USA > New York > Franklin County > A history of St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, New York : from the earliest period to the present time > Part 61
USA > New York > St Lawrence County > A history of St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, New York : from the earliest period to the present time > Part 61
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The St. Lawrence' Association, formed of the clergy of the above Con- -
gregational churches, was organized Sept. 14, 1844, at Madrid, and numbers 17 members. No churches of this order exist in Franklin county.
The Methodist Episcopal denomination, was among the first to organize. The Black river circuit was formed as a part of the Genessee district in 1803, and Barzillai Wiley, with John Husselkus, were appointed. In 1804 it had 90 members.
The St. Lawrence Circuit, with 84 members, was formed in 1811, and Isaac Puffer was appointed minister. In the same year, Malone Cirenit, with 61 members, and John T. Adams, minister, was formed as a part of Champiain district.
In 1820, the Black river district was formed as a part of Oneida Con- ference, including both of our counties up to the period of the division. St. Lawrence circuit was supplied by the following preachers: 1812, Isaac Puffer, 144 members; 1813, Benj. G. Paddock, 160; 1814, Joseph Hickcox and Robert Menshall, 230; 1815, 262; 1816, Wyat Chamberlin and John Dempster, 251; 1817, Andrew Prindle and Thomas McGee, 231; 1818, Thomas Goodwin and Calvin N. Flint, 290; 1819, Timothy Goodwin and Thomas Demorest, 332; 1829, W. W. Rundall and Josiah Kies, 349; 1821, Ezra Healy and Orrin Foot, 398; 1822, Truman Dixon, Squire Chase and Roswell Parker, 343; 1823, Isaac Smith and R. Park- er, 383; 1824, Gardner Baker, 315; 1825, do., 243; 1826. James Brown, 255; 1827, Andrew Prindle, 230; 1828, 152. In this year, this circuit was divided into several. Indian river circuit, embracing a part of St. Lawrence county, was formed in 1821. Potsdam circuit was formed in 1823, with Warren Bannister first preacher. The several circuits now existing were formed as follows: Ogdensburgh, 1826; Parishville, Wad- dington, Canton and Gouverneur, 1828; Heuvelton, 1829; Fort Coving- ton, 1830; Hammond and Chateaugay, 1832; Hopkinton and De Kalb, 1833; Lisbon, Louisville, Massena and Bangor, 1835; Bombay and Stockholm, 1836; Westville, 1837; Russell mission, 1838; Rossie mis- sion, Matildaville and Pierrepont mission, 1840; South Canton, Sprague's Corners, Norfolk, Buck's Bridge and Brasher mission. 1841; Macomb mission, 1842; Rackett river and West Stockholm, 1843: Edwards mis- sion and Morristown, 1846; St. Regis mission, 1849; St. Lawrence, French mission, Duane mission and Moira circuit, 1850.
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AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES.
Black River Conference was formed in 1836, and two counties are now embraced in the Gouverneur, Potsdam and Ogdensburgh districts. The presiding elders of the Methodist Episcopal church, so far as the coun- ties of St. Lawrence and Franklin have been concerned, since their or- ganization, liave been,
Albany Dist .- 1804, Elijah Woolsey; 1807, Henry Stead.
Cayuga Dist .- 1808, Peter Vannest ; 1810, Wm. Case.
Oneida Dist .- 1812, Wm. Case; 1814, Chas. Giles; 1818, Geo. Garey.
Black River Dist .- 1820, Renaldo M. Everts; 1823, Dan Barnes; 1826, Goodwin Stoddard; 1827, Nathaniel Salisbury.
Potsdam Dist .- Formed in 1828, and embraced the two counties, and a portion of Jefferson. 1828, B. G. Paddock; 1831, Squire Chase ; 1834, Silas Comfort ; 1836, G. Loveys; 1837, W. S. Bowdish; 1839, Lewis Whitcomb. The district discontinued in 1840, and merged in Ogdens- burgh district; renewed in 1842. 1842, A. Adams; 1845, Isaac L. Hunt; 1849, Geo. C. Woodruff.
Ogdensburg Dist .- Formed in 1851. 1851, Hiram Shepard.
Gouverneur Dist .- Formed in 1839; discontinued in 1844. 1839, W. S. Bowdish; 1841, Lewis Whitcomb; 1842. Nathaniel Salsbury.
Watertown Dist .- Lewis Whitcomb: 1849, Gardner Baker.
The St. Lawrence Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church was formed June 4, 1845, at Lisbon, and comprises Franklin, St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and Herkimer counties, with a part of Oswego. Churches exist in Westville, Burke, Stockholm and Lawrence, Pierre- pont and Parishville, Lisbon, Oswegatchie, Oak Point, Waddington, Louisville and Russell.
St. Lawrence Presbytery, is said to have been organized in De Kalb. According to the last official report, there were eight ministers, having under their care nine churches, and one candidate belonging to the Presbytery, which is of the new school order of the Presbyterian church, and constitutes a part of the Utica Synod. It embraces St. Lawrence county only, and there is much probability that it will be shortly united with the Ogdensburgh Presbytery (O. S.), from which it was separated by friendly agreement on the formation of the latter. The St. Lawrence Presbytery holds an annual meeting on the Tuesday preceding the third Wednesday in January, and a semi annual meeting on the second Tues- day of July. The present clergymen are Hiram S. Johnson, Roswell Pettibone, Elijah W. Plumb, Asa Brainerd, Bliss Burnap, Hiram Dyer, Branch B. Beckwith and Charles F. Halsey. Total number of mem- bers, 778.
The Ogdensburgh Presbytery (O. S.), was formed Jan. 21, 1839, soon after the division of the Presbyterian church, according to the provisions of the General Assembly of 1838, by the Rev. Messrs. James Rogers, John M. McGregor, John H. Savage, D. D., and elders from the Ogdens- burgh, Oswegatchie and Hammond churches. This Presbytery at pre- sent embraces the following churches, clergymen and number of com- municants: Hammond, 145; 1st, Oswegatchie, L. M. Miller, 247; 2d, do., 111; Morristown, R. T. Conant, 50; three churches in Jefferson county, viz : Le Ray, Wilna and Ox Bow, 140; total, 696. These churches in 1852 raised $4,100 for religious purposes. The churches of Franklin county belong to the Champlain Presbytery, which forms a part of the Albany Synod.
The St. Lawrence Association of Universalists was formed several years previous to 1840, but the records of the early proceedings could not be obtained. The present constitution was adopted in June, 1839. It is 32
.
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HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE
embraced in the New York State Convention, and comprises the coun- ties of St. Lawrence, Franklin and Clinton. Two delegates from each society, together with the clergyman of each, assemble annually by ap- pointment, at different places, on the fourth Wednesday and Thursday of June, and constitute a council, for the discussion and regulation of the ecclesiastical business of the denomination. In June, 1851, a mis- sionary society, for supplying destitute places in the three coun- ties, was formed. There was formerly a Sabbath school society con- nected with the association, but this has been merged in the latter. The following is believed to be a complete list of the societies of this deno- mination, with the date of their admission, so far as could be ascer- tained :
Little York,* June, 1838. There is a church organization connected with this; Somerville,* June, 1843; Gouverneur and Hailesboro; Heu- velton ; * Oswegatchie, June, 1842; Hammond, June, 1838; Canton,* formed before the association; has a church organization. Present number, 300; Madrid,* this, with the one that precedes and follows has a sabbath school connected; Potsdam,* organized before the association was formed; Massena; Hopkinton and Lawrence, June, 1843; Colton,* June, 1852; Nicolville; Morristown, June, 1843; Malone,* this has a church organization. The same with Madrid and Potsdam; Westville, June, 1844. Has an interest in the Union church in town; Plattsburgh,* June, 1845.
The standing clerks of the association since 1839, have been as fol- lows: Z. N. Ellis, Wm. H. Waggoner, Jos. Baker, G. Swan and Martin Thatcher, who is the present incumbent.
ASSOCIATIONS FOR MUTUAL BENEFIT.
MASONS .- Being disappointed in procuring an official list, the follow- ing is offered as the best that could be obtained. It is defective in many points, and perhaps erroneous in some. Aurora Lodge, Fort Covington, very early. Lodge of Benevolence, formed at Hopkinton in 1811. Colum- bia Lodge, Madrid, August, 1825. Hiram Safford, M .; Oliver Spencer, S. W .; John Crawford, J. W. Hamilton Lodge, at that village, about 1810. Harmony Lodge, No. 187, Potsdam, 1808. The device of its seal was a square and compass. Northern Constellation, Malone, before the war; revived in the fall of 1852, with Clark Williamson, M .; F. P. Allen, 1st S. W .; Aaron Beeman, Ist J. W. Northern Light, Stockholm; re- moved to Lawrenceville, and is said to be the only one in the county that existed through the anti-masonic excitement. Olive Branch, Massena, 1806 or 7. Racket River Lodge, No. 213, Potsdam, fall of 1849. First officers, Joshua Blaisdell, M .; A. T. Hopkins, S. W .; J. H. Hyer, J. W. Rainbow Lodge, No. 12, Chateaugay, 1809. The regalia are said to have been stolen by the enemy in their incursion in 1814, which were bought up at Montreal by masons and returned. During the anti-masonic ex- citement, their charter, regalia and furniture disappeared. St. Lawrence Lodge No. 111, Canton, Dec. 1845. Lodges of masons existed before 1828 at De Kalb, Gouverneur, Rossie, Norfolk, Parishville, Ogdensburgh, and perhaps other places. They now exist at Ogdensburgh, Gouverneur, Canton, Potsdam, Lawrenceville and Malone.
Royal Arch Chapters existed at Malone, Potsdam and Ogdensburgh. At present they exist at Potsdam, Canton and Ogdensburgh. St. Lawrence
* These churches have places of worship belonging to the several denominations of the different towns.
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AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES.
Chapter, No. 24, was formed at Massena, Feb. 9, 1809, with Elisha Den- nison, H. P .; Daniel Robison, K .; John Polley, S. It was removed about 1816 to Potsdam. In 1828 it was suspended, and having funds at the time these were expended in the purchase of a library, which now numbers about 400 volumes. In 1851 it was revived. Device of its seal, a pot of incense.
ODD FELLOWS .- Auriga Lodge, No. 319, formed Aug. 6, 1847, at Mad- rid, with Joseph Baker, John A. Fuller, Cabot Pierce, Wm. J. Manley, Geo. Erwin, John Thomas, and Frederick Powell, charter members. Connected with this lodge are the Daughters of Rebecca, who are ad- mitted to a part of each meeting. Mastaqua Lodge, No. 274, formed Feb. 5, 1847, at Potsdam, with Noble S. Elderkin, Chas. Boyington, Royal H. Munson, Josiah C. Gates, Shuball R. Gurley, and Norris Pierce, char- ter members. Neshoba Lodge, No. 78, formed March 15, 1848, at Ma- lone, with S. P. Bates, H. S. Brewster, B. W. Clark, S. C. F. Thorndike, C. C. Whittlesey, and H. F. Heath, charter members. The device of their seal is an Indian in a canoe. Norfolk Lodge, No. 243, formed Aug. 22, 1849, with E. W. Sackrider, G. W. Floyd, H. G. Bradley, H. L. Sack- rider, Q. D. Wicks, charter members. Seal, an eye with rays, a dove with an olive branch, and a scroll with the motto "In God we trust," en- circled by the name, number, and date of the lodge. Ogdensburgh Lodge, No. 273, formed Feb. 24, 1847, with J. H. Haggett, J. M. Doty, D. Bing- ham, H. M. Smith, Geo. Boyd, F. B. Hitchcock, and A. M. Hepburne, charter members. River De Grasse Lodge, No. 425, formed at Canton, Jan. 29, 1852. Seal, an eye, three links, and the letters I. O. of O. F., within the name, number, and date. It is believed there is also a lodge at Waddington.
RECHABITES .- But one tent (Herculean Tent, No. 388), in the two coun- ties. It was formed at Chateaugay in Sept., 1852, with the following as its first officers: A. M. Millar, Sh'd; E. A. Keeler, P. C. R .; A. S. Bryant, C. R .; D. C. Meigs, D. C. R .; G. Howe, L .; P. B. Fiske, R. S .; G. W. Goodspeed, F. S .; M. M. Roberts, T .; C. D. 'Silver, I. G .; I. Spoon, O. G.
SONS OF TEMPERANCE .- Oswegatchie. Division, No. 2, March 27, 1847. Charter members, Geo. Boyd, H. G. Foote, H. Rockwell, Geo. Guest, 2d, T. H. Hawley, G. W. Durgan, John Burke, Philip Hazen, Simeon Dilling- ham, A. M. Hepburn, Philo Abbott, R. G. James, A. M. Wooley, L. B. Stoor, R. S. Arinstrong, and Josepli Bates. It meets on Fridays. Stock- holm, No. 99, 1847; meets Wednesdays at East Stockholm. Russell, No. 100, 1850; meets Saturdays. Chippewa St., No. 101, 1851, N. Hammond; meets Wednesdays. Union, No. 146, Somerville, Sept. 8, 1852. Char- ter members, Wm. R. Myers, Adam Myers, Hiram Hall, Wm. Harris, Chauncey Emmons, James McCarthy, E. Y. Kelsey, Harrison Emmons, F. White, C. G. Sharpstone, A. S. Sizeland. St. Lawrence, No. 258, Can- ton, June 26, 1847; meets Mondays. Waddington, No. 299, March 29, 1849. Charter members, James Redington, Richard Maguire, David Backus, James L. Buckley, Thos. Myers, Henry Stowers, Thos. Shea, Wm. Scott, S. E. Sanborn, G. R. Lowe, R. R. Hatch, A. L. Robinson, L. S. Wright, T. Short, 2d, John Proctor, L. J. Proctor, B. W. Daniels, J. B. Burdick, J. H. Bartholomew, and John Rand. It meets on Satur- days. Centre, No. 348, 1851, Parishville; meets Wednesdays. Racket River, No. 367, Potsdam, March 1848. Charter members, Ira Chandler, J. Blaisdell, B. Bachelor, H. Shead, T. Douglass, C. O. Hubbell, H. R.
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HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE
Ames, B. C. Rich. It meets Monday. Grass River, No. 368, Madrid, May 6, 1848. Charter members, Noble Hosford, Hiram T. Fuller, Fran- cis F. Pierce, Edgar P. Hill, Thos. Rea, Geo. A. Simons, Nathaniel L. Powell, Abraham Ross, and James A. Wright. Meets Thursdays. Mor- ley, No. 369, 1850. Minnesota, No. 399, Raymondville, Jan. 1849. Char- ter members, Oliver Arnold, Jr., John Armstrong, H. B. Hall, Thomas Benedict, Joseph Clark, F. A. Clark,, H. A. Bowland, and J. W. Denison. Meets Saturdays. United Brothers, No. 444, Ogdensburgh, Dec. 12, 1848. Charter members, S. F. Judd, David Burdett, James H. Russell, D. B. Bulsom, A. S. Sawtell, Win. Lightfoot, Amnos Wright, James Pendegrast, Thos. Child, H. Young, G. Boyd. Seva P. Taft, O. Fairbanks, J. B. Hag- gett, S. Low, P. W. Dunton, and S. L. Boyington. It meets Tuesdays. Forest, No. 463, Colton, 1851 ; meets Saturdays. Massena, No. 490, 1849, (gone down). Gouverneur, No. 544, Aug. 1849; meets Fridays. Rich- ville, No. 571, 1850. De Peyster, No. 586, 1849; meets Saturdays. Ocean Rock, No. 652, Millerville, April 9, 1850. Charter members, S. Sowls, C. Powers, M. Powers, B. P. Dowd, H. J. Clark, R. H. Miller, J. Miller, J. Gainer, J. Cole, H. Holland, G. W. Wright, W. Knight, and J. Barrell. Meets Saturdays. Bounding Billows, No. 653, Lawrenceville, 1850; meets Wednesdays. St. Regis, No. 659, Brasher Falls; meets Tuesdays. It is believed there are two or three other divisions in the county. In every instance application was made to some of the officers for facts, but many were disregarded, which renders it impossible to make our list perfect. This is stated that none may charge partiality or neglect upon us where it is not due.
In Franklin Co. Franklin Division No. 430, (Malone), Sept. 9, 1848, meets Tuesdays. Northern Union, No. 436, (Fort Covington), Sept. 1848. Charter members, J. C. Spencer, H. A. Paddock, C. M. Whitney, E. E. Whitney, S. Mears, R. H. Spencer, S. F. Lincoln, W. H. Payne, P. B. Wolff.
Cadets of Temperance, and Daughters of Temperance, have been in sev- eral instances, established, but it is believed none now exist.
Among associations for mutual benefit may be classed Union Stores, of which several exist in both counties. These form a part of a general system known as the New England Protective Union, which originated in Boston, in 1845. Each company is independent in pecuniary liabilities, and in organization. There exists a central agency at Boston, for the purchase of goods at a small commission, and delegates from divisions of 50 members or more, meet annually on the first Wednesday of October, at Boston, and though committees transact all business relating to the common interest. Business is done on the cash principle strictly, and traffic in ardent spirits is forbidden. Subdivisions are formed on appli- cation of 15 or more persons of good moral character, who do not use or vend intoxicating drinks. 'The first of these unions was formed at West Potsdam, in the fall of 1851. The following are their present number, location and capital of those existing at the close of 1852, as far as received. The facts were procured mostly through the kindness of Mr. Timothy Gibson, of Nicholville.
West Potsdam, No. 586, Oct. 14, 1851, capital $900, on an average. Trade since organization, $6000. Stephen Barnum, president ; T. Bailey, secretary ; Morley, W. Byington, president ; Nicholville, 301, Nov. 1851, Rufus Alden, president ; T. Gibson, secretary ; capital $2000; Bicknell- ville, 307, Amos Bicknell, president; Silas Smith, secretary ; capital, $2,500; Madrid, Norfolk 287, January 9, 1852, capital, $1,500; H. Att- water, president; Lloyd C. Yale, financial secretary ; Jolm Yale, recording
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AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES.
secretary ; Russell, 313, March 3, 1852; capital $500; W. P. Moore pre- sident ; Wm. E. Boyd, secretary ; Stockholmn depot, 312; B. Holmes, pre- sident ; Parishville, 315, March, 1852, capital $2000; L. Hatch, president ; Potsdam, 357, April 20, 1852, capital $200; sales $1000 monthly, Hexman Witten, president ; T. Blaisdell, secretary ; Lawrenceville, 399, J. Ferris, president; P. Whitney, secretary ; N. Lawrence, 400, Sept. 23, 1852; A. Townsend, president ; L. R. Townsend, secretary; Dickinson, 392, C. Taylor, president ; Bombay, 405, Oct. 20, 1852, capital $2000 ; Jas. Me Roberts, president; S. B. Sowles, secretary ; located at Bombay Corners
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES .- In the act of April 7, 1819, for encouraging these, St. Lawrence received $100 for two years. A society entitled " The St. Lawrence County Society for promoting agriculture and domestic manufactures" having for its seal these words, encircling a sheaf of wheat, was formed in 1822. Membership 50 cents annually. A meeting was to be held on the last Wednesday of February, for the election of officers, and on the 3d Tuesday and Wednesday of October, for a fair, which was to be held at Canton, Potsdam and Madrid, alternately. This society was abandoned in one or two years.
On the 4th of February, 1834, a second society was formed at Ogdens- burgh, named the "St. Lawrence County Agricultural Society." Meinber- ship $1 annually. Not less than two fairs were to be held annually at Ogdensburgh. Upon the last day of the first fair in each year, the offi- cers were to be elected. Its first officers were George Parish, president ; H. Van Rensselaer, Silas Wright, Jr., and J. C. Clarkson, vice presidents ; Smith Stilwell, secretary ; Wm. Bacon, Smith Stilwell, Sylvester Gilbert, David C. Judson, U. H. Orvis, G. Ogden and Henry M. Fine, managers. This also subsisted about two years, and at its first fair distributed $227 among 37 competitors, principally on stock.
The general law of May 5, 1841, allowed this county $170 annually, for five years, and led to the formation of a third society, of which R. N. Harrison, was president, and a vice president was appointed to each town, an executive committee of 7, and a treasurer and two secretaries. Their first fair (Oct. 7, 1841), distributed $361 in 66 premiums. Their second (Sept. 14, 1842), $171 in 58 premiums. Nine years next ensued without an agricultural society, when the board of supervisors, in 1851, passed a resolution strongly in favor of another attempt, and designated the Thursday evening following for a preliminary meeting, to take mea- sures for an organization. Subsequent meetings were held, and on the 3d of April, 1852, a convention was held at the court house, and a con- stitution adopted. Henry Van Rensselaer, was chosen president. Uriel H. Orvis, Jonalı Sanford and Hiram Johnson, vice presidents. Henry G. Foote, secretary, and Ebenezer Miner, treasurer. A corresponding secretary was appointed in each town. Elections are held on the 2d Tuesday in June, at the court house, at 1 o'clock P. M., when the presi- dent, vice presidents, secretary and treasurer, are chosen, and the execu- tive committee (who are the above officers), determine the time in Sept., and place for holding the annual fair ; decide upon the prizes, appoint judges or committees, and take such action as may promote the objects of the society. Membership $1 annually, and none but members allowed to compete for premiums. Citizens of adjoining counties entitled to a chance for premiums by paying $1. The fiscal year commences with October. The constitution was signed by 50 delegates who attended the convention.
The first fair of this society was held at Canton, Sept. 16-17, 1852, on premises finely adapted for the purpose, in the lower part of the village,
,
528
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE
and near Grass river. The grounds had been leased for a term of five years, and enclosed in a close board fence. The side towards the road is descending and has numerous shade trees, while the rear part is level and affords a fine tour for the trial and exercise of horses offered for premiums. Both days were delightfully pleasant, and the crowds of in- telligent fariners with their families who attended, bespoke the general interest that was felt, and augured well of the future. There were 396 articles offered for premiums, very many of which were highly creditable to the county.
Franklin county received $100 annually, by the law of 1819, and the board of supervisors raised a similar amount by tax for two years; a so- ciety was organized but was soon abandoned. By the act of 1841, this county was entitled to $50, but the effort that was then made for this purpose failed. On the 26th of August, 1851, a society was formed by a convention convened by the notice of the county clerk. Their constitu- tion is as follows:
"We the undersigned, inhabitants of said county, have agreed, and do hereby agree, to be and are hereby associated together as a county so- ciety, for the promotion of agriculture in and for the said county of Franklin. And we severally agree to observe, perform, and abide by, the rules, resolutions and by-laws to be hereafter from time to time, adopted at any general meeting of this association, in conformity with the provisions of the legislature of this state, in relation to the formation, government and action of such societies. And we do further agree, that this society shall commence its operations from this 26th day of August, A. D., 1851."
The following officers were elected at the first meeting: President, Hon. Sidney Lawrence; secretary, Harry S. House ; treasurer, Hiram H. Thompson ; and a vice-president in each town.
The vice-presidents were appointed a committee to solicit subscrip- tions and obtain funds for the common benefit of the society. The first fair of the society was held October 6 and 7, 1852, on a plain half a mile east of the village, upon premises that had been leased for five years, and enclosed with a permanent fence, for the purpose of affording accommo- dations for succeeding fairs. The interest felt throughout the county in this fair, gives assurance that the association will be permanent and useful. There were eighty-one premiums awarded on domestic quadrupeds; eight upon fowls; sixteen upon dairy produce; thirty-two upon bread, fruit, and household goods; thirty-three upon miscellaneous manufac- tures; and eight upon farmning implements. Three premiums were awarded upon the plowing match.
The St. Lawrence County Mutual Insurance Company was incorporated May 12, 1836. Silvester Gilbert, Zenas Clark, "T'ilden Hurlburd, John L. Russell, Edwin Dodge, Sylvester Butrick, Henry Van Rensselaer, George Redington, William Bacon, Smith Stillwell, Harvey Flagg, David C. Judson, and Baron S. Doty, were named in the act as first directors, their places to be supplied by an annual election by members of the company.
Persons insuring were to be members of the company while insured, and to have one vote for every hundred dollars of insurance. The ex- istence of the company was limited to twenty years. The act has been amended May 12, 1836, March 26, 1849, and by several acts applicable to all insurance companies in the state. The company organized Oct. 13, 1836, and the first officers elected by the directors above named were,
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AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES.
Henry Van, Rensselaer, president; Baron S. Doty, vice-president; Charles G. Myers, secretary.
The following statistics show the business which has been done by this company: Policies issued, 23,000; total insurance, $18,000,000; insurance in force, $15,000,000; premium notes, $420,000; paid losses from April 1, 1849, to April 1, 1852, $105,780-41.
The United States Mutual Insurance Company was incorporated under the general act of April 10, 1849, and its office is located at West Pots- dam. The following is a list of the persons designated in the charter as first directors: Amos Blood, Martin Lester, Albert M. Skeels, William J. Barnum, Charles Dart, Orsemus L. Foote, Royal Barnum, Dennison G. Wilmarth, William A. Dart, Horace Allen, Truman Lillie, Jonah Sanford, Joseph Barnes, Martin Thatcher, Henry Barber, Amaziah B. James, Benjamin Lane, William E. Ellis, Alfred Goss, Lloyd C. Yale, C. B. Hawes, A. L. Lockwood, and James Lane. The directors are elected annually by the members, and choose from their number a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. The capital consisting of cash actually paid in, and of premium notes payable at such times as the di- rectors shall determine, is fixed at not less than $100,000. Persons in- sured to have the option of giving premium notes liable to assessment in case of need, or of paying a sum of money for insurance in lieu of giving notes. The directors hold themselves indemnified and harmless from loss arising from default, neglect or misdeeds of the other directors. The duration of the company is fixed at twenty years. The funds of the company can not be used for traffic or banking, but may be loaned on good security payable on demand.
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