History of Ontario Co., New York, Part 58

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James Rice, a native of Rhode Island, was one of the earliest of these pioneers who erected the standard of home in the wilderness of Seneca, locating on lot 35, on premises now owned by a grandson, Charles Rice, the father of Frank Rice, Esq., a rising young attorney in the village of Canandaigua, and the present dis- trict attorney of Ontario County. Two brothers, Leonard and William Smith, together with their father, were the pioneers on lot 30, on lands now owned by Oliver Monegal and Mrs. Rippey. A man named Welch was the pioneer on lot 73, where A. C. Rippey now resides, and . Chauncey Barden was the pioneer and original proprietor of lot 99. Lot 100 was settled by Alfred Squier, whose widow and two daughters reside in the town. Lot 75 is divided diagonally by the old "Canandaigua and Jefferson" railroad, now called the Northern Central, and was first settled by a native of Pennsylvania, Aaron Black, whose son, of the same name, now resides on the lot. John Wood, of English extraction, came to the wilder- ness and located on lot 113, on premises now occupied by a son, J. M. Wood. John Rippey early settled on lot 114, on lands now owned by his sons, J. N. and Matthew. Among the early settlers of Seneca were the Careys, who located on lot 35, near the Presbyterian church. Robert Parks was also a pioneer of this town; he was a brother of Squier Parks, and selected a site on lot 36, and prob- ably was proprietor of the entire lot.

Prominent among those who sought a home in the fertile country of the Senecas were the Rippeys. John Rippey, the predecessor of the numerous and honored descendants of the name now residing in the town, was the pioneer on lot 9. The following are names of the male descendants of this worthy pioneer now living in the town: Hamilton, George O., Thomas, Aaron C., Thomas G., James N., Matthew, John, John S., George O., second, John, second, Robert, J. Grove (in Geneva), and Addison. Lot 101 was early settled by Mr. Van Osdol.

A name well remembered by many of the oldest citizens is that of Timothy Miner, a native of New England, who came to this town and located on lot 102. He was a sturdy son of the " Green Mountain State," and was well adapted to face the hardships that met the pioneers at every step in their attempt to subdue the forest. Mr. M. at one time had a " fracas" with old Bruin, and was subse- quently known as the man who wrestled with the bear.

A pious old negro, named Dunbar, strayed into Seneca in an early day, and be- came a pioneer on lot 15. He was enthusiastically religious, and in the evening, when the labor of the day was closed, the neighborhood resounded with the glad refrain of the old " darky," who made the welkin ring, with

" As I was agoin' along one day I met King Jesus on the way ; An' what do you reckon he said to me, But 'you're sins are forgiven, an' your soul sot free !' For He died for de whole roun' worl', chil'ren, He died for de whole roun' worl'."

James Black, a native of New England, early located on lot 77, where a son and daughter, John and Martha, now reside. Aden Squier was a pioneer on lot 78, on premises now owned by a son, Jesse Squier. Lot 115, which is covered by the railroad, was originally settled by Edward Burrell, an Englishman, who erected one of the primitive saw-mills. Sela Wheadon was a pioneer, and located on lot .37, where E. S. Dixon now resides. Foster Sinclare early located on lot 116, which is crossed by Burrell creek. When the white settler threaded his way into this section, a number of Indian apple-trees was found standing on lot 37. They were thrifty trees when James Rice, the pioneer on the lot, located, but have long

since passed away. . John Hooper, from Pennsylvania, settled lot 38. Mr. Dor- man, father of A. and Captain J. S. Dorman, one of the prominent agriculturista and influential citizens of the town, was an early settler on lot 13. Adam Turn- bull, a native of England, was a pioneer on lot 40. Two sons, Alexander and Edward, reside on the lot, and the former is a justice of the peace. The premises now owned by Paul F. Bill, on lot 39, was first settled by his father, Richard D. Wm. Froster and John Dixon were pioneers on lot 58, through which passes the Northern Central Railway, and here, also, is located the Hall's Corners' Station. Lot 57, now owned by the Halls, was first settled by one Robinson. Lot 80 was purchased by William Brown and John Schoon, and 82 by Aaron Black, from Pennsylvania, which lot is now owned by Rice McCauley, McCandish, and Sears. An Englishman named Stokie was the pioneer on lot 104, where a descendant of the same name now resides. Lot 106 was originally settled by Jonathan Philips, the present occupant of the same name. Geo. Conrad was on lot 81, now occu- pied by a son, William. Thomas Vartie left " old Albion" in an early day, crossed the sea, and came to Seneca, locating on lot 59, and his homestead is now occupied by G. W. Sutherland, who married an adopted daughter of Thomas Vertie, Se_

Among the pioneers of this old town stands the name of Edward Hall, of hon- ored memory. He was a prominent citizen, and the proprietor of a primitive inn, the first in this section. He has three descendants residing at Hall's Corners, Thomas W., Edward N., and Margaret; two in the town, Mrs. Jane Rice and Mrs. Sarah Stokie, and one, Mary Coleman, in Benton, Yates county. The land now occupied by C. Office was originally settled by Sherman Lee. The Fieros early settled lot 42, and the adjoining lot, 17, was settled by William Wilson, whose son, David Wilson, now resides on the lot. The Coolies were pioneers on lot 19, and Joseph Robinson on lot 44, on premises now owned by Alexander Fish, Esq. Lot 43 was settled by John Robson, father of S. Robson, the present occupant. James Beattie and George Croshier settled lot 62 ; a son of Mr. Croshier, T. W., now occupies a portion of the lot. Lot 61 was settled by an Englishman named Straughteu. The father of J. C. Wilson was a pioneer on lot 84, where the latter now resides. Lot 83 was settled by Rufus Smith. Robert Moody was an early settler on lot 108, where his son, Robert Moody, now resides, who is a prominent citizen and the present supervisor of the town. Valentine Perkins was the first settler on lot 107, and was a large landholder. W. Perkins, a son, is an estimable citizen, residing on lot 110. David Miller originally owned lot 23, and one Clark was a pioneer on lot 47 .. Intimately connected with the pioneer history of both Ontario and Yates is the name of Barden, honored and respected by all. Lot 48 was originally settled by this family, and is now occupied by S. P. Levi, Thomas E., and Otis Barden. Daniel Sutherland and one Reynolds were the pioneers on lot 63, on the south harder of the town. A man named Reed early located on lot 88, where H. E. Reynolds now resides. Sylvester Smith was an early settler on lot 85, on lands now owned by James Adamson, a co-partner with Hon. Seth Stanley in the commission business. John Thompson was a pioneer on lot 87, and Valentine Perkins on 109, on lands now owned by Titus Perkins. Levi Gland was an early settler on lot 111, on premises now owned by a grandson, J. Stokie.

EARLY PHYSICIANS .- E. B. Woodworth is remembered as a pioneer prac- titioner, and his ride extended over a large region. Elihu Amsden studied with Dr. Woodworth, and subsequently became a celebrated physician and surgeon. Dr. Jewitt, a brother of Dr. Jewitt, of Canandaigua, Dr. Hurlburt and Edwin Angel were students of AEsculapius also practicing in this town. Among the primitive teachers are mentioned the names of Rilands, Hull, and Dutton, the latter the famous pioneer violinist.

VILLAGES .- There are two small villages in the town, Seneca Castle and Stanley. The former, originally called Castleton, is situated in the northern part of the town, and contains two churches, Methodist and Presbyterian, a hotel, post- office, planing-mill, several stores and shops, and about two hundred inhabitants; it is a station on the Sodus Point and Southern Railroad, which enters the town of Seneca near the village, and forms a junction with the Northern Central at Stanley. Stanley is situated toward the centre of the town, and contains a Catholic church in process of erection, several stores and shops, lumber and coal yard, grain warehouse, about two hundred inhabitants, and is a station on the Northern Central Railway. Hall's Corners is a hamlet.

THE FIRST BRIDGE OVER FLINT CREEK, AT CASTLETON, was erected in an early day, and the following is a copy of the subscription list :

" SENECA, March 17, 1796.

" We, the subscribers, promise and agree to pay the several sums annexed to each of our names, for the building a bridge across Flint creek, on the new and most direct proposed road from Seneca to Canandaigua, and we further promise to pay said money when the bridge shall be completed.

" Sanford Williams, £8; Oliver Whitmore, £3; Nathan Whitney, £6; Solomon

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Gates, £3 ; Hugh Maxwell, £2; Samuel Warner, £3 ; Warner Crittenden, £3 ; Ebeneser Bunt, £3; Solomon Warner, £5; Joel Whitney, £3; O. Whitmore, Sr., £1; Luke H. Whitmore, £1; Elijah Wilder, £3."

POPULATION.

The population of Seneca in 1845 was 7911 ; in 1850, 8505; in 1855, 8298; in 1860, 8448 ; in 1865, 8553; in 1870, 9188 ; and in 1875, after the erection of the town of Geneva, 2681.

ORGANIZATIONS.

SENECA GRANGE, No. 284, P. of H., was organized January 7, 1875, and the following were the first officers: Thomas A. McCauley, M. ; J. C. Squier, O .; James Black, L .; T. G. Rippey, C. : H. J. Rice, Stew. ; Reed Topping, Ass't .- Stew .; E. A. Squires, Sec .; Ami Whitney, Treas .; Mrs. T. 4. McCauley, Lady Ass't .- Stew .; Mrs. M. D. Lawrence, Ceres; Mrs. Rice McCauley, Pomona ; Mrs. James Black, Flora ; T. F. Wilson, Gate Keeper.

The present officers are as follows: T. A. McCauley, M .; John Freshorn, O .; Robert Pollock, L .; T. G. Rippey, C .; Charles Carson, S .; William Pitt, A. S .; Robert Moody, T. ; Rice McCauley, Sec .; James Rice, G. K. ; Mrs. E. A. Squier, L. Ass't .- Stew .; Mrs. Elbert Lawrence, Ceres ; Mrs. John. Freshorn, Pomona; Mrs. Charles Carson, Flora.

CASTLE GRANGE, No. 359, P. of H., was organized December 3, 1875, with the following officers: John DeGraff, M. ; Charles Ottley, O .; Henry J. Peck, L .; Homer Childs, S .; Herbert Parmeley, A. S .; John Reed, Chaplain; Co- lumbus C. Whitney, T .; Byram Whitney, Sec .; - Ward, G. K .; Miss Clara Whitney, Ceres; Miss Julia Whitney, Pomona; Miss Libbie Steadman, Flora ; Mrs. H. J. Peck, Stewardess. No change has taken place in the officers of the lodge, except Master, Steward, Assistant-Steward, and Secretary being now occu- pied by W. W. Crittenden, George Carr, Homer Childs, and James T. Brayton.

STANLEY LODGE, No. 434, I. O. O. F., was instituted September 1, 1875, by O. N. Crane, of Canandaigua, D. G. M., assisted by Grand Master Carey, of Cali- fornia; and the following officers were installed : Charles H. Proudfit, P. G .; Robert J. Barnard, N. G .; James A. Cameron, V. G .; Frank M. Dodge, Seo. ; Andrew J. Holley, Treas.

The present officers are : James A. Cameron, P. G .; Frank M. Dodge, N. G. ; George M. Wheedon, V. G .; John M. Wilson, Reo. Sec. ; William Preston, Treas. ; Edward E. Lawrence, Sec.

CIVIL HISTORY.

The first town meeting in the town of Seneca was held at the house of Jona- than Fairbanks, inn-keeper, on the first Tuesday in March, 1793, when the following officers were chosen : Esra Patterson, supervisor ; Thomas Sisson, town clerk ; Oliver Whitmore, Sr., James Rice, Phineas Pierce, assessors; Patrick Burnet, Samuel Wheedon, Peter Bortle, Jr., commissioners of high- ways ; Sanford Williams, collector; Jonathan Oaks, David Smith, overseers of the poor; Oliver Whitmore, Jr., Charles Harris, Stephen Siason, W. Whitmore, constables ; Nathan Whitney, Oliver Humphrey, David Woodward, Joram Loomis, Jeremiah Butler, Benjamin Tuttle, William Smith, Jr., David Benton, Benjamin Dixon, overseers of highways; Amos Jenks, John Reed, Joseph Kilbourn, Seba Squier, Caleb Culver, fence viewers; Peter Bortle, Jr., David Smith, pound masters; Peter Bortle, Sr., Sealer of Weights and Measures; Jer- emiah Butloron, surveyor of lumber.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, SENECA CASTLE .- The church of Seneca. Castle was originally an offshoot of the First Presbyterian church of Geneva, and there- fore the early history of the existence of this church will be found incorporated in the history of the Geneva church. That church was organized in the year 1800, by Rev. Jedediah Chapman, a missionary of the Presbyterian church, and was the first Presbyterian church organized in western New York.

Mr. Chapman labored as a missionary through all this region, and preached occasionally to the people who afterwards composed the congregation at Seneca Castle. He labored for twelve or thirteen years till his death. He was suo- ceeded by Rev. Henry Axtell, who was installed as co-pastor with him in 1812.

It was during the pastorate of Mr. Axtell in the year 1828 that the separate organisation of the church of Seneca Castle was effected.

At the time the Presbyterian church was organized here, the village consisted of some thirteen families, including two taverns. Besides these there were two distilleries. This was previous to the temperance reformation, and drunkennees, horse-racing, Sabbath-breaking, and profanity abounded. The boys from the village school-house would go freely and dip up liquor in the distillery and drink.

One of these distilleries was owned by Stephen Whitaker, afterwards an elder ia this church, the other by a church member.

Here " the inhabitants of the village of Castleton and its vicinity, under a sense ' of duty they owe to God and to their fellow-beings," assembled on the 5th day of February, A.D. 1828, and petitioned the presbytery of Geneva " to set off and organize a church in this place." Esra Jones and Stephen Whitaker were appointed to prosecute the matter in presbytery. The petition was favorably received, and on March 4, 1828, a committee from the presbytery, consisting of Dr. Axtell, pastor of the church of Geneva, and his session, and Rev. Mr. Strong, pastor of the church in Phelps, met those who wished to be organized into a church at the house of Stephen Whitaker, then adjourned to the school-house, and proceeded to organize the Presbyterian church of Castleton. Nineteen mem- bers of the church of Geneva confessed their faith in Christ anew, and entered into a new covenant as a new church. These nineteen were :- Joseph Hart, Ezra Jones, Harriet Jones, Temperance Whitney, Laura Amsden, Mary Townsend, Stephen Whitaker, Mary Whitaker, John Tallman, Clarissa Tallman, Esther Gleason, Nancy Strong, Selah Hart, James Tallman, Elizabeth Tallman, Mrs. Abram Van Gelder, Catherine Van Gelder, Sybil Whitney, Clarissa Belding. Of these nineteen but one survives at the present writing, Clarissa Belding, now Mrs. Wm. Leesan, in sunny youthfulness of spirit." One other has just passed away, Mrs. Harriet Jones.

On the same day, March 4, 1828, a religious society was organized, and five trustees were chosen, viz., Nathan Whitney, John Yeckley, Henry Stevens, John Tallinan, and Henry W. Jones. The first meeting for worship was held in the school- house, April 5, 1828. Dr. Axtell preached a sermon, and ordained the elders and deacons. The first regular supply of the preaching of the gospel was Rev. Daniel Axtell, a son of Rev. Dr. Axtell, a young man just entering the ministry. He preached for the church for two or three months.

On the 5th day of June, 1828, a society meeting was held to take measures towards building a church edifice. A subscription was started, and vigorously pushed, and promptly signed. A site was chosen on the land of Thomas Ottley, -the present location,-and he generously gave them a deed of the land. The church, soon left without any supply, were cared for by the Good Shepherd, who sent them a man for a pastor, Rev. Stephen Porter, whose labors were long continued to them, and greatly blessed. He was then in the prime of life, which, with a wide experience and earnest devotion, fitted him to be a successful and most honored pastor. Home missionary aid was secured for his support during the first years of his ministry. The people, encouraged by having a pastor of their own, undertook the erection of a church edifice, which was completed and dedicated within a year from the time Mr. Porter began his labors there. It was dedicated the last of July, 1829. A large congregation was soon gathered into the house of worship, and after about two years of faithful labor, a most powerful and precious revival occurred, which began during the fall and winter of 1830-31. It was thought that over one hundred were converted dur- ing that winter, perhaps one hundred and twenty or more. Large numbers were added to this church, and many to other churches; on the last Sabbath in January, 1831, forty-nine persons were added to the church. The Methodist church in this place originated in this revival, or was formed after it. During the fall and winter of 1831 and 1832 another outpouring of the Spirit of God was enjoyed, and numbers were converted ; among them Mr. Nathan Whitney, the most venerable inhabitant of the place, over seventy years of age. Mr. Porter continued to labor faithfully with this church till the 1st of October, 1833, when he resigned, and removed from the place for a few years, and labored in other fields.

Rev. Oren Catlin was called as pastor October 14, and was installed February 14, 1834. Mr. Catlin's ministry seems to have been faithful and successful, and was continued till it was terminated at his own request, September 6, 1836. During his ofice Henry W. Jones and John Yeckley were chosen elders, and or- dained December 2, 1834. During Mr. Catlin's ministry twenty-three were added to the church. Upon the resignation of Mr. Catlin, Mr. Porter was urged and consented to become pastor a second term.

He resumed his labors here in the fall of 1836, and continued as its honored and useful minister until no longer able to serve. On June 1, 1842, he resigned his charge, in consequence of feeble health, and removed to Geneva, where he re- sided till his death, August 28, 1868. He was not only largely useful to this church, but highly honored by his brethren in the ministry.

Rev. Stephen Porter was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, September 22, 1781. He had naturally great mechanical and inventive ingenuity, though brought up a farmer. He was converted by a deep experience when nineteen years old. Gradu- ated 1808. He preached successfully in Ovid and other fields, but his life-work was in Castleton, where his memory is cherished, and where his works follow him. His character, as described by those who knew him, was an unusual expression of the higher excellencies of . Christian spirit. "The law of kindness dwelt

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PLATE X_VIII.

ISAAC VAN OSTRAN.

JULIA A. VAN OSTRAN.

RES. OF MRS. J. A. VAN OSTRAN, SENECA, ONTARIO COUNTY, N. Y.

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PLATE XLIX

H. E. YOUNGS.

MRS. M. YOUNGS.

SENECA CASTLE MILLS.

RES. AND MILL PROPERTY OF H. L. YOUNGS, SENECA, ONTARIO COUNTY, NEW YORK.

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HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY, NEW YORK.

upon his lips;" meekness and charity were expressed in all his conversation; de- voted zeal and love for the cause of Christ, the aim of his life. "Full of the Holy Ghost and faith," his life was a perpetual sermon, his face a perpetual benediction. His companion still survives, living at Geneva. The additions to the church during his ministry, were two hundred and eight, including eighty-one by certificate.

After Mr. Porter's removal, this congregation was served for three years by Rev. George C. Hyde. His ministry seems to have been acceptable and useful. The number added to the church, thirty-four, shows his earnestness and success.

Rev. R. Russell, from 1846 to 1848, next supplied the church for two years, with ability and acceptance during this term. J. V. B. Stevens and Talcott R. Brown were chosen elders, May 2, 1847, and Arthur Denger was chosen deacon at the same time. Mr. Russell remained here till August, 1848. He still lives, and is engaged in his Master's vineyard. He has been a very successful and honored minister at Watkins, in this State, and elsewhere.

Rev. William Bridgeman served the church for one year, from 1848 to 1849. Rev. B. B. Grey's pastorate, 1850 to 1867. In March, 1850, Rev. B. B. Grey began his labors in this church, and was installed February 20, 1851. His pas- torate was the longest, and was one of great happiness and blessing. At no time during his ministry was there such a great revival as occurred under " Father Porter" in 1831-32, but he was very laborious, and several revivals occurred.

In 1831, a protracted series of labors were carried on by him for sixty-one days successively. His constitution was naturally feeble, but enthusiasm carried him forward, where many would have sunk under the burdens.

During his term, Dr. Hosea Hamilton, Theron Childs, and Henry J. Peck were added to the session, August 27, 1858. And, on September 13, 1867, Beekman Van Gelder and Anson Young were also added to the board of elders.

Rev. B. B. Grey resigned his pastorate, and was released October 1, 1867, on account of advanced age and feebleness. Subsequently he removed to Canandaigua, and there, amid his family, died February 18, 1870. His labors in the regular ministry were thirty-eight and a half years ; but he labored as a lay evangelist several years successfully, previous to his entrance on the regular ministry.

In social intercourse; he was genial and cordial; almost eccentric, he was a marked character. He was full of a genial humor. He was beloved by bis family and church, and honored by his brethren in the ministry. His life companion still survives him at Canandaigua. One hundred and twenty-seven were added to the church during the seventeen and a half years of bis service.

Rev. Alexander Douglas was engaged to supply the church for one year, from September 20, 1868. Mr. Douglas had just graduated at the seminary. His work here was brief, but earnest and useful. His life was short. It is finished. He loved the ministry better than life. 'Being dead, he yet speaketh.'

Rev. A. H. Parmelee's ministry, 1869 to 1874. In the fall of 1869, the ser- vices of Rev. A. H. Parmelee, then living at Seneca, were secured. During his term of service the church was greatly advanced in its affairs. A new parsonage was built, costing some two thousand dollars, beside the farm and lot; being in all worth about three thousand dollars. Also, under much discouragement, an effort was made subsequently toward the renovation of the house of worship, a much needed improvement. Interest in the matter being aroused, the work was began June 1, 1872, and completed in November, 1872. The church thus rededicated November 22, 1872, is wholly paid for, and is a beautiful and commodious struc- ture. During Mr. Parmelee's term, Israel Youngs was chosen elder, and ordained December 4, 1871.

Mr. Parmelee's services as pastor expired April 1, 1874. Having decided to undertake a pastoral charge no longer, he still lives in this community, having purchased a farm adjacent to the village. Twenty-four additions were made during his ministry.

Rev. H. H. Kellogg, Jr., was called to the pastorate of this church, August 18, 1874; was installed October 29; and still remains up to the time of this writing (July, 1876) its pastor in service.

The whole number of persons who have belonged to this church has been four hundred and ninety-nine. The Sabbath-school has always been highly regarded, and served by able superintendents. Its present general superintendent is Henry. J. Peck. Its present chorister is Clark Hopkins.

The elders of this church have been Stephen Whitaker, Ezra Jones, John Tallman, Joseph Hart, Otis Whitney, John Yeckley, Henry W. Jones, John H. Yeckley, Levi Judd, James Sears, Henry Hubbard, J. V. B. Stevens, Talcott R. Brown, Hosea Hamilton, Theron Childs, Henry J. Peck, Beekman Van Gelder, Anson Youngs, Israel Youngs. Six of these are living at present. The deacons have been S. Whitaker, Ezra Jones, Joseph Hart, John Yeckley, Arthur Denger, and James Sears. The trustees are Israel Youngs, Hachalis Whitney, Burt Van Gelder, Columbus Whitney, John De Graff.

This history, made as nearly accurate as possible, is submitted by the pastor, Rev. H. H. Kellogg, Jr.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, SENECA .- On the 29th day of June, 1807, a number of the inhabitants of the town of Seneos met at the house of Samuel Latta, near the present residence of David Barron, to form themselves into a religious society. Rev. Andrew Wilson, of Albany, presided, and Valentine Brostin was chosen secretary of this meeting. Among others, the following resolution was adopted :

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History of Ontario Co., New York, Part 58

Author: Publication date: Publisher: Number of Pages: 391

Author:
Publication date:
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Number of Pages: 391