USA > New York > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 64
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The Good Templars' Lodge, No. 50, was instituted during the early spring of 1866 by State Deputy A. L. Smalley. The charter members were D. E. Gardner, D. A. Dwight, Mrs. Dr. Walter Webb, Carrie Z. Webb, Mrs. B. Randall, Anna Bosworth, Anna Penney, James Penney, L. M. Cowles, O. N. Bosworth, Geo. Estabrook, B. Randall, Milo Ran- dall, L. R. Webber, R. F. Steele, and others.
The lodge occupied Odd-Fellows' Hall for their meetings. The first officers were: W. C. T., D. E. Gardner; W. V. T., Mrs. B. Randall; W. S., D. A. Dwight; W. A. S., Carrie Z. Webb; W. T., Milo Randall; W. F. S., James Penney; W. Chaplain, L. R. Webber; W. M., Geo. Esta- brook ; W. D. M., Anna Penney ; Lodge Deputy, D. A. Dwight.
This lodge continued in existence for over six years, during which time much good was done in the cause of temperance. Every clergyman, and most of the leading men and women of the place, became members ; about 300 in all.
Although the lodge went down, yet a strong temperance sentiment remained in the community, which manifested itself in the spring of 1875, when, under the action of the Local Option Law, the town was carried for " No License." Numerous meetings were held in each school-house and church in the town, at which stirring appeals were made by all the clergymen and many of the laymen of the town. Strong efforts were made by the friends of license by the usc of influence and money to prevent this desirable object. The town has been carried for " No License" each year since, this year-1877-by treble the majority of the first year. At first the law was attempted to be evaded, and, finally, defied, but a few prosecutions brought the rum- sellers to their senses, so that the law is now as operative as any law against crime in the town.
Another powerful temperance revival commenced during the summer and fall of 1877, which reached its elimax in a series of meetings commenced on the 23d of September by Mr. J. R. McKelvey, which continued for one week, as the result of which 321 took the iron-clad pledge to abstain from everything that can intoxicate, as a beverage, in- cluding malt liquors, wine, and cider. As is the ease in all such revivals, some have fallen away; yet some who are the most benefited have firmly kept their pledge, and, as a result, very much good has been done.
THE ADAMS LIBRARY
was formed April 12, 1831, with Cyrus Eddy, William Chittenden, Walter Webb, Forester Dexter, and Wells Benton, trustees. . Wells Benton was appointed librarian.
Dro 10000000000
RES. OF T. P. SAUNDERS, ADAMS, JEFFERSON CO. N Y.
DOOO.
MILL PROPERTY OF T. P. SAUNDERS, AT REDFIELD, OSWECO Co.,N. Y.
H.C.I.
HUNGERFORD COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE, ADAMS. JEFFERSON CO., N.Y.
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The society had accumulated about 600 volumes of standard books, and the library was successfully maintained about fifteen years, when the interest in the project had so much diminished that the annual dues of the members remained unpaid, and the property passed into the hands of private parties.
THE ADAMS CORNET BAND
was organized July, 1877, with sixteen members, and L. A. Hawes leader. It is composed largely of the meinbers of the old " Hungerford Collegiate Institute Band," which was organized in 1870, by C. R. Horth, leader. It is reckoned a good band.
The " Rural Cemetery Association" was formed under the general aet, January 17, 1848, by thirty-three citizens, who elected Samuel Bond, Samuel Niblock, Jesse Wright, Nathan Saunders, Heman Grenell, Samuel Harmon, Calvin Wright, Peter Doxtater, and Wells Benton trustees, and Peter Doxtater president. An aere of ground, which had been given for burial purposes by David Smith, in the early settlement of the place, was secured, and additions made to its area until it includes 4} acres. The location is fine, and has been beauti- fully improved by the association by laying off walks, grad- ing the ground, and the erection, in 1850, of a handsome receiving vault. The present trustees are, A. B. Gilbert, W. H. Wheeler, N. Green, Joseph L. Greene, S. H. Pitcher, J. A. Washburne, W. W. Wright; Erastus Hale, Henry C. Jones. President, Nelson Green; Secretary, W. H. Wheeler.
" Elmwood Cemetery" is governed by an association bearing its name, formed in 1867. That year 182 aeres of ground west of the railroad were secured for a burying- ground, and surveyed and platted by J. H. Curtis, of Bos- ton. The design is very elaborate, yet remarkable for its chaste beauty, including natural groves, terraces, lawns, se- questered walks, and fountains throwing streams eighteen feet high. Approaching the cemetery is a wide avenue, lined with elms; and this noble tree has been liberally planted throughout the grounds, in appropriate keeping with the name of the cemetery. Seldom has Nature done so much for a spot consecrated to the dead, and, aided by the adorning hand of the artist, this has become one of the finest cemeteries in the county.
The association was reorganized April 26, 1876, with James M. Cleveland, Rufus P. White, Austin W. Ingra- ham, George W. Bond, Henry O. Kenyon, Mark D. Man- ville, Austin W. Fisher, Solon D. Hungerford, William E. Overton, and Philip Stearnes trustees. President, James W. Cleveland ; Secretary, N. M. Wardwell ; and Treasurer, R. H. Huntington.
ADAMS PUBLIC SCHOOL.
As early as 1802 a school was taught at Smith's Mills, which was attended by pupils living several miles around the place. A fair-sized two-story frame house was erected at an early day, and was used for school purposes until the wing of the present edifice was built. The old house was removed and transformed into a furniture-factory. Ini 1876 the site of the school-house was changed to a point east of the institute, and the present commodious structure erected at a cost of $4000. There are four well-arranged rooms, accommodating 200 pupils. The attendance in 1877 was
180, and 39 weeks' school was taught by C. D. Larkins and three assistants. The school is ungraded, but bears an excellent reputation for thoroughincss in discipline and the branches taught.
A select school was taught in the old bank building by M. C. Manning, who afterwards became a distinguished Baptist clergyman, which was attended by a large number of the present business men of the village. Subsequently, Jason Marsh, now a citizen of Roekford, Ill., and others, had charge of the school.
The " Adams Seminary" was established about 1838, as the result of an effort to locate a female seminary at this place. Judge Thomas C. Chittenden was one of the prime movers of that project. A small academic building was erected jointly by individual enterprise and the Universal- ists, who stipulated for the right to hold meetings in it on the Sabbath. Miss Willard, of Troy, was secured to take charge of the school, and conducted it successfully for several years. Subsequently it was opened to both sexes, and Ira Mayhew, afterwards superintendent of schools in Michigan, assumed the principalship. He was sueceeded by Foster Montgomery, who shortly associated Prof. Stevens with him, and the school remained under their control a number of years. After this the house was used for private schools, but has for many years been occupied as a session- room by the Presbyterian society.
THE HUNGERFORD COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE .*
This thriving institution of learning is located at Adams village, whose inhabitants early felt the need of better facili- ties for education than the common sehools afforded ; ac- cordingly efforts were made at different times to found an institution of learning of a higher grade; but, owing to local jealousies and the powerful opposition of the friends . of the Black River Institute, located at Watertown, and Union Academy, at Belleville, they were not successful. In the year 1852 an effort was made to establish a graded school, but it resulted in failure. In the year 1859, Cap- tain Sidney J. Mendell, filled with great expectations of the future of the village, to be brought about by a mineral spring located in the west part of the village, commenced, near the railroad depot, the erection of a large three-story hotel. When this building was nearly completed, pecuniary reverses overtook him, and the building passed, by fore- closure, into the hands of Gen. Solon D. Hungerford, who had been one of the most active in former efforts to afford better educational facilities to the village. He proceeded to finish the building. While waiting to make some dis- position of it, the thought oeeurred to him that the long- sought-for educational institute might now be secured. To will, with him, was to do; and accordingly, on November 1, 1863, he placed in the hands of Justus Eddy, Esq., editor of the Jefferson County News, a proposition : In consideration of the sum of $10,000 to be raised by the citizens of Adams and vicinity, he agreed to give to a board of trustees, to be afterwards named, a good and suf- ficient deed of the property known as the Mendell hotel, with the single reservation that if they should sell or
* By H. F. Overton.
17
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.
otherwise dispose of the property the avails should be used to erect another building for an academy within one mile of his residence. On receiving the proposition of Gen. Hungerford, Mr. Eddy published a eall for a public meet- ing to be held on Nov. 30, 1863, at the Presbyterian, lec- ture-room, to take it into consideration. At that meeting it was resolved to accept the offer of Gen. Hungerford. A committee of the following gentlemen was appointed to devise means to carry the resolution into effect : Justus Eddy, Rev. J. N. Hobart, Rev. G. W. Mackie, Rev. J. C. Vandercook, Dr. L. B. Waldo, H. F. Overton, B. Randall, W. A. Gilbert, and Andrew Blackstone. This committee delegated to a sub-committee, composed of the following gentlemen, the work of preparing a platform on which the different church interests could be harmonized : J. Eddy, A. J. Brown, H. F. Overton, D. A. Dwight, and A. W. Gilbert, who prepared the following platform, which was adopted by the executive committee as a basis on which to raise the needful amount :
Ist. The board of trustees shall consist of twenty-four members. 2d. At least twelve of the principal donors shall nominate the first board of trustees.
Not more than one-third of the trustees shall belong to any one religious society.
This platform having been submitted to Gen. Hunger- ford, and approved by him, also another resolution, allow- ing the trustees to use the income from the endowment fund in any way they might deem for the best interests of the school, the committee then called a public meeting of all persons interested, at the Presbyterian lecture-room, at which meeting B. Randall, G. W. Mackie, and W. A. Gil- bert were appointed a committee to obtain subscriptions to the endowment of $10,000. These gentlemen, about Feb- ruary 20, reported that they had obtained in good and valid subscriptions the sum of $10,568. A committee was then appointed to appraise the improvements of the hotel, who reported them worth $13,500. A public meeting was then called on March 4, 1864, and it was resolved that application be made to the Regents of the University for a charter, under the name of " Hungerford Collegiate Insti- tute," and with the following gentlemen as its first board of trustees : Hon. Joseph Mullin, E. R. Mason, LL.D., Geo. Frasier, Asa M. Whitford, Wm. M. Johnson, S. D. Hungerford, B. Randall, W. A. Gilbert, Geo. Cooper, Justus Eddy, Geo. W. Bond, Philander Smith, Willard , Rev. J. N. Hobart, Rev. G. W. Mackie, Rev. F. F. Jewell, Rufus P. White, A. J. Brown, T. P. Saun- ders, H. F. Overton, Samuel Harmon, Hon. E. S. Salis- bury, A. W. Ingraham.
After the charter was obtained, the position of principal was given to Prof. J. D. Houghton, a gentleman of large experience and high literary attainments, who had long been at the head of Union academy at Belleville, Jefferson County, New York, an institution which he had raised to the first rank for scholarship among the academies in the State. He accepted the position, and the trustees pro- ceeded to fit up the building for school purposes, after plans prepared by him. To do this money was necessary, which was obtained partly by anticipating the interest of the en- dowment and partly by subscription, of which General
Hungerford gave as much as all the others combined. The changes necessary to fit the building. for an academy, to- gether with seats, heating apparatus, etc., cost about $4000. On September 8, 1864, the school went into operation, with the following corps of teachers : Principal, J. D. Houghton, A.M .; Preceptress, Miss Emma N. Beebee; Con. and Higher English, Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Gardner; Music, Mrs. J. D. Houghton ; Primary Department, Miss Cornelia Clark.
About this time a very valuable mineralogical cabinet was presented to the institute by Mr. John G. Webb, now of Florida. This cabinet was nearly destroyed at the burn- ing of the school building, which took place some years later. During the second year Prof. Holbrook was asso- ciated with Mr. Houghton as vicc-principal. During Mr. Houghton's administration the school was noted for its thorough scholarship and excellent discipline. At this time military drill, under Colonel E. S. Salisbury and others, was maintained, and in the opinion of the teachers was of great help in keeping up the discipline of the school. On January 29, 1868, the building was consumed by fire. At that time it, with its contents, was insured for $14,000. About $13,400 was paid to the trustees by the insurance company. February 3, five days after the fire, a meeting of the trustees was held at Hungerford's National Bank, when it was resolved to crect another building immediately. At this meeting the question of change of site was intro- duced, and the site upon which the building now stands was selected. General S. D. Hungerford then said he wished to be allowed to give the land selected to the trustees, if it could be procured. This offer was accepted, with thanks. The work of building was soon after en- tered upon with great energy. The trustees had at their disposal about $16,000. They were authorized to expend $20,000 in the erection of a suitable building for an acad- emy and boarding-hall, that should accommodate at least as many students as the former building. About June 1 work on the new building was begun. The plans were by J. D. Houghton and Mr. White, of Syracuse. The mason work was under the direction of Asa Lyons, of Adams. The earpenter work was done by Wm. H. Wheeler, with David Gaylord, both of Adams, as architect in charge. Under this energetic management, seconded by the strenu- ous efforts of the building committee, the house was inclosed in the fall of 1868. 4
The size of the building is 97 by 129 feet, four stories high, and is heated by steam and thoroughly ventilated. It was found that the building committee had gone beyond the authorized limit,-$20,000,-having expended $20,240 on the outside of the building. Various plans were pro- posed for raising the necessary funds for its completion, among others that of bonding the village corporation, and a law was passed by the legislature for that purpose, but was vetoed by Governor Hoffman. A public meeting was then held in the unfinished building to take into considera- tion ways and means to raise money to finish it, at which General Hungerford agreed to give $5000, provided the sum of $12,000 should be raised by other parties. This offer he afterwards modified by agreeing to give as much as all others up to the sum of $10,000. About $7000 were
RES. OF CHAUNCEY COLTON, ADAMS, JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.
RES. OF MISS L.J. BULLOCK, ADAMS, JEFFERSON Co., N.Y.
RES. OF A. J. GREEN, ADAMS CENTRE, JEFFERSON Co., N.Y.
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.
secured by citizens, and the work of finishing the building was entered upon, and on August 24, 1870, the completed building was dedicated to the interests for which it had been erected.
On the 28th the school was opened in the new building, with the following corps of teachers : Albert B. Watkins, A. M., principal; Orlo B. Rhodes, A. M., vice-principal ; Mrs. H. N. Butterworth, preceptress; Mrs. L. B. Woodward, teacher common English ; Miss L. Chatfield, oil painting and drawing ; Mr. W. H. H. Taylor, commercial; Mr. Gustave Gunther, music ; Mrs. H. B. Watkins, Spanish and Eng- lish. Messrs. Watkins and Rhodes still retain their re- spective positions, and have succeeded by their earnest efforts, seconded by an efficient body of teachers, in build- ing up a reputation for the school for thorough scholarship second to none in the State.
There are six courses of study : 1, classical ; 2, English ; 3, college preparatory ; 4, scientific or engineering ; 5, com- mercial; 6, music.
There are three literary societies connected with the school, -" Nousaskean," " Kalamathean," and " Calisophian." The library contains 1421 carefully-selected volumes, and is always accessible to the students. A public reading- room contains the latest papers and magazines upon the table, and open at all proper hours. The chemical and philosophical apparatus is full and complete, leaving but little to be desired by those who are pursuing the study of the natural sciences. The Institute has also a first-class mineralogical cabinet, which was mainly the gift of Wm. Rosa, M.D., of Watertown, and J. G. Webb, formerly of the State Geological and Mineralogical Survey.
The influence of the school is beginning to show itself in the increased interest in literary and scientific subjects, and the trustees confidently look forward to the time when it shall have secured such a hold on the affections of the community in which it is located that a liberal endowment shall be cheerfully provided for it. The present officers and faculty of the Institute, as given in the tenth annual catalogue, are as follows :
Board of Trustees .-- Gen. S. D. Hungerford, Justus Eddy, Geo. W. Bond, Edwin R. Maxson, A.M., M.D., LL.D., Rufus P. White, Hon. A. J. Brown, Hon. Joseph Mullen, LL.D., Henry F. Overton, W. V. V. Rosa, M.D., A. W. Ingraham, S. N. Bond, James M. Cleveland, Philip Stearne, Samuel Niblock, Thomas C. Chittenden, Esq., Henry O Kenyon, Hart Grenell, Albert B. Watkins, Henry J. Brimmer, A. H. Fisher, W. E. Overton, A. H. Coughlan, I. L. Hunt, Jr., Esq., W. H. Withington. Officers .- Gen. S. D. Hungerford, President ; E. R. Max- son, A.M., M.D., LL.D., Viec-President ; Albert B. Wat- kins, Secretary ; Hart Grenell, Treasurer.
Faculty .- Albert B. Watkins, Orlo B. Rhodes, Princi- pals. Albert B. Watkins, A.M., Ph.D., Metaphysics and Literature ; Orlo B. Rhodes, A.M., Greek and Latin ; Charles L. Williams, Natural Sciences and Mathematics ; Prof. Herm. Haydn, Instrumental Music; Wmn. Cheese- man, Commercial Department; R. N. Jackson, Penman- ship ; Miss F. M. Hastings, Preceptress, French and Paint- ing ; Mrs. L. B. Woodward, English Department ; Mrs. A. B. Watkins, Spanish and English ; Mrs. O. B. Rhodes,
German ; Mrs. H. F. Nefflen, Elocution ; Miss Jennie M. Clarke, Telegraphing. Primary department, Mrs. O. B. Rhodes, Principal; Assistants, Miss L. J. Martin, fall and winter terms; Miss F. A. Keegan, spring term. Librarian, Orlo B. Rhodes.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
of Adams village was organized as the " First Congrega- tional church of Adams," by the Rev. Ebenezer Lazell, July, 1804, and consisted of the following six members : Joshua Beals, Jacob Kellogg, Abram Griswold, David Comstock, Betsey Griswold, and Asenath Cooper. Divine worship had been established on the Sabbath, in 1801, at the house of Jacob Kellogg, and in 1802 the first sermon was preached by the Rev. Woodward, a missionary. From the time of the formation of the church services were con- ducted according to the ordinances of the Congregational church, until 1821. January 27, 1821, while the Rev. George W. Gale was pastor, the Presbyterian form of gor- ernment was adopted, and has prevailed ever since. The membership increased gradually, and there was no notable addition to its numbers until the completion of the church in 1818. The following year there were forty added.
The following is a list of the ministers, and, as nearly as may be, a correct statement of their time of service and of the additions to the church during their labors respectively :
Rev. Ebenezer Lazell, 1804, organized as above; length of time unknown.
Rev. Mr. Phelps, 1806, length of time unknown. Additions, 3. Additions in 1807, 3.
Rev. David Spear, 1808, nine months ; additions, 25.
Rev. Chauncey Cook, 1811, nearly four years; additions, 25. In- stalled.
Rev. Mr. Burt, 1816, three months; additions, 2.
Rev. Mr. Porter, 1816, two years.
Rev. Enos Bliss, 1818, six months; additions, 35.
Rev. George W. Gale, April, 1819; installed by the St. Lawrence Presbytery, October 25, 1819. Resigned in 1823; additions, 120.
Rev. John Sessions, 1824, over five years ; additions, 80. Installed.
Rev. I. A. Hart, 1830, probably one and a half years; additions, 93.
Rev. D. A. Clark, 1832, one year; additions, 2. Installed.
Rev. Dexter Clary, 1833, less than one year; additions during this and part of the succeeding year, 35.
Rev. J. Myers, 1834, two years; additions, 8.
Rev. C. Jones, 1836, about nine months; additions during this and the two succeeding years, 10.
Rev. John H. Carle, 1839; length of time unknown; additions during this and the year following, 12.
Rev. R. R. Kirk, 1840, about four years; additions, 61. Installed. Rev. F. J. Jackson, 1846, eighteen months ; additions during this and the two successive years, 33.
Rev. P. C. Headley, 1849, four years ; additions, 22. Installed.
Rev. E. C. Priehett, 1854, two years; additions, 7. Installed.
Rev. H. L. Dox, 1857; additions, 80.
Rev. G. W. Mackie, April, 1862, three years ; additions, 62.
Rev. E. Lord, August 1, 1865, five years ; additions, 133.
Rev. G. H. Smith, April 1, 1871, term of service, one year eleven months; additions, 16.
Rev. G. B. Barnes, November 1, 1873, present incumbent; addi- tions, 57.
The total number who have united with the church is about 800. The present membership is 219.
During Mr. Gale's ministry, a general revival of religion occurred, and in 1822, 63 united with this church, among whom was Charles G. Finney, who has since acquired a
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.
national celebrity as an evangelist, and is now president of Oberlin College. He had previously been a law student, under Judge B. Wright, and evinced an ability and sagacity that would doubtless have made him eminent in that pro- fession. His attention is said to have been turned to re- ligious subjects under the preaching of the Rev. Jedediah Burchard,* who has attained a distinction not less general . as a revival preacher, and of whose labors we shall have repeated occasions to mention in the following pages. The preaching of Mr. Finney has been remarkable for the boldness and originality of his logic, and the strength and clearness of his arguments, which seldom fail to secure the undivided attention of his audience, without those extra- neous aids to excitement which, in the hands of some, have produced analogous results. His first ministerial labors were performed in Lorraine, and previous to his commencing his career as a revival preacher he was em- ployed at Evans' Mills and elsewhere as a stated supply.} , At about the same time that Mr. Finney's attention was directed to religious matters, Orson Parker's mind was awakened in a like manner. He soon after professed con- version, and became one of the most powerful revivalists of his day, being instrumental in leading thousands to Christ.
While Dr. Headley was at Adams, he wrote some of the most important books which bear his name, in addition to his pastoral duties.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY
of Adams was formed Aug. 28, 1805, with Jacob Kellogg, Eliphalet Adams, Elijah Fox, and Simeon Meacham, trus- tees. About 1818 they erected a church, 30 by 40 feet, which was used seven or eight years, when it was sold to the Methodists. In 1825 the present church was com- menced, and completed for dedication July 26, 1826. Its original cost was $7000, and it was enlarged and remodeled in 1858, and subsequently at a cost of about $4000. The building is a well-preserved frame, with an audience-room having 400 sittings.
The present trustees of the society are R. J. Traver, D. A. Dwight, and H. M. Wardwell.
The first Session of the Eldership was organized Janu- ary 27, 1821, consisting of the following six members :
Abel Clary, Jacob Kellogg, Josiah Hinman, Westwood Wright, William Grenell, Samuel Bond. Benjamin Wright, Perley D. Stone, and John Hinman were elected March 26, 1827. Russel Stow, Hiram Arms, Heman Grenell, Albert G. Redway, and Samuel Graves were elected No- vember 23, 1840.
The rotary system of eldership was adopted May 26, 1858. The church decided that the session should con- sist of nine members, the three oldest to hold their offices one year, the three next in age two years, and the three youngest three years ; and thereafter one class to be elected annually, and hold their offices respectively three years.
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