Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 84

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823-
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman
Number of Pages: 1094

USA > New York > Jefferson County > Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894 > Part 84

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STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

In 1828 the church was struck by lightning. It was at the close of a sultry afternoon in July. It was on Friday, and a service had been appointed to be held at 5 p. m. by an Episcopal clergyman from Sackets Harbor, who occupied the pulpit together with the Rev. John Sessions, who was then pastor of the church. The news was soon circulated among the inhabitants that such a service would be held, and many availed themselves of the opportunity, and at the appointed time gathered at the church. A portentous cloud that boded a fearful storm was seen to hover over the little village, and as there was a lightning rod attached to the church, some

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sought it as a place of safety. The services were not far advanced when the storm burst in all its fury. Flash after flash of vivid lightning was seen, while the deafening peals of thunder drowned at intervals the speaker's voice. Suddenly a fiery bolt struck the rod, and breaking it in twain, entered the roof, rending and tearing the building in a fearful manner. Plastering was torn from the ceil- ings, glass was shattered to atoms, and many of the pillars supporting the long gallery were shivered so fine as to be worthless. All the long line of stovepipe centering in the large drum in the body of the church fell to the floor, and the corner of the building was rent asunder many feet. Miraculous as it may appear, no one was injured save by fright. Every one fled from the church, few ever being able to tell how they escaped. It was said that Mr. Sessions jumped over the top of his high pulpit, but probably the reverend gentleman knew no better than others how he escaped from the building, his only thought for the moment being for his wife, who had been in the body of the church, and who with bonnet in hand, was fleeing up the street amid torrents of rain, towards home and children. The church was repaired, but for many years marks of the destroyer were plainly visible.

July, 1811, Rev. Chauncey Cook was in- stalled as its first pastor, in which year 25 members were added. The church was organ- ized as a Congregational one, but in 1821 it became Presbyterian. Abel Clary, Jacob Kellogg, Josiah Heinman, Westwood Wright, William Grenell and Samuel Bond were its first session of eldership. A Sunday School was organized in 1818, with Perley D. Stone as superintendent, and it is said to be the first one established in Jefferson county. Many distinguished men have at different times occupied its pulpit. The Rev. Jedediah Bur- chard, although never a settled preacher, labored much among the people as an evangel- ist, often meeting with marked success in adding large numbers to the church, Al- though at times he indulged in eccentricities, the people felt the utmost confidence in his goodness and sincerity. Under the influence of his preaching, Charles G. Finney, who was then a law student in the office of Judge Benjamin Wright, was converted. Mr. Finney afterwards attained a national repu- tation as an evangelist, and still later became president of Oberlin College, Ohio. At the same time, and under the same influence Orson Parker was converted. Mr. Parker became one of the most powerful preachers of his day. In the early days of the church, the father of Robert Ingersoll was for a few years its pastor. He was a talented man, much respected and beloved by his people. During his residence in Adams the now famous "Bob Ingersoll" was born. About 1851 the Rev. P. C. Headly came to Adams as pastor of the church. He was a man pos- sessed of rare talents, both as a clergyman and an author. While here he wrote several books, which added much to his celebrity. He was a brother of J. T. Headley, a well-

known and much admired writer in those days. Its present pastor is DeWitt L. Pelton, and its present membership is 173. H. H. Waite is superintendent of its Sabbath school with 10 teachers and 125 scholars.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The church was first organized in 1827 by Elisha Wheeler. . The trustees then elected were Laban Ross, Philip Young, David Wright, Zephaniah Tucker, Chester McKee, Daniel Dikeman and John Adams. Their first house of worship was purchased of the Presbyterians. This was afterwards burned, and in 1852 a new church was erected on the same site at a cost of $600. One of the trustees appointed at its organization was Zephaniah Tucker, whose name is incorrectly given as Jacker, in former histories of Jeffer- son county. During the two succeeding years they depended upon itinerant preachers, but in consequence of the many obstacles they had encountered, and the difficulties they saw were yet to be overcome, a petition was forwarded to Conference in 1830, asking that an experienced clergyman be assigned to that charge. With pleasing anticipations they looked forward to the advent of a man of large experience and wisdom to instruct them the coming year. Near the close of a day in early June, a boyish form was seen slowly riding up the long street now known as Church street. He sat upon a sorrel colt whose youth was as apparent as that of his rider. Many a curious gaze was directed toward him, as a stranger upon the streets of the rural hamlet was not a common occur- rence. Stopping by the wayside he inquired for a well-known Methodist brother, and it was at once suspected that this youth might be the new minister, and sarcastic smiles were seen to rest upon the faces of those who looked upon this new sect as rather an un- necessary innovation in their midst. It was with ill-concealed disappointment that the elder Methodist members beheld in this boy, who then numbered but 19 summers, the one who was to guide and direct their spiritual interests in place of the wise and discreet elderly man they were prepared to meet. Wisely concluding, however, to suspend their judgment until a later day, they awaited patiently for the Sabbath, when an oppor- tunity would be afforded to test the ability of the new preacher. The day arrived, and with failing hearts the little band wended their way to their accustomed seats-one side of the building being occupied by the men, while the opposite side was reserved for the ladies, as was then the custom. The new minister entered the pulpit; he offered a prayer and

read a hymn. Then he selected a text, and a flow of eloquence, the like of which they had never listened to, fell from the lips of the youth. With wondering eyes and open ears, and I might add open mouths. for they drank in every word, they sat, unable to conceal their astonishment.

His fame soon spread abroad, and at times the church was found inadequate to contain

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the numbers drawn thither to hear the gospel proclaimed by this singularly gifted man. Large numbers were added to the church. and from this time its prosperity was established, and I am told that its members now exceed those of any church in Adams. This young clergyman was Rev. William Ward Ninde. During his residence in Adams he married Miss Mary More, of Lowville, and Bishop Xavier W. Ninde, their eldest son, was born in Adams.

Its pulpit has often been occupied by the most able men of the former Black River, now the Northern New York Conference. At present Rev. Eugene Joy, who has recently entered upon his third year, is its pastor. The membership of its Sunday School is 238, with 34 teachers. Mr. Newton is the super- intendent.

In 1885 the church was repaired, windows of stained glass were added, and a new par- sonage was built.

THE BAPTISTS.

The first society of Baptists was formed in Adams village in the fall of 1846, by the efforts of Rev. Charles Clark. The church was built in the summer of 1847, and dedi- cated the following winter. Mr. Clark occupied the pulpit until 1850, when he re- moved to Oneida and subsequently to Rome, where he died in 1852. Several clergymen of distinguished ability afterwards occupied the pulpit, and among them were Revs. Adam Cleghorn and M. C. Manning. In 1871 the building was replaced by a handsome brick edifice; its membership has increased to 257.

Rev. W. F. Bastian is its present pastor ; O. B. Rhodes is superintendent of the Sabbath School. There are 158 scholars and 18

teachers. The present trustees are John Sin- clair, F. H. Swan, W. L. Brown, H. O. Ken- yon, E. J. Waite, A. W. Ingraham, W. D. Arms, G. H. Legg and S. H. Pitcher. Its first trustees were Jesse Wright, Hanibal Miller, Spencer Woodward and Samuel Har- man.

By the efforts of Henry B Whipple and others, Emmanuel Church was built in 1849. The society had been organized with 10 mem- bers. Henry B. Whipple and William John- son were chosen wardens. John McCarty, David Gaylord, Hiram Salisbury, Philip R. Ward, John Wright, Charles Rogers and William Dixon, vestrymen; Rev. Osgood E. Herrick was the first rector.

In 1875 a rectory was purchased, and Rev, O. E. Kenyon is the present rector. There are at present 60 communicants. In connec- tion with the church is a Sabbath-School, with a membership of 40 scholars and 6 teachers. C. V. Clark is its superintendent.

The Seventh Day Baptist Church at Adams Centre, was organized June 9, 1822. At the same time William Greene was ordained pastor, and Jared S. Potter deacon. The society was legally incorporated in 1836. Its house of worship was completed in 1837, repaired and enlarged in 1868. Other changes and improvements were made at various times.

The present officers are: Pastor, A. B. Prentice; deacons, N. G. Whitford, Gould Trowbridge, O. DeGrass Greene, George W. Gardner; clerk, O. D. Greene, jr. Member- ship 308. Sabbath School-W. W. Prentice, superintendent; W. D. Ayers, assistant superintendent. Membership, 300.

The First Day Baptist Church at Adams Centre was organized in 1853 with a member- ship of 32 persons. Ezra Hull, Oliver Mc- Kee and Silas Glazier were trustees, and the following summer a church was built at a cost of $3,500. It has 150 members, with a Sabbath School in connection, but at present has no pastor.

The Seventh Day Advent Church at Adams Centre was organized in 1863 with 18 mem- bers. Later a church edifice was erected, and a Sabbath-School was held in connection. No pastor is in charge of its people at the present time.

Adams village was incorporated under the laws of 1847. In 1853 there was a special act passed making it a separate road district, and, December 5, 1884, a vote was taken. and it was decided to come under the law of 1870 for the incorporation of villages of the State of New York. It has now a popula- tion of about 1,600. The boundaries of the original corporation were enlarged on the petition of the board of trustees to the super- visors, at the session of said board in Decem- ber, 1892.

The first trustees of the village were John Whipple, Samuel Bond, Calvin Skinner, Cal- vin R. Totman and Wells Benton. The present board is Henry Kenyon, E. Waite, F. Swan, with Frank Kenyon president of the board.

In 1848 a cemetery association was formed under the name of Rural Cemetery, and several acres of ground were added to the original place of burial. A legacy of $5,000 was bequeathed by the will of the late Erastus Hale, the interest of which is to be expended for the benefit of the grounds. Many hand- some and expensive monuments are found here, among which are those of R. B. Dox- tater, Judge Calvin Skinner, Judge William C. Thompson, John C. Cooper, William A. Gilbert, C. C. Case, Erastus Hale, J. Gris- wold, and many others. . Many a hero of '76 lies buried here, and here also sleep many who died to save our Union.

These grounds contain a convenient receiv- ing vault, and several acres have recently been added. By a wise expenditure of means, notwithstanding the many improvements that have been made, the funds from the Hale legacy and other sources have accumulated, and a chapel has recently been constructed at a cost of $2,500.

Elmwood cemetery lies a short distance west of the railroad-a description of which will be found elsewhere.

ADAMS STATE-ROAD CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.

This cemetery lies midway between Adams Centre and the State Road. It contains three acres, and presents an appearance which

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reflects credit upon those who bury their loved ones within its borders. Many beauti- ful monuments adorn these grounds, among which are those of John A. D. Snell, William Fuller, Royal Fuller, Joseph Webb, Pixley Phelps and others. Within these grounds also rest the remains of the parents of the late Henry Keep, to whose memory he caused to be erected a handsome memorial.

Adams Centre cemetery lies a short distance south of the village, and the resting-place of many of its residents is marked by expensive monuments and other emblems of living re- membrance.

VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.

Adams Grange No. 391, was organized in January, 1876, with 20 charter members. The The first master was B. F. Haines. Washing- ton Cornwall is the present master. Its present membership is 75.

Adams Centre Grange was organized in 1889. It has 200 members, with A. M. San- ford as Master.

Sons of Veterans: David M. Green Camp, was mustered May 26, 1890, as M. C. Bailey Camp No. 53, with 15 members. Frank H. Swan, captain.

DeAlton Cooper Post, G. A. R., No. 381, was organized June 25, 1883, with A. Whit- ford, commander. The Post has now a membership of about 90, and is officered as follows: Commander, A. C. Dack; Senior Vice-Commander, Adelbert B. Cornwall; Junior Vice-Commander, L. A. Stewart.

Woman's Relief Corps was organized in 1892, with 43 charter members. Angie Bas- sett was the first president. Present president is Ellen A. Titsworth.

A Good Templars Lodge was organized in the village November 10, 1890. It has a membership of 16. Present officers are: Chief Templar, Miss Charlotte Phillips; Vice Templar, Miss Marion Muir; Secretary, Miss D. Josephine Phillips; Treasurer, Mrs. Gil- bert Daniels; Marshal, Gilbert Daniels; Lodge Deputy, D. A. Dwight.

ADAMS MASONIC LODGE.

The charter for this lodge was grant- ed July 18, 1851, with the following its first officers: Benjamin Wright, W. M .; John C. Cooper, S. W. ; and Jeremiah Griswold, J. W., with these additional mem- bers: Dennis M. Waite, Almanson Tibbetts, Heman Strong, John H. Whipple, Elijah Wright and Titus Bassett.

The present membership is 122, and the following are its officers: D. E. Taylor, W. M .; C. E. Copeland, S. W .; F. S. Kenyon, J. W .; William Rogers, Secretary.

The Chapter membership is 58, and its present officers are: Edward Bersie, H. P .; A. D. Ripley, R .; J. M. Hungerford, S .; A. S. White, Secretary.

At different times in its history, Adams village has suffered from disastrous confla- grations. A fire company was formed in 1836, and a small engine was purchased.

April 23, 1852, $650 was appropriated by. vote to purchase an engine with necessary ap- paratus, and in 1853 the Tempest Fire Com- pany was formed with 44 men.

Adams Waterworks Company was organ- ized as a stock company, by Moffett, Hodg- kins and Clarke, in 1885, and the works built the same year. The village of Adams pays yearly $1,300 for fire purposes. The first superintendent of these works was Isaac W. Payne, who still serves in that capacity.

Jefferson County Bank was first located at Adams in 1816, but not proving successful was, after a temporary suspension, by an act of the Legislature, removed to Watertown.

S. D. Hungerford's bank was organized in 1844, with Publius V. Rogers as cashier. In 1853 it was reorganized under the State law, and known as Hungerford's Bank, when George W. Bond became cashier. In 1865 it was changed from a State to a National bank, and in 1881 Hungerford's Bank went into liquidation.

In 1863 S. D. Hungerford and others organ- ized the First National Bank of Adams, and R. H. Huntington was cashier. In 1873 the First National Bank of Adams was sold, re- moved and consolidated with the Deposit National Bank, of Deposit, N. Y.

In 1883 the Adams National Bank was organized with a capital of $50,000. W. Waite was president; Harrison Fuller, vice- president, and G. W. Hannahs, cashier.

In 1889 the above bank went into voluntary liquidation, and reorganized as the Farmers' National Bank, with a capital of $65,000. C. D. Potter, president, George Hannahs, cashier.

The Citizens National Bank of Adams was organized August 7, 1889, under the National Bank Act, with a paid-in capital of $50,000. George Mather was president; Lafayette Caulkins, vice-president, William H. Hatha- way, cashier.

MORMONISM.

In 1841 missionaries were sent out by the Mormons, or Church of the Latter Day Saints, who preached to the people in the vicinity of what is known as Lisk's Bridge. Their labors seemed confined to a radius of from two to five miles from this point. They came " with- out scrip or purse," and lived upon the farmers, many of whom permitted them to hold meetings in their homes, and many con- verts was the result of their labors. These new doctrines brought dissension and disas- ter to many families.

Believers and unbelievers were found be- neath the same roof. They taught their hearers that the same gifts were still in the church as in the days of the apostles, and they claimed to speak in tongues, heal the sick, cause the deaf to hear and the blind to see.

They urged their followers to sell their possessions and flee to Nauvoo, the promised land, to escape the vials of wrath that were shortly to be poured out upon this Gentile na- tion. Thus spoke their prophet, Joseph

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Smith, who claimed to act in conformity with a direct revelation from Almighty God. Many began straightway to make arrange- ments for their departure. Everything that could possibly be converted into money was sold. Large wagons were purchased and covered with canvas in which were packed bedding and other necessary articles for sleeping and eating, while cooking utensils similar to those used in the old-time fire- place, swung from beneath the long wagons, each ready for use at the wayside fire they would light to cook their meals. Husbands in some instances deserted their wives, who were unbelievers, children left their aged parents, while whole families who received the word acted in accordance with their be- lief. The writer recalls the days when it was not unusual to see these canvas-covered homes, filled with tearful occupants, bidding a long farewell to home and friends and all the familiar scenes of their childhood, as they slowly wended their way down through the village, disappearing beyond the hill which forms the western limit of the town.

It is due to the memory of these people, who were industrious, moral and law-abiding citizens, and as intelligent as the average popu- lation, to say that polygamy was not at that time preached by these elders. On the con- trary, they strictly denied its existence in the Church of the Latter Day Saints. But when their long and weary prilgrimage was ended, and they heard it proclaimed from the mouth of their prophet, Joseph Smith, that it had been revealed unto him by Almighty God that in this way a nation should be raised up who should be His chosen people, they believed and bowed them- selves in submission to the mandates of the church, and many a sad-faced, deluded wife, believing it to be a duty she owed to her God, went before the altar, as the church required, and laid the hand of another in that of the husband of her youth, as a father might give his daughter to the husband of her choice, re- turning to her home to mourn in secret all the days of her life. They soon found them- selves plunged in the midst of a cruel war. The inhabitants, exasperated at the innova- tions of the Mormons in their midst, rose in their might, shot and killed their prophet and drove them without the borders of the State, forcing them to resume their weary march towards the setting sun. A few returned, while others, still strong in their faith, pressed onward. Exposed to the malaria of the country through which they passed, beset with difficulties and privations, many died in their wagons before reaching Council Bluffs, where they wintered, while others lived to reach the valley of the Utah, some of whom, since the completion of the railroad, have re- visited their native land, still strong in their faith.

THE BUSINESS OF ADAMS.

The Adams Electric Light and Power Company was organized March 28, 1889, and

affords ample light for the village. It is owned by D. A. Dwight and W. J. Allen.

In 1825 Willard Smith built a flouring mill upon the same site occupied by his father. It was afterwards purchased by George Frasier, who is said to be the originator of the paper flour sack, which is now so extensively manu- factured and used by all dealers in flour. The mill is now owned by S. T. Pitcher. It has four run of stones and is of a capacity fully equal to the demands upon it.

F. S. Webster's canning factory is an in- dustry which was established in 1889. Mr. Webster makes a specialty of canning dande- lions, spinach and other vegetables, also fruits and berries. This establishment fur- nishes employment to 60 people during the canning season.

Adams Furnishing Company was organized September 22, 1888; capital $2,000, with D. A. Dwight, President; A. W. Ingraham, Vice-President; John Sinclair, Secretary; and G. W. Hannahs, Treasurer.

The Adams Foundry and Machine Shop was first started in 1863 by T. P. Saunders and D. O. Holman. After several changes in proprietorship, the property passed into the hands of the first named gentleman, who has since been its sole proprietor. The machine shop is 72x24 feet in size, and the foundry 72x32 feet. Mr. Saunders employs 5 men in general jobbing and repair work.

The Adams Lumber Company's mills were established by the late Julius Fox, in 1858, for dressing lumber and manufacturing doors, blinds, moldings and builders' sup- plies. In 1864 the works were purchased by William Wheeler, who soon after bought the old woolen factory near the bridge and added it to his works. In 1889 Mr. Wheeler sold it to W. H. Proctor, of Ogdensburg, who asso- ciated with him several Ogdensburg parties, together with M. L. Pratt, of Adams, who at present conducts the business. The works are located on Factory street.

William Wheeler came to Adams in 1850. He is still engaged in active business as a contractor and builder, and some of the finest specimens of architecture in Adams, Water- town and other portions of the county, are known as his handiwork.

J. W. Wilson, J. Strachan and J. M. Bremer are an enterprising firm, who came to Adams in 1891. They manufacture all kinds of American granite and marble, and are also importers of foreign granite. Their works are located on Clay street.

Other business firms are as follows:

George W. Williams, jeweler.

A. M. Walrath, dental parlors.

D. T. Taylor, dry goods.

M. D. Manville & Son, dentists.

S. T. Thompson, hardware.

D. Fisk, druggist.

R. P. White, variety store.

E. Wright, groceries.

Lamson & Tucker, meat shop.

G. A. Lee, groceries.

L. J. Bullock, millinery.

Charles Gero, groceries.

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R D. Gardner, musical instruments and sewing machines.

Mrs. Robert Schram, millinery. William Dixon, machine shop.

H. O. Kenyon & Son, manufacturers of Hale's Ointment.

F. Garwin, groceries.

Mrs. Rhodes, milliner. Bert Huson, livery. M. C. Totman, livery. Miner Jimmerson, livery.

- Damon, saw mill.

L. G. Landon, blacksmith.

H. E. Fox, druggist.

J. M. Bateman, flour and feed.

J. E. Coit, groceries.

M. L. Hodge, harness-shop.

G. F. Maloney, hardware.

W. R. Brown, boots and shoes. Overton & Fish, furniture and undertaking.

H. H. Norton, meat market.

L. Ripley, harness shop.

J. G. Haskins, laundry.

E. P. Averill, clothing store.

J. O. Brown, groceries and crockery.

J. H. Gilbert, clothing store.

The present physicians are Dr. A. K. Hale, Dr. H. Nickleson, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Alfred Goss and Dr. J. B. Pierce.

N. M. Wardwell came to Adams in 1860. He was the second son of the late Judge Daniel Wardwell, a former resident of Manns- ville, and a brother of the late Mrs. R. B. Doxtater. He has been engaged in malting to some extent, and has been prominently connected with the growth and prosperity of Adams. He is the present postmaster, having been appointed under Harrison's administra- tion.

William D. Arms has long been known as a successful merchant in Adams, under the firm name of Arms & Hungerford. Mr. Hunger- ford retired a few months since, and Mr. Arms continues the business as its sole pro- prietor. He was a son of Luman Arms, of Adams Centre, where for many years he con- ducted a mercantile business in company with O. R. Davis. He afterwards removed to New York, where he was engaged in business a few years, but subsequently located in Adams village. Mr. Arms has been elected supervisor of the town 14 successive years, being often chairman of the board, and is otherwise known as a valuable citizen.

A. W. Ingraham is an active business man. who for several years has been a resident of Adams. He is engaged in the purchase of butter and cheese, and is a prominent mem- ber of the Board of Trade. He resides on Church street.

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 84

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823- Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman Number of Pages: 1094

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823-
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman
Number of Pages: 1094