Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 188

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452

USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations > Part 188

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At another time, during the Revolutionary war, he tried to rouse the people to a sense of their duty to their country. He told them it was high time to rise and shake off the foreign yoke; that sub- mission to England was no virtue; that rebellion was no crime. But he was told, during the week, that it was folly to think of overcoming Great Britain, and, failing, England would confiscate all their property. On the next Sabbath he brought the subject before them again and said: "You say you are afraid you will lose your property ! Prop- erty? you ought to be willing to lose your lives in the sacred cause of liberty !" Here the old man rose, and, bending under the weight of ninety years, in voice and gesture used his ministerial authority to enforce his sentiments. But the Tories, he said, considered him a troubler in Israel, and on that evening, as he was taking tea at a dwelling under the Helderberg, near the "Indian Ladder," they fired bullets into the house.

But the dominie took a light, and, in spite of the resistance of the women, who said the assailing party would kill him, rushed out, and he said they ran like cowards. It is cause for congratulation to all her citizens that such a Christian patriot min- istered in Guilderland. Let his name go down to posterity and be cherished by every generation here.

But Dominie Van Heusen was the first pastor. By his instructions and baptisms he drew together

and laid a good foundation for the church in com- ing years. He was a kind of second John the Baptist. He baptized all the children that were brought to him. Abraham Van Derpool, who was a worthy elder, and has just passed away, aged nearly one hundred years, stated that it was the practice of the dominie to visit the families be- fore communion and instruct the youth, telling them that their parents took on themselves the cov- enant vows for the children in infancy, but now it was their duty to assume them; gave them some catechism to learn, and then received them into the church. So far as can be learned, they had never witnessed any special season of grace. Still good christians grew up here, on whom grace had dis- tilled like the morning dew. After a noble service of thirty years he withdrew from the pastorate and soon after died, and was interred in the cemetery at New Scotland. Rev. Dr. Hardenburgh was next called, who, after a few months, was called to the city of New York. He was succeeded by Rev. Robert Blair, who, on account of impaired health, soon removed to New Jersey, but he left the footprints of a godly man, beloved by all the congregation. After him, they extended a call to Rev. Nanning Bogardus, a man of a robust con- stitution, with a lion-like voice, but it was soon discovered that he was not the man for the place, and he was dismissed.

They next called Rev. Thomas Frazer, who did good service for a short time; but, on account of some difference of opinion as to renting the seats, in which he took part, he impaired his influence, and, having a call to another charge, was dismissed. The next pastor was Rev. William Bailey, a young man who did good service, especially among the youth, in gathering them into the Sabbath school; but, after a short time, having a call to Schodack, he asked for a dismission, which was granted.

Rev. J. B. Steele was next called. He was a man of good talents and acquirements, a sound and instructive preacher, but confined himself very much to his home and his study. He was a lover of books and knowledge. Inspired somewhat with a spirit of poetry, he at length brought forth a very respectable volume of poems. But he never gained a warm affection from the people. He served them well for some six years, and then retired by mutual consent. He is still living-the oldest pastor in the Reformed Church.

In 1848 this church extended a unanimous call to Rev. Wm. P. Davis, with whom they were well acquainted, who came to the town in 1832 and commenced his service at the Glass House, a

859

THE TOWNSHIP OF GUILDERLAND.

village some four miles away, where his labors were greatly blessed, extending to the suburbs of Albany. He had often assisted in revival service in this con- gregation ; and as early as 1834 had been offered a call to this church, which he declined ; but he accepted the latter call, and was installed as pastor in 1848 ; and it may be interesting to quote a para- graph from his semi-centennial discourse, delivered in 1882 :

" At the time I was installed over this beloved people, I felt that God had let me fall just in the niche I was ordained to fill. I have ever been dis- posed to count it among the happiest circumstances of my life that my lot was cast here. I found a people kind, frank and friendly, who cast the mantle of charity over my many imperfections, and by whose cordial co-operation God has made use of the weakness of man to set off the luster of His sovereign grace. Before I proceed to a rehearsal of the grace of God here, I will say that abundant is the occasion I have in reviewing what God has done here-where I have reaped the first fruits of my labors ; where I have beheld the rich displays of converting grace, the remembrance of which will be fondly cherished to my dying day, and I trust will be revived again in brighter realms, and recounted in celestial songs-that all success has been of God. Let human instrumentalities be forgotten, while the remembrance of what God has done be cherished to the glory of His grace. To illustrate the work of grace here, I may state that as early as September, 1832, I was called to perform service here, and have preached more or less for fifty years within your bounds ; was invited to assist in some of the first revival efforts in this place, and well remember the first service in the old red church, a structure of from 50 to 60 feet square. It was well filled ; never saw so many old men together. Some covered their bald heads with bandana handkerchiefs. But as I came down from the high goblet-shaped pulpit, O, what a greeting I received ! I could see by the expression of their eyes and the transparency of their looks that it meant goodness of heart, open frankness, genuine hospitality, and these I have ever found to be the characteristics of Dutchmen. But the spirit of God was poured out, and many were examined to unite with the church. One woman rose and told her experience, revealing the wonderful grace of God.

"Long before I became pastor I witnessed several special seasons of grace. But as pastor I was received with open arms. They gave me the most cordial co-operation in everything pertaining to the prosperity of this church ; they came forward with willing hearts and liberal hands ; they adopted as a rule : Owe no man any thing ; hence the funds were subscribed before work began."

In 1834 the old red church gave place to a com- modious house of worship, which answered well their purpose for thirty-four years, when it was

necessary, to meet the wants of this large and in- creasing congregation, to build again. For this purpose ten subscribed $200 each, viz. : John Bloomingdale, Adam Bloomingdale, William Rel- yea, Jacob N. Hallenbeck, James Fryer, Alexan- der Fryer, Abram Van Auken, Myndert La Grange, William P. Davis. Twenty-three signed $100 each, and so on till about $8,000 was raised, and the year 1867 witnessed the erection of a beautiful and substantial structure, with circular gallery and commodious audience room, 50 by 80 feet, with the most comfortable model seats, handsomely furnished, ceilings frescoed and ornamented- nothing gaudy, but all presenting a uniform and fine view; capable of seating seven hundred ; with suitable spire and fine-toned bell of 2,060 pounds. It was erected under the ministry of the Rev. Wm. P. Davis, who drew the plan and specifications, and was chairman of the building committee. Completed at an expense of not less than $9,000, without debt.

In 1856 the parsonage, standing on the south part of the parsonage farm of fifty acres, conveyed to this church by the late Patroon, was remodeled and enlarged, at an expense of $1,600; previous to which, a line of sheds 600 feet long, the best to be found in Albany County, was built, with ample grounds, all inclosed with a fine banister fence standing on rock ; all of which bespeaks the liberality and piety of a good people in the best of causes. We again quote from the semi-centennial sermon :

"As to the spiritual prosperity of this church, there are many still living who can bear testimony that they have witnessed the grace of God, not only as the morning dew, but in refreshing showers from on high, and that revival has followed revival for more than twenty years. In 1858 we enjoyed a Pentacostal season. Such was the prayerful de- sire that we could stand still and see the salvation of God.

"The result was an addition of 100 on the first Sabbath in May ; and three years after 65 were added to the church.'

We cannot go farther into detail, but will state one or two things which contributed to this result. One was the organization of a ladies' sewing soci- ety, which extended through the whole congrega- tion, and brought into social intercourse the whole parish, without respect of persons. They had a good entertainment, and closed with prayer. This was kept up for eight months. Then the ladies' fair, in a spacious tent, which cleared $450, pur- chased a fine-toned bell, which became the loudest preacher to call all to the house of God. This

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

not only produced harmony of views, but in bring- ing all the people into social intercourse with the pastor, and as all had taken part in the enterprise, it created a united interest and produced a wonder- ful revolution in church-going to the present time. This is witnessed by a stranger with surprise, to see some three hundred carriages coming from dif- ferent directions to the churches on the Sabbath morning. Another is the interest resulting from the Sabbath school. Fifty years ago there was no Sabbath school in this vicinity. Revival influence led to the organization of many, and so conducted as to become the nursery of the church. By judi- cious instruction the youth have been kept within the bounds of the church, and so efficient has been the application of truth as to lead many of them to Christ.

Sabbath school concerts originated in Guil- derland, which excited an interest throughout all this community. When, at length, the county convention met here, Dr. Lawyers and other eloquent speakers said they had come to stir us up, but they were stirred up themselves by the interest manifested and asked how it had been produced. They were answered that it was the result of our Sunday school concerts. They said they would record this as the banner town of the county, and from their recommendation this local practice obtained in other towns and counties. But the moving power of all we attribute to the prayer- ful co-operation of all, and more especially to the devoted efforts and prayers of a band of godly mothers in Israel.

After witnessing the blessing of God on this church for more than twenty years, in the comple- tion of the edifice and the enlargement of the con- gregation, Alexander Fryer and wife, who had been awaiting the dedication of the church with deep in- terest, died nearly at the same time, and were brought to the church, and this funeral service was the first performed in the building. And there, too, the church and congregation were dedicated to the ser- vice of the Triune God in the presence of the dead.

Soon after this Rev. Wm. P. Davis, having a call to Rotterdam, accepted, and was dismissed in 1869.

Rev. S. L. Gamble became his successor, and during his pastorate of fourteen years the church has been greatly blessed; revival has followed revival ; large numbers have been added to the church; and it now reports two hundred and fifty- one families and five hundred and thirty-four com- municants.

HAMILTON UNION CHURCH OF GUILDERLAND.

This church, of the Presbyterian faith, was organized, March 25, 1824, by a committee of the Presbytery of Albany, Rev. Mr. Weed, of Albany, acting as moderator. The original members numbered seventeen. In the fall of 1825 the membership had increased to thirty-seven. October 19, that year, Rev. Judson Buck, the first pastor, was installed. His successors have been as follows: Rev. William P. Davis, who was install- ed December 1, 1835; Rev. Mr. Cooney; Rev. B. H. Pitman, of Albany, who entered upon his pastoral duties in 1847; Rev. J. Clancy, who came in 1852; Rev. W. Frothingham, who was installed in January, 1856; Rev. W. W. Page, who assumed charge in June, 1862; Rev. J. B. Adams, who was installed June 1, 1865; Rev. D. Vermilye, who came in 1869; Rev. W. P. Davis, who entered upon a second pastorate in May, 1873; Rev. J. O. Van Fleet, who came in February, 1880; and the pres- ent pastor, Rev. Dr. Webster Belden, who has served since November, 1881.

The membership of this church is about one hundred. Its house of worship was dedicated January 30, 1834.

GUILDERLAND METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

Methodist preaching has been conducted in this town during nearly the whole of this century. At first it was in private houses; then for a long time service was held in the school-house of the Chese- bro District, near Fuller's Station. About 1852 a great revival occurred, and the people began to cast about for a more permanent place of worship.

Guilderland village, familiarly known as the Glass House, was settled upon as the appro- priate place. Land for a church building was there donated by Geo. C. Batterman, and a church edifice, costing about $2,000, was erected and dedicated in the autumn of 1852.

On April 18, 1853, a regular church organiza- tion was effected, and the church incorporated, with the following as trustees: Henry Spawn, John Arnold, Giles Reagles, Isaac Pearl, Robert D. Carhart, Elijah Chesebro, Wm. Powel, Williams Chesebro and M. Y. Cheesebrough.

In May, 1854, the present parsonage property was purchased for about $900.

In 1866, during the pastorate of the Rev. E. E. Taylor, the church was raised and a basement for chapel purposes placed under it, a gallery was built across the end and several other altera- tions made, the whole improvement costing about $3,000.

861

THE TOWNSHIP OF GUILDERLAND.

Again, in 1884, under the labors of Rev. E. C. IIoyt, the church was repaired inside and outside, at a cost of $600.

Since the erection of the present church edifice the following pastors have officiated at its altar:

Revs. Alvin Robbins, Bishop Isbell, A. Osborn, J. F. Craig, Andrew Heath, Andrew Garvin, E. E. Taylor, J. Leonard, B. F. Livingston, W. J. Sands, J. B. Wood, Jarvis Devol, J. S. Bridgford, George W. Easton, John Lemley, C. V. Grismer, Myron White and E. C. Hoyt.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF M'KOWNSVILLE.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of McKouns- ville is situated about one mile west of the Albany City line, on the western turnpike. It was the out- growth of Sunday school services held in a neigh- boring school-house, in which there was also occa- sional preaching.

The church edifice was built in 1866, an acre of ground for the purpose having been given by Mr. John McKown. The original cost of the structure

was about $2,800. During 1884, the church was repaired and improved, at an expense of about $250.

This organization has been connected with the church at Guilderland in one pastoral charge, and has had the following pastors: Revs. E. E. Taylor, J. Leonard, B. F. Livingston, W. J. Sands, J. B. Wood, J. Devol, J. S. Bridgford, George W. Easten, John Lemley, C. V. Grismer, Myron White, E. C. Hoyt. It has a membership of fifty and an average attendance of about 150.

THE STATE ROAD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The State Road Methodist Church was organized in 1864, by Rev. E. E. Taylor, with thirty mem- bers. A house of worship was erected in 1865, at a cost of nearly $4,000, largely through the gene- rosity of a Mr. Parker, who was residing tem- porarily in the neighborhood of Fuller's Station. The first pastor was Rev. John N. Short. The present pastor is Rev. William O. Tower, who lives at Schenectady.

862

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

ALITTLE

Abriss

HON. HIRAM GRIGGS.

The first of the family of Griggses, of which Hon. Hiram Griggs, of Knowersville, is a representative, who came to America, was John Griggs, a Scotch- man. The peculiar circumstances of his emi- gration are traditional in the family. Drafted into the British service during the war of the Revolution, he made his escape from an English man-of-war when off the coast of Connecticut, in Long Island Sound, and swam ashore. In time he seems to have made his way to Massachusetts, where he married Mary Skeels. Removing not long after- ward to New York State, he settled in Old Schoharie (now Esperance), Schoharie County. He had six children, of whom the fourth in order of nativity was John P. Griggs, father of Hiram Griggs, who was born in Esperance in 1797, and died in Guilderland in 1869. His wife, Margaret Vervaline, a native of Dutchess County, survives him, aged eighty-three. John P. Griggs had five children, four sons and a daughter, of whom Hiram Griggs was the fourth, born in Esperance, March 18, 1836.

Mr. Griggs received his early education in com- mon schools. Later he attended the Schoharie Academy, at Schoharie, N. Y., until the fall of 1856. During a few years thereafter he assisted his father, who was the proprietor of the Schoharie mills, in his business, and taught school several

terms. In the spring of 1860 he entered the law office of Hobart Krum, of Schoharie, and was a student there until September 30, 1862. On the 8th day of May, 1861, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, and on the 8th day of July, 1867, he was admitted to practice in the District Court of the United States for the Northern District of New York. September 30, 1862, he opened a law office in Knowersville, where he has since resided, and been continuously engaged in the practice of his profession.

In 1867 Mr. Griggs was elected Supervisor of the town of Guilderland, and was re-elected each succeeding year until 1877, and was President of the Board in 1873 and 1874. In the fall of 1871 he was the candidate of his party for the office of Surrogate of Albany County, but was defeated by Peter A. Rogers (Democrat) by a very small majority. In 1877 he was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature, and he was re-elected for two succeeding terms. During this period he served on many important committees, including the Committee of Ways and Means, the Committee on General Laws, the Committee on Commerce and Navigation, and the Sub-Committee of the Whole. Mr. Griggs cast his first vote in 1857 in favor of Republican principles, and has been a stanch Re- publican ever since,

THE TOWNSHIP OF GUILDERLAND.

863

Jodler Shaver

On the 11th day of September, 1872, Mr. Griggs married Helen C. Wright, of Knowersville, a daughter of Joseph W. Wright, who for many years was a leading merchant and business man of that village.

PETER SHAVER.

The late PETER SHAVER was born in New Scotland (then Bethlehem), Albany County, July 19, 1795, a son of Henry and Alida (Bradt) Shaver. His father was a native of Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, N. Y., and, when Peter was eight years old, re- moved to Guilderland with his family.

Peter Shaver was reared on his father's farm. His educational advantages were limited to common schools, reading and study at home, and he never attended school after he was fourteen years old. He was yet quite young at the outbreak of the war of 1812-14, but he saw active service in that struggle, and was one of the few remaining pen-

sioners of that war living. In 1838 he bought his farm near Dunnsville. He became promi- nent in local affairs, and was chosen Supervisor of Guilderland, in which capacity he served four years, declining a re-election, and his ability for public service of a much higher order was recognized by his choice to a membership of the Constitutional Convention of 1846 to revise the Constitution of the State of New York. Polit- ically, he was long a Whig and afterward a Repub- lican. He was married in 1817 to Catharine Banker Waldron, daughter of Hon. Cornelius H. Waldron. They had a son, Henry P. Shaver, and a daughter, Hester Shaver. Mr. Shaver was a member, and for some time treasurer, of the Re- formed Dutch Church of Guilderland.

His recent death was widely and deeply re- gretted, for it removed one of the best known connecting links between the earlier and later history of the town.

S64

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

A LITTLE.

HENRY P. CROUNSE.

The first of the family of Crounse in America was Frederick Crounse, from Wurtemberg, Ger- many. The family descended from a Polish noble- man named Krounsky, who had fled from Poland and found refuge in Germany. The pioneer lo- cated on a tract of land embracing the present farm of Henry P. Crounse, and died on the place in 1777. At the time he came to Guilderland his son Frederick (2d) was seven years old. Freder- ick (2d), who was the grandfather of Peter Crounse, died in 1828. John Crounse, son of Frederick (2d) and father of Peter Crounse, was born on the farm above mentioned in 1770, and died there, March 2, 1854. Frederick Crounse (2d) was very patriotic during the Revolutionary struggle, and contributed liberally toward the support of the American cause.

John Crounse married Elizabeth Livingston. Their son, Peter, was born in Guilderland, Janu- ary 6, 1798. He was brought up a farmer boy, and attended the public schools of his town. He has been a life-long farmer, though for a time he was the proprietor and operator of a small tan-

nery, which was located on the Crounse home- stead. In 1821 he married Miss Margaret Smith, a native of Rhinebeck, N. Y., who died in 1879, at the age of seventy-seven. They had nine chil- dren, seven of whom are living. The eldest, Henry P. Crounse, owns and resides on the old Crounse homestead. Mr. Crounse was a Whig, politically, until he united with the Republican party, early in its history. Always interested in public affairs, yet he was not an active politician, and, though often solicited to do so, always reso- lutely refused to accept any office. For genera- tions the family has been connected with the Lutheran Church, and in his advanced years Mr. Crounse finds much consolation in the con- nection.

Henry P. Crounse was born in Guilderland in 1822, and has been a life-long resident on the old Crounse homestead. In 1860 he married Miss Susan Crounse, daughter of Conrad Crounse, of Guilderland, who has borne him five sons and three daughters. One of the sons died in in- fancy. Mr. Crounse is a Republican, and his family are members of the Lutheran Church of Knowersville.

THE TOWNSHIP OF GUILDERLAND.

865

FREDERICK CROUNSE, M. D.

FREDERICK CROUNSE was born in the town of Sharon, Schoharie County, New York, February 3, 1807, the eldest son of Jacob and Harriet Crounse. His parents were both of German de- scent. His father was born in Guilderland, Albany County, March 8, 1783. He became a farmer, and at the age of twenty-four years located upon a farm in Sharon, Schoharie County. Dr. Crounse's grandparents emigrated to this country from Wurtemberg, Germany, and became successful and well-to-do farmers and true patriots in the home of their adoption. Frederick was reared under the careful supervision of his father, and, in early years exhibiting an aptitude for books, was given the benefit of the best instruction to be obtained in the common schools, which he improved to the best of his ability. He was then placed under the private tutorship of the Rev. Adam Crounse, a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and a fine classical scholar, with whom he remained two years and a half, giving his attention more particularly to the study of the languages. After completing this course, he entered the office of Dr.

John C. Miller, at Sharon, New York, with whom he pursued the study of medicine a year and a half. He then entered the office of Dr. Delos White, of Cherry Valley, New York, with whom he studied during the summer months and attended lectures at Fairfield Medical College during the winter, where he graduated after attending three full courses of lectures, and was one of six appointed by the faculty of the college to read their theses at the graduating exercises, which took place in February, 1830. He began the practice of medi- cine at Bethlehem in partnership with Dr. Israel Day. He remained with Dr. Day one year, when, in consequence of the death of his mother, he returned to Sharon, New York, and practiced his profession there a year, at the expiration of which he removed to Knowersville, Albany County, where he began practice, May 24, 1833, and where he has remained since, enjoying a large and re- munerative practice and possessing the confidence and esteem of the public in an eminent degree. He is still actively engaged in the practice of his pro- fession, and even at his advanced age keeps abreast of the times, and is thoroughly informed upon the latest subjects of medical interest.

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Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 188

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888 Publication date: 1886 Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co. Number of Pages: 1452

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452