USA > New York > Steuben County > A history of Steuben County, New York, and its people, Vol. I > Part 63
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"Samuel Erwin, who first came to the district in 1791, a son of Col. Arthur Erwin, original purchaser of what is now the town of Erwin.
"Eldad Mead, a settler in 1794, from whom Mead's creek takes its name.
"Rufus Gorton, whose father was one of the original pur- chasers of the now Town and City of Corning.
"Ansel McCall, who operated the first saw and grist mills near the site of the present Denison park.
"Benjamin Eaton, the first merchant who 'kept store' in 1795. "Lauren Mallory, a most progressive citizen.
"Nehemiah Hubbell, at whose house the Mark Master's Lodge first met; the father of Philo P. Hubbell, whose history every mem- ber of the lodge is familiar with.
"Much could be said of these and others of our founders and early members. It is impossible to name them all, but a hundred years ago here they met, and thus were started here Masonic affili- ations which have developed and broadened with an influence that has ever been for the good of the whole community. Our founders and brothers, ever in earnest, never weary of well doing, laboring amidst the forest, the scream of the panther and the cry of the wolf about them, still faithfully spreading the light of Masonry-the same light that has come down to us through the mist of a thou- sand years.
"Thus they labored from July 14, 1808, until November 29, 1827. The records are complete during that period. Then bigoted opponents of the craft, joined with political demagogues, succeeded in carrying anti-masonry into politics, and our brethren wisely con- cluded to let the lights be darkened until the fanatic and the dem- agogue should cease, and reason and common sense resume their sway. Once afterward, and during the excitement of the period, they met, on August 21, 1828. Under what difficulties we do not know. And evidently they met again in 1831; for officers were elected that year. But from such time all records cease; all is dark- ness, and Painted Post Lodge Number 203 ceased to exist.
"Some extracts from the early minutes or records are now of interest to us of a century later. On the evening of July 27, 1809, much business and work was at hand. 'It was moved and carried that the steward be authorized to provide candles, liquors, and other necessary articles of refreshment for the use of the lodge.' The nature of refreshment derived from candles is not shown, although we may tax our imaginations to understand the inspira- tion derived from the other articles mentioned.
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"On February 1, 1810, is found a motion duly carried that 'the lodge loan from the Mark Master Lodge all the money that it may have, and that the Master be authorized to draw an order for the same.
"At times resolutions were carried whereby members were requested to 'make good' certain bank notes and counterfeit bills in the hands of the treasurer. Evidently, financing the lodge was a problem in those days.
"Frequently throughout the records appear resolutions to in- vite Newtown Lodge to join with Painted Post Lodge in the cele- bration of St. John's day; and as frequently appear resolutions to accept the invitation of Newtown Lodge for the same purpose.
"April 23, 1814, an appropriation was made to assist the suf- ferers on the Niagara frontier. This was when the war with Eng- land was raging hotly around that district.
"On September 21, 1815, we find 'moved and carried that the treasurer procure six candlesticks, a bound book, one quire of paper, one pitcher, one bottle, four tumblers, and four gallons of whiskey.' They no doubt required something to cheer them up during this exciting period.
"The old records are full of incidents wherein the lodge com- prised the local court. For years all differences between members of the fraternity were heard, tried, and settled by the lodge. The decisions were final, and seem to have been of universal satisfac- tion. Thus the record of brethren dwelling together in unity comes down to us.
"A thrill of pathos is felt as we learn from some of the later records (those of 1820 to 1825), the circumstances surrounding the deaths of some of those staunch old organizers; the assistance ren- dered by the lodge to troubled families; the sorrow brought upon the remaining sturdy old pioneers at the passing beyond of those who had so well fought the fight of civilization by their side.
"The masters of old Number 203 during its existence from 1808 to 1828 were:
"John Knox, from 1808 to 1814 inclusive, and again from 1818 to 1821, inclusive.
"Joseph Gillett, 1815-16-17.
"Henry Stevens, 1822.
"Lauren Mallory, 1823-24-25.
.. Daniel E. Brown, 1826-27-28 and again in 1831.
"The period of darkness, following the suspension of old Number 203, in 1827, continued some eighteen or nineteen years- until the summer of 1846, when an effort was made to revive the lodge. The old warrant or charter was missing. What became of it? It would be of considerable interest to know. As a cherished thing it was hidden away in time of necessity and still lies buried in its resting place. Many of the old members were scattered or dead; yet the spirit of Masonry survived.
"A petition was presented to the grand master, and on August 14, 1846, a dispensation was granted, authorizing Samuel Boyer as master, Robert H. Hoyt as senior warden, and Benajah P. Bailey as junior warden, to hold a lodge and proceed to work. It is of interest to remark that Robert H. Hoyt, named as senior warden in this dispensation of August 14, 1846, was senior warden of old
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Number 203 at its last meeting on August 21, 1828, when it closed its doors forever, eighteen years earlier.
"On December 2, 1846, a warrant was issued to Painted Post Lodge. It was given the number 117 under the re-organization of the state, and as such it has continued uninterrupted to this day.
"Still another great ordeal was in store, however. In July, 1855, a great fire swept through the village. By it the lodge lost all its property, including the warrant and the records. But by the kind hand of fate the minute-book of old Number 203, containing the records from 1808 to 1828, escaped the flames and is now in possession of the lodge. 'Twas thus the second warrant of this 'lodge disappeared.
"Application was again made, and a dispensation granted by John L. Lewis, then the grand master, dated August 9, 1856. War- rant was issued June 11, 1857, naming James B. Lower, master ; Jacob H. Lansing, senior warden; and Morgan H. Davis, junior warden. This warrant is the one now in possession of Painted Post Lodge Number 117, and under which it is now authorized, being the third issued to it in its history. May this warrant ever be worthily retained.
"The lodge is proud of the fact that its present charter is signed by John L. Lewis, grand master, a great and honored Ma- son, whom many of us knew and loved. His nephew, the present John L. Lewis, is an active and earnest member of the lodge at this time,
"Our early brethren-those who planted the seed from which has sprung this organization, have indeed projected their influence into the future-the proudest destiny of man or Mason.
"It is glorious to live afterward, and not in the ambition con- fined to the limits of a single life, but to leave some work behind that may outlast our own day and generation.
"Therefore let us likewise plant-live beyond our time, so that those who reap; those who may celebrate at the passing of the next one hundred years may say : 'Truly in 1908 Painted Post Lodge was in good hands indeed, and age has but strengthened its founda- tions. ' "
OTHER LODGES.
Evening Star Lodge Number 44, with its suggestive name, was organized in Canisteo, January 17, 1814. The original warrant is signed by DeWitt Clinton, grand master of the Grand Lodge of the state of New York. Its first master was Rev. Andrew Simpson, who traveled the forest twelve miles for about four years to be pres- ent at every regular meeting or communication of the lodge.
For several years meetings of this lodge were held at private houses in Canisteo. It was subsequently removed to Hornellsville. During the time of the so-called Morgan disclosures, when excite- ment ran high and cowards were numerous, the lodge room was invaded by several anti-Masons and recalcitrants and the books and records were thrown out of the windows. Col. John R. Stephens, a vigorous, faithful and determined adherent, who hap- pened to be passing at the time, picked them up and saved them. Colonel Stephens, Major Thomas Bennitt and Bazy Baker, for sev- eral years during the excitement, met around Bennitt's sign-post,
1 made their return to the Grand Lodge, and thereby preserved the
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charter of the lodge. The early meetings of the lodge were held according to custom then prevailing and thereafter refreshments were served. The lodge has among its archives a Bible and silver square, purchased in 1816. From 1825 to 1835 there was no elec- tion of master and the lodge was in a state of suspended animation. In 1853 the warrant of the lodge by order of the grand master was surrended to the grand secretary, but it was restored in 1854. In 1862 the warrant was again surrendered to the grand lodge; in 1867 the lodge was revived and the warrant returned to it. The secre- tary's minute book was not returned until 1902. Morning Star Lodge Number 65 was organized at Canisteo after Evening Star Lodge was removed.
About 1820 the Order of Free Masons had enrolled among its members many prominent persons in political, social and church life, and jealousies and ill feeling were engendered by successes and defeats. In 1826 William Morgan, of Batavia, Genesee county, New York, a disgruntled and disappointed member of the order,. wrote and published a book which purported to expose and make public the secrets of the fraternity. A judgment was obtained against him for debt, and he was incarcerated in a debtor's prison. Upon his release September 12, 1826, he was seized and conveyed in a closed carriage to Niagara. No further trace of him was ever found, in spite of liberal rewards offered for him and for his ab- ductors. The affair caused intense excitement throughout western New York and charges were made that a conspiracy existed to abduct all the prominent Masons of New York. The excitement ran high and communities, political parties, and even families, were rent in twain, the feeling extending throughout the state and the nation. Bodies of men were taken from Niagara river and Lake Ontario, disguised to represent the missing man and to sup- port the assertions of contending parties, from which was coined the phrase "Good enough Morgan till after election." Adherence to either faction defeated candidates for governor and other officers in the state of New York and in other states, decided the results of national conventions. After the election the popular frenzy, in a measure, subsided. The order now has more members than ever before. Like all secret societies, it affords an opportunity for its supporters to spend time and money for the purpose of arousing the curiosity of the idle or the devotion of the faithful. The prejudice aroused by the Morgan affair still exists in the minds of many against a Free Mason; some religious bodies will not tolerate or admit them to their organizations.
The order has homes and organizations in this state for the relief of its deserving needy and disabled members.
THE STEUBEN SOCIETY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. I know not what the truth may be, I tell the tale as it was told to me.
About the middle seventies of the last century, a number of rustics from the Painted Post country, seven in number, two from the vicinity of the "Post," two from Bath, one from Addison, one from Hammondsport, New York, one from Oswego, called to see "Dug" in North street, who had charge of the business in New York of the great Chicago house of the Farwells. Of course all
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were welcome, and after the compliments of the season had been passed, the host planned that all should be his guests at the San Francisco Minstrels, at their play house in Broadway on the fol- lowing evening. Of course the rusties were on hand and were assigned to seats in a private box. The troupe was in fine fettle. After the olio had rendered its programme of superior music and vocal selections, unapproachable witticisms, and laughter-producing speeches, a telegraph messenger boy approached with a message, handed it to the nearest end-man, Billie Backus. It was addressed to Uri B. After signing the messenger's book, Mr. Backus arose, and in his inimitable voice announced, "I have a telegraph dis- patch for Mr. Uri B. Is he present?" Instantly a man of large frame, one of the occupants of the boxes, with some trepidation, arose and exclaimed : "Here I am." Instantly the ensemble breaks into gleeful song, repeating three times "Uri! Uri! Uri! We are glad to see you," to the great astonishment of Mr. Uri, surprise of the invited guest, and the uncontrolled merriment of the entire audience. The programme was thus finished. In the meantime the rustic guests had been invited to meet the entire minstrel corps at Ireland's, in Lispenard street, for social enjoyment and better acquaintance. A splendid banquet was provided, which task no one shirked. _ Reminiscences, speeches and witticisms abounded. Wambold sang as no one else ever did "The Blue Alsatian Moun- tains." Ricardo, in his wonderful soprano voice, gave selections from "The Bohemian Girl." It was a night of song and mirth. With handshaking and good-bys, the rustics promised "Dug" that whenever two or more were in the city at the same time they would call and renew the "Steuben memory," as he was pleased to call their meeting. As the years passed on, several of the rustics were so unwise as to entertain the notion that an unpremeditated "good time" can never be duplicated. So the Steuben affair is only a memory, and it is believed that all who participated in the original function have passed on. Perhaps a few may lag superfluously on the stage.
During the year 1896 several gentlemen residing in the city of New York and who were former residents of the county of Steuben, being aware of the fact that there were many others who were also former residents of Steuben county, then domiciled in the city of New York and neighboring cities, conceived the plan of forming a society to be composed of such former residents and of men resid- ing in the locality of the city of New York, who had married resi- dents or been residents of Steuben county. In furtherance of that plan several meetings were held and committees were appointed to ascertain the names and addresses of all persons eligible to member- ship. All persons whose names and addresses were ascertained by the committees were communicated with by letter informing them of the proposed plan, requesting their aid and co-operation in the organization of the society and inviting them to attend its first banquet which it had been decided to hold at the Hotel Manhattan in the city of New York on December 16, 1896.
The intention of the originators of the scheme was to ascertain the opinions of those attending the banquet as to whether or not it was desirable to form and perpetuate such an organization and the following gentlemen were unanimously elected: President, Hon.
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William Rumsey; vice-presidents, Charles R. Maltby, Geo. D. Sproule, Col. James E. Jones, Wilber W. Capron, Constant C. Hodgman and Avery McDougal; treasurer, Hon. George R. Suther- land; secretary, Thomas Hassett; executive committee, Edward Hassett, Samuel B. Balcom, Charles A. Hungerford, Grant C. Fox, and George A. Traver.
The Steuben Society has had, since its organization, annual meetings and banquets. An account of the fifth annual dinner and banquet here follows. It is worthy of preservation here, as a distinguished son of Steuben county was then and there deserv- ingly honored by his admiring associates and friends.
The fifth annual dinner of the Steuben Society was held at the Hotel Manhattan on February 21, 1901. Upon this occasion sev- eral members of the society presented to Hon. William Rumsey a portrait of himself, painted by Mr. Elmer J. Read, a member of the society. Col. James E. Jones, in presenting the portrait, said : "Judge Rumsey-I felt flattered beyond expression when Mr. Hassett, in a polite note, requested me to say a few words on this interesting, and I may say, significant occasion. Many of the older members of this society took lot and part in the stirring events of 1861, and we remember with pride the decisive vigor you displayed in early manhood on that memorable period for the preservation of the constitution and the Union. History records the fact that you shed your blood on the field of battle, and, at the close of the strug- gle, entered manfully into the profession of the law again, attest- ing the fact that 'Peace hath her victories no less renowned than war.' Tokens to express feelings of pride and admiration for indi- viduals who have distinguished themselves in the affairs of life are of ancient origin-nearly as old as the race of man himself.
"Your illustrious father, whose dignity, learning and grace shed their rays upon the Bench and Bar 'in the long ago,' now illumines your path; and in following his footsteps you have taken no step backward, and your name today stands high in the list of great jurists our country has produced since its organization. I feel conscious that I express the feelings of every member of this society when I say that in honoring you, we honor ourselves. The great profession you adorn has kept pace with the progress of the world. The releasing of new forces that the great Creator intended for man's use comes just at the time we need them, and the great inventive genius has felt the beneficent impulses of just judicial decisions; and the civilized world is charmed by the harmony that exists in the decisions of all the learned judges, where the lights of science prevail.
"While the human mind is apt to relax and allow the things of the past to grow dim, the great jurists of the world have been ever mindful and never forgotten the rule of action embraced in a terse sentence by the greatest and purest Judge that ever benefited the world with a golden sentiment, 'and ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.' This simple code embraces all the natural rights of man, and is the pith and point of every just legal decision rendered throughout the civilized world, and may it ever guide and direct you !
"It is particularly gratifying to me, and that gratification must be shared in by all of our members, that the portrait we present
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you is the work of an artist who first saw the sunlight in our dear old county-Mr. E. J. Read-and the work speaks for itself.
"And now, Judge Rumsey, in behalf of the Steuben Society, I formally present you this portrait, and in the time that is com- ing may those who bear your name ever hold it sacred, and strive to be worthy descendants of a just and able judge who commanded the respect and affections of his contemporaries !"
In accepting the painting Judge Rumsey said : "Colonel Jones and members of the Steuben Society-When a man has lived more than half a century within musket shot of the place where he was born and knows every man, woman and child in the community, when he has learned to love and respect them, when he owes to their kindness and partiality all the preferment he ever had, he is naturally anxious for their respect and regard; he is proud if he has it, and he is loath to leave them or to do anything that may weaken the ties that exist between him and them. It was with the reluctance born of such unwillingness that I came down here five years ago at the call of the then governor to assume duties which I had not solicited in a place which I did not then desire. I came among strangers; but in no long time found many old friends, and the sons and grandsons of my own and my father's friends from my own county, and I was welcomed by them with a courtesy and respect, and even with an affection, which taught me that although I had changed my surroundings I had not separated my- self from my friends. The outward and visible manifestation of that friendship appears in this portrait of myself which you have just given me. I cannot express to you how grateful I am, not only for the gift, but for the kindness which prompted it. It is due to Mr. Read who painted it to say, not only do I congratulate you upon his selection as the artist, but myself as well, who, while I was sitting for it, formed for him a friendship as lasting, I trust, as it was pleasant.
"As for the picture, in view of the subject it would hardly become me to say that it was a beautiful painting. But I may say that it is agreed on all sides to be an admirable likeness. Indeed, as the husband said of the handsome picture of his somewhat plain wife, 'It looks more like her than she does herself.' Of course I cannot tell you how much I thank you for this gift. I shall never forget it. But that is not all. To my dying day I shall not cease to be proud that the Steuben Society, after knowing me for five years in the performance of my official duties, should have thought me worthy to have such a present from them.
"In a short time, when I shall go back to that beautiful and pleasant place where my lines have been cast, 1 shall take with me this portrait, and I assure you that so long as I shall live, or any of my name, it shall hang upon the walls of my house as a lasting memorial of the honor done to me by the men of Steuben county who live in New York."
The following officers and executive committee were elected for the coming year: President, William Rumsey; vice-presidents, James E. Jones, Edwin A. Paul, Henry E. Gilpin, Lucius N. Man- ley, Dwight Burdge and W. Burton Southwick; Secretary, Lucius A. Waldo; treasurer, George R. Sutherland; executive committee : Edward Hassett, Samuel B. Balcom, Grant C. Fox, Lewis F. Wil-
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son, Charles A. Hungerford, David Rumsey and Leon G. Godley. The toast of the Steuben Society was responded to by Mr. Paul E. Near, and that of the county of Steuben by Hon. Hyatt C. Hatch.
The following responded upon the call of Judge Rumsey : John S. Kennedy, Louis Wylie, Hon. M. Rumsey Miller, Hon. Frank Campbell, Col. J. P. Eustace, and Francis C. Moore.
The following members and guests were present: Hon. Will- iam Rumsey, Hon. Chester B. Mclaughlin, Francis C. Moore, George D. Sproul, Milton Roblee, Philip Donahuc, Delos Bliss, Floyd E. Baker, William H. Clapp, Henry E. Gilpin, Edwin A. Paul, Fay P. Rathbun, Edward F. Moran, A. B. Crockett, Mark S. Eustace, James E. Jones, Paul E. Near, David Rumsey, E. R. Dc- Wolfe, George E. Payne, Lucius N. Manley, Louis Wiley, Dwight Burdge, John J. Cunneen, Arnold B. Heine, Ben Heine, Arthur Heine, T. A. Adams, C. A. Hungerford, H. H. Hungerford, C. G. Hungerford, Grattan H. Wheeler, Samuel B. Balcom, George R. Sutherland, S. B. VonDerSmith, John S. Kennedy, F. S. Holm- wood, Lucius A. Waldo, Edward Hassett, Thomas Hassett, E. B. Hurd, .William J. Tully, Hon. M. Rumsey Miller, Edward S. Jones, Lewis F. Wilson, F. H. Mollenhauer, Charles A. Taylor, Benjamin F. Taylor, John W. Davis, Grant C. Fox, W. Burton Southwick, A. J. Switzer, Hon. Frank Campbell, William J. Farrell, E. A. Brooks, A. B. Vorhis, Leon G. Godley, Avery McDougall, Elmer J. Read, Augustus de Peyster, Constant C. Hodgman, William Sauter, Henry F. DePuy, A. B. Vorhis, Jr., Hon. Hyatt C. Hatch, Joseph P. Eustace.
This society is in a prosperous condition. Its annual meetings and banquets are well attended, not only by former residents of Steuben county, but by eminent and cultivated people from all parts of the state, and especially by residents of the city of New York who were never affiliated with Steuben county except by their acquaintance with the members of this society; from that acquaint- ance a good opinion of the county must follow.
CHAPTER XXII. OLD HOMES AND MEMORIES.
THE CHRISTOPHER HURLBUT HOME, AREPORT-MCBURNEY HOUSE, CANISTEO-WHEELER HOMESTEAD, KANONA-GRISWOLD HOME, DANSVILLE-HALLET HOME, FOUNDED BY THE FATHER OF THE "UNION PACIFIC" -- THE "MILL AT THE NARROWS, " HOWARD- OTHER HOMES AND MEMORIES-A NOVEL "LOCK-UP"- RETROSPECT.
As the history of Steuben county draws to a close, it is but natural for one who has been a close observer of its expanding rec- ord to cast a mental eye backward and fondly review many of those events and pictures which have been obliterated by the hand of time from the actual but still abide fresh and green in memory.
THE CHRISTOPHER HURLBUT HOME, ARKPORT.
In 1796 Mr. Christopher Hurlbut, then a resident of the town of Hanover, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, left home on horseback for the "Genesee country," as the most of western New York was then called, to visit his brother, John Hurlbut, who had moved from Hanover in 1795 to what is now Palmyra, Wayne county, and for the purpose of finding a home for himself and family in the new country. After thoroughly examining the country in the vicinity of Palmyra, he struck the headwaters of the Canisteo at what is now Arkport, and was so much charmed with the beauty of the valley, which is fully a mile wide for some distance here, and with the natural fertility of the soil, as evinced by the heavy growth of timber all along the valley and on either hill, that he visited Bath, where then, as now, the Land Office was located, and on the 23d day of September, 1796, entered into the following contract with Robert Biggar :
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