USA > New York > Madison County > History of Madison County, state of New York > Part 37
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The Library of the University contains over 8,000 vol- umes of choice books in all languages, and treating upon all subjects. The chemical and philosophical apparatus are excellent ; the cabinet of geology and mineralogy and col- lection in ornithology and conchology, are very rare and val- uable. There is on the premises, besides the east and west college,-the former 100 x 56 feet, and four stories high, the latter 100 x60 feet, four stories,-and Alumni Hall, 107 x 73 feet, a Gymnasium, Boarding Hall, and President's and Professors' houses, all charmingly situated.
It seems no more than just that the friends of Madison University, who have contributed to sustain it through all changes, should be named in this connection. Besides Hascall and Kendrick, many others have come forward and
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nobly stood by the Institution. In Hamilton, Elisha and Samuel Payne, Jonathan Olmstead, Seneca B. Burchard and his father Jabez Burchard, William Cobb, Alvah Pierce, C. C. Payne, and many others whose names we have not ; also, those indefatigable laborers in the institution, Dr. P. B. Spear, Dr. G. W. Eaton, Professor S. W. Taylor, &c. Among the devoted women may be named Mrs. Betsey Payne, wife of Samuel Payne ; Mrs. Sophia Hascall, wife of Rev. Daniel Hascall ; Mrs. Deacon Colgate of New York and Mrs. Huldah Thompson of Troy. Other noble individ- uals, whose munificent benefactions have lifted the Univer- sity out of its difficulties, placed it on a safe pecuniary basis, and amply endowed it, viz : Friend Humphrey, William Col- gate, Garret N. Bleecker, Alexander M. Beebee, besides many others whose lesser benefactions have rendered mate- rial aid. From this list of heroic and self-sacrificing indi- viduals, many have passed on to their eternal reward.
REV. DANIEL HASCALL, A. M.
Daniel Hascall was born in Bennington, Vt., Feb. 24, 1782. He was a graduate from Middlebury College, Vt., in 1806. He was subsequently a teacher, studying theology at the same time under private tutors, in Pittsfield, Mass. In 1808, he was ordained as pastor at Elizabethtown, Essex County, N. Y. In 1813, he was called to the pastorate of the Baptist Church at Hamilton, Madison County.
Rev. Daniel Hascall was the originator of the idea of founding an institution for the education of the Baptist ministry in Central New York, and to him is undoubtedly due, more than to any other one man, the origin of the Hamilton Literary and Theological Institute, hence, by common consent, he is regarded as the founder. In the build- ing up of the great work, Hascall and Kendrick were co- workers, and were equal sharers in perfecting the grand plan. These men were unlike, and yet always agreed. One fitted to comprehend the requirements and needs of the work, in which the other might be wanting. Each
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were great in their own way, and the two made a perfect whole, which so great an enterprise required ; yea, were nec- essary to give body, life and soul to the Institution. Rev. Mr. Hascall so placed his heart upon the work, that he was ready to become a servant to all, if he could thereby push forward an enterprise he firmly believed to be of God and not of man. He was a man of remarkable faith. Impossi- bilities, or such as seemed so to be, were achieved through a perfect trust in Divine Providence. An instance in point is related as follows : When the Western Edifice was being erected, the funds failed and there was no known source to draw from. The workmen, impatient for their wages, re- fused to proceed. Professor Hascall, having the charge of the work, was under sore trial, and as usual in difficulties, counseled with his valued and peerless wife. They spent most of the night in earnest supplication and prayer. The Board also appointed a day of fasting and prayer, with the same object in view. Mark the result. In a few days, Dr. Stephen Gano, of Providence, R. I., was induced to visit Hamilton under the most singular circumstances. A mem- ber of his congregation, the late Nicholas Brown, Esq., came to him one day with an urgent desire that he visit Hamilton to inquire into the affairs of the Institution, " for," said he, "I cannot sleep ; they are in trouble there ; I dream about them nightly." Nothing would satisfy Mr. Brown till his pastor made the journey, he staying some ten days in Hamilton and thoroughly acquainting himself with the school, its plans and its needs. The result was, Mr. Brown forwarded his pledge of $ 1,000 toward the new build- ing.
Rev. Daniel Hascall was a man of sound judgment. Every lineament of his countenance indicated a clear prac- tical head. His comprehensive view took in the bearings of every minute matter at a glance. He was found to be, instinctively, where help was needed, with an ever ready, helping hand. In the mechanical work of the institution,
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his handiwork is particularly noticeable. Its very walls are imbued with his spirit. The first edifice, built in 1823, and the Western Edifice, built in 1826, were constructed under his direct supervision. His mental capacities were such that he could, with ease, perform various and widely differ- ent duties at once. It is said of him : " Now in the recita- tion room solving a linguistical difficulty, and now in the quarry prying up materials for the building he was superin- tending ; sitting on the sill of the raised window of his lec- ture room, giving instructions to his class in one breath, and in the next, orders to his workmen outside. He was pre-eminently the man of action, forgetting self, and labor- ing incessantly for the great object of his heart's desire. For a time he resided a mile out in the country, and yet, winter and summer, he walked in, with lantern in hand, if too dark to see his way, at half past four o'clock in the morn- ing, regularly, to attend chapel service at five."
Rev. Daniel Hascall was elected Principal and Professor of Rhetoric, in Hamilton Literary and Theological Institu- tion, in 1820. He served with great usefulness for sixteen years, when he resigned. He resigned his pastorate with the Baptist Church in Hamilton, in 1828. After resigning his Professorship, he removed to Castleton, Vt., where he resided some years. In 1847, he was invited to the pasto- ral care of the Baptist Church in Lebanon, N. Y., and re- turned to Hamilton. His return occurred at the opening of the " removal controversy." It was a most providential cir- cumstance, for he was the only person after Dr. Kendrick, in and about Hamilton, who could properly stand forth as the legal representative of this location. Dr. Kendrick was lan- guishing on a bed of pain, and died before it was settled, and Professor Hascall, " boldly and firmly, though with sin- gular mildness and amiability of spirit, took his stand in the Courts." Through that tedious controversy, he was plied on all sides by those interested in the removal of the insti- tution to Rochester, by the most pressing appeals to aban-
7
NATHANIEL KENDRICK, D.D.
FIRST PRESIDENT OF HAMILTON LIT. AND THEO. INST.
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don his position. Every inducement was held out by those he personally respected and loved.
In Dr. Eaton's Historical Discourse, we have a picture of the unassuming man, as he received the pleas and argu- ments held forth, and his sublime resistance. " He re- mained silent, seated at a table, with his eyes cast down, under these appeals. It was believed that a decided im- pression had been made, and that he had yielded. A pause ensued. He raised his right arm and brought down his clenched fist with startling energy upon the table, and slowly, with unfaltering voice and solemn emphasis, uttered these words : 'IT SHALL NOT BE MOVED.' The utterance was the voice of God against the removal enterprise. It sealed its fate." Dr. Eaton further relates: " Efforts were indeed continued. The case was carried into the Courts, (Daniel Hascall the leading plaintiff,) and argued pro and con by the ablest counsel in the State. The legal objec- tions were sustained, and Madison University fixed irrevo- cably in its present location."
After litigation had ceased, quiet restored, and the hope of his heart, the old Institution, again rising in renewed prosperity, his grasp on life relaxed and his freed spirit passed to its rest.
Socially, Rev. Daniel Hascall was deeply beloved. His heart was ever overflowing with kindness ; his mild, clear eyes expressed it, his benign countenance told how deeply his spirit was imbued with Christ-like love. Especially in the home circle, where his amiable disposition was daily seen, he was truly and warmly appreciated, and in the hearts of his loved ones his memory remains precious. He died June 28, 1852, aged 70 years.
REV. NATHANIEL KENDRICK, D.D.
Nathaniel Kendrick was born in Hanover, Grafton County, N. H., April 22, 1777. His early years were spent in learning to labor, which established habits favorable to vigorous health of body and mind. He received such edu-
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cation as the district school afforded, and amid the scenes of nature in his daily toil, he stored his mind with lore not found in schools, and laid the granite foundations of a great character in physical development, mental and moral strength, and acquired remarkable habits of industry, per- severance and fortitude.
After a remarkably decided conversion in his twentieth year, he began to ponder the momentous question of his life work, and in his twenty-fourth year resolved on enter- ing the ministry. He commenced his ministerial education immediately, studying with private tutors, as was the cus- tom at that period. Under several eminent divines, he passed from one grade of studies to another, the course be- ing similar to that of schools. He commenced his minis- terial labors in 1804, was crdained in 1805, and for a number of years pursued his pastoral labors in Massachu- setts and Vermont. In 1817, he removed to Eaton, and from that time, for a series of years, was connected in his pastoral labors with the Eaton and Morrisville churches. He subsequently removed to Hamilton, where he spent the remainder of his years.
In 1817, he became, with Rev. Daniel Hascall and other kindred spirits, one of the founders of the Baptist Education Society of the State of New York, which planted Madison University in Hamilton.
Dr. Kendrick's life, from 1817 to his death, was so closely connected with the institution at Hamilton, that the reader of the history of one, reads of the other. He devoted him- self to it with all his might, mind and strength. His eloquent tongue and pen, were, during all these years, in constant use for the institution. "He was the living bond between the churches and the 'School of the Prophets.'" To Kendrick is due, (it is accorded,) more than any other, the massive structure of the school, in its peculiar form, as originally shaped and constructed. His mind was powerful, his energy mighty, but always subservient to a cool, clear
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judgment. He stamped his personality, which was so per- meated with the Divine personality, upon all individuals with whom he associated, and it marked all enterprises in which he engaged. He was formed, physically and morally, on a large and generous scale. In person, he was tall-six feet four inches-and commanding ; his face and form alike fitted to inspire respect and veneration. His forehead was so high as to be a deformity, had not his frame been in due proportion. His intellectual powers were of the noblest order. His mild, deep blue eye spoke at once of the benev- clence of his heart, and the depth and acuteness of his in- tellect.
Dr. Kendrick was methodically accurate and punctual in business, attending to minute details with as much care as if no weightier matters filled his mind. In his business transactions, he was upright, pure-hearted, straightforward, unselfish. It was said of him, " there was no guile on his lips-no sort of trickery in his management." His trust in God was wonderful. How often, answers to prayer-some direct interposition, some aid from an unexpected quarter- caused him to give vent to his thanksgiving in those favor- ite passages of Holy Writ : "Surely the Lord's arm is not shortened that He cannot save, nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear." He can " cause streams to break out in the desert." " The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad." At the approach of the great crisis, the " re- moval question," although languishing with sickness, Dr. Kendrick's anxiety and labors were intense. At a most critical period in the affairs of the institution, in writing to a friend, he expresses his fears, and thus submits it to the care of Providence : " God will overrule and make all things subservient to his glory."
His regard for the students in the institution was like the affection of a father for his children. Says his biographer :- " It often fell to his lot to give the parting address to stu- dents that had completed their course. Many of those
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were touching in the fatherly regard which they evinced for the candidate for the sacred office, bidding adieu to the ' school of the prophets,' (as he always called the beloved institution,) only to assume the responsibilities of teachers in the church of Jesus. Many a reader will revive the tall form in the chapel of the Seminary, appealing in pathetic strains to a band of youthful servants, and saying to them, as a father would to his children, dear as the apple of his eye, ' go forth, with the benedictions of heaven upon you.'"
A heart of great generosity filled his breast, which exhib- ited only kindness toward those who differed from his views. He was eminently a peacemaker, instead of a partizan ; hence his great calmness and power in times of agitation. In his domestic life he was truly appreciated, for the tender- ness of his domestic affections was in proportion to the strength of his intellect. In his family he was free, affec- tionate, and playful ; he loved home and was passionately fond of children. The inmates of his home were many, but all knew the generosity of his heart and his liberal hospi- tality. He was blessed with three children by his first marriage. The eldest son, Silas N. Kendrick, be- came an eminent manufacturer, and proprietor of the " De- troit Locomotive Iron Works." He was a wise and good man, a true christian gentleman. He died in 1846.
By his second marriage there were three children, two sons born in Eaton and one daughter born in Hamilton. Dr. Kendrick's second wife died in 1824. He again mar- ried,-Mrs. Mary Hascall of Essex County-in 1828. She survived him some years.
Dr. Nathaniel Kendrick was lecturer on Theology in the Hamilton Theological Institute in 1820. Was elected Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology and Moral Philosophy in 1821 .. In 1823, received the degree of D. D. from Brown University. In 1836, was chosen first Presi- dent of Hamilton Institute and continued its President un- til his death.
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In 1844, he was injured from a fall which resulted in a long and painful illness, lasting until life wore out. During this long illness, painful in the extreme, he continued to la- bor in correspondence for the institution, in counsels and exhortations to the students, and in planning for the pros- perity of the cause. His naturally powerful constitution was long in wearing out, and his great mind continued its native vigor and composure to the last. After all that hu- man care and skill could devise, he passed to his rest Sep- tember II, 1848, aged seventy-one years.
EARLVILLE.
This village is most beautifully situated in the valley of the Chenango River, two branches of which wind on either side of the village and form a junction a short distance to the south. Four towns and two counties join here, Hamil- ton, Lebanon, Sherburne and Smyrna, (the two latter of Chenango County,) corner in Earlville ; Main street divid- ing the two towns of each county, being the county line, and the Chenango River dividing Lebanon from Hamilton, and Smyrna from Sherburne. The centering point of these four towns is the center of the highway near the grist mill. Hamilton has in this village about thirty-five houses, one dry goods store, one variety store, one grocery store, one drug store, one hardware store, one millinery store, one jeweler, one blacksmithery, one hotel, one merchant tailor's shop, one harness shop, the M. E. Church, the Union School with two departments, and the grist mill on the line adjoining Lebanon. Sherburne has in this village about thirty-three houses, the storage buildings of the Chenango Canal, one blacksmithery, two wagon shops, and other shops, one hotel, one warehouse, forwarding and commission business in connection. In 1869, the population was 405 inhabitants ;* 231 in the towns of Hamilton and Lebanon, and 174 in the towns of Sherburne and Smyrna. There is a beautiful incorporated cemetery north of the M. E. Church.
* It has since increased to 500.
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The Utica, Chenango & Susquehanna Valley Railroad runs on the east, five-eighths of a mile from the center of the village ; on the west, just by the limits of the village, runs the Midland Railroad ; both have convenient depots, and are accessible by hacks which run at all train hours. The Sy- racuse & Chenango Valley Railroad has its terminus at this point. These three important thoroughfares, converging here, make this valley in every sense of the word a desirable location for business men. The charming situation, the fa- cilities for business, hold out special inducements for the building up of a large village, and there is room upon the spread out plain for a city.
The early settlers found this to be a desirable place to pitch their tents and select their farms, and before 1800, log houses were scattered all along each side of the Chenango. On the Hamilton side a road was laid out to Hamilton vil- lage and farms were quite speedily taken up. Major Bige- low Waters and Charles Otis were the first settlers of the land where the present village stands. Maj. Waters' large farm was located south of the Corners in the town of Sher- burne. His descendants are numerous, and are well and honorably known in this and the town of Sherburne. The Major was a prominent, public spirited citizen. Charles Otis' farm comprised the central part of the village site. His dwelling was on the northeast corner. That part of his farm, now the central point in the village, was cleared by Frederic Sexton, an old resident, now deceased. Mr. Otis died here after several years' residence, and was succeeded by his son, Charles G. Otis. The latter was for a long time Justice of the Peace, and was chosen to various public stations. He was a useful citizen and highly respected. The Forks was the name given this locality, but there was no village here for many years ; the settlements, how- ·ever, on each side of the river were becoming quite numer- ous. The first religious meetings were held in the houses round about, by itinerant Methodist ministers. A class was
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formed as early as 1802, which was the nucleus of the first Methodist church in Madison County. The Felts, who had settled on the west side of the river, were prominent in this religious movement.
North of Earlville, about three-fourths of a mile, there was some business concentration from 1808 to quite a late date. About 1811, Mr. Jared Pardee, from Herkimer Co., came in and built a small tannery, It stood on the site of the present tannery. There was a hotel near the tannery of which Squire James B. Eldredge was proprietor and landlord. The old hotel is still standing converted into a farm house, now the home of Mr. Warner Nash. Squire Eldredge also kept the first post-office here. There was also a large distillery here, kept by Erastus Daniels.
After the lapse of a few years, Mr. Jared Pardee enlarged his tannery, went in partnership with Mr. Crain, and there- after for many years, this was known as the tannery of Pardee & Crain. At a later date the whole concern was built over on an extensive scale. It subsequently passed through several hands, and is now owned by Torry & Wil- son, who transact a profitable business. They employ several workmen and have a capacity for turning off 30,000 tanned calf-skins per annum.
Jared Pardee was one of the valued citizens of his day. He married and brought his wife here in 1814, and in their household, the toiling itinerant minister found rest, and the comforts of a home.
Mr. Joseph Crandall was one of the earliest settlers of Earlville. He was one of the worthy men of the times. Himself and wife were also among the company who labored to promote religion and good morals.
Erastus Daniels came in the spring of 1808, from New London, Conn., and settled also in the vicinity of the tannery. He was a man of public spirit, very active and had a large business. On his death, which occured in 1819, at the age of 41 years, the distillery passed into other hands ; but his
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wife left with six young children, all daughters, managed to keep the farm her husband had purchased, and to this day it is in possession of the family. It was somewhat encum- Dered, but with great prudence and good management, she succeeded in liquidating all claims, reared her family and secured a competence. Mrs. Daniels now resides in Earl- ville. She still enjoys her usual health although she was ninety-two years old last February.
There was nothing more than a hamlet called "The Forks," with a post office, tavern, grist mill and saw mill, where Earlville is, till about 1833, when the Chenango Canal was being built. The post office was first kept by Dr. Stacy, in a little building which stood on Hamilton street. The Dr. was a warm friend of Jonas Earl, Canal Commissioner, and succeeded in getting the place named in honor of him. About that period Orange H. Wait built the hotel, now the Felt House. In 1833, the old hotel on the south-west corner, was built over by Gardner Waters. Orange Wait engaged in the mercantile business, which he continued successfully for ten or twelve years. He built the dwelling next north of the " Brick Block." It was then the finest house of the village. Other stores besides that of Mr. Wait sprung up in the village, but none of them continued in business long. The Brick Block was built by William Felt, about twelve years ago (1860). The four stores of the village are all in the this block.
CHURCHES.
The First Baptist Church of Hamilton, was organized Nov. 17, 1796, with seven members. The church was sup- plied by Elder Root, Elder Joel Butler and Elder Salmon Moreton, for the first few years. The meeting house was erected in the village in 1810, and stood at the north end of the Park. It was burned December 31, 1819. A new house of worship was immediately erected, which was dedi- cated, November 12, 1820. The present church was built in 1843. The first settled pastor of this society was Elder
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Ashbel Hosmer. The Second Baptist Church, located at Thompson's Mills was formed from this in 1819.
The Congregational Church of Hamilton Village, was or- ganized in February, 1828, at the house of John Foote, with eight members. Rev. Pindar Field was first pastor. Meetings were first held in the brick Academy, but the house of worship was erected the same year. In 1851, the house was destroyed by fire. It was immediately rebuilt. It 1871, it was remodeled and repaired at a cost of about $4,000.
St. Thomas Church, (Episcopal,) of Hamilton, was organ- ized, September 21, 1835. Rev. L. A. Barrows was first clergyman. In 1846, the church edifice was erected. It was of the early English Gothic style. It was consecrated June 8, 1847.
The Methodist Church of Earlville, was organized in 1802, at the house of Joseph Crandall. First meeting house was built in 1814. A new house was built in 1838. In 1871, the house was built anew on the old frame at a cost of about $5,000. Rev. Charles Giles was first pastor.
The First Congregational Church of Hamilton, was organ- ized in 1798, by Rev. Mr. Badger of Blandford, Massachu- setts. It was located at Hamilton Center, where the meet- ing house was erected in 1800. Jonathan Stevens, Richard Butler, John Pomeroy, Phineas Alvord, Annie Morgan, Mary Schoil, Lucy Stevens and Rebecca West, constituted the first members. First pastor, Rev. Mr. Moulton. In 1840, the meeting house was removed to Poolville.
The Universalist Church of Hamilton, was formed by Rev. Nathaniel Stacy, at the house of David Dunbar in Hub- bardsville, in 1808. It was then called the " Universal Friendly Society." Rev. Mr. Stacy labored for this society sixteen years, preaching in school houses, barns and pri- vate dwellings. In 1833 and '34, the Universalist meeting house was built at the Center. In 1866, the articles of faith were revised, and a charter obtained.
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