History of Oneida County, New York, 1667-1878, Part 142

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 932

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530

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Robert Thomas, deceased. After this they continued to assemble every Sabbath to hear the word of God. Also, they held their weekly- or class-meetings regularly, most of the time at the house of William C. Jones, although there was not any regular church organization until the year 1804, when they formed a union church, with Rev. John G. Roberts for their pastor. A part of the members were formerly from the Calvinistic Methodists, and a part from the Congregational Church. So they remained together, in union and love, for many years, under the pastoral charge of Rev. John G. Roberts and Rev. William G. Pierce.

" During the summer of 1804 they built a log meeting-house on the site of the present stone church. It was rather late in the fall of that year before it was completed ; perhaps as late as the 1st of No- vember before it was opened. As it was also intended for a school- house as well as for spiritual instructions, the school was commenced about the 1st of December, and continued until Christmas night, when, by accident, the house was consumed by fire, with all its con- tents. Nothing daunted, the inhabitants went to work in the summer of 1805 and erected a frame building on the same location, which was soon finished ready for use. It was so used until it was removed to give place to the present splendid stone church.

" In the mean time there was quite a settlement in the city of Utica. They also had formed a church, which was first under the charge of Rev. Daniel Morris, assisted by Revs. Evan Davis, John Roberts, etc. During the summer of 1806, Rev. Howell R. Powell visited the Welsh churches at Utica and Steuben, and advised them of the advantage of forming an association, or cymanfa; which was done, and their first meeting was held at Utica in September, 1806, and at Steuben the following week. The ministers who took part at the first were Daniel Morris, Evan Davis, and Johu G. Roberts, of Steuben, assisted by an English divine, whose name is forgotten. Thus commenced the an- nual conferences of Steuben and Utica, which have been kept up with so much zeal to the present day. The following year Rev. Howell R. Powell was present, and took conspicuous part in the conference and preaching, etc., and continued to attend every year with the greatest punctuality possible for twenty-five years. The first Welsh Baptist Church was organized in Steuben in the year 1806, on the arrival of Rev. Richard Jones from Philadelphia, who had the pastoral charge of the said church for many years. Although the first church was organized as above, one Morgan Williams had been in the habit of preaching occasionally to a limited number in different localities, but there was no constant preaching until the year above mentioned. They soon went to work to build a house of worship on the site of their present house."

Among other natives of Wales who came to this town was Thomas Thomas, who settled with his family about the year 1800. He had been a sailor, and " was among the last of American citizens who were seized by British press- gangs and compelled to fight under an alien flag. In an engagement with the French man-of-war ' La Razone' his right leg was taken off by a cannon-ball. In consequence of his impressment, and the injury resulting therefrom, he retained to the end of his life a profound hatred of the British government."* After being wounded, which oc- curred in 1796, he was taken to Halifax, thence to Green- wich Hospital, and finally recovered, married, and returned to America, locating at Philadelphia, Pa., from whence he came to Steuben at about the tinie stated. He died at the age of eighty-seven years, and was the last survivor of the Welsh pioneers of Steuben. During the war of 1812 he was employed in transporting supplies to Sacket's Har- bor. Four of his sons are now residents of the town of Remsen, viz., William H., Charles M., Didymus, and John T. Thomas.

The family of John Roberts came from Wales about 1800. Mr. Roberts' daughter afterwards married Deacon

Timothy Griffiths, whose grandson, Timothy Griffiths, has been Hon. Roscoe Conkling's private secretary. William Francis settled about 1818.

Rev. John G. Roberts, mentioned by Mr. Griffiths as the first Welsh preacher, used to say he never made any money preaching, and consequently, aside from his religious labors, worked at shoemaking and dealing in farm produce, which he shipped to New York City.

On a monument in the cemetery at the stone church, in the southeast part of town, is the following inscription : " Rev. Robert Everett, D.D., born Jan. 2, 1791, at Cronant, Flintshire, North Wales. A minister of the gospel for sixty years, and editor of the Cenhadwr for thirty-five years. Died Feb. 25, 1875. ' Remember the words I spake unto you while I was yet with you.'"

Y Cenhadwr Americanaidd (The American Messenger) is a Welsh religious monthly, which was established at Utica in 1832, and removed to Steuben in 1834, by Dr. Everett, whose son, Lewis Everett, is now conducting it.

The cemetery in which Dr. Everett is buried contains the earthly remains of many of the Welsh settlers of the town, who lived to a good old age.

Daniel Thomas, brother of Thomas Thomas, settled about 1806. He was a stone-cutter by trade, and helped construct the fine stone bridges across the Schuylkill River at Philadelphia, Pa. His son, T. D. Thomas, now occupies a farın north of the grave of Baron Steuben.

William Lewis, of this town, was born in Utica in 1813, where his father, William Lewis, Sr., was then residing. James Lewis, the father of the latter, came to this country from Wales about 1800, and settled near Newport, Herki- mer Co.

Joel, Chester, and Salmon Porter, brothers, settled about 1808. Mrs. Joel Porter is the daughter of Daniel Barnes, previously mentioned. Chester Porter was a shoemaker by trade, and for many years hield the position of justice of the peace. He has sons now living in the town of Western.

EARLY SCHOOLS.

Previous to 1800 a school was taught in the Starr's Hill neighborhood, by Dr. Earl Bill, afterwards of Remsen village. He was then a young physician, and conducted the school during one winter. About 1807-8 a young man named Smith taught in the same neighborhood.

Moses Adams taught school previous to 1800 in the vicinity of Steuben Corners,-earlier than any other in that part of the town. Aaron Adams also taught for several years after becoming old enough. The early school-houses were all built of logs, and had only the most primitive and limited accommodations. The schools of the town are at present in fair condition.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

The early Welsh meetings are mentioned by Mr. Griffiths. Rev. Robert Everett, D.D., preached for the society owning the stone church for thirty years or more. This church is the third one erected in the same locality.

The Welsh Baptist Church was organized in 1800, and was first in charge of Rev. Morgan Williams. It has charge of the grave of Baron Steuben, the lot on which

# Obituary, 1859.

Photo, by Hovey & Brainerd.

William: LEcio

HON. WILLIAM LEWIS was born in what is now the city of Utica, Nov. 7, 1812, being the only son in a family of three children of William and Eleanor (Roberts) Lewis. His parents were both natives of Wales, his father emigra- ting from that country in 1800, and his mother in 1801. His father removed to New Orleans when Mr. Lewis was about six years old, where he died, in 1820, at the age of thirty-two. Previous to this young William had gone to live with an uncle in Steuben, who afterwards educated him and provided for him until he was of age. He obtained his edu- eation at the district school, and also spent two terms at the Steuben Academy, but was indebted to a cousin, William Gollair, who was a graduate of the Wesleyan University of Connecticut, and who resided with his unele, for a large share of the useful and substantial knowledge which he enjoys to-day. He spent his summers in working on a farm, and his winters in teaching school, being a teacher in the town of Steuben for thirteen consecutive seasons. He was mar- ried, April 7, 1837, to Catharine, daughter of William D. and Mary Jones, they being among the early settlers of Steuben, where she was born. Their family consisted of two children, one of whom died in childhood; the other, Mary, was born in Steuben, June 26, 1839. Ilis wife died Sept. 10, 1839, leaving a sorrowful husband and an infant child to mourn her loss. Mr. Lewis was again married, Oet. 31, 1840, to Jeanette, daughter of Elias and Berry Williams, they having emigrated from Wales in

1830, and located in the town of Steuben ; their daughter was a native of that country, having been born there Aug. 14, 1820. Nine children eame to bless their home, five of whom are living, viz., Washington, born Aug. 3, 1841 ; Laura Ellen, May 31, 1843; Price, May 12, 1845 ; Martha, Feb. 15, 1847, and Elias, Nov. 27, 1852, all being natives of Steuben. In polities, he was formerly a Whig, but after the repeal of the Missouri Compromise became a Republican. He has been elected by his fellow- townsmen as supervisor of the town for thirteen terms of office. He was first elected in 1848, and served for the three succeeding years ; was re-elected in 1854 and 1856; was again called to fill that position in 1863, and occupied it for the three years following ; his last terms were in 1871, 1872, and 1873. He was chairman of the Board of Supervisors in 1866. In the fall of 1860 he was elected in his district by a majority of eight hundred votes to the Assembly of 1861. He has been justice of the peace since 1841, and at the close of the term for which he is now elected will have held the office for forty consecutive years, and having held the position a longer number of years than any one else in Oneida County. Hale, hearty, and healthy, Mr. Lewis enjoys life, and though over sixty years of age is smart and active as a boy. By hard work and small savings he has accumulated a large property, and stands among the foremost of the self-made men of Oneida County.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

the church stands having been donated to the society by Colonel Walker, the baron's executor, in consideration that they should always care for the lot in which his remains were buried.

The Welsh Congregational Church, called " Pen y mynidd" (" top the hill"), is an offshoot from the old union church. Of the eight churches in town seven are Welsh, and are conducted upon the plans peculiar to those people, as described in the foregoing article by Mr. Griffiths.

About 1816-17 two societies of Baptists built churches " below the hill," and finally agreed to convert one of them into a union church and the other into an academy, which was done. The academy was carried on for a short time with indifferent success, and finally discontinued. It stood about a mile east of Steuben Corners, at the " settlement below the hill."

Methodist Episcopal Church, Steuben Corners .- The first preaching in town was by a Presbyterian minister, Rev. Mr. Bell. The Baptists followed, Elder Holmes holding services at an early date. The Methodists were next, and more than sixty years have elapsed since they first held meetings in the town. The earliest Methodist preacher now recollected was Rev. Mr. Puffer. The present Methodist Episcopal Society at the Corners is the only one in town excepting those of the Welsh denomination. This society previously occupied the old union church with the Bap- tists. The latter, which had become weak in numbers, endeavored to arrange so that one of the two should become its sole proprietor. This failed, and in 1855 the present Methodist Episcopal Church was erected. The society, num- bering less than 50, is in charge of Rev. Lemuel Clark, who also preaches at two places in the town of Western, one north and one south of Big Brook P. O. The Sabbath- school at the Corners has a membership of fifty or sixty, and possesses quite a large library. The Superintendent of the school is William H. Slorah.

STEUBEN CORNERS

is located in the southwest part of the town, and contains two stores, a post-office, a blacksmith-shop, a church, a school-house, and one physician.

The post-office, called Steuben, was established in 1825- 26, and Aaron Adams appointed the first postmaster. Mail was brought from Utica on horseback by Benjamin Cogs- well, whose brother used to carry papers from that city. Previous to the establishment of the office at the Corners mail was received at the Remsen post-office. The present postmaster is James W. Owens.

EAST STEUBEN POST-OFFICE

is on the Utica and Black River Railroad, in the northeast part of town, and kept at the station, which is the only building in the vicinity.

We are indebted for information furnished regarding this town to Hon. Didymus Thomas, of Remsen ; to T. D. Thomas, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. William Lewis, Elias Lewis (town clerk), John W. Brooks, Aaron Adams, and others of Steuben.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

JOHN R. GRIFFITH.

When the setting sun illuminates the western horizon the general shade of that memorial grove wherein is en- tombed the mortal remains of Baron de Steuben rests upon the homestead of John R. Griffith, the subject of this sketch, where he was born Sept. 17, 1817. John R. Griffith is the oldest of two sons of a family of seven, the children of Timothy and Catherine Griffith.

Timothy Griffith was a native of Caernarvonshire, North Wales, who left his native land in 1801, at the age of twenty-one years, having received in his native land educational advantages unusual for that day. He remained in New York City four years, where, under municipal ap- pointment, he occupied responsible positions of public trust. From thence, in 1805, following the strong migratory move- ment of the Welsh, he reached the town of Steuben, and was married in 1808 to Catherine Roberts, whose parents, John W. and Ann Roberts, had settled there in 1800. Mr. Griffith's descent was from progenitors of rigid religious views, which he inherited, his father being among the first to abandon the then Calvinistic phase of the Refor- mation in favor of the Congregational polity. Mr. Griffith became a member of the Congregational Church in Steuben in 1807, and continued an active and zealous member dur- ing the remainder of his life, occupying positions of official trust, never failing in efficiency and fidelity ; during which time, with the same fidelity, he discharged political duties imposed on him by the suffrages of his fellow-citizens, of which was the office of magistrate, which he held some fifteen years. He was exceptionally energetic in advocacy of all reforms ; was conspicuous as an original advocate of the cause of temperance, enforcing the precept by speech and example, in a spirit of kindness, but with great firm- ness and effect. He took an early and active interest in the home and foreign missionary cause, and was the first secretary of that body in his county, as it was represented by the Welsh religious societies of that time.

His sudden death cast a gloom over the town of his long residence. He was stricken with paralysis while engaged in prayer at Capal-Ucha (Upper Church), and, though his death was not immediate, he never recovered consciousness, and within a few days entered upon peaceful rest. One brother and three sisters of his were also early residents of Steuben. His brother (Walter Griffith) at an early day moved to the State of Ohio, whither several residents of his town migrated at that time, and in his new and then remote Western home became a highly-honored and success- ful citizen. A son of his attained high positions in the legal profession, and became conspicuous in stations of polit- ical preferment,-Griffith Prichard, than whom and his family, none possess to a greater extent the confidence of an extended acquaintance. The present postmaster, and a merchant of high social standing in the village of Trenton, N. Y., is a nephew of the late Timothy Griffith.

John R. Griffith, having inherited the prominent charac- teristics of his father, like him has ever followed the peace- ful and honorable career of a successful farmer, and is also

532

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

a prominently useful member of society, his counsel never failing in ability and ever ready when solicited. He is prominently identified with the political affairs of the day, and is ever arrayed in opposition to the measures of the Democratic party, and is regarded a local power in that be- half. His estimable wife is the daughter of the late Wil- liam J. Wheldon, who, in his time, was also an honored citizen of the town of Steuben. They have six children,- three daughters and three sons,-who are well fitted by cul- ture and social advantages to occupy prominent positions in society. Their eldest son (Timothy) was some years since admitted to the bar, after due preparation in the office of Mr. Conkling, and for years held confidential relations with that eminent Senator. John R. Griffith, in his youthful days, identified himself with the religious society of which his father for so many years was a shining light, and now (though owing to cheer and vigor imperceptibly) is descend- ing the western slope of a useful and honored life, a rep- resentative of the third generation oceupying the place of his birth.

DR. EVERETT.

The residence of the late Rev. Robert Everett, D.D., is in the town of Steuben, near Remsen village. His post- office address was therefore Remsen, and so all his letters and publications were dated.

He was born Jan. 2, 1791, in Gronant, North Wales. In 1808 he united with the Congregational Church, and soon turned his thoughts to the gospel ministry. He was licensed to preach the next year, and early gave promise of much usefulness. He received a thorough education, and graduated at Wrex ham Seminary, in 1815. Soon after this he was called to the pastorate of the Denbigh Congre- gational Church, one of the oldest and strongest in Wales. His pure personal eharacter, earnest ministry, and deep scholarship gave him great influence, and he soon ranked among their first elergymen, and was held in esteem and respect throughout Wales. His own church in Denbigh became strongly attached to him, and still eherish his memory with affection.

Aug. 28, 1816, he married Miss Elizabeth Roberts, of Rosa, near Denbigh, and for the fifty-nine years of their married life her cordial sympathy and wise counsel aided him in every good work. She was gifted to an unusual degree with business tact and frugality, which enabled her to do her part in all financial matters. She was wholly unselfish, and gladly and bravely lifted every care possible, that her husband might more freely labor in the Master's vineyard.

While at the seminary Dr. Everett learned a crude sys- tem of short-hand writing, which he ever afterwards used. He added new characters, and adapted it also to the Welsh. While in Denbigh he published a book of instruction in this short-hand writing. He was also the author of a eate- chism for Sunday-schools, which was first published in Denbigh, in 1822, since which time it has been in constant use, and many editions have been issued in Wales and America. It is now kept for sale by his family in Steuben.

In 1823 he emigrated to America, having accepted a call to the Welsh Congregational Church of Utica, N. Y. Here he labored with great acceptance nine and a half years.

Afterwards he spent several years among the English. For the first few months he supplied the pulpit of the Second Presbyterian Church, on Bleecker Street. Thence he re- moved to West Winfield, Herkimer Co., and became pastor of the Congregational Church of that village. Here they made many warm friends, and the time of their stay was ever a bright spot in their memory. A beautiful memorial win- dow in their church, crected since his death, testifies to the continued love of the people for him. An English version of his catechism was used in their school, also in Western- ville, where he afterwards settled, as pastor of the Presby- terian Church. The young people were never forgotten by him, and he always regarded the Sabbath-school as the true nursery of the church.

While living in Westernville his house was destroyed by fire, during a winter night. His family barely escaped with their lives; all else was lost. Always a student, he grieved chiefly for the burning of his valuable library and writings, a loss which he could never fully replace ; but he was not one to sit down in despondency ; he knew that God ruled and he could trust in his providenee.

Soon after this he came again to labor among the Welsh, and settled in Steuben, in 1838, as pastor of two country churches, Capel-Ucha and Penymynydd. The first is near his home; the other four miles off, on the top of the hills or mountain, as the name is when translated. For over thirty years he faithfully served these churches, preaching three times every Sabbath, and holding weekly at least three other meetings.

January, 1840, he issued the first number of the " Cen- hadwr," a monthly religious magazine, which he continued to edit and publish till his death. It was printed the first two years at 58 Genesee Street, Utica, by the late R. W. Roberts, and very pleasant was the relation thus formed between Dr. Everett and Mr. Roberts, but the labor of pub- lishing it at such a distance from home, eighteen miles or more, was very great. The road was rough and hilly, and he was obliged to go, often on horseback, several times a month.

His eldest sons, John and Robert, had lately graduated at Oneida Institute, where they had learned the printer's trade in the office of the " Friend of Man." Dr. Everett, there- fore, hired a room for them in Remsen village, where the " Cenhadwr" was published for two or three years. Then it was taken to the family residence ; a wing was added for an office, and here his children printed the magazine for over thirty years. His sons and daughters learned to set type, that they might aid their father in the great work to which he now devoted his life. The "Cenhadwr" was never a local paper ; it has a wide circulation through the States and Territories, the Canadas, and Wales, reaching even sometimes to Australia and India. Dr. Everett was an earnest reformer ; always in advance of his age, he led in every good cause. He was one of the earliest of the Welsh clergy to see that in total abstinence alone was there safety, and in this cause he struggled sometimes almost alone. He was also among the first to enter the ranks against slavery, and he threw his whole life-long influence on the side of freedom.

In 1846, Dr. Everett, associated with two others, com-

REV. ROB! EVERETT.D.D.

PRILIOS. Or WILLIAMS, UTICA.

MRS. ROB! EVERETT.

CAPEL UCHA.

CAPEL PENYMYNYDD.

RESIDENCE OF THE LATE REV. R. EVERETT, D. D. STEUBEN, ONEIDA C.º N Y

LITH BY L H EVERTS, PHILADELPHIA

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

piled a hymn-book, which is still used in some of the Welsh churches. He had years before compiled a smaller one, which was published in Utica, and was used until this took its place. He published three editions. He also pre- pared a Welsh reader for Sabbath-schools, which is exten- sively used. He was an easy, pure writer, in both Welsh and English, and by his publications and writings he did, perhaps, as much as any one man to cultivate a love for Welsh literature, and to establish and retain a knowledge of the language in its purity. He died Feb. 25, 1875, after an illness of two weeks, with his faculties strong and clear to the last.

In the Utica Daily Herald of March 2, 1875, we find this tribute to his memory :

" As a clergyman, the denomination to which he belonged has, by common consent, given him the first place in its councils ; his advico has always been respectfully heard, and generally followed. This has been very marked among his ministerial brethren ; men almost as old as himself have looked up to himu as a father, and their regard for him has been largely veneration for one who seemed to breathe a purer spiritual atmosphere than is given to other men. He seemed to fill his place naturally, and as a matter of course, without effort and without strife. He was not eloquent, but. rather diffident in the pul- pit; though the inspiration of his theme, with which he was always in sympathy, made him a pleasing speaker, and sometimes kindled an enthusiasm more impressive than the most eloquent oratory. His judgment was keen and his convictions strong ; but in presenting the most abstruse subject he was so largely sympathetic that he was always very near to those he addressed.

" It was as a literary man that he has been most useful to his people at large, and it would be difficult to overestimate his serviees to humanity in this field. . . . In 1861 Hamilton College conferred the title of D.D. upon Mr. Everett, and never was the honor more worthily bestowed."

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History of Oneida County, New York, 1667-1878, Part 142

Author: Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Fariss Number of Pages: 932

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 932