History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 169

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1336

USA > New York > Orange County > History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 169

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

1861

James L. Mills.

John M. Howell.

1864

1865

Joseph H. Wickham. 66 =

Matthew H. Bailey.

John M. Howell.

685

WAWAYANDA.

At the present time Harrison's store and one or more

The first deacons of the church were Isaac Finch shops constitute about all the business of the village. , and Asa Cobb, ordained Feb. 23, 1785. The first The growth of Hampton, upon the Erie Railroad, a regular pastor ordained by the church was Elder Leb- beus Lathrop, on the second Thursday in February, 1785. short distance away, has naturally tended to draw business to that point. John Straight has a black- smith-shop, and D. Probest a wagon-shop.

VI .- SCHOOLS.

At the organization of the town the system of super- vision by town superintendents prevailed, and the in- eumbents of that office until the repeal of the law in 1856 were the following: 1849, Lewis W. Mulock; 1851, Lewis H. Tyler; 1853, Gideon W. Cock, Jr .; 1855, Moses D. Stivers.

There are now ten school districts in town, and they are carefully recorded in the minutes of 1875, with the names of all the heads of families in each district, forming an invaluable record for the future historians of another century, to show the names and locations of the people of to-day.

Early teachers in Wawayanda are mentioned by Oliver Wood as Dr. Harvey Horton, John Hick, Samuel Tooker, Mr. Clark, Stephen W. Fullerton, Aldridge Wood, Erastus Stickney, and Horatio Bates. Oliver Wood himself also taught.

VII .- CHURCHES.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BROOKFIELD, in the town of Minisink, executed a certificate of in- corporation pursuant to statute at a meeting held at the house of Lebbeus Lathrop, Dec. 15, 1791. The paper was signed by Isaac Finch and John Fenton. The trustees named therein were Isaac Finch, John Fenton, and Benjamin Smith. Further particulars are furnished by Mr. C. D. Wood, clerk of the church.

The Brookfield Church, once a branch of the War- wick Baptist Church, was constituted Aug. 28, 1783. How many members, or who they were at the time the church was constituted, cannot be ascertained, as those facts were not recorded. In the old record it is mentioned that an application was made to the War- wick Church in July, 1783, by the members living west of the Wallkill to be set apart in a body by themselves ; and in August following the church sent their pastor, Elder William Benedict, and the brethren Deacon Silsbee and Enos Silsbee, who made some inquiry, baptized seven candidates, and consti- tuted the church. On the following day they or- dained one of their brethren, by the name of Clark, to preach.

Among the early members we find the following names, which undoubtedly were of the original num- ber: Lebbeus Lathrop, James Finch, John Hallock, Asa Cobb, William Fullerton, James Clark, Betsey Clark, John Finton, Elizabeth Finton, Elizabeth Prouty, Stephen Prouty, Mehetable Hallock, Mary Howell, Amy Cooley, Daniel Cash, William Kirby, Mary Kirby.

For about nine years after the church was consti- tuted they held their meetings at the houses of various members, or in summer-time they met in barns or in groves. At that period the country was but little more than a wilderness. The inhabitants were with- out the means to build a house of worship. But as they increased in numbers and became more able they decided to erect a meeting-house, and accord- ingly procured a piece of land of Deacon John Hal- lock, in the village of Brookfield, in December, 1791. The following year, 1792, the meeting-house was built. In 1828 the steeple was added, and the house painted and reroofed.

At this period in the history of the church it was in a prosperous condition. But four or five years after, the division took place in the Baptist denomina- tion, and the Brookfield Church went with the Old- School or Primitive order. After that time the church decreased for many years, but afterwards was more prosperous again. The meeting-house is a plain building, built for service, as time has told for near a century. It will accommodate about 500 people. Constructed on the old English plan, with family pews on the sides and slips in the centre of the building. The pulpit represents the candlestick of olden time.

In 1876 the church and congregation raised money to repair the meeting-house, and chose the late Ed- mond B. Murray, of Goshen, and Charles D. Wood a building committee, who conducted the work with- out altering the original plan. On the 28th and 29th August, 1877, the house was rededicated for public worship, since which time the church has been sup- plied by Elder William L. Benedict, who preaches for it. The church owns about an acre of land, on which the meeting-house stands, in the village of Brookfield.

The pastors have been as follows : Lebbeus Lathrop, 1789-97 ; John Caton, 1797-1808; Henry Ball, 1808- 32; Gabriel Conklin, 1832-47; Benjamin Pitcher, 1847-49; Daniel Harding, 1849-51 ; - Slater, 1851- 67; W. L. Benedict, 1867. The intervening time when the church had no pastor it had to depend on supplies for the preaching of the word. The present officers (1880) are John B. Carey, C. D. Wood, John WV. Ellis, trustees ; C. D. Wood, clerk.

THIE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI AT RIDGEBURY, WEST SIDE OF THE WALLKILL,

effected a legal organization at the house of Jonathan Bailey, Nov. 27, 1805. The paper was signed by Jonathan Bailey and James Reeve, inspectors of the election, and the trustees named therein were Elijah Wells, Jonathan Bailey, James Reeve, Nathan Ar-

686

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

nont, Nathaniel Bailey, Luther Steward, Samnel Tooker.

This church* has two organizations in its past : the first in 1792, and the second a reorganization in 1817. Its form of government under the first organ- ization was a commingling of the Presbyterian and the Congregational ; the reorganization was strictly Presbyterian. The record of the original organiza- tion is carefully preserved, and is as follows :

" An account of the proceedings of the church of Ridgebury, 1792.

" July 10, 1792 .- At a meeting held this day at the house of Richard Benjamin by the Christian professors of this place for the purpose of constituting a clinrch,-present, Mr. Benoni Bradner and Mr. Isaac Sergeant, ministers, who were called to attend and to assist in this mat- ter. Mr. Bradner was chosen moderator. Opened with prayer. Deacon Richard Clark and wife, Richard Benjamin and wife, Widow Hannah Benjamin, Mrs. Eunice Knapp, wife of John Knapp, members of Mid- dletown Church ; Capt. John Bailey and Nathaniel Bailey, of Goshen Church ; and Elizabeth Reeve, wife of James Reeve, Jr., member of a church in Sonthold, Long Island, agreed unanimously to form a church."

To these nine others were added on examination, making its membership at its founding 18. Mr. Benoni Bradner was then pastor of the Goshen Pres- byterian Church. Mr. Isaac Sergeant was the first minister of this church, his ministry there beginning with its beginning.

The reorganization, July 5, 1817, is recorded in the following manner :

" At a meeting of the Congregational Church of Ridgeberry, hield July 5, 1817, the following resolutions were passed :

" Ist. Resolred, That we adopt the Confession of Faith and the form of government of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America.

" 2d. That we put ourselves under the care and connect ourselves with the Presbytery of Hudson."

In accordance with this action, the church con- vened at the meeting-house, July 19, 1817, and chose as ruling elders Benjamin Howell, Jonathan Bailey, and Benjamin Dunning, who were ordained, Ang. 31, 1817, by Rev. William Blain. The church was received under the care of Hudson Presbytery in September, 1817, and on Sept. 20, 1817, Rev. William Blain was installed its pastor. Its ministry has been as follows: 1792, Mr. Isaac Sergeant; 1804-6, Rev. Mr. Bull; 1807-14, Rev. Allan Blain; 1817, Rev. William Blain ; 1823-33, Rev. William Timlow, who preached alternate Sabbaths at Ridgebury and Am- ity ; 1833-37, Rev. Sylvester Sweezy, whose pastorate was terminated by his death, March 5, 1837, at the age of thirty-four; preaching every Sabbath began with him; 1838-48, Rev. William Y. Miller; one in place of the two consecutive sermons began under him ; 1849, first six months, Rev. Mr. Kinmon was stated supply; 1849-51, Rev. Augustus Seward was stated supply ; 1851-63, Rev. Clifford S. Arms, the largest pastorate in the history of the church, and was ended by his death ; 1863-69, Rev. Nathaniel E. Piersog ; 1869-70, Rev. J. R. Campbell; 1872-73, Rev. Charles H. Park ; 1873-75, Rev. Brown II. Em-

erson, stated supply ; 1875-80, Rev. Theron Brittain, stated supply, which relation continues at this date, November, 1880.

The deacons of the period before the reorganization of 1817 were Richard Clark, Johathan Bailey, chosen 1792; Elijah Wells, James Reeve, chosen 1804. The eldership has been as follows : Benjamin Howell, chosen at the reorganization ; Jonathan Bailey, chosen 1817 ; Benjamin Dunning, James Reeve, Elijah Wells, Joseph Deeker, Apollos Jessup, chosen 1822; Alexander Boyd, Roswell Mead, chosen 1826; Jesse C. Stewart, James Von Bomel, chosen 1836; Lewis Stewart, J. Mortimer Reeve, Henry Decker, chosen 1845; B. F. Bailey, H. G. Wickham, G. W. Cock, chosen 1864. Of these, but four are now living. One of them, J. Mortimer Reeve, has moved from the bounds of the congregation ; and Lewis Stewart, B. F. Bailey, and G. W. Cock constitute the present eldership.

The trustees at this date (1880) are Lewis Stewart, IIon. John H. Reeve, Jonas Hawkins, Gideon W. Cock, Jonathan Decker, A. J. Harrison, William W. Wickham. During the period preceding the re- organization 92 were enrolled. Of these, about 50 survived in 1817 and passed into the reorganized church. From the date of reorganization, 1817, to the present (1880) 554 members have been enrolled. The present membership numbers 100.

The first edifice was first preached in Sept. 19, 1806. The church building of the present was dedicated New Year's day, Jan. 1, 1842, Rev. George Pierson, of Florida, preaching the sermon. Its original cost was about $5000. The interior was remodeled in 1877, at an expenditure of about $1000, and at this time it continues to be a neat and comfortable house of worship. Attached is a parsonage with ample grounds. The whole property is free from debt.

CENTREVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

executed a certificate of incorporation at the meeting- house April 5, 1827. The proceedings were signed by Martin L. Mapes, moderator, and the trustees named in the instrument were Peter Holbert, Doras- tus Brown, William Robertson, Martin L. Mapes, James Mulford, John Rune, Silas C. Brown. Ad- ditional partienlars are furnished by a committee of the church, as follows :

The church was organized April 30, 1829, by a committee of the Presbytery of Hudson, consisting of Rev. William Timlow, Rev. Ezra Fisk, D.D., and the Rev. Daniel Crane, Mr. Timlow preaching the sermon, Ps. xlvi. 1-4.

The persons who were constituted this church were members of the Western Presbyterian Church, and were set off' for this purpose by Presbytery at its spring meeting in April, 1829, and their names are as follows: David Osmun, Martin L. Mapes, Do- rastus' Brown, Lydia Osmun, Nelly Mapes, Esther Brown, William Robertson, Keziah Robertson, Mary

* By the pastor, Rev. Theron Brittain.

687

WAWAYANDA.

Robertson, Sarah Wells, Sarah Ann Canfield, Mary Brundage, Hila Goldsmith, Peter Corwin, David Carr, Azubah Carr, Benjamin Halstead, Anna Hal- stead, Deborah Halstead, Jemima Corwin, Julia Arm- strong, Wilmot Armstrong, John Little, Elizabeth Little, Silas C. Brown, Mary Brown.

The church edifice was begun and mostly finished in 1828 (before the organization), and was dedicated in April, 1829. In size it is 40 feet by 50 feet, and it cost about $3000. It will seat 500 persons. It is the same in capacity at present as at the beginning, and has never been much repaired. It is a very strong and substantial building. The parsonage was built about thirty-five years ago, and cost $1000, together with free work by the congregation. It has been re- paired from time to time, and is at present a com- modious and pleasant house.

The pastors and stated supplies have been Rev. , led to devote a larger share of his wealth to the Lord's Thomas Grier, Nov. 26, 1829, to Sept. 29, 1832, sup- ply ; Rev. Thomas Holliday, 1833-35, supply ; Rev. William Townley, 1835-37, pastor; Rev. Thomas Holliday again supplied the church for a few months in the latter half of the year 1837 ; Rev. Benjamin Van Keuren, 1837-45, pastor ; various supplies from 1845 to 1848, furnished mostly by Presbytery ; Rev. Thad- deus Wilson, 1848-52, pastor; Rev. Oscar Harris, 1854-63, pastor; Rev. Holloway W. Hunt, 1865-70, supply ; Rev. William A. Wescott, 1871, died Feb- ruary, 1876, pastor; Rev. Charles W. Cooper com- menced his labors May, 1877, and is still serving.

Elders : 1829, David Osmun, Martin L. Mapes, Dorastus Brown; 1831, Isaac Bodle, Israel Y. Cor- win, Silas C. Brown; 1832, Peter Holbert, Sr .; 1838, William Graham ; 1843, William W. Robertson, Peter Holbert, Jr. ; 1850, James Johnson, Linden Mulford, John Robertson ; 1872, Daniel C. Brown, John R. Tryon, Benjamin Hull. Deacons: 1843, John H. Robertson, Linden Mulford.

The church was dedicated April 19, 1829; the ser- mon was preached by the Rev. Ezra Fisk, D.D. ' feet above the foundation, surmounted by four pin-

C. W. Cooper, John R. Tryon, and Linden Mulford were appointed a committee to prepare this notice.

The church has always sustained a Sabbath-school. At present the one held in the church has about 80 scholars. There is one district Sabbath-school, with a membership of 25. The pastor preaches at an out- station once a monthi.

The ladies have an organization for general church work ; also an organization for missionary work.

The present organization is as follows : Rev. Charles W. Cooper, minister ; Peter Holbert, Linden Mulford, Benjamin Hull, John R. Tryon, elders ; Linden Mul- ford, deacon. Present number of communicants is 84. The trustees are Martin L. Robertson, Floyd F. Tryon, William L. Brown, James Edson Campbell.

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DENTON made a legal organization March 26, 1839. The pro- ceedings were signed by George Phillips and Moses

Sawyer. The trustees chosen were Henry W. Den- ton, James Gale, Hiram Phillips, Calvin G. Sawyer, and Horace E. Denton.

This church, situated on the west bank of the Wall- kill River, at the point formerly known as "the Outlet" of the Drowned Lands, may be said to have had its origin, in part, in the neighborhood prayer- meeting, held for years in the district school-house, in occasional religious services conducted by the pastors of the church of Goshen and other ministers, and in a Sabbath-school, commenced by Mrs. Lina Dolsen in 1815, and carried on with the help of some like-minded Christian women. No decisive steps were taken towards the erection of a building or the gathering of a congregation until the winter of 1838. During a period of severe sickness Henry W. Den- ton, one of the wealthiest residents at the Outlet, was service than before, and took measures, in concert with his son-in-law, Theodore B. Denton, to build a church in their own neighborhood. They first pro- posed that Isaac Denton, a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and then living not far from the Outlet, should undertake the enterprise, as- sisted by the members of his own denomination, promising help in the undertaking. Mr. I. Denton, after conference with his own people, reported that they could not undertake to build. "Then," said the original projectors, "we will have a Presbyterian Church."

A paper, having for its object "the building of a Presbyterian meeting-house in the neighborhood of the Outlet Bridge, in the town of Minisink," was pre- pared, and H. W. Denton signed $500, and T. B. Denton $200, with a lot for the site of the building. Others in the vicinity made liberal subscriptions. When about $1600 had been pledged, a contract was made for the erection of the house. It was a framed structure, 40 by 52 feet, with a tower rising about 50

nacles, one on each corner. This building was finished in the spring of 1839. A contribution of $500, by Gabriel Wisner Denton, of New Orleans, deserves special mention. While on a visit to his friends, he offered $500 towards their enterprise on condition that previous subscribers would increase the amount pledged until the sum of $2600, required by the con- tract, was provided for. This condition was met. The cost of the building was about $3000.

It had been previously determined that a new name should be given to the village, and that of the largest contributors to the building of the church was chosen. In consequence of this action the name adopted for the new organization was The First Presbyterian Church of Denton.

The church was dedicated on the 27th of June, 1839, and at the same time the church was organized. Only eight members were prepared to unite in the organization. Their names were George Phillips,

688

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Calvin G. Sawyer, Harriet Sawyer, Moses Sawyer, Elizabeth Sawyer, John B. Gale, Mary McDowell Gale, and Maria Denton.

In September the Rev. O. M. Johnson, then sup- plying the church of Boonton, N. J., was called to thechurch of Denton. He was installed October 29th, having commenced his ministry here on the first Sab- bath of that month. There were then about 30 fam- ilies that might properly be regarded as belonging to the congregation. The church consisted of 11 mem- bers, three having been received at the first com- munion season in September.

Both church and congregation grew under the reg- ular preaching of the word. The communicants in 1851 numbered 160, and the families more than 60.

In addition to the stated services at the church on the Sabbath, services were held in different neighbor- loods, in adjacent school-houses on Sabbath after- noons, and for many years an alternate Sabbath even- ing service at Hampton and Denton; also about once each month at the Orange County Farm. In consequence of failing health Mr. Johnson asked the congregation to release him from the pastoral office. The relation was dissolved October, 1873. The pul- pit had been occupied by temporary supplies most of the time during the preceding five months. It con- tinued to be so supplied until Mr. McBeth was en- gaged for six months. After Mr. McBeth's departure an interval of nearly a year followed, when the Rev. Geo. H. Hick was engaged. He remained for four years, at the end of which he accepted a call to the western part of this State.

The Rev. David McLeod is the present pastor- elect, and is now supplying the pulpit.

The Sabbath-school was reorganized very soon after the commencement of Mr. Johnson's ministry, and has been continued with varying prosperity. During a part of this time Sabbath-schools were in operation in Hampton and in the neighborhood known as "The Gate," and were held at times in other neigh- borhoods.

The church-register shows that during the thirty- four years of Mr. Johnson's ministry more than 300 members were received to church fellowship.

The parsonage property was purchased in the au- tumn of 1842, with a tract of seventeen acres, at a cost of about $830. Additions to the house, the erec- tion of needed outbuildings, and improvements of the land raised the value to about $3000.

The first church building was burned early in the morning of Feb. 1, 1858. Measures were taken to re- build, and the present structure of brick was erected on the same site in the course of the year. It cost, with its furniture, about 84500. A bell was purchased in 1871. Its weight is 1040 pounds.

the interest of which is used annually towards the payment of the pastor's salary.

THE CENTREVILLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL.

CHURCH

executed a certificate of incorporation Sept. 8, 1873. It was signed by John B. Hadden and Albert S. Brundage. The trustees named were Albert S. Brun- dage, George R. Miller, Charles S. Miller, O. C. Brundage, Jolın B. Hadden, James Mulford, and Bradford Davey.

THE SOCIETY OF UNITED CHRISTIAN FRIENDS,

professing the faith of universal salvation, was incor- porated Sept. 20, 1813. The trustees named were Samuel Wells, Cyrus Skinner, Daniel St. John ; and those certifying to the record were Daniel Green and William Wells, Jr. It is understood this enterprise was at Centreville.

VIII .- BURIAL-PLACES. PINE HILL CEMETERY

was incorporated by a certificate bearing date Oct. 8, 1861, and recorded in the office of the county clerk on the 9th. The chairman of the meeting for organ- ization was Simon Bradley, and the secretary Samuel S. Wickham. The trustees named were James F. Dolsen, Benjamin W. Bradley, Alva Bennett, Daniel Reeve, Theophilus Dolsen, William M. Dolsen. The grounds placed in charge of this incorporation are those of the old Dolsentown burial-place. The name is appropriately chosen. The summit is a beautiful, symmetrically-shaped elevation, commanding an ex- tensive view of the surrounding country. Twelve pine-trees lift their dark-green foliage above the rest- ing-place of the dead, memorials of the ancient forest that crowned the height. Stretching away in every direction is a magnificent rolling landscape of un- surpassed beauty, comprising rich, fertile farms, sub- stantial, elegant dwellings, all indicating homes of wealth and abundant resources. This ground has evidently been used for burial from the earliest settle- ment. Here are the common field-stones that mark the earliest attempt at preserving the place of burial, but with neither name nor date. Then follow the old red stone, sometimes with quite elaborate carving, and with well-preserved inscriptions. Next are found the early plain slabs of marble, while to represent the later years there are the costly monuments which wealth delights to erect over the remains of the loved and the lost.

Next to Dolsentown, the old burying-ground on Slauson's Hill, near Stewarttown, is the oldest in Wa- wayanda. The hill is literally covered with graves,

The church received a valuable legacy from the , but very few of them are marked with stones. The estate of Mr. H. W. Denton, which was used in re- first buried there, before and in the time of the Revo- lution, had no head-stones to tell in what year they died. building the edifice after the fire. Mr. T. B. Denton has also endowed the church with the sum of $5000, . But a little below the crest of the hill there are several

689

WAWAYANDA.

stones with inscriptions dating back to near the Revo- Intion. Three of them read as follows :

" Dr. Henry White deceasd Ang. 11, 1784, in the 35th year of his age." " " Temipe, wife of Dr. White, deceasd Ang. 13, 1784, 2. 25 yrs."

" Wm Halstead died May 19, 1811. Et. 41 yrs."

Next to the town burying-ground comes the old Smith family burying-ground, lying between Brook- field and Ridgebury, containing 31 graves. Some of the inscriptions are as follows:

" Jonathan Smith, Senior, son of Benj. Smith, died May 10, 1797. A.E. 28 yrs."

" David Howell. Died Jan. 12, 1798. Age 26 yrs."

" Annie, Wife of Benj. Smith, Jr., and daughter of Capt. John Duncan. Born Nov. 3, 1766. Died April 11, 1811. E. 44 yrs."

" Benj. Smith, Junior, Sept. 18, 1823. Age, 55 yrs."

" Mary, Wife of Benj. Smith, and Daughter of Capt. Jonathan Cooley. Born Dec. 25, 1848. Died Sept. 20, 1803. Age, 54 yrs."

" Benj. Smith, Born July 11, 1745. Died Dec. 11, 1816. Age, 71 yrs."

Then follow Isaiah, Elizabeth, and Jesse Smith, in succession, together with others of later date down to 1832, when the family were nearly all gone.

There is also one in connection with the Baptist Church at Slate Hill. This is only a small plot, has but few stones erected and no early dates. The ground indicates, however, burials in considerable numbers. There is a burial-place in the Reeve neighborhood, midway between Slate Hill and Centreville. Of the old Smith burial-place a local writer says,-

" A few days ago, Bs I was going across the fields from Slate Hill to Ridgebury, and about midway between the two places, I came across a neglected burying-ground. No fences protected it from the encroach- mente of animals, and it was only distinguished from the adjacent fields by clumps of unsightly saplings, brush, and briers, which grew thickly upon and among the graves. An examination of the slabe showed that no one had been buried there for forty years. It may be interesting to some, as a scrap of local history, to know who the occupants of the graves are. By examining the inscriptions on the freestone slabs, I noticed that among those buried there were three or four of the first settlers in the vicinity of Slate lfill, aod who once owned a large tract of land here, including the farms now owned by Thomas T. Durland, Silas Ilulse, and & few others."

Southwest of Ridgebury is a burial-place dating back to early times, but there are no very early dates to be obtained there.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 169

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1336

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1336