USA > New York > Monroe County > Rochester > Historical collections of the Junior pioneer association of the city of Rochester and Monroe County, N.Y. > Part 2
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Female Charitable Society,
Home of the Friendless,
Orphan Asylum,
Industrial School,
House for Idle and Truant Children, - W. Pitkin. Rev. M. O'Brien.
Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum, -
Monroe County Bible Society,
Sabbath School Union, -
Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society,
St. George's Society,
J. B. Walker,
" Alphonsus' Society, (German,)
- George Ochs. Charles Stupp.
" Bonifacius' Benevolent Society, Sons of Hermann, (German,) -
Daniel Keucner. Andrew Wegman.
St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, (German, ) - German Turners, -
Louis Kleutging.
St. Rupert's Benevolent Society, -
" Vincent de Paul Society, St. Patrick's Church, - Philip Little.
" Mary's Hibernian Society.
Michael Heavey.
" Vincent de Paul Benev. Society, of St. Mary's Ch., Daniel Heavey.
- Young Mens' Mutual Aid Society, -
St. Patrick's Literary and Benevolent Association,
Peter Burns. P. S. Malone.
" Patrick's Young Men's Mutual Aid Association, - Thomas O'Brien. Cartman's Benevolent Association,
T. O. Dudley.
HOME AND FOREIGN MISSIONS.
Our city has ever been a large contributor to the cause of Missions, home and foreign. In 1818, the " Female Mission- ary Society " was formed, with Mrs. BACKUS, as first presi- dent-" The first of the Benevolent Institutions of Roches- ter." In 1821, followed the "Young Men's Domestic Mis- sionary Society," both this and the former having as their fields of exertion, parts of Niagara County. The Foreign Society, Evangelical, was formed about the year 1827. It were impossible to approximate the aggregate of pecuniary contributions which this city makes annually, to the various causes of benevolence. Were there no other reason, his
Mrs. J. K. Livingston. " Selah Mathews.
Silas O. Smith. Chas. J. Hayden.
- Frederick Starr. James Vick.
Mrs. C. E. Marsh.
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SCIENCE AND LITERATURE-AUTHORS.
munificent contributions, through many years, to enterprises of humanity and piety, ecclesiastical preferences aside, well entitle our townsman, Mr. ARISTARCHUS CHAMPION, to the distinguished station he holds as President of the American Home Missionary Society.
SCIENCE AND LITERATURE.
This topic may be best illustrated by a reference to the volumes which had their parentage in our goodly city. As a fit commencement, there may be mentioned a work on " Political Economy," by E. PESHINE SMITH, respecting which that learned and influential Review, the "Princeton Repertory," remarks thus : "The author, adopts the views of Mr. CAREY, and has done for them, what the propounder never did-he has redneed them to a well defined and scien- tific form ; and has thrown over his work, the charm of a clear, and fluent rhetoric, infusing into it a vitality, which such books too often lack." It is complimentary to our townsman, and through him to his native city, that this volume has been translated into the French language, and placed in the Parisian Academies. In the department of Law, we have a "Treatise on Ways," &c., by War. S. BIsuor ; " Laws of New York State, relating to Powers and Duties of Supervisors," by Thos. B. HUSBAND; (a similar work by Senator EPHRAIM Goss, of Pittsford) ; "Reports of Cases in Chancery," under the late Judge WHITTLESEY, by CHAS. L. CLARKE, (both Judge and Reporter being of this city) ; " Reports" in the "Court of Appeals," by Hon. HENRY R. SELDEN and E. PESHINE SMITII.
Under the head of "Medicine," we find a " Manual of the Medical Practitioner, with Instructions and Prescriptions," by G. ARINK, M. D .; "Physical Education and Manage. ment of Children," by MILES M. ROGERS, M. D .; to which may be added, articles contributed to Medical Reviews.
17
SCIENCE AND LITERATURE-AUTHORS.
containing discoveries and suggestions, original, and of highest practical importance.
To this last class belongs an article in the "Transactions of the Medical Society of the State of New York, for 1852," entitled, " Dislocation of the Hip Joint Reduced without Pulleys or any other Mechanical Power, by Wm. W. Reid, M. D., of Rochester." Whoever has witnessed the pro- longed agony attending the usual method of restoration, must be thankful that a discovery like this, from a towns- man, has been made. Commencing his experiments ten years ago, so great success has attended them here and else- where, that Dr. Thos. M. Markoe, one of the surgeons of the New York Hospital, remarks : "Every thing in our experi- ence, thus far, seems to indicate that this method of reducing luxations, while it is far more available, and without pain. is as safe, if not safer than that of pulleys." Dr. R. receives our gratulations, as he will the benedictions of many a vic- tim of this sad accident. " Dr. Bly's Ball and Socket-jointed Artificial Leg" has been awarded a diploma and medal at the New York State Fair. It has received the endorsement of surgeons in this city and State- Drs. Mott, Post, Wood, and others-and is coming into general use.
Rev. Joseph Penney, for many years pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, should have a place among our early promoters of Science and Education. His gifted mind qualified him to take an active part in the youthful and plastic period of the then village. The public manifested their estimation of this valuable man by cansing his por- trait to be placed in the Atheneum.
Educational Institutions have received a volume of great learning, ingenuity and practical usefulness, from the pen of the late Mrs. Brewster - better known as Miss Bloss - entitled, "Bloss' Ancient History," illustrated by maps and a chronological chart. Also, from the same anthoress, " Hero- ines of the Crusades." 2
1S
SCIENCE AND LITERATURE-AUTHORS.
Turning to Theology and Practical Religion, we find, ·· Lectures on Universalism," by Joel Parker, D. D., (now of New York) ; " Treatise on the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper," by S. Luckey, D. D. ; "Differences between Old and New School Presbyterians," by L. Cheeseman, D. D. (now of Philadelphia) ; " Philosophy of Benevolence," and " Cause and Cure of Dissensions among Christians," by Pharcellus Church, D. D. (now editor and proprietor of the New York Chronicle); " A Christian Gift, or Pastoral Let- ters," by F. De W. Ward.
Under the head of General Literature, we may range such volumes as the " League of the Iroquois," by Louis II. Morgan-standard authority upon all that pertains to that once large and illustrious race ; " Sketches of Rochester and Western New York," by Henry O'Reilly -a volume of rare interest and worth to the citizens of this region, the pre- paration of which being one of many things which place our community under obligations of lasting gratitude to the respected author ; " Mexico and her Religion," and "The History of the Conquest of Mexico," by Robert A. Wilson, in which, with much learning and valorous spirit, the author aims heavy blows against the popular productions of the late Mr. Prescott ; "India and the Hindoos," and "Sum- mer Vacation Abroad," by F. De W. Ward -the former of which has been re-published in Britain ; "The Orphan's Sou- venir," published in aid of the Orphan's Asylum, containing thirty essays and poems, from city residents ; " The Roches- ter Token," or "Select Original Poems," by Geo. G. W. Morgan ; "Volumes for the Special Benefit of the Young," by Mrs. A. C. Judson, Mrs. Dr. Barnes, Mrs. Dr. Arink, Mrs. Jenny Marsh Parker, Miss Ellen Guernsey, Mrs. B. B. Nor- throp, Rev. Philo Tower, and Rev. John Parker : together with volumes of great learning from the Professors in the University, which will be noted hereafter.
Thus largely has Rochester contributed to the reading
19
ATIIENEUM AND MECHANICS' ASSOCIATION.
public of various tastes and, attainments ; and the end is not yet, if we may judge from what our young men are doing in the realm of travel, research and study. Henry A. Ward, after making extensive journeys and explorations from the remote points of Minnesota, Florida, and Bay of Fundy, with intermediate territories, passed four years in scientific study at the National Academies of Paris ; sub- sequently he traversed almost the entire States of Europe, from Moscow and St. Petersburgh to the Mediterranean, crossing which, he penetrated far into Africa, and over mich of Asia Minor, and closed with a survey of Great Britain, from the Giant's Causeway and Scottish Mountains to Land's End. As the result, he is bringing to his native city, it is said, the largest, rarest, and most valuable collection of geo- logical and fossil specimens ever collected by any one per- son in this country. Angustus II. Strong, son of one of the co-publishers of the Democrat, was valedictorian of his class at Yale, and has just returned from a tour of observation in foreign lands, preparatory to an honorable career, we do not doubt, in his native country. Chas. R. Clarke was valedic- torian at the College of New Jersey, and subsequently As- sistant Professor in Rhetoric. Henry E. Peck holds a Pro- fessorship in Oberlin College, Ohio. Henry Lockwood has been for a score of years Professor of the Greek and Latin languages, at Genesee College, Lima. Geo. H. Mumford has just received the first Junior prize of 840, in Harvard University ; while others have sustained commendable posi- tions in College, graduating with honors, and are now acquitting themselves manfully in the battle of life.
THE ATHENEUM AND MECHANICS' ASSOCIATION.
The last " Annual Report" opens with the following allu- sion 'to the past history of this popular and excellent institution :
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ATHENEUM AND MECHANICS' ASSOCIATION.
" The earliest attempt in our city to establish an Association similar in oh- jeet to our present Atheneum, consisted in the organization of the Franklin Institute, on the 3d day of October, 1826. During that year, Prof. Eaton, of Troy, delivered a course of lectures on Chemistry in the then village of Ro- chester, which seems to have been well supported, for at the close of the course, the Managers found themselves in possession of a surplus of two or three hundred dollars. This they resolved to devote to the establishment of a Public Library, which was accordingly organized and opened in rooms on the corner of Main and Canal streets (now Water street) ; this was in the building formerly occupied by the Eagle Bank.
" The affairs of the Institute were conducted by a committee of seven, who were chosen annually. The first committee consisted of Rev. Joseph Penney, Rev. F. II. Cumming, Levi Ward, Jr., Elisha Johnson, Jacob Graves, Giles Boulton and Edwin Stanley. At the commencement of the year 1827, 'the Association consisted of about seventy members, and had obtained a small cabinet of minerals, a library and several models of machines, and had com- menced a system of cultivating knowledge in the Arts and Sciences by lee- tures, experiments, and such examinations and inquiries as the means of the Institute would admit of.' At that early day the privileges of such an Asso- ciation were more highly prized, as the fee of admission to membership was $5, subject to an annual tax of $2.
"Shortly after the foundation of the Franklin Institute, in 1829, the Ro- chester Atheneum was organized, and being incorporated in 1830, continued for some years. Its first rooms were in Reynolds' Arcade. At this time the Library consisted of four hundred volumes, and the papers received were eleven daily, four semi-weekly, and thirteen weekly. After that time it fell into a languishing condition, its books stored away, and its members inactive. It continued thus until 1838, when, by a union with the Young Men's Literary Association, (which had been founded a short time before, ) new life was infused into it, and the two Associations continued for some time to enlist the inter- est of our citizens. In 1844 (their rooms being then in Smith's Arcade) the Library consisted of 2,700 volumes. After some time, however, the interest in the Association decreased, and in 1849 it was deemed advisable to effect a coalition with the Mechanic's Literary Association, which had been organized in February, 1836, and incorporated February 25, 1839. This Institution was in possession of a Library of about 1,500 volumes. It had regularly kept up a series of weekly debates, and had also held several exhibitions or fairs of mechanical inventions, &c. The Diploma awarded to exhibitors on such occasions, is here presented, and was really a creditable production for the time, though as you will readily perceive, the locomotive is of rather a primitive construction, Immediately after the combination of the two soci- cties, they removed to their rooms (in Corinthian IFall Building), and the first lecture before the Association was delivered by the Rev. J. H. Mellvaine, on the 28th June, 1849."
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UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER.
For the admirable arrangement of its Library, Reading Room, and Lecture Hall, (the Corinthian, How so favorably known among lecturers, orators, and musicians,) the public are indebted to the enterprise and taste of the proprietor, Mr. Wm. A. Reynolds. The energy of the father, Abelard Reynolds, in erecting the first frame dwelling in Rochester, seems to have been transmitted to the son, and is exempli- fied in this the best audience room in the State.
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER.
Our city has expended large sums for educational estab- lishments abroad. As an instance : when Dr. Penney be- came President of Hamilton College, his salary was pledged to him, by the citizens of Rochester, to the amount of the interest of $20,000 ; and our citizens made liberal donations to Hobart Free College, at Geneva. The Rochester Univer- sity was founded in 1851. It opened with seventy pupils, one half of whom and four of the faculty being from Madi- son University, an able and long tried corps of teachers, and a complete organization of classes. As a pecuniary patron, the late JOAN N. WILDER, Esq., of Albany, takes the lead : who, in addition to a subscription of $10,000, devoted to the Institution a warm heart and earnest spirit to the hour of his lamented death. Let the citizens of Rochester never forget this distinguished stranger, whose death we have but lately been called to mourn. The total number of graduates dur- ing the ten years of its history, is 193 - a larger average per annum than of any other College in the country, at the same period of its history. Financially, the University is in a very satisfactory condition. Though not largely endowed. the funds at command suffice to meet the current expenses. and allow the erection of a building, now contracted for, on lands generously donated by Hon. A. BOODY, which will be an ornament to the city and to Western New York. The present Faculty are :
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UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER-FACULTY.
Martin B. Anderson, LL. D., President, &c., &c.
Asahel D. Kendrick, D. D., Professor of Greek Language and Literature. John F. Richardson, D. D., Professor of Latin Language and Literature. Chester Dewey, D. D. and LL. D., Prof. of Chemistry and Nat. Sciences. Sewall S. Cutting, D. D., Professor of Rhetoric and History.
Isaac F. Quimby, A. M., Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy.
All of whom are well known through their writings on both sides of the waters. Drs. Anderson and Cutting long dis- tinguished themselves as editors of leading journals of New York. Dr. Kendrick is the author of several Greek text books, and has recently edited, with great labor and learning, the Commentary of Olshausen on the New Testament. Prof. Richardson has issued a small but elaborate treatise on Roman Orthepy, which is attracting much attention among scholars in this country and in England. Prof. Cutting has lately sent forth a valuable volume touching some questions connected with the Baptist denomination, and entitled " His- toric Vindications." Prof. Fowler, now of Auburn, when occupying the chair of Political Economy, furnished the reading world with a racy, interesting volume, entitled " The American Pulpit." Oldest in the Faculty, by far the longest resident in the city, is Dr. Dewey-a household name among the "savans" of both hemispheres, and himself a Thesaurus upon his favorite branches of chemistry, mineral- ogy, and geology. A sketch of Rochester as it is and has been for thirty years, would be greatly defective without special notice of this eminent scholar. Coming to the city in the year 1836, as Principal of the High School, he at once took the place to which he was well entitled, in the fore- ranks of the friends of education throughout Western New York. Dr. Dewey's scientific writings are voluminous, hav- ing been for forty years a large contributor to ." Silliman's Journal," to which distinguished receptacle of American Science our townsman has contributed articles upon topics like these : " Aurora Borealis," " Best. Methods for Making Meteorological Observations," "Sunsets," "The Temperature
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UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER-THE CLUB.
of Lake Ontario," "Caricography," (a plant of the genus carex, or sedge,) forty articles ; " Conduction of Water." "Mineralogy and Geology of Western Massachusetts and parts adjacent," and " The Polished Roeks of Western New York." The meteorological articles in our own city jour- nals, over the familiar signature of "C. D.," illustrate his affluent and observing mind.
The Rochester Theological Seminary is under the able instruction of-
E. G. Robinson, D. D., Professor of Biblical and Pastoral Theology.
V. R. Hotchkiss, D. D., Professor of Biblical Literature and Exegesis.
G. N. Northrop, A. M., Professor of Ecclesiastical History.
The catalogue of the current year contains the names of thirty-one students, with six in the German department, un- der Prof. Rauschenbusch, graduates of eight colleges, aggre- gating 37. Since its organization, in the year 1851, the valuable library of the late distinguished Neander was secured to this Institution. The benefit of a general kind which the community receives from such academic schools as these, is obvious to all ; they need no mention at this time. The graduates, collegiate and theological, are already making their mark for learning and goodness throughout the Union and across the sea. Among the many who have entered the ministry, it is enough to mention the name of Rev. A. Kingman Nott, whose lamented death has evoked the exclamation-
"God moves in a mysterious way Ilis wonders to perform !"
and whose memoirs, prepared by his brother, the worthy Pastor of the First Baptist Church in this city, have but in- creased the regret, that he who was so well fitted for a long and useful life, should be called so early away.
THE CLUB.
To the University more than to any other immediate source, is Rochester indebted for a literary and scientific club, which,
24
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS-PERIODICALS.
for the attainment of its important results, is entirely suc- cessful. Organized on the 13th of July, 1851, its career thus far has fully answered the most sanguine expectations of the persons thus associated for literary and scientific purposes. The gatherings are semi-monthly, during the University term, at each of which a member, in alphabetical order, reads an article upon whatever topic he chooses, which is then made the theme of criticism and conversation. There have already been held over a hundred sessions, at which various and learned articles have been read.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
Does the University meet the necessities of those who are on the way to the highest learning, the demands of the masses are supplied through the seventeen Public Schools, with their commodious buildings and accomplished teachers. The High School, under Mr. Edward Webster, takes the most diligent and studions from those of the lower grade, and the Academies, from which we may name :
" Collegiate Institute," Messrs. Benedict & Satterlee.
"Boys' Training School," Rev. James Nichols, A. M.
" East Avenue Collegiate Institute," M. G. Peck.
"Commercial College," G. W. Eastman.
"Robinson Episcopal School," the Misses Robinson.
" Chapman's Commercial School," J. V. R. Chapman.
" Tracy Female Seminary," Miss Lucilia Tracy.
" Rochester Female Seminary," Mrs. James Nichols. "Curtis' Female Seminary," Mrs. P. II. Curtis.
"Clover Street Seminary," Miss Amy Moore.
" Allen Seminary," Miss Mary B. Allen.
"Porter School," the Misses Porter.
" Academy of the Sacred Heart," Madame Kennedy.
PERIODICALS.
In our city the Printing Press found an early and impor- tant place, which it has retained with great credit to itself and usefulness to community. The first weekly newspaper
25
PERIODICALS.
was established in 1816, by Messrs. Dauby & Sheldon, under the title of the " Rochester Gazette." This was subsequently changed to the " Rochester Republican," under Messrs. Derick and L. W. Sibley, and Messrs. Frederick Whittlesey and Edwin Scrantom. The next, in 181S, entitled the " Rochester Telegraph," with the late Everard Peck as pub- lisher. The first daily paper established west of Albany was the " Rochester Daily Advertiser," having as editor Luther Tucker, (now of Albany,) aided by Henry O'Reilly, both of whom deserve, as they receive, a large place in our mem- ory and grateful esteem. Their enterprise was unique and promotive of our fame far and wide. Sixteen periodicals now issue from Rochester, as follows :
" Rochester Daily Union & Advertiser," )
" Tri-Weekly,"
" Weekly Republican,"
"Rochester Daily Democrat & American," ?
" Tri-Weekly Democrat & American,"
"Monroe Demoerat and Weekly Ameri- can,"
"Rochester Evening Express,"
" Weekly Express,"
" Rural New-Yorker,"
"Genesee Farmer " and "Rural Annual,"
"Frederick Douglass' Paper," (Weelely.) }
" Douglass' Monthly.
"Expositor & Advocate,"
" Journal of the Home,"
"Genesee Observer," (German)
"Intelligencer of the North," (German)
Curtis, Butts & Co.
A. Strong & Co.
Hebard, Traey & Co.
D. D. T. Moore. Joseph Harris.
Frederick Douglass.
Joseph Marsh. Mrs. N. S. Barnes. Adolphe Nolte.
Kramer & Felix.
Leaving not one house without the opportunity of informa- tion upon subjects of common and current interest.
As depots of scientific and literary productions of every variety, what need we more satisfactory than the Book Stores of Messrs. Allings & Cory ; Darrow & Bro. ; D. M.
26
LAW AND MEDICINE.
Dewey; Adams & Dabney ; Steele, Avery & Co .; G. W. Fisher ; L. Hall ; and G. H. Clark.
LAW AND MEDICINE.
In the two-fold departments of Counsel and Advocacy the Monroe County Bar is eminently distinguished. The first County Court was held in May, 1821; the first or presiding judges in succession, being Elisha B. Strong, Ashley Samp- son, Moses Chapin, E. Smith Lee, Samuel L. Selden, John Bowman, Joseph Sibley, Ashley Sampson, (2d term.) Pat- rick G. Buchan, Harvey Humphrey, George G. Munger, John C. Chumasero.
By way of legal reminiscence, let a few names and facts pass under notice : Under the former Constitution, Mr. William B. Rochester (subsequently a candidate for the chair of State.) and Mr. Addison Gardiner (late Lieutenant Governor,) had seats upon the bench of the Circuit Court ; and Mr. Frederick Whittlesey held the office of Vice Chan- cellor, and for a short time that of Justice of the Supreme Conrt. Under the present Constitution our city has furnished two Justices of the Supreme Court, for this district, (Sam- uel L. Solden and E. Darwin Smith,) and two members of the " Court of Appeals," (Addison Gardiner and Samnel L. Selden,) neither of whom has permitted the reputation of this, the place of his home, to suffer at his hands. Of the thirty-seven lawyers residing in this place twenty years ago, ten are deceased. One (Hon. Chas. P. Doolittle,) re- moved to Wisconsin, which State he now represents in the United States Senate-and eight have been honored with seats on the Judicial bench. One name adorns the an- nals of our City and County Court, which it were wrong to pass without special notice. VINCENT MATHEWS, took up his residence in Rochester in 1821 ; having been at the Bar of Chemung and Steuben counties since 1809, filling stations of honor at Washington and Albany. With such antece-
27
LAW AND MEDICINE.
dents, it is no matter of surprise to find him at once upon arrival in possession of public respect and confidence, and as Assembly man, District Attorney, &c., justifying expecta- tions awakened in advance. Upon his decease, the junior members of the Bar secured a portrait of their venerable friend, which now graces the Court-room, reminding the ob- server of one who as a lawyer was firm, faithful and pro- found ; as a citizen, was public spirited and generous ; as a parent and church communicant, all that these terms imply, of affection, integrity and devotion.
The Medical Profession has not at all fallen in the rear of the Legal, as to the learning and skill of its members. We find that out of thirty or more of an early class in active duty, Messrs. S. Hunt, A. G. Bristol, Win. W. Reid, P. G. Tobey, H. Bradley, T. Havill, P. G. Shipman, alone remain. Among the early practitioners, there may be named without invidious distinction : Dr. FRED K F. BACKUS, son of Presi- dent Backus, of Hamilton College, was a resident of this city for more than forty years, during which period he stood in the forerank of his profession. Of great benevolence, never neglecting the most humble who sought his aid ; of persevering industry, to the latest hour of his active life ; pursuing the most recent medical works, and replete with genuine humor ; ambitious to succeed, and to excel, detest- ·ing quackery, in all its forms, with warm attachment to his' fellow men, an exemplary and intelligent christian - his name is imperishably identified with the history and fortunes of Western New York. It was to his industrious accumula- tion and skillful arrangement of facts and arguments, em- bodied in a report presented while a member of the Senate, that the public are indebted for that most needed and blessed institution,-the Asylum for Idiots-while the like influence was a powerful means of securing the location here of the House of Refuge-the street in front of which bears his honored name. Dr. ANSON COLEMAN, is a name not to be
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