us from entering into details.
Beginning at the most northern part of the Valley near Morris Lake, Sussex Co., N. J., the source of the Wallkill, in Sparta township, in the Village of Sparta stands the First Presbyterian Church, erected in 1786. £ It is very prosperous, free from debt, and has a large surplus in its treasury. Present pastor is Rev. Wm. Hollin- shed. The M. E. Church of Sparta was erected in 1837 and rebuilt in 1868. Present pastor is Rev. H. Bice.
About five miles northward are three churches in the Village of Ogdensburg, a Presbyterian under the pas- toral care of Rev. Wm. Hollinshed of Sparta, a Baptist, and a Catholic.
Four miles to the north, on the bank of the Wallkill is the Village of Franklin Furnace. In this village a Baptist Church was built in 1832 and abandoned in 1853, but is now used by the Presbyterian congregation. Present pastor is Rev. J. K. Freed. There is also a Catholic Church here, erected in 1863, of which Father Boylan is Pastor.
Next in order is the North Church, located about two miles southwest of Hamburg, of the Presbyterian de- nomination, was organized from the Sparta Church (1819) and is supplied from Hamburg.
Hamburg, the next village on the Wallkill, contains four Churches-Presbyterian, organized and built in 1814, the Rev. Mr. Barnes, pastor, recently resigned; Baptist, organized in 1811, the present pastor is Rev. A.
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GOSHEN, N. Y.
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S. Thompson; the Church of the Good Shepherd, Rev. J. H. Smith, pastor. The first service held on June 3, 1874. It is a stone structure consisting of nave and chancel; with engaged tower, surmounted by a cross and containing a fine toned bell; and the Episcopal, completed in 1874, the Rev. J. H. Smith is present rector.
Saint Thomas' Church, Vernon, N. J., is a plain wooden building. It has a small congregation of devout people who are strongly attached to their little Church. It has a bell, pipe organ and altar hangings for the different ecclesiastical seasons. Rev. J. H. Smith, Rector.
Four miles to the north is Deckertown. This village has three churches-the First Baptist, organized in 1759, rebuilt recently, and the Rev. Bristow is its pastor: the Second Presbyterian, organized in 1834, Rev. E. A. Hamilton is present paster; and the Methodist, organized and built in 1858, the present pastor Rev. L. F. Bow- man.
The Wantage M. E. Church, located three miles northeast of Deckertown and one mile west of the Wall-
UN-IM
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, RIDGEBERRY, N. Y.
kill is supplied from Deck- ertown.
Crossing the line into Orange County, eight miles northeast of Deckertown, N. J., and about two west of the Wallkill is located the pleasant village of Unionville containing three Churches - the Orange Baptist, organized in 1822, the Rev. J. King, present pastor; First Presbyterian, organized in 1803, present pastor, Rev. J. S. London ; and the Methodist, organ- ized in 1868, edifice com- pleted in 1870, present pastor, Rev. W. S. New- some of Westtown.
The ancient Village of Amity, a mile from Pochuck River, a tributary of the Wallkill. It rests in the center of beautiful scenery, and the Presbyterian church, which is the most conspicuous object in a wide compass, stands on an elevated site of sur- passing loveliness. In the year 1797 the first
church building was erected and opened for public worship, the ministerial labors of Rev. R. H. Craig, pastor since May, 1892, has grown more and more devoted as the years pass. Important improvements have been made, a pipe organ placed in the Church, and a centennial celebration was held on December 10, 1896.
Westtown, two miles west of the Wallkill in the town of Minisink, has two Churches-the Presbyterian, organized March 10, 1803, the people incorporated "The First Presbyterian Church of Westtown." Subscrip- tions to July, 1805, amounted to $11,733.50. September 4, 1806, the Society was taken under care of Presby- tery. Rev. Thomas Grier, the first pastor, was installed February 9, 1809. One hundred and three persons were received into the communion of the church in 1815, fifty-seven in 1816, and one hundred and ninety-four in
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1820, all on confession of faith. The present pastor, the Rev.[R. H. Taylor, was installed May 9, 1889. The church was rebuilt near the close of the first pastorate, and remodeled under the pastorate of the Rev. D. C. Niven (1872) and again within the present pastorate (1898-9). The Methodist, organized in 1863, and the present pastor is Rev. W. S. Newsome.
The Presbyterian Church, Florida, N. Y., was organized probably in 1750. The Church has a comfortable and commodious sanctuary, beautifully situated in the center of the village. The Church is thorough- ly organized. Its present membership is about 160, and its pastor the Rev. David F Bonner, D. D. The M. E. Church is supplied by Rev. F. Russell.
Ridgeberry, two and one-half miles west of the Wallkill, contains two Churches-Presbyter- ian, organized in 1805, present pastor, Rev. T. Brittain; and a Methodist Church, pastor, Rev. R. M. Roberts.
Four miles to the north, upon the banks of the Wallkill, is the Village of Denton. This vill- age contains a Presbyterian Church, organized in 1839.
Following the River northward from Den- ton, a short distance from the Wallkill, we ap- proach the beautiful city of Middletown, which, owing to its number of Beacon Lights, ought to be very righteous. It contains tourteen Churches of which the following are the names of the organ- izations, each accompanied by the present pastor's name: First Presbyterian, Rev. David Winters. Second Presbyterian, Rev. Charles Beattie, D. D. The First Congregational Church, Middletown, N. Y., 1785, Rev. Charles Seeley began his pastor- ate. The Church had been established previous to Dec. 12, 1784. In 1786 a lot was purchased and in part is occupied by the present Church editice; It was for forty (40) years the only Church in Middletown. 1798 Rev. W. H. Smith began effi- cient pastoral work: 1807 Rev. Allen Blair was chosen pastor: 1810 the ground around the Church was used for burial purposes, as it con- A tinued to be for many years. 1812 Rev. Abel Jackson was called to the pastorate, at an annual salary of $500 and 20 cords of good firewood. 1814-15 a precious revival, 125 persons uniting with the Church; 1820 Rev. Wm. Blair entered upon the pastorate of the Church; 1824 Rev. George Stebbins was called; 1825-1834 harmony FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN. did not prevail, but all disputes were finally set- tled; 1836 the new Church was dedicated, about the same time the first bell in Middletown was placed in the belfry of the Church. Rev. John Fishpool
commenced pulpit work as a supply. 1837 Rev. M. LaCost; 1838 Rev. Chas. Machin; 1842 Rev. H. Righter; 1845 Rev. J. C. Territt; 1846 Rev. L. C. Lockwood. A very precious revival gave great strength to
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the Church: 1851 Rev. S. T. Lum, a very earnest pastor. Interior of Church greatly improved; 1854 Rev. G. T. Timlow; 1855 Rev. D. Lancaster; 1860 Rev. Jonathan Crane; 1868 pastorate of Rev. Dr. C. A. Harvey, to his indefatigable efforts was largely due the planing and erection of the present Church edifice; 1871 former house removed; 1872 corner stone of the new laid with impressive services; Oct. 22d. 1873 Church dedicated, sermon by Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, of Brooklyn Tabernacle; 1875 second pastorate of Rev. J. Crane, who died Dec. 25, 1877. A floating debt of $16,000 was cancelled: 1876 a new bell with fixtures weighing 4000 pounds, presented by Deacon W. C. McNash. An elaborate organ of great volume was pur- chased; 1878 Rev. F. R. Marvin, M. D. in- stalled. 1879 entire funded and accruded debt of $21,500 paid; 1881 a large tower clock placed in the belfry of the Church; 1882 Rev. E. C. Olney called to the pastorate: 1885 Centennial of Church. $5,000 was provided to meet unpaid pledges of 1879; 1887 resign- ation of Rev. E. C. Olney, on account of impaired health: 1SSS Rev. A. F. Pierce. Union Evangelistic services held by the Churches of the town. 106 entered into fellow- ship with this Church; 1SS9 interior of the Church was beautified and enlarged; 1892 Rev. William A. Robinson began his services as pastor. Dec. 22d. Rev. Dr. Lyman Abbott of Brooklyn, preached the sermon; 1893 re- sulted in placing the Church on encouraging financial basis: 1894 great spiritual results and conversions recorded; 1895 revision of Church Manual: 1896 payment of all debts resting upon the Society. During the Euro- pean trip of the pastor during June and July. the pulpit was supplied by Mr. Charles P. Pierce of Yale Seminary. Grace Episcopal, Rev. David J. Evans, B. A., Rector, was in- corporated Feb. 18. 1845. The present struct- ure was begun in 1846, finished in 1847, and consecrated by Bishop Delancy, on Sept. 12, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN, N. Y. 1848. In 1866 the south transept was built by E. P. Wheeler, to whom, more than any other man, the parish is indebted for its foundation, and in the following year the north transept was added by the pious muniticence of the same benefactor. The beautiful spire dates back from 1868. St. Paul's M. E., Rev. Frank L. Wilson, D. D .; First Baptist, Rev. Frank A. Heath; North St. Congregational, Rev. W. H. Mor- ton; Prim. Old School Baptist, Elder H. C. Ker; St. Joseph's ( Catholic), Rev. J. P. McClancy; Free Christian. Rev. C. M. Winchester; Christ Church (Universalist), Rev. J. Newton Emery; A. M E. Zion, Rev. J. W. Mc- Coy; A. M. E. Bethel, Rev. T. J. Jackson; Faith Mission, Elder D. L. Conkling.
From this city we will pass on to Goshen-our own county seat, not the land of Biblical name. Herein we find tive strong churches and a Presbyterian Mission (colored), of which Rev. W. C. Brown is pastor. The Presbyterian, now under the pastoral care of Rev. Robert Bruce Clark, is the oldest church in the Southern half of the valley. It was organized and had a settled pastor as early as 1721, and at present is in a very flourishing condition. The remaining four are the Methodist, Rev. W. F. Brush, pastor; Episcopal, St. James, with Rev. G. C. Betts, rector; St. John the Evangelist (Catholic), with the Rev. P. McCorry, pastor; and A. M. E. Zion, with Rev. King, pastor.
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A Presbyterian Church was organized and built at Scotchtown about 1796. Rev. J. K. Mann is present pastor. At Campbell Hall is located the First Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburg, a new editice. This is the original Church of Herds. The pastor is Rev. Alex. Gilmore.
Next in order is the Village of Montgomery, located on the east bank of the Wallkill. For the number of inhabitants she has more light than her sister villages. Within the corporation are three churches. The Pres-
M. E. CHURCH, GOSHEN, N. Y.
byterian, organized and built early in 1831, Rev. T. D. Elder, present pas- tor. The Methodist, Rev. Newton Way, pastor. The first services were held in this village about eighty years ago. Church ereect- ed in 1829, enlarged in 1853, and thoroughly re paired and cupola built in 1860; the bell was placed in its position in 1861. The lecture room was add- ed and colored glass win- dows put in in 1884. Seat- ing capacity nearly 300. No indebtedness on the church property. And the Holy Name of Mary (Cath- olic), Rev. Patrick Morris, pastor.
Then across the river, one mile to the West, on a high elevation, stands the historic Brick Church. Space compels the omission of details, but suffice it to say that no church can claim any nobler souls than those who have been members of this fold. The original organization (1732) was composed of German emigrants. The first structure was built of logs, the second (1760), a frame building on the present site, and the third (1803),
a brick editice, which was remodeled in 1834. This year (1899) the burden of debt is once more lifted from her fair brow. She is now in a prosperous condition under the pastoral care of Rev. J. F. Berg.
About two miles to the east from Montgomery village is located a Presbyterian Church, known as Good- will. This congregation was originally comprised of emigrants from Ireland, organized about 1729. She is a prosperous Church and is now under the present care of Rev. J. H. Thompson, Montgomery, N. Y. From this Church two miles to the north-east is the Berea (Ref Dutch) Church, originally it was an off-shoot from Good- will, organized 1819, present pastor, Rev. E. V. V. Searle, Walden. N. Y.
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EPISCOPAL CHURCH, GOSHEN, N. Y.
I I
Four miles to the north of Montgomery is the beautiful village of Walden, situated on either bank of the Wallkill. There are four Churches within the Corporation limits, viz :- The First Reformed Church, Rev. William Wyckoff Schomp, Pastor. As early as 1830 a definite effort toward establishing a Church was made, building operations began in 1835, the house was not completed till 1838. The dedication took place in August. The first pastor, Rev. John M. Scribner, was installed August 20, 1839. In 1842 Rev. Charles Whitehead be- came pastor, continuing till 1849. The same year Rev. Martin V. Schoonmaker became pastor, faithfully dis-
CATHOLIC CHURCH, GOSHEN, N. Y.
charging his duties till 1888, almost forty years, In 1888, Rev. W. H. S. Demarest, was installed. Under his care and wise guidance. the Church was enlarged and beautified, externally and internally, as it appears to-day. During his administrations, stained glass windows were added. and electric lights and steam heat in- troduced. In 1897, Rev. William Wyckoff Schomp, the present incumbent, be- came its pastor. On ac- count of the commanding position it occupies. it has long and favorably been known as the Hill Church. From its site the landscape, north, south, east and west is magnificent. The High- lands of the Hudson, the Shawangunk Mountains and portions of the Cats- k.lls all appear. The Wall- kill River at the foot of the hill on the west flows north-ward, at times a gentle stream, and at times a raging torrent.
The Methodist, organ- ized about 1820, in 1850 purchased the Covenanter Church building on Main St., present site, for their
meeting house; remodeled recently, and is now a handsome editice with a large and generous congregation, present pastor, Rev. O. Haviland. The Episcopal. (St. Andrews) organized in 1732, at St. Andrews-removed to Walden 1827, present rector, Rev. Anketell. The Catholic edifice erected in 1894. Rev. Patrick Morris, Pastor. From Walden three miles to the north, in the village of Wallkill. county of Ulster, near the east bank of the River is the Wallkill Valley (Ref. ) Church, edifice erected in 1869, destroyed by fire about 1889, replaced by present brick structure, present pastor, Rev. M. T. Conklin.
The old Shawangunk Church, located about three miles west of Wallkill Village, was erected in 1737, and
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THE HISTORIC BRICK CHURCH, MONTGOMERY, N. Y.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, MONTGOMERY, N. Y.
REV. M. V. SCHOONMAKER, D. D., Forty years pastor of the Reformed Church, Walden, N. Y.
is at present without a shepherd owing to the recent resignation of the Rev. Joseph Dixon. New Prospect Reformed Church, a daughter of the Retormed Church of Shawangunk. Feb., 1814 the Church was incorporated. The Rev. H. Polhemus was then pastor of the Church of Shawangunk, and it was the intention of both congregations that he should have the pastor- al charge also of New Prospect, but before the consumation of said expectation, he was re- leased from his earthly labors. The Rev. E. O. Moffett is the present pastor, who has re- ceived over two hundred (200) in the member- ship of the Church during his pastorate.
A few miles to the north from Wallkill vil- lage is the Reformed Church, New Hurley, N. Y. The first formal application for organi- zation was Sept. 29, 1767. A second signed by fifty-two persons March 7th, 1770-formally organized Nov. 8th, 1770. During the winter of 1773-74 the first building was erected 30 x 40 ft., 1811, 20 ft. added to the rear. For forty years they were without any means of warming the building except the little foot stoves brought by these mothers of Israel. 1835 the old church was burned to the ground to give place to the present large edifice.
As a church its historical data is replete in memorable incident. Its record is of a very high order. Generations of its departed people are entombed beside the church so dear by all the hallowed associations associated with these lives. The present pastor, Rev. John A. Thurston, is deeply interested
in its spiritual life, and is progressive and faithful in the development of its social and financial life.
An M. E. Church is located at Galeville on the west side of the River nearly opposite New Hurley, the pulpit sup- plied, having no settled pastor.
Guilford Church, a short distance west of Gardiner was erected in 1833, the present pastor is Rev. C. E. Lasher, Libertyville, Ulster Co., N. Y.
A Ref. Church of recent con- struction is in Gardiner village, Rev. Theodore F. Bayles is its pastor, and also the St. Charles (Catholic) , with Rev. John B. McGrath as present pastor.
WALLKILL VALLEY REFORMED CHURCH.
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PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CAMPBELL HALL, N. Y.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GOODWILL, N. Y.
REFORMED CHURCH, NEW HURLEY, N. Y.
In the village of New Paltz are three churches, viz .: Methodist, with Rev. R. L. Ross. pastor, and the Reformed. The latter originally French Ref., was organized 1683; the French language was used until 1733; then the Dutch until 1800. The audience room of the present edifice is very spacious. The church numbers 272 families and has 576 communicants, and is the largest church in the Classis of Kingston. The Rev. E. C. Oggel, D. D., is the pastor.
African M. E. Zion, Rev. C. H. Williams, pastor, organized Oct. 1858, at Clintondale; 1860 removed to New Paltz; rebuilt 1873. Membership 150; 40th anniversary, Oct. 16 and 17, 1898.
At Rosendale are three churches-the Reformed, organized and erected in 1843, with Rev. Wm. Coombs as present pastor ; an Episcopal, with Rev. Henry Barker, rector, and the St. Peters' (Catholic) with Rev. P. F. Mangham, pastor.
Rosendale Plains Reformed Church is under the pastoral care of Rev. Wm. Coombs.
Bloomingdale Ref., organized in 1796, erected 1797, and St. Remy, erected in 1864, are both under the pastoral care of Rev. J. Millet, Whiteport, N. Y.
The St. Patrick's Church (Catholic) of Whiteport, has Rev. F. M. Fagan for pastor.
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M. E. CHURCH, WALDEN, N. Y.
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Dashville Falls or Rifton Glen Ref. Church, was erected in 1831, and is at present without a pastor.
We now arrive at the north end of our Valley, with Kingston as the terminating point. This beautiful city contains twenty-eight organized churches, of which the following are the names, each accompanied by the name of the pastor, viz: First Baptist, Rev. Philip B. Strong; First Baptist (Rondout), Rev. H. W. Sherwood ; Bethany Chapel, Rev. - -: Jewish Congregation, Rev. Benuet Grad, Rabbi: Jewish Congregation, Rev. David Goldberg, Rabbi: English Lutheran Church of Redeemer, Kingston, N. Y., organized January 24th, 1897, with 184 charter members; present membership. 298; Sunday School organized June, 1897, enrollment, 232; Luther League (Young People's Society), membership 46; Ladies' Aid Society, membership 103. Wm. F. Bacher, pastor. Value of property. $8,000. German Lutheran, Rev. A. Schinidtkonz; German Lutheran, Rev. G. A. Henkee; Methodist Episcopal, Rev. E. L. Hoffecker; Methodist Episcopal (St. James), Rev. B. C. Warren; Methodist Episcopal, Rev. Arthur Thompson; Methodist Episcopal (African) Rev. C. C. Ringgold : Meth- odist Episcopal (Colored) , Rev. Edw. Scarboro ; Presbyterian. Rev. C. S. Stowitts; Presby- terian, Rev. J. F. Williamson; Protestant Episcopal, Rev. Thos. Burrows; Protestant Episcopal (Supply), Rev. Alden Bennett; Church of the Holy Cross, Rev. C. M. Hall; First Church of Christ (Scientist) , Rev.
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