A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 96

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 96

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The First National Bank of Friendship (No. 265) was the first bank orga- nized in Allegany county under the national banking act. Moreover, it was also the direct outgrowth of the former private banks of the village, and A. W. Miner, A. J. Wellman and Gen. Robinson were the chief promoters of the enterprise. The capital was $55,000, but was soon afterward increased to $75,000. At the organization. Feb. 1, 1864, Gen. Robinson was elected president; Asher W. Miner, vice president; and A. J. Wellman, cashier, The first directors were Geo. W. Robinson, A. J. Wellman, A. W. Miner, William Colwell, S. W. Cole, Hugh J. Higgins, M. C. Mulkin, I. D. Hartshorn and William H. King. Mr. Robinson was president until Feb. 14, 1870, then being succeeded by Mr. Miner, while Mr. King was at the same time elected vice president. Mr. Miner was president until the time of his death, May 30, 1892, and the vacancy in that office was then filled by the election of William L. Bowler of Little Genesee. On Jan. 15, 1892, B. Frank Drake was elected vice president to succeed Mr. King. This office, however, was vacant from March, 1890, to June 15, 1892. The history of this bank is a continuous record of business success, the result of careful yet energetic management. Much of this success was due to the superior business quali- fications of Col. Wellman, who was cashier from the day the bank opened its doors for business until his death, June 7, 1889. He was succeeded by his son, A. Miner Wellman, the present cashier, who has followed the same general lines of operation adopted by his father. During the period of its history the net earnings of the First National have about $256,000. The present surplus and undivided profit account aggregates $57,000. The pres- ent directors are Wm. L. Bowler, B. Frank Drake, M. C. Mulkin, J. W. Scott, H. F. Wells, H. A. Corbin, W. C. Kingsbury and A. Miner Wellman. The

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officers are Wm. L. Bowler, president; B. Frank Drake, vice president; and A. Miner Wellman, cashier.

The Citizens' National Bank of Friendship (No. 2632) was organized Jan. 25, 1882, with a capital of $50,000. The first directors were S. McArthur Norton, W. Ward Rice, Herman Rice, Emmett G. Latta, George L. Skiff, George W. Fries, Robert A. Scott, Isaac Amsden, Sidney P. Morse, Alfred Whipple and Mortimer W. Potter. Judge Norton was the first president, and has continued in office. The same is also true of Mr. Potter, cashier. The first vice president, Herman Rice died May 29, 1894, and Robert A. Scott was elected to fill the vacancy. Since its organization the Citizens' Bank has paid $36,000 in dividends, and its present surplus is $10,000; un- divided profits, $13,102.09. The present directors are Emmett G. Latta, R. A. Scott. A. H. Wolcott, G. W. Fries, Charles J. Rice, Peter B. Reid. S. M. Norton, John C. Reed, E. D. Loveridge, A. S. Whipple and M. W. Potter.

Morris C. Mulkin began private banking in connection with his mercan- tile business about 1868, and continued fifteen or twenty years. He issued "shinplasters " in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, every note of which ultimately returned for redemption.

The Allegany Gas Company (limited), incorporated in 1884, with capital stock $85,000, and J. H. Snow president, J. M. Finch secretary, Thomas M. Towl treasurer, supplies Friendship and Belmont villages with natural gas from wells in the town of Wirt.

THE PRESS .- The Friendship Register made its firstappearance in the field of journalism on Jan. 1. 1870, under the management of J. J. Barker. It was a four page paper, 9x12 inches in size, but was issued somewhat irregularly, and as best suited the convenience of its publisher. However, the Register soon (1871) passed into the hands of R. R. Helme, who issued it as a Repub- lican paper, enlarged its size, improved its "dress and make up " and pub- lished it regularly. (He died March 15, 1896.) In November, 1888, it was purchased by George Wolf Fries, its present owner and editor, and under whose management it has become one of the best independent weekly family newspapers in the region, and the largest but one in the county. It circu- lates chiefly in the towns of Friendship, Wirt and Clarksville and also has a liberal subscription list in other towns and outside the county.

The Friendship Chronicle, a weekly Democratic newspaper under the sole proprietorship of Raymond C. Hill, was first issued Feb. 11, 1880. In August following, J. Welland Hendrick became associated with the founder but in January, 1881, Mr. Hill retired and Mr. Hendrick conducted the pa- per until August of that year and then suspended publication.

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS .- Allegany Lodge, No. 273, F. & A. M., one of the oldest bodies in the county, was organized under a charter bearing date Jan. 22, 1817. and included in its membership some of the most substantial pio- neers and early settlers of the county. The first master was Sylvanus Merriman; senior warden, Samuel Derby; and junior warden, John Higgins. Among the original members in addition to the officers mentioned, were

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Tolcut Gold, Ira Hickox, Timothy Hyde and Ebenezer Steenrod (these mem- bers are named by Washington Steenrod). Early meetings were held at Sylvanus Merriman's house and also at Deacon Hill's tavern. This lodge was forced to suspend meetings during the excitement of the anti-masonic period. The old charter was preserved by Obadiah Rouse and the jewels by John W. Baxter. Re-organization was not effected until April 25, 1851, when by dispensation. Allegany Lodge, No. 225, was brought into existence, with these officers: George W. Robinson, W. M .; Josiah Utter, S. W .; Jeremiah Hatch, J. W .; John Utter, treas- urer; Obadiah Rouse, secretary and Solomon Scott, tiler. The Masters have been: Jeremiah Hatch, John F. Olney, Obadiah Rouse, E. B. Wingate, Martin Scott, Jehial Wasson, A. E. Willard, J. B. Harrison, Warren Scott, B. L. Wright, W. M. Steenrod, R. McQueen, J. Parish, M. McCormick, R. E. Middaugh, R. A. Scott, Don McClure, R. V. Scott, A. E. Willard, H. P. Allen, R. A. Scott, Levi C. Pearse, Chas. W. Wasson, A. L. Weeks, D. A. Dan- iels and A. Miner Wellman. The lodge now numbers one hundred and two members. The present officers are: A. Miner Wellman, W. M .; Frank R. Utter, S. W .; Harmon A. Corbin, J. W .; Charles B. Wales, treasurer; Don McClure, secretary; Nelson Reynolds, chaplain; J. M. Britton, S. D .; A. B. Hyde, J. D .; T. H. Armstrong, S. M. of C .; F. H. McKee, J. M. of C .; Alonzo Mabie, tiler.

Van Campen Lodge, No. 258, I. O. O. F., was organized Dec. 2, 1870, with seven charter members, and the following officers: W. M. Steenrod, N. G .; J. Parish, V. G,; Wm. H. King, secretary, and Win. A. Hart, treasurer. The lodge now numbers about forty members. The officers are W. H. Gillette, N. G .; George Clark, V. G .; A. J. Gilbert, secretary; M. W. Potter, treasurer.

Hatch Post, No 241, G. A. R., was organized in pursuance of a charter dated Oct. 28, 1881, with these members: Marshall Allen, Hyrum Corbin, W. H. Hoffman, James Witherell, George Benjamin, J. C, Crandall, Hathan Lamphear. A. J. Wellman, A. B. Bradley, L. B. Crocker, E. G. Latta, John Welch, George Clapp, Theron Cross, S. O. Sawyer, Marshall Wilcox, Alfred Coon, C. C. Deming, Chester Scott, W. S. Wilkinson, D. L. Corbin, James Howard, Russell Scott and Benjamin Wood. The post now numbers thirty- four members. and meets in the old Baptist church building which was re- moved from Main street to Mill street for the purposes of the organization. Connected with Hatch Post is an efficient and well organized Womans' Relief Corps. The present officers of the post are: Charles D. McKee, Commander; W. B. Vorhis, S. V. C .; Marshall Allen, J. V. C .; John Fisher, Q. M .; Laverne Burdick, Adjt .; Wm. Wightman, Chaplain; J. T. Burdick, O. of D .; Aaron Gayton, O. of G .; J. H. Howard, Q. M. Sergt.

The Womans' Christian Temperance Union of Friendship, was organized Jan. 3, 1882, with the following officers: Mrs. Helen M. Barker, president; Miss Cora Norton, recording secretary; Mrs. W. H. Scott, corresponding secretary and treasurer. Since its organization the following persons have acted as president, viz. : Mrs. H. M. Barker, Mrs. Marion Davis, Mrs. Martha

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

C. Deming, Mrs. Phebe Cross, Mrs. Nellie Wait and Mrs. Eliza B. Fries. The present officers are: Mrs. E. B. Fries, president; Miss Mary Britton, vice president; Mrs. Ella H. Wells, recording secretary; Mrs. Ella B. Wells, cor- responding secretary and treasurer.

CEMETERIES .- From somewhat incomplete records it is learned that the first burial ground in the town was that at Nile, though laid out at a now un- known date. The cemeteries at East Hill, called the Sortore burial ground, and that near the old Baptist church, were opened about the same time, probably about 1819, and the first interment in each is said to have been made in 1823. However, a still older burying ground existed in the village, the land said to have been donated by Othello Church. It was near where Wm. Colwell afterward lived. The town cemetery was laid out in 1852, on land purchased from Samuel C. Cotton, and was situated in the west part of the village. The Catholic cemetery was laid out in 1878.

Maple Grove Cemetery Association was organized Feb. 17, 1879, but then known as the Friendship Cemetery Association. The name was changed in the early part of 1886. The grounds include about seven acres of land and are beautifully laid out and adorned.

Mount Hope Cemetery Association was incorporated June 21, 1881, and was fully organized by electing officers a few days later. The grounds were ded- icated to their sacred purpose, Sept. 14, 1882, and in extent include about forty-six acres. They are located southeast of the village. It was in this cemetery that Asher W. Miner caused to be erected the beautiful soldiers' monument, his free and voluntary gift to Hatch Post, No. 241, G. A. R. The unveiling ceremonies were celebrated Aug. 26, 1885.

The First Congregational Church of Friendship, was organized on the 14th day of August, 1835, and was the outgrowth of a Presbyterian branch church formed in 1815. However, as early as the year 1813 Presbyterian services were conducted in the settlement by Rev. Robert Hubbard, a missionary worker in Western New York. The earliest members were Tolcut Gold and wife, Mrs. Ira Hickox, and Mr. Holcomb and wife. The first church edifice was built in 1836, and was dedicated by Rev. M. May. The first pastor was Rev. Wm. Bridgman. The present church edifice was built in 1850. The pastors of the Congregational church, in succession, have been Revs. Wm. Bridgman, J. F. Bliss. S. Cary, William Russell, C. Cary, Chas. Crocker, Wm. Backus, A. A. Kidder, J. N. Hubbard, Mr. Crittenden, J. Wyncoop, J. A. Wells, Wm. P. Jackson, H. M. Higley, Moses Alley, C. S. Leeper, Mr. Emmons, Mat Gafney, T. H. Griffith, G. P. Thomas and Chas. H. Silliman. The pastor last mentioned died during the year 1895, since which time meetings have been irregularly held, the church being without a leader.

The First Baptist Church of Friendship had its inception in the early mis- sionary meetings held in various parts of the town beginning about the year 1813. One of the many devoted workers in the new region was Rev. Jesse Braman, a Baptist, through whose earnest efforts a church organization was perfected on the 10th of July, 1822. The original members were Mr. Bra-

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man and his wife, and pioneers James Reed, Moses B. Sherwin, Jonathan Savage and Harry Hayden. The first baptisms were those of Mrs. Polly Baxter and Nancy McQueen. This being the first regularly organized church of the town, it received a deed of a hundred acre tract of land from the Holland Land Company. The land was sold for the benefit of the society and the avails used in the purchase of a parsonage lot. The first church edifice was erected in 1825, and although twice substantially remodeled in later years, it was sufficient for the purposes of the society for more than half a century. In 1890 it was replaced with the present church house, one of the largest and most complete church structures in the county. Indeed, this is the strongest and most religious society in the town, and one of the strongest in the county. The present members number 258. In the past four new church organizations have been formed from this society. The ministers and pastors of the Baptist church have been: Jesse Braman, James Reed, Chester Coburn, Benjamin Oviatt, Absalom Miner, J. G. L. Haskins, Henry Wightman, Timothy Fuller, Varanes Bemis, J. Halliday, Wm. Storrs. O. B. Call, Eliab Going, L. W. Olney, Z. A. Bryant, S. J. Olney, S. T. Dean, J. Trowbridge, B. H. Carrier, Moses Livermore, J. Judson White, Moses Barker, Wm. R. Baldwin, T. S. Leonard and Nelson Reynolds.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Friendship had its origin in the early meetings for public worship in the town, and a formal organization was effected soon after the year 1820, although, owing to the loss of the records, the date is not accurately determined. However, from first to last, the growth of the society has been gradual and continuous, the present member- ship numbering about 160 persons. The first church edifice was erected in 1829; the present edifice in 1853. The early preachers on this circuit were Josiah and Austin Cowles, and the first class leader was Isaac Brownson. The first pastor after the church was erected was Rev. Samuel Woster. The present pastor is Rev. S. W. Arnold, who came to Friendship in 1895.

The Universalist Church of Friendship was formally organized at a meet- ing held in the village on the 22d of May, 1854, although Universalist meet- ings were held in the town as early as the year 1830. The prominent believ- ers in this faith in this locality in early days were Rufus Scott, Casper Niver, Squire Leonard and Lewis Smalley and their families. An informal organ- zation was made soon after 1840, and the first pastor after that time was Rev. I. B. Sharpe. Revs. Judah Babcock, Jason Lewis and Linus Paine had previously preached in the town. The permanent society was formed under the pastoral care of Rev. F. M. Alvord. The church edifice was erected in 1855, and was dedicated in February, 1856. In addition to those mentioned the pastors of this church, in succession, have been as follows: Rev. Nelson Adams, T. C. Eaton, F. M. Alvord, E. W. Fuller, S. T. Aldrich, F. M. Alvord, W. H. McGlaughlin, William Knott, Charles Palmatier and J. J. Brayton, the latter of whom closed his connection with the church in 1895.

A society of Spiritualists was formed in Friendship Jan. 1, 1876, and a reorganization was effected in 1879. Mrs. Flora Gorton was regularly

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ordained a minister of the church. Among the early and prominent Spirit- ualists in the town may be mentioned Phebe Gorton, Samuel Sherwood, S. E. Latta, Mrs. Thos. Clark, W. I. Hewitt, Darius Thurston and Adrian Latta.

The Church of the Sacred Heart, Roman Catholic, was organized, and a church edifice built, about the year 1880, although previous to that time masses had been said in the town by visiting missionary priests. This parish has no resident priest, the church being attended from Cuba twice each month.

NILE .- In the early history of the town the southern portion, particularly in the vicinity of the creek, was called South Branch, in allusion to the stream now so designated. A number of years later a postoffice was established here and was named "Nile," in deference to the wishes of the inhabitants, a large proportion of whom were Seventh-day Baptists. A tavern was opened in this part of the town early in the century, and one of its first land- marks was "Bill " Fairbanks. The earliest storekeepers were Green & Axtell, and Luther B. Whitwood, who kept a general store from 1840 to 1886, and was postmaster most of the time. Ebenezer Steenrod also had a card- ing and fulling mill and a sawmill. However, among the hamlets of the county, Nile has attracted but little public attention. Indeed, the inhabi- tants here have never sought prominence, and are in all respects a quiet, industrious, thrifty people. Nearly all are devotedly attached to the Seventh-day Baptist faith and live in strict conformity with their belief. The present business interests of this locality comprise the gristmill, two stores and a few small shops. The merchants are Daniel J. Brown and J. B. Whitford, the latter being also postmaster.

The Seventh-day Baptist Church of Nile was organized chiefly through the efforts of Abraham Crandall. The first settlers of this faith came into the town in 1821, and in 1824 their religious society was formed. The first members were: Abraham Crandall (founder), Samuel and Mary Yapp, Na- than Truman, Cary Crandall, Mehitabel Crandall, Benj. and Mary Wigden, Edith Ayers, Micah F. and Anna Randolph, Elizabeth Noble and Henry Green. Elder John Greene came to the town in 1825 and was the first pastor of the church. A lot of land was secured (the gift of Lewis Titsworth) in 1827, whereon a house of worship was soon afterward built. In 1851 this edifice was sold, and the present church home provided. It was raised and enlarged in 1884. This church has a present membership of 166. The suc- cession of pastors and supplies has been: Elders John Greene, W. B. Gillette, Zeurial Campbell, A. A. F. Randolph, B. F. Robbins, J. C. West, Leman Andres, Lewis A. Platts, J. L. Hoffman, B. F. Rogers, U. M. Babcock, Leman Andres. W. B. Gillette, C. A. Burdick, L. C. Rogers, H. B. Lewis, M. B. . Kelly, and G. B. Shaw, the latter being the present pastor.

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ABOUT SOME OF THE PEOPLE .- Prof. Thomas H. Armstrong was born at Pompey, N. Y., Nov. 15, 1864, was graduated at Brockport Normal School in 1890 as president of his class. He taught at Pompey Academy for 1 year, after which he removed to Andover and there remained as principal of the school until he came to Friendship in 1893, since which time he has been principal of the Friendship High School. Professor Armstrong is superintendent of Tully Assembly and secretary of the summer school. Dec. 29, 1891, he married Caroline M. Shourds of Wayne county. She was graduated from Brockport Normal School in 1890.

Prof. James Baxter, son of John W., and grandson of John Baxter, a maimed soldier of the Revolution, was born at Palatine, N. Y., Nov. 28, 1819. Family tradition says he descends from a Capt. Richard Baxter, of the 6th Irish Vol. Regt., sent to America by the English government in 1634 to protect the colonies from the Indians. Both his grandparents were brought by their parents to this country from Scotland in infancy. Two brothers of his pater- nal grandmother, Seth and David Whitlock of Connecticut, were quite prominent violinists. In June, 1820, John W. Baxter and family made their home in Friendship. Here James grew to manhood, the third of his parents' 12 children. He had more than the usual hardships of pio- neer children, for his was a delicate, sensitive temperament, keenly alive to suffering and enjoy- ment and peculiarly susceptible to the many diseases incident. His musical talents early mani- fested themselves in attempts to manufacture various musical instruments. At 14 he was apprenticed to a master millwright for 7 years study, at 16 he was playing the violin at parties, the bugle at "trainings " and " singing in the choir." He early began to teach singing classes gratuitously. These classes developed into paying ones of vocal and instrumental music, which by the time he was 21 occupied the entire winter season. He had never seen a music teacher (aside from the church chorister), nor a book of instruction except church music books and one on bugle music. In 1847 he was sent to Rochester to purchase instruments for a brass band. While driving back he mastered each instrument and prepared a score of the new kind of music, was competent to teach it, and at once organized in Bolivar the first brass band in the county. Before 1851 he personally organized and instructed brass bands in Friendship, Phillips- ville, Angelica, Almond, Nunda, Pike, Rushford, Cuba, Hinsdale, Limestone, Bradford, James- town, Smethport and Coudersport, and taught singing schools at Friendship, Phillipsville, Scio, Wellsville, White Creek, New Hudson, Nile, Richburg, Ceres, Bolivar, Genesee, Farmer's Val- ley, Smethport, Middaugh Hill and elsewhere. He purchased in the 40's (and still owns) the first piano forte known in this section. His skill and fame as an instructor had become wide- spread, and in deference to urgent requests from many he opened in Friendship, on March, 1853, the first institution of musical learning in the United States, (see page 714). Prof. Bax- ter's methods were original and successful. In connection with his institute he had a publish- ing house, from which several musical works written by him were issued, Baxter University Record, a monthly magazine, and other publications. Prof. Baxter has had the usual fate of men far in advance of their age. He has met with many obstacles and many persecutions. But it is pleasant to note that he is now beginning to be appreciated as never before, that as musical progress has advanced, he is seen in a clearer light as a true benefactor of the people, as a high priest at the Temple of Music, one whose name should be revered and honored. For the last 12 years he has given his time to the preparation of a series of instruction books based on his methods and 40 years of experience. Eight volumes are now in hand.

Christopher Breadon, son of Christopher and Margaret Breadon, was born June 17, 1829, near Belfast, Ireland. His father died there in 1867 and his mother in 1878. Christopher Breadon came to America in 1850, and settled in Friendship and has since made his home here. He worked for a few months on the Erie railroad, then purchased a farm a mile and a half west of Nile, and now has 220 acres, and conducts farming. In March, 1855, he married Fanny, daughter of John Brown, of Ireland. They have 3 children, Hugh J., Wealthy M. (Mrs. Ho- mer Kellogg, of Michigan), and Freddie R. Mr. and Mrs. Breadon are members of the M. E. church.

Lavern Burdick, son of Silas and Phebe (Crandall) Burdick, was born in Brookfield, Madi- son Co., Nov. 4, 1843. He attended the common schools, worked on the farm and at carpen- tering. In 1864, Sept. I, he enlisted in Co. B, 189th N. Y. V. In the winter of 1865 he was severely injured in Virginia while building winter quarters, and honorably discharged for that disability in March. Mr. Burdick was ill for 2 years after leaving the service. He is a member of Hatch Post, No. 241. In 1868 he went to Rhode Island and was engaged in the milling business there until 1877, he then came to Nile, purchased a gristmill (built by Jacob Stebbins over 50 years ago, and has 3 " run " of stone), and has operated it since. In 1875 Mr. Burdick married Adelaide E. Hofer. Their children are Floyd M. and Zora F. Mr. Burdick is a mem- ber of the Knights of Maccabee's Tent, No. 13, of Friendship. Mr. Burdick is a member of the Seventh-day Baptist church of Friendship, and a Seventh-day Baptist in his religious belief:

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

James T. Burdick, son of James T. and Lucinda (Green) Burdick, was born Dec. 12, 1843, educated at Alfred Academy, and learned the painter's trade which he still follows, employing several hands. In 1862 he was one of the organizers of Co. G, 160th N. Y. Vols., and was first corporal, next sergeant, then acting first lieutenant. April 8, 1864, he was captured at Pleasant Hill, La., and held six months in Texas as a rebel prisoner. In 1865 he returned to Alfred and married Lucy Beebe, who died in 1868. Their only child Leana is also dead. From 1874 he has lived in Friendship. In 1875 he married Frances Witter. He belongs to Hatch Post, G. A. R. Col. James T. Burdick, son of James, born in Alfred, was colonel in the militia for many years, and kept the hotel at Alfred some years. He married Lucinda Green. Of their five children James T. is the sole survivor. Col. Burdick died in 1843, his wife in March, 1893. Both were Seventh-day Baptists.

Samuel D. Burdick, born in Berlin, N. Y., in 1843, came with his father, William Burdick to Wirt in 1836. William died at Nile in 1886. In 1862 Samuel enlisted and served first in, Co. B, 23d N. Y. Vols., next in Co. E, 20th N. Y., until discharged in June, 1865. Is a farmer and member of Hatch Post.

David Cornwall came from Otsego county to Friendship in the spring of 1818. He had 12 children. His oldest son, Samuel, born 1810, came with his father, married Nancy, daughter of Caleb Hazzard, had 12 children, and has always been a farmer, but crippled since 1872 from the effects of a tree falling on him. Merritt and Andrew, sons of Samuel, were soldiers in the War of 1861-5.

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A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 96

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