History of Jefferson County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 71

Author: Durant, Samuel W; Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 862

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 71

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A new covenant was drawn up. Those whose names appeared on the roll were visited, and as many as possible of the old members were induced to sign it, " with a view to reviving the church, completing its organization, carrying

on its discipline, and maintaining it as a healthy branch of the Christian vine." Thus a new body was reconstructed out of the elements of the old, and fresh life and vigor im- parted to it. In spite of some divisions and alicnations . that sprang up in the latter part of Mr. Jones' ministry, his administration was characterized not only by great energy and ability, but by more than ordinary suecess. He resigned May 2, 1869, having received into communion sixteen from other churches and thirty-seven converts. Rev. J. A. Canfield began his labors the next Sabbath. His ministry was also a very successful oue, and the church was greatly prospered. Twelve were brought into her membership by letter and fifty-one by profession; a total of sixty-three, among them some of the best clements in the church. Towards the close of his pastorate the stone edifice now occupied by the church was begun. It was largely due to his influcuce that it was undertaken and carried through to completion. It is one of the finest church buildings in this section of the State, the structure itself costing $20,000, and the lot on which it stands with the parsonage and sheds $6000 more. The church was never before in so good a condition financially or more united and harmonious than at the time of Mr. Canfield's resignation, May 31, 1874. The present incumbent, Rev. J. II. Crum, took charge of the church on the 1st of No- vember following. Since that time one hundred and fifty- two have been added to its numbers. Eighty-six joined at the communion held February 13, 1876, the fruit mostly of a revival during that winter under his preaching. The present membership of the church (September 1, 1877) is two hundred and sixty-one. Its Sabbath-school numbers two hundred and thirty-five. It is free of debt. Its an- nual expenses are about $2000. Its benevolent coutri- butions the past year, $335.38. Its history covers a period of fifty-eight years. It has had twenty-two different minis- ters and nearly seven hundred members in the aggregate.

ST. PAUL'S CHURCHI (EPISCOPAL).

Rev. Robert Horwood held the first Episcopal service in Antwerp, and administered the first baptism, to Annis Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander P. and Elizabeth S. Ster- ling, at Sterlingburgh, September 6, 1855. In August, 1858, Rev. J. Winslow commenced his labors in Carthage, Champion, and Sterlingville. In 1866 he organized a parish in Gouverneur, and held missionary services in Ant- werp, where he presented a class for confirmation by Right Rev. Bishop Coxe, the first bishop to visit Antwerp. Mr. Winslow was succeeded by Rev. Frederick Hyde, then a young deacon. He remained six months. Rev. Wm. A. Ely, deacon, succeeded him, and organized the parish under the name of St. Paul's church. The first wardens were Oliver Child, of Philadelphia, New York, senior, and Alex- ander P. Sterling, of Antwerp, junior. He was succeeded by the Rev. Gabriel Johnston. Services were first held in the chapel of the Antwerp Seminary, then in Foster Hotel hall, next in an upper room in S. G. Wiggins' block, used as a school-room, and then in Mrs. Wm. Gills' house, where they were continued until the church was built. In 1871, Rev. H. V. Gardiner took charge of the parish and built the church, the lot having been donated by Mrs. Gill.

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

The corner-stone was laid on the 7th of September, 1871, by Rev. Dr. Babeoek, of Watertown, assisted by the rector. Mrs. Laton Bentley succeeded in raising $2000, subscribed in Antwerp, on the condition that the church at large should raise $1000 when the church was completed. It cost $1500 above the estimates ; but gathering fresh zeal and faith from obstaeles, more money was obtained than was needed, and Clayton received $250 of the surplus. After paying the debt, the church was consecrated October 8, 1872, by the Right Rev. F. D. Huntington, assisted by the reetor, Rev. H. V. Gardiner, and Revs. Brewer, Hilliard, Johnston, and Miller. After the celebration of the holy communion six persons were confirmed, one, a Presbyterian clergyman, who came a hundred miles to receive the holy rites, and who afterwards took orders in the church. The sermon on this occasion was delivered by Rev. L. R. Brewer, of Trinity church, Watertown, New York.

The Rev. H. V. Gardiner was succeeded by Rev. Geo. Jones, of the Bermudas, who for three months labored with zeal and noticeable effect. His health failing, he was obliged to cease labor. In October, 1873, Mr. Jones was succeeded by Rev. F. Hilliard, reetor of St. James' church, Theresa. He held semi-monthly serviees in the parish until his resignation of St. James', in January, 1874. He was succeeded, February 18, by Rev. Hugh Bailey, the present reetor, who has ever been zealous and efficient in his efforts for the welfare of the church. Fifty confirma- tions have taken place sinee his assumption of the charge.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The commencement of Catholic worship in Antwerp dates to March, 1849, at which time that denomination purchased from Mr. Parrish the briek church which he had built in 1816 for the use of the town. The building, which had cost nearly $10,000, was sold to them for $600, and has been used by them as their place of . worship until the present time. The church is in charge of the priest who resides and officiates at Redwood.

BAPTIST CHURCH-ANTWERP VILLAGE.

The first Baptist organization in the village of Antwerp was made about the year 1824, under Elder Wilkie, of Le Ray. The Rev. Mr. Berrell was another of their earliest preachers. Among the first members were Daniel Coolidge, Jerome Woodbury, Eli Whitford and wife, Walter Colton, Obadiah Chamberlain, and Richard Huntley. Their meet- ings were held in the old frame school-house upon the hill, on the east side of the village. None of their records for the first twelve years ean now be found.

A reorganization was effected February 23, 1836, with Obadiah Chamberlain, David Manning, and Joseph Palmer as trustees. The first pastor after this formation appears to have been Elder Philander Persons,-a most efficient preacher, a peace-maker, and a man greatly beloved and respected.

Their place of worship was in the " Old Jubilee" build- ing, ereeted by Dr. Randall for a dwelling-house, but pur- chased and fitted up as a meeting-house by this society, when they were refused further admittance to the school- house. It stood on a spot now covered by the track of the

railroad, near the residence of J. Chapin, Esq. On Feb- ruary 1, 1842, the society voted to sell this old building, and to build a new house of worship. A lot was accord- ingly purchased of Mr. Parrish on the hill near the brick house, and upon this ground their new meeting-house was completed in 1843. Three years later (February 3, 1846) it was voted to dispose of the old meeting-house and lot to Japheth Chapin for $100, and it was accordingly so disposed of, and was swept away by the railroad contractors some eight years later.

The pastors who followed Mr. Persons were Rev. Wil- liam Tillinghast, November, 1842, to November, 1845 ; Rev. Lueius Nichols, February, 1846,-ordained here in August, 1846, but remained only a short time ; Elder D. D. Reed, 1847 to 1850; Elder Hiram Main, August, 1850, to August, 1851, during which time accusations were made against him, and suspension followed ; Elder A. H. W. Cook came in 1851; Daniel Dye, January 1, 1852 ; Elder H. Ward, 1854; Lorenzo Rice, 1856; Rev. G. N. Har- mon, ordained here July 31, 1858, remained till April, 1859; Rev. Charles Bailey, May 1, 1861, who preached onee in two weeks for a period of four months; and their last pastor, Rev. J. E. Maynard, who was ordained at their church in Antwerp village, May 12, 1862.

It appears from the record that their last meeting for divine worship was held on May 7, 1865, and the last church meeting January 28, 1866. For a long time their church upon the hill remained in disuse. It is now oeeu- pied as a place of meeting by the Methodist Protestant society of Antwerp.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-ANTWERP VILLAGE.

Methodism in Antwerp village dates baek no farther than July, 1863, at which time, at the urgent request of a few friends, the Rev. D. Symonds, then pastor at Sprague's Corners, established an appointment for worship here on Sabbath evenings once in two weeks, and a small elass was organized, with William Barrett as leader. For a time serviees were held in the Wiggins block, and when more commodious quarters became necessary, the Baptist church was seeured, and used until February, 1872, at which time the society's new church was dedicated and occupied. This edifice was of brick, seventy-five by forty-five feet, with basement, and had been ereeted mainly through the earnest energy of their pastor, Rev. E. E. Kellogg. Its cost, in- cluding ground, was about $20,000.

This building was totally destroyed by fire in the early morning of January 5, 1877; but even before the ashes were eold a subscription was circulated, and so satisfactory was the result, that the trustees' debt of about $2000 over the amount of insurance was discharged, and the work of rebuilding was commeneed in April following. Now (Sep- tember, 1877), the edifice is approaching completion, and will be dedicated in October. It is of brick, forty-five by eighty-two feet, of fine and substantial architecture. Its location is on the high ground adjoining the Ives seminary at the west side of the village; an attractive and com- manding position.

The sneeession of pastors has been as follows : Rev. A. G. Markham, 1869 to 1870; Rev. E. E. Kellogg, 1870 to

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

1873; Rev. Wm. Watson, 1873 to 1875 ; Rev. S. Dewey, 1875 to 1876; and Rev. C. H. Guile, 1876 to the present time.

The membership of the church is about one hundred and fifty.

METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.

In September, 1868, three Methodist Protestant classes were organized in Antwerp, viz .: one at the Hoard neigh- borhood, with forty-two members; one at Hall's corners, with twenty-two members ; and a third at Rockwell Creek, with thirty-eight members; all these being under charge of Rev. D. T. White. The preachers in charge who suc- cceded Mr. White were Rev. Plato, 1869 to 1872; Rev. Thomas Ellsworth, 1872 to 1875; and Rev. Robert K. Andrews, 1875 to the present time.

The classes at Hall's and Hoard's worshiped in their neighboring school-houses until January, 1876, since which time they have held fortnightly meetings in the Baptist church building in Antwerp village. The class at Rockwell Creek have continued to hold meetings once in two weeks at their school-house. A part of the members of this class have been detached, and joined to the Fowler charge. The remainder, together with those who meet in Antwerp vil- lage, being sixty-six members in the aggregate, constitute the Antwerp charge under Mr. Andrews.

THE M. E. CHURCH-SPRAGUE'S CORNERS.

Methodist worship was held in the neighborhood of Sprague's fully fifty years ago, the meetings being usually held in the school-house about half a mile south of the village, or in that at Pike's corners,-both log structures,- and the older people of the vicinity recollect Reverends May, Crary, Gibbs, and others, as among the early preachers who officiated.

The organization of the church was effected January 12, 1837, under Rev. Reuben Reynolds, pastor; the trustees being Isaac Sprague, John Howe, Elijah Steele, Jr., Abel Goodenough, William Brown, Martin Michel, and Samuel Kingsley.

In the same year they purchased of Moses Burge a building site on the Jefferson County side of the main street of the village, and upon it erected a house of wor- ship, at a cost of about $1000; John Howe being the architect and builder. After thirty-six years of service, in 1873 this old building was demolished, and a new one- their present church edifice-erected on the same site by C. C. Miller, as architect, at a cost of about $5000. This was during the ministry of Rev. Henry Heselgrave, How of Philadelphia. After his pastorate came that of Rev. Smith, who remained until 1876, and was then suc- ceeded by Rev. Mr. Nichols, the present pastor.

FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH-SPRAGUE'S CORNERS.

This organization was formed by a union of the Antwerp and Fowler Baptist society with the Wesleyan Methodists of Sprague's Corners, effected about the year 1870. Their house of worship is the same which was built and occupied by the Wesleyans before the union. The present pastor is Rev. - Loomis. The membership is increasing rapidly,

an accession of twenty members having been received dur- ing the winter of 1876-77.

The Wesleyan society, which was merged in the Frce- Will Baptist, was formed September 1, 1845, with Emor Bell, Allen Woodward, and Abel Goodenough, trustees, it being the result of a secession from the M. E. church at Sprague's Corners, caused by disagreement on the question of slavery. Allen Woodward donated a building site on the Antwerp road, towards the south side of the village, and upon it a small meeting-house was erected at a cost of $1500. This is the present church cdifice of the Free- Will Baptists, as above mentioned. The Wesleyan pastor, at the time of uniting with the Baptists, was Elder Collins.

The other member of the union-the Antwerp and Fowler Baptist church-dated its existence from Septem- ber 11, 1838, when the church was organized, with Amos Sheldon, I. H. Bosworth, Alexander Wright, Leonard Pike, Ansel Clark, and Moses Burge, as trustees. Among their earliest preachers were Elders Stevens and Nichols. Their church building was erected at Steele's Corners, near the county line of St. Lawrence. For a considerable time prior to their union with the Wesleyans the society had lan- guished, and they had been without a pastor.

Methodist worship is held fortnightly in the school-house at Nauvoo.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-OX BOW.

On the 15th day of May, 1820, the Ox Bow Presbyterian society of Antwerp and Rossie, a body corporate, was formed, with Abraham Cooper, Reuben Streeter, James Ormiston, Abraham Lewis, James Douglas, Abner Benton, Orren Matthews, and Percival Hawley, as trustees. During the same summer a church organization was formed with forty members, principally people from the south of Scotland, who had then recently settled in this and in the neighboring town of Rossie. Their first pastor was Rev. James Sand- ford, from Massachusetts, who continued with them for ten years, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. McGregor, after whom came Reverends Stowell and Nicol. Following these came other pastors, under whose ministrations there grew up a dissatisfaction which resulted in a dissolution of the church's allegiance to the Assembly, and a change of name to that of " The Associate Reformed Church of Ant- werp and Rossie." This took place in May, 1837, when a reorganization was made, with Andrew Culbertson, James Dickson, Robert Darling, John Barrow, William Fleming, and William Turnbull, trustees. Their first minister after the change was Rev. Mr. White, who remained more than a year, and was followed by Rev. Alexander Proudfit, who labored but a short time, and was succeeded by Rev. James Williamson, who ministered to them as stated supply for a period of more than ten years. Their first settled pastor, after the change in 1837, was Rev. J. S. Cowper, a native of Scotland, who came to them on the first Sabbath in January, 1852.

Since that time (the precise date cannot be given) they have resumed their original relations to the General Assem- bly, as a regular Presbyterian church. The present pastor is Rev. Alexander Adair, who has now served them for about ten years.

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

During the first eighteen years of its existence this eon- gregation worshiped in the brick sehool building erected by Abraham Cooper; but in the year 1838, during the ministry of Rev. Mr. White, they erected the stone edifiee which they still occupy, fronting on the village green. Some changes and improvements have sinee been made in it, as the addition of twenty-five feet to its length and an inerease in the height of its spire, giving it greater sym- metry. Its first eost was $2500. Auxiliary to the church is a large and flourishing Sabbath-sehool, under the super- intendency of Dr. Wood.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-OX BOW.

A Methodist church organization existed at Ox Bow village more than forty-four years ago, the society there having been formed May 14, 1833, with Ira D. Shepard, William H. Collar, Samuel Bonfy, Ebenezer Beardsley, and Abraham Lewis, trustees. Among their earliest preachers were Revs. Gibbs, Crary, and Reuben Reynolds. Their meetings were held in the sehool-house or in private dwell- ings, and they had no church edifiee until the winter of 1872-73, when they first met in the basement of their present church,-the stone store of Abraham Cooper, which they had purchased and remodeled, at a cost of about eight thousand dollars. It fronts on the village green, and is a neat and appropriate meeting-house. This was ereeted during the pastorate of Rev. - Clarke. Succeeding him in charge of the church was Rev. Mr. Crofoot, who was followed by Rev. James Smith, of Wegatchie, tlie present pastor.

Connected with the church is a flourishing Sabbath- school, under the superintendency of Mr. Joseph Graves.

INTERMENT GROUNDS.

The first graves in Antwerp were made in the old burial- ground in the northeastern part of the village, upon the slope of the hill, near its top, and adjoining the school- house and Baptist church lots. No one can now tell with certainty whose was the first interment here, but among the carliest were those of Richard MeAllaster and his wife, Susan, whose deaths occurred within less than three weeks of each other, his on the 11th of February, and hers on the 23d of January, 1813. The land-one acre-was donated for burial purposes by David Parrish. From the time of its commencement until 1860 (when the new eenietery was opened) this was the only burial-ground of the vicinity, and here are garnered the grim reaper's harvests for half a een- tury. It is now sadly neglected and overgrown, but there are those among the best eitizens of Antwerp who have resolved that it shall not long continue in this dilapidated condition.

THE FOSTER BURIAL-GROUND.

This inelosure, situated near the house of Andrew Kin- ney, is very nearly as old as that at · Antwerp village. It was known to the oldest settlers as grave-yard number two. It was donated by Edward Foster, Sr., not later than 1810, and within it lie four generations of the Foster family, of which he was the head. It has become very populous, but is constantly receiving additions to the number of its oecu- pants.

THE BEAMAN BURYING-GROUND,

located a short two miles from Antwerp village, on the Sterlingville road, near the residence of J. M. Beaman, Esq., was donated many years ago by Ira Beaman, whose remains are buried there, as are also many members of the Beaman and Aldrich families.

GRAVE-YARD AT SPRAGUE'S CORNERS.

This spot, one aere in extent, was given to the public by David Parrish, and Colonel H. B. Keene recolleets when about fifty-five years ago, in his boyhood, he worked with older persons at a " bee," which was held to clear away the stumps and undergrowth in preparation for interments. He also recolleets the occasion of the first burial, but cannot reeall the name of the person. Soon after, Mr. Israel Sprague was interred there, and also Leonard Pike and Mr. William Vebber, one of the first comers to Sprague's Corners. It is upon the hill just south of the settlement.

There is also a grave-yard on the " Fuller road," between Sprague's Corners and Antwerp village.

THE BEMIS BURIAL-GROUND,

in the northwest part of the town, three miles from Ox Bow village, was a part of the farm of Ebenezer Benis, and by him given for purposes of interment more than half a century ago, but proving to be a wet and unsuitable place, was but little used.

THE VROOMAN HILL BURIAL-GROUND

is located in the west part of the town, and was taken from the farm of Peter Vrooman, and was first used as a eeme- tery after the Bemis ground had been found to be unfit for the purpose. The interments have now become numerous.

THE OLD CEMETERY AT OX BOW,

containing sixty-eight cne-hundredthis of an aere, and lo- eated in the village, adjoining the Presbyterian ehureh, was donated to the publie by Abraham Cooper, in 1822, at which time his father, John Cooper, was buried there ; this being the first interment in the ground. The inclosure has become elosely erowded, and since the laying out of the new cemetery very few burials have been made in the old one.

THE NEW CEMETERY AT OX BOW,

known as the Presbyterian cemetery, although its use is not confined to that denomination, was laid out in 1874, upon thirteen aeres of ground purchased of Ira Hinsdale, for $1300. There have been as yet but few interments. The site is a good one ; that part lying nearest to the village- a bold, hemlock-erowned knoll, rising abruptly above the little stream-being particularly noticeable for its romantic beauty.

THE HILLSIDE CEMETERY.

This is the name given by the Antwerp Rural Cemetery Association to the beautiful grounds laid out and decorated under its auspiees at Antwerp village. The association was incorporated and organized in 1859, with John H. Conklin, president ; Elijah Fulton, vice-president; J. S. Conkey, secretary ; G. S. Sawens, treasurer. In the same

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

year they purchased seven and one-half acres of ground from Clewley Copeland, at seventy-five dollars per acre, and proceeded to the laying out of lots. These lots have been sold at an average price of ten cents per square foot, and although not more than half the area has yet been graded and laid out, and though not all the lots which have been platted are sold, yet enough has been already realized to clear the association from debt, and to create a reserve fund of over twelve hundred dollars; a condition of affairs evi- dently resulting from good financial management. The cemetery grounds lie upon the southeastern slope of the hill adjoining the old burying-ground, and the main en- trance to them is on Van Buren street, at the eastern side of the village. They contain a large number of handsome monuments and of burial plats, which are beautifully lo- cated and tastefully laid out. There are very few villages of the size of Antwerp which possess a cemetery so attract- ive as this. The present (1877) officers of the association are Josis Miller, president; Almon Buel, treasurer; Al- bert Hoyt, secretary.

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The first school in the town of Antwerp was taught in a small frame building, erected for the purpose, not far from the spot where now stands the new Congregational church in Antwerp village. The teacher who first presided in this primitive temple of learning was Lodowick Miner, who came from the Royal Grant in Herkimer. His successor was Jacob Miller, and the third teacher who was employed there was Benjamin Cook, from whom we have gathered . these facts, though he is unable to recall the precise dates. The second building erected for school purposes was a small log house, which stood on a knoll near the spring, a few rods north of the present residence of John Wilber. Of this school Mr. Cook was himself the first teacher, and Miner also taught there soon after. These were, of course, not free schools, but were supported by subscriptions, per capita, of pupils. The second school-house in Antwerp village was a frame structure, which was built on the hill near the old brick church, and is still standing there.

The first division of the town into school districts was made March 12, 1814, and is recorded as follows :

" We, the school commissioners of the town of Antwerp, do divide the town into the following school districts, viz. : District No. 1 com- prehends all the inhabitants southwesterly of the northeasterly line of Zopher Holden, Esq's, land. District No. 2 includes all the in- habitants northeasterly of said Zopher Holden's land.

"JOHN HOWE,

" JOHN C. FOSTER, "OLIVER STOWEL, "School Commissioners."

On the 17th of the same month they divided district No. 2 as follows :

" Beginning at the Turn Pike Rode on the Line of Lots between Zo- pher Holden and the Pool's Lands, and running as near the centre as possible between the two Cambray Roads. Those inhabitants on the south of said Line to be No. 2, and those on the north of said line No. 3."

December 15, 1818, district No. 1 was divided, forming No. 4; the former embracing lots 683 to 686, and 714 to 717; and No. 4 embracing lots 680 to 682, 711 to 713,

and 740 to 742. District No. 5 was laid off December 21, 1818:

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History of Jefferson County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 71

Author: Durant, Samuel W; Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.) Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co. Number of Pages: 862

Author: Durant, Samuel W; Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 862