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 49
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CHAPTER XLIX. TOWN OF MILFORD.
Organization - Geographical - Topographical - First Settlers and their Locations-Initial Events-First Town-Meeting-Officers Elected-Documentary History-Supervisors and Town Clerks from 1796 to 1878-Present Town Officials-Agricultural and General Statistics-Area-Assessed and Equalized Valuation- Population from 1800 to 1875.
THIS town was formed from Unadilla Feb. 5, 1796, as " Suffrage." It retained this name until the year 1800, when it was changed to Milford. It is an interior town, lying south of the eentre of the county, and bounded as follows : on the north by Hartwick, Middlefield, and Westford, on the east by Maryland, on the south by Onconta, and on the west by Oneonta and Laurens.
The surface of Milford is a hilly upland, divided into two ridges by the Susquehanna river. The declivities of the hills in many places are very steep. Crumhorn mountain, on the east border, attains an elevation of 500 to 600 fect above the valley. The hills in the west part of the town are 300 to 400 feet in height. The soil consists chiefly of a sandy loam, in some localities mixed with gravel.
Settlements were begun in this towu before the Revolu- tion, but the border wars caused them to be abandoued, and no permanent settlement was effected until 1783. Among those who located prior to the Revolution was one Carr, a " squatter," who settled ou the Susquehanna.
Among the first who located in the town after the war were David, Thomas, and Mathew Cully, from Cherry Valley, and the Mumfords, from Bennington, Vt. They came in 1788, and settled at Milford Centre.
The Mumford family consisted of the father, Thomas Mumford, and four sons, George, Gardner, John, and Jo- seph, and five daughters. Mr. Mumford purchased a grist- mf of David Cully, and four hundred aeres of land from David and Mathew Cully. He settled, with his sous, on the farm. Iu the year 1800, Joseph, desiring to change his location, purchased a farm on the site of the present village of Portlandville, on the west side of the river. In 1807, Julin purchased a farm ou the east side of the river. One son: Alonzo, now resides in the vicinity. The only descend- ants are Delora, residing in Otego; Robinson, below Port- landville; and Captain Jesse Mumford. The latter now resides at Portlandville, at an advanced age. He has kept a public-house in this town more than forty years.
The Edsons were early settlers at the corners bearing their name. Levi Adams was also an early settler in this viciuity. He came from Pawlet, Vt., and located here in 1790. He was the first carpenter in the town. He built many of the pioneer houses, and was in many respects a useful man in the new county. A daughter, Polly, mar- ried Joseph Mumford. She lived to the advanced age of ninety-seven years, and died in 1876.
The village of Portlandville was formerly known as Mumfordsville; but the Mumfords, not earing that their name should be perpetuated in this manner, decided to change the name of the village, and finally, at the surges- tion of Captain Jesse Mumford, it was called Portlandville. This designation pleased the inhabitants, and it has since retained that name.
The establishment of a post-office was an event hailed with much satisfaction by the people of Portlandville and vicinity. This was established in 1826, and Captain Mum- ford appointed postmaster. After officiating in this ca- pacity four years, the office was removed to Milford Centre, and was subsequently removed to Portlandville, and Captain Mumford reinstated as postmaster.
The first tavern was built in 1825 by Captain Mumford, which he kept for a period of forty years.
The excellent water-power afforded by the Susquehanna at this point early stimulated the erection of mills. and in 1814 a large dam and saw-mill was built by a company, consisting of George Gardner, Joseph and John Mumford, Johu Lowe, Sr., John Lowe, Jr., and David Cully. In the following year, 1815, a grist-mill was also built by the same company.
The pioneer store in Portlandville was kept by Russell Briggs. The first physician was Dr. Steward.
A prominent settler below Portlandville was Colonel John Moore, who was born in Cherry Valley in 1767, and located in this town, then known as " Suffrage," in 1784. He afterwards moved to the village of Milford, and settled on a farm ou the east side of the river, upon which a por- tion of the present village is situated. A daughter of Colonel Moore, Mrs. Mary M. Sweet, was boru on the farm, and lives in the vicinity. Colonel Moore was a mem- ber of the assembly in 1818. He was postmaster for a period of nearly forty years, supervisor three years, and a colonel in the militia. He died in 1855, aged eighty-eight years.
Conspicnous among the many prominent wien who have at various times resided in Milford is mentioned the name of William II. Bissell. He was born in the town of Hurt- wiek, and came to this town when an infant. Here, in this picturesque vale of the Susquehanna, he grew to man- hood, in the mean time preparing himself for the medical profession. This he finally abandoned, and, removing to Illinois, commeneed the study of the law, and was subse- quently admitted to the bar of that State. At the break- ing out of the Mexican war he entered the United States service as the colonel of a regiment, and served with dis- tinction. Among the many contests in which he partici- pated was the battle of Buena Vista. At the close of the war he returned to his adopted State, and was twice flertal to congress. His faithful attention to the interests of his
MRS. MARGARET J.BARNES
HON. S. R. BARNES.
MRS. SUSAN MORRIS.
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HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
193
State in that body won the confidence of the people, and he was elevated to the gubernatorial chair. He was re-elected, and died during his second term.
A prominent pioneer was Norman Bissell, who purchased land uear the village. Three children reside in the town, viz., Amos Bissell, Esq., a farmer, real estate and produce dealer, in Milford village; Mrs. Margaret Luther, in Hart- wick ; and Mrs. King, in Milford village.
A soldier of the Revolution was Artemus Ward, who enlisted from Worcester, Mass. He was stationed at West Point during the gloomy days of Arnold's treachery to the colonial cause. Mr. Ward located near Milford village prior to 1800. He died in 1827. Amos Bissell, Esq., men- tioned above, is a grandson.
Jonathan Sweet was a prominent man in the early days, and did much to advance the interests of the pioneers. He came from the town of East Greenwich, R. I., and located in this town, one-half mile north of Milford village, on the Outhout patent. He had two sons, Amos and Abel. The former died here, leaving a large family. Abel, after re- siding here several years, moved to Oneida county .. A daughter married Asa Eddy, who emigrated from Hoosick, · Rensselaer county, N. Y., in 1805, and settled on lands a short distance north of the village on the Outhout patent. Mr. Eddy was an enterprising citizen, and built the first tannery in the town. This primitive establishment was in operation in 1806, and during a period of sixty-five years was conducted by the father and son. He had a family of four daughters and four sons. Two of the daughters, Mrs. Mary Russell and Mrs. L. E. Bowe, reside in the village of Otego. A son, Jolin Eddy, Esq., a prominent citizen, was born and resides in the town. He was a member of the Constitutional convention in 1867.
A pioneer on Clark's patent, below the village, was Dan- iel French, who came from Massachusetts at a very carly day. He was accompanied by his brother, Mr. David French. A daughter of Daniel French, Mrs. Chauncey Brown, aged seventy-seven years, is living in the village. As au instance of the privations and hardships encountered by the settlers in a new county, it is related by Mr. French that during a year of great scarcity they subsisted on leeks and milk during six weeks, and before the ripening of their wheat it was gathered and boiled for food. So reduced did they become that he gave a yoke of cattle in exchange for seven bushels of e rn.
The " Emerald Isle" sent few worthier representatives to the new county than Henry Seott. Mr. Scott, accompanied by his wife and daughter, emigrated from Ireland prior to 1796, and settled on lands north of the village. He was a successful farmer, and paid the purchase-money of his farm with the first crops of wheat. He was a prominent pioncer, the first clerk of the town, and was also a justice of the peace. A son, Henry Scott, was many years cashier of the Otsego County bank, located at Cooperstown.
A well-remerubered pioneer was David L. Sayre, who came from Greene county, N. Y .. in 1868. He settled in the village, and opened a general store. Ile died in 1:35. A son. George W., was born in the village h. 1811, and died there in 1871. His widow occupies the old home- stead.
Moses Ford was a pioneer, and a portion of Milford vil- lage is located upon lands formerly owned by him.
The first tavern in the village was located on the site now occupied by Gilbert Kniskerns. Levi Stewart, who after- wards became county judge, opened, and during many years condueted, a manufactory of " beaver hats" at this place.
A cabinet-shop was established here by William P. Wait as early as 1808. A comb-factory, somewhat celebrated in its day, was once in operation in this village, where the old- fashioned tortoise-shell and back-comb was manufactured. Prosper Stewart, proprietor.
Edward and Thomas Baker came from Vermont, and settled in this town at an early day. The former located at Milford Centre, and the latter in the vicinity of Edson's Corners. A grandson of Thomas owns and occupies the old homestead.
Prominent among the early settlers who chose Milford for a home was Isaac Collier, who located at what is now known as Colliersville. A son, Peter Collier, of honored memory, was a prominent man in the vicinity, being super- visor from 1818 to 1825, and from 1827 to 1839. He was also presidential elector in 1832. A daughter married Jared Goodyear, who was supervisor of the town for a period of six years.
James Westcott was an early settler, and was supervisor in 1807-8. Ezra Adams was also a prominent pioneer, and officiated as supervisor during the years 1809-13.
Among other pioneers in Milford are mentioned the names of the Edsons, Westcotts, Aylesworths. Numerous descendants are now living in the town.
Other pioneers who settled prior to 1796 are as follows : Joel Stoddard, Aaron Brink, Jolm Bivins, Joseph Culver, Samuel Whitmarsh, Samuel Doolittle, James Westcott, David Hamlin, John Felton, Samuel Bidwell, Lemuel Sergeants, Reuben Jennings, Philip Ellsworth, Edmund Pattee, and Noah Ford.
The following located prior to 1797, viz., Stanley Whit- ford, Abel Lyon, Harvey Bacon, Belazed Moffat, Micah Hoskins, Jacob Morrel, Ezra Tryon, Levi Adams, Sperry Peck, Cyrenus Stoddard, Pennel Jewels. Others who set- tled at about the same time were Samuel Sisson, James Adams, Frederick Hess, Seth Miller, Noah Dolge, Fred- erick Brown, Benjamin Westcott, William Marianis, Jacob Weaver, Philip Aylesworth, Joseph Hatch, Erias Jennings, William Collier, Samuel Hinman, Eleazer Cross, Otis Prentice, Levi Hungerford, Leonard Morey, Peter Mil- lington, James Ray, William Chichester, John Sylesworth, Griswold Walworth, Thos. Eldred, and Mr. McCollun.
Dumiel Averill, David French, Jr., Jacob Houghtailing. Josiah Peets, Joseph McDonald, and John Wickham.
Abraham and Jacob Beals settied near Milford village in 1784.
The first child born was David Beals, in 1786, and the first death that of Mrs. Beals, in 1788.
The first marriage was that of James Brown and Rboda Marvin, in 1788.
The first grist-mill in the town was erected in Tins. by David Cully, and the first saw-mill by Mathew Cully, in 1792-93.
Increase Niles taught the first school in 1790.
25
104
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Stanley Whitford was undoubtedly the first surveyor in the town, as his name appears on the records as being a resi- dent in 1796.
Surveyors in 1801 were Elijah Mason and Samuel Sleeper.
THE VILLAGE OF PORTLANDVILLE
is situated on the Susquehanna river, in a narrow valley lying on both sides of the river between the Crumhorn hills on the cast and high hills on the west. It contains three churches, viz. : Christian, Rev. Wm. Olin pastor ; Episcopal, Rev. James Smith rector ; Methodist Episcopal, Rev. A. B. Richardson pastor in charge.
It contains the following business interests : merchants, O. M. Soule and C. D. MeLawry ; grocer, W. H. Gurney ; carriage-shop, Chauncey & Carpenter, and Nelson Cronk- ite ; grist-mill, Julius Elwell; two saw-mills, Elwell, and Squires & Wright; hotel, J. W. Stephens; dentist, Ira Stephens ; physicians, E. W. Spafford and J. Thorn ; at- torneys, R. M. Townsend and M. S. Cook. There are also four blacksmith-shops.
MILFORD VILLAGE
is pleasantly situated in a broad valley, near the confluence of the Susquehanna river and Cherry Valley creek, and con- tains two churches,-Presbyterian and Methodist,-and the following business interests : general merchants, Hawver & Liddel, James M. Parshall ; hardware, Cronkite & Smith ; tin and stoves, Sullivan Smith ; drugs and groceries, O. D. Westcott; butter and cheese dealers, S. T. Pratt, B. L. Bates ; hotels, G. Kinskerns, F. Pratt ; tannery, W. E. Stickney.
The first town-meeting in "Suffrage," now Milford, was held at the house of Isaac Collier, on Tuesday, the 5th day of April, 1796, when the following persons were elected :
Supervisor .- James Moore.
Town Clerk .- Henry Scott.
Commissioners of Highways .- John Moore, Joel Stod- dard, and Aaron Brink.
Assessors .- John Bivins, Joseph Culver, Samuel Whit- marsh.
Commissioners of Schools .- David Cully, Samuel Doo- little, and Samuel Whitmarsh.
Overseers of the Poor .- James Wescott and David Hamlin.
Constables and Collectors .- John Felton, Jr., and James Westcott.
Poor Committee .- David Cully, Henry Scott, and James Moore.
Pound Master .- Samuel Bidwell.
Fonce Vinters .- Lemuel Sergeants, Samuel Doolittle, Aaron Brink, and Daniel French.
At this town-meeting the following " road wards" were designated, viz. :
First Word .- John Moore, pathmaster. " Beginning at the south line of Otsego town, from there to Moses Ford's north line, and from the school-house to David Culley's grist.mill."
Second Ward .- Nehemiah Noyes, pathmaster. " From Moses Ford's north line to Matthew Culley's south line."
Third Ward .- James Wescott, pathmaster. .. Fromu
Matthew Culley's south line to the Hemlock bridge, between James Wescott's and Isaae Collier's."
Fourth Ward .- Isaac Collier, pathmaster. " From the aforesaid Hemlock bridge to Abraham Houghtailing . creek."
Fifth Ward .- Aaron Brink, pathmaster. "From the aforesaid ereek to the south line of the town."
Sixth Ward .- Reuben Jennings, pathmaster. " Begin- ning at David Culley's grist-mill, from thence to John Blivins' south line."
Serenth Ward .- Philip Ellsworth, pathmaster. " From John Blivins' south line to the main road at Samuel Duo- little's."
Eighth Ward .- Edmund Pattee, pathinaster. " Begin- ning at the town line of Otego, and ending at the house of Reuben Jennings."
Ninth Ward .- Noah Ford, pathmaster. " Beginning at the Susquehanna river near the conjunetion of Cherry Valley creek with said river, and ending at the intersection of the road from David Culley's mills to John Blivins"."
At this meeting it was also " Resolved, that where a creek or bridge is in the bounds of a ward, that each ward shall extend to the middle of such creek or bridge."
The following records appear on the town-books for the year 1797 :
"Lieenses granted to William Cross, and cash received for the same, five dollars. £2.0.0.
" EZRA ADAMS, Town Clerk."
"June 19. Lieense granted to David Hess, and a note taken for the sum of five dollars."
" Mareh the 1st, 1798, permits to Mathew Cully, Isaac Collier, Isaac Edson, Daniel Hess, Aaron Brink, and James Weseott, and notes taken from each of them for the sum of five dollars."
The following is a list of the supervisors and town clerks from the organization of the town in 1796 to 1878:
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
1796
James Moore.
Henry Seott.
1797
.
Ezra Adams.
1798
16
John Mumford.
1,99
66
1800.
.6
Henry Scott.
1801
16
1809
1.803
1804 1805
6.
"
1806
1807
James Wescott.
1808
1509
Ezra Adams.
Enos J. Speneer.
1810
1811.
:
1812
Jacob Filson.
1813
John Mumford.
1814
John Moore.
1$15
John Dietz.
Jacob Edson.
1416 John Moore.
1817
..
1818 John Badger.
1$19 Peter Collier.
1820
..
1821
1:22
..
1.21
..
..
44
Asa Elly.
1426.
..
1827 Peter Collier.
1828
1820
..
..
..
1831
16
..
..
1832
..
..
..
1:33
16
44
Ezra Adams.
Ezra Adams. .6
=
1-25 Jacob Dietz.
Ezra Adams.
MRS. WM. R. HARDY.
TENANT HOUSE .
WM. R. HARDY.
1.
2
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FREEMAN MURRY,
MRS. EUNICE MURRY.
195
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Supervisor. Peler Collier.
Town Clerks. John Moore, Jr.
Allen Baker.
Isa Edily.
Chauncey Brown.
Allen Baker.
Jeremiah G. Bissell.
Adriel G. Ely.
Orin C. Starr.
Hiram C. Cline.
4
Wm. H. Branch.
S. Loomis Russell.
Thos. L. Wakefield.
Jesse Mumford.
Thos. L. Wakefield. =
: $
Amos Stickney.
R. M. Townsend.
David Wilber.
Wm. R. Hardy.
Hiram C. Cline.
David Wilber.
Alonzo Low.
Henry C. Whitman.
Isaae C. Winsor. ..
Calvin Thorn.
Isaac C. Winsor.
Joel Thorn.
66
Marcy S. Cook.
Oscar M. Soule.
The present (1877) town officers are as follows :
Supervisor .- Spencer T. Pratt. Tinen Clerk :.-- Oscar M. Soule.
Justice .- James O. Baker. Commissioner of Highways .- Menzo Wilcox.
Collector .- Orlando Lawyer.
Overseer of the Poor .- John Leaning.
Town Auditors .- Sullivan Smith, William R. Hardy, and Edwin Chauncey.
Constables .- Henry Seabolt, Alfred Mumford, Cyrenus Stevens, Solomon Seargeants.
Excise Commissioners .- G. Bostwick and W. H. Secor.
AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL STATISTICS.
In 1865 there were 19,229 acres of improved land in Milford, and the cash value of farins was $1,139,815; plowed land, 3731 acres; in pasture, 7091 ; in meadow, 3657; bushels of spring wheat, 264; bushels of winter wheat, 174; bushels of oats, 19,115; bushels of barley, ; 126; bushels of buckwheat, 4274; bushels of corn, 11,- +57; bushels of potatoes, 19,317 ; pounds of hops, 302,594; bu-hels of apples, 21,693; barrels of cider, 682; pounds of maple sugar, 1200; pounds of butter, 120,555; pounds of cheese, 15,259.
Agricultural Statistics, 1875 .- Acres plowed, 4005; in Facture, 7895 ; mown, 6878 ; tons of hay produced, 7320; bu-hels of barley, 60; spring wheat, 166; winter wheat, 359; buckwheat, 5309; corn, 14,290; oats, 43,900 ; rye, 3721; beans, 82; peas, 160; pounds of hops, 162,546; potatoes, 38,598; pounds of butter, 210,559; cheese, 1650.
.frea .- Milford has an area of 28,172, and its assessed
valuation is $549,070, and its equalized valuation is 8578,- 934.
POPULATION.
1800
711 :1845
1810 .. 2025
1850
1855 .2229
1820
.2505
1560
1825
2812
1865 2:03
1830
3025
1870
1835
2112
IS75
1840
2095 1
CHAPTER L.
TOWN OF MILFORD-Continued.
Lodges and Churches.
PORTLANDVILLE LODGE, I. O. O. F.
A LODGE of this honored order was organized in the vil- lage of Milford, March 16, 1850, with the following officers: Avery K. Briggs, N. G. ; S. Loomis Russell, V. G .; James Sweet, Sec. ; John Stewart, Treas. This lodge was moved to Portlandville on Aug. 5, 1854.
The present officers are as follows : George Bartlett, N. G .; Norman Stone, V. G .; R. M. Townsend, See. ; Asa D. Squier, Treas. The present membership of the lodge numbers twenty-eight.
GOOD TEMPLARS.
A lodge of Good Templars was instituted at Portland- ville in July, 1863, by A. S. Draper, of Albany. William H. Gurney was the first W. C. T. The present officers are as follows : Mrs. Eliza Thorn, W. C. T .; Mrs. Jennie Manning, V. C. T. ; Clarence Thorn, See. ; Mrs. Elizabeth Gurney, Treas. Present membership, forty-seven.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.
Tradition says that a religious society was organized in this town as early as 1803, which, Aug. 25, 1806, was formed into a Presbyterian society, agreeable to " P. notification." The officers of such society were as follows : Henry Scott and James Moore, returning board; Jonas Perry, Jeho Moore, Moses Ford, Judah Waters, Daniel French, and William Cross, trustees.
It is said that the first church building was begun in 1803, but was not covered for several years. The records show that the same was completed in 1807. A subscription paper, dated March 3, 1804, is extant, which empowers " trustees to begin and carry on the building of said house as soon as they can 'git' and collect a sufficient quantity of materials for the same." It appears, from a contract se- cuted March 7, 1805, that Ezekiel Follett and William Angell contracted with said trustees to " finish" the above meeting-house in every respect in a masterly manner, on or before the 19th day of Jannary, "which will hogyes in 1807." It was further agreed " by said Ezekiel ao! William" that the gable ends were to be " cornished on the deck, a handsome balistrade round the top of the lantern, posts to be done with madilions. The front door in the tower to be done with a handsome and fashionable fromis- piece, the work on the said door to be equal to twenty
1000
Elihu W. Clark.
1:١٠
Abram Diefendorf.
Andrew Spencer. ..
Oscar M. Soule.
Robert M. Rose.
11:6.
..
..
Jared Goodyear.
Elijah Brown. =
Zebediah Martin.
...
Jared Goodyear. .. Norman Griswold. John Eddy. Dan'l Bow.
Hiram C. Cline.
Dan'I Bow.
Hiram C. Cline.
Jared Goodyear.
David Wilber.
Hobart B. Somers.
Eli Van Etten.
Hiram C. Cline.
Simeon Barnes.
1814. 2239
196
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
dollars ;" and, further, " The pews to be panel-work. The pulpit and pulpit windows to be done in the newest and most fashionable manner. The said house to be lathed and plastered and whitewashed in a neat and handsome manner." No consideration is named in the contract. The church edifiee was repaired and moved in 1875. It is now a substantial and comfortable house of worship.
The following-named persons have officiated as pastors of this church from its organization to the present time, viz. : Alexander Conkey, 1807-13; John R. St. John, 1813 -20; Jacob Burbank, 1820-26; Edward Fairchild, 1826- 28; Win. Clark, one year, in 1833; J. B. Fish, one year, in 1837; A. D. Hollister, 1838-41; Horatio Pattengill, 1841-45; James W. Phillips, 1847-51 ; S. Mercercau, 1851-52; James W. Phillips, 1852-53; S. S. Goodman, 1853-58 ; Chas. Gillette, 1858-70 ; A. Snashall, 1870-71; supplies, 1871-72; A. G. Beebee, 1872-74; S. C. Van Camp, 1874, present incumbent.
The present officers of the church are as follows : Parker Seott, Warren Lyon, Sullivan Smith, elders. George N. Bissell, Cyrus Short, and James E. Parshall, trustees.
The church is now in a prosperous condition, and has a membership of 134.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
at Portlandville was organized Dee. 29, 1838, by Elders Stephen Soule and Stephen Hitcheock, both of whom were chosen elders, and the latter became the first pastor. The first members were as follows: Stephen Soule, John Cook, Robertson Ellsworth, Hannah Smith, Harriet White, and Minerva Winsor. The church edifice was erected in 1840 at a cost of $600, and dedicated in September of that year by Elders J. Ross, J. Soule, S. Soule, C. J Butler, Wm. Roberts, S. Hayward, S. Hitchcock. The dedicatory ser- mon was delivered by Elder Ross. It has been repaired and greatly improved at a cost of $675. 7
The present officers of the church are as follows : Rev. William Oliu, pastor ; O. M. Soule, Eli Van Ellen, deacons; Dr. Ezra Spafford, A. Hubbard, and William Murry, trustees ; G. D. Bartlett, clerk.
CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR (UNIVERSALIST), OF COLLIERS
AND MARYLAND.
April 25, 1877, a meeting of the members was called at the house of the pastor to mature an organization. It was accomplished. At the above meeting Amos D. Spencer and Byron Burnside, previously appointed to act as deacons, were retained. Dr. Irish clected secretary ; Miss Wealthy Marble, treasurer.
From October, 1876, to April, 1877, Rev. D. Ballon, of Utica, preached here. Oct. 22, 1876, some steps were taken toward organization, and twenty-two members were received, viz. : Simcon R. Barnes, Mrs. Margaret Jane Barnes, Amos D. Spencer, Mrs. Elvira Spencer, Miss Wealthy Marble, Mrs. Olive Marble, Sigsby Burnside, Mrs. Catherine Burnside, Horace Burnside. Byron Burnside, Dr. Truman Irish, Mrs. Susan Irish, William Channeey, Mrs. Mary Chauncey, George Gumm, Mrs. Polly An Guun. Miss Susan Coon, Mrs. Sarah J. Bostick, Mrs. Lydia A. Barn- side, of Oneonta, Mrs. Mary Tallinadge, of Scheuerns, John D. Platt, of Illinois, Mrs. Julia D. Platt, of Illinois.
During summer of 1876 a church was built, at a l. ... cost of $2400, of wood, 55 by 32 feet, with 52 slq-, -. at ing 350 persons. Services were previously held irres larly in school-houses. The corner-stone was given 1; General S. S. Burnside, of Onconta, and has inscribed upof: it, " First Universalist Church of Colliersville aud Mary- land, 1876." The present pastor is Rev. R. II. AMrich who took the charge April 1, 1877. The number of present members is 36 ..
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