History of Otsego County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 72

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) cn
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 988


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 72


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Under Elder Raymond's pastorate this church acquired a larger membership-at one time reaching fully 250-than it has ever since attained. They were scattered all about these hills and valleys, within a cirenit of ten or twelve miles, and many of them were operatives in the mills south of here. And this pastorate was longer than that of eitlier of his successors, continuing until 1842, a period of eight years. Elder Raymond still survives, a veteran in the service of his Master. He was succeeded by Rev. Stephen Hutchins, who lived to hold the office for only a year, when death severed the connection between a beloved pastor and his people. Rev. John A. Nash was the next pastor, and also remained a year. In 1843, Rev. Francis Prescott accepted a call to the pastorate of the church, and remained about four years, until 1847. Rev. R. G. Toles was his successor for a single year. Rev. George W. Gates was pastor from 1849 to 1852. He was succeeded by Rev. E. S. Davis, who held the office of pastor for a single year. Rev. M. C. Manning came here in 1854, and left on ac- count of failing health in 1856.


The Rev. Samuel T. Livermore accepted a call to the pastorate of this church in 1856, and continued to hold the office until the spring of 1862. The church saw pros- perity and some growth under his administration,-quite a revival,-and a large addition to its membership towards its close. Mr. Livermore induced the society to expend 8450 in the erection of a much-needed and convenient chapel for prayer-meetings in 1861 ; which building was enlarged and improved at a cost of about $325 last fall.


In the fall of 1862 the church gave a call to Everett R. Sawyer, whose family has furnished the Baptist denomina- tion so many preachers of note ; it was accepted, and he was ordained as a minister and installed as pastor. His labors among us were blessed, and the church continued to prosper and to increase in membership under his discreet and earnest administration, which was terminated by his acceptance of a call to a much larger field of labor in 1867. Elder Sawyer was that year succeeded by Rev. H. D. Bur- dick, who remained our pastor one year ; and Mr. Burdick by Charles C. Smith, graduate of . Madison university, in 1869, who was ordained as a minister, and entered on his duties as pastor. Ile remained upwards of four years in that office. It was while he was here, and greatly through his earnest efforts, that in the summer of 1870 the society expended nearly $4000 in enlarging and improving the church edifiee.


In the spring of 1874 the church gave a call to George B. Vosburg, another graduate of Madison university, or- daining him as minister in June, when his labors as pastor commeneed. They were earnest, energetic, and prayerful throughout, .large numbers being added to the membership of the church, so that it about doubled in less than three years. During that time a new organ was purchased, and the chapel was enlarged, at a cost of about $1400. It was, therefore, with much regret that the church accepted his resignation at the close of 1876, Elder Vosburg becoming tlie pastor of the Bergen Baptist church of Jersey City. in January, 1877. The same month this church extended a unanimous call to Rev. F. J. Parry, of Philadelphia, to become its pastor, and were gratitied by its early acceptance;


# By Samuel M. Shaw.


35


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HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.


and we have reason to hope that his pastorate may prove eminently acceptable and successful among us.


Since the organization of the Baptist church of Coopers- town, it has liceused several of its most devoted members to preach the gospel, some of whom remain till now worthy and useful pastors of churches. It has dismissed hundreds of its members to become such in other sister churches, scattered through different States of the Union. Its mem- bership, which had previously slowly dwindled for five or six years,-mainly from the cause just given,-is fully double what it was at the close of 1873. Removals from this parish make a steady drain upon us.


It is a pleasant and cheering fact to record that a distin- guishing characteristic of this church has been a unity of feeling and purpose among its membership; the presence of that harmony, kindness, and Christian fellowship which go so far towards making the church of God the most at- tractive place on earth to the sincere Christian. It has for several years past sustained an annual expenditure which must be deemed very liberal, compared with those of many churches of far greater material resources. May its strength in numbers and in attachment to the good old cause never be less.


.


UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.


The Universalist church of Cooperstown was organized April 26, 1831, in the school-house of distriet No. 19, in this village. Among those who were instrumental in effect- ing the organization were Ellery Cory, Holder Cory, Henry Beadle, B. Taylor Comstock, Seth Doubleday, Isaac Fitch, Esek Bradford, Joseph Perkins, Levi H. Pieree, Levi Wood, James I. Paul, William Wilson, Richard Cooley, Stephen Gregory, and Abram Van Horne.


The first officers of the church were Esek Bradford, Abram Van Horne, Levi H. Pierce, Seth Doubleday, and Stephen Gregory. Rev. Job Potter became the first pastor, and officiated in that capacity for a period of five years. The first house of worship was erceted in 1832, at a cost, together with the lot, of $1393.73, services having pre- viously been held in the school-house mentioned in the preceding paragraph.


The church proper was organized Ang. 21, 1858, with the following members: Holder Cory, Ellery Cory, Levi Wood, Benjamin Pierce, Olive Wood, Almira Scott, Mary A. Wood, Catharine Jarvis, Laura Barnum, Mary Savage, Wm. B. Stevens, Matilda Stevens, J. S. Parker, Hannah Ball, Giles C. Smith, Ann Bowen. Maria Paul, Eveline Roberts, Elizabeth Marcellus, Aurelia Wilson, and Polly Williams. In 1860 the church edifice was repaired and reinodeled.


The following is a list of the pastors of the church from 1836 to the present time: Rev. Job Potter, from April, 1831, to April, 1836; Rev. O. Whiston, from April, 1836, to December, 1846; Rev. J. A. Bartlett, from April, 1847, to November, 1849; Rev. D. C. Tomlinson, from Novem- ber, 1849, to June, 1850; Rev. F. J. Carney, from June, 1850, to April, 1851 ; Rev. J. A. Aspinwall, from April, 1851, to April, 1854; Rev. C. W. Tomlinson, from An- gust, 1854, to December, 1865; Rev. W. W. Clayton, from March, 1866, to March, 18GS; O. Perkins, from


March, 1868, to July, 1869; C. L. Wait, from Novend. . 1869, to November, 1875; E. E. Peck, from April. 1 -;.


The present officers of the church are as follows : Ist. K Williams, Seth Temple, and Fred. Reustle, deacons ; 1. jah Barnum, Harmon Groat, Frank Robinson, Fast. Hinds, and Fred. Reustle, trustees; Fayette Hinds, tres. urer; Fred. Reustle, clerk. The church is now in a prom. perous condition, and is under the pastoral care of Rev. Ellery E. Peck.


CHIP.IST CHURCH.


The first divine service according to the rites of ti ... Episcopal church perforined in this village was in the year 1797, when the Rev. Thomas Ellison, of Albany, preached in the court-house. Mr. Cooper, in his chronicles of Coop- erstown, says, " On the 10th day of September, 1800, the eldest daughter of Judge Cooper was killed by a fall frota a horse. Her funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Daniel Nash, of the Protestant Episcopal church, and she was interred according to the rites of that church, which were now performed for the first time in this village. Mr. Nash, since so well known in his own church for his aps- tolie simplicity, under the name of Father Nash, was then a missionary in the county. From this time he began to extend his services to Cooperstown, and on the first day of January, 1811, a church was legally organized under the title of Christ church. On the same day, Mr. Nash was chosen reetor, which office, through the delieacy of the clergyman who succeeded him in his duties, he informally held down to the day of his death, in 1836."


About the year 1806 the ground now owned and occu- pied by the Episcopalians was given them by Judge Cooper. Already several persons had been interred in the Episcopal ground. Miss Susan Fenimore Cooper, in her " Rural Hours," says, " The oldest tomb belonging to the good people of this little town lies within the bounds of the Episcopal church-yard, and bears the date of 1792. It was a child. Close at hand is another stone bearing date two years later, and marking the grave of the first adult who fell among the little band of colonists.


" At the time these graves were dug the spot was in a wild condition upon the borders of the forest, the wood having been only partially cut away. In a few years other members of the little community died at intervals, and they were also buried here, until the spot had gradually taken its present character of a burying-ground. The rubbish was cleared away, place was made for those who must fol- low, and ere many years had passed the brick walls of a little church rose within the inclosure, and were consecrated to the worship of the Almighty by the venerable bishop. Benjamin Moore. on the Sth day of July. 1810."


After the foundation of the present brick edifice was laid. and the walls had advanced to their proper height. the work came to a stop for the want of pecuniary resources, and for a year or two stood uninclosed. At the meeting of the vestry held in May, 1815, the following resolutions were passed :


Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draw up and circul ile n subscription paper, for the purpose of completing the church. paint- ing the steeple, etc.


Resolved, That a committee be also appointed to obtain pecuniary assistance for the above purpose from Trinity church, New York city.


275


HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.


The corporation of Trinity church had previously, in ja wi donated $1500 to aid in erecting the chureli, and as .1 . v. the ouly gift to this congregation mentioned by Rev. 1» Berrian in his list of Trinity church grants, the above nigeration was probably unsuccessful.


At the meeting in January, 1811, for the purpose of ingaily organizing the parish, the Rev. Daniel Nash was ra add to the chair, and Mr. Isaac Cooper was chosen clerk. The fire wardens were Daniel Johnson, of Fly Creek, and . Mi, Allen, of this village. The first vestry was consti- 16:00 as follows : Isaac Cooper, Richard Davidson, Ira Starr, J Aa F. Ernst, Elijah II. Metcalf, Calvin Comstock, Asael Janis, and Win. T. Lattin.


lu 1512, John F. Ernst and Asael Jarvis were chosen w.tens, and Mr. Isaae Cooper was the delegate to diocesan potention.


in 1813-14, same wardens, Ernst and Jarvis, were re- eketed. In the latter year Mr. Nash attended the eonven- ton. and was styled the " Reetor of the Episcopal churches in Otsego County."


In 1815, John F. Ernst and Bartlett Rogers were chosen wardens, and James Fenimore Cooper was delegate to the @ nvention.


In 1816, same wardens. In 1817, Daniel Johnson was dried in place of John F. Ernst. In the following year Mr. Ernst was again chosew warden with Mr. Rogers, and they were elected each successive year until 1824.


In 1818, Mr. Nash " manifested his intention to resign the ttoship of Christ church, and Mr. F. T. Tiffany was appointed, at the request of the vestry, by Bishop Hobart to be a lay reader for the congregation," and in 1818 he amumed the pastoral care of the parish.


In 1821, Mr. Tiffany attended the convention, and in 1 .22. William H. Averell and J. D. Husbands were dele- During the years 1821 and 1822 the Rev. Dr. Thomas II. Orderson officiated for this church at various t.It's during the absence of Dr. Tiffany.


In 1824, Bartlett Rogers and Ezra Williams were chosen wardens, and in the following year Ezra Eaton was elected sa place of Mr. Williams. In 1825, Ezra Eaton and Anson Ihighly were chosen wardens. In this year the parish ecased to be a missionary station. Messrs. Eaton and Higby con- unted as wardens until 1830, when George Pomeroy was .men as the successor of Mr. Eaton.


In 1831 a lot adjoining the church was purchased, and th .. rectory built. Messrs. Higby and Pomeroy continued A. wardens until Easter Sunday, 1839, a period of eight


", J. Fenimore Cooper and E. D. Richardson were delegates to the convention in 1838. In 1839, George Pomeroy and J hn Russell were chosen wardens, and officiated in that if weity until 1844. In 1839, Mr. Tiffany was formally en rector of Christ church. In 1844-45, Messis. I'm roy and Anson Highy were elected wardens. May 12, t-15. Mr. Tiffany resigned the rectorship of the parish. The de legates this year to the convention were J. Fenimore " " jer and Judge Samuel Nelson. Rev. Alfred B. Beach . . .... led Mr. Tiffany, who officiated until the call of Res. glen M. Battin, Nov. 10, 1848. In 1816, Rev. Mr. Bh wh and Theodore Keese represented the parish in con-


vention, and Messrs. George Pomeroy and Thomas MeIn- tosh were elected wardens. In 1847, wardens, Henry Scott and Henry Miller; delegates to convention, Rev. Mr. Beach, Theodore Kecse, and J. Fenimore Cooper. 1848, same wardens. Mr. Battin entered upon the charge of his duties of rector Nov. 24, 1848. 1849, same wardens; Rev. Mr. Battin and Theodore Keese delegates to conven- tion. 1850, Henry Scott and Theodore Keese wardens; and Theodore Keese and J. Fenimore Cooper delegates to convention. Wardens in 1851, Henry Scott and J. Feni- more Cooper ; the rector and Mr. Keese were in the con- vention. Wardens chosen in 1852, Messrs. Henry Scott and T. Keese ; delegates to convention, the rector, T. Keese, and William H. Averell. In this year the church edifice was improved and beautified, and for the first time in the history of the parish the communicants exceeded one hun- dred. 1853, wardens same as last year, and same delegates to convention.


The historic records, as compiled by Rev. Mr. Battin, extend to September, 1853. At the election of wardens and vestry, at Easter, 1854, the following were chosen, viz. : Henry Seott and Theodore Keese, wardens; Hon. S. Nelson, W. H. Averell, G. A. Starkweather, R. Cooper, R. Davis, G. W. Ernst, W. A. Comstock, aud H. Miller, vestrymen. In September, T. Kecse, S. Nelson, and G. W. Ernst were appointed delegates to the diocesan convention. At the Easter eleetion in 1855, L. C. Turner was chosen vestry- man in place of H. Miller. T. Kecse, S. Nelson, and W. H. Averell were elected delegates to the diocesan conven- tion in September. In 1858, J. S. Sprague was chosen vestryman in place of G. A. Starkweather.


In May, 1858, Rev. Mr. Battin resigned the rectorship, to take effeet Ang. 1. In Angust, 1858, Rev. S. II. Syu- nott, assistant minister of St. Peter's church, New York, was elected rector. In September of the same year, Theo. Keese died, and at the election in the following year, IIon. S. Nelson was elected warden in his place, and G. Pomeroy Kecse vestryman.


The records of the church are incomplete during the rectorship of Mr. Synnott, the minutes of the elerk not being entered on the register.


During the summer of 1859 a number of the members of the congregation replaced the old windows of the church with new ones of stained glass, at a cost of about $400. In 1860 the present chapel within the church grounds was built, at a cost of abont $1000, the amount being raised among the congregation at large. During the summer of 1865 the enlargement of the church, which had become a necessity, was undertaken, and completed by November. The nature of the alterations consisted in taking down the stone addition erected about twenty-five years previously, and building two transepts, each 12 by 20 feet, and extend- ing the chancel 10 feet in the rear. The arch of the coil- ing was raised 5 feet.


In November, 18GG, Rev. Mr. Synnott resigned the rectorship of the parish, and in February, 1867, the Rev. D. Hillhonse Buel accepted a call. He entered upon his duties at Easter. The Rev. W. S. Williams had temporary charge of the parish during the season of Lent.


In 1868 the following officers were chosen: Henty


£


276


HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.


Scott and Samuel Nelson, wardens; W. II. Averell, G. W. Ernst, W. A. Comstock, G. P. Keese, J. P. Sill, J. R. Worthington, H. M. Hooker, and A. A. Jarvis, vestry- men. During this season the roof of the old part of the church was tinned, and other repairs and improvements made, at an expenditure of $550. The delegates to the diocesan convention in September were G. Pomeroy Keese, Edward Clark, and Geo. W. Ernst.


The primary convention of the new diocese in northern New York was held at Albany, in December of this year. G. W. Ernst, G. I'. Keese, and J. P. Sill were elected del- egates to the same. The sum of $800 was raised in the parish at this time as its contribution towards the endowment of the episcopate in the new diocese of Albany. In 1869, Messrs. Ernst, Keese, and Alfred Clarke were chosen dele- gates to the diocesan convention. Oct. 31, resolutions of sym- pathy and respect, on the occasion of the death of Alfred Clarke, were passed by the vestry. During 1870 about $400 were spent in improvements and repairs, including the introduction of gas into the chapel. Messrs. Ernst, Keese, and Sill were chosen delegates to the diocesan con- vention. In 1871, Messrs. Worthington, Ernst, and Keese were chosen delegates to the diocesan convention. Nov. 23, resolutions were passed on the occasion of the death of Dr. W. A. Comstock. Dr. F. U. Johnston was elected vestryman in place of Dr. Comstock.


Rev. D. H. Buel resigned the rectorship, to take effect May 1. July 2, Rev. Philip A. H. Brown, an assistant minister at St. Paul's chapel, Trinity parish, New York, was elected rector. July 17, a legacy of $1000 by the late Theodore Keese was presented to the vestry of the parish by his son, G. Pomeroy Keese; the same was accepted, to be known as the " Keese Fund." Messrs. Ernst, Keese, and Johnston were chosen delegates to the diocesan convention. In August, 1873, resolutions of respect to the memory of Mr. W. H. Averell were adopted. In November, Mr. Ed- ward Clark was elected vestryman in place of Mr. Averell. Dec. 14, resolutions of respect on the death of Judge Nel- son, warden of the parish, were adopted. Dee. 21, resolu- tions on the death of Henry Scott, senior warden, were adopted.


In April, 1874, the following officers were chosen : G. W. Ernst and J. R. Worthington, wardens; J. P. Sill, Edward Clark, G. P. Keese, W. T. Bassett, C. R. Burch, H. M. Hooker, C. N. Hendryx, and S. W. Nelson, vestry- men. Easter, 1874, a new organ was placed in the churelt, at a cost of $2500, and a middle aisle and two side aisles in place of the former arrangement. This with other improvements gwere made at a cost of $500. In September of this year the Rev. Mr. Brown resigned the rectorship, to take effect Oct. 15.


In November, Rev. Brady E. Backus, an assistant min- ister of St. Peter's church, New York, was called as rector. A silver alms-basin and altar-vases, which had been in use in the parish since Trinity Sunday, were presented to the vestry by Mr. Keese. The same were the gift of non-resi- dents interested in the parish.


In 1875, at the vestry elections, the following officers were chosen : G. W. Ernst and J. R. Worthington. ward- ens; Edward Clark, A. A Jarvis, J. P. Sill, H. M. Hosker,


W. T. Bassett, H. Sturges. S. W. Nelson, and C. R. B. vestrymen ; G. W. Ernst. H. Sturges, and J. R. Worth ton, delegates to convention.


Feb. 24, 1876. Rev. B. E. Backus resigned the r ..... ship. The family of the late Judge Nelson requ ~.. ! permission to erect a memorial tablet in the church to ide memory of Judge and Mrs. Nelson. This was soon a !! ,- placed in the church. In March a call was extend -- 1 : Rev. John W. Kramer to the rectorship, which was af .. . wards declined. In June a call to the rectorship of 1. . parish was given to the Rev. W. W. Lord, D.D., late .; Vicksburg, Miss. The delegates to the diocesan conveut : were H. Sturges, G. P. Keese. and Edward Clark.


In 1877 the following officers were elected : G. W. E .-.... and J. R. Worthington, wardens; H. M. Hooker. A. . 1. Jarvis, E. Clark, H. Sturges. W. T. Bassett, G. P. K D. A. Avery, aud F. L. Palmer, vestrymen ; II. Sture -. G. P. Keese, and A. A. Jarvis, delegates to the dioceau convention.


In January, ISTS. resolutions on the death of J. I. Worthington, late warden. were adopted. April 23. th ... following officers were elected: G. W. Ernst and H. Sturges, wardens; II. M. Hooker, A. A. Jarvis, W. T. Bassett, G. P. Keese, D. A. Avery, Edward Clark, F. I. Palmer, and J. Worthington, vestrymen.


Faster, 1874, two memorial windows were placed in the transept, by Mrs. W. L. Carter, to the memory of the late W. H. Averell and Mrs. Averell. Easter, 1875. : memorial window was placed in the church to the mientory of the late Henry Scott, senior warden. Christmas. 1-56. the children of the parish placed a circular window in the tower of the church. Easter, 1878, a memorial window was placed in the church to the memory of the late Jede- diah P. Sill. The cost of the windows now in the church has been upwards of $3000.


The church is now in a prosperous condition, and nutn- bers about 175 communicants.


ST. MARY'S CHURCH.


This church was organized by Father Gilbride in about the year 1847. The first church edifice was erected in 1855. The present edifice was dedicated in November. 1868. High mass was sung by Father McGee, of Allany. assisted by Fathers O'Neil and Harington. The dedica- tory sermon was preached by Father O'Neil. Fathers Bren- nan and MeLaughlin othiciated as masters of ceremony. Among the clergy who have officiated for this church are the names of Fathers Gilbride, Constantine, Kinney, Fur- long, Fitzpatrick, and Farall. The church is now in 1 prosperous condition, and is under the pastoral care of Rev. Father Devitt, to whom much of its present prosper- ity is due.


277


HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.


CHAPTER LXIII.


COOPERSTOWN-Continued. "


f wwwunry in Cooperstown-Organization of the Lodge-First . fors-Elibu Phinney-Rowland Cotton-James Fitch-The 1 ... Merting-Officers and Brethren Present-Erection of Ma- male fall-Interesting Ceremonies-Dedication of tho Hall- travelings of the Lodge on the Announcement of the Death of unseral Washington-Anti-Masonic Period-Decline of the Lodge -Subsequent Activity-Warrant granted in Continuation of ON Use-Masters from 1798 to 1878.


FREEMASONRY IN COOPERSTOWN .*


Ix the year 1795, a number of brethren residing in 1aprtown and towns adjacent, petitioned the Grand L. - les of the State of New York for a warrant empowering them to assemble according to the usages of the " Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Mas," and in due time the grand lodge granted the warrant, which reads as follows :


Wr, the GRAND LODGE OF THE MOST ANCIENT AND HONORABLE FRATERNITY OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE STATE OF Now Youk, in ample form assembled, according to the old constitu- t. ne regularly and solemnly established under the auspices of Prince 1. Jw in at the City of York, in Great Britain, in the year of Masonry . : 4, viz., the Most Worshipful, the Honorable Robert R. Livingston, IM , Chancellor of the State, Grand Master; the Right Worshipful Job Morton, Esq., Deputy Grand Master ; the Right Worshipful Juinirs Scolt, Esq., Senior Grand Warden ; the Right Worshipful De W . Chiuton, Esq., Junior Grand Wardon : Do, by these presents, appoint, authorize, and empower our Worthy Brother Elihu Phinney & le the Master, our Worthy Brother Rowland Cotton to be the Amior Warden, and our Worthy Brother James Fitch to be tho Jamtor Warden of a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, to be by virtue hereof constituted, formed, and held at Cooperstown, in the munty of Otsego and State of New York, which lodge shall bo dis- 1. quished by the name, or style, of "Otsego Lodge, No. 40."


After which is enumerated certain duties and privileges pertaining to said lodge. The warrant is dated " the four- truth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand wven liundred and ninety-five, and in the year of our Ma- winry five thousand seven hundred and niuety-five," and signed " John Abrams, Grand Secretary."


By appointment, Brothers Phinney, Cotton, and Fitch toyle a special journey to the city of Albany, and were il.ore duly installed by Right Worshipful Brother Peter W. Yates, Esq., Past Senior Grand Warden, on the even- 1 !. ; of Thursday, Dec. 31, 1795.


The first meeting of the lodge was held at the dwelling- ton of Worshipful Brother Phinney, in Second street how Main street), Cooperstown, on Thursday, the first day of March, 1796, the following officers and brethren being jtrent : Elihu Phinney, W. M. ; Rowland Cotton, S. W., Jane's Fitch, J. W .; Benjamin Gilbert, Treas. ; Richard Elaan, S. D .; Lewis Edson, J. D .; Stephen Ingalls, S. S .; Lvi Collar, J. S .; Ezra Eaton, Tyler. Nathaniel Gott, 7. rath Tanner, Joel Draper, and P. Parker.




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