A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 58

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102

USA > New York > Allegany County > A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York > Part 58

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was presented to this church in 1895 by Ely Davis, Esq., of Fredonia. It was placed in the rear of the pulpit in an addition to the church built to contain it.

The Methodist Episcopal Society was organized Jan. 15, 1834. The edifice was erected in 1836. The building committee consisted of the following: Henry Sortore, Walter Church, Aaron E. May, Hiram B. Whitcomb and David Downing, Jr. The first trustees were Bela Bartlett, Jonathan Sor- tore, Batman Fitz Simmons. Rev. W. D. Buck was pastor of Friendship circuit of which Belmont (then Phillipsville) was a part. Among the mem- bers of this society at that early time we find the familiar names of Bela Bartlett. J. Sortore, B. Fitz Simmons, William Sortore, John Simons, D. Downing, N. B. Whitcomb, Wm. Austin, Hiram Abbott. Jacob Feathers and others. This part of the charge had a steady growth until 1860, when some of its members withdrew to form the Free Methodist church. In 1871 Belmont became a separate charge, with a membership of about 50. Pastors have been appointed in the order given: F. McDonald, F. D. Sargent, T. E. Clayton, F. D. Sargent, E. P. Hubbell, R. C. Grames, J. D. Monroe, John Woolton, W. J. Janes, E. A. Rice, J. W. Archibald, J. S. Brown, E. A. Rice, E. Mounts, E. J. Gwynn, F. W. Berlin, Henry Vosburg. The present pastor is S. H. Potter. The following have served as trustees: Francis Hall, M. E. Davis, Roswell Noble, Vorhies Sortore, S. R. Washburn, E. Sortore, G. W. Horner, Hirman Noble, L. Gorton, W. Simons, Wm. Noble, Jr. Many of the above named have also served as stewards, and others beside whose names follow: Leonard Nichols, J. Palmer, A. Merrill, Mrs. Nichols, Mrs. R. Noble, Phebe Noble, D. Shepherd, Salmon P, Bingham, W. Windus, H. Palmer, E. A. Robinson, R. M. Watson, Eugene Brown, Mrs. Susie Crandall, Miss Libbie Robinson, William Blanchard, Rev. W. C. Craig, also three local preachers, F. E. Wood, F. W. Eaton and W. E. Craig. The latter still makes Belmont his home. The present membership is about seventy-five. It has a Sunday school in fair condition. S. R. Washburn is the superintendent. It also has a young peoples' organization-an Epworth League-in good con- dition. Mrs. W. E. Craig is the president.

The Presbyterian Church .- This church was organized Jan. 30, 1832, at a meeting where Rev. Moses Hunter presided. The original eight members were Ellis May, Lucius S. May, Harvey H. May, John Norton, Jeriah Whit- comb, Aaron E. May, William Whitcomb and John H. May. More members were soon added. The first trustees were John Norton, Samuel Van Campen and Ellis May. For nine years services were held quite regularly in the schoolhouse which stood on the site of the surrogate's office. Then the building of a church edifice was seriously considered and a suitable lot was purchased. Mr. Ellis May for $100, on the 20th of August, 1841, con- veyed to Jeriah Whitcomb, James Spaulding and John M. May, as trustees of "The First Presbyterian Congregation in Amity." the grounds upon which had been erected and dedicated the church which, altered, improved and added to, is still standing. The conveyance stated that the sale was " of

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a meetinghouse site, parsonage, school house, and other religious purposes, as may be necessary for the use of the 'First Presbyterian Congregation in Amity,' and no other purposes whatever." The first pastor was Rev. Jabez Spicer, who came in September, 1832, preaching half the time. It is impossible to give the names and terms of service of all pastors of this church, but the edifice was erected under the pastorate of Rev. Benjamin Russell, and Rev. Samuel W. May and Rev. O. S. Powell ministered in early days. In 1860 and 1861 Rev. Allen Traver was pastor, and in 1866 Rev. J. S. Bingham. Rev. Nathaniel Elmer succeeded him for several years, after which for some time there was no regular pastor. Rev. Joel S. Kelsey became the pastor in June, 1876. From Sept. 30, 1854, until August, 1866, the church was under Congregational government. Then Presbyterian government was resumed by an unanimous vote. Among the most distin- guished of the clergymen of this church were Revs. Bingham and Rogers, the former a missionary in Southern China, and the latter in South America. The last pastor is Rev. D. A. Blose, who served with ability and general acceptance for several years, and resigned his pastorate in 1895.

Saint Philip's (Episcopal) Church .- In 1853 what few communicants there were here (and some others) formed themselves into a society to establish a church in "Phillipsville." They called a meeting at the residence of Rev. Dr. Bush, Jan. 5, 1854, when there were fifteen present. February 21, 1853, St. Philip's church was incorporated under the act of the state legislature. Charles Denroche and Charles J. Horne were chosen wardens. September, 1853, Judge Philip Church generously presented the lot where the church now stands. Rev. Louis Thibou of Angelica, was the first minister. He remained in charge until his death, which occurred Nov. 28, 1876. Rev. Thibou was succeeded by Rev. Scofield and then in succession the church was served by Rev. J. Hobart De Mille, Rev. A. B. Clark, Rev. Wilberforce Wells and Rev. S. A. Whitcomb, who now occupies the rectory. Services were held in the Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist churches, until the church was finished. The first baptism was administered Oct. 2, 1859. The first marriage ceremony was performed Feb. 14, 1860. The first burial took place April 18, 1860. The first confirmation May 26, 1860, by Rt. Rev. Bishop William Heathcote Delancy. The class consisted of thirteen. The corner stone was laid for the church June 6, 1861. At the time the society was few in numbers, the country on the eve of the civil war and money was scarce, so the church was not completed until 1863. Then there was a large debt against the church which was not paid off until 1865. May 31, 1865, the church was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Bishop A. Cleveland Coxe, also with a class of seven. Up to 1895 there were confirmed in the church 39. By the efforts of the ladies of this society, the house and lot adjoining the church property was purchased for a rectory.

Christ's Church Belvidere (Episcopal) .- Regular services by Rev. Robert Horwood, rector of St. Paul's church, Angelica, were established in May, 1859, although a visitation to the village had been made by the Rt. Rev. Wil-

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liam Delancy, D. D., bishop of Western New York, as early as 1854. These first services were held in the schoolhouse. July 5, 1860, a parish was organized under the name of Christ's Church. Mrs. Angelica Warren and Mrs. Elizabeth Horwood, daughters of Hon. Philip Church, then set them- selves to collect money to build a church, and by the 8th day of August of the same year, at a vestry meeting, they reported the raising of a sufficient fund and it was decided to at once erect an edifice for divine worship large enough to seat 100 persons. August 18, 1859, the parish was admitted into union with the Western New York convention. The corner stone of the church was laid Nov. 1, 1859, by Rev. Robert Horwood. The first adult baptism took place in the schoolhouse Nov. 6, 1859, and the first confirma- tion was administered there by Bishop Delancy May 24, 1860. Sept. 29, 1860, the church was consecrated and the first administration of the holy communion occurred. The seats were declared free. Rev. Horwood resigned the rectorship June 11, 1863, when the Rev. M. Scofield visited the parish in connection with St. Paul's at Angelica, and upon invitation became rector, and continued until February, 1867. The following have since served as rectors: Revs. J. Hunter, H. S. Jones, J. Leech, - Sterrett, M. Scofield, and J. Wayne. Stated meetings are not now held, only occasional services.

The Catholic Church."-The history of the Catholic church in the parish of Belmont dates back to 1840, when divine service was conducted by Rev. Thos. McEvoy of Java, N. Y., in a schoolhouse at Friendship. The next service, conducted by Father McEvoy also, was at Belmont in Mr. McCas- son's house in 1843. In 1845 Rev. Jas. Rhattigan officiated at Belvidere in the house of Mr. Timothy Culbert, one of the Catholic pioneers of the county. In the summer of 1846 Father McEvoy said mass at Scio in the house of Mr. Wm. Clancy. The average attendance at these services was 150 and some came from a distance of twenty miles. From 1846 to 1848 mass was cele- brated frequently at Scio, Belmont and the Irish Settlement, always in private houses.

In 1848 the Scio church was completed. The land for the edifice and a cemetery was donated by Mr. Hugh Riley. The builder was Mr. Brian Coyle of Scio. Its first trustees were Hugh Riley and Terence Brady and prominent among those who gave financial aid to the church's erection were Peter and Thos. Coyle, Jeremiah Sheehan, Jas. Crosby, Jno. and David Magner, B. Brady, J. Keenan. J. Quinn. M. O'Leary and Jas. P. and L. Cline. The early membership was about 300. Rev. Michael O'Brien, now of Lowell, Mass., was the first pastor of the church named by him St. Joseph's church. His jurisdiction extended over most of Allegany county.

The necessity of a church in the central part of the county was then much felt. Father O'Brien set at the work at once, and a small church was erected in the village of Angelica, and dedicated in 1850 by Bishop Timon of Buffalo. Its first membership was about 200. It was attended by Father O'Brien till 1852. During the two succeeding years the Angelica church

* By Rev. J. J. Dealy.

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and the Scio church was attended by Father Moore of Hornellsville and the Franciscans of Allegany College. They were succeeded by Rev. Jno. Two- hey till 1858. Rev. Mr. Creedon then was pastor till 1861 when he volun- teered as chaplain in the war.

He was followed by Rev. E. McGlew who built the church at Belmont in 1862, and was pastor there as well as of the Scio and Angelica churches until 1864, when Rev. A. J. McConnell was appointed pastor. In 1869 he was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Leddy, the first rector to reside in Belmont. In 1873 he was followed by Rev. J. Lanigan for six months. Next came Rev. E. McDermott, who built the parochial residence in 1874 and was here until June, 1875, when Rev. George Dunbar became rector. He died in March, 1881. The succession of pastors from 1881 to 1895 is Revs. A. R. Barlow 1 yr., J. Lasher 1 yr., P. Berkery 7 yrs., J. Lafferty 6 mos., D. Riley 18 mos., F. J. Burns 2 yrs.

January 20, 1895, Rev. J. J. Dealy, the present rector, was appointed pastor of the parish of Belmont. Besides the Scio, Angelica and Belmont churches, he has charge of Allentown and the Catholic portion of the county house. According to the census of 1895 there are about 110 families in the parish. The property is conservatively valued at $6,000. The mission gives yearly about $125 for the support of the charitable institutions of the diocese, and about $100 for the education of young men for the ministry.

The Belmont Union Free School and Academy .*- In 1810 Polly Baker taught the first school in a log house which stood near the farm of Martin Noble. This was used as a schoolhouse until 1831, when a room in the tavern at Tracy's corner was used. This was a strange combination to be conducted under the same roof. Elder Tuttle soon purchased the tavern and kept a select school there until 1835, when a schoolhouse was erected on the church property, near the present site of thesurrogate's office. Mr. Tuttle's school was quite popular, and pupils attended from miles around, " boarding at home " even when living considerable distance away, and when too far removed, securing board in the village. Tuition at this school was frequently paid in wheat, rye, potatoes, and sometimes by cutting wood. A Miss Spicer succeeded Rev. Tuttle as "ye pedagogue " at the "Table Knoll " school, and as late as her day, from the beautiful growth of pine which cov- ered the elevation now crowned with our county buildings, the pupils fre- quently saw herds of deer gamboling in the primitive forest. This "Table Knoll " schoolhouse was a great advance upon the old log schoolhouse, and quite likely the progressive trustees were charged with squandering the people's money, and getting high notions in their own and others heads. The front part of it was mainly devoted to an entry, with wardrobes on the sides, one for the boys and the other for the girls. A door opposite the front door led into the school room, the seats of which ran lengthwise of the building, the girls sitting on one side, the boys on the other. The front seats were

* Largely taken from the excellent history prepared by Mr. N. Fuller, a graduate of the school in 1895, and read at the commencement exercises of that year.

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made low for the little ones, the back seats for the larger pupils being con- siderably higher. Miss Betsy Whitcomb taught here for one dollar a week, teaching alternate Saturdays or until noon every Saturday.

In 1837 Mr. Hewitt was engaged to teach. He had studied law, was well educated and considered an excellent teacher. His " hobby " was geography and the text book used was Olney's. He impressed upon his pupils the great importance of correct positions in sitting while engaged in study, and put them through or drilled them in this. At his first order "right angles " the feet were placed square on the floor, forming a right angle at the knees; the order, " shoulder arms " simply meant to fold them. Some of the old men yet remember the school kept by Mr. Bly in 1841, a man who believed in the old adage " spare the rod and spoil the child," for he kept a great stock of whips, of assorted sizes, tough and well seasoned, with some so long that he could reach the pupils on the back seats. John B. Coal suc- ceeded Bly and was the first teacher to introduce botany. In 1849 the schoolhouse was removed to the new site on South street where the academy building stands. In 1852 it was moved back and used for the woodshed of a new, and larger building, dedicated the same year by Walter D. Renwick.

During these years the village was growing, a settlement (Miltonville) had sprung up on the east side of the river, and a school was opened there in the room of a tavern which stood on the site of the Allegany House. Poor bridges, or no bridges, and the difficulty and danger in crossing the river which was frequently swollen, contributed more than anything else to bring about this result. In 1842 Melissa Dickey taught a school in a dry kiln about opposite Jonathan Boorn's house. Soon after a slab building costing $15 was erected opposite Charles Wright's. Dr. Benjamin Norton taught school here for several years. Next came a red building on the lot where the old schoolhouse now stands. A four-year-old boy dropped a lighted match through a knot hole, and up went the building in smoke. The next winter the old Williams house on Triana street was used for a school, and, in 1852, a new schoolhouse was erected. Mr. Hewitt and Miss Westover were its first teachers. Then followed 30 years, during which, owing to the poor conditions and inefficient management of the two public schools, select schools were kept at different times with varying success, notable among them being the school taught by Mr. Hewitt in the building on the site of the Vanderhoof block, and among the prominent teachers in Belmont were Senator Teller, Dr. McDonald, Leander Gorton and Stephen Pollard.

In 1881 the two school districts were consolidated and the resulting school graded. The first corps of teachers according to their rank. were N. J. Baker, Miss Bingham, Mrs. Mattoni and Miss Graves. The present academy building was erected in 1888, and Theo. S. Pulver was the principal for the first year. Prof. Jay Crissey came in 1889, and regent's examina- tions were held the following November. Prof. Crissey was continued at the head of the school until the fall of 1895, when he resigned and Prof. Albert Ball was engaged. The registered number of pupils is 299, the

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attendance averages about 250, and the present instructors are: Albert Ball, principal, ancient languages and sciences; Elizabeth M. Ostrander, modern languages and drawing; Anna B. Nourse, mathematics, history and vocal music, May L. Carpenter, preparatory department; Pauline W. Renwick, grammar department; Alice L. Renwick, intermediate department; Jennie B. Mason, primary department and vocal music; Lola Holden, stenography.

The board of trustees under whose direction the school building was erected in 1888, were A. Van Campen, J. H. Bissell, T. S. Tefft, R. A. Whit- comb, Wm. P. Clark, D. H. Bradley and E. I. Davis. The board of educa- tion now is, James K. Hall, H. A. Norton, James H. Anderson, D. H. Bradley, H. C. Vanderhoof, Charles Youngs, W. P. Clark, M. W. Sortore, and the officers are: Elba Reynolds, president; Eldyn Reynolds, secretary; John Bradt, treasurer; Giles Davis, collector; E. N. Black, attendance officer; Charles Youngs, M. W. Sortore, James K. Hall. executive committee; D. H. Bradley, H. C. Vanderhoof, H. A. Norton, finance committee; Elba Reynolds, W. P. Clark, James H. Anderson, school visitation and text books.

The Belmont Literary and Historical Society, and Free Public Library Building .- Two of the many things of which Amity, and Belmont especially, has just cause to be proud are the above mentioned society and building. The society was formed by some ladies of Belmont, who, in October, 1885, met for the purpose at the home of Mrs. Dr. I. P. Truman. These officers were elected, Mrs. J. H. Russell president, Mrs. Charles Gorton vice presi- dent, Mrs. Truman secretary and treasurer. A name for the society was determined upon, and a committee appointed to draft a constitution and by- laws, which in due time were adopted. The first article of the constitution reads, "The object of this society shall be the intellectual improvement of its members, and the formation and maintenance of a public library." In November a list of books was sent for, and Dec. 4th Miss Della Noble, now Mrs. Lester Bellamy of Transit Bridge, was elected librarian. They were so few in number, only 40, that they were brought each week to the place of meeting, a room in the engine house, in a market basket. The next June the society closed its first year's work with 31 members. The next September, and each succeeding September has found the society re-orga- nized, showing it with greater growth and prosperity. In 1887 the first cata- logue of books was made and though the library numbered but 140 volumes, even then it was very valuable, because of the care used in selecting them.

In March, 1888, the society was incorporated, and the certificate of in- corporation was presented to the society by its president, Mrs. Frank Van Campen. without expense to its members. This was a wise step, as it placed the society upon a firm foundation. The first board of trustees were then elected. They were, Mrs. M. E. Davis, Mrs. Hamilton Ward, Mrs. E. W. Chamberlain, Mrs. A. J. McNett, Mrs. W. K. Paul and Mrs. C. G. Anderson. The idea soon occurred to Mrs. Van Campen that a building might, should, and could be erected.

BELMONT FREE LIBRARY.

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Some shook their heads, regarding the enterprise as impossible of exe- cution, but so thoroughly in earnest were these ladies that they immediately began to raise money and in February, 1889, the first installment of the building fund was raised (it being the proceeds of a concert, and only $5) and by June, 1892, $800 was in the bank to the credit of the society. Mrs. Hamilton Ward then presented the society with a valuable lot, as a site for the proposed building. This stimulated to renewed efforts, which soon secured $1,000 more, when Mrs. Ward presented an equal sum. The trus- tees then let the contract for erecting the fine brick structure which they now own. The funds were only sufficient to enclose it and finish off two small rooms one for the library and a session room. They were occupied Jan. 1, 1894. The next June the society voted to borrow sufficient money to complete the building, and the structure was finished in a few months. It is furnished with a furnace, gas for lights and fuel, electric wires, a kitchen and dining room, a session room, library, reading room, dressing rooms, and a hall, Ward Hall, with a seating capacity for 400. The library now con- tains 1,425 carefully selected volumes, and has over 400 regular readers. In the reading room are the latest periodicals and papers. The hopes of its founders are fully realized. Since 1892 it has been under the Regents of the State of New York, and a FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY, and each year $200 at least are expended for books.

During the effort to build the structure and increase the library the "intellectual improvement of its members " has not been neglected and the work of a " literary and historical club" of the most active character has been fully carried on. The programs have been rich and varied. Interest- ing papers have been prepared and read; parliamentary and pronunciation drills are given. A critic appointed each month fearlessly corrects the errors. The society now numbers over 60 and the members consider that it has been to them a lasting benefit, giving them higher aims and loftier am- bitions, and placing them on a higher intellectual plane. With $1,000 invested as a reserve fund, the gift of a friend, said to be Andrew Carnegie, and but a small indebtedness the society is in a prosperous condition and the ladies deserve high praise for their faithful perseverance in procuring a free library procured exclusively by their own efforts and housed in a structure owned and controlled by women.

The presidents of the B. L. & H. Society have been: Mrs. J. H. Bissell, Mrs. M. E. Davis, Mrs. Frank VanCampen, Mrs. Bissell, and Mrs. Hamil- ton Ward. The present officers are: president, Mrs. Hamilton Ward; 1st vice president, Mrs. C. E. Clark; 2d vice president, Mrs. E. I. Davis; secre- tary, Mrs. George Austin; treasurer, Mrs. M. E. Davis, (she has held that position for the last 5 or 6 years); librarian, Miss Ella Sortore; 1st assistant librarian, Florence Holden; 2d assistant librarian, Mrs. Hattie N. Mattoni. The trustees are Mrs. M. E. Davis, Mrs. C. E. Clark, Mrs. J. H. Bissell, Mrs. Frank VanCampen and Mrs. E. I. Davis.

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

The Tourists Club, a ladies' club with a membership limited to twenty. was organized in the spring of 1893. Its objects are, the social and literary improvement of its members and its meetings are held weekly on Tuesdays. Its first officers were Mrs. S. M. Anderson, president; Mrs. H. A. Richard- son, vice president; Mrs. Alice Brown, secretary; and Mrs. Harriet Willett, treasurer. The present officers are: president, Mrs. F. B. Keeney; vice president, Mrs. D. T. Williams; recording secretary, Miss Blanche Pease; secretary, W. J. Richardson; treasurer, Mrs. B. P. Mapes.

The Musical Student's Club is a ladies' club which has been in existence several years. Its object is mutual help and encouragement in the study of music. Meetings are held monthly.

W. C. T. U. present officers are: Mrs. J. W. Bartlett, president; Mrs. A. M. Anderson, vice president; Mrs. H. N. Mattoni, secretary; Mrs. Helen A. Richardson, treasurer.

Fire Department .- March 11, 1882, a meeting of the citizens was held in Newton's Hall to organize a fire company. J. H. Bissell was chosen as tem- porary chairman, D. H. Bradley was elected president of the organization (named Belmont Fire Company) and E. A. Palmer, secretary. At a later meeting held to complete organization the charter members were: J. H. Bis- sell, D. H. Bradley, W. H. Somers, V. A. Willard, F. H. Roth, E. S. Richard- son, J. E. Norton, C. H. Wright, N. J. Baker, E. A. Palmer, J. H. Anderson and E. V. Sortore. These officers were elected: foreman, J. H. Bissell; assistant foreman, N. B. Fuller; secretary, H. C. Norris; treasurer, W. H. Somers. A hose company was soon after organized and named after the county clerk, Geo. H. Blackman. An engine company was also formed and named for the sheriff, I. J. Elliott. There is now but one organization. The officers are: chief, J. H. Bissell; assistant chief, E. S. Richardson; treasurer, E. N. Black; secretary, C. E. Wallace. The department is very efficient, has a good horse power engine, hose cart, etc., and an engine house.

Phillipsville Lodge, No. 356, I. O. O. F. was instituted Nov. 7, 1847, by District Deputy Grand Master Joab B. Hughes. It continued in active operation until after 1850, when a rupture occurring in the Grand Lodge of the state, this lodge with many other country lodges gave up its charter. It then had a membership of about 100. Its first officers were: Randall Reed, N. G .; Alvan E. Parker, V. G .; Henry A. Parker, Q. S .; Peter T. Firm, P. S .; Mark W. Pike, Treas. Early in 1873 these members petitioned for re-instatement, H. N. Wheelock, G. M. Cooley, J. W. Norton, Oliver Nor- ton, E. E. Hyde, Benjamin Norton, Henry S. Norton, and the lodge was re-instated June 10, 1873, and these officers elected: N. G., H. N. Wheelock; V. G., G. M. Cooley; Sec .. E. E. Hyde; Treas., Josiah Jadwin; Chap., Rev. F. D. Sargeant; Con. Rev. F. D. Sargeant; Warden, J. W. Norton; R. S. N. G., J. N. Hyde; L. S. N. G., F. Vanderhoef; O. G., Charles Karze; I. G., O. W. Norton; R. S. S., William Hood; L. S. S., E. R. Bosworth; P. G., Ben- jamin Norton; R. S. V. G., John Leilous, Jr .; L. S. V. G., Benjamin Roberts. This lodge ceased to exist several years since.

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A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 58

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co. Number of Pages: 1102

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102