USA > New York > Otsego County > History of Otsego County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 33
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On the 14th of May, 1872, the board of trustees received the following generous and unexpected proposal in regard to a new church edifice :
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE TOWN OF CHERRY VALLEY :
GENTLEMEN,-It is now more than forty years since your present church edifice was erected. Extensive repairs would be necessary to render it comfortable for the society. I propose to render repairs unnecessary by the erection of a new church edifice, and accordingly tender to you this proposition. If you will authorize me to dispose of the present building in such a manner as I may deem best, I will cause the same to be taken down or moved away, and build and finish on the same site, ready for use by the congregation, a suit- able edifice of stone. In this undertaking I am mindful of my far- ily's connection with the town since its early settlement, and of that family and personal connection with the church which has continued for four generations, and propose to ereet a building which may serve as a grateful memorial to my beloved parents and dear sister, deceased, and which, while it will be an ornament to my native town, will, I hope, prove a pleasant and attractive religious home for many coming generations.
Thankful to Almighty God for the numerous blessings bestowed upon my family and myself in the years that have passed, and fur the opportunity to devote a portion of His good gifts to me to His service, I am very truly your friend and co-worker,
CATHERINE ROSEBOOM.
CHERRY VALLEY, May 4, 1872.
This liberal offer was of course accepted, and on Sunday. May 19, 1872, divine serviees were held for the last time in the old church. It was soon after taken down, and on the 11th day of the following month the foundations for the new edifice were begun.
No saered deposits were found in the old foundation. The corner stone was laid July 25, a brief historical account of the church (published in the Gazette of August 4) being deposited in it, with other documents and mementos. The work proceeded without accident, attaining its completion by Oct. 1, 1873, when the dedication took place, of which a full account was also published in the Gazette, with a description of the building. It was a beautiful day. and a great concourse of people filled the building to overflowing.
# Deceased. t Dismissed to other churches.
ALEX. M. COWAN. 1830-33
Samuel Huntingtont ..
James O. Morses
Jesse Johnson # 1814
132
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The printed programme bore a list of the chief dates in the history. After the invocation and some responsive psalms, the keys of the edifice were received from the donor, Miss Kate Roseboom, and delivered to the trustees for the use of the people, by Hon. William W. Campbell, who accompanied the aet with a short address, reviewing the career of the church in the past. After a reply by Mr. HI. J. Olcott, on behalf of the trustees and the people, expressive of their thanks for the gift, the sermon was preached by Rev. Anson J. Upson, D.D., of Albany, from Psalun exxii. The church was then solenmly dedicated to the service of God in prayer by the pastor, and after ad- dresses by Rev. P. F. Sanborn and F. B. Savage, the audience passed to the lecture-room, where a repast was spread.
Nelson M. Whipple, Esq., of Brooklyn, is the architect of the building. The style chosen is the early English, inelining to the decorated. Three varieties of stone enter into the composition of the walls, dark blue limestone, with light gray foundations and coigns, and red New Jersey sandstone arches and copings. While extremely plain, it has an air of great solidity, and presents an appearance of cheerful dignity and conscientious treatment. The interior is finished in solid walnut, the walls and windows being richly decorated in warm colors, and the upholstering, etc., of deep erimsou, in good keeping. The edifice has a cleres- tory nave and two aisles. The spire, which is 150 feet high, occupies one angle, and being the point of connection between the church proper and the lecture-room adjoining, constitutes the central feature of the front as a whole. On the south face of the tower is the monogram, C. R., worked in the masonry ; and over the porch the initials of the architect. Beneath the rear part is a handsome parlor, with suitable closets, and a pastor's room, connecting with the pulpit. These apartments are the special quarters of the Ladies' society, an institution which was formed in 1868, and which has since always been a most useful adjunct in the work of the church. Each new project has generally here been taken up and eommended to the support of the congregation. By this means there have been successively undertaken improvements in the heating and lighting of the old church and session-house, repairs on the parsonage and on the organ, earpets, upholstery and pulpit furniture for the new church, the gas machines and fixtures, furnishing of the parlor, etc., besides much benevolent work. It has thus proved a highly useful vehicle in developing the ac- tivity of the church, besides affording a pleasing medium for social intercourse. Ample accommodations for the Sunday-school are afforded in the lecture-room, which has a primary school-room attached.
A most gratifying increase of interest was at onee no- ticeable, several persons being received into the church on the first Sabbath of its ocenpaney. In January. 1875, union services were held alternately with the M. E. Church in the observance of the Week of Prayer, Rev. W. F. Tooke being pastor of that church, and laboring assiduously to deepen the impressions of the people. An unusual degree of religious interest was developed. The meetings were sustained ahost nightly till April, with effective assistance from Rev. Mr. Thurston, of Syracuse, and Rev. Mr. Blinn,
of Cambridge, for some weeks. Twenty-six persons united with the church as the fruit of this effort, one-half of whom were men, and a number heads of families. A revival followed the present year in the M. E. Church, resulting in an unprecedented accession to its numbers, and in which we had a generous share. The general improvement in the state of rellgion is not the least happy effect of these blessed visitations, a deeper feeling of seriousness having been thrown over the entire community, awakening a more earnest prayerfulness, and exciting the hope that greater blessings are to follow. A Young Men's Christian Asso- eiation has been formed, with a large number of members. The cause of temperance has received fresh attention of late years, and there is a stronger sentiment springing up with respect to that extremely important reformn.
The progress during the period of eight years embraced in the present pastorate is indicated by the subjoined table, which gives the baptisms, the additions to the church and departures from it.
MEMBERSHIP.
BAPTISMS.
No. at last
Received on
Profession.
Received by
Letter.
Total.
1 Died.
Dismissed.
Adnite.
Ants.
Year ending April, 1869.
121
3
1
125
2
7
2
..
1870.
116
5
128
2
3!
5
10
1871
123
1
1
125
124
3
4
"
1873.
117
2
00 10
124
1
2
1
1874
116
10
4
130
3
3
3
1875
124
S
0
132
4
4
2
1
Since added
1876
124
19
7
150 4
2
S
2
13
1
164 present total.
1
1872
119
6
3
The loss of our acadeury has never eeased to be the subject of deep regret, and the constant prayer of the church has been that it might again be revived. There is now an encouraging prospect that this hope may be realized. A handsome site has been purchased in one of the most eligible parts of the village by the liberal lady who has already done so much for the church, to which a large lot has been added as a gift by Mr. Oleott and Mr. G. W. B. Dakin jointly. The same lady has in contemplation the erection of a suitable academical hall for the purposes of the school, of which plans have been prepared by the pastor. There is a house on the property capable of being remodeled for the use of the principal. It is hoped that all details in the scheme of this enterprise (which are still under ad- visement ) will soon be arranged, and that the ancient in- stitution will then enter afresh upon its eareer of beneficent influence.
On the 4th of July, 1876, the Centennial of American Independence was made the occasion of unusual demon- strations and gratitude throughout the country. The Ot- sego County celebration was held at Cherry Valley, and was an occasion of great interest. The presidency of the day was fittingly awarded to our venerable fellow-citizen, Hon. William W. Campbell, who has been identified usefully with every local movement for many years. No other man has given such attention as he has to the traditions of this part of the country. It will not be inappropriate to close
Report.
13.2 ยช
Ihrer Indel
OLIVER JUDD was a lineal descendant of Deacon Thomas Judd, who came from England in 1633, settled at Cambridge, Mass., removed to Hartford, Conn., in 1636, and to Farming- ton in 1644.
He was born in New Britain, Conn., June 9, 1782. In early life he learned the trade of a blacksmith, in company with Elihu Burritt, serving a seven years' apprenticeship to an uncle. In March, 1804, he married, and, with others, came directly here, where he resided until his death, which occurred Nov. 24, 1859. In addition to iron work, he engaged in the manufacture of sleigh bells, and of brass work generally; was interested, with others, in making clocks, jewelry, and saddlery. During the war of 1812 he manu- factured largely harness and saddlery trimmings. In 1823 he established an iron foundry, which is still carried on by his son. Elected a magistrate in 1816, he held the office for twenty-one years, declining longer service on account of other engagements. In 1816, and again in 1825, he was a repre- sentative in the State legislature from this county. Was post- master during the administration of John Quincy Adams.
On the opening of the Erie canal and subsequent building of a railroad through the Mohawk valley, he was untiring in his efforts to secure better communications with those thoroughfares. Numerous explorations and surveys were made looking to the building of a railroad ; but the grades and work were found to be too heavy to be practicable. . \ plank road was built leading to both Canajoharie and Fort Plain.
The records of school district No. 3, and of the Cherry Valley academy, attest his activity in educational matters.
Undemonstrative and retiring, making no pretensions or professions, his whole life was one of uprightness and integrity. Singularly correct in his judgments and decisions, his opinions were highly valued and continually sought in matters of both a public and private character.
In his office of magistrate he was notorious as n peace- maker, constantly uljusting differences without a trial. In
so doing he often innocently thwarted the ambitions schemes of a troop of young lawyers, to say nothing of older ones, with which the locality abounded.
On the question of the use of strong drink he early took a stand resulting in a life of perfeet sobriety.
When first eleeted justice of the peace, it was the eustom to hold courts for trials at a public-house, where, of course, the fashion of the day called for a great deal of social drink- ing, in which lawyers and magistrates naturally took part.
Being satisfied that the social drinking habits of the people lay at the foundation of intemperance, he declared that he would neither treat nor be treated. He also abolished among his own workmen the social sprees then so prevalent in all manufactories. This trait shows itself at the present day in his descendants, who are among the most active in the tem- perance eause. His public spirit and patriotism also appear to have descended.
Of eight grandchildren old enough and qualified to enter the army at the breaking out of the late rebellion, six went into the service as volunteers. Two of them were killed.
The positive, independent characteristics of his mind showed themselves in his religions views.
Growing up under New England orthodox regime, and having established decided opinions in regard to the character and beatitudes of his heavenly father, his thoughtful mind discerned what to him seemed glaring inconsistencies with those opinions in some of the so-called essential doctrines of the church soeieties of the day. He became, and continued for the last fifty years of hi, life, decidedly Unitarian in sentiment, esteemning churches and creeds, forms and cere- monies, faiths and professions of value only as they contrib- uted to righteousness of charneter. Notwithstanding thi- he gave his constant attendance and support to the Presbyterian church in this place ; and on the occasion of their bnibling a new house of worship in 1827, was one of three selected for their building committee.
133
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
this account of the church with a brief notice of one who, by his careful labors, may be said to have saved an interest- ing chapter of American history from oblivion. I draw the following chiefly from a sketch given by his friend, A. Stewart More, M.D., to the N. Y. Era, March 14, 1863. His ancestors, four generations back, formed part of the En: lundy of settlers, the farm selected being that now occu- Fied by himself. His grandfather was the colonel who is mentioned in Chapter II., and his father one of those who were taken prisoners in the massaere of which he was the Last survivor. His mother was Sarah, daughter of the re- doubtable Colonel Elderkin, of Windham, Conn. Mrs. Campbell was a remarkable woman, the mother, as she used to say, of forty-two feet of boys; there being seven of them, and cach at least six feet tall. All became liberally edu- catel. and most of them entered one or the other of the professions. The eldest was the widely-known Alfred E. Campbell, D.D., of New York. Samuel retired from the bar with an ample fortune, and resides on a beautiful estate at Castleton. John is chief engineer of the Croton water department of New York city. Augustus is a physician at Galena, and George resides at Cherry Valley. William, prepared like all his brothers at the old academy, was graduated in 1827 at Union college, of which he has been for many years a trustee, as well as one of the three visitors of the Nott Trust Fund. He pursued his legal studies in the office of the eminent Chancellor Kent, whose firm friend-hip was of great service to the young lawyer. In 1830 a society of literature and historieal research was formed at Cherry Valley, out of which grew his labors on the " Annals of Tryon County," and a number of other works of a historical and biographical character, whose value led to his being made a member of the New York Ilistorical Society.
In 1843 he was elected to congress from the city district in which he resided, and in 1848 one of the justices of the superior court. After visiting Europe he retired to Cherry Valley, but was called forth to active life immediately in 1857, when he was chosen a judge of the supreme court . of New York. Judge Campbell's interest in his native vil- lage and its old church has ever been peculiarly earnest, and he takes a just pride in his own and his family's long and honorable connection with them. He labored zealously to secure the construction of its railway, and for that service, as well as for his long and persistent efforts on behalf of the cause of education among us, with the others who have shared his labors, we owe him lasting obligations. The lovely grove of maples on his farm, which has long served in place of a park or common to the village on festal days, a favorite resort for the stroller or the pienie-party, was the scene of a grand ox-roast and jubilation on the occasion of the completion of the railroad, the locomotive as it passed the margin of the grove waking the echoes with its shrill whistle, and the hills giving back the unwonted sound with a clearness that seemed like the welcome to a fresh era in their long existence, and a new page in the history of the plice. The same grove was also chosen as the place for the celebration of that joyful centennial occasion which has drawn forth such unusual expressions of mutual congratu- lation all over the country, and to the perpetuation of whose
memory this little account of an old church and its numer- ous brood of children is a small contribution.
THE METHODIST CHURCH.
The Methodist Episcopal church of Cherry Valley was or- ganized in 1828, by the Rev. Ephraim Hall. The first meetings were held in the Lancaster school-house. The officers were Leonard Ferris, Judson Wells, and James Nichols.
The first members with the above named were John C. Hall and wife, Wm. Prentice, Shepherd Prentice, Delevan Baker and wife, Laura Rudd, James Galt and wife, Mor- deea Clark and wife, George Taylor and wife.
The present church edifice was erected in 1835. and was remodeled in 1868. The original eost was $2500. and $1500 was expended in repairs and decorating. The dimensions are 58 by 45, with side and end galleries ; seat- ing capacity, 400. It was dedicated by Rev. Zachariah Paddock. The present officers are George Clark, local preacher ; Platt B. Shearer, class-leader and exhorter : Joseph W. Clark, class-leader and steward ; George Echer- son, class-leader and steward; Levi Hardendorf, class-leader and trustee ; Thomas Wichoff, class-leader and steward : John S. Galt, class-leader ; Lyman W. Thompson. steward and trustee ; George Sherman, Sunday-scheol superintend- ent, and steward and trustee ;. Robert Wales, steward and trustee ; William Folard, steward and trustee ; Chauncey Galer, steward; John Nugent, steward; Isaac La Homedue. trustee; Munson G. Wadsworth, preacher; Thomas B. Shepherd, presiding elder. The number of meiubers is 160. The following ministers have served this church : Revs. Ephraim Hall, James Kelsey, Isaac Grant, Calvin Hawley, Lyman Sperry, Joseph Baker, Leonard Bowdish, Lewis Anderson, Lyman A. Eddy, H. Ereanback, Rosman In- galls, C. Harvey, W. Southworth, George Parsons, Barlos W. Gorham, John M. Searles, John P. Newman. Moses I. Kern, L. D. Pendell, Hiram S. Richardson. John T. Crit- pen, Joseph Shank, John W. Mitchell, R. W. Peebles. George W. Foster, J. B. Sherar, Gordon Moore, Wesley F. Took, Munson G. Wadsworth.
GRACE CHURCH.
This church was organized on the 13th day of Apri .. 1846, with the following persons as offieers: Joseph W. Brackett and Henry Roseboom, wardens ; Benjamin Par :-. George W. White, Charles MeLean, B. B. Provost. David L. White, Joseph Calder, Amos L. Swan, and William Owen, vestrymen.
The following were the first members of the church : .
Names of First Members .- Henry Roseboom, Mr. Henry Roseboom, Mrs. M. E. Beardsley, Mrs. Martha Gilbert, Mrs. Benjamin Davis, Mrs. A. Lydleman. M ... J. Livingston, Mrs. A. B. Cox, Mrs. Delos White. M. Joseph Calder. Joseph Webb. Mrs. Win. W. Fr. . Mrs. Mary McKellip, Daniel Burton, Mrs. M. 200; Miss D. Hudson, J. W. Brackett, Joseph Phelon. 3 ... Joseph Phelon, Miss A. Phelon, Miss Fanny C .: -.. Brayton A. Campbell, Mrs. Brayton A. Campinall. M. Joseph Webb, Mrs. Eney Shannon, Mix. George Care. Present number of members, 125.
134
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The following notice of the laying of the corner-stone of the church edifice appeared in the Cherry Valley Gazette, under date April 15, 1846:
" The corner-stone of the new Grace church in this vil- lage was laid on Easter Monday, the 13th inst., in presence of a large concourse of people. The congregation assembled in the Episcopal Methodist church, where the morning services were read by the Rev. Mr. Ransom, after which the new church was organized. After the election of the wardens and vestry, the procession left the church, preceded by the Rev. Mr. Ransom and Rev. Mr. Beach, of Coopers- town. As the procession moved to the site of the new church the 122d Psalm was repeated, and when all were gathered around, the Rev. Mr. Beach read the address (as laid down in the form prescribed for such occasions), together with the colleet. The inscription on the corner- stone being read aloud, it was laid in its place, and the Rev. Mr. Ransom, striking it three times with a hammer, pro- nounced the dedieation of the building to be erected by the name of Grace church, 'to be devoted to the services of Almighty God, agreeable to the principles of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States of America, in its doetrines, ministry, liturgy, rites, and usages.' Upon the corner-stone was the simple inseription, 'Grace church, 1846.' Beneath it was a leaden box, within which was deposited a Bible, a prayer-book, the names of the pastor, wardens, vestrymen, and the Cherry Valley Gazette. Mr. Ransom delivered a truly eloquent and impressive address upon the occasion, congratulating the congregation upon the certain prospects of the completion of the new church."
The following have served this church as rectors from its organization to the present time: Joseph Branson, 1846; J. L. Townsend, 1850; John Dowdney, 1852; George H. Niehols, 1854; Navel. L. Mines, 1866; David L. Schwartz, 1867; H. H. Oberly, 1872; J. Hobert De Mille, 1874; Reeve Hobbie (present rector), 1876.
The present officers are as follows : Wardens .- Henry Roseboom and Joseph Phelon.
Vestrymen .- J. L. Sawyer, Charles McLean, Abm. B. Cox, Geo. Neal, P. R. Wales, A. L. Swan, Almon Brown, Geo. L. Merritt.
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH
at Center Valley was organized in March, 1841, by Rev. D. Ottmen, who was the first minister. The present officers are as follows: Adam Engle, Samuel Stinger, Jacob Har- tormn. The church has been served by the following pastors : N. Barst, one year ; J. A. Rosenberg, one year; W. H. Shellard, one year ; J. Kling, one year; J. II. Weber, one year ; C. Diependarf, one year ; S. Bruce, present pastor.
THE NATIONAL CENTRAL BANK.
The aet to incorporate the " Cherry Valley Bank" was passed April 21, 1818, under the name of " The Presi- dent, Directors, and Company of the Central Bank," and Henry F. Cox, William Campbell, Levi Beardsley, Win. W. Enders, and Geo. Morell were appointed commissioners to receive subscriptions to the capital stock.
The first president was Joseph White. The first eashier was A. M. Schermerhorn. The record-book, which con- tained the list of first board of directors and other items of
interest, was burned in the large fire which oceurred in this village in 1866. H. J. Olcott, the present president, was appointed cashier in November, 1829, and W. H. Baldwin, the present cashier, was appointed in April, 1855.
The date of reorganization as a national bank was April 13, 1865. Officers .- H. J. Olcott, president; W. H. Bald- win, cashier ; Joseph Phelon, Seth Eldredge, Wm. W. Campbell, O. A. Morse, A. C. Parshall, Samuel Campbell, Henry Roseboom, H. J. Oleott, and Wm. H. Baldwin, directors. Number of stockholders, 102.
HI. J. Olcott has been president, and W. H. Baldwin has been eashier, since the organization as a national bank.
The following are the present officers :
Horatio J. Olcott, president ; G. W. B. Dukin, assistant president ; W. H. Baldwin, cashier ; Horatio J. Olcott, William W. Campbell, IFiram Flint, G. W. B. Dakin, W. H. Baldwin, board of directors.
The capital is $100,000 ; surplus, $9400.
The bank has always been in the present building ; the interior, of course, undergoing many changes, until now it is one of the most tasteful and convenient of country bank- ing offices.
The president came as cashier to this bank when only eighteen years of age, and has been associated with it ever since, a period of nearly forty-eight years. For a long time it was the only bank between Albany and Utica, and transacted business from a region measured by the triangu- lar points of Albany, Binghamton, and Utica.
So rapid has been the growth and filling up of this sec- tion since that time that the present business is within a radius of ten miles, and is ten times as great as then.
FREEMASONRY IN CHERRY VALLEY.
Ou June 19, 1806, a warrant was granted to a lodge to be located in this village, under the name of Trinity lodge, No. 139, F. and A. M. Among the members of that lodge, and for some time its Master, was Dr. Joseph White, a distinguished physician in this section of the country. Ile was the first man initiated in Otsego lodge, at Cooperstown, in 1795. He was State senator from 1796 to 1799, and first judge of Otsego County from 1800 to 1823. Associated with him were Elijah and Lester Holt, and Abraham Roseboom, men of worth and honor. This lodge continued working until about 1814 or 1815, when it surrendered its charter for want of a convenient place in which to hold its meetings.
Two or three years after the extinction of this lodge, another warrant, instituting Cherry Valley lodge, No. 276. F. and A. M., was issued, bearing date Feb. 6, 1817, and naming as officers Peter Mayher, W. M .; Levi Beardsley, S. W .; Stephen Mather, J. W.
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