History of Chautauqua County, New York, Part 87

Author: Edson, Obed, 1832-; Merrill, Georgia Drew, editor
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Boston, Mass. : W.A. Fergusson
Number of Pages: 1068

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YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION .*- One of the most efficient institutions of modern times for promoting the highest welfare of young men in their threefold nature of body, mind and spirit, is the Young Men's

*Rev. Elliot C. Hall.

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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

Christian Association. The founder of the organization, George Williams, is living at the age of 73 and was present at the fiftieth anniversary of the parent society celebrated June 6, 1894, in London, England, its birthplace.

More than 5,000 Associations are now doing their beneficent work in all parts of the world. There are 149 Associations in the state of New York, and four in Chautauqua county, located at Fredonia, Forestville, Westfield and Jamestown. An organization was effected in Jamestown about the year 1856, and did a useful work for a number of years, but lacking the stimulus and care of a general secretary, it gradually declined and became extinct. A new organization was formed February 28th, 1884, with 77 charter mem- bers, and an entirely new constitution and bylaws. This became an incor- poration May 16, 1885, and February 26, 1894, a new charter was obtained. George W. Tew was the first president, and rendered faithful service for nine successive years, when failing health required his absence from the city. Charles E. Parks, the present president, has entered upon his second term. Thomas H. Smith and Jerome Preston are now vice-presidents. The gen- eral secretaries have been James B. Ferguson, Albert F. Turner, Charles B. White, J. B. Crippen and Charles N. Ramsey ; the last named entered upon his duties in 1891, and is the present efficient secretary. The treasurers have been Charles E. Parks, Win. A. Kent, Win. H. Proudfit, Fred P. Hall, C. E. Clark, and W. D. Broadhead who is now in office. The recording secretaries have been J. T. Boddy, F. Bristow, G. R. Butts and L. M. Butman. The affairs are managed by a board of 18 directors, and a board of six trustees.

The Association occupies commodious and well equipped quarters in the Gokey block, corner of Cherry and Third streets. Here, warmned by steam and lighted by electricity, two floors are devoted to the Association, providing besides the office and ante-room, a parlor, reading room, library, director's room, boys' room, assembly room, class rooms, kitchen, bath rooms and clos- ets. The reading room contains 85 papers and periodicals, and is furnished with tables and comfortable chairs. The library contains 1,236 volumes. A course of popular lectures and entertainments is given each year under the auspices of the Association. Practical talks on subjects of interest to young men are given in the rooms from time to time. The Association now has 472 members, including a boys' department, and the work is carried on through ten committees in one department, and five in the other. Educa- tional classes have been maintained in arithmetic, penmanship, spelling, church history, drawing, wood-carving, and Swedish-American. Several classes meet regularly for systematic Bible study, and public meetings for young men are held every Sunday afternoon. The Association requires about $3.500 annually to meet its expenses. Membership fee and voluntary contributions are the only sources of income. "Facts concerning its work for 1893-4 : 29,423 visits made to the building evenings and Sundays ; 20,000

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visits made to building, 312 week days, aside from above, (estimated) ; 25 were directed to boarding-houses ; 3 were secured employment ; 286 strangers were welcomed evenings ; 713 attended business meetings of board and con- mittees. Social : 1,018 attended general receptions; 210 at the annual meeting ; 350 at the reception to the delegates of State Convention ; 262 present at boys' reception and outing. Intellectual : 85 periodicals filed for reading, 6,644 issues ; 1, 136 is the number of volumes in library ; 101 bound magazines and miscellaneous books ; 98 persons attended educational classes ; 152 the total enrollment ; $4.34 was the cost per student ; 233 sessions of tlie evening classes held ; 2,254 was the total attendance ; 4,000 estimated attendance lecture course. Spiritual : 5,014 at the young men's meeting : 3,400 at special young men's meetings ; 324 recorded as inquirers; 1,511 in the Bible classes ; 3, 125 at the boys' meeting ; 1,091 attended evening prayers."

WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION .- This organization has been a powerful factor in promoting law and order in this and many communities. In relation to the society in Jamestown Mrs. M. Bailey writes thus: "We date our birth December 17, 1873, when at a meeting held by Dio Lewis, 105 women pledged themselves to the work, and next day met and formed a permanent organization under the name of the Ladies' Tem- perance Society. The officers were : president, Mrs. Judge Hazeltine ; vice- presidents, Mesdames M. Bailey, E. H. Danforth, Isaac Moore, M. A. Martin, A. F. Allen, J. W. Pitts, J. H. Clark ; secretary, Mrs. W. S. Carnahan ; treas- urer, Miss Jennie Barrows. Early in 1875 our society became auxiliary to the State Women's Christian Temperance Union, and assumed that name ; and ever since we have followed the lines of work as laid out by the state and national W. C. T. Unions. The present officers are : president, Mrs. M. Bailey ; vice-presidents, Mrs. V. Danforth, Mrs. A. D. Dewey ; secretary, Mrs. J. Harris ; treasurer, Miss Harriet Hazeltine. About eighty members is our usual number. We claim to have had a part by petitions and remon- strances in all the reforms that have grown out of the work and influence of the Women's Christian Temperance work in the land on educational, polit- cal and moral questions.

WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION .- Prominent among the benevolent organizations of Jamestown is the Woman's Christian Association. It was organized September 8, 1884, for the purpose of improving the physical, intellectual and religious condition of women, especially young women, who are dependent on their own exertions for support and lack opportunities of culture ; also to look after and assist the poor and destitute of the city. The association adopted the constitution of the International Woman's Christian Association and became auxiliary to that body. A state charter was obtained June 2, 1885. The charter members were Jane E. Clark, Harriet A. Hub- bell, Agnes R. Whitney, Lura J. Usher, Emmma J. Hodgkins, Emma B.

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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

George. April 1, 1887, a large place, corner of Allen St. and Foote's Ave., was purchased at the cost of $13,500 for the headquarters of the association. It had on it a brick building which was fitted up for a hospital, and a smaller building which was converted into a chapel, to be used for the general pur- poses of the Association. The nucleus for this purchase money was a bequest by Mrs. Carolina Tew of $1,000, to this was added $1,000 by Mr. and Mrs. Jolin J. Whitney, and $1,000 was received from the heirs of the Wil- liam Hall estate. Large subscriptions were given by prominent citizens. Each year it has extended its influence and labors, and now, 1894, six dis- tinct departments of work are carried on. In the aid department which cares for the poor, the city is divided into sixty districts, in each one a visitor is appointed to ascertain the wants of those needing assistance. Through these visitors the president of the department grants the necessary supplies.

The Hospital Department .-- A hospital had been a long felt need, which the Association took very great pleasure in supplying. The interest and support given to it by the citizens speaks a language of humane thoughtful- ness, and a desire that the benevolent interests of the city keep pace with its material prosperity. Miss Christina Hall, a graduate of the training school at Toronto, Canada, has been its able and successful superintendent from its formation. A religious service department has in charge the relig- ious services held at the hospital every Sunday afternoon.

The Young Woman's Christian Association Department works for young women. It maintains industrial and educational classes, classes in Bible study, a kitchen garden, and, in rooms pleasantly furnished, a social evening with refreshments is given every Saturday, and on Sunday afternoon a prayer service is held. The Industrial Department teaches girls under ten years of age plain and faney sewing. The Flower Mission furnishes flowers for dec- orating purposes and sends bouquets to brighten the rooms and cheer the hearts of the sick and sorrowing ones. The money for the support of the Association comes largely from membership fees and voluntary contributions. October 20, 1892, the last payment was made on the debt, leaving the pro- perty purchased by the ladies uninemmbered. A memorial cottage for nurses has been erected on the grounds, completed in March, 1894, in memory of Anna Baker Hutton and George Fuller who each left by will $1,ooo for the hospital. There are six wards, Dr. Bemus' (surgical) ward, furnished by Mrs. Bemus ; St. Luke's ward, furnished by Episcopal church ; Burtch ward, furnished by Mrs. C. C. Burteh ; Baptist ward, furnished by Young Ladies' Mission Band of Baptist church ; the Managers' ward, furnished by the Board of Managers; Masonic ward, furnished by the Masonic fraternities. 'There are also a superintendent's room furnished by the managers ; a room furnished by Ladies Benevolent Society of the Presbyterian church ; one by the A. O. U. W. ; one by the G. A. R., and one by the Needle Work Guild,

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Presbyterian church. From the organization of the Association until now Mrs. Josephus H. Clark has been its honored and efficient president. The officers are : president, Mrs. Josephus H. Clark ; vice-presidents, Mrs. Frank E. Gifford, Mrs. Erie L. Hall, Mrs. John Vanderburg, Mrs. Charles M. Dow, Mrs. George W. Tew, Mrs. W. I. Fairbanks ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. W. S. Hedges, record- ing secretary, Mrs. Sidney Jones ; treasurer, Mrs. Eudora K. Pardee. Execu- tive board, 1894: Mrs. H. W. Harrison, Mrs. Albert Gilbert, Jr., Mrs. G. W. Hodgkins, Mrs. A. T. Usher, Mrs. Martha Lakin, Mrs. E. D. Spaulding, Miss Harriet Hazeltine, Mrs. M. Clapsadel, Mrs. J. W. Doubleday. Hospital department, board of managers : Mrs. C. C. Burtch, Mrs. B. A. Barlow, Mrs. J. Vanderburg, Mrs. W. H. Proudfit, Mrs. Chas. H. Gifford, Mrs. A. J. Bowen, Mrs. Jerome Preston, Mrs. M. L. Fenton, Mrs. Dwight Perrin, Mrs. Elliot Hall, Mrs. W. W. Henderson, Mrs. R. R. Rogers, Mrs. C. C. Wilson, Mrs. D. H. Post, Miss Clara Hallock.

THE JAMES PRENDERGAST FREE LIBRARY .- The James Prendergast Library Association was incorporated by a special act of the legislature, Jan- uary 29, 1880. This act named William C. J. Hall, Robert Newland, Solo- 1011 Jones, Lucius B. Warner, Eleazer Green, William H. Proudfit and Frank E. Gifford as trustees ; the board organized and elected W. C. J. Hall president, Eleazer Green secretary, and Robert Newland treasurer. Mr. Hall was president until his death, when Solomon Jones was elected. Rob- ert N. Marvin was elected trustee in place of Mr. Hall. Mr. Newland was treasurer until his death, when Daniel H. Post was elected trustee and was also chosen treasurer. These are the only changes that have occurred in the trustees or officers. The aim of the association is to carry out a request expressed by the late Hon. James Prendergast, that a portion of his estate should be used to found and maintain in Jamestown a public library ; for this purpose a magnificent share of his estate was appropriated, and other sums were devoted to the same end and to liberally endow it by his parents. With these funds a fireproof building has been erected, and the James Prender- gast Free Library established. The library building is situated in the center of the square bounded by Fifth and Sixth streets, Washington and Cherry streets. Three sides of the lot are enclosed with a massive red stone wall. The building is of red and gray stone, with copper roof, and is at once hand- some, costly and substantial. The library was completed and the first pur- chase of books placed on the shelves, December 1, 1891, when it was dedi- cated with appropriate ceremonies and opened to the public. The first books were drawn December 2, 1891. It is both a circulating and reference library, and in all its appointments it is admirably arranged. The Dewey system of classification is used, with the Cutter numbering. A dictionary card catalogue, with the various periodical indexes, gives the student ample opportunity for research. There are at the present (June, 1894), 2,500 vol-

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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

umes in the reference library, in the circulating library 7,500. By the report for 1894 it appears that during the library year 40,658 volumes were issued from the circulating library to 2,075 holders of admission cards, besides the use of books and periodicals in the reading room from the reference library, a considerable advance over previous records. An art gallery containing valuable and choice works of art has been joined to the library from funds especially designed for that purpose by the parents of the founder. The first librarian was Samuel G. Love ; upon his decease November 13, 1893, he was succeeded by M. Emogene Hazeltine. The assistant librarians are Luella C. Dowler and Hattie B. Love.

POLITICAL EQUALITY .*- The movement resulting in the organization of Political Equality Clubs throughout Chautauqua county, and extending into Cattaraugus and Erie counties, had its rise in the meeting held at the opera house in Jamestown on July 24, 1885. Mrs. Lillie Devereaux Blake, then President N. Y. State Suffrage Association, made a forcible argument on the right of woman to the ballot. The press of the city and county gave favor- able notices. Mrs. Blake urged organization upon the friends of the cause, suggesting plans. These were discussed and approved, but not acted upon until another meeting was arranged, and Mrs. Mary Seymour Howell was asked to present the question. Her address, entitled " Our Outlook," was given at Institute Hall, in November, 1887. The following day Mrs. Howell met the women interested at Mrs. Daniel Griswold's, and there helped organize the First Political Equality Club. To Mrs. Howell is due the adoption of the new title for a suffrage club, the aim being identical with the State Suffrage Association. Mrs. D. H. Grandin, long an advocate of impartial suffrage, was elected president ; Mrs. Daniel Griswold, vice president ; Mrs. N. R. Thompson, secretary ; Mrs. C. W. Scofield, treasurer. Membership increased, and a large club soon roused the enthusiasm of the women of neighboring towns and villages, similar organizations springing up on all sides. The first County Convention of Political Equality ever held in N. Y. state convened at the Opera House in Jamestown, Oct. 31, 1888. The convention was called to order by Mrs. Grandin. A general invitation had been extended to dele- gates and others interested in western New York, and these clubs responded as delegates : Carroll, Charlotte, Cherry Creek, Ellery, Ellington, Gerry, Harmony, Kiantone, Kennedy, Mayville, Stockton and Sinclairville. A large delegation from Randolph, and many representatives of Ross and Po- mona Granges participated in the meeting. The organization of the county society was perfected with Mrs. Martha T. Henderson, president ; Mrs. Kate S. Thompson and Mrs. Annie C. Shaw, secretaries ; Mrs. Lois M. Lott, treas- urer. In the evening Mr. C. R. Lockwood, the generous owner of the opera house, donating its use at this time, opened the meeting with a fine legal

*By Mrs. Martha T. Henderson.

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argument in favor of suffrage for women, after which Mrs. Howell spoke vigorously and persuasively on the question.

The first annual meeting was held in Fredonia, October 31, 1889, Rev. Anna H. Shaw speaking in the evening on " The Fate of Republics." Mrs. Zerelda G. Wallace spoke in Jamestown at a semi-annual meeting next year. The second annual meeting took place in Dunkirk, October 30, 1890, Mrs. Sarah M. Perkins, of Cleveland, making an address on the topic, " Is Woman a Citizen ?" Elnora M. Babcock was elected president. The same year the Chautauqua management gave the club permission to present its cause from that widely celebrated platform, and in July, 1891, was held the first " Polit- ical Equality Day" at this famous University and Assembly Ground. Speakers like Harry B. Blackwell of Boston, Susan B. Anthony, Mrs. Wal- lace, Miss Shaw, Mrs. Alice Freeman Palmer, Rev. Ida C. Hultin, stand in evidence of the dignity and high quality of the addresses at Chautauqua, and of the liberal and progressive character of the management. Many influen- tial meetings have been held under the able auspices of the Cassadaga Club, at the Assembly Grounds at that place. The third annual convention of the County Club was held at Sinclairville, October 30 and 31, 1891 ; 59 delegates present from 22 clubs. Fourth annual meeting at Mayville, October 13 and 14, 1892, 23 clubs reporting. Fifth annual meeting at Kennedy, Ellington club assisting, October 18 and 19, 1893. Evening address by Rev. C. C. Albertson. Mrs. Evaline R. Clarke* was elected president. A semi-annual meeting was held April 6, 1894, at Dunkirk, simultaneously with a grand mass-meeting appointed by the State Association. A large amount of money to carry on the work of the club, for pushing bill in Constitutional Convention, was easily raised. The sixth annual meeting was held at Cassadaga in Sep- temiber, 1894.

Scarcely can a mere mention be made in a brief sketch of the numerous reunions, the discussion of public matters in which women take an interest, as notably the school elections and annual meetings. As a result of the efforts of the Jamestown club two of their most active and able members, Mrs. Griswold and Mrs. Thompson, were elected to the School Board in 1889, and as evidence of their recognized ability and fitness were reelected in 1893. The petition to the common council of Jamestown for recognition as citizens, with success so far as the right accorded women to vote on all propositions to raise money for public improvements, was made upon the amending of the charter. Petitions have been regularly sent to the Legislature. The great effort in favor of the School Commissioner Bill, emanating from the executive committee of the County Club, becoming a law in 1892, and the gallant struggle for the office of School Commissioner in the 30th district, by a member, Mrs. Martha R. Almy, will notably mark the year 1893.

*"'Equality," a suffrage journal ably edited by Mrs. Clarke, was published in 155), being discontinued because of lack of support, the county press having very generally taken up the advocacy of the cause.

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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

This club, aside from purely suffrage work, claims to have been actively interested in many bills for women that have become laws : That enabling women to act as constables in taking their own sex to reformatories. The bill establishing a reformatory for women and girls in Western New York. The bill for the appointment of women physicians in asylums (originating in the Woman's Union of Buffalo). The canvass of the county, both for names men and women in favor of an amendment to the Constitution striking out the word male, was carried vigorously out, thousands of names collected. 12,490 names were sent from suffragists of this county to Albany. (Of these Mrs. Elinor Olin, of Sherman, alone, secured 1,000 signatures), besides 2,823 W. C. T. U. signatures. Mrs. E. R. Clarke's scheme to collect all the tax- paying women's names, proved a striking object lesson to doubters of the rightful claim of the sex in making this effort to be recognized as citizens of the State and Nation. According to the tax lists of the county for 1893 there were 4,627 women whose names appeared thereon, and the assessed valuation of their property, both real and personal, amounts to $4,618,600. It is safe to say that there are fully one-third as many more whose names do not appear upon the tax-rolls who own taxable property which is assessed to other persons.

CHAPTER LXV.

THE .SWEDES.

BY OLOF A. OLSON, EsQ.

T HREE young women from Sweden came to Jamestown in 1849. They. are the first actual Swedish settlers. One of these married Frank Peterson, a well-to-do farmer at Levant. Another became Mrs. Otto Peterson, residing in Jamestown. The third settled farther west. It is said that Samuel Johnson, Andrew Peterson and some others came in : 1849 ; that Otto Peterson, Frank Peterson and some others came in 1850; that Andrew P. Peterson and wife with others came in 1851 ; that Lars A. Johnson, Nils J. Swanson, Peter Johnson, Andrew Peterson and Anna his wife and others came in 1852. These are some of the first comers. They passed through many hardships on the way. They had to cross the ocean on sailing vessels ; came from Albany to Buffalo by canal ; and thence to Jamestown by ox-carts. The writer has interviewed some twenty of these old Swedes. A few of them had some experience here with sharpers, who would

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now and then refuse them the riglit change and withhold expected wages. The majority, however, speak in unqualified high terms of the generosity of the Americans ; the names of Falconer, Albert Jones, Elijah Bishop and others being very dear to these early Swedish settlers. The first female child of Swedish parents was born to Andrew Peterson and wife ; the first male child, born Dec. 29, 1851, was Theodore, son of Samuel Johnson and wife. The girl died in infancy, whereas Theodore is still alive, the first male Swede of the second generation at Jamestown.

The Swedish M. E. Church was organized in November, 1852 ; the first meeting being held in June, 1851. About this time the inhabitants at James- town were a little over 2,000. The ministers, with year of coming, are : 1852, Olof Gustaf Hedstrom ; 1853, Olof Hamrin ; 1855, J Bredberg ; 1859, S. B. Nyman ; 1866, B. A. Carlson ; 1869, James Ivarson ; 1872, H. Olson ; 1875, H. C. A. Segerblom ; 1877, Alfred Anderson ; 1880, Olof Gunderson ; 1883, Dr. Wm. Henschen ; 1884, Richard Cederberg ; 1886, Oscar F. Lindstrom, and 1891, Nels Eagle. A library was organized in 1874 by Conrad A. Hult ; in 1892 this had about 630 volumes. At first a small wooden building was erected, but a few years ago a larger edifice was secured, and recently this has been exchanged for a splendid brick structure. It has a seating capacity for over 700, and is situated at the corner of Foote's Ave., and Chandler St. A large parlor organ is used, with Miss Rose Norquist, now married, as organ- ist. A choir of 30 voices furnishes the singing. The property is worth about $30,000. The edifice contains many windows of colored glass, several of which are fine memorial windows. The active members of the church are about 350 ; attendance, old and young, perhaps 1,000.

A Lutheran Church was organized by Swedes in 1857, with about 65 members. A wooden church was erected on Chandler St. in 1866, and a pipe organ bought in 1871 for about $1,500. There have been S organists, the present being J. A. Eckman. A library was secured in 1875, which now contains 800 volumes. This society is now building a fine Medina sandstone edifice on its 100x240 foot lot on Chandler St. The property, with structure completed, will be worth $60,000. In 1887 a part of this congregation with- drew and formed Emanuel church. The membership in 1892 was about 1,100 ; attendants, old and young, about 2,100. The ministers have been : Jonas Svensson ; 1859, Jonas Peterson ; 1862, (vacant,) Stud. Andrew Jack- son, pastor A. Anderson ; 1864, Carl Otto Hultgren. The last named still serves the congregation with the fidelity of youth.

A Mission Church was organized in 1879 by thirty or forty Swedes. This church has now a fine wooden edifice on Chandler St. It is worth about $12,000, with lot and parsonage. Has a seating capacity for 900, a member- ship of 400, and an attendance, old and young, of 800. Uses a large parlor organ ; has a fine choir of 25 voices with J. A. Syren, leader. Library (1890)

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HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.

has 250 volumes. The Mission pastors have been : 1879, S. W. Sundberg ; 1886, A. A. Magnusson ; 1888, J. M. Ahnstrom.

A Swedish Baptist Church was organized in 1884 by about 12 members. In 1892 they were about 90 ; old and young perhaps 150. This society owned a small wooden meeting house on Institute street, but bought the wooden church of the Methodists, on Chandler street, where they have a seat- ing capacity for 400. They have a choir of 10 voices, and use a parlor organ. Property is worth about $5,000. Pastors have been : 1884, Axel Vester ; 1890, P. Eljenholm.

Emanuel Church .- In 1887 about 86 members withdrew from the Luth- eran church and organized the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church. This was done May 24, 1887. It has now 325 members ; old and young perhaps 520. They own a wooden church on East Second street. This temple is to be covered with brick hereafter, and has 28 colored windows, seats 750 peo- ple, has a pipe organ and choir of 25 voices ; A. C. Jones, organist. A library of 100 volumes was procured in 1891. The property is worth about $22,000, including parsonage. Pastors : 1887, Stud. C. A. Hultkrans, Ernest Setter- strand ; 1888, Ludvig Hohes; 1889, A. A. Magnusson.

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History of Chautauqua County, New York, Part 87

Author: Edson, Obed, 1832-; Merrill, Georgia Drew, editor Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Boston, Mass. : W.A. Fergusson Number of Pages: 1068

Author: Edson, Obed, 1832-; Merrill, Georgia Drew, editor
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Boston, Mass. : W.A. Fergusson
Number of Pages: 1068