History of Clinton and Franklin Counties, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 133

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) 1n; Lewis, J.W., & Co., Philadelphia
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 922

USA > New York > Clinton County > History of Clinton and Franklin Counties, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 133
USA > New York > Franklin County > History of Clinton and Franklin Counties, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 133

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The following is a list of the supervisors from 1817 to 1880, and town clerks from 1852 to 1880 :

SUPERVISORS.

1817-18, Sebius Fairman ; 1819, Isaac Fairchild; 1820-22, S. Fair- man; 1823, Gco. B. R. Gove; 1824-25, Wm. Ilogan; 1826-27, Geo. B. R. Gove; 1828-30, Wm. Ilogan ; 1830, James B. Spencer (to fill vacancy) ; 1831, no record ; 1832, Wilson Randall; 1833, G. B. R. Gove; 1834, Uriah D. Mecker; 1835, Ilenry Longley ; 1836-37, T. Briggs; 1838, James Campbell ; 1839, G. B. R. Gove; 1840, Jonathan Wallace; 1841-12, Sidney Briggs; 1843, J. Campbell; 1841-45, S. Briggs; 1816-47, Warren L. Manning; 1848, Sehnyler Button ; 18-19, Warren L. Manning : 1850, Stephen V. R. Tuthill; 1851, J. Wallace ; 1852-53, Preserved Ware ; 1851, Chandler Ellsworth ; 1855, F. Briggs; 1856, P. Ware; 1857-58, Win. Ilogle; 1859, llenry A. Paddock ; 1860, Win. Gillis ; 1861-65, J. W. Kimball; 1866, John S. Parker: 1867-72, Wm. Gillis : 1873, John S. Parker ; 1874-75, Thomas W. Creed : 1876, Wm. Gillis : 1877, Hiram N. Burns : 1878-79, Thomas Parker.

TOWN CLERKS.

1817, Amos Welch : 1851. Chas. M. Whitney : 1855, E. S. Whitney : 1856-58, C. B. Harriman ; 1839, P. B. Wolff: 1860-61, John MeMillan ; 1862 -61, Henry C. Congdon : 1865. Henry E. Smith ; 1866, II. C. Congdon ; IS67, IL. W. Merrick ; 1868-70, Channecy

484

HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Parker; 1871, John S. Parker ; 1872, John McKay ; 1873-74, Robert G. McCuen ; 1875, W. H. Winchester; 1876, Wm. E. Manson ; 1877-78, Nathaniel Hollenbeck ; 1879, George HI. Nicholson.

The present (1879) town officers are as follows : Supervi- sor, Thos. Parker ; Clerk, George H. Nicholson ; Justices of the Peace, Chas. L. Norton, Hiram N. Burns, Daniel Gillis ; Commissioner of Highways, Hannibal Ellsworth ; Asscs- sors, Hiram Russell, James T. Cameron ; Collector, Wm. G. Cushman ; Overseers of the Poor, Neil Campbell ; In- spcetors of Election, Frank H. Spencer, Paul Grant, and Martin Brill ; Auditors, John S. Parker, John B. Chap- man ; Constables, Wm. Palmer, Wm. Cowan, Henry Ells- worth, and Thomas Malverhill; Game Constable, Edward F. Gower.

CHAPTER XCIL.

FORT COVINGTON-(Continued).

Ecclesiastical Ilistory-Military-The First Presbyterian Church -- The Baptist Church-St. Mary's Church-Methodist Episcopal Church-Academy-Military Record-Names of Soldiers who En- listed from the Town in the War of the Rebellion.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH .*

THE first continued labors of any minister of the gospel in the town of Fort Covington were those of Mr. Brun- ton, a Presbyterian minister from Scotland, who came to this place from Montreal. Just how long he labored here we have not been able to ascertain. He came in 1820 or '21, and by his zcal and energy gathered together a socicty, which, though not then organized, formed the nucleus, the germ, the real beginning, of this church.

It should be noted here that of the carly settlers in this community adhering to the Calvinistic faith, besides the Baptists,-of those who would naturally be drawn together in the organization of a church, worship and work, -- of these there were divers elements. Of these we may mncntion at least three :

1st. The settlers from Washington County, who had been formerly associated as members of the Associate Re- formed Synod of New York ; 2d. The New Englanders, --- thoroughly attached to the Congregational polity, -- and Methodists ; and 3d. The Scotch element, bred and trained in the Kirk of Scotland.

It was not strange, therefore, that the first pioneer preacher, Father Brunton (as he was called ), though a very learned and capable and zealous preacher, was not able to effect a vigorous and promising organization, though he did a noble and a lasting work. Nor was it surprising that Mr. Samuel Crosby, coming as a Congregationalist, a little after Mr. Brunton, became pastor only of a feeble church, and one that could not long survive. These efforts, though useful, were not permanently successful. During the years that immediately followed the community was visited re- peatedly by a minister of great ability and force as a preacher and organizer, Rev. Dr. Alexander Proudfit, of

Salem, N. Y. He was particularly attracted to this place, no doubt by the fact that several of his old parishioners and acquaintances had settled here.

To him the field seemed open and inviting, and after due consultation with many of the most substantial and reliable ·of those interested in such matters, he decided to organize a church.

Previous, however, to the organization of the church, Mr. Proudfit had sent to this field as a laborer Rev. Mr. Fuller, who stayed only a few months, owing, I believe, to a serious accident with which he met, and almost immediately afterwards Rev. J. A. Savage, Mr. Savage coming late in the year of 1826. In the beginning of the year 1827, Dr. Proudfit came on to effect and complete an organization, -- a church which should be for the time under the care of the young man Mr. Savage, who was already doing good service in the field.

Accordingly, as prescribed by the Confession of Faith, a board of elders was chosen, and by Dr. Proudfit duly ordained. The names of the elders are as follows : David McMillan, Wm. Creighton, John G. Ostrander, Moses Fisk, and Alexander Gardiner, with Ransom Hawley as officiating clerk.

This was the first Session of this church, the full name of the church being The First Presbyterian Church of Fort Covington. The ecclesiastical connection of the church was, of course, with the Washington Presbytery, of which Dr. Proudfit was a member, and with the Associate Rc- formed Synod of New York. The first regular meeting of the Session was held Feb. 8, 1827, at the house of Mr. James Campbell (Judge Campbell), at which time the record states that " Mrs. Samuel Wright, formerly a mem- ber of the Associate Reformed Church of Argyle, and Mrs. Phebe Jenow, formerly a member of the Associate Re- formed Church of IIcbron, were received as regular mem- bers of this church. Also, that Mrs. Mary Begley, Robert Gardiner, Isabella McMurphy, Mary McMillan, Florilla McMillan, Mrs. McIntyre, and Mr. Robert Chapman were admitted to the communion for the first time."

This record seems to have been faulty in leaving out the names of Mrs. Alexander Gardiner and Mrs. H. McMillan and Mr. and Mrs. Fenton, who united, as the roll indicates, at the same time. This, then, was the organized member- ship, 19, in all 20, including the leader, Mr. Savage.

But the society was large. Many individuals and many families identified themselves at once with the new enter- prise,-many who afterwards became members of the church.

A society meeting was held Feb. 28, 1827, in the · school-house,-their place of worship,-for the purpose of clecting trustees. Six were chosen, as follows : Peter Cameron, Joseph Wright, David McMillan, Archibald Alexander, William Chapman, and Ransom Hawley. This was the first board of trustees. The two first, Peter Cameron and Joseph Wright, held office but one year, and their places were filled by D. L. Seymour and William Creighton, and this was the board under whose administra- tion the church building was completed.

The church edifice was begun in the fall of 1827, com- pleted and dedicated in 1828, at an estimated cost of

# Contributed by Rev. C. N. Thomas, being an historical sermon delivered by him in 1876.

PHOTO. BY FAY & GOODELL

Willian Gillis

WM. GILLIS, M.D., of Fort Covington, N. Y., is the son of Dunean and Elizabeth Gillis, and was born in Cornwall, On- tario, June 4, 1822.

Dunean Gillis, the son of Dunean Gillis, was born in Argyle- shire, Scotland, in December, 1776, and died at his home in Dundee, Province of Quebec, Dee. 28, 1861. He married Elizabeth MeIntyre, who was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in the year 1786, and died at her residenee in Dundee, Provinee of Quebee, Oet. 26, 1850. To them were born the following children, viz. : John (deceased), Catherine (deceased), Archi- bald, Margaret (deceased), Malcolm, who were born in Scotland, and Wm. Daniel Dunean, a soldier in the Rebellion ; James and Hugh, who were born in Canada.

Dunean Gillis came to America, and settled in Cornwall, Ontario, in 1819, and removed to Dundee, Province of Que- bee, about 1823. He was a large and successful farmer. Wm. Gillis, the subject of this sketeh, worked on his father's farm summers, and attended the common sehool winters, until he was sixteen years of age, when he eommeneed attending the acad- emy in Fort Covington, and continued until 1840, when he began to work in a flouring-mill and continued till 1843, when he commeneed the study of medieine with Dr. Roswell Bates, of Fort Covington. He attended the medical college at Castle- ton, Vt., during the years 1846-47, and subsequently attended the medical university of New York, in which he completed his course in the year 1849. During this time he taught school six winters in Fort Covington.

He commeneed the practice of medieine in Fort Covington in the spring of 1850, and has continued until the present (1880), The doctor has a large and increasing practice, and gives partic- ular attention to surgery. His consultation praetiee is very large, and he is considered one of the very best physicians in the county, and one of the best surgeons in Northern New York.

In polities he was a Whig until the Republican party was organized. He was one of the first seven men in Fort Coving ton who voted the Republican ticket. The following are the

names of the men who organized the Republican party in Fort Covington, N. Y., viz. : Jabez Parkhurst (deceased), Geo. B. R. Gove (deceased), Joel Lyman (deceased), Hon. H. A. Pad- doek, of Malone, S. E. Blood, Malachi Barry, and Dr. Wm. Gillis, of Fort Covington.

Dr. Gillis was elected superintendent of the schools of Fort Covington in 1846, and served seven years. In 1853 he was elected justice of the peace, and served several years. In 1860 he was elected school commissioner of the Second Distriet, and served three years. He was elected supervisor of his town in 1860, and has served in that capacity eight years. He has often been a delegate to town, county, and State conventions, and in 1868 was a delegate to the National Republican Conven- tion that met in Chicago to nominate Gen. U. S. Grant and Sehuyler Colfax for President and Vice-President of the United States. The doctor has given general satisfaction in all his official positions.

He married Alice, daughter of Caleb and Betsey (Harriman) Stevens, June 23, 1851. To them have been born three daugh- ters, viz. : Carrie S., who lived to be a young lady, and died May 1, 1878 ; Allie E., who is now at home with her parents ; and Frank A., who died Oet. 30, 1877.

Caleb Stevens, son of Jonathan Stevens, was a lineal deseen- dant of Henry Stevens, who was a colonel in King Philip's war, and eame to America in company with his brothers, Richard and Thomas, and settled in Hartford, Conn., in 1660. Caleb was born at Plaistow, N. H., and settled in Corinth, Orange Co., Vt., at an early day.

He had fourteen ehildren, seven sons and seven daughters, viz. : Caleb, Silas, Jonathan, William, Mary, Eliza, Sarah, Hi- rain (deceased), Mira, Rhua, Hiram (2d), Asenath, Alice, and Charles, all born at Corinth, Vt.

In polities Mr. Stevens was a Whig. He was a captain of the State militia for several years. His wife was a member of the Congregational Church. She died in 1854. Mr. Stevens died in the year 1851.

485

TOWN OF FORT COVINGTON.

$4000; and here it may be well to note that while many might say all joined heartily in the work, yet the new and for those days elegant church was largely the result of the energics and gift of two men, D. L. Seymour and Charles March ; and thus the church, thoroughly organized, the society comfortably housed, and well supplied in pulpit ministrations and pastoral labor, was fairly and prosperously on its way. But soon there seemed to the discerning mind of the leader (and the feeling was shared by others), there seemed to be a needless drawback, an obstacle in the way of the best progress, which might and ought to be speedily and easily removed.

The church stood almost alone, almost wholly isolated from other churches with which it was ecclesiastically con- nected, for Mr. Savage sent a long and very respectful memorial to Presbytery, asking to be dismissed to the Presbytery of Champlain, in connection with the General Assembly. He gives the very best of reasons, and urges them with great clearness and force, two being prominent : first, elements better united ; second, so far removed.

But the Presbytery hesitates, and advises reconsideration. This was in May, 1827, and in August, 1829, the applica- tion is renewed with persistency and thorough earnestness. Still the Presbytery refuses to assent to the transfer, and thus, after waiting till February, 1830, the church applies for admittance to the Presbytery of Champlain, and is re- ceived. This was done at a meeting of the Presbytery held Feb. 3, 1830, at which meeting both the memorials which had been addressed to the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Washington County, asking to be dismissed, and which had been refused, were also presented. In view of the facts so clearly stated in these memorials, Presbytery at once voted to receive the application. And thus the church of Fort Covington takes its place on the roll of the Presbytery of Champlain.

Aecessions to the church continue ; and up to the time of Mr. Savage's leaving, the beginning of 1832, its roll con- tained the names (living and dead) of 150.

Following Mr. Savage's labors was the very short minis- try (only a few weeks or months) of Mr. Nicholl.

Then, during the single year of 1833, the well-rement- bered labors of Mr. Savage, during which time the little Bombay Church united with this, bringing in nearly 20 members. In the late autumn of 1833 came Mr. Aaron Foster, who remained with the church about three years, during which time 105 were received.

Following Mr. Foster the church was supplied for four and a half years by Mr. James E. Jewett, who received into the church 6 members.

Following Mr. Jewett's labors were those of Mr. Wells, continued through a part of 1837, 1838, 1840, and 1841, about three years. During his ministry, summer of 1840, Mr. Burchard labored here as an evangelist, and 123 were added to the church. Next came Mr. Solomon Williams, through 1842 and 1843, receiving 14 to the church. And after Mr. Wells, Mr. Russell stayed only about a year and a half, receiving 11 to the church. July 21, 1845, Mr. D. C. Lyon began his labors, and continued two years, gathering to the church 12. And late in the fall of 1847 came Mr. Gillett, who, in the beginning of the year 1848,

received a very hearty and unanimous call to become the settled pastor of the church. Accordingly, Mr. Gillett was installed Feb. 16, 1848, Mr. Ashbel Parmelee preaching the sermon. Mr. Gillett remained pastor of the church about eleven years, leaving at the close of 1848 ; additions during his pastorate, 52.

Following Mr. Gillett was Mr. Moses Thatcher, who was here through 1859, 1860, and 1861, receiving to the church 10 members. The next year, 1862, was supplied by different preachers, but chiefly Mr. Savage. During 1863 the church had the serviees of Mr. Millar, during which time 11 were added.

Following Mr. Millar, during 1864 and part of 1865 (dark days of our country), there was an interregnum, the church being supplied by no one during any extended period,-the congregation, however, being kept together by vigorous effort in the Sabbath-school work. On the 20th of May, 1865, the present pastor (C. N. Thomas) began his labors, and on July 16th, of the same year, was ordained and installed. The next year, 1866, the work of rebuild- ing was commenced, and completed and dedicated in the fall of 1867. Estimated cost, about $12,000. Up to the present time, July 1, 1876, he has received to the church 180 members. Summing up all the names of those who have been enrolled as members of the church since its or- ganization, Feb. 8, 1827, and we have 704. Sixteen min- isters-or leaving out those who were so very short a time (Mr. Fuller and Mr. Nicholl), 14-and membership of over 700. Surely no one can say that the anticipations and hopes and prayers and efforts of God's children, the early founders and supporters of this church, have come to naught. Is not this blessed evidence that the vine was planted by the Master of the vineyard ? This has been the Lord's own garden, into which he has often come with his refreshing presence. There have been during the history of the church three-perhaps we ought to say four-very marked revivals. The first, during Mr. Foster's pastorate, in connection with the labors of Mr. Foote, when the church received, during the spring and summer, about 60 members; the second, and most remarkable, in the summer of 1840. While Mr. Wells was pastor, in connection with the efforts of the evangelist, Mr. Burehard, on the 3d of July, in this year, 88 persons stood up and confessed Christ, entering into covenant with the church. Ou the 23d of the same month 14 more, making in all 102. A few soon departed from the way, but the many were steadfast, and the accession was one of great strength and helpfulness to the church.

The third revival was in the beginning of 1870, in con- nection with union meetings between the Methodist Epis- copal Church and this one. As a result, this added to the church, April 10th, 43 persons, most of whom still live in communion and active service in the church.

The following is a list of all the elders and the dates of their ordinations : David McMillan, William Creighton, John T. Ostrander, Moses Fisk, Alexander Gardiner, Feb- ruary, 1828 ; Thomas Erwin, Elisha H. Hazzard, Oct. 25, 1830; Charles Marsh, Joel Lyman, Benjamin Raymond, Jan. 6, 1834 ; N. Fearlings, S. A. Streets, J. F. Longley, George A. Cheeney, March 30, 1854; James C. Ryan, William C. Boyd, Ebenezer Stevens, April 10, 1870.

486

HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, NEW YORK.

The following persons have served as trustees, although the list is not complete : Mr. Peter Gardiner, John B. Chap- man, James Cameron, J. T. Kingsley, J. C. Ryan, H. N. Burns, Thomas Hamilton, Isaac Seeley, R. N. Cushman, C. P. Elliott, William C. Boyd, N. Fearlings, Abram Chapman. The present board of trustees are Thomas Hamilton, James Cameron, James Buchanan, John Gillis, and Abram Creighton. One place in the board was made vacant by the death of our earnest and very efficient brother James T. Kingsley. Jabez Parkhurst and Reuben Martin were also prominent members of the church. But time forbids me further to dwell upon the details of our church history.

Surely, brethren and friends, we ought to take heart and go forward. God has been for us. Of the 700, a goodly number are already safe at home; many others are in the harvest-field thrusting in the sharpened sickle; some are now amid the perils and temptations of this busy world, but they are clothed, we believe, with the armor ; and-oh, what a sweet thought !- encouraging our despondency-shall we not take courage, bless God, and go forward to win the vic- tory,-so blessed even here and so far above? And this recent loss brings to mind the fact which must be brought most vividly before all our minds by this memorial service,- the fact that the church has been highly favored, greatly blessed all through her past history by earnest, active, and open-handed men, wise counselors, and ready givers. Of the living I will not speak, though honorable mention might most appropriately be made. This pleasant temple we owe in no small measure to the vigor and benevolence of indi- viduals. Our life and growth-our gifts to the eause-have been the triumph of individuals, and those who still live and work and give. May God give them more grace, more wisdom, more charity, more means, and more open doors !

Of the departed, who have left lasting tokens,-their merit, their never-decaying monuments,-I should mention two whose names have not appeared in this history as officers of the church, but whose record is written in far brighter and better annals,-I mean Jabez Parkhurst and Reuben Martin. The first standing, by virtue of his eminent good sense and practical judgment, at the very head of the so- ciety for many years, holding this place as a wise counselor, a trusty and safe adviser ; the second as a giver, a devout patron of the great working missionary church. So we might mention others of the fathers faithful and true, and most helpful men, but they have a better reeord on high, and their names and memory will live without such a pub- lishing as this. And I should be glad were there time to embrace a brief review of the Sabbath-school interest with us; but only say that this part of our church work has been most prominent for a number of years, and is not now declining. Our present number exceeds 300 teachers and pupils-estimate in the great harvest time of eternity.

Remember how the swift years are going by ! A little more earthly and heavenly recording,-recording here by us and up there for or against us,-a little more and our work is finished, the last leaf written, and O! what shall it be ? Duty done, or duty thrust aside ? Deeds of love springing out of hearts all filled with the truth and spirit of Christ our Lord ? This may be. Such a blessed record we

may each one of us make. Or will it be the elaims of God -the soul's own claims-neglected, forgotten, put off, put off till the call to give an account of thy stewardship? Oh, let us be wise, and to-day begin anew that service, when all the sentinels have passed into eternity, the record of which we shall read with joy.

BAPTIST CHURCH.

The Baptist Church of Fort Covington was organized by Rev. Nathaniel Culver, Aug. 18, 1822, with the follow- ing members : Perrin B. Fish, deaeon, Hiram and Mary Stark weather, Mary Congdon, Anna Ryan, Sally Tucker, Sally Payne, Florilla Wallace, Azubah Fish, - Colby, and Nancy Ellsworth.

Prior to the erection of the first church edifice, services were held in the town-house. The church was completed and dedicated March 5, 1829 ; cost, $600. It was rebuilt and remodeled in 1852, and again in 1876, when it was re- dedicated. The present value of the church property is about $4000.

The pastors of the church have been as follows : Hiram Safford, Hiram B. Dodge, Wm. Henry Rice, J. B. Drum- mond, J. N. Webb, William H. Maynard, Rev. Mr. Aus- termel, C. D. Fuller, Charles Coon, Charles Bailey, J. B. Nairn, present ineumbent.

The first ehureh clerk was Jonathan Danforth, and the present Joseph Spencer. The present deacons are Joseph Spencer and George Dewey. Present trustecs, Justus Blanchard, Paul Grant, and Jacob Hollenbeck. Present membership, 47.

ST. MARY'S CHURCH (ROMAN CATHOLIC).

Mass was first said in Fort Covington by Father John McNulty, in 1837, and in that year a church building was commenced, which was completed in 1839 or '40. Father McNulty remained as pastor of the church until about 1843, when he was succeeded by Father James Kavanagh. The pastors of the church from that time have been as fol- lows : Thomas K. Kavanagh, brother of James. Fathers Shene, McGinn, Rev. Dr. De Lucca, Martin C. Stanton, Thomas E. Walsh, Thomas McNulty, present pastor.

In 1873 the church was incorporated as the " Society of St. Mary's of the Fort," and the board of trustees consisted of Bishop Edgar Wadhams, Vicar-General Macy, Father Thomas McNulty, D. E. Denneen, and William Hart.

In 1874 the church edifiee was rebuilt and remodeled at a cost of $4000. A pleasant and substantial rectory was purchased in 1869. The church is in a prosperous condi- tion, and has a membership of about 800. The cemetery is adjoining the church.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.

This church was organized in 1838, under the pastorate of Rev. Arzu J. Phelps. The first trustees were Warren L. Manning, James C. Sawyer, and a Mr. Bullis. A church edifice was erected and inclosed, but not finished.

Rev. John Sawyer succeeded Rev. Mr. Phelps in the spring of 1839. And Ezra Stiles was elected trustee that year, who still is a member of the church (1879).

During the year 1840, the church building was removed to the centre of the village, and erected upon a site pre-

PHOTO, BY TAY & GOODELL

Chandler Ells worth

Chandler Ellsworth, of Fort Covington, is a son of Orange and Polly (Winn) Ellsworth, and was born in the town of Fort Covington, Franklin Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1808.

Orange Ellsworth was a son of Elijah and Betsey Ellsworth, and was born in Connecticut in the year 1781. His ancestors were from England, and settled in New England many years before the Revo- lutionary war. They distinguished themselves in many of the occu- pations of life, and one of their descendants, Col. E. E. Ellsworth, of Saratoga County, has made his name immortal by his daring career during the Rebellion. Elijah Ellsworth was a tanner and currier by trade. He had seven children, viz. : Nathan, Sullivan, Alpheus, Orange, Betsey, Ritty, and Orrie, all of whom were natives of Con- necticut, and married, and had children.

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History of Clinton and Franklin Counties, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 133

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) 1n; Lewis, J.W., & Co., Philadelphia Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & co. Number of Pages: 922

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) 1n; Lewis, J.W., & Co., Philadelphia
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 922