History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 61

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts
Number of Pages: 976

USA > New York > Monroe County > History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences > Part 61

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THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF SWEDEN

was organized in the east part of the town, on May 6. 1819, with the following membership, via : Rebecca Niles. Daviel Freeman, Nabby Freeman, Joseph Lee,

Rhoda Douglass, Davis Douglas, Patty Face, Samuel G Lewis, Hannah Allen, Judah Chorch, Sarah Lewis, Aurus B. Nila, Eunice Cooley, Henry Niles, Nancy Howard, Orrin Case, Olive Lee, Jildin Tennant, Nancy Cooley, Reuben J. Allen, Almy lluward, John Smith, Amy Allen, Barnard ML. Howand, Susanoa Bently, Samuel Bently, BetMy Phillips, Sybel Case, and Auna Swith. The first clerk was David Douglass. Meetings were held at private bombes, when there were no roads, and the way was found by marks on trees, and Liter, alternately in the north and south school-houses, until the erection of the present charch building, in 1835 and 1836. It is a stone structure, located in the cast part of the town, at a cust of two thousand eight bundred sud turty-mine dollars, and dedicated Wednesday, September 14, 1536, by Elder Cukquan, a-sisted by Elders Putnam aud Cise. The first pastor of the church was Elder Viniog, who began his pas- torate June 20, 1819, at an noqual salary of seventy dollars. He was succeeded by Elder Arch. Grant, February 9, 1824, at seventy-five dollars; Eller Zenas Case, Apill 16, 1825, at forty dollars ; Elder Willey, January 14, 1831; Elder Zenas Cusc, 1832; Orson D. Fuller, 1833; Allen Crocker, June 11, 1838; D. Loomis, January 15, 1843; Elder Beckwith, as a supply ; Benjamin F. Mace, October 18, 1847, for six months; Elder Norman Thomas, January 20, 1849; Zenas Case, 1850; WinGeld Scott, August 5, 1300; and Elder Iloward, July 26, 1802. There is no pastor at preseut, and has not been for thirteen years. The building is out of repair, and not used for worship, though the organization remains in existence, of' which MI. Cooley is the present clerk.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SWEDEN CENTRE

was organized some time in 1833, in the school-house at the Centre, with forty members. For many years previous a class had esisted iu this part of the town, and regular services held. The meetings of the society were continued in the school-house until the completion of the present edifice in 1956, which was hegun soon after the organization. It was erected at a cust of five thousand dollars, of which one hundred and fifty dollars was furoished by the Ladies' Aid Society, and supplied with an organ at a cost of ninety-five dollars. It was dedicated March 8, 1856. The first pastor was Rev. Joseph Latham, who served two years, and was succeeded by Rev. Rufus Cooley, one year ; Sheilon Bowker, one year; John Alabaster, two years; J. B. Wentworth, two years; P. R. Stever, two years; Smith Williams, one year; E. A. Rice, one year; Ryan Smith, one year ; William Drake, one year ; E. P. Beebe, three years; J. O. Wilser, one year; J. Rogers, one year; James Wallace, one year ; Ira Richards, six mouths, when he died; and John M. Johns, who is pastor at present. The trustees are Nathan Lock, Chester Hart, and Darwin Stickney. The church is in a flourish- ing condition, with a membership, at present, uf thirty. The Sabbath-school was organized in March, 1850, in the new church building, as soon as completed, and began with fifteen teachers and forty-five pupils. Ichabod Beadle was chosen first superintendent, Mrs. Chester Hart assistant, and Darwin Stickney secretary and librarian. The school now numbers fifty teachers and pupuis, of which Orrin Doty is superintendent, Miss Ada Lock assistant, and Miss Frank Ellis secretary and librarian. The library contains one bundred and fifty veluwes.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF WEST SWEDEN ( DISSOLVED)

was organized in that part of the own, as near as can be ascertained, some time in 1935, through the efforts of Rev. S. M. Chace, of Brockport. The trustees were J. Cook, William Warn, and Nathaniel Fox. The church building was erected in 1836, forty by thirty furt in size, and at a cost of about twelve hundred dollars. It was located at West Sweden, and is still standing. During the years that this society kept together, it :hanged ministers so often that it is impossible to obtain a complete list. The br-t pastor was Rev. Philo E. Brown ; sewoud, Wallace Lock ; third, Rev. Mr. t'ellows; fourth, Reuben Frost; and fifth, Rev. Mr. Filmore. Among the suceveling ones were Revs. Judd, Anderson, Kingsley, Abell, and last before dissolution, Rev. Mr. Baker. A fourishing Sabbath-school was organized at the time the church editice was completed, with Truman Rich- mond as superintendent. A pied library way also established, containing one hun- dred volumes. This society sprang into existence from a class that had been formed in an carly day by members living in this part of the town and the northern part of Bergen, but on account of' a modification of religious belief, which, at that time, spread considerably among the Methodist churches of the country, the society beenwe small, and in 1855 dissolvel.

THE FREE METHODIST CHICACU OF WEST SWEDEN

began then to take furm from the scveders of the original society. The onmini- zation was petfeeted in the old building, in IsGo, by a transfer to it of all the church property belonging to the ull organization. The church has no officer,

FLATE XXXII .

F. P. ROOT.

MRS. F.P. ROOT.

RES. OF F. P. ROOT, SWEDEN, MONROE CO . NEW YORK .

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

157

but transmets all its business in open meeting. It first began with twenty-seven members, and its services are conducted in connection with the society at Brock- port, the same minister officiating in West Sweden in the morning, and in Brock- port in the afternoon. Its first minister was Rev. John Wells, succeeded by Revs. Moses Downing, Levi Wood, E. Herrick, Geo. Marcellus, Melvin Borrut, A. H. Green, E. P. Sollers, Nathan Brown, Geo. Mureellna, and J. W. Rokly, the present incumbent. The Sabbath-school was organized with the church, in Isoo, with about seventy pupils, and a corresponding number of teachers. Loring Hill and Franklin Smith were the first superintendents. It now has eighty pupils and about tiffein teachers. Loring Hill and Frauk Cowan are the superintendents at pres- ent. The female members of this church wear a peculiar dre y, remarkable for its plainness.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF SWEDEN AND BEROEN

was organized in the school-house, at West Sweden. January 7, 1835, by delegates from the Baptist churches in Brockport, Byron, Holley, Sweden, Ogden, Le Roy, audl Parma. Rev. D. Eldridge was moderator, Rev. Zenas Case clerk, and Rev. MIr. Crane, of Le Roy, preached the sermon. The first members were Rev. John B. Potter, who was also first pastor, Wm. D. Potter. Sencca Anderson. Edmund Spico- cer, Guy Chapell, Jolin Jennings, James M. Hollister, Lyman Davis, Geo. Davis, Curtis Cook, Shubael H. Reed, Alfred Robinson, Horace Lord, Timothy Baker, Horatio Reed, Susannah Potter. Lucy Aoderson, Wealthy Spencer, Cornelia Spen- ver, Clarissa Chapell, Mary Jennings, Elizabeth Jennings, Eleanor Miller, Julia

Davis, Mary Davis, Abigail Churchill. Sally Adair. Betsey Cook, Sarah HL. Real, Almira Robinson, ME-lis-a Lord, Sally M. Langdon, and Jane G. Reed. First trustees, Jolin Jennings, Edmund Spencer, and Mr. Troop. The first and only deacons were Seneca Anderson and James II. Walker. Horatio Reed was first clerk, and for four years, James M. Hollister fifteen years. and Horatio Reed again and lust. Services were held in the school-house at West Sweden until the creetion of the church building, which was begun and completed in 1-35, and is still standing. It was located at West Sweden, and cost about two thousand four hundred dollars. No corner-stone or dedication services. John B. Potter. the first pastor, occupied the pulpit two years, Martin Coleman twelve year-, Hev. Joel Lyon two years, Rev. S. Parsomus four years, Rev. Harvey Silliman about three years, and Rev. R. C. Palmer about one year, since whose incumbency there has been no pastor. It has onw no officers. and, consequently. no organization. It has only seven members living. Horatio Reed, one of the first members, is the only male member now living. The Sabbath-school was organized when the first meet- ing was held in the West Sweden school-hoase. and was composed of nearly all the members, their children, and many others residing in the vicinity. Horario Reed was the soperintendent. There is no school, and has been none for many years. A library was purchased soon after the school was formed, about forty volumes of which are now in possession of Horario Reed. The church records show two hundred and fifty-eight names. Forty-two died while members, and one hundred and fifty-eight received letters of distmission to other churches, while fifty-one left without letters.

VILLAGE OF BROCKPORT.

IN the early settlement of this country, Clarkson village was the most important point west of Rochester, at which eentered all travel, business, and enterprise. Situated on the great thoroughfare between Rochester and the Niagara river. the Ridge road, on beautiful ground, surrounded by a rich and fertile country, and already the nucleus of an extensive business, it had all the elements of r .: pid nod permanent growth. But in 1817, when the great Erie canal was projected, it was foreseen by shrewd and sagacious men that wherever it should cross the Lake road, then a highway of much travel, there would be a central business point. As soon as the canal was surveyed, and its location fixed at this place, enterprising men bought out the early settlers, and prepared for the accommodation of a busi- ness sure to spring up. That portion of the village ground lying west of the Lake . rond was purchased by Hiel Brockway of John Phelps for thirteen dollars per sere. The east part, from the town line to Market street, was bought by James Seymour of Rufus Hammond for seven dollars per acre. The southeast corner, from Market street to Parkes' farm, was bought of Benj. Knight by James Sey- mour, Abel Baldwin, and Myron Holley. Those lands bordering on the road were surveyed into village lots, and building commenced in 1822, by Hiel Brockway, James Seymour, Joshua Fieldla, Luke Webster, John G. Davis, and Charles Richardson. Hiel Brockway was the largest owner of village land and com- manded the most means, and, by common consent, gave name to the place. He was a msn of great enterprise and business capacity, and to build up the town, and add to the value of property, he offered liberal terms to those who would ercet buildings. He also gave lots for the erection of churches, and, some years later, grounds for a college.

The village of Brockport was incorporated and charter adopted in 1829, pur- snant to an set that passed the legislature April 6, the same year. The first officers elected are not now known, as the early records are all lost. In 1852 the charter was remodeled. A board of five trustees constituted the village goverumneut until the adoption of the present charter, on June 25, 1872. The first election under the new charter was on July 26, 1872, when the following officers were chosen, viz .: President, Lother Gordon; Trustees, G. II. Allen, Edgar Brown, and Samuel Johnson ; Treasurer, J. H. Kingsbury ; Collector, John Short ; Clerk, Wm. G. Raines; Strect Commissioner, B. H. Halsey; Police Constable, David Bennett. The president for 1873 was J. H. Kingsbury ; for 1874, M. O. Ran- dall; 1875, James Cotter, Jr .; and the officers for 1876 were-President, MI. M. Oliver ; Trustees, A. G. Boyd, Daniel Paine, Ezma N. Hill, and Pat. Donnellao; Treasurer, J. H. Kingsbury ; Assessors, E. 11. Graves, Wm II. Roberts, and Chas. Benediet ; Collector, Edgar Brown; Clerk, John D. Burns; Street Com- missioner, David Toaz; Police Constables, E. B. Fellows, Jas. Mufford, and L. Andrews; Board of Health, M. M. Oliver, President, C. M. Winslow, Wm. Bradford, and Dr. Win. B. Mann, Health Physician.

The first fire company, called No. 1, was organized July 9, 1832, with thirty- four members, and disbanded November 10, 1835. On the same day No. I was reorganized with thirty members. On July 4, 1837, No. 2, with twenty-five members, was formed; and on May 28, 1838, Davis Carpenter was chosen chief engineer, and Geo. P. Eddy assistant engineer. On June 2, 1943, Hook-and- Ladder Company disbanded. In the same year the fire department was reorganized, ss follows, via .: Chief Engineer, Davis Carpenter; Assistant Engineer. John Efner ; Fire Wardens, Seth L. King, Ilarry Backus, Samuel Kingsbury, Roswel Smith, and Oliver Landon. Water Witch. No. I, with twenty-five members, Geo. B. Aloone, foreman, and Jas. Elliott, assistant, was organizedf 1843, and disbanded April 25, 1847. Fire Company No. 2, with twenty two members, G. Whitney, fore- man, was formed, and disbanded same as No. 1. Ilook-and-Ladder Company No. 1. with twenty members, Thos. Buckley, foreman, and Gen. H. Allen, assistant, was formed in IS43. Erupire Ilook-and-Ladder Company, with twenty- four members, A. F. Brainard, foreman, was organized April 18, 1846, and disbanded May 8, 1848. Fire Company No. 2, " Conquerer," with twenty-one members, John A. Latta, foreman, was formed September 1, 1847. " Conqueror," No. 2, May 21, 1850, and others, reorganized. The fire department was kept up in effective working order until about 1862 or '03, when, the engines getting well worn, all the companies were disbanded, and Brockport has been without any fire depart- ment since.

PROMINENT MEN.

Among the prominent men of Brockport, James Seymour was the first sheriff of Monroe County, which office he held five years. In 1827, Mir. - Storms. the first practicing lawyer of Brockport, was elected to the legislature. In 1833, Levi Pond, a pioneer, was elected to the legislature by the anti-Mason party ; and in 1837 H. P. Norton was elected to the same office, aud in 1856 was elected surrogate of Monroe County. In 1844, one of Brockport's ablest and most successful business men, E. B. Holines, after a heated campaign, was elected to Congress an a representative from the twenty-eighth district, and was re-elected two years later. He served honorably to himself and his constituents. Iu 1853, Dr. Davis Carpenter, of large professional practice, was elected a member of Con- gress from this district. He acquitted himself with integrity of purpose, and was true to the principles of the party which elected him. In 1842, Jerome Fuller was elected a member of the State legislature. Mr. Fuller emigrated from Litchfield county, Connecticut, and settled in Brockport in 1835, where he early gained a high reputation at the bar. In 1847 he was elected to the State senate, where he became distinguished as a statesman. In 1850 be removed tu Albany, and established the State Register, a political paper. which he conducted until the fall of 1851. He was then appointed chief-justice of Minnesota. Ile returned to Brockport in 1852, and resumed the practice of law, and in 1-07 was elected a delegate to the State convention. In the fall of the same year he was chosen to the judgesbip of Monroe County. Serving a term of four years with eminent distinction, he was re-elected in 1871 for a term of six years, which he is now serving. In 1833, Joseph Randall, of Sweden, was chosen a member of the legislature, and also, in 1857, Robert Staples, of Sweden, was elected, and re-elected the year after, and served with credit and ability.

It was designed in 1823 to make Rochester the western terminus of the Erie canal until the slow and difficult work of cutting through the great ledge at Lockport was effected, especially as the section west of the Genesce river was to be supplied with water from Lake Erie .. But through the personal efforts of James Seymour with the canal commissioners it was opened twenty miles farther west, making Brockport the westeru terminus, and supplied with water truiu the river. This gave Brockport two years' sway of unrivaled growth and prosperity as the central shipping and business point of' an immense section of country north. west, and south. The opening of the canul to this point was in itself a great epoch in the history of western New York. The value of farm produce was doubled by the cheapness of transportation, and merchandise was greatly cheap- ened by the same cause, while an inexhaustible market was opened to the farmuer. ID 1825, when the canal was opened through to Buffalo, Brockport. as an im- portant manufacturing and business centre, was assured, and its subsequent history is replete with great enterprises, noted and successful business men. aod large wealth.

The first lawyer in Brockport was Mr. Bender, who came in 1823. The first to practice was MIr. Storms, and the next Daviel Burroughs. The first physician was Andrew Millican, who also began practice in 1823. Davis Carpenter was second, commencing in 1824. He is now, and has been, a practicing physician in Brockport for over half a century. Juseph Webster and James Clarke opened the first grocery store, aud John B. Elliott was the first druggist. Jamies Sey- mour built the first brick store, twenty-eight by sixty feet in size. where the Decker bank building now stands. He also built one of the first dwelling. houses, now owned by Mrs. Taylor, corner of State and Market streete. Ile con- structed the first canal-basin and warehouse, in 1823, on land now occupied by D. S. Morgan & Co. Thomas II. Roby was president of the first bank, estab. lished in 1838, and Joseph Gauson the first cashier. This bank was opened ou the east side of Main street, in the Fields block. In 1840 or 1841 the bank was purchased by John E. Nichols, who became president, when it was renoved to the west side into a building owned by E. B. Holmes. It wound up its bu-i- ness in 1816 or 1847. The first store in the village was opened by f'harie- Richardson, and James Seymour in his new brick store and John G. Davis opened immediately after; also Ralph W. Gould, Thomas R. Roby, and George Allen the next season. The first public-house in the village was kept by Jesse

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Barber. Of the residents at the commencement of the village, in 1522, but two are now living here, and but six who were here in 1826. Prices were low compared with the present, but usually in relative proportion to the cost of living. Labor was about half present prices, and board from one dollar to one dollar and seventy-five ceuty per week. Whisky, an indispensable article in those days, was eighteen cents per gallon, and " drinks" of "old rye" three cents. Merchants found it necessary to keep it to treat their customers, and grocerymen to keep it as an article of trade as important as coffee or sugar. But the temperance reform of 1829 and 1830 brought a change in public sentiment, and in a measure broke up the custom. Farm produce was also cheap,-the best wheat fifty to seventy- five cents, oats twenty-five cents, corn thirty-seven and a half cents per bushel, and pork and beef two dollars and a half to four dollars per hundred. Lumber eight dollars to ten dollars, and brick three dollars per thousand. Mechanics re- ceired one dollar to one dollar and a half, and common laborers sixty-two and a half to seventy five cents per day, or twelve dollars per month. Articles of foreign production were dear, while home manufactures were cheap.

NEWSPAPERS.

The first newspaper started in Brockport was called the Brockport Free Press. It was established by Harris & Hyatt, and was first issued December 6, 1827, with Thomas H. Hyatt as editor. The second was the Brockport Recorder, first issued January 9, 1828, and edited by Abiathar M. Harris. The third news- paper was the Monroe Republican, Warren & Reilley, proprietors, first issued May 30, 1833. On June 17, 1835, two years later, J. O. Balch established The Jefersonian at Clarkson village, one mile north, which lived about one year, and then died. The fourth newspaper established in Brockport was the Branchport Sentinel, J. & J. H. Denio, proprietors, and first issued June 16, 1843. On May 30, 1844, the Brockport Watchman was established, and issued by Edwin T. Bridges, and was the next in order. The Brockport Weekly Journal, first isgned September 3, 1852, was the sixth, and was owned by W. Gardner & II. II. Miller ; and on October 30, 1858, the seventh weekly paper, the Brockport Gazette, was first issued by William Haswell (2d). These seven weekly journals are all now defunet. Some flourished a short and some a longer time, and all filled their mission as pioneers in journalism, preparing the way for a higher, better, and more successful press, and then passed out of existence. The Brock- port Republic was established and first issued October 17, 1856, by Horatio N. Beach, editor and proprietor. On July 1, 1871, L. T. Beach became proprietor und local editor, with H. N. Beach still associated as political editor. It is still under the same management, a substantial and well-conducted journal, independ- ent in politics, though favoring the Republican party. The Brockport Democrat was started July 21, 1870, by Williams & Brink. On the fifth issue, Charles II. Brink succeeded to the proprietorship. Two months later, the paper was issued by Mahon & Brink. Two weeks later, A. D. Mahon assumed charge. In November, 1871, Johnson Brigham became a partner. In May, 1873, A. D. Mahon retired. In August, 1874, C. Marsh purchased it of Mr. Brigham, and published it as the Democrat and Standard. In September, 1874, C. & G. F. Marsh assumed charge. The following month George F. Marsh became pro- prietor, and continued the paper as the Democrat. He published it until June of this year, when the firm C. & G. F. Marsh once more assumed charge, and are still publishing it. It is ably conducted and independent in politics. In 1859 W. H. H. Smith established a small daily advertising sheet for gratuitous circu- latin 1, called the Daily Advertiser, for the benefit of, and supported by, the busi- ness men of the town. It was issued very irregularly, and after a few years Perished. Oo August 12, 1875, The Temperance Times, a weekly journal, was established by Mrs. Carrie N. Thomas, editor. It is still conducted and main- taired by Mrs. Thomas, with the aid of the Women's Temperance League.

MANUFACTURES.

Manufacturing carly drew the attention of the enterprising men of Brockport. lu the year 1828, Harry Bachus and Joseph Ganson established an iron foundry in a building now standing and used as a dwelling in the rear nf the Episcopal church on State street. About 1830 they removed to the grounds now occupied by the Johnston Harvester Company, north of the canal, on Main street. Here the firm changed to Bachus. Webster & Co., and later to Balch, Webster & Co. Thien a few years after to Bachus. Burroughs & Co., and again to Bachus, Fitch & Co. This firma commenced as pioneers in the manufacture of threshing ma- chines, with improved machinery, and hotse-power to run them; the stationary machines being the only ones in nse up to this time. It was. also the first to introduce into this section the MeCormick grain-reaper, which led finally to the extensive manufacture of reapers, and added largely to the business of the town. It was through this firm that Cyrus McCormick was first induced to make a trial

at Brockport of his radely constructed reaper in the harvest of 1844. So well did it anececd that the firmu arranged to manufacture for Mr. McCormick one hundred machines for 1846, which, however, foiled to give satisfaction, and were nearly all returned. Improvements, which experience suggested, finally enabled them to manufacture in after-years a successful machine. In 1846, Mr. Bachus, who had been at the head of the business for many years, retired, and the firm was changed to Fitch, Barry & Co, who after a few years were succeeded by Silliman, Bowman & Co. In 1851 or 1952 the firm again changed to Ganson, Huntley & Co., and a considerable business was done in the manufacture of reapers, -the Palmer & Williams machine. This was the first self-making reaper used in this section. though it was a combination of the invention of the quadrant platform, patented by W. H. Seymour, and the sweep rake patented by Aaron Palmer. These two inventions together made the first successful automatic raking reaper known to have been used. Great improvements have since been made, until now machines manufactured here have a world-wide reputation, having been awarded the first prizes in all the great trials in Europe and America. In 18GS these shops passed into the hands of Samuel Johnston, an inventor, and Byron E. Huntley, a former partner, who commenced the manufacture of the Johnston harvester. Beginning moderately, the business rapidly increased until November, 1870. when a stock company was formed, with a capital of three hundred thousand dollars, known as the Johnston Harvester Company. Samuel Johnston was chosen president, and B. E. Huntley secretary and treasurer. In 1871 five hundred machines were manufactured, and the demand abroad increasing, Mr. Huntley was assigned as general agent to Europe, and F. S. Stebbins made secretary and treasurer. In 1872 sixteen hundred machines were made, and the foreign and home demand has so rapidly increased since that from five thousand to six thousand are now yearly manufactured. It now has a capital of five hundred thousand dollars, employs over five hundred men, and fills orders from England, France, Germany, Holland, Austria, Russia, Turkey, Prussia, Hungary, Sweden, Norway, Denmark. Africa, New Zealand, and South America. In September, 1875, the present board of officers were elected : Charles E. Dewey, president; Hon. James S. Thayer, of New York. vice-president ; F. S. Stebbins, secretary and treasurer : and B. E. Huntley, general foreign agent, with office at London, England. It is a matter of national pride that American skill has so far outstripped the inven- tions of the world that all enlightened nations are calling upon our manufacturers for this most important and useful machinc.

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History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 61

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub Publication date: 1877 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts Number of Pages: 976

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts
Number of Pages: 976