USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 85
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lIeating apparatus. 118
Furniture, etc. 432
Total ... $22,730
COLUMBIA STREET SCHOOL.
This was formerly a parochial school in charge of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church. In May, 1869, it was placed under the exclusive control of the school commis- sioners, and a lcase of the building made to the commis- sioners free of rent. The school was re-organized, and is now one of the regular city schools. The building occupied by it was one of the original school buildings, but after the passage of the act of 1842, establishing the present system, it was sold, and again, after the lapse of more than a quarter of a century, returned to the original possessors. Number of teachers employed, 4; average attendance, 136. No valuation of property given.
WASHINGTON STREET SCHOOL.
The building occupied by this school was formerly owned by the Welsh Congregational Society, and used as a house of worship. It was purchased and remodeled in 1870. It is 37 by 50 feet in dimensions, and accommodates 200 pupils. Teachers, 4; average daily attendance, 136.
Value of property :
Building and lot. $11,000
Outbuildings, etc. . 250
Heating apparatus. 200
Furniture, etc ..
821
Total
$12,271
MILLER STREET SCHOOL.
Building two stories, of brick; erected in 1871. Di- mensions, 51.8 by 75.4 fect, and 49 feet high. Sittings, 448; teachers, 8 ; average attendance, 292.
Value of property :
Furniture, etc ...
320
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Building and lot. $21,000
Outhouses, etc ... 1,150
Henting apparatus. 1,160
1,869
Total
$25,179
FAXTON EVENING SCHOOL.
This school was established in the Faxton Hall school- room in 1868. The number of teachers employed is 3; average attendance, 78.
SUMMARY.
NUMBER OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Primary
14
Intermediate.
13
Advanced
1
Academy
1
Ungraded ..
1
Evening school
1
EXPENDITURES.
Ordinary Expenses.
Salaries of teachers ..
$47,265.67
Salary of superintendent
2,500.00
Salary of clerk and librarian 750.00
3,249.58
Salaries of janitors of 19 school buildings .. For fucl. 1,924.38
For repairing school-houses, furnaces, and apparatus.
1,534.50
For repairing onthouse, fences, and walks .. Reat of carpenter-shop ... 150.00
226.78
For purchasing globes, maps, and apparatus.
5.06
Books and catalogues for the city library ...
257.42
Paid for water, gas, printing, and diplomas. School-books and stationery ... 342.92
Insurance of school-houses and furniture ...
874.00
Expenses of Academy annual exhibition .... 69.00
$59,897.33
Extraordinary Expenses.
Putting in scwers and otherwise improving sites ...
$124.72
For new furniture.
146.24
Enlargiog Court Street school-house.
2,434.06
Balance oo hand October 1, 1876.
30,432.12
Total
$93,034.47
VALUE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY.
House and lots.
$359,045.00
Outhouses, walks, etc ..
19,964.00
Ileating apparatus
12,541.00
Furniture.
24,781.00
Chemical and philosophical apparatus.
1,119.37
City library books (6146 volumes).
17,325.00
Academy library books ..
1,127.36
Total
$435,902.73
Advanced school
264
296
500
Academy
41
GS
109
Ungraded school.
49
47
96
Evening school.
97
47
144
Total.
2555
2461
5016
AVERAGE NUMBER BELONGING.
Boys.
Girls.
Total.
Primary departments.
927
917
1824
Intermediate departments.
508
525
1053
Advanced school.
211
247 458
Academy
37
59
96
Ungraded school
40
39
79
Evening school.
55
27
82
Total.
1778
1814
3592
AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE.
Boys.
Girls.
Total.
Primary departments.
874
816
1690
Intermediate departinents ..
460
498
9.8
Advanced school.
207
242
449
Academy
35
56
91
Ungraded school.
35
34
09
Evening school
53
25
78
Total
1664
1671
3335
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
RECEIPTS.
State appropriation :
For teachers' wages
$18,803.70
For supervision 800.00
For library 341.19
$19,944.89 541.36
Received from the literature fund
From noo-residents for tuition 750.00
From sale of catalogues of library books.
8.25
Proceeds of city tax :
For teachers' wages. $30,000.00
For contingent expenses 16,000.00
For superintendent's salary 1,700.00
For city library. 300.00
For enlarging Court Street scboul-hoose.
5,000.00
On hand October 1, 1870
18,789.97
Total
$93,034.47
Total
3L
TOTAL NUMBER OF SITTINGS.
Primary departments
1930
Intermediate departments.
1388
Advanced school.
624
Academy
192
Ungraded.
CO
Total
4194
NUMBER OF TEACHERS EMPLOYED.
Male. Female. Total.
0
36
36
Interincdiate
0
29
29
Advanced.
1
12
13
Academy
3
2
5
Ungraded.
0
2
2
Evening school ..
1
2
3
Penmanship.
1
1
Music.
1
0
1
Drawing.
0
1
1
French language
1
0
1
German language.
1
0
1
Total
8
85
93
Whole amount paid for teachers' wages.
$47,265.87
Average salary paid male tenchers.
1,025.55
Average salary paid feroale teachers ..
439.36
Average salary paid cveuing-school teachers
90.00
Average salary paid teachers ..
508.26
Ycarly cost per scholar for teachers' wages.
9.42
NUMBER OF PUPILS ENROLLED.
Boys.
Girls.
Total.
Primary departments
1408
1334
2742
Intermediate departments.
696
669
1365
UTICA LIBRARY.
This institution was incorporated in 1825, on the 5th of March, and opened for the issue of books on the 6th of July of the same year, with about 1000 volumes. The number of shares was originally limited to 400, and the price fixed at $3. In 1829 the number of volumes had increased to 1500. In 1837 it was located in Mechanics' Hall, and had increased to 2500 volumes. It was subse- quently removed to the city hall building, where it re- mained until July, 1878, when it was removed to the new library building on Elizabeth Street. Among the earlier patrons and prominent members of the association were Hon. Nathan Williams, Theodore S. Gold, Ezekiel Bacon, Gardner Tracy, E. A. Wetmore, Thomas Walker, R. R. Rhodes, and William J. Bacon. Under the school law of 1842 the board of school trustees assumed control, and have continued its management to the present time. When
2,705.02
748.02
Primary
53,000.00
Furniture, etc.
CIT 187719
LITH BY L.K ÉVENTE, PHILADELPHIA
UTICA CITY LIBRARY,
HACKETT
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IMPERIAL IMPERIAL FIREINSURMY FIRE INSURANCECO
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SURGEON
Umnon C. HACKETFacial
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196| BELTZ & REUSSWIG. : 196
FWHURLAURF FIRE INSURANCE
196
TAILORS
TAILORS
DOCTOR NOTERRY
RD
LITH BY L.H. EVERTS, ARIA
HACKETTS BLOCK, GENESEE. S. UTICA, N.Y
DOCTOR
FICE
321
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
they took charge it contained about 1700 volumes, having apparently fallen off considerably.
The strongest evidence of the popular estimate of the city library is furnished by the following statistical state- ment :
The whole number of volumes issued to the public during the year just closed is 28,330, an increase over that of any previous year of 7859 volumes. No comment can add significance to the above statement, yet it may be ac- cepted as prophetic of the dawn of a new era for our read- ing public. The classified summary of books in the library is as follows : Scientific and political works, 696 volumes; voyages and travels, 552 volumes ; historical and descrip- tive, 1262 volumes; biographical works, 674 volumes; literary, poetic, and dramatic works, 1128 volumes ; novels, tales, and adventures, 956 volumes, and 900 valuable books of reference.
Among the books of reference are Louis Agassiz' con- tribution to the Natural History of the United States, illustrated ; Appleton's Cyclopedia, complete sets ; complete sets of American Ornithology ; Colonial History of the State of New York, 10 volumes ; North American Sylva, by Michaux ; Natural History of New York, 29 volumes; Muster-Roll of the State of New York, containing the name of every soldier enlisted from this State during the Rebellion, his length of service, when mustered out, etc. ; American Ornithology, by Bonaparte; Audubon's Birds of North America; Audubon's and Bachman's Quadru- peds of North America ; complete sets of Knight's Cyclo- pædia ; Dictionaries of Architecture, of Arts, Manufac- tures and Mines, of Dates, of Science, Literature, and of Authors. We mention the above books to show the general character of the books of reference that have heretofore, in the main, lain upon the shelves for want of a suitable room in which they could be consulted.
The library building is situated on the north side of Elizabeth Street, between Genesee and Charlotte Streets, and has a frontage of 64 feet by a depth of 88. It is built in the Victoria Gothic style of architecture, its front and flanks faced with Croton pressed brick, with black brick to mark lines and arches, and is trimmed with Connecticut brown sandstone and Prospect limestone.
The main building has two stories and an attic, the front façade containing a tower which projects 4 feet, rises 51 feet to the cornice, and is covered with a pyramidal roof 30 feet in height; and two niches for the reception of colossal busts.
On the first floor the main hall-way is 12 feet wide, and runs from the entrance centrally through the building to the library.
The superintendent's office, 16 by 23 fect 8 inches in size, is placed first to the right on entering. This contains a fireproof vault for documents, etc. A laboratory separates this room from the room for the Board of Education, which is 20 feet by 23 feet 8 inches.
At the front end to the left of the hall is a stairway, 5 feet 6 inches wide, leading to the lecture hall above. Un- derneath these stairs is a ladies' lavatory.
A reference library and reading-room, 28 feet 4 inches by 23 feet 8 inches, occupies the rest of the main floor.
The second floor is occupied by a lecture-room, having a scating capacity of 400, and is furnished with platform and ante-room.
The library proper-40 by 60 feet and 47 feet to apex of roof-is situated in the rear of the main building, and is lighted by side and clerestory windows. It contains a gallery, which is supported on iron brackets, and is reached by an iron stairway. This part of the building is fireproof; the roofs being of slate, the clerestory of galvanized iron, and the windows furnished with iron shutters, while double iron doors shut it off completely from the main building.
The stairways and wainscoting are finished in ash and cherry ; the rest of the interior, including the open timber roof of the library, in pine, painted in rich colors.
For completeness of arrangement, elegance of finish, and beautiful architecture, it is believed the Utiea Library building is not excelled by any similar institution in the country. The architects were G. Edward Cooper and E. D. Smalley.
The librarian is Mr. Frank H. Latimore. The total cost of this fine building, including ground and furniture, has been about $25,000.
UTICA FEMALE ACADEMY.
This institution was chartered April 28, 1837. The first trustees named in the charter were John H. Ostrom, Nicholas Devereux, Horatio Seymour, C. A. Mann, Joshua A. Spencer, S. D. Childs, T. S. Faxton, John C. Devereux, Alrick Hubbell, T. E. Clark, T. H. Hubbard, Theodore Pomeroy, A. Munson, B. F. Cooper, Chester Griswold, John Williams, Horace Butler, Charles P. Kirkland, S. P. Lyman, Holmes Hutchinson, and Henry White.
The same year four lots lying between Washington Street and Broadway, with the buildings upon them, were pur- chased at a cost of $6300. The school was first opened in the building known as the United States Hotel, corner of Genesee and Pearl Streets, where it was continued until the new building was finished. The number of students in December, 1838, was 168. In 1838-39 an academy building of brick, three stories, 50 by 150 feet in dimensions, was erected, the corner-stone having been laid with proper ceremonics June 20, 1838. The first principal was Miss Urania E. Sheldon (since Mrs. Dr. Nott), who continued until August, 1842, when Rev. James Nichols succeeded her, and remained until June, 1844, when he retired and was succeeded by Miss Jane E. Kelly, who continued to fill the position until 1865. At the January term of 1851 the number of pupils in attendance was 185; whole number for the year, 292.
The building was burned on the 27th of March, 1865. The present elegant and substantial building was erected on the same ground about 1869-70, at a cost of $75,000. It is 60 by 150 feet in dimensions, three stories and base- ment, and constructed of brick, with roof laid in variegated slates. It is one of the finest structures in the State, and justly a source of pride to the citizens of Utica even among the many noble educational and charitable institutions which ornament the city, and make it a marvel throughout the land.
41
322
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The school was interrupted from 1865 to 1871, in which latter year Mrs. E. F. Hammill, of Brooklyn, leased the building for three years and opened school. At the end of the three years she leased it again for one year and con- tinued to the summer of 1875, when she was succeeded by the present principal, Mrs. J. G. P. Piatt. At the present time the school employs about fourteen teachers in the varions departments, and has from 30 to 40 regular boarders and from 80 to 90 day scholars.
It is a stock institution, organized by a large number of the wealthy citizens of Utica for the education of their daughters, and is in a flourishing condition.
The other private schools of the city at the present time are : Academy of Assumption, for boys, under the charge of the Christian Brothers (Catholic), corner of John and Elizabethi Streets ; the German Free Association, organized Dec. 23, 1867, on the common-school system, and open to all, on Whitesboro' Street ; President, John Kohler; Sec- retary, F. W. Klages ; Principal, Ad. Peterson ; Assistant, Mrs. W. J. Rulison ; Treasurer, M. Weisner ; Kindergar- ten School, Steuben Street, Mrs. C. M. Scholefield, Princi- pal; Kindergarten School, Oneida Street, Mrs. Janet Kel- logg, Principal; school for boys and girls, No. 232 Gencsee Street, by James Lombard; St. John's Select and Free School for boys and girls, under the direction of the Sisters of Charity, on Burnet Street ; St. Joseph's School (German) for boys, 163 Fayette Street ; St. Joseph's School (German) for girls, by the Sisters of St. Clair, 163 Fayette Street ; and the Utica Business College, in the Parker Building, by Messrs. McCreary and Shields.
An eccentric individual named Solomon Barrett taught a grammar school in Utica for several years, between 1845 and 1850. He made it a specialty, and was a most excel- lent grammarian, and successful in his calling. At one period his school was located in the rooms over what is now Hollister's book-store, where he had a large number of pupils, of both sexes, among whom were Daniel Butterfield, Jedediah Kingsley, David Williams, and J. M. Green.
Mr. Barrett was something of a linguist, and was wont to talk Latin with Judge Denio. A short time previous to his advent in Utica, he engaged in a noted discussion upon the science of grammar with Professor Brown, of Syracuse.
His schools were divided into terms, for each of which he charged a tuition fee of $5. His system of teaching was upon the concert plan, and he made use of the services of his more advanced scholars to assist him in his work. He was a very popular teacher, but quite eccentric, and somewhat untidy in dress. He was an inveterate tobacco- chewer, and was wont to eject his spittle over the desk in front of him upon the floor. He was accustomed to tell his pupils that when they encountered any one in argu- ment who was too much for them, to throw him off the subject by asking a question in philosophy like the follow- ing : "Does a thing move where it is?" If he answered no, as he generally would, then ask him, " Does it move where it is not ?" " Then," says he, " you have him."
He was also the author of a peculiar text-book upon the study of English grammar, which was published in Utica in 1845.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS.
TRINITY CHURCH (EPISCOPAL).
Trinity Church was organized in the year 1798, by the Rev. Philander Chase, afterwards Bishop of Illinois. For a period of five years services were imperfectly maintained by lay-reading, and it was not until the year 1803 that measures were taken towards the building of a church edi- fice. In that year Mr. John R. Bleecker, of Albany, gave a lot on the corner of Broad and First Streets, 100 feet front and 127 feet deep, in fulfillment of a promise that such a gift would be made to that religious society which should first undertake the erection of a church edifice. On the basis of a subscription of a little more than $2000 the building was commenced, but it was not until the year 1806 that it was so far completed that Bishop Moore was induced to consecrate it. In December, 1810, it was fin- ished, having cost $7140. Of this sum $2000 was con- tributed by Trinity Church, New York. The building, an unpretentious yet tasteful structure, was designed by Philip Hooker, of Albany, an architect who did some good work in his day,-as witness, in his own city, old St. Peter's Church, the old State Capitol, and the Academy.
The first chosen officers of the church were Abraham Walton and Nathan Williams, Wardens ; William Inman, Charles Walton, John Smith, Benjamin Walker, Samuel Hooker, Aylmer Johnson, James Hopper, and Edward Smith, Vestrymen. The first minister in charge was the Rev. Jonathan Judd, who officiated from 1804 to 1806 alternately here and at Paris Hill, though not continuously in either place. The first rector was the Rev. Amos G. Baldwin, who held that position from 1806 to 1818. He constructed, with his own hands, the first organ in the church having a manual or key-board. This organ did good service for many years in Christ Church, Sherburne, and can now be seen, with some enlargements and improve- ments, in the Presbyterian Church at New York Mills. Mr. Baldwin died at Auburn, in 1844.
Through the influence of Colonel Benjamin Walker, who may be regarded as the lay founder of Trinity Church, the Countess of Bath (England) was induced, in the year 1808, to give to the church 265 acres of land in the town of Eaton, Madison County. This gift was of no great ben- efit to the church. The income from it was small, and hard to collect, and finally, in the year 1815, the land was sold for a sum of money barely nominal. Nearly contempo- raneous with the donation from the Countess of Bath, was one from the corporation of Trinity Church, New York, of three lots in Reade Street and one in Clark Street, in that city. Two of the Reade Street lots, and the one in Clark Street, are still the property of the church in Utica. The income from the whole property, though comparatively small, has been of essential service.
In the year 1819, Mr. Baldwin was succeeded in the rectorship by the Rev. Henry M. Shaw, who remained about two years. His successor, in the year 1821, was the Rev. Henry Anthon, who resigned the charge in 1829 to take the rectorship of St. Stephen's Church, New York.
Two years afterwards he was made assistant minister of Trinity Church in the same city, and in 1836 was chosen
323
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
rector of St. Mark's Church, in the Bowery. Here he remained until his death in January, 1861. It was during this last ministry of twenty-four years that his great repu- tation as one of the lights of the American Church was chiefly made.
The next rector was the Rev. Benjamin Dorr, whose ministry extended from 1829 to 1831, when he resigned the charge.
Dr. Dorr was succeeded, in 1836, by the Rev. Pierre Alexis Proal, who came from St. George's Church, Sehenee- tady. His pastorate was much longer than that of either of his predecessors, terminating with his death in Septem- ber, 1857. He was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel Hanson Coxe, whose ministry extended from 1857 to November, 1877. He was followed, in February, 1878, by the Rev. Charles HI. Gardner, the present rector. The fact is note- worthy that from 1806 to 1878, a period of seventy-two years, this church bad in succession but six rectors.
The dimensions of the church edifice were originally 45 by 60 feet, besides a recessed chancel and contiguous robing-rooms. From time to time alterations have been made in the arrangement of pews and alleys; but no changes have ever been made, outside or inside, to impair the iden- tity of the building. In 1833 it was leogthened twenty feet by extending its front to the sidewalk. In doing this the steeple and entire front were carefully taken down, and as carefully restored oo new foundations. In 1851 exten- sive and costly repairs were made.
The structure is cherished, not only because it is a com- fortable and pleasant house of worship, but also because it has great historic interest, and is a landmark and monu- ment of the early growth of the city.
The present organization is as follows : Wardens, Hon. Horatio Seymour, Selden Collins; Vestrymen, M. C. Comstock, J. M. Weed, C. W. Hutchinson, T. W. Seward, J. A. Shearman, W. M. Storrs, H. D. Talcott, A. L. Woodruff.
The Sabbath-school officers are M. C. Comstock, Super- intendent; C. E. Chase, M.D., Secretary ; D. W. Perkins, Treasurer; H. Roberts and Frank Harvey, Librarians.
GRACE CHURCH (EPISCOPAL).
This congregation was originally a portion of the parish of Trinity Church, the only Episcopal Church for many years in Utica. The growing needs of the parish rendered the establishment of another field of labor necessary. The aet of incorporation of the new organization bears date May 21, 1838, and the new congregation worshiped in a room about 20 by 35 feet in the second story of No. 215 Genesee Street. On the 16th of August, 1838, the Rev. Charles H. Halsey was elected reetor, but he declined, and until April, 1839, the services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Rudd, then and for twenty-one years editor of the Gospel Mes- senger, the Rev. C. M. Butler, now Professor in the Divinity School, West Philadelphia, Pa., and such other clergy as could be obtained. Oo the 19th of April, 1839, the Rev. Albert C. Patterson was chosen rector at a salary of $800 for the first year and $1000 for the second. Mr. Patterson entered upon his duties immediately afterwards, and was very kindly received. During the year 1839 a lot
at the corner of Broadway and Columbia Streets was leased, and on it a small frame church erected at a cost of $1600. This building was enlarged in 1841 at an expense of about $1500. The congregation continued to be prospered under their young and active rector, and not more than three years had passed before the accessions were so numerous that the subject of a new and better ehureli began to be agitated. On the 4th of November, 1847, at a vestry meet- ing held at the rector's house, Mr. . J. H. Edmonds presented the plans of the new St. John's Church, Buffalo, and the proposed mode of securing funds for its erection, which steps were followed by the appointment of a committee of five to secure a lot and suitable drawings for a new church.
The rector at this time having resigned, Rev. Mr. Leeds was called as his successor. In the interval between the resignation of Dr. Leeds, in July, 1853, and the acceptance of the rectorship of the late Dr. J. J. Brandegee, in 1854, whose ministry extended over a period of ten years and whose memory is still revered by the whole parish, Mr. Alfred Munson, greatly interested in the erection of a new church, sceured and vested in his own name the title to the lot on which the present edifice stands, and procured plans and elevations from the distinguished architect, Mr. Upjohn, of New York. The vestry determined to build on the lots purchased by Mr. Munson, and early in the spring of 1856 commeneed to take down the building standing on them, long known as the Eagle Tavern, and to excavate for the foundations.
The corner-stone was laid on Thursday, July 10, 1856. Evening prayer was said at the old church, when a proces- sion was formed, led by the Right Rev. Dr. De Lancey, and moved to the site of the new edifice, when the stone was duly placed by the bishop, with solemn ceremonies, in the presence of a large assemblage. An address was delivered by Dr. Leeds, the former beloved reetor, and congratulatory remarks were made by Bishop De Lancey.
On the 17th of May, 1858, the corner-stone of the present chapel was laid by Bishop De Lancy, in the pres- ence of several visiting clergymen and an interested congre- gation. During the two following years, 1858 and 1859, and the first part of 1860, the church was finished, with the exception of the tower and spire. The last service in the old church was on April 15, 1860, and on the Sunday after Ascension Day, May 20, 1860, the new church was for the first time opened for publie worship, the Rev. Dr. Gibson, assistant minister, in the absence of the rector on account of ill health, conducting the service and preaching an ap- propriate sermon to a rejoicing and grateful congregation.
By subsequent benefactions the tower and spire were not only completed, but a chime of ten memorial bells was given to the church, and many rich and beautiful memorial windows are among the liberal donations of its members. The present rector of Grace Church is Rev. Edward M. Van Deusen, D.D. Its wardens are Ziba Lyon and Ed- ward Graham. The vestrymen are George H. Wiley, George R. Thomas, Benjamin F. Ray, E. D. Comstock, Dwight D. Winston, D. N. Crouse, L. A. Tourtellot, James F. Mann. George R. Thomas, Treasurer; Benjamio F. Ray, Secretary. There is connected with the church a large and very flourishing Sunday-school.
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