History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 176

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 176

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THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF PORT JERVIS

consist of five union free schools and a central acad- emy or high school.

The records of the public schools of Port Jervis were destroyed by fire June 13, 1866. There is con- sequently no documentary evidence of the manage- ment and condition of the schools previous to that time, except such as appears in one or two acts of the Legislature. The evidence, however, of persons yet living establishes the fact that in January, 1862, the inhabitants of the village, dissatisfied with the working of their schools under the old rate-bill system, reor- ganized them under the general free school law. A Board of Education, consisting of Dr. Charles W. Law- rence, Samuel B. Farnum, Elting Cuddeback, Peter Wells, Amos Van Etten, Wm. K. Bartlett, and John Strader, was elected. The board organized by making Dr. Lawrence president and Mr. Van Etten secre- tary. The building known as the Main Street school- house was the only one owned by the district, and was too small to afford the requisite accommodations. The basement of the Presbyterian church was hired and used for school purposes. The demands for space having been thus temporarily met, attention was

District No. 1 (Port Jervis) has 2120 children be- tween five and twenty-one years of age, and received $5183.74 public money; district No. 2, 28 children and $30.95 public money ; district No. 3, 104 children and $189.13 public money ; district No. 4, 8 children and $8.68 public money; district No. 5, 8 children and $10.69 public money ; district No. 6, 30 children and $79.49 public money ; district No. 7, 73 children and $122.92 public money ; district No. 8 (Carpenter's Point), 218 children and $352.80 public money; dis- trict No. 9, 74 children and $128.16 public money ; district No. 10, 72 children and $140.41 public money ; district No. 11, 77 children and $135.24 public money ; district No. 12, 115 children and $178.82 public given to the improvement of the schools in methods

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HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

of discipline, instruction, and general management. Edward W. Manning was appointed principal. He held the position until his death, which occurred two or three years later, and was a zealous and snecessful teacher. ITis successor was David Beattie, now super- intendent of public schools in Troy. After a short but efficient administration Mr. Beattie was succeeded by Isaac M. Wellington, to whose well-directed energy and untiring industry the schools are still indebted for much of their prosperity. Early in 1866 the Catholic schools, hitherto conducted as a part of the public schools, were withdrawn from the control of the Board of Education, and their management and expense were assumed by St. Mary's Church. The causes which led to this separation are not on record.

In April, 1866, the Legislature authorized the rais- ing of $10,000 to build another school-house, the sale of the existing site, and the purchase of a new one. The bonds of the district were issued to the amount of $5000 during the year by the Board of Education, of which the members were Dr. C. M. Lawrence, president ; Peter Wells, secretary ; Samuel B. Far- num, Elting Cuddeback, Wm. K. Bartlett, Amos Van Etten, and John Strader.

The first steps towards forming an academical de- partment, subject to the visitation and direction of the regents, were taken by making application to them for a charter, which was ultimately granted.

The report to the annual school-meeting stated that there were in the district 1816 children legally en- titled to attend school. Of these, 564 were, on an average, in daily attendance, and 1220 were enrolled during some part of the year.

Thomas Holt and Aaron Van Akin were elected in place of Samuel B. Farnum and Wm. K. Bartlett, otherwise the Board of Education remained the same. Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence was again chosen president, and Amos Van Etten secretary. A site was obtained on the corner of Church and Hammond Streets, and a contraet made for the erection of a new school- house.

In 1867 legislative action was secured to enlarge the district by annexing parts of two adjoining dis- triets. The new school-house was completed at a cost of $9992 and ocenpied.

The expiration of the term of service and in some cases resignation of office created several vacancies, which were filled by the election of John McAllister, Thos. Holt, Horace K. Stewart, Henry Duteher, and Dr. Thomas Cuddeback, who, with John Strader and Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, constituted the new board. The latter was chosen its president, and H. K. Stewart its secretary. The first preliminary academie exam- ination was held in .November. The clergymen of the village constituted a committee, of which Rev. A. P. Botsford was chairman.

In 1868 further accommodations were demanded, and furnished by the erection of another school- house at an expense of $3635.

The Board of Education. after the annual election, consisted of Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, president ; Horace K. Stewart, secretary; Lewis E. Carr, John McAllister, Thomas Holt, Henry Duteher, and Dr. Thomas Cuddeback. The parochial schools of the Catholic Church were again received as a part of the public schools, but were soon disbanded in conse- quence of the burning of the church, and the pupils were distributed among the other schools. In De- cember the superintendent, I. M. Wellington, resigned, and soon after Edward A. Kingsley was appointed his successor. In October, 1869, Thomas J. Bonnell was elected in place of Dr. Cuddeback, otherwise the board remained the same and retained the same offi- cers. After the annual election in October, 1870, the members of the board were Dr. C. M. Lawrence, president ; Lewis E. Carr, secretary; Amos Van Etten, Chas. W. Buckley, N. H. Chandler, Henry Dutcher, and Thomas J. Bonnell. E. A. Kingsley having resigned in December, A. B. Wilbur was ap- pointed superintendent, and still holds the position.

In July, 1871, Comeges Kerr was appointed a mem- her of the board in place of N. H. Chandler, removed to another State. After the annual election of this year Dr. C. M. Lawrence, president ; Lewis E. Carr, secretary ; Amos Van Etten, Chas. W. Buckley, Henry Dutcher, Thomas J. Bonnell, and Lemuel E. Elston were the board. In consequence of increasing demands for accommodation a large building, known as the Mountain House, capable of accommodating six hundred pupils, was purchased near the close of the year at an expense of $9000, and prepared in part for immediate use. In 1872 no change occurred either in the membership or presideney of the board. L. E. Elston was appointed secretary.

After the annual meeting in 1873 the board con- sisted of Dr. C. M. Lawrence, president ; A. J. Sny- der, secretary; Lewis E. Carr, John W. Decker, Hamilton W. Quick, Daniel Romaine, and Alfred H. Corwin.

Since that time the successive boards have been constituted as follows: from October, 1874, to Octo- ber, 1875, Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, president; Lewis E. Carr, secretary; A. J. Snyder, Hamilton W. Quick, Alf. H. Corwin, John W. Decker, Daniel Ro- maine. From October, 1875, to October, 1876, Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, president ; A. J. Snyder, secre- tary ; Hamilton W. Quiek, Alf. H. Corwin, John W. Decker, Daniel Romaine, Elting Cuddeback. From October, 1876, to October, 1877, Dr. Chas. M. Law- rence, president ; A. J. Snyder, secretary ; Daniel Ro- maine, Hamilton W. Quick, Alf. H. Corwin, Elting Cuddeback, Wm. E. MeCormick. From October, 1877, to October, 1878, Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, presi- dent ; A. J. Snyder, secretary ; Alf. H. Corwin, Dan- iel Romaine, Hamilton W. Quick, Wm. E. MeCor- mick, O. P. Howell. From October, 1878, to Octo- ber, 1879, Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, president ; A. J. Suyder, secretary ; Hamilton W. Quick, Lewis E.

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DEERPARK.

Carr, Wm. E. McCormick, O. P. Howell, Frank Mar- vin. From October, 1879, to October, 1880, Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, president; A. J. Snyder, secretary ; O. P. Howell, Lewis E. Carr, Frank Marvin, Peter Whitaker, Thos. J. Bonnell, Luke S. Rosencrance. From October, 1880, to October, 1881, Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, president; A. J. Snyder, secretary ; Lewis E. Carr, O. P. Howell, Thos. J. Bonnell, Frank Mar- vin, Peter Whitaker, Horace Hammond.

The schools are graded and in excellent condition. Nearly 1300 of the 2452 entitled to free school privi- leges are daily in attendance, and 1975 spend some part of the year in school. Five buildings, four of which are owned by the district, are used for school purposes. Twenty-nine teachers are employed, of Johannes Casparus Fryenmoet was the first settled pastor over these four churches. He proved to be a man acceptable not only to his own people, but whose - fame spread abroad far and wide. Soon after his settlement occurs the following record : whom two are graduates of college, six of normal schools, and nineteen of the local academical depart- ment. In this department there are fifty-six students engaged in all the various studies usually pursued in academies and seminaries, and fitting themselves, ac- " Joh. Casparus Fryenmuth, young man, born in Switzerland, and Lena Van Etten, young maiden, born in Nytsfield, married with a license from Gov- Camp, 23d day of July, 1742." cording to their own inclinations, either for business or college. It is located in the Mountain House, and the superintendent is the principal. His assistants | erneur Morris, in Jersey, by Justice Abram van are Fred W. Best, of the Potsdam Normal School, and Miss Minnie Botsford, of Vassar College. The teach- ers in the other grades, in the same building, are Mrs. Celestia Ernsberger, and Misses Emma L. Stoutenberg, Ella M. Welch, Anna B. Ruddick, Ella J. Olmstead, Fannie M. Hull, Florence Mondon, Maggie F. Galla- gher, and Belle Barnum.

Miss Tilla White is the principal of the Main Street School. Her assistants are Misses Jennie Holt, Leah Pflaum, and Jennie Gaylord.

The principal of the Church Street School is Miss Ella Margison. Her assistants are Mrs. Joanna An- derson, Misses Ella Campbell, Lizzie Coyle, Ada I. DeKay, Janette Sherring, Mary Coyle, and Edith Palmer.

The principal of the Riverside School is Miss Lizzie Price, and her assistant is Miss Phoebe Gordon.

Miss Emma Goodspeed is the principal of the Ger- mantown School, and her assistants are Misses Ida Dutcher and Jessie Bross.

The people of this village have always manifested their deep interest in education by making liberal provision for their schools, and the result is schools of which they are justly proud.

VII .- CHURCHES.

THE REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH OF MAGAGHKEMECK

was incorporated by a certificate executed March 14, 1789. The minister named in the instrument was Rev. Elias Van Bunschooten, V.D.M. The board of elders and deacons comprised the following persons : Solomon Coykendall, Benjamin Depuy, Wilhelmus Cole, Samuel Depuy, Wilhelmus Vredenburgh, Ja- cobus Swartwout, Simeon Westfall, Johannes Decker.

Of this church, organized many years earlier than the above date of incorporation, we have the follow- ing account, condensed from a historical discourse prepared for the dedication of the new chapel, by Rev. S. W. Mills, Oct. 22, 1878 :

The date of its organization was probably Aug. 23, 1737, when we find the first recorded act of the Con- sistory signed by Mancius in their name. It was known as the Reformed Dutch Church of Machack- emech. Atthe same time the churches of Menissinck, Walpeck, and Smithfield were organized, since they all bear the same date. These four churches were all | located upon the "Old Mine Road," leading from Kingston to the copper-mines in Pahaquarry.

The salary paid to Mr. Fryenmoet by the four churches was subsequently fixed (Feb. 4, 1745) at £17 10g. from each of the three churches, Machacke- mech, Menissinck, and Walpeck, in "New York cur- rent money," and a like amount from Smithfield in " proclamation money," being £70 in all, or $175, and in addition to this twenty-five schepels* of oats from each church, and his firewood. The amount seems to us amazingly small, but it was probably in keep- ing with the times and circumstances of the people. A parsonage was procured in 1745, each of the four churches to bear a fourth part of the expense, with an agreement subsequently made (April 16, 1750) that if any of them had "lawful and ecclesiastical reasons to separate from the other churches the Con- sistory shall purchase the fourth part of the house and lot of the retiring church, provided they wished to retain the same, and if not, then the house and lot shall be sold to the highest bidder." The parsonage was located three or four miles below Montague, on the farm lately occupied by Eli Fuller, deceased, at what was called Nominack, opposite Nominack Island and near the old Nominack Fort, erected here during the French and Indian war. This spot was central to the four churches. The four Consistories often met here in joint session, and the record of their pro- ceedings frequently closes with the expression, "Done in Consistory at Nominack." Hence the church of Minisink was sometimes called the "Nominack Church."

The only thing bearing upon the early erection of a house of worship in any of the church records or papers is in the following minute of March 7, 1742 :

* A schepel is three pecks.

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HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

"The Reverend Consistories of the two churches met together and executed the following. Having approved of the object by collection to aid aod build up the Low Dutch Churches in the States of New York and New Jersey, and that for this object suitable persons should be chosen by Consistories and justices in these churches; The Reverend Consistory chose Jan Van Vliet, William Cool, Hannes Westbroeck, Hendrick Kortrecht. Besides his Majesty's justices chose Salomon Davids, Peter Kenikendal, William Kortrecht. The following persons were appointed collectors, viz .: Jacobus Swartwood, Jan Van Vleit, Hendrick Kortrecht, and Derrick Westbroeck." In August following (2Ist) " the collectors reported that they had collected £13 9s. Od. Their expenses were £2 0x. 4d. Jan. 7, 1743, The Reverend Consistory resolved that of the money collected each church should retain half. That the money should be appropriated for the upbuilding of one church should they agree to build together, and if not, then each church should retain the amount collected in their bounds. And if it should occur that they should both build and any money should remain over, it should be used for the benefit of both churches, and if more money should be collected, it would be subject to the above conditions."

The probability is that the church was erected in consequence of this action during the year 1743. Whether two buildings were reared, or but one, it is not likely from the above amount, a trifle over twenty- cight dollars, that much surplus was left after com- pleting the work. But as it may have been built of logs, and perhaps not more than thirty feet square upon the ground, and much of the material used may have been given by the people and not a little of the work done by them gratuitously, the probability is that they fell but little short of the amount needed.

The site of this building was opposite the old bury- ing-yard, and not far from the present dwelling-house of Eli Van Inwegen. In this the people of this con- gregation and of this whole valley worshiped until July, 1779, when it was burned by the Indians under Brant, a day or two before the memorable battle of Minisink.

Mr. Fryenmoet continued his labors here for fifteen years, until Aug. 12, 1756, when he was driven ont by the Indian massacres in this section in connection with the French and Indian war. He seems to have left here in great haste, for in the minutes of Synod it is said, " Fleeing before the public enemy he came to North Branch (N. J.), and was several times asked by the Consistory there to officiate, which he did with so much acceptance that many members of the four united congregations requested that he might preach in all the churches." A large majority of the people desired to have him called, but the Consistory oppos- ing it, no little dispute arose, and as the result no call was given him. He received a call soon after from , of these churches. The name is commonly called Kinderhook, Claverack, and Livingston Manor, which was accepted, and where he labored with very great acceptance and success for twenty-one years. He died about 1778, and his remains were interred under the Kinderhook church.

Rev. Thomas Romeyn, the second pastor, preached here in April, 1760, and on Sept. 6th of the same year accepted a call from them. He was born in Pompton, N. J., March 20, 1729. He pursued his collegiate studies at Nassau Hall, and his theological studies under Goetchins and T. Frelinghuysen. He sailed from New York for Europe April 11, 1752, to receive

ordination, and was ordained by the Classis of Am- sterdam September 3d of the same year, and accepted a call from Success, Newtown, Oyster Bay, and Ja- maica (L. I.), Nov. 10, 1752, where he remained eight years, until coming here. During his ministry here he commenced religious services in the Clove, on the opposite side of the mountain, in the town of Wantage, near Deckertown, which resulted in the organization of a church there in the time of his successor. Dur- ing his settlement here Mr. Romeyn was married to Susan Van Campen (his second wife), daughter of Col. Abraham Van Campen, of Pahaquarry, an elder in the church of Walpack. Her family name was perpetuated in one of their sons, James Van Campen Romeyn, a minister of great excellence and influence for over fifty years, dying in 1840. Of his seven sons, four devoted themselves to the ministry, one of whom lied soon after his licensure. Another (Theodore) was settled at Somerville, N. J., where he died at the age of twenty-nine. A third (James) was pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church at Hackensack, N. J., for about thirty-three years, when he was disabled by paralysis, and after lingering for several years died in 1840. The fourth (Thomas) was for several years settled at Niskayuna and Amity, and died in 1857. A grandson (James, son of James V. C.) was for many years an able and learned minister, and died in 1859. A great-grandson, Rev. Theodore B. Romeyn, D.D., is at the present time pastor of the First Re- formed Church in Hackensack, N. J.

After twelve years of faithful service in these churches, Mr. Romeyn accepted a call from the Re- formed Dutch Church of Caughnawaga, Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 1772, and remained pastor thereof for twenty-one years, until compelled by feeble health to relinquish his charge, and where he also died, Oct. 22, 1794. After the departure of Mr. Romeyn the churches here were without a pastor during a period of thirteen years. This period embraced the struggle of the Revolutionary war. They were visited from time to time during this period by ministers from abroad, who preached to them and administered the ordinances. In each year after Mr. Romeyn left them, until the settlement of his successor, we find a record of baptisms, the whole number being 441.

Rev. Elias Van Bunschooten was the third pastor Van Benschoten, but as written by himself was in- variably Van Bunschooten. This minister, so exten- sively known by name in the denomination, was the son of Teunis Van Bunschooten, and was born at New Hackensack, Duchess Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1738. He was graduated at Princeton College in 1768, and studied theology with Dr. Hermanus Meyer, of Kings- ton. He was licensed to preach in 1773, and was settled at Schaghticoke, Albany Co., N. Y., the same year, where he remained for twelve years. On May 12, 1785, a call was given him by these three churches, which was accepted July 9th, and he was installed

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August 28th by Rev. Dr. Jacob R. Hardenbergh, of -- Marbletown. His labors here were devoted at first to the three churches,-Machaekemech, Menissinck, and Walpack,-and in addition to these, preaching at the Clove, near Deckertown. About two years after his settlement here application was made to the Classis of New Brunswick, with which these churches were then connected, for the organization of a church at the Clove. The organization was effected April 16, 1788. His services were divided subsequently be- tween that church and those in the valley here, and at length, in 1792, he removed to the Clove, where he bonght a farm and mill. ITis pastoral connection with the three churches here continued until 1799. While at the Clove he preached for some length of time at Westtown,* but for several of the last years of his ministry his labors were confined to the former place. Here he exercised his ministry, to the general acceptance of his people, until 1812, when, on ae- count of advanced age, he resigned his charge. Three years later, after a long and painful illness, his earthly | in form, and over it a large "sounding-board." The life closed, on Jan. 10, 1815, in his seventy-seventh year.

That for which Mr. Van Bunschooten is chiefly re- membered in the church is his generous donation for the purposes of theological education. In 1814, only a few months previous to his death, he gave to the trus- tees of Queen's {now Rutgers) College $14,640, in- creased by his will to $17,000, the income of which was to be applied to the education of "pious youth · who hope they have a call of God to preach the gos- pel of Jesus Christ;" those receiving the benefits thereof to be recommended by the General Synod. This fund at the present time exceeds $20,000, and . has educated a large number of faithful and devoted ministers in the denomination. Probably about 150 have entered the ministry who have been educated by it, not a few of whom have become missionaries and are now preaching the gospel to the heathen. Hav- ing been wisely invested so as to answer the purpose designed by the donor, not a dollar has been lost, not- withstanding all the financial reverses in the country from time to time since its bestowment.

During the ministry of Mr. Van Bunschooten the | strument of any kind, nor even a choir. A simple

church edifice that had been burned by Brant was rebuilt. The probability is that the work was com- meneed in 1786, as we find a paper with the names of persons in various sums, of the dates of Jan. 24, March 13, May 4, May 29, May 31, June 1, and June 2, 1786. From this and from the following item, found in an inventory of church property dated March 29, 1793, "One acre of ground with the church on it without any annual income from the seats," showing that the edifice was then built and in use, we are safe in saying that it was probably erceted in 1786. Jan. 1, 1796, one pound, eighteen shillings,

and fourpence was paid to James Van Auken (in a settlement), "which was due said Van Auken for building the meeting-house." This was probably a balance due him for work done some years before. The building was erected upon the site occupied by the one which had been burned, and standing near it were majestic oak-trees, whose towering height and wide-spreading branches presented a grand spectacle. It was forty feet square, two stories high, covered with a low roof coming to a point in the centre, sided with planed pine boards and seated inside with the same, and was unpainted both within and without. On the east side of the church was a low gallery, which was reached by stairs running up on the outside of the building. These becoming dilapidated during the latter years of the edifice, were taken down. A single door in front, next to the road, afforded en- trance to the building. The pulpit stood on the side opposite to the entrance, and was from six to eight feet high, standing on a single post, inclosed, sexagon elders and deacons occupied seats specially designated for them, nearest the pulpit, and were uniformly greeted by the minister upon descending from it. There was in it, as well as in the first church edifice, the " Magistrate's Seat," differing from the other seats in having a roof or cover over it, resting upon two posts. This was occupied by the justice of the peace during the time of service.

Collections were taken in small black bags, fastened on the end of a rod about six feet long, with a little bell at the bottom of the bag, which served to an- nounce the approach of the worthy dignitary carrying this indispensable article of church furniture. The contents of the bag were not always "current money with the merchant," as occasional horse-nails, gravel- stones, and other articles, deposited by mischievous ones, sometimes indicated. A tin horn served the purpose of a bell to summon the worshipers to the sanctuary. Two services were held, morning and afternoon, with an hour's intermission, when the refreshments brought by those coming from a dis- tance were partaken of. There was no organ or in- chorister or leader, called in Dutch voorzanger, led, but not monopolized, the singing, standing in front of the pulpit, the entire congregation joining therein.

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History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 176

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