USA > New York > Chenango County > Oxford > Annals of Oxford, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and early pioneers > Part 14
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Tuesday 23, 1836.
I am again seated at Miss Hyde's table to write my Journal. It it not quite as pleasant to-day as it was yesterday, as the sun does not shine, but it is as warm I think. This afternoon I have got to cipher. I am ciphering in interest. I find the sums very difficult and cannot do them without a great deal of assistance. I will put up my Journal and attend to my lessons.
Thursday, February 25, 1836.
To-day the wind blows quite hard and the snow flies. Tuesday even- ing we did not go up stairs as we thought we should, but I went to a party at Mr. Miller's. We had a very pleasant party. Yesterday Miss Cheever came to school for the last time. She is going home next week. I wrote to M. G. Throop yesterday. I am going to send it by Miss Cheever. Last evening we went up stairs. The experi- ments were not as interesting as we expected they would be. We saw the Magick Lantern. That was very pretty, but I have seen that before. This morning the Trustees came in school, but did not happen to hear me recite, which I was very glad of. This week is the week to write compositions, which I must be a thinking about. I dread to hear the name of composition, but it is for my improve- ment so I must do the best I can.
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Friday, February 26, 1836.
To-day it snows very fast, the flakes of snow are so large they look almost like feathers. Sarah Jane was taken with the croup day before yesterday and is no better yet, she has it very hard.
Monday, February 29, 1836.
Another cold stormy day. I did not write a Journal Saturday, as there was no school. . In the evening I went to singing school, the afternoon I spent at Dr. Clark's with Miss Cheever and M. Perry. Yesterday was Sunday. In the morning I attended the Methodist meeting. In the afternoon there being no meeting at the Methodist, I went to the Baptist. To-day the weather is very cold and it snows. I came to school very early. We repeated verses, mine was in Phi- lippians, 2 chapter, and 14 verse. Miss Hyde came to school, but was sick and went home. Miss U. Glover heard us recite.
Tuesday, March 1st, 1836.
To-night there is a cotillion party at Mr. Clark's, which I calculate to attend. Miss Hyde was not well enough to come to school to-day and Miss M. Maine heard us recite.
Thursday, March 3, 1836.
Miss Cheever started for home yesterday morning. I spent the evening with her before she left at a cotillion party at Mr. Clark's. I received a letter from L. Wheeler day before yesterday. She expects to come to Oxford to school next term.
Monday, March 7, 1836.
I have not written a Journal since Thursday as I have not had time. Yesterday was very pleasant in the forenoon. Mr. Bush
preached. I received a note Saturday from Miss A C. Rodman.
Tuesday, March 8, 1836.
Yesterday C. Hyde came to school in the afternoon. It was her birthday, fifteen years old. I think I shall go home this afternoon as I have not been since New Year's day, which is longer than I ever staid away before. Last evening sister received a letter from Cousin Jane. She says the snow is four feet deep at Kingston, Pa., and they have had severe cold weather.
Thursday, March 10, 1836.
According to my expectations, Tuesday afternoon I went home. In the morning my brother John went up the river five miles for a doctor for Mrs. Hull, who is very sick, and I went with him. I had a very pleasant ride as it was a beautiful day. I did not get back until after school had begun, but was in time to learn my Philosophy and History lessons. In the evening we went up stairs to see some experiments. Mr. McKoon showed us the electrical machine, and also the umbra and penumbra caused by the shadow of the earth and moon. These he illustrated by taking a pail and putting it on the floor and setting three candles on one side of it, the shadow of which caused the umbra and penumbra. These were very interesting. . We read
in the Bible this morning the 1st Chapter of Mark. I recited in Philosophy and History this morning and did many difficult sums. This afternoon I have read, but not spelt. The reason we have not I do not know. I must now study my Grammar.
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Monday, March 14, 1836.
Friday evening I went to the Presbyterian singing school. Saturday was a very pleasant day. In the evening I went to singing school again. Yesterday Mr. Bush was at the Episcopal meeting all day. Next Saturday is to be our last school, we are to meet in the Episcopal church in the afternoon and in the evening at the Baptist. This morning the bell tolled for Mr. McCalpin, he died last evening. This evening there is to be a dancing school and to-morrow evening is to be the last cotillion party.
Tuesday, March 15, 1836.
Last evening I very unexpectedly went to dancing school. There were but few there, but we spent the evening very pleasantly.
Sister went home this morning. Of late I have had nothing .
to write in my Journal, the cause I know not.
Monday, March 21, 1836,
Saturday afternoon the singers met at the Episcopal church and in the evening at the Baptist, which was our last school. We are going to meet to practice at Miss E. Butler's Saturday evenings. I am going to review Conversation in Common Things.
Friday, March 25th, 1836.
Last evening I went to the publick dancing school. There were a great many there and we stayed very late and enjoyed ourselves very much. This noon when I went home I found mother and Julia there. This evening the Presbyterians have their last singing school in the Presbyterian meeting house.
Monday, March 28, 1836.
Friday evening I went to the Presbyterian singing school. I did not think they sung any better than we did, although most or many of our school were there. Saturday afternoon I spent at Mr. Perkins'.
Tuesday, March 29, 1836.
As soon as the usual exercises were over I did some sums in Per- centage and Interest by Decimals, which I found very difficult. I then learnt my Philosophy lesson. As soon as we had recited the French teacher came in and took his class in the recitation room, so I did not hear him talk.
Thursday, March 31, 1836.
Yesterday after school I went home with father, who was down, and found mother and all well. Harriet Hall was there, she staid all night. This morning I came down alone on the crust and had a very pleasant walk. When I came to school I found it had been begun sometime, but I was very industrious and worked quite hard all at one sum and could not do it after all. Miss Robinson tried once or twice, but did not succeed in getting it right. I thought I should get through the Book to-day, but I shall not, as I cannot do nor understand them at all, but I have one consolation there are but three or four sums more. This morning I learnt eight and a half pages in philosophy and six selections iu Tytler's History. As my stock : of news is exhausted I will put up my Journal and work at that sum that I could not do this morning.
Friday, April 1st, 1836.
There was a meeting at Church to-day, it being Good Friday, but I did not go as I had to come to school. The girls have trimmed
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the room with greens, some that make it look like summer almost. I finished reading the Scottish Chiefs last evening and commenced the Hungarian Brothers.
Tuesday, April 5th, 1836.
There has been no school since Friday, as Miss Robinson has been away, therefore I have not written any Journal, and now I have the more nonsense to write. Saturday the Doctor came to see Sister, as she was lame. Saturday evening I went to Mr. Tracy's to singing school. We had a very pleasant school. There were but few there. Sunday I went to church all day. Sister was lame so she did not go, and John staid home to take care of her. Our folks came down in the sleigh, but went home at noon, so I did not see them. Yesterday I made some bread for the first time. Sarah Jane spent the day at our house yesterday. This morning I came to school quite early and learnt my lessons as usual. I thought when I commenced writing my Journal I should have a great deal of nonsense to write, but I find I have not as much as I expected.
Wednesday, April 6th, 1836.
It is very unpleasant to-day, the wind blows and it snows in flurries. Brother John watched at Mr. Lobdell's last night. I have no news.
Saturday, April 9th, 1836.
I did not write a Journal yesterday as I was not at school. Sister is sick and lame. It is very pleasant. This evening the singing school is at Mr. Glover's.
Monday, April 11, 1836.
I wrote in my Journal Saturday it was pleasant, and so it was then, but in the afternoon it commenced raining and continued doing so through the night. Sunday the water commenced rising and con- tinued to rise through the day. The water came up across the road on both sides of the square. In the forenoon I went to the Methodist meeting, they did not have any preaching, there was a prayer meeting. In the atternoon I went to church, the water had then just begun to run across the walk by the postoffice. Mr. Van Ingen preached. I rode home in a wagon, some went home in a boat. The people think there is great danger of the bridge going off, but last night the water fell a great deal so it does not run over both walks to-day. Mr. Lobdell and Mr. Guernsey died yesterday.
Wednesday, April 13, 1836.
I did not come to school yesterday afternoon as I went to Mr. Guernsey's funeral. Mr. Bush preached. His text was in Job, 14th chapter and first verse: "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." It was very pleasant yesterday, but to-day it is exactly the reverse. It is very cold and snows very fast. It is five or six inches deep I should think. This morning I came to school quite early and said verses, the one I learnt was in Proverbs, 18th chapter and 22d verse: "Whoso findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord."
Thursday, April 14th, 1836. To-morrow is the last day of school. We have no examina- tions.
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Monday, May 15, 1836.
I am again seated in my old seat at school. Miss Whitney is the teacher this term. There are a great many scholars from abroad at school this term already and more are expected this week.
Monday, May 30, 1836.
I have not written a Journal for some time because I have not had time. My Philosophy and Geography and Arithmetic occupy all the morning, and my Grammar the afternoon, as it is very difficult to learn. We have to learn all the fine print as well as the coarse, which I never did before, therefore it requires a great deal of attention and study. We write a composition once a fortnight, half the school one week and half the next. Wednesday afternoon is spent in reading and hearing compositions read. Miss Whitney takes a great deal of pains in our reading. There are 44 scholars in school. Miss Whitney has no assistant yet, but is going to have one as soon as the trustees can get one. Friday evening I went to Mr. Tracy's to singing school. The next one is on Friday next at Mr. Glover's. There was one at church as usual last Sunday at 5 o'clock at the Episcopal church. Next Sunday the Bishop is expected. We are learning several pieces of music for the occasion. Last week Thursday evening Mr. H. and G. Van Wagenen came from New York and took tea at our house on Saturday.
Tuesday, June 7th, 1836.
Last Saturday Sister went up to Norwich to hear the Bishop. Sun- day he was here. There were two baptised and eleven confirmed. The Bishop called at our house in the evening but I did not see him. Monday Sister went to Greene with the Bishop and returned in the evening. The singers had selected and learnt several pieces to sing, but the Bishop would let them sing none of them. Wednesday was the celebration of the. capture of Santa Anna. The boys fired the cannon in the afternoon and evening. It happened to be a singing school at Mr. Clarke's, and the Oxford band played upon the stoop, and fireworks on the green, which were splendid. We did not sing much that evening. There are 49 scholars in school now. Emily Maples has come back and E. Cannon is coming this week.
Thursday, June 16th, 1836.
The 10th of June went over to Fayetteville at meeting. The Bishop was there. I went over with Colonel Van Wagenen and sister and M. Van Wagenen and S. Perkins. We had a very pleasant ride. Sister E. and H. Cary went over on horseback and when we came back I rode Sister's horse and she came in the carriage. We had a delightful ride. Monday A. Miller and I went down to Mr. Stevenses. We had a very pleasant visit of course. Yesterday we went up stairs to hear the young gentlemen speak. There were between 30 and 40 spoke and 4 or 5 compositions read. I was very glad there was no more as they were so long. I got very tired. The Miss Cobbs have come from N. York. They are very pretty girls. I called on them last evening. There are 52 scholars in school now.
Monday, June 20, 1836.
Yesterday the son of Mr. Rufus Baldwin was drowned, Lyman Baldwin aged 18. He was in the river bathing when he was drowned.
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Tuesday, July 5th, 1836.
The assistant teacher, Miss Page, has come from Owego. She came last week and Mrs. Throop and Mary came the first of last week, they are now at Mr. Miller's. Saturday there was one of the greatest hail storms here ever known. It lasted one hour and a quarter. The hail stones were so large as to break windows. Yesterday was a very still day here for the fourth of July. The band went to Nor- wich, and the older ladies, I mean not the smallest girls such as myself, went to ride to Greene with the young gentlemen and a very sad acci- dent happened to Angeline Wheeler. As the party was returning home they got this side of Mr. Morgan's and the horses run and the car- riage broke and all were upset. A. W. was hurt most, her leg was broken and what else I do not know as yet. The party left her at the tavern and the rest or part of them came home. Here ended the 4th of July, 1836. and my Journal also.
How sleep the brave who sink to rest, By all their country's wishes bless'd ! -COLLINS.
When the Revolutionary War broke out Thomas Van- Gaasbeck and Elisha Jewell were among those who took up arms in defense of their country, whose soil had been invaded by a hostile force, and rendered as volunteers what service they could. Both were young, ardent and brave. After the close of the war they came to Oxford to reside. Mr. Van-Gaasbeck died on the 28th of April, 1841, aged 82; and Mr. Jewell on the 15th of March, 1842, aged 85. The bodies of the old veterans rest in peace in Riverview cemetery.
UDGE HENRY STEVENS, born in 1792, at Enfield, Ct., came in 1802 with his parents to Chenango County. In 1807 he was a student in Oxford Academy. After fin- ishing his studies at this institution he read law with Stephen O. Runyan, and in 1814 he commenced the prac- tice of law in Cortland, where he died in 1869.
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Sunday is the golden clasp that binds together the volume of the week .- LONGFELLOW.
Congregational Church.
A period of about eight years had elapsed after the first institution of learning was erected before there was any re- ligious organization in Oxford. However the church his- tory had a beginning September 19, 1799, when the first religious society was incorporated and designated as the "Associated Presbyterian Society in Oxford." Its earl- iest foundations however, were labors of Uri Tracy, of whom mention is made elsewhere, for prior to the forma- tion of any church in Oxford he seems to have been recog- nized as virtually the pastor of the community. The min- ister who was instrumental in organizing this church was the Rev. John Camp, a graduate of Yale college. He was one of the trustees of Oxford Academy, and apart from his ministerial labors he seems to have been a helpful, uplift- ing factor both in the promotion of education and religion. His home was on the farm northeast of the village, now owned and occupied by James Burke. The first trustees of the church were: Uri Tracy, Jonathan Bush, Edward Robbins, Joshua Mersereau, John Nash, Nathan Carpen- ter, Solomon Curtis, Lyman Ives, and Ephraim Fitch. Solomon Curtis received the appointment of deacon.
The Congregational church at Sherburne was the only earlier organization of the kind in Chenango county.
The Associated Presbyterian Society was formed in the first Academy building on Washington Square. Its pas- tor, the Rev. Mr. Camp, withdrew after a ministry of three
.
CENTENNIAL TABLET 73 -- 1394
ERECTED IN COMMEMORATION OF THE PATRIOTIO BOTTOM OF THE STUDENTS OF OXFORD HONDERD WHOWIN 1361 - 1555 VOLUNTARILY PERILED THEIR LIVES BLDEFENSE OF THE UNION SID THE FLAG.
TRIBUTE OF PERPETUAL REMEMBRANCE AND JADVING MONOR SITTTHE TRUSTEES TEACHERS ESTUDENTS AND FRIENDS OF OXFORD WALADENY 'IN CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION ASSEMBLED JUNE 28-291893.
3
CONGREGATIONAL CHURGH and Miller Memorial Chapel
BRONZE MEMORIAL TABLET IN OXFORD ACADEMY
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years, after which for six years there was no regular preaching. In October, 1807, The President, a village journal, announced, "The Trustees of the Associated Presbyterian Society, Uri Tracy, Stephen O. Runyan, and Amos A. Franklin, notwithstanding the rumors of war, and the excommunication of the emperor, will receive sub- scriptions to the new church, without further delay." Early in 1808 the society which had been partially dis- solved, again united and in June of that year installed the Rev. Eli Hyde as pastor by means of a ministerial council assembled for that purpose. He preached for four years until the people were no longer able to give him an adequate support and was then dismissed in the year 1812.
Up to this time twenty-two persons had united with the church, and their names constitute the earliest roll of members now extant. The list is as follows: James Mitchel, Agnes Mitchel, Eber Scofield, Solomon Curtis, Sarah Curtis, Moses Bennett, Mary Bennett, Lucy Smith, Hannah Cary, Keziah Balcom, Massy Brooks, Sarah Holmes, Hannah Noble, Moses Keyes, Margaret Keyes, Abigail Stephens, David Tracy, Mary Tracy, Eleazur Smith, Isaac Foote, Anna Foote, Rachel Morris. The fol- lowing minutes are on the church books, November 29, 1810: " The church after having looked to God for spec- ial direction in the choice of a deacon proceded and made choice of Amos A. Franklin to the office." At a meeting after lecture January 13, 1811, " Brother Franklin pub- licly consecrated to the office by prayer." For twelve years or more from the time of its organization the con- gregation assembled at the Academy, and then worshiped at the home of Deacon Franklin, which stood probably on the site now occupied by the residence of Dr. J. W. Thorp.
Although without a minister the new church held its stated meetings each week, at which services were con-
-
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ducted by Deacons Gile and Franklin. As the congrega- tion became too large for his house he prepared the up- per story of his cabinet shop as a place of worship, and insti- tuted a flourishing Sunday school, of which he was for many years superintendent. The building has since been converted into a dwelling and is now the house of George A. Mallory. Ministers were secured whenever one could be found and of whatever denomination to supply the church on each Sunday. The Society was reorganized in January, 1818. This act became necessary owing to some irregularity in the matter of electing trustees which had the effect of dissolving the Society, according to law. Three trustees were now elected, namely: Solomon Bundy, William Gile and Amos A. Franklin. There was a de- cided renewal of religious interest among the members in 1821, through the earnest efforts of Rev. Marcus Harrison, who ministered to them for several Sabbaths and insti- tuted a revival. Its results were so encouraging, many being converted, that a general desire was expressed for the erection of a new sanctuary. This idea received the approval of their fellow citizens, the work was begun the following year with many misgivings and involving great sacrifices. Through the generosity of Mr. Ira Willcox, a most energetic business man, ground for a fine site was furnished ; enough money was collected to erect the frame and cover it on both sides. At this point, as the funds subscribed had been expended and the minister who was such a help in the undertaking having gone, nothing further could be done.
During the fall of the same year, 1822, Rev. Joseph D. Wickham came by chance to Oxford and was invited by Deacon Franklin to preach on Sunday. He preached three sermons in the deacon's cabinet shop, which was well filled with listeners who were much pleased and asked him to
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settle here. The invitation was accepted and he entered upon the pastorate in January, 1823. His presence ex- cited a fresh interest in the new church, and another sub- scription was circulated with success. Mr. Willcox lent valuable aid in directing the workmen, and on the last day of July the edifice was dedicated to divine worship, Rev. Edward Andrews preaching the sermon from the text: " And I saw no temple therein; for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."
The Oxford Gazette of August 6, 1823, contains the fol- lowing account of the dedication :
The new Presbyterian Church in this village, was dedicated to the ser- vice of Almighty God on Thursday last. An eloquent & appropriate dis- course, from Revelation xxi, 22, was delivered on the occasion, by the Rev. Edward Andrews, of Norwich.
After the dedication, the Rev. Joseph D. Wickham was ordained to the work of the Ministry. The prayer introductory to the solemnities of or- dination, was offered by Rev. Charles Avery, of Columbus; and the conse- crating prayer by the Rev. Lyman S. Rexford, of Sherburne. The Rev. Asa Donaldson, of Guilford, delivered the charge; and the Rev. John B. Hoyt, of Greene, gave the right hand of fellowship, and offered the con- cluding prayer.
The occasion drew together a large concourse of people from this and the neighboring towns, who appeared much gratified at the services of the day. The choir of singers, under the direction of Mr. William J. Edson, by the style of their performance, reflected much credit upon the talents and abil- ities of their instructor.
We cannot refrain from noticing, at this time, the merits of Mr. M'George, the Architect. This Church, the second with which he has beautified our village, and the fourteenth built under his direction, we feel assured, for taste in design and neatness in execution, is not surpassed by any in the western part of New York.
The expense of construction had been about $4,000. Many changes were made in its interior in the year 1857; modern slips took the place of the old-fashioned box shap- ed pews, and new carpets were provided. Again in 1873 $10,000 were subscribed for making thorough modern im- provements, that year being the semi-centennial of the
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existence of the building. The body of the church was wholly transformed; its bare walls were decorated with rich frescoes and delicate carved work, and the floors cov- ered with bright new carpets, a large and imposing organ was procured and six memorial windows, presented by friends, recall the revered memories and noble examples of those whose good works will still remain after them. One in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Willcox, was the gift of their daughter, Mrs. A. A. Willcox, bearing as emblems a cross and calla lily entwined, and a cross with anchor and chain. The next adjoining is for Mrs. Sarah Chapman, and one for her son Mr. N. C. Chapman, was presented by the heirs of the latter in St. Louis. The first has figures of a crown and a bread fruit tree with sheaves of wheat above; the other of a chalice, cross and crown. Another bears the names of Mr. and Mrs. Epaphras Miller and their son, B. S. Miller, from the heirs of the former, with represen- tations of sheaves of wheat and the Christian armor, hel- met, sword and shield. There is also a window in memory of Mrs. Julia Vanderburgh, from her husband, Judge C. E. Vanderburgh of Minnesota, with designs of a harp and cross wreathed in flowers, the whole surmounted by the figure of a white dove with outspread wings. Another is the gift of Mrs. Caroline Baldwin of Minnesota, for her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Mygatt and their daughter Emily, having for emblems a chalice and sheaf of wheat surmounted by a crown. The rededication occurred May 6, 1874, when the sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. J. P. Gulliver, then of Binghamton, followed by an historical sketch by Rev. H. P. Collin, the pastor, with addresses by Revs. Samuel Scoville and J. C. Ward.
A parsonage was purchased in 1866 at a cost of $3,100. In 1887 a Memorial chapel was erected at a cost, with the lot, of upwards of $3,100, and dedicated February 1, 1888.
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It was erected by Mrs. Henry L. Miller to the memory of her husband and presented to the church and society. The chapel is built in the Queen Anne style, the area of the building, 30x50 feet, standing on a high basement of beau- tiful rock-faced blue stone. A handsome cupola corres- ponding to the general style of the building adorns the roof, which is finished with ornamental work, the gables and sides being shingled to the line of the cornice. The interior of the rooms and vestibule is wainscoted in the old English style, and stained to imitate old cherry, neatly finished in hard oil. It is lighted by Cathedral windows upon either side, each one of a different colored design. A beautiful memorial tablet in marble and brass adorns the wall near the main entrance.
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