USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York, 1667-1878 > Part 88
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ST. FRANCIS DE SALES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
In April of the year 1877 the bishop of this diocese carried into effect a long-entertained intention of dividing the parish of St. John's. With this end in view he gave a letter of instructions to Rev. Father Luke G. O'Reiley, then assistant of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, authorizing him to begin the work of organizing the new parish, to be known as the Church of St. Francis de Salcs. Father O'Reiley begau his new labor with a zeal and earn- estness which inspired most hearty co-operation among the members of his new flock. They first worshiped in a school-house which was placed at their disposal by the city authorities. Within a year after the establishment of the parish the building located on Steuben Street, near South Street, was purchased, entirely remodeled and beautified, and, by the liberality of the members of the parish, paid for. Connected with the church is the St. Francis de Sales Union, comprised of the young gentlemen of the congregation and several other Sodalities. The Sun- day-school is also in a very flourishing condition, and the parish rapidly extending.
THE WELSH CALVINISTIC METHODIST OR PRESBYTE- RIAN CHURCHI.
The cause in connection with this evangelical denomina- tion was started in the year 1825, in a room on Catharine Street. In 1845 the present strong and capacious church edifice, located ou Seneca Street, was erected. It measures 90 by 60 feet, and is capable of accommodating 800 per- sons. Its successive line of pastors includes the Revs. David Rees Stephens, Morris Davies, Morris Roberts, Wil-
Of this church we have not been able to persuade the Rev. Father Carraher to furnish ns any aceonnt; but not wishing to leave it out of the work, we have given such items as we could proeure, and that seemed reliable. They are mainly from Mr. Jones' work. This church has a fine ehime of nine bells .- HISTORIAN.
+ Data furnished by the pastor.
JOHN CARTON.
John Carton was born in the county of Dublin, Ireland, in 1815. He was the eldest son of John Carton and Julia Farrell. His father died while he was so young that he has no recollee- tion of ever seeing him. When he was twelve years of age the mother, with himself and only brother, Thomas, emi- grated to Quebec; and during the same summer settled in Oriskany, Oneida Co.
During the year Mr. Carton came to Utica, and engaged with the firm of O'Neil & Martin, to learn the copper- smith business. He remained with this firm until he was twenty-one years of age, receiving only his board and elothes as wages; but it was here that he became sehooled in busi- ness, learned the great seeret of success as a business man,
he has had dealings. The sueeess of this model business man, who during his entire business eareer has never borrowed money or had his note indorsed, is only what he deserves. The extensive business of Mr. Carton is partially summed up in the manufacture of tin, copper, and sheet-iron ware, and the construction of hot-air furnaces of his own invention. He also manufactures locomotive headlights, as improved by another invention of himself. Mr. Carton is also one of the proprietors of the Ralph Patent Oneida Cheese Vat. He has been a director of the Oneida County Bank for some fifteen years, a trustee of the Savings Bank of Utiea for several years, and a trustee of the Ladies' Seminary. He has never been active in polities, but has been unswervingly identified with the
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Photo. by Williams.
John Carlos
and by economy and self-reliance so improved these opportu- nities as step by step in subsequent years to become one of the most successful business men of Utiea.
After having served an apprenticeship to the veteran hard- ware merehant, Owen O'Neil, Mr. Carton obtained an in- terest in the firm, which he retained from 1840 to 1845. In the latter year he established business for himself at 133 Gen- esee Street. His capital at that time was limited; but con- tinued energy and a personal supervision of his business gradually overcame pecuniary embarrassments, and gave him the unlimited confidenee of the business portion of the com- munity. During the forty-three years in which Mr. Carton has conducted business for himself, he has steadily gained in wealth, as well as the esteem and confidence of all with whom
Demoeratie party. Brought up under the discipline of the Catholic Church, he is still warmly attached to its interests. and a liberal supporter of all kindred institutions. In the year 1844 he married Miss Mary Ellen, daughter of John and Catharine O'Neil, of Rome, N. Y. His wife was born in New Jersey, ir the year 1824, lived an exemplary woman, and died February, 1876, leaving a husband and children to mourn her loss, and a large cirele of friends to remember her for her many virtues. Their children are Thomas, Mary Ellen, John F., William J., Edward A., Matthew, and Julia. Catherine and James F. died young. The two eldest sons are in business with their father ; the second, John F. Carton, was married to Helen A., daughter of Lewis A. Benoist, of St. Louis, Mo.
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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
liam Rowlands, D.D., Thomas Foulkes, William Hughes, Ebenezer T. Jones, James Jarrett, and William Roberts, D.D., who is the present pastor, and who also is the editor of the magazine called Y Cyfaill, or " The Friend," which is the organ of the connection in the United States.
The deaeons who have successively offieiated in this church since its commencement were Richard Hughes, Evan Roberts, Joseph Hughes, Robert Jones, Richard E. Roberts, and Hugh Davies. The present church officers are T. Solomon Griffiths, David Anthony, Robert E. Rob- erts, and John C. Roberts, who is the secretary of the church. The late Griffith W. Williams acted as leader of the singing for upwards of twenty-three years.
The present board of trustees consists of T. Solomon Griffiths, President ; Richard R. Roberts, Treasurer ; John Owen Jones, Secretary ; Rees Thomas, Thomas Edwards, R. M. Edwards, and William W. Roberts. The members number about 250, and the Sabbath-school, on an average, 160.
WELSH METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This church was organized July, 1849, under the pas- toral care of Rev. Mr. Foster, pastor of the State Street Methodist Episcopal Church. A room was rented near the present Meehanies' Hall, and the word of God preached to them by such of the brethren as were accustomed to preach in their own country. In May, 1850, the present house of worship was purchased and repaired at a cost of $2000. The following ministers were settled as pastors until 1852 : Revs. Rees Davies and Thomas Hughes. In September of 1852, the Rev. John Jones was appointed to take charge of the congregation for the ensuing year. Since 1853 the following pastors have been in charge of the church : Revs. Richard L. Herbert, Thomas Thomas, Humphrey Hum- phreys, Isaae Thomas, and David T. Davies. The present board of trustees are David T. Davies, Lewis Hughes, W. W. Jones, Thomas Owen, Sr., H. W. Griffiths, W. O. Williams, D. J. Davies, and E. J. Perry.
SOUTH STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, known as the South Street Church, was organized twenty-six years ago. It was first known as the " Corn Hill" church, and with many of the older members it still bears that name.
The first pastor was Rev. B. I. Ives. Ten pastors have come and gone since that time, and with two exceptions all have remained their allotted time as prescribed by the church. These pastors were Revs. IIoag, Wells, Olin, Gray, IIarroun, Curtis, Hartsuff, Cooper, Markham, and Cowles. The present pastor is Rev. W. Dempster Chase. The present record has 300 members upon its list, inelud- ing probationers. The number of names upon the Sunday- school roll exceeds 200.
THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Utica is located on the corner of Court Street and Broadway. This church was organized in the fall of 1866, by the union of the Bleecker Street and State Street Methodist Episcopal So- cieties.
The church edifice, including the chapel and lot, cost
about $30,000. It was dedieated by Bishop Matthew Simp- son, Feb. 2, 1871. The audience-room will seat about twelve hundred people. Rev. William Reddy, its first pastor, deserves much eredit for the success of this important un- dertaking. The subsequent pastors have been Rev. R. C. Houghton, Rev. E. C. Brnee, Rev. L. D. White, and Rev. T. Kelly. Mr. White, whose pastoral term closed in April, 1878, is now presiding elder of the Utiea District. The membership of this church is at present about four hundred and fifty. The Sunday-school work connected with the con- gregation ineludes sixty teachers and officers, and about four hundred scholars. Mr. II. G. Clark is superintendent of the Central school, and Mr. J. W. Rowe of the Mission school. Besides these gentlemen, prominent among the trustees and other official men in the church are the fol- lowing, viz. : Dr. Jacob Hunt, Isaae Estes, Edward Rowell, H. N. Dryer, C. II. Hopkins, J. C. Bates, Stephen Beck- with, N. H. Hoag, Harrison Gilmore, and P. W. Tefft.
This society is thoroughly evangelical. It has been very prosperous during the last few years, and is among the most active and useful churches of the city. Connected with the church is a chapel, corner of Court and Stark Streets, in which services are regularly held.
THE FREE METHODIST CHURCHI.
The Free Methodist Church was organized Aug. 7, 1863, by Rev. D. W. Thurston, with twenty-eight members.
The society after its organization worshiped in Morgan Hall, corner South and West Streets, until the year 1865, when, under the labors of Rev. D. M. Sinclair, then pas- tor, the present church edifice, corner South and Miller Streets, was completed and dedicated. The present mem- bership, including probationers, is eighty-four. In doctrine they do not differ from the Methodist Episcopal Church, but in praetiee they do not believe in resorting to worldly poliey to sustain the gospel ; hence they give no countenance to modern expedients for promoting Christianity, such as selling or renting pews, pienies, Christmas-trees, festivals, lotteries, fairs, and donation-parties, but worship God in the simplieity of primitive Methodism. They have a Sab- bath-school, of which the pastor is superintendent, and George W. Gurley, assistant. The names of about sixty scholars appear upon its roll. 'Among the clergymen who have been active as pastors of this church the following names appear: Reverends James Matthews, D. M. Sinclair, J. Selby, Z. Osborne, E. Owen, G. W. Anderson, A. F. Curry, J. B. Freeland, B. Winget, A. N. Moore, J. A. Odell, and O. W. Young; the latter being the present pas- tor and entering upon the second year of his ministry.
BETHESDA CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHI (WELSH) .*
In 1802 the Congregationalists and Baptists held union meetings at their various houses. One evening five of the brethren remained after the meeting, and resolved to build a house of worship. The appeals made for aid were very heartily responded to, and an old paper, bearing date June 16, 1804, has the following : " This day we dedicated our house of worship for the little Welsh congregation. Blessed
# Data furnished by the pastor.
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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
be God for his mercies to us strangers in a strange land !" Rev. Daniel Morris opened the services with prayer, and Rev. John Roberts preached from Matthew xxii. 11, and Rev. John Stephens from 1st Kings ix. 22. Many of the members lived at a great distance, and were accustomed to walk to Utiea in the morning, remain for two sermons, and then return on foot. Rev. Daniel Morris and Rev. John Roberts preached alternately. In 1817 a Sabbath-school was organized. In 1823 Rev. Robert Everett eanie from Denbigh, Wales, and was settled as pastor over the church, which was known as the Welsh Congregational Church. He was a learned man and a popular preacher, and many were added to the church membership during his ministry. Mr. Everett finally retired to Winfield, and was succeeded by Rev. James Griffiths, of South Wales, who devoted fif- teen years to this field of labor. His successor was Rev. Evan Griffiths, who remained six years, and was followed by Rev. David Price, from Denbigh, Wales. After six years of faithful service he gave place to Rev. Griffith Griffiths, who, after two years, removed to Cineinnati. The present pastor is Rev. R. G. Jones, D.D., a native of Brecknockshire, Wales, and a graduate of Breeon College, who was called in May, 1867.
Under his ministry much harmony has prevailed in the congregation, and a new brick edifice has been erected, at a cost of $22,000, on Washington Street. The membership at present numbers 300, and connected with the church is a flourishing Sabbath-school with 140 names on its roll.
THE REFORMED CHURCH.
The Reformed Protestant (Dutch) Church in Utica grew out of the evangelistic labors of the Revs. Messrs. Spinner and Labaugh, who, as early as 1820, visited this field as missionaries. A few years later, the Rev. John F. Scher- merhorn, a minister of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, came, and, after visiting among the homes of the descendants of the Dutch in this loeality, crystallized all previous labors in this direction by calling a meeting in Washington Hall, for the purpose of organizing a church to be known as the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in Utiea. This occurred as early as 1829. The following year, October 26, 1830, the church was fully organized in conformity with the rules and regulations governing the body with which it determined to be in fellowship. The number of members constituting the organization was 29.
On the 1st of November following an invitation was extended to the Rev. George W. Bethune, D.D., to become its pastor. Dr. Bethune accepted, and was installed on the 7th of the same month, and remained its pastor till June 18, 1834, when he resigned.
From this period to the present the following are the names of its pastors, the time of their installation, and also of their resignation :
The Rev. Henry Mandeville, D.D., who succeeded the Rev. Dr. Bethune, was installed on the 12th of October, 1834; resigned the 20th of January, 1841.
The Rev. John P. Knox, D.D., was installed on the 6th of October, 1841 ; resigned Feb. 16, 1844.
The Rev. Charles Wiley, D.D., was installed in June, 1845; resigned May 1, 1854.
The Rev. George H. Fisher, D.D., was installed Jan. 1, 1855 ; resigned July 13, 1859.
The Rev. Charles E. Knox, D.D., installed July 29, 1860; resigned Aug. 4, 1862.
The Rev. Ashbel Vermilye, D.D., installed May 14, 1863 ; resigned July 31, 1871.
The present pastor, the Rev. Isaac S. Hartley, D.D., was installed Nov. 16, 1871.
The first edifice in which the congregation worshiped was ereeted on the corner of John and Broad Streets, in 1830, and was oceupied till 1867, when the property was sold. The same year a lot was purchased on the corner of Genesee and Cornelia Streets, upon which a beautiful brick church, with stone trimmings, was built, capable of seating 700 persons, at the cost of about $60,000. The new church was formally dedicated on the 8th of September, 1868.
In government and doctrine the Reformed Church is the same as the Presbyterian denomination; nor is there any- thing of an earthly nature of which the Dutch Church is more proud than its descent from the " Church under the Cross," or the Holland Church, whose faith and eon- servatism it would honor and perpetuate.
The interest which this church has manifested in re- ligious and benevolent institutions is worthy of special note. During the past fifteen years, including the munificent bequests of Mr. and Mrs. Silas D. Childs and Mr. N. F. Vedder, it has contributed a half-million of dollars to these objects.
If distinguished names in a community form any true index of the character and influence of a church, very few churches, with such a brief history, have upon their records names more honored, and representing every position in life. Aside from its always having a learned and devoted ministry, Joseph P. Kirkland, Joshua A. Spencer, Thomas E. Clark, Judges Savage, Gridley, Charles A. Mann, and W. J. Bacon, John G. Floyd, Abram Varick, Charles C. Brodhead, Dr. Brigham, William Wolcott, Samuel Stocking, Kellog Hul- burt, Silas D. Childs, and George S. Dana, with their de- voted wives, are a few who have been asssociated with it, and who have liberally contributed to its prosperity.
At present its membership numbers about 225; and a flourishing Sabbath-school in connection with it shows its interest in the spiritual welfare of the young. The larger number of the churches of the Reformed denomination are to be found along the banks of the Hudson and in the State of New Jersey, where it has both a college (Rutgers) and a theological seminary.
CHURCH OF THE RECONCILIATION (UNIVERSALIST).
On November 21, 1825, a meeting was held in Utiea for the purpose of organizing a Universalist society. An organization was effected, and Rev. John Thompson and others preached to the new congregation in the court-house until a church on Devereux Street was built in 1828- 30, and Rev. Dolphus Skinner, D.D., became, in 1830, its first settled pastor. In course of time the society beeame involved in financial difficulties, and to satisfy creditors the church was finally sold. For some years nothing was done towards reviving the society ; but in 1848
333
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
regular services were recon:meneed in Mechanics' Hall, and a new society was organized, under the name of the Central Universalist Society. The present pleasant and comno- dious edifice on Seneca Street, near its junction with Genesee Street, was completed in 1851, Rev. Mr. Francis being pastor. He resigned his charge in 1853, and was succeeded in October of the same year by Rev. Theophilus Fisk. The Rev. C. C. Gordon became pastor in 1857, and resigned his pastoral charge in August, 1859. The Rev. T. D. Cook, who had been one of the earlier pastors of the old church, began a new pastorate in Utica in 1860, and closed his labors with the parish in 1864. The Rev. D. Ballou succeeded him in October of the same year, and resigned in 1869. In August, 1870, the Rev. A. J. Can- field was called and continued his labors until May, 1873. In December of the same year the Rev. Charles F. Lec, the present pastor, began his ministrations. The records of the earlier organization having been destroyed by fire, we are able only to give the history of the Central Uni- versalist parish, or of the Church of the Reconciliation, as it is generally known. In 1877 the church was quite ex- tensively renovated, and is now, with the chapel adjoining, built some years ago, one of the most pleasant and com- modious houses of worship in the city. The parish is in a healthful condition, and is gradually growing in numbers. From first to last the Universalist Church in Utica has numbered among its members some of the most prominent citizens. The present organization is as follows : Board of Trustees, M. S. Laird, Willis Sawens, P. S. Curtiss, Lyman Oatley, ITiram Gilmore, C. D. Falkner, H. C. Case; Clerk of Parish, G. L. Bradford ; Clerk of Church, Lyman Oat- ley ; Deacons, Grove Penny, Lyman Oatley, J. G. Jones, A. Gage.
ZION GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHIURCII.
" The United Evangelical Lutheran and German Re- formed Congregation of the City of Utica" was organized on the 15th of May, 1842, at its place of meeting, the " Old Bethel," on Fayette Street, West Utica. It was formed of 56 communieant members, all natives of Ger- many, and its services have always been conducted in the German language. Its first officers were Charles A. Wolf, Sr., and Michael Breitenstein, Elders ; and John M. Hahn, Daniel Becker, and John G. Hoerlein, Trustees.
Their first house of worship was erected upon the south side of Columbia Street, upon the eastern side of the site of St. Patrick's Church, at a cost of about $2000, and was dedicated Sept. 28, 1844, and, with other buildings, was destroyed by the hand of the incendiary on the night of Feb. 28, 1851.
Immediately after the destruction of their old church the members of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, having bought the adjoining building lot, corner of Column- bia and Huntington Streets, purchased of the congregation their property on Columbia Street. They then erected a house of worship on the corner of Cooper and Fay Streets, at a cost of about $4000, and removed there.
The present pastor, Rev. A. Wetzel, has devoted his time and talents to the welfare of this church ever since its formation.
With the church is connected a flourishing Sunday- school, numbering abont 300 scholars, and also a week-day school, in which the children receive instruction in both the German and English languages from an efficient teacher.
The present number of communicants is about 250.
IIOUSE OF JACOB (JEWISII ).
The first Hebrew congregation was organized in the year 1848, the body worshiping on Hotel Street, with Rabbi Ellsner, now of Syracuse, as their leader.
A few years later another congregation organized, and built a synagogue on Bleecker Street, with Rabbi Rosen- thal as pastor. From 1855 to 1870 the congregation be- came scattered, and had no place of worship. In 1870 they built the present synagogue on Whitesboro' Street, and chartered it under the name of the House of Jacob. Rabbi Sapero then officiated, and his successor was Rev. L. Eiseu- berg, who is at present officiating as pastor.
TIIE GERMAN MORAVIAN CIIURCH.
Bishop Shultz, of Bethlehem, bishop of the Moravians, may be regarded as the founder and parent of this church in Utica. He came to the city in 1856, and finding a few devoted followers, caused an edifice to be purchased. The first settled pastor was Rev. John Detterer, who settled in August of the same year. He was succeeded by Rev. John Praeger, and he by the present pastor, Rev. Julius Wuenshe. The church, which is located on the corner of Cooper and Cornelia Streets, underwent a thorough rc- modeling in 1876, and is now a very neat and commodious structure. The present elders are John Beisiegel and Charles Simon. The Sunday-school is in a very prosperous condi- tion.
CEMETERIES.
A piece of ground for burial purposes must have been occupied in Utica previous to 1800. The first recorded transaction concerning one was in 1806, when a deed was obtained of the old ground on Water Street, from Stephen Potter, who in parting with it made the curious reservation of the right to pasture his sheep and calves therein. This ground includes about two acres of land, and was long since pretty thoroughly filled up. There are very few monuments now standing which date beyond 1816 .* It is mostly given up for burial purposes, and presents altogether an untidy and dilapidated appearance .;
St. Joseph's Cemetery, a small burial-ground occupied by the German Catholics, is located a short distance west of the old ground, on St. Joseph Street, and contains about an acre of land. It is closely packed with graves and headstones, and is not very much used for new interments. It is attached to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and is called the German Cemetery.
FOREST HILL CEMETERY.
This beautiful home of the dead-worthy to be named with Mount Auburn and Greenwood and Laurel Hill-
## One stone dates to 1797.
t This ground originally covered a larger area than at present. in- cluding a tract on the south side of Water Street and some to the west.
334
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
dates its origin back nearly thirty years. It was organized, under the general act authorizing rural cemetery asso- ciations, on the 26th of April, 1849. The first board of trustees was constituted of the following persons : Thomas R. Walker, Edmund A. Wetmore, William Tracy, Horatio Seymour, Thomas Hopper, Wm. J. Bacon, Julius A. Spen- cer, Silas D. Childs, Charles A. Mann, J. Watson Williams, Elisha M. Gilbert, M. M. Bagg.
The first officers were Hon. T. R. Walker, President ; Julius A. Spencer, Vice-President ; M. M. Bagg, Secretary. A tract of land containing about 37 acres was immediately purchased on the newly-opened Bridgewater Plank-Road, a nile south of the city limits, in the town of New Hartford. It was covered with forest-trees, but presented such advan- tages of soil and variety of location that it was considered the most eligible spot within suitable distance of the city for the purposes of a great rural cemetery. A fund of about $7500 was raised by subscription, out of which the purchase-money was paid, and with the remainder improve- ments were rapidly carried forward. The grounds were placed under the management of Almeron Hotchkiss, an experienced landscape-engineer, then employed in Green- wood Cemetery, Brooklyn. A main avenue about one and a half miles in length was constructed, a Gothic lodge and bell-tower erected at the entrance, and a receiving-vault built in the north slope of the grounds. Near the main entrance, and beside a small artificial pond, was placed the celebrated sacred stone of the Oneida Indians, which had been brought from Stockbridge Hill, in Madison County, by permission of the tribe, and placed in perpetual possession of the cemetery association, who guaranteed to the Oneidas the privilege of sepulture within the cemetery.
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