History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 189

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 189

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In Easter, 1863, the labors of Rev. Dr. Crissey term- inated, and he was followed in July by the Rev. George Seabury. Hitherto the parish had been united with that of New Windsor in support of the same pastor. It was now determined to make the Canter- bury Church independent and self-sustaining, thus securing the entire services of the pastor. The Rev. Mr. Seabury's connection with this church was dis- solved May 1, 1864. In the November following Rev. John G. Webster took charge of the parish, but re- mained only one year. He was succeeded Jan. 21, 1866, by the Rev. William G. French.

In July, 1869, some funds having accumulated, it was resolved to proceed with the completion of the edifice by erecting the tower and spire. Both were completed the following summer. In June, 1871, the Rev. Mr. French resigned his position, and the follow- ing February Rev. David H. MeCurdy was called to the rectorship, and began his ministrations on Easter day. His administration of the affairs of the parish was eminently judicious and successful. During the | of the church, 50 feet by 75, and 250 feet in depth. year 1872 a debt of $3613.17 was entirely liquidated. Of this amount $2500 was generously given by the

senior warden, Thomas P. Cummings, of New York, whose active interest early and late for the welfare of the parish entitles him to the lasting gratitude of this congregation. The church was largely intended for the accommodation of summer visitors. Resident Episcopalians have at times been few in number, and only moderately blessed with worldly wealth. The labors of Mr. MeCurdy continued until Sept. 30, 1873.

The next summer Rev. Mr. McCurdy again supplied the pulpit for a few months. Rev. John Potter was chosen rector in the fall of that year, and commenced his work in the parish October 1st. He remained three years, concluding his work here Oct. 1, 1877.

The next pastor was Rev. B. S. Huntington, who commenced his services Nov. 12, 1877. He died sud- denly of pneumonia, while on a visit to Bridgeport, Conn., April 1, 1880. Rev. W. E. Snowden became his successor, being chosen rector, and entering upon his duties May 1, 1880.

The church has had strong friends and has received liberal gifts. Mr. Thomas Cummings, of New York, whose assistance in paying the debt was noticed above, also presented the church at Christmas, 1877, with a bell of excellent tone, weighing about 1300 pounds. It was accompanied by a letter of such interest that we give it in full :

" No. 241 CLERMONT AVENUE, BROOKLYN. " REV. S. B. HUNTINGTON, Rector of St. John's Church, Canterbury, N. Y. " Rev. und Dear Sir,-You will please communicate to the vestry of St. John's Church that it affords Mrs. Cummings and myself, as well as the other members of our family, much gratification to be enabled to place in the tower of St. John's a memorial to our dear departed children, Julia Bayard Cummings, who was taken from us Nov. 2, 1876, and Thomas Picton Cummings, who joined his sister, we trust, in the realms above on the 24th of October last. Trusting that the lines cast on the bell (copied from an old one in the tower of a church in Cornwall, England),

"' Jesus, fulfill with thy good grace, All that we beckon to this place,'

may be truly verified, and that the little church so dear to us all, and which was an object of particular interest to the departed from early associations, may be a comfort and a blessing to many through the in- strumentalities of the prayers said, the praises sung, and the blessed gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ preached therein,

" I remain affectionately yours,

" THOMAS P. CUMMINGS."

The melodeon presented by Mr. N. P. Willis is still in use for the Sunday-school, and is cherished as a memorial of the poet, and of his association with the founders of this church. A cabinet organ has since been purchased for the use of the choir. Another valuable donation to the church remains to be men- tioned. In August, 1877, Miss Elizabeth C. Purdy deeded to the church as a free gift the residence and grounds on Main Street, formerly the homestead of her mother, Mrs. H. C. Purdy, as a rectory for the use of the pastors of St. John's Church. Another recent donation is that of kneeling-benches for all the pews of the church. The vestry have also been able to purchase a handsome addition to the grounds

The present parish organization (September, 1880) consists of Rev. William E. Snowden, rector ; Thomas

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HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

l'. Cummings, of New York, senior warden ; William J. Sherwood, junior warden ; John Chatfield, Peter P. Hazen, James Emslie, Jr., John B. Raymond, Dr. Cornelius Walke, H. B. Breed, M. Webster, N. Chat- field, Jr., vestrymen ; Peter P. Hazen, clerk and treasurer.

THE CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS (CATHOLIC), CORN- WALL,

The church building is situated on a pleasant was incorporated Nov. 17. 1870. The trustees who . site, central for the group of villages surrounding it, executed the certificate were Rev. John McCloskey, , and having a fine view within range of the tower archbishop; Rev. William Starr, vicar-general; Rev. when it shall be. completed. John A. Keogh, pastor, and two laymen, James Sheridan and Patrick Piggott. This was the legal VIII .- BURIAL-PLACES. organization of a society founded by the indefatigable These are quite numerous, and can only be briefly catalogued. In the village of Canterbury may be noted the remnants of an early ground in the rear of Mr. Hollett's lot, on the opposite side of the road from the Presbyterian church. It originally extended into that street. It is now inclosed in private grounds, and neither names nor dates can be conveniently read, if any such remain. labors of Rev. Father Keogh. He was appointed to the Cornwall mission by the archbishop of New York. Very much of an invalid and with apparently only a short lease of life before him, he nevertheless brought to his work a diligence and faithfulness that won friends not only among Catholics, but throughout the community among all denominations, Under the pure air and invigorating climate of Cornwall he recovered his health.

For some years before this Catholic services had been maintained in a small brick church opposite the entrance to Mr. Ryckman's property, which was built about 1860, under the direction of Rev. Edward J. O'Reilly, subsequently pastor of St. Mary's, New York City. Father Keogh resolved on a better edi- fice, and set to work immediately for that object. The ground was secured, and the excavations made by voluntary labor in the winter of IS70-71.

The corner-stone was laid in the spring by the bishop of Rochester, Rt. Rev. Dr. McQuade, assisted by several prominent priests from New York and elsewhere, and in the presence of a large concourse of citizens. The work was pushed with great energy, so that both the church and the pastoral residence were inclosed before fall. In the spring of 1872 the old church and property were disposed of, and in the month of June the altar was moved to the basement of the new church, which was fitted up as a chapel, with the ample dimensions of 100 by 50. The church and rectory, as thus completed, eost not far from $30,000, of which about $13,000 remained as a debt.

At the completion of the large and convenient chapel work was suspended; and the "hard times" following immediately, it has not been resumed. Rev. Father Keogh retired from this charge April 1, 1876. He was immediately succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Stephen Mackin. The efforts of the latter have been wisely directed to strengthening and consolida - ting the society, without incurring additional debt; resolved to hold fast to what has been achieved, and await better financial times, when the large and beau- tiful edifice, designed and partially built, may be completed. Like many other pastors, Father Mackin has found it his highest duty to "hold the fort,"

strengthen the things that remain, and care for the spiritual wants of his parish. The interest has been regularly met, and the current expenses provided for.

The assistant pastor is Rev. James F. Kiely. The lay members of the board of trustees as provided by law are Dennis Halloran and John Callahan. There are about 110 families in the congregation, numbering about 550 persons, and communicants about 500.

In the rear of the Presbyterian church is a large level plat, a portion of which appears to date back fifty or sixty years, having also a few graves marked only by common field-stone indieating a still older period. Other parts of the ground are devoted to modern burial, with some attempts at lots regu- larly laid out. The whole needs additional care.

Burials are said to have taken place in a field on the north side of the creek in the village of Canter- bury, now wholly plowed over and lost.

Near the Friends' meeting-house west of Canter- bury is a cemetery of considerable extent. Doubtless many of the early settlers are buried there, as very many graves are marked with fiehl-stone of an early day. There are also the short head-stones of a later period, upon which names and dates are sunk in some cases ont of sight. Other portions of the ground are receiving considerable care according to modern ideas.

Near the Orthodox Friends' meeting-house in the village of Canterbury is the private burial-place of the Ring and Sands families. This is a rural, secluded spot, inclosed with a substantial iron fenee.

The Catholic Church have a new cemetery laid ont, and already some monuments are erected, and the whole, under careful attention, will doubtless be- come a handsome resting-place of the dead.

Near the station west of Orr's Mills is a burial- place, finely situated on rising ground, formerly the site of the Baptist church. It is evidently receiving considerable care at the present time.

Burials from the northern portion of Cornwall are now to a considerable extent either in the old or the new cemeteries in New Windsor.

The old Bethlehem burial-place is one of marked interest, connected as it is to one of the oldest churches in the county, and the graveyard the place of very early burial.

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CORNWALL.

IX .- SOCIETIES, LIBRARIES, INCORPORA- TIONS, Etc.

MASONIC.

In the year 1815 several Masons then residing in Cornwall met in Canterbury and made preliminary arrangements to establish a lodge. Upon their peti- tion the Grand Lodge, under date of Sept. 9, 1815, issued a warrant authorizing the formation of Jeru- salem Temple Lodge, No. 247, and appointing Wyatt Carr, Master, Abraham Mead, Senior Warden, and Sutherland Moore, Junior Warden. James B. Rey- nolds, of Hiram Lodge, Newburgh, was appointed to institute the new lodge. It is stated in the old record that the "said James B. Reynolds met the said lodge in the house of Ebenezer Crissey on the 5th day of October, 1815, and then and there installed the lodge agreeable to the customs thereof. The lodge then adjourned to the house of Brother Hugh Gregg and partook of a dinner prepared by him."

At the regular election, December 23d of that year, the following officers were chosen : Wyatt Carr, W. M .; Abraham Mead, S. W .; Sutherland Moore, J. W .; Nathaniel Clark, Treas .; Samuel H. Purdy, Sec .; William Williams, S. D .; Stephen Coleman, J. D .; Obadiah Smith, Jr., Sr. M. C .; Isaac B. Titus, Jr., M. C .; Lewis Batterson and John Arnold, Stewards ; Hugh Gregg, Tyler.

Wyatt Carr continued Master until Dec. 23, 1820, when Win. A. Clark was elected to succeed him. Mr. Clark was followed by Jonathan Morrill. In Decem- ber, 1824, Oliver Farrington was elected Master, and occupied the chair until the suspension of the lodge in 1826. During this period of eleven years 92 can- didates were initiated, of whom the first was Samuel H. Purdy. The lodge met in the attic of the present Moore's Hotel, of Canterbury. When the lodge sur- rendered its charter, the paraphernalia were taken in charge by Mr. Lane, then proprietor of that hotel, and after his death they were preserved by Mr. Dyer Brewster. They were given to the reorganized lodge of 1871, and are now in the lodge-room, cherished as objects of antiquity, rare memorials of early Masonry. The Bible was printed in 1799, and is a massive vol- umne 15 by 18 inches. There is a dark lantern formed of tin and wood, with several mystical openings. There is also a Masonie mirror, and a symbolic chart printed in 1819.

The reorganization after forty-five years was an oc- casion of much interest. The installation took place July 27, 1872, and all the ceremonies were in ample form. Music was furnished by the West Point Band, and an oration was delivered by Rev. Charles Shelling, of Newburgh.

TEMPERANCE.

The first temperance organization was effected in 1841 or '42. It was continued for only a few years, but did much to develop and strengthen public senti-

ment in favor of sobriety. Among the active members of that period may be properly mentioned Fowler Griggs and George G. Clark. Various other temper- ance organizations had a brief existence from time to time, and carried forward the general work.

In 1866, Cornwall Division, No. 204, S. of T., was established. Among its founders were Samuel E. Shutes, afterwards mayor of Newburgh ; James G. Roe, Rev. M. Messeter, D. A. Stephens, Thomas Taft, Jonas G. Davis, Joseph Ferguson, Ilenry R. Hunter, Harvey R. Taylor, and Charles H. Ray. Active in its formation were also several ladies, Mrs. Shutes, the Misses Cousers, Jackson, Ray, and Wiley. David A. Stephens was the first presiding officer, and he was followed by Samuel E. Shutes. Thomas Taft succeeded the latter. About 250 members were enrolled during the five years of its existence. This society was succeeded in 1870 by a lodge of Good Templars under the name of Idlewild Lodge, No. 860, I. O. of G. T. The present officers of the lodge (Sep- tember, 1880) are Ezra P. Thompson, W. C. T .; Mrs. E. Cahey, W. V. T; George Stevenson, Sec. ; S. W. Cahey, Fin. Sec; George W. Cahey, Treas .; Wil- liam Graham, Marshal; B. F. Oliver, P. W. C. T .; George H. Dobbs, Lodge Deputy ; Miss Libbie Oliver, Guard. The lodge meets every Tuesday night in the Salmon Building, on the dock.

In connection with this temperance work a fine building was erected in 1872, known as Temperance Hall. It was established by the Idlewild Temperance Association, at a total cost of about $6000. It is a frame building 30 by 55, and surmounted by a cupola. The hall proper is a handsome room 20 by 40, and 14 feet in height, the walls wainscoted, and the room properly furnished. Various temperance societies meet in this building, also the Odd-Fellows' lodge and religious meetings. Part of the building is occupied as a dwelling, and the ground-floor is di- vided into three stores, the rent from which makes the institution self-supporting. The building asso- ciation was duly incorporated, and stock issued to the amount of about $10,000. The first officers were William H. Clark, president ; George Stevenson, vice-president; Leonard P. Clark, treasurer; Frank Couch, secretary.

ODD-FELLOWSHIP.

A lodge of this order was formed in Canterbury in the earlier years of its introduction to this country, and had a prosperous existence. It was, however, dissolved after a time, and its records are said to be lost. It was known as Beacon Hill Lodge. The modern Odd-Fellows' society was formed Dec. 2, 1872, by Grand District Depnty Van Dalfsen, of Newburgh. The name adopted was Cornwall Lodge, No. 340, I. O. of O. F. The present officers are .I. Terwilliger, N. G .; George Walker, V. G .; B. F. Oliver, Sec .; R. Cleland, Treas. The lodge meets every Monday evening at Weeks' Hall.

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HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

This is now fifty years old, and is an institution seldom found in an unincorporated village. It was established by an act of the Legislature passed April 20, 1830. By the terms of the statute, "Nathan Westcott, Elias Hand, W. T. Cock, George Marriott, John M. Gough, and such others as shall associate with them, and shall pay two dollars and fifty cents for procuring not more than two engines and other implements necessary for extinguishing fires," were created a body corporate under the name of the "Can- terbury Fire Company." The meeting to organize under the act was held at the house of B. Colter, May 10, 1830, Oliver Cromwell being called to the chair, and John M. Gough chosen secretary.

Among the early members recorded may be found the names of Elias Hand, John E. Chadeayne, W. T. Coek, Justus Sackett, Noah Townsend, Lewis Bar- rett, Henry Titus, Thomas F. Fish, Samuel G. Purdy, Daniel Chadeayne, Samuel Townsend, Benjamin At- kinson, Charles R. Sutherland, and Fowler Griggs. Soon after the formation of the company a small hand-engine was bought, at an expense of about $125. It was arranged with handles, so that it could be ear- ried by four men. This rude memorial of an almost- forgotten age is still preserved at the engine-house. Hooks and ladders were of home-made construction, consisting of saplings cut in the mountains, and ironed by Hewitt & Torrey at their trip-hammer shop, near the site in later times of Nicholas Cock's fac- tory. There was nothing extravagant in the early expenditures. The funds were often necessarily con- tributed by the members, and it was a matter of con- siderable self-sacrifice to sustain the enterprise. The first engine-house was a small frame building, and stood upon a lot owned in recent years by V. C. Kihl- mire. This building was sold to John Malloy when the company secured their present quarters. He re- moved it to Roeville and fitted it up as a dwelling, The company's services in extinguishing fires were first employed at the burning of Samuel Townsend's barn.

In 1836 or 1837 a second-hand suction-engine was bought at a cost of about $500. These engines re- mained the only equipment of the company until 1869, when an improved engine was bought, known as Highland Engine, No. 1. The new engine-house was obtained about this time, the company buying, for $2000, the lot and building previously occupied by Hunlos & MeLean as a meat-market. Considerable expense was incurred in altering and fitting up the building. The use of the lower floor for election pur- poses and the room overhead for public meetings yields a small revenue, which, aided by other means, keeps the finances of the company in a fair condition.

K. Oliver, assistant, and John McLean, Jr., secretary. The company did not secure incorporatiou until March 30, 1870. The persons named in the act were E. A. Matthieson, Stephen C. Gillis, Hamilton H. Salmon, David Clark, James K. Hitchcock, and Elbert H. Champlin, and they were constituted a body corporate under the name of Storm-King Fire-Engine Company, No. 2.

The engine-house was built soon after. The first fire at which the services of the new company were employed was that of the Sagamore House, then oc- cupied by Charles Brown. The company have a very beautiful hose carriage, built by James Reid, of Can- terbury.

CORNWALL CIRCULATING LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.

This was organized at Cornwall Landing, Nov. 2, 1869. Lyman Abbott was appointed chairman of the meeting, and William H. Clark, secretary. The trustees named were William P. Coolidge, E. A. Matthieson, James G. Roe, William H. Clark, Thomas Taft, N. Chatfield, Jr., E. H. Champlin, Albert Palmer, Thomas George. The library was required to be located within the bounds of School District No. 4. The fee of membership or price of a share of stock was fixed at five dollars.

Persons not owning five shares, or not owning any, might enjoy the privilege of the library by paying one dollar annually.

The building was erected in 1870. It is a substan- tial structure, 80 by 45, and faced on all sides with the best quality of pressed brick. It is three stories in height above the basement. The first floor is di- vided into stores, the rent from which is a material item of the revenue that sustains the enterprise. The second floor is occupied with the library, the reading- room, billiard parlor, and various offices. The third or upper floor is arranged as a publie hall. It is 78 by 43, with a gallery at one end and a stage at the other. It has a height of 21 feet, is well ventilated, and its acoustic properties are said to be superior.

The whole building, with the library and its ap- pointments, constitutes an enterprise seldom found in a rural village of this size. It is a distinguishing mark of the liberality as well as the culture and re- finement of the people of this community. The building, with the heater, settees, and fixtures, cost about $30,000. There are now about 3500 volumes in the library. The librarian is Miss Sarah Chat- field.

TIIE CORNWALL PLEASURE-GROUND AND DRIV- ING-PARK ASSOCIATION

was formed April 6, 1868. Its objeets were declared to be "first, advancing the cause of agriculture by giving, at stated intervals, competitive exhibitions of agricultural products and implements ; second, devel- tie animals in general, by encouraging the true princi-

The rapid growth of that part of these associated villages which takes the name of Willisville, Jed to ! oping the utility and increasing the value of all domes- the founding of a second fire company in 1868. The first officers were William J. Quigley, foreman ; John ples of breeding ; and, in particular, promoting the

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CORNWALL.

power, endurance, and speed of that noblest creature of them all, the horse ; third, the purchasing, leasing, and holding of the requisite amount of real and per- sonal property necessary to consummate the general objects of the association." The capital stock was fixed at $10,000, to be divided into 500 shares. The directors named were Lewis Beach, Benjamin S. Moore, William Townsend, H. R. Hunter, William Gourley, and Thomas Heaton. The proceedings were verified before Dyer Brewer, justice of the peace, and recorded April 22d.

THE HUDSON RIVER METALLIC PAINT COMPANY OF CORNWALL

executed a certificate of incorporation which was verified Feb. 11, 1865. The capital stock was stated at 8250,000, divided into 5000 shares. The trustees named were Howard Potter, Wm. Sturges, Wm. G. Lambert, John J. Monell, Frederick H. Wolcott, Charles M. Wolcott.

THIE WEST POINT AND CORNWALL TURNPIKE COMPANY

was authorized to organize and construct a road by a resolution of the board of supervisors, passed March 9, 1868.

THE CORNWALL OXIDE PAINT MANUFACTURING COMPANY

executed a certificate of incorporation Nov. 9, 1864. The object was stated as " mining or obtaining iron ores and minerals, and preparing them for use and con- sumption as a paint." The capital was fixed at 4000 shares of $25 each, not in cash but to be represented by the mines, mining contracts, lands, leases, etc., be- longing to the company. The trustees named were Enoch Carter, John J. Monell, Peter Ward, and John L. Davis.

THE CORNWALL MANUFACTURING COMPANY

was incorporated by a certificate executed May 13, 1868. The object was declared to be "the manufac- ture and sale of family and other soaps." The capital stock named was $25,000, divided into 250 shares. The trustees chosen were John S. Davis, Robert E. Ring, and Townsend E. Drew. The certificate was verified the same day before Wm. Il. Clark, and recorded May 22d.

CORNWALL SAVINGS-BANK.

The preliminary meeting to organize this institution was held May 25, 1871, and the bank opened June 1st. The first officers were Wm. T. Cock, president ; S. B. Young, first vice-president; Wm. J. Sherwood, second vice-president ; Dr. W. H. Vail, treasurer. Other members of the board : James G. Roe, B. L. Solomon, Thomas George, Josiah G. Clark, H. H. Salmon, E. A. Mattheison, S. C. Gillis, James Brodhead, J. R. Wood, James K. Ilitchcock. The president and vice- presidents remain the same. June 2, 1873, L. N. Wey- ant became treasurer, and still retains the position.

Total resources July 1, 1880, 824,209.58 ; due deposit- ors, $23,851.19; surplus, 8351.39; open accounts, 232; accounts open during six months, 25; closed, 22; amount deposited during six months, $11,480.20; with- drawn, 88,878.99; expenses of bank six months, $91.65.

X .- PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST OR OF SPECIAL NOTE.

CRO'-NEST

is just on the boundary line between the towns of Cornwall and Highlands, and rises 1418 feet above the river. It is celebrated in song and romance. In- numerable writers have immortalized its crags. The genius of poetry has peopled its surrounding defiles with fairies and gnomes, and the most enchanting pro- ductions of American literature have found here at once their "local habitation" and their enthusiasm.

BUTTER IIILL

is the name applied for many years to the mountain which, like a sentinel, stands guard at the northern entrance to the Highlands. Many ingenious expla- nations of the appropriateness of the name have been given, but they are all rendered unnecessary by the discovery that the real name on early maps was Buttel Hill. Buttel is the German for bailiff, and is appropriate to this height, which guards the pass of the Hudson. The poet, N. P. Willis, gave to it its new name of Storm-King, by which it will undoubt- edly be known through future years. Here is Mr. Willis' statement of his reasons for rechristening :

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History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 189

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