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 63
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John Blakely was a resident of Otego from 1811 to 1855, the time of his decease. Ile was a meuiber of as- senibly for Otsego County for the sessions of 1819, 1821, 1822, and 1824. Ebenezer Blakely was member of as- sembly from Otsego in 1846. Harvey Hunt was a mem- ber iu 1843. Dr. Elisha S. Saunders was a meuiber in 184S. Ransom Hunt was a member of the convention of 1821, to revise and amend the constitution, etc.
The settlers upon Flax Island creek were Castle, Cum- mings, Trasks, Harrises, Laubs, Captain Derias Niles, Burdicks, Marr, Woodward. Burdicks settled also on the west branch of Otsdawa.
The soldiers of the Revolution who settled in Otego were John Boldman, enlisted in Virginia; John Taylor, who escaped by swimming from the British prison-ship in the night, swimming three miles ; Samuel Hyatt was at the taking of' Stony Point; John Lamb, Asahel Packard, Benjamin Edson, Moses Stevens, Samuel Fisk ; Samuel Fisk was at the taking of Stony Point; Jaunes Marr. David Smith, Johu Vamillyea, William King, aud John Wattles.
THE VILLAGE OF OTEGO ·
is pleasantly located on the Susquehanna river, and is one of the flourishing towns of the county. The present (1577) business interests are as follows : attorneys, L. E. Bowe, F. D. Shumway ; physicians, George W. Cook, A. B. Cassaart, James Cassaart ; general merchants, Cook & Parker, Burdick & Rathbun, Stillson & Barlow ; Farmers' mercantile association, Myron Wilcox, agent ; hardware. Willis 11. Lines; furniture and tailoring, Hunt & Clark ; fruit, etc., George Shepherd ; grocers, Fleming & Hale ; photography, S. Wheeler ; harness-shop, Levi Coburn ; gunsmith, John A. Wheeler; boots and shoes. L. D. Wicks, Wm. Seamans; hotels, " Sliter House," Mrs. W. E. Sliter, proprietor ; " Susquehanna House," Scoville
241
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Tingley, proprietor; grist-, saw-, and cider-mills, Anthony" Jennings ; wagon-makers, Henry Birdsall, Goodman & Baldwin ; livery, Mr. Beach ; cooper-shop, A. Hughston ; meat-market, Dwight Strong; blacksmiths, W. H. French, -- Cunningham, Win. Baldwin, Thomas Bailey.
OTSDAWA is a hamlet in the northern part of the town, and contains a church and about twenty-five houses.
THE FIRST TOWN-MEETING
in the town of Huntsville was held at the house of Ransom IIunt, April 30, 1822, in conformity to an act passed April 12, 1822, for the creation of said town of Huntsville, which aet was read at the opening of the meeting by Daniel Weller, justice of the peace. Daniel Lawrence was chosen secretary and Abraham Blakeley and Peter Seram- ling were chosen to assist the justice of the peace in canvassing the votes. The following officers were then elected, viz. :
Supervisor .- Daniel Weller.
Town Clerk .- Daniel Lawrence.
Assessors .- Benjamin Shepherd, Joseph Northrup, Row- land Carr.
Collector .- John A. Hodge.
Overseers of the Poor .- Michael Birdsall, Peter Scram- ling.
Commissioners of Highways .- Andrew Hodge, Nathan Birdsall, John Smith.
.Commissioners of Schools .- Russell Hunt, John A. Hodge, Nahum Smith.
Inspectors of Schools .- Wm. Benedict, Parley Pember, Daniel Shepherd ..
'. Constable .- John A. Hodge.
Pound Master .- Michael Birdsall.
Fence Viewers .- Isaac Benedict, Benjamin Shepherd, Silvester Goodrich, Isaae Wolfe.
Overseers of Highways .-- Abraham Wolfe, Garrit Quack- enbush, Coonradt Wiles, Russell Blakeley, Jedediah Tracy, Peter Bund, Jr., Nathan Birdsall, Michael Birdsall, Stephen Ford, Ebenezer Knapp, Chester Lamb. Elias Hinsdale, Wm. Shepherd, Nahum Smith, Daniel Knap, Solomon Fuller, Trnman Trask, Levi B. Packard.
The following have served the town as supervisors and town clerks from its organization to 1878 :
Supervisors. Daniel Weller.
Town Clerks. Daniel Lawrence.
..
1.25
1-26.
66
66
16
Daniel Lawrence.
Daniel Knapp, Jr. ..
..
1.35
Moses Bundv. Juhu S. Rockwell. James Follett. ..
..
Mozes Bundy. Nathan Birdsall. ..
1 .:
Salinon Cunningham. .. ..
Ebenezer Elakely. .. ..
Moses Bundy.
Supervis rs.
1847 Henry Ililiker.
1848
.Sherman N. Hline.
1849 Oliver Birdsall.
1850 Levi Coburn.
1851
Schuyler Orsborn.
1852
Truman W. Edson.
1853 Squire Baldwin.
1851. Harvey Hunt. ¥
1855
1856
¥
1857.
Reuben Halc.
1858
Samuel R. Follett.
1859
1860 Jared Burdick.
1861
Elisha S. Saunders.
1862 Myron Wilcox.
1863
Samuel R. Follett. 16
1864
1865 Levi Coburn.
1866
1867. William T. Broadfoot.
1863 B. J. Seofiekl.
H. M. Raec.
II. E. Clark.
1870
Charles S. Williams.
A. D. Smithi.
W. II. Parker.
1873
1874
R. Day. "
Henry Newland.
John Pendlebury.
The present town officers (1877) are as follows :
Supervisor .- William II. Parker.
Town Clerk .- John Stilson.
Justices of the Peace .- Alonzo H. Trask, Morell Ed- wards.
Assessor .- Theron E. Horton.
Commissioner of Highways .- Wilson MeKcene.
Overseers of the Poor .- Alba Smith, Abner Castle.
Collector .- William Whitney.
Coustables .- Harvey Sutton, Alfred Roekwell, Willard Martindale, Eugene Smith, Barber Sheldon.
Game Constable .- James Ferry.
Inspectors of Election .- Winsor M. Place, H. O. Pack- ard, A. Hathaway.
Town Auditors .- Cyrus Hunt, J. R. Thorp, Ansel Ward.
Excise Commissioner .- Alfred Arnold.
AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL STATISTICS.
In 1865 there were 18,326 acres of improved land and 6728 acres unimproved; cash value of farms, $$18,425; 2246} aeres plowed and 125 in fallow ; in pasture, 986G; in meadow, 5438; tons of hay, 4311; bushels of grass- seed, 31 ; bushels of spring wheat harvested in 1864, 139; winter wheat, 405; bushels of oats, 15,870; winter rye, 1709; barley, 292; buckwheat, 1951 ; Indian eorn, 13,777; potatoes, 17,147 ; beans, 115; turnips, 1170; flax-seed, 51; pounds of hops, 23,921; tobacco, 1800; bushels of apples, 23,164; barrels of cider, 382; pounds of maple sugar, 9977 ; pounds of butter, 133,687 ; of cheese, 22,018.
Agricultural Statistics, 1875 .- Aeres plowed, 2972; in pasture, 9829; mown, G912; tous of hay produced, 8292 ; buek wheat, 4375 ; corn, 18,600; oats, 37,851; rye, 1368; spring wheat, 556; winter wheat, 1233 ; beans, 42; pounds of hops, 15 501; bushels of potatoes, 12,055; pounds of butter made. 267,665 : cheese, 7599.
Area .- Otogo has an area of 26,634 miles, with an assessed valuation of $109,290, and an equalized valuation of $501,977.
Town Clerks.
Edward Smith (2d). =
Levi Coburn.
Warren J. Goddard.
Squire Baldwin.
William Jay.
Thaddeus Birdsall. William E. Cunningham.
Luke Birch. George M. Cole.
Henry Newland.
A. Green.
Francis E. Shepherd.
Myron Wilcox.
William J. Broadfoot. =
John R. Beardsley.
John R. Beardsley.
Charles S. Williams.
1871
Jefferson Ferry.
1872 Franeis E. Shepherd. " "
Alfred D. Smith.
Willis HI. Lines.
1875
1876 John A. Cook.
Thaddeus R. Austin. Daniel Knapp, Jr.
Harvey Hunt. Lester Newland. Ezra R. Brewer. James Follett. Henry Chapman. Elisha S. Saunders. Hiram Stoper.
Salinon Cunningham. .. A. S. Rockwell. Sherman N. Hine. Heury K. Shelton. Henry Il liker. Sauruet R. Follett.
"
1869 Harvey Hunt.
£
212
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
POPULATION.
1:25 1031 : 1855 1850
1330 1757
1957
1×35
"123
1>65 1883
IS10
1919
1870. 2052
1º45
1922
1875 1972
1850
1792
CHAPTER LVIII.
TOWN OF OTEGO-Continued.
Congregational Church-Baptist Church-Old-School Baptist-Im- manuel Church-First Christian Church-Second Christian Church -Methodist Episcopal-Free-Will Baptist-Otego Union Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 282.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
THIS church was organized Sept. 17, 1805, with the following members, viz., Ashael Packard, David Ogden, Susannah Ogden, Mary Overhizer, Zenas Goodrich, Mary Goodrich, Christian Goodrich, M. Goodrieli, Daniel Knapp, Samuel Elwell.
The organization was effected at the house of Abraham Blakely. The meeting was opened by prayer, and a ser- mon was preached by Rev. Abner Benedict, after which he was chosen as moderator, and Ashael Packard, who had been a deacon in the Franklin church, was continued in the same office; Daniel Knapp was chosen deacon and Ashael Packard elerk. During the first two years the church was doubtless without a stated minister. On Aug. 12, 1807, they chose Rev. Wm. Bull to the pastoral office; who served two years, and it was during this period that a house of worship was erceted. This structure was thirty- two feet square, and for several years during its occupancy it was only inclosed, the seats were without backs, and it was furnished with no stove or fire. People brought their foot-stoves and hot bricks until 1816, when the building was completed and ready for occupaney. The church wor- shiped in this old building until 1830, when the present church edifice was eommeneed, and in 1S33 dedicated. It was erected at a cost of $2908.
In 1820 the church in Butternuts became divided. and sixty-seven of its members united with this church. Soon after, the trouble having been settled, the greater part of . the number returned. In 1852 some changes were made in the interior of the church, and a bell was also purchased. In 1867 the church was thoroughly repaired and painted, at a cost of $1900. It is now in a prosperous condition, with the following officers: P. J. Burnham, pastor ; A. . Arnold, G. N. Wells, C. Olmstead, and C. S. Smith, elders ; C. S. Smith, clerk.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized April 4, 1816. at this place, then called Unadilla, with the following persons, viz. : Abraham Blakely, Benjamin Green, William Thomas, John Birdsall, Phineas St. John, Silas P. Hyatt, Eli Platt, Jerusha Bird- sall, Mary Birdsall, Sabra Hunt, Lydia Green, Polly Thomas.
Prior to the erection of the church building services were held in school-houses, private houses, and barns in
various portions of the town. A. Blakely was the fi: : treasurer and deacon, and William Thomas clerk. \n. 15, 1818, Elder Daniel Robinson was chosen pastor. a .. 1 served for eight months for a salary of $50. The chure: edifice was erected in 1829, and rebuilt in 1854 at a cz of $2000. The present officers are as follows, viz. : I& # Albert Guy, pastor ; Wm. II. Shepherd, deacon ; (ii). Birdsall, Henry Newland, and Levi Coburn, trustees.
OLD-SCHOOL BAPTISTS.
This church was organized Jan. 12, 1857, by Elder ... John, who was chosen first pastor. The first trustees were Gilbert Bundy, John Smith, and G. M. French. First church clerk, James Bundy. The church has a present membership of about fifty.
IMMANUEL CHURCH .*
Immanuel Protestant Episcopal church of Otego was organized at the house of Thaddeus R. Austin, in Otego, Nov. 10, 1834, with the Rev. John F. Messenger as chair- man. James Robinson and John S. Rockwell were nomi- nated to certify to the proceedings of the meeting, and at the same time Daniel R. Pope and Jesse S. Hewitt were elected wardens ; Thaddeus R. Austin, James Robinson, John S. Rockwell, George F. Austin, Abel Bostwick, Elisha S. Saunders, James Follett, and Henry S. Austin, vestrymen. At the same time Wednesday, in Easter weck. was fixed upon as the day on which future elections should be held.
At the organization the following were members: Mrs. Thaddeus R. Austin, Daniel R. Pope and wife, Jesse S. Hewitt and wife, James Robinson and wife, and Henry S. Austin.
On Aug. 13, 1835, ground was broken and the corner- stone laid for a house of worship. The church was built of stone, 40 by 50 feet, with tower, and was completed carly in 1836 at a cost of some $2500. Of this amount Trinity church, of New York, contributed $750; the balanee was raised by subscription, which was largely ob- tained through the efforts of Henry S. Austin.
The lot on which the church stands was donated by Thaddeus R. Austin, who also headed the subscription with a liberal amount.
Previous to the organization of the church services were occasionally held in the school-house by the Rev. Mr. Foote, and after the organization, up to the completion of the church, at the same place services were held by the rector, the Rev. Mr. Messenger, or in his absence there was lay reading by Henry S. Austin.
The church was consecrated in June, 1836, by the Right Rev. Bishop Onderdonk, and admitted into the convention of the diocese of New York the same year.
The Rev. Mr. Messenger remained with the church only for a short time, and, on his weaving, the Rev. John V. Hnghs took charge of the parish till 1840, when the Rev. Andrew Hall was called as minister, and remained some two years, and on his leaving the Rev. Mr. IInghs again took charge of the parish, holling occasional services up to
& By W. Birdsall.
2+2
Michael Birdsall
Healthy Birdsall
THE BIRDSALL FAMILY AND HOMESTEAD.
As near as can be ascertained from tradition the Birdsall family sprang from a Huguenot, who, fleeing from France into Holland, came about 1640 or 1650 to Long Island, settling in Queen's county. A great-grandson of his, named Nathan Birdsall, in 1747 or 1748 emigrated from thence, with his family, to Dutchess county, settling on Quaker Hill, a well-known locality in that part of the State. The maiden name of Nathan's wife was Jane Lang- don. They were the parents of ten children,-Jolin, Lucretia, Anna, Sarah, Jane, Mary, Phoebe, James, Nathan, Benjamin. These all married and settled in the immediate neighborhood of their father's home, and their children, with the excep- tion of those of Jolm and Benjamin, also remained in the county of Dutchess, or those adjacent thereto. Benjamin's children removed to Chenango county, and they or their descendants became and are quite prominent citizens of that locality.
.
John, the oldest son and child, was born Aug. 11, 1727, twenty years before his father's removal from Long Island. He was twice married. The maiden name of his second wife was Rebecca Elwell. By this marriage there were nine children, six girls and three boys. Some of these married and remained near their father; others of them emigrated to the head-waters of the Delaware and Susque- hanna rivers. John died Sept. 17, 1815, in the eighty- eighth year of his age. The name of his first wife was Tripp. She bore but one child, who was named Lemuel, and who was born April 12, 1749. He married Martha Calkins, and soon after removed to Harpersfield, Delaware Co., N. Y. He was the father of ten children .- John, Nancy, Abigail, Sally, Michael, Oliver, Benjamin, Lydia, Chloe, William. All of these married, and. with the exception of William, lived and died within one hundred miles of their father Lemuel's home. William removed to Erie county, and became the father of many sons and daughters.
Michael Birdsall, whose portrait is given on this page. was born in Harpersfield, on May 10, 1775. His wife. Wealthy Webster, whose likeness also embellishes this ben. k. was born in Hudson, Columbia Co., N. Y., Dec. 5, 1792. They were married March 2, 1800, and two years thereafter removed from Harpersfield to the Susquehanna valley, set- tling upon a farm about three-quarters of a mile west of the village now called Otego, then Hamburg, which has bee !! in possession of the family since. A log house was erected on the spot now occupied by the carriage-house, where they lived nearly twelve years. Nearly the whole of the present highly-cultivated and prolific farm was then an unbroken forest, the part of it lying between the highway and the railway being a swamp. Michael died in 1863, having survived his wife three years. Their children were George. Lemuel, Hiram, Maria, Wealthy, Ausburn, Oliver, William. Thaddeus A., and Heury Dwight. Four of these only now reside in this county, at Otego,-George, Wealthy (who married Harvey Hunt, Esq.), William, and Thaddeus A.
William, whose portrait is given on another page. at present owns and occupies the old homestead. He has made many improvements on it since it came into his [++- session in 1864, soon after the death of his father, by purchase from the other heirs, and it is now one of the most valuable, attractive, and noticeable places in Ote- County, or along the line of the Albany and Susquehanna railroad. It can readily be seen by the railroad passenger. lying a short distance west of the Otego station. For mi re than half a century it has been the abode of peace. pet. and content, the home of cordial welcome and boat !' ... hospitality. The present proprietor preserves, in a markol degree, the well-known characteristics of the home of his father. He was married on Nov. 10. 1875, to Marian Jennings, a daughter of a prominent citizen of Otego. Her likeness also occupies a place on another page.
Marions Birdsall
...
FA
ـفخد
مصرى
$ 2
-720
30
Margareta & Day
243
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ma In 1247 the church was sold under execution, and stu fer. Mr. Hughs, by his own exertions, raised the many and redeemed the property.
1. 1-65-66 the church was repaired, enlarged, and fur- tabel, at a cost, in all, of some $3000. On Easter Tues- is : 1-65, an election for officers (the first in several years) ... ... ll, when Daniel Pope and Dr. George W. Cook were Baisers wardens ; Dr. Elisha S. Saunders, Samuel R. Follett, .am E. Arnold, Charles S. Williams, Franklin M. Bilts, FYLLtous A. Birdsall, Le Grand B. Stone, and William 1. "fall, vestrymen. In 1865 the Rev. Mr. Goddard held **** once a month. In March, 1866, the Rev. Geo. W Fonte, of New York, was called as rector, and took Ar June 1, remaining only about one year, when he ... called to Salt Lake City. where he built the first Pro- watant Episcopal church in that territory.
In May, 1867, the Rev. George W. Ferguson was called, I remained some two years, when he was called to Water- ! J. N. Y. On the Rev. MIr. Ferguson leaving, the Rev. . M. Hughs again took charge of the church, and in April, 1-20, was called as minister, and it was while the church was in charge of this venerable and good man (now gone Las his long rest), in the spring of 1870, that one of Me- worley's best bells (1043 pounds), with the inscription " Immanuel Church, Otego. N. Y., Easter, 1870," was ra :~~ J in the tower, and on Easter morn pealed forth its first DAes of joy and gladness over a risen Saviour of mankind.
In April, 1871, the Rev. Mr. Hughs resigned his charge, abd from that time until April, 1872, there were held only (rra-ional services. In April, 1872, the Rev. Joel Davis was called, and remained one year, when he was called to Harpersville, N. Y. In May, 1873, the Rev. John H. Fitzgerald was called as rector, and took charge of the parish, holding the same till Sept. 1, 1875, when he was alled to New Haven. In September, 1875, a call was ex- tended to the Rev. William C. Grubbe, which was accepted, sod he entered upon his duties October 1, and is now in charge of the parish, with thirty communicants. The Front officers are Charles Blake and Eugene Phillips, warlens; William H. Parker, Dr. A. B. Cossaart. W. H. !», F. E. Shepherd, George Goodman, John Stilson, and George W. Shearman, vestrymen. During the Rev. Mr. Hull's, Rev. Mr. Foote's, Rev. Mr. Ferguson's, and Rev. Mr. Fitzgerald's pastorate of Immanuel church, they had that of the time the charge of the Oneouta parish in con- t.ction with it, they residing at Otego ; and during the B. v. Mr. Davis' and the Rev. Mr. Grubbe's pastorate they bul in connection with it the parish at Frauklin, making Franklin their residence.
THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF OTEGO
a heated on the west branch of the Otsdawa, four miles e. rth of the present village of Otego, and was organized Jane 10, 1830, at the house of Abner Weaver (located , at tn low the present house of worship), by Elder Joshua Haywarl, by adopting the following church covenant, viz. :
We, whose names are hereafter written, having previously given . etelves to God, have this day given ourselves to one another by She will of God. And do take the New Testament of Our Lord and "waar " for the rule of our faith and practice." And determine to Attent our arms of charity to all the "Saiuts of God" who give
evidence of walking in newness of life and new obedience. And, exclusive of all other, to take upon and own the naine by which the Disciples were called at Autioch, namely, "Christians." As such wo are publicly confessed by Joshua Hayward, elder of the Church of Christ.
Name of first minister, Joshua Hayward.
Charter members .- Peleg Burdick, Elizabeth Burdick, Abner Wea- ver, Jane Weaver, Alden Burdick, Nancy Griffith, Caleb C. Wells, Isabel Weaver, Truman Trask, Louise Church, Polly Weaver, Chris- tina Van Dusen, Betsey Wells.
The first Christian meeting-house was erected in the year 1835, at a cost of $1200; size, 30 by 38 feet.
The fellowship-meetings were established and held once a month regularly, " and were characterized by love, union, aud heavenly sittings in Jesus."
The present officers are as follows : Geo. R. Brown, HI. S. Trask, and Chas. Hoag, trustees; T. J. Martin, church elerk ; George R. Brown, treasurer.
The present minister is Elder HI. Lenardson, M.D.
The church record furnishes no authentie account of the labors of the first miuisters. Among the first were Joshua Hayward and C. W. Martin. In 1835, Reuben Burgess commeneed his labors for an indefinite period. In 1853, Rev. S. B. Hayward was chosen pastor, and served one year. In 1855, Rev. A. Hayward was chosen pastor, and served also one year. January, 1856, Rev. John Cook was called, and held the pastorate successfully for four years, closing the same in March, 1861. April, 1862, Rev. Daniel Grant accepted the pastoral care, and served the churchi about three years. April, 1865, Rev. C. E. Peake was called to the pastorate, and held the same for two years, the church prospering. April, 1867, Rev. E. Thorn was chosen pastor, and held the same for one year. April, 1869, Rev. C. E. Peake was recalled, and held the position for one year. April, 1870, Rev. Wm. Case was chosen pastor, and continued for three. During one year of this time he was siek, and the ministering brethren of the New York Eastern Christian conference (of which he was a member) gave each a Sabbath's services to aid him supplying his pulpits ; the churches (First and Second Christian churches of Otego) paying his salary and caring for him until he was restored so as to resume his labors. April 1, 1873, Rev. Elias Jones commeneed pastoral labor, being called to that position, and served for three years. April 1, 1876, Rev. H. Leuardson, M.D., was called to labor as pastor, and is the present in- eumbent, including in his field of labor the Second Chris- tian church of Otego.
The number of present members is 116; whole number since its organization, 221 ; deaths, 42 ; dismissed by letter, removals, etc., 63.
The society has had but one church building, which way remodeled and improved, adding ten feet to its length, add- ing on steeple, ete., at a cost of $300. This was done in the year 1874. Its present size is 30 by 48 feet.
The First Christian church of Otego, in connection with and associated with other churches at that early day, adoptel the following distinctive principles : Christ our head and lawgiver ; the Bible our creed ; the right of private judy- ment; Christian our name, a nawie given by divine appoint- ment ; Christian character our test of fellowship, receiving all who give evidence that Christ has received them, be-
1
.
2.44
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
lieving a life is more than a ereed, and that Christians are one in the sense our Saviour prayed, as recorded in the seventeenth chapter of the gospel of St. John. Christ prayed for the unity or oneness of all who should believe on him-" That the world may believe, thou hast sent me."
" In the year 1835 the record dates a glorious revival under the labors of Reuben Burgess, who was subsequently ordained by the following elders, John Hollister, Win. Cummings, Isaac Soule, and Stephen Soule ; and at a meet- ing held in J. H. Wilsey's barn, June 26, 1835, quite a number were added to its membership."
The first annual meeting was held Jan. 5, 1857, to elect a ministerial committee, etc., who were instructed by vote of the church whom to secure as pastor, acting as a con- gregational body independently. These annual meetings are kept up regularly.
The next general revival was under the two years' pas- torate of Rev. C. E. Peake. " During this time many additions were made to the church, and some of them heads of families and men of means."
The record of the church speaks of Rev. E. Jones' pas- torate as successful. "Several additions were made, and the work of temperance reforin and the Sabbath-school were carried on with marked success."
Another item in its history is the fact that the present pastor during the first year of his work has carried forward the temperance reform so nobly begun by Rev. E. Jones, having organized a strictly Total Abstinence Temperance society under the auspices and patronage of the church, with constitution and by-laws requiring monthly meetings, with a pledged membership of nearly one hundred and fifty members, pledged to use their influence by social moral suasion and a prohibitory law-voting as they pray-in order to stay this giant evil, intemperance (or drive it from our midst), perpetuated by using alcoholie stimulants as a bev- erage, by the drinking usages of society, and by a license law that fosters and clothes it with authority and protects the traffic, receiving in return a meagre revenue for the same; tlie society bearing a constant testimony against this evil by its publie positiou on this important question.
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