History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 79

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 79

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imbued with the same spirit, put forth every effort, and never despaired, even to the day of his death, of its becoming an important business point und the site of a large city. But the proximity of Rochester and its advance preclude the game sibility of its ever attaining a dignity beyond a village corporation, while it- con- nection with a Canada line of steamers, and the new Lake Ontario Railroad. will always secure it a business interest. It may not be amiss to state that in Derrw- ber, 1814, when the British had taken Fort Niagara and advanced, as reported. as far as Eighteen Mile erurk, George C. Latta, then seventeen years of age, left the warehouse, purchased the necessary outfit, and at ten o'clock at night, with a week's rations, knapsack, and gun, started for the Ridge road en route for the arit of war. In the morning he met many militia at Frederic Hanford's, then pub- lie storekeeper, whe hired a team and took eleven of them to Hardscrabble. six miles east of Lewiston, where they joined three hundred others under cummaml of Colonel John Atchinson. They eneamped here three weeks, when one night the colonel, in a terrible dream, or nightmare, sprang out of his tent and alarmel the camp by the ery, " The Enilians are upon us!" The alarmi proved false, and the command returned home, and was long renowned as the " straw bed company." In 183-, Mr. Latta formed a business partnership with Henry Benton, in 1835 with Mr. Bushnell, and in 1857 purchased the Lake House. In 1828 he bought the second farm owned by William Hencher, upon which he died, and where Mrv. Latta is now living. Several years ago large iron works, ealled the Rochester Irun Manufacturing Company, was established at Charlotte, and has since done quite an extensive business. The ewners reside in Rochester, where all ita interests are held. Ezra Jones and Burril Spencer are the controlling officers. The collector of the port of Genesee, stationed at Rochester, is at present D. K. Carter, and the deputy collector at Charlotte, Benjamin Wilbur. Charlotte has one planing mill, five grocery stores, five dry-goods stores, three shoe stores, ten hotela, fourtren liquor stores, one of hardware and tin, three meat markets, one drug store. one flour and feed store, one millinery, two dressmakers, two produce dealers and ship- pers, two large coal dealers, four physicians, three lawyers. two insurance agents, obe barber, one builder, one jeweler, one police justice, one constable, two railroad stations, oue steamboat line, two telegraph offices, three pleasure-boats, one cus- tom-house, and one express office.

The first store opened in the town of Greece, or along the river between Aven and the lake, was by Frederic Hanford, early in 1810, at Hanford's, or, as it was then called, Kiog's Landing. During the war of 1312 he was public storekeeper. Silas Smith opened a store there the same year, which he kept until 1813, when he moved to Rochester. As early as 1799 a schooner was constructed at this place by Eli Granger and Abner Migells. which was the first merchant-vessel built by Americans pat afloat on Lake Ontarin. The first tavern kept here, though in what year it was opened is not now known, was by Comistock Hanford, on the hill west ; at the same time his brother kept a store on the river bank, and Elias Avery about the same time. Harry Olmstead opened another tavern a few years later. Nathaniel Jones, at a very early date, erected the first saw-mill on the stream that flows into the river at the landing. The first grist-will was erected also on the same stream by Thomas King, the stones of which he used to cot himself. This was the first grist-mill in all this part of the country. It was afterwards sold to Bezaleel Atchinson, who took it down and moved and ererted it two miles west of Parma Centre. and was the first grist-mill in that town. The construction of the Eric canal destroyed the stream for mill purposes. by an enormous fill, in the bank of which one of King's old mill-stones is still to be seeu. Dr. Hunt settled here very early, and was one of the first physicians. Thomas King, who gave name to the place. purchased three hundred and sixty aeres of land, since known as the Champion farm, which he divided among his four sons,-Iliram, Gilbert, Simon, and Thomas, -- after which he squatterl in the vicinity of Back pond, where, for many years, among the bays, iulets, and marshes, he followed trapping for a livelihood, in which he accumulated consider- able money. Ile afterwards moved to Michigan, where he died. He was a man of good parts, and eccentric. An incident is related which presents this phase of his character. In 1812 he was appointed justice of the peace. Daniel Brudd, then constable, had arrested a man at " Big Tree," on complaint of a citizen of this town. for the non-payment of a debt of two dollars and fifty cents, and brought him before Esquire King for trial. At that time imprisonment for deht way legal. After listening to the abuse and recriminations of the opposing emin-el until he became disgastel, he took from his own pocket-book the amount in liti- gation, and, handing it to the complainant, said, "Here are twenty shillings, the amount of your demand: take it, and stop this .parret. The constable and court will love their fees. This is the first care before this court, and, by all that is just, it shall be the last;" or words to that effect. He then di-missed the case, and never tried another. The brick tavern at this place was erected many years later, by a Mr. Hunt. For many years before the construction of the Erie can il, Hanford's Landing was an important shipping point for the settlers, and, with

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

its mills, taverns, stores, and boats, presented the life and activity of an embryo city.

At the organization of the town of Greece, in 1822, there were but eight school districts within its limits; though before the end of the year they were increased to ten by a division of the larger ones. The number of scholars in the town at that time is not given, though the public money paid out was as follows, viz. : District No. 1, $14.43; No. 2, 814.43; No. 3, 828,29; No. 4, 814 14; No. 5, $17.13; No. 6, $10.52; No. 10, 83.71; No. 12. 81.20; leaving $1.04 in hand. There are now within the town eighteen school districts, and as many comfortable and substantial school-hooses. Able and competent teachers are employed, and a high degree of efficiency maintained. According to the last year's report, $2873.17 were paid for their support. They gave instruction to fifteen hundred and ninety-eight children between the ages of five and twenty-one, distributed as follows, viz .: District No. 1, ninety-seven ; No. 2, eighty ; No. 3, eighty-four ; No. 4, three hundred and twenty ; No. 5, eighty-three; No. 6, one hundred and five; No. 7, sixty-seven ; No. 8, fifty-eight ; No. 9, one hundred and eleven ; No. 10, seventy-seven; No. 11, ninety-three; No. 12, eighty; No. 13, sixty; No. 14, twenty-four; No. 15, seventy ; No. 16, thirty-six ; No. 17, one hundred and twenty-two; and No. 18, thirty-one. District No. 4 embraces the village of Charlotte, and includes three hundred and twenty scholars,-enough for four good ordinary schools. No. 14 is a joint district.

The supervisors of Greece from 1865, the earliest date given in the town books, are as follows, viz. : Nelson Lewis, 1865 to 1869, both inclusive ; Simon Butts, 1870 to 1871; Peter Larkin, 1872; Erastus Walker, 1873; David Todd. 1874 to 1875. And the town clerks are Matthew Rigney, 1865 to IS68; Elias Avery, 1869 to 1870; and Henry Borrow, 1871 to 1876. Justices of the Peace bave been elected as follows, viz. : in 1865, Samuel S. Rowley; in 1866, Henry A. Olmstead ; in 1867, John Kintz and Darios Davis : in 1868, Samuel Blackford; in 1869, James H. Robbins; in 1870, Heury A. Olmstead ; in 1871, John Kintz; in 1872, Daniel Budd; in 1873, Mortimer Smith and S. S. Rowley; in 1874, H. A. Olmstead; and in 1875, Juhu Kintz and Stephen N. Allen. Henry Bar- row was collector io 1865. In that year there were two assessors, two road coni- missioners, two overseers of the poor, six inspectors of election, five constables, and filty-six road districts und overseers of highways. The othicers elected in 1876 are as follows, viz. : Supervisor, Peter Larkin ; Town Clerk, Henry Burrow ; Collector, Joseph Brotherson ; Road Commissioner. Cornelius O'Connor ; Jostices of the Peace, S. S. Rowley, J. C. Wilcox, Samuel Truesdale ; Assessors, Anthony Kintz, George Bradford; Overseers of the Poor, Andrew Mulligan, Richard Brown; Towo Auditors, Simon Butts, Henry J. Kintz, Frank W. Lay ; Constables, Samuel F. Covert, Juseph Black well, William Merrills, Thomas Perrin, James Aldred; Game Constable, Robert Hogan ; Excise Connuissioner, Delmore Budd ; Inspec- tors of Election, First District, Patrick Farnan, A. H. Spencer, Frank Lay ; Second district, S. L. Austin, J. B. Castle, Henry Burruw.

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF PARMA AND GREECE

was organized in the school-house of Parma Corners on the 2d day of December, 1819, by Rev. John F. Bliss, Rev. Ebenezer Everett, of Ogden. and Rev. Solomon Allen, with the following member-hip, viz .. Mous Fulton, John Granger, Susan Granger, John Arnold, Sophia Arnold, John Williams, Pickett Brockway. Elijah Kingsley, Zolved Stevens, Catharine Brockway, Olivia Griffin, Mercy Tyler. So- phia Stevens, Olive Wadhams, Mary Mather, Thedora Arnold, Thirza Gibbs, Mary Kingsley, Naney Stevens, Martha Stevens, Martha Fulton, and Johanna Davis. The first pastor was Rev. Solomon Allen. who preached the first year. Moses Fulton and John Arnold were appointed the first deacons, and Zolvedl Steveog the first clerk, which office he held many years. The services of the church were beld regularly io the school-house at l'arma Corners until the erection of the present church edifice, which was begun in 1824 and completed in 1825. It is a fine, substantial structure, located on the south side of the Ridge road, on the Greece aide of tho town line, at West Greece, built of wood, forty by fifty feet iu size, and at a cost of two thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars. It was con- sec rated to divine worship on July ti, 1825, by Rev. William Lyman, of Connec- ticut. This building was erected at the same time as the Universalist church at Parma Corners, nad in strong competition. Both included among their members many of the best citizens, and each struggled to surpass the other. Among the many pastors who succeeded Mr. Allen were Revs. Alanson Darwin and John F. Bliss. The present incombent is Rev. Gardner Dean, whose pastutate began in 1874. The deacon at present is Williams Murray, the clerk Dr. S. B. Bradley, and the membership sixty-six. The Sabbath -- chool was organized in the church building, in 1826, by Rev. Stephen V. R. Barnes, at that time pastor. It now has ten teachers and ninety-ix pupils, with Hugh Boyland, superintendent; James Hart, assistant superintendent ; and Frank Murray, librarian.

THE FIRST SOCIETY OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF GREECE was organized in the school-house in school district No. 6, near North Greece Post- office, ou November 22, 1843. The meeting called for the purpose of forming the society was presided over by Hirami May and A. S. Mckinney. The names of the first members are lut, and but a few of them now living in the vicinity. The names of the early ministers are forgotten, as this is an independent church and belongs to no circuit. The board of trustees elected at the first meeting were Henry Miller, William Wilkerson (one year), Jesse Townsend, A. S. MeKinney (two years), Cornelius Soper, John Lewis, and Joseph Lake : three years), and the clerk was Peter Van Zile. The services of the church were held in the school-house until the erection of the present church edifice, a short tiure after its organization, which is located at North Greece Pust-office. The members of the present board of trustees are Rodney P. Odell, Sr., Henry Miller, Jesse Town- send, Iliram Bice, and L. Combs, with L. Conabs as clerk. The church stewards are L. Combs, Henry Miller, and S. K. Odell, with L. Combs recording secretary, and the class-leader R. P. Odell, Sr., who bas served in that capacity since the organization. Rev. Mr. Robinson was pastor in 1873, 1874. and 1875, followed by Rev. Mr. Ripley. A Sabbath-school and library have been connected with the church from its formation. It includes at present eight teachers and about thirty pupils, in charge of S. K. Odell, superintendent, and Stewart Terry, sce- retary.

THE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH OF GREECE

was organized Joly 25, 1841, at " The Stone School-house," in distriet No. 9, hy Rev. William Williams. The official board was constituted as follows, viz., Jantes Moall, John Justice, Jefferson Davis, and Ambrose Rogers. The pastors were Rev .. Daniel MeLeland, Daniel Ireland, O. C. Payne. L. Hatulin, S. M. Short, William Woodward, N. S. Clark, J. H. Richards, and J. J. Wilcox. In the year 1866, at the General Conference, a majority of the representatives, being clothed with con- ventional power, changed the name of the " Methodist Protestant Church" to the " Methodist Church," which is the name assamed at present. The church continued to hold its services sometimes in the "Stone School-house" and sometimes in the Methodist Episcopal church building at North Greece until 1867, when it pur- chased the old church building erected by the Christian church in 1844, two miles east of North Greece. It is a substantial stone structure, purchased first hy Mr. Butts, and by him transferred to the church. It was repaired and refurnished in proper shape, and dedicated April 14, 1867, by Elder Woodward. Here they worshiped until 1874, when a new church building, with ample sheds, was erectel two miles south, near the centre of the town. The old structure was sold, and is now used as a blacksmith- and wagon-shop. The new edifice was dedicated in December, 1874, by Rev. A. M. Town. This year (1876) a parsonage was erected, now occupied by the pastor. Rey. A. M. Town is the present pastor, and the official board in charge consists of H. Keene, James Moall, Thomas Davis, Il. Justice, John Kintz, W. B. Williams, Thomas Veness, Henry Vick. and Edward Hackett; steward, James Moall ; and class-leaders, Henry Kinta and William B. Williams. A flourishing Sabbath-school has been held in connection with the church nearly from its organization It now includes thirteen teachers and seventy-five pupils, under charge of Henry Justice, superintendent and treasurer; William B. Williams, assistant; and James Chiaby, secretary. It also has a Bible-class and a well-selected library under charge of Willis Keene, librarian.

THE PRESBYTERIAN SOCIETY OF CHARLOTTE

was organized in that village in the month of January. 1852, and immediately cum- meneed the erection of a church edifice, which was completed about the 15th day of June the same year, at a cost of one thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars. On the 24th day of June, 1852, and in the new building just erected, the Presbyterian church was organized with fourteen members. The first ruling bench of elders com- prised Joshua Eaton and Z. N. Colburn. The first pastor of the church was Rev. . A. Furguson. He commenced his ministerial labors here soon after graduating, and settled in Charlotte the second year after taking charge. He continuedl pastor ,f' the church until the date of his death, which occurred on the 20th day of December. 1856. The choreh has had no settleel pastor since, but several ministers have owen- pied the pulpit, as stated supplica, from one to two years each. The present stated supply is Rev. D. D. McCall, and the present bench of elders comprise Joshna Eaton, Charles P. Yarker, and Richard Bemis. The church now has a member- ship of one hundred and fifteen. The Sabbath-school was established at the time of the organization of the church, with thirty pupils. It now includes ten teachers. with an enrolhuent of one hundred and sixty-five pupils, of whom O. A. Dean is superintendent.

THE FIRST SOCIETY OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF CHARLOTTE. was organized in the school-house in that village, ou May 17, 1819. The pre- eiding officers at the time of organization were James Dorham and Loren Stiles .

RES of D. A. B. CARPENTER, GREECE, MONQUE CO NY

PLATE LXVIII.

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

and the board of trustees elected comprised William Rankin, John Baker, George C. Latta, Collins Wells, and Charles Wickham. Services were generally conducted in the school-house until the church editire was erected. which w.is kwated on the west side of the street. south of the corner. For many years officers were regularly elected, and the church prospered, under the ministry of able pas- tor-, until a few years ago, in the absence and death of some of the early promi- nent members, interest somewhat lagged, and the regular election of officers was neglected until its legal responsibility as a society was uncertain. It was then determined to reorganize, and on April 7. 1873, this was effe cted. by the election of the following board of trustees, viz. : Amos Emer-on, one year : Dr. Ambruse James aud Thomas Eust, two years ; and Francis Iless and Stephen Stace, three years. Amos Emerson was appointed clerk. The five cent U. S. currency was adopted as the seal of the society. The present board of trustees consists of William M. RichmondI and Fera Jones, one year ; Thomas East, Ambrose Jones, and James B. Gove, two years; Jolin J. Pelton and Lewis Rasche, three years ; and William M. Richmond. clerk. The pastors since its reorganizativo are-fir-t, Rev. John Parker ; second, Rev. James Robinson ; third. Rev. W. C. Wilbur ; fourth, Rev. S. A. Morris; aud fifth, Rev. M. C. Ayers, the present incumbent. The church now bas a flourishing Sabbath-school connected with it, which was tirst formed in the early days of the church.

"CHURCH! OF THE MOTHER OF THE SEVEN SORROWS" OF GREECE (ROMAN CATHOLIC).

The first Catholic church erected in any country-place in the State of New York was built in the town of Greece in the year 1820. It was a frame building, erieted under the supervision of Felix McGuire, one of the first seti vs in the wighborhood, assisted by a few of his countrymen who had emigrated from Ireland and had recently settled in the vicinity. It was then communty called the " Church in the Wood," and was noticed as such in a supplement to The Neto York Truth- Teller, dated November 15, 1834 in partie style, by Patrick Bulger. F-1 .. brother to Rev. Father Bulger. Prominent among the first members were Felix McGuire, John MeGuire, James Beatty, Judge Nicholas Reed. Lawrence tiarrotty, John Martin, Arthur Martin, Captain James Flynn. Kearnon Buckly, . Patrick Dorsey, Andrew Mulligan, Cornelius Farnham, and others. The church was opened for divine service by Rev. Father O'Donaghue, who celebrated in it the first mass and dedicated the church to Saint Ambrose. A resident clergyman was stationed at Saint Ambrose in the year 1840. This church edifice has given place to a splendid brick building, the corner-stone of which was Liil on June 19, 1839, by Right Rev. John Timon. bishop of Buffalo. The stricture was completed fifteen months later, under the very au-picious supervision of Rev. John M. Maurice, the present pastor, and late pastor of Saint Ambrose. The indefatigable exertions of the Reverend Father in erecting this church were ably assisted by Joseph Fleming and Peter Larkin, inspectors of the work, who gen- mint-ly tendered their services gratuitou-ly, thereby meriting the undying gratitude "if the congregation. The new church building was delicated on September It, Istin. to The Mother of the Seven Sorrows, by the Very Rev. Micharl () Brien, re-ilent pastor of Saint Patrick's church of Rochester. Very Rev. Dr. Cahill I .- livered the Jediention sermon, the subject of which was the Immaculate Concep- tion. The tower was not completed until 1876, and the bell. which weighs twenty- t :+ hundred pounds, was blessed ou September 19, 1875, by the Right Rev. B. J M. Quaid, first bishop of Rochester. Among the recorded names of those who pranotel the interests of the church, that of Nicholas Reed sh ild not be for- wetten, who for nearly half a century has been foremost among its benefactors.

""IVRCH OF THE HOLY CROSS" OF CHARLOTTE ( ROMAN CATHOLIC)

was manized in IS63, by Rev. John M. Maurice and about twenty-five mem- i- ra. prominent among whom were Andrew Mulligan, William Watters, Charle, Fiz. Patrick MeManus, Joseph Svibel. Bernard MeManns. Thomas MeManus, " quin John Farnan, and Patrick Tiernan, The first officers of the church were R: v. John M. Maurice, who was also first pastor, Andrew Mulligan, William Wittow. and Patrick Tiernan. The church building was formerly a private resi-

dence, purchased in the name of Andrew Mulligan, and, in the autumn of 1962. altered into a church, the whole, when completed, at an expense of sixteen hun- dred dollars. It was blessed and dedicated to the Holy Cross on May 3. 1>63. by Right Rev. John Timon. bishop af Buffalo. It has since been enlarged twice, and at present accommodates four hundred and tifty, the present number of rommu- nicaots. It is the intention of the congregation to commence the erection of's now church edifice immediately, as the pre-ent structure was intended from the tir-t ouly as a temporary church. The presbytery was purchased in 1963 from Mr -. Nelson for two thousand and fifty dollars. The church property is about two aeres in extent. and is located in the finest part of the village. The present officers of the church are Rev. T. A. Hendrick, pastor : Andrew Mulligan and Patrick Tiernan, lay trustees. Rev. J. M. Maurice was pastor ten years ; Rev. Juha J. Dounelly, fifteen months; and Rev. T. A. Hendrick, two years, in August, 1876. The Sabbath-school was organized in 1862. in the private resi- dence afterwards bought for a church, by Rev. J. M. Maurice, with a class of about twenty-five pupils, of which Miss Mary Tierney was teacher. The cia -- now has about eighty pupils, and four teachers. viz. : Misses Fannie Craig. Eliza Thorpe, Kate Thorpe, and Jennie Aldridge. The library numbers one hundred volumes.

"CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST" OF GREECE | ROMAN CATHOLIC ).

This congregation was organized in IS65, at Greece Post office, hy Rev. John M. Maurice, with a membership of about twenty families, prominent among whom were those of Daniel Sharpe, Peter Morrion, Henry Burrow, Jahn Strauh, and others. Father Maurice purchased the property known as the old Rowe tavern (which was the first frame building created in the town ), on the Ridge road at Greece Post-office, for the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars. It was recon- structed into a temporary church, and dedicated May 22. Ist5, by Right Rev. Juha Timon, bishop of Buffalo. It was used for a church until the latter part of 1875, or until the completion of the present church edifice. which was begun that rear. It is located on the north side of the Ridge road at Greece Pust-office, and is a fine, imposing structure. thirty-eight hy eighty-four feet in size, built in the Gothie style. and at a cost of about six thousand dollars. It was dedicated September 15, 1875, to St. John the Evangelist. by Right Rev. B. J. M .- Quaid, first bishop of Rochester. Rev. J. M. Maurice, the first pastor, served seven years ; Rev. J. J. Donnelly, fifteen months; Rev. T. A. Hendrick, twenty-two months; and Rer. Frederick Rauher to the present, and now resident pastor. The present officers of the church are Rev. Frederick Rauber, with Peter Marrion and John Straub as lay trustees. The Sabbath-school class, which was formed inme- diately after the purchase of the first building, includes the children of the con- gregation, and is in charge of' Mrs. M. E. Burrow, teacher.

THE FIRST FREE METHODIST CHURCH OF WEST GREECE

was organized at that place February 4, 15GI, by Rev. C. D. Brooks and W. Paulis. J. Sperry, R. K. Whittier, and II. Wilkinson. It was witnessed by C. B. James and II. Wilkinson. The names of the first members are IL Panlis, Mrs. M. A. Paulis, Il. Wilkinson. Mrs. E. Wilkinson. J. Sperry, R. K. Whittier, N. Meserve, and C. B. James, The first board of trustees comprised II. Pauli>, J. Sperry, R. K. Whittier, II. Wilkinson, and N. Meserve. The church edifice was erected in the spring of 186I, at West threeve. thirty by fifty feet in size, and at a cost of, including lot. fourteen humired and forty-five dollars. It was dedi- cated by Rev. B. W. Gorham and 1. Stiles. The present board of trustees con- sists of' II. Paulis, J. Sperry, N. Garbok. G. Rowland, aud ('. Zeigler, and the present clerk. N. Hatlock. Rev. Wi. Minning is the present pastor of the Parma circuit, to which this church blog. The Sabbath-school was organized before the church was completed. in a private home, and has been in operation ever since, by Rev. C. Brooks. The first officers were-Superintendent, II. Paulis; Teachers, Mrs. M. A. Pantis. E. Wilkinson. M. Manning, Mis- E. Thompson, and Miss &. Sheldon : and the number of papil- sventy. Il. Paniis is the present superintendent, with a corps of five teacher-, and forty pupils. A library is also connected with the school. containing two hundred volumes, with Mies S. Sheldon, librarian.

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History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 79

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