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LIVINGSTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Third Annual Meeting.
ANNUAL ADDRESS :
The Judges and Lawyers of Livingston County and their Relation to the History of Western New York.
By L. B. PROCTOR.
-1-7
MENT
STATE
4581
4581
THIRD ANNUAL MEETING
OF THE N
LIVINGSTON COUNTY "1
HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
HELD AT GENESEO,
Tuesday, January 14th, 1879.
OPENING ADDRESS by PRESIDENT MILLS.
udie ANNUAL ADDRESS by L. B. PROCTOR.
DANSVILLE, N. Y .: A. O. BUNNELL, PRINTER, ADVERTISER OFFICE. 1879.
JUN
DE
1879
IRTMENT
OFSTATE
F127
6 JP 1903 w O.W.
THIRD ANNUAL MEETING
OF THE
LIVINGSTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
THE THIRD ANNUAL MEETING of the Livingston County Historical Society was held at Geneseo, Jan. 14th, 1879. A business meeting was held at 11 o'clock a. m. at the American Hotel, Vice President Mills in the chair, Norman Seymour, Sec- retary and Treasurer. Letters were read from Hon. B. F. Angel, Hon. J. R. Mc- Pherson, Hon. George W. Patterson, and Thomas Warner, the latter enclosing an " old round house medal." L. B. Proctor, Chairman of the Publication Committee, reported and his report was accepted. The Treasurer's report showed a balance in the treasury of $25.08, and his report was accepted. Dr. L. J. Ames offered the fol- lowing resolution, which was adopted :
Resolved, That the Committee on Membership be authorized to issue a circu- lar for the purpose of inviting citizens of the County of Livingston to become members of this Society, and that the said Committee be authorized to receive such persons as may present themselves and comply with the requirements of the Society, as members, and report the same to the Secretary of the Society, who shall enter their names on the roll of membership.
On motion of A. O. Bunnell, the Secretary was authorized to procure a book for recording the proceedings of this Society since its organization, and to have the same recorded therein.
The Society then elected the following officers for the ensuing year:
President-M. H. Mills.
Vice President-William M. White.
Secretary and Treasurer-Norman Seymour.
Councilmen-L. B. Proctor, L. J. Ames, D. H. Fitzhugh, George W. Root, Sam- nel P. Allen, B. F. Angel, John F. Barber, A A. Hendee, F. M. Perine.
The following committees were appointed :
Finance Committee-E. H. Davis, F. M. Perine, S. P. Allen.
Publication Committee-L. B. Proctor, B. F. Angel, A. A. Hendee.
Membership Committee-L. J. Ames, D. H. Fitzhugh, G. W. Root.
Major Amos A. Hendee offered the following preamble and resolution, which were adopted :
Whereas, The Livingston County Pioneer Society have recommended the due observance of the Centennial of the Battle of Groveland under Gen. Sullivan in September, 1779, therefore
Resolved, That the Livingston County Historical Society recommend that the said Centennial be duly observed, and that a committee of five be appointed to act with the Committee of the said Pioneer Socicty, or by themselves for this Society, to complete arrangements for the celebration of said Centennial, and that the Committee of this Society have full power to act for this Society in reference thereunto ..
The Chairman appointed the following members as such committee: Amos A. Hendee, Chairman, William M. White, Dr. F. M. Perine, Dr. L. J. Ames, E. H. Davis.
Secretary Seymour announced that he had recently held a personal conference with Hon. Horatio Seymour, and that he had consented to deliver the address at the Centennial celebration, on the 13th of September, 1879. This announcement was received with much enthusiasm.
At 2 o'clock p. m. a public meeting of the Society was held in the beautiful and commodious chapel of the Geneseo Normal School, President Mills presiding and
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Livingston County Historical Society.
supported by other officers of the Society. The President opencd the meeting by delivering the following address, which gives a condensed history of the Society, its object and its work, together with many valuable suggestions in connection therewith :
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MILLS.
The annual meetings of this Society are events of much interest to the niem- bers of the association, and I am gratified to say from evidences evinced from year to year, of growing interest to the public. It is upon these occasions we elect officers for the ensuing year ; deliver an annual address; the formal presentation of gifts and legacies to the Society ; the announcement of deaths, if any, of the members of the association the past year, coupled with a brief biographical sketch oftheir lives; to learn from the records of the Society the increase of our numbers by new members joining the association, and also the financial condition of the Society, together with other interesting ceremonies incident to the occasion.
It is a source of congratulation, that while a direful scourge ha's visited por- tlons of our country the past summer, with unparalleled destruction to human life, our locality has been favored by divine grace, with ordinary good health, and I am happy to announce no deaths have occurred among the members of our So- ciety the past year. I take this opportunity also to congratulate the officers and members of this association upon the success of their enterprise. I deem it prop- er, and of sufficient importance in this connection, to present for the considera- tion of members of the association and the public, a brief statement of what the Society has accomplished since its organization. Three years ago the initiatory steps were taken in Dansville to organize this Society. An adjourned meeting was had at Mount Morris in the month of January, 1876, in which the organization was more fully perfected, by the adoption of a constitution and by-laws, but was not fully perfected under the laws of our state until February 13, 1877, when articles of association were gotten up, subscribed to, and placed on file in the office of the Clerk of Livingston County. and in the office of the Secretary of State at Albany. In this brief period of time there has been added through the auspices of this Soci- ety to every town in the county, during the centennial year, more or less new historical matter. There have been two annual historical addresses delivered. The first one by Mr. Norman Seymour, Secretary of the Society, the other by the Hon. B. F. Angel, both of which contain historic matter, which in the no distant future will be referred to by historians of that day, as authority upon the subjects which they treat, and will form additions to the already written history of West- ern New York and Livingston County.
L. B. Proctor's biography of John Young, on the occasion of the presentation of the deceased statesman's portrait to the association, is a fitting tribute to the memory of a public man, it being a faithful record of his public acts, and will form new matter of historic interest of much value, to be added to the future his- tory of our locality, and its public men. Honorable mention should also be made of eulogies, containing original historic facts from the early settlement of this county down almost to the present time, pronounced by members of the associa- tion on the deaths of those worthy pioneers, the Hon. William Scott, Adolphus Watkins and Deacon John McColl, members of this Society. They have been called to their fathers, and have left their associates in this Society to carry on the good work which they were co-laborers in, and aided by their means and pres- ence and force of character to establish, and to carry forward. Let ns prove wor- thy to the trust committed to our hands Let us, if necessary, sacrifice personal preferences for the success and public welfare of this association, believing that in so doing we best promote the interests and objects of the Society, and be enabled to transmit to our successors an institution worthy of their fathers, and worthy of preservation by them, and their descendants.
Under the auspices of this Society there has been organized and established the Livingston County Pioneer Association. This association is also a success; from a small beginning its annual gatherings are now attended by as many as 10,000 people. The influence of a society like that is beneficial to the general pub- lic in many ways. The wonder now is that it was not in this county, where the early settlers were largely men of intelligence and culture, and where an intelli- gent and reading class of people compose almost the entire population, organized before. It is an offshoot of the Historical Society, and like it, promotes historical research. It enables the historian to gather up scraps of unwritten local history from pioneers and old settlers present, which, when preserved and added to the already written history of the county, will make it more full and complete, and therefore more acceptable.
The panorama and dissolving scenes of life to-day, are painted upon the same canvass, which is rolling still, upon which our fathers were painted. The present is bound to the past by its very existence, and the great highway of progress which the generation of to-day walk, is but the continuation of the first paths trod by our fathers. History is but the preservation and delineation of a former age handed down to us. To paint on the moving canvass of to-day the lessons they teach, together with events and changeable scenes of life in this age, are among the objects of the pioneer association. But I must not, at this time and place en- large upon the objects and benefits of that society, and will only dwell to remark that three annual historical addresses have been delivered before that associa- tion, one by Mr. Norman Seymour, one by Major Hendee, and one by the Speaker. The two former of which show labor and research, and are a fruitful source from which to obtain new and original matter for the future historian.
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Third Annual Meeting.
Through the courtesy and liberality of the Wadsworth library committee, a portion of a room in the building has been assigned to the uses of this Society. It will therefore be observed, that the Society is prepared to receive legacies, dona- tions, and gifts, in the form of books, manuscripts, portraits and relics of historic interest, and have also a secure and safe place to preserve and keep them.
It will be perceived from this brief sketch, that the labor and work accoin- plished by the Historicat Society, during its three years of existence, have been varied and extensive, and beyond the most sanguine expectations of its founders and admirers, and is rapidly commanding as a result, that high esteem and con- sideration from the public, which its labors, and the preservation in an enduring form, the local history of the age, justly entitle it. Much credit however is due for these results to the press of the county, who have zealously labored with open- handed liberality, at all times, and under all circumstances, to furtber the inter- ests of this Society.
To become a member of this Society costs one dollar a year, or ten dollars for a life membership. The work of this Society cannot be accomplished from year to year without financial aid, to defray necessary and unavoidable expenses. At. present we have no resources to raise funds from, except from contributions from members of the Society, and from the admission fee of membership. We are ena- bled, however, to make the statement, that our Society is solvent, and that there are funds in the treasury to pay every indebtedness of the association up to the present time, and that our mission here is not to solicit charity.
Ladies are eligible to become members of the association as well as gentlemen. Women's thread of life forms a portion of the warp of history, and as the shuttles of the flying days and years throw across it their woof of circumstance, the fabric becomes more beautiful and perfect until the final end approaches, when it re- sembles fine gold, and like it, is non-destructible.
I take the liberty on this public occasion to speak, not by the temporary au- thority in which I find myself clothed by the partiality of this Society, but simply as a member of the association, to suggest and recommend, during the long win- ter evenings, that the members of the Society, in the different villages of the coun- ty, hold monthly or semi- monthly meetings at the residence of some member of the association ; on which occasion the guests are to be specially invited. and a member of the Society will be expected to read a paper upon some subject selected by the writer, and its merits to be discussed by the company present. Such meet- ings, it is believed, would materially aid the Society in fis objects and mission. Which, I may say in a word, are to discover, procure, and preserve in an enduring forin, whatever may relate to our local history, and to disseminate such statistical information upon all subjects, as seem advisable, or of public utility.
At such meetings it would be an attractive feature in the exercises, for a lady to read a paper upon some subject suggested to her, or upon a subject of her own choosing. Ladies, think of this. Remember that each age makes its own history, and the more faithfully it is preserved and recorded, the more honor is attached to 1 bat age by the one which succeeds it. The faithful written record of a people, is the most fitting and enduring monument the living can erect to their memory. If these be worthy and the record truthful, time, which destroys all things but "good deeds and lofty thoughts, will embalm their memory for eternity. In the spirit of this truth let us and our associates and successors from year to year, ad- dress ourselves to the task before us.
At the close of the address, which was received with applause, Mr. Killip's quintette sang " Auld Lang Syne" with a fervor which stirred every heart. Then Rev. George K. Ward of Dansville offered the following prayer:
Almighty and Eternal God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift- weacknowledge Thy protecting care which has been over us during the past year, and we render our united thanks to Thee that Thy tender mercies have failed not unto us, nor to our households. We invoke Thy benediction to rest upon the as- sembly which is here convened. We thank Thee for the pleasant occasion which calls us together, for the sweet associations connected with this day, and the grate- ful memories which are awakened as we meet in this room. We ask that our gathering together may result in the more perfect cementing of friendships formed in other days and here so sweetly renewed. Asour minds shall turn reverently to contemplate the events of another year, grant that the retrospect may awaken gratitude and inspire to nobler aims and endeavors. We recognize Thee as the God of history, oh Thou who sittest upon the throne, ruling among the armies of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth; and because we know and honor Thy name we come to ask Thy benediction this day upon all our deliberations, that we may be brought into loving fellowship with Thee as we commune with one another. Enable us to perceive that the events which are embodied in the record of each passing year, are but the unfoldings of Thy sovereign will, and Thy eternal pur- pose. As we study the pages of history may we trace Tby ruling hand, above all and through all and ordaining all, for the well being of men and the glory of Thine own name. If we have succeeded in doing anything that is worthy to be remem- bered, it is because Thou hast inspired it. If we have spoken any words which shall find a permanent place in the hearts and minds of our fellow men, it is be- cause Thou hast spoken through us. If we have been in anywise helpful to those who stand in need of help and encouragement, we render unto Thee all the praise, and we ask that those who honor us, may honor us as the instruments of God for the promotion of the truth. Heavenly Father, help us to understand that the events which seem to our feeble minds to occur by chance, or in obedience to the will of man, are foreordained of God. Grant that the veil may be removed, so that there may shine in upon our darkened perception some apprehension of the gran- deur of the purposes which are conceived in the councils of eternity, the marvel-
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Livingston County Historical Society.
lous adaptation of human events to the consummation of the Divine plan which is the redemption of men from the bondage of sin; Thy will, oh God, perfected in human acts, Is the foundation of all history, and to-day we recognize Thy wisdom, and praise Thee for Thy goodness. We entreat Thee, oh God, to prepare us in body and soul and mind, for the duties of another year. The past we cannot recall ; its failures and its successes, its lack of true zeal, and its earnest labor; its shame and its honor; its enthrallment to sin, and its glorious freedom of thought and action, these have escaped beyond our grasp, but we thank Thee for the blessed opportu- nitles for benefitting ourselves and our neighbors, which shall come to us this new year, if Thou shalt be pleased to spare our lives. May wehave no less exalted alm before us in life than to be Christ-like. God forbid that our aspirations should lift us no higher than the attainment of worldly gains and honors; but may we seek to attain the strength and beauty of a perfect manhood. even "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." , And so may our names be recorded in the history of this commonwealth as representatives of all that is true and honest and praise- worthy. May the blessing of God rest upon the members of this association, in their corporate existence and as individuals. Bless the families here represented, and may our lives be so ordered, both at home and abroad, that we shall not bring dishonor upon this society during the year upon which we have now entered. Guide us in all our deliberations, oh Thou All-wise Ruler of Men and Nations. May this occasion, in its social, intellectual and religious aspects, bring great joy to our hearts, and may the peace of God which passeth all understanding keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and the love of the truth, to the end that we may have the blessing and God the honor and glory throughout eternity. Amen.
Then Mr. Killip's boy choir gave as a song and chorus, " There's a Land that is Fairer than Day," eliciting the most hearty applause. The president then intro- duced L. B. Proctor, Esq., of Dansville, who had been chosen to deliver the annual address. This address is given elsewhere. It bears the impress of much thought and labor, and abounds in humor, wit and pathos. At its close the audience en- thusiastically applauded, and the following resolution offered by Dr. Ames was unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That the thanks of this Society be given to Mr. L. B. Proctor for his very able, instructive, eloquent and entertaining address, and that a copy of the same be requested for publication.
Mr. Killip's quintette sang "The Two Chaffers," to the great delight of the audience. Capt. S. Adams Lee was then felicitonsly introduced by the President, and gave a spirited account of the naval battle of Hampton Roads in which the Merrimac was engaged, and where the speaker, an officer in the Federal navy, left one of his limbs. At the close of the address, the following resolution offered by Hon. William M. White, was adopted amid applause :
Resolved, That the thanks of the audience be and are hereby tendered to Capt. S. Adams Lee for his thrilling and able address on the Battle of Hampton Roads.
The following preamble and resolutions offered by Dr. F. M. Perine were adopted :
Whereas, It has come to our knowledge that our worthy and venerable Presi- dent, Dr. D. H. Bissell, has had the misfortune to break his leg, and is now lying in Washington suffering from the same; be it
Resolved, 'That we have heard with deep regret of the same and express our sympathy for him in this personal misfortune, that we greatly regret bis absence from our meeting and wish him a speedy recovery and a Happy New Year.
Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to place this resolution upon thie minutes and send a copy of the same to Dr. Bissell.
The quintette then sang with spirit and enthusiasm, " The Flag of Our Union,' receiving therefor great applause.
Mr. White offered the following resolution, which was adopted :
Resolved, That we tender our hearty thanks to Mr. W. W. Killip and his able corps for the delightful music with which we have been favored on this occa- sion, and take pleasure in acknowledging our indebtedness once more to them for their valuable services in rendering our annual gatherings so additionally at- tractive.
President Mills presented to the Society a copy of The Genealogy of John Ewell, and offered the following resolution, which was adopted :
Resolved, That the thanks of this Society be presented to E. H. Ewell, author of The Genealogy of John Ewell, and by said author presented to the Livingston County Historical Society, and that the Secretary be requested to enter this reso- lution on the record journal of the Society, and transmit a copy of the same to the author at Alden, Erie County, N. Y.
The meeting closed with prayer and benediction by Rev. George K, Ward, and thus ended one of the most successful meetings of the Society.
.
THE ANNUAL ADDRESS :
The Judges and Lawyers of Livingston County and their Relation to the History of Western New York.
By L. B. PROCTOR.
In the year 1821 the connties of Livingston and Monroe were formed from parts of Ontario and Genesee. The same year Erie county was formed from territory taken from Genesee. Immediately after their formation the bars of the new coun- ties were organized. The conspicuous part that the members of these bars have taken in all that pertains to the development of the resources of that beautiful region of country, possessing all the elements of a great and powerful State in itself, Western New York, has passed into history, the repetition of which here would be but the work of supererogation. Suffice it to say, that this influence has extended to every department of its civil, religious, educational, political, agricultural, judicial and legal departments. These bars have been represented in the halls of legislation, State and National, leaving upon their records indubitable evidence of commanding abilities. They have been represented in the executive chalrs of the State, of the Republic itself,-in foreign embassies, in cabinets, among diplo- mats, on the highest bench of the highest courts of our great nation, where schol- ars have most congregated, and in the fields where literature and science radiated their beauties.
It is with pride and pleasure that I turn to the bar of Livingston county. Its old roll has become a classic thing. As we gaze upon it, memories of the past come throbbing to our hearts. It brings before us the learned, the genial, the courteons. The powerful adversary, whose steel was worthy the sturdy foeman, whose gener- osity and manliness were as bright as the steel they wielded. But alas! the names of most of them have been transformed from the roll to the cold marble that stands over their sleeping dust. Faint and more faint grows the history of their strng- gles, their triumphs, their influence and their noble deeds. It is the duty of our Society to preservetheir memory in its archives. To aid in that duty I stand here to-day. The fame of the lawyer and the judge, no matter how bright in its day, is almost as fugitive as the leaves of the Sybil. The first makes a legal argument before the Court in which learning and genius are blended-over the preparation of which he has spent weary days and nightly vigils. When the case is reported the only notice he receives is, Smith for the plaintiff and Jones for the defendant, while the results of all his labors are incorporated in the opinion of the Judge who decides the case.
What of the Judges themselves ? Many of their exquisite judgments, bearing the impress of elaborate study, and which for power of thought, beauty of illustra- tion and elegant demonstration are justly numbered among the highest efforts of the human mind, find no admiration in literary or scientific circles, or among the people, and no where except in the ranks of the few lawyers who thoroughly read and digest them.
A distinguished divine has spoken eloquently and truthfully of the connection . between the pulpit and the bar, which, he says, should be readily acknowledged. As the high minded jurist keeps before the minds of men the great idea of law-a binding moral force, which the very word religion in Its etymology suggests, so such men help preserve the true stability of society in which Christian institutions have their best growth.
Our business to-day is with the history of the bar of Livingston county-that county which takes its name from one of the most illustrious jurists of the State- a symbolic name, for she is indeed the Living stone among her sister counties, smote by the hardy pioneer, out of which for over fifty years living waters have flowed, irrigating every avenue of industry and enterprise, every department of religion, of education and of agriculture.
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