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 84
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98
323
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
" Mr. Clark in his feelings was thoroughly English. He delighted to have his dinners got up in old English style, with the best of roast beef and mutton, garnished with such delicacies as the lake and country afforded, and just such as his countrymen, who knew how to appreciate good things, would order were they the caterers, and in these particulars he hardly ever failed to excel." George Hyde Clark now occupies Hyde hall, and is the largest land-holder in the county.
Henry Davy, son of Colonel Thos. Davy, was born in this town in the year 1773, and died in 1829. Ile was the father of eleven children, viz .: Mary, Elizabeth, Hannah, Margaret, James, Clara, Charles, Selinda, Jeremiah, Henry Harvey, and Catharine, six of whom are still living, the oldest being seventy-seven and the youngest sixty-one. Three of the brothers, James, Jeremiah, and Henry Har- vey, have always lived iu town, James still occupying the old homestead.
Heury Harvey has two children, viz : Eunice Elizabeth and James Harvey.
Silas Gray came to this town from Madison Co., N. Y., in the year 1816. In about the year 1825 he set out the first hops in Springfield, which was probably the first in the county. He reared a family of four children, two of whom are living.
John Marshall, now a resident of the town, was an early settler.
Benjamin Huntington was a pioneer surveyor, who located in the northern part of the town. A son, Benja- ' min, resides in Washington. The Warners and Roots were pioneers.
Thomas Eckler is an honored pioneer, who located in the western part of the town.
Other carly settlers were Nathaniel Sikes, Elakim Shel- don, Ichabod Griggs, Peabody Cook, the Waldrats, William Gilehrist, Henry Genter, William Hardy, Jedediah Beach, Robert and James Kelley, Williamu Johnson, Eli Parsons, Robert Fergeson, Josiah Root, James Holden, Jonathan Moffatt, Alexander Sprague, John Riee, Israel Lathrop, Thomas Crippen, David Little, Benjamin Hicks, Paul Keyes, James Holden, Henry Moore, Samuel Herrick, Robert Hammil, Deacon Purple, Reuben Seeley, James Fergeson, the Van Brunts, and the Shipmans.
The following old record is of interest :
A statement of votes taken for senators in the town of Springfield, at the annual election opened on Tuesday, the 30th day of April. nt 10 o'clock A.v., and closed on the second day of May, at 6 o'clock P.v., A.D. 1799, viz .:
Joseph White, thirty-six. Moss Kent, seventy-seven.
Vincent Mathews, sixty-two. Isaac Foot, six. Jedediah Peck, four.
We certify, that the abovo is a just and true statement of the votes taken for senators at the aforesaid election.
Given under our hands at Springfield, the 3d day of May, 1799.
JNO. MCKILLIP, ANSON GREEN, JOHN COTES, CONSTANT BROWN, ALEXANDER SPRAGUE, Inspectors of Election.
There are four small villages in this town, Springfield Centre, Springfield, Middle Village, and East Springfield.
SPRINGFIELD CENTRE,
the largest village, is beautifully located within a short dis- tance of Otsego lake, and is in daily communication, by stage, with Fort Plain, on the New York Central railroad, and also with Richfield Springs and Cherry Valley. During the summer season it is brought in close communication with Cooperstown by stages which connect with the lake steamers. It is pleasantly located in the midst of a rich agricultural region, and is a prosperous and progressive village. It contains two churches and the following busi- ness interests : general stores, H. R. Wood, E. O. Millis ; hardware, G. W. Van Devere; grocery, Myron Hilsinger ; hotels, " Casler House," Jacob Casler, proprietor ; " Central Hotel," L. Edwards, proprietor; flouring-mill, George Tunnicliff; wagon-shop, George Egerson ; blacksmith, John Olive; meat-market, Armstrong & Lewis; select school, B. F. Austin ; postmaster, John Losee; Western Union telegraph, H. R. Wood, manager ; cheese-factories, " Spring- field Centre factory," Gaddes, Wilkerson & Co .; " Spring- field factory," Hiram R. Wood; millinery, Miss Julia Rurry.
-
Springfield Centre has a beautiful cemetery, containing eleven acres, situated on an eminence a short distance north of the village. It is one of the finest rural cemeteries in the county, and reflects much credit upon the enterprising citizens of the vicinity.
THE FIRST TOWN-MEETING.
The first town-meeting was held at the " meeting-house" in Springfield, on the 4th day of April, 1797. Eli Par- sons, Jonathan Moffatt, and John MeKillip, esquires, being present. The following officers were chosen :
Supervisor .- John McKillip.
Town Clerk .- Eli Parsons.
Assessors .- Samuel Crafts, Paul Cook, and Robert Fer- guson.
Commissioners of Roads .- Henry Bradt, Josiah Root, and James Holden.
Overseers of the Poor .- Jonathan Moffatt and Alexander Sprague.
Constables .- John Coats and John Rice.
Fence Viewers .- Peabody Cook, Benjamiu Rathbun, and Israel Lathrop.
Poundmaster .- Thomas Crippen.
Commissioners of Schools .- David Little, Eli Parsons. and Benjamin Hicks.
At this meeting licenses were granted to the following persons : Thomas Crippen, Paul Keyes, Alexander Sprague, James Holden, Josiah Root, Henry Moore, Samnel Crafis, Samuel Herrick, Robert Hummel, and Abner Cook.
The following have served the town as supervisors and town clerks from 1797 to 1878:
Supervisors.
Town Clerks.
1797
John Me Killip.
Eli Parsons.
1793
..
Samuel Crafts. Anson Green.
1799
1800
1801
JACOB MORRIS, ESQ., Clerk of the County of Otrego.
324
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Supervisors.
Town Clerka.
1803
.John MeKillip.
Anson Green. "
1804
1805
Joseph MeGee. «
1806
1807
Anson Green.
1808
1809
William Van Brunt.
1810
1811.
4
1812.
1813
¥
66
1814
1815
1816
Selah Havens.
1817
1818
Rufus Traey.
1819
1820
1821 Evan Cotes.
1822
1823
1824
1825
1826
1827
Henry llarvey.
1828
Daniel Gilehrist. Wm. Baker.
Wm. Powell.
1831
Benj. Huntington. =
Rufus Tracy. ..
1833 ..
Henry Harvey.
Benj. Barrett, Jr.
1834
1835. W'm. Baker.
1836 .. Henry Harvey. "
1837
Danl. Gilchrist.
Isaae Merriam.
1839
Win. Rathbun, Jr.
1840
James Wilson.
1841. Benj. Barrett, Jr.
1842
1844 Zebulon Willoughby.
1845
1846 James Reed.
Calvin P. Smith.
1847 Warren Fly.
Mark Carroll.
1848 Davis Cotes.
Danl. L. Keyes.
¥
1850
Martin Young.
Hiram R. Wood.
"
= James G. Parshall.
John B. Hitchcock.
1858
Hiram R. Wood.
1860
1861 Hawley R. Cary.
1862 "
1863 Danl. Franklin.
1864
1865 .James W. Shipman. 1866 Danl. Gilchrist.
1867
Alfred Van Horne.
Adna B. Armstrong.
1869
Levant W. Rathbun. יו
Geo. W. Vandeveer.
1871
"
=
1873 =
= =
16
1875
..
= 1876 George O. Smith. "
The officers for 1877 are as follows :
Supervisor .- George O. Smith.
Town Clerk .- George W. Vandeever.
Justice of the Peace .- Daniel '4. Burley.
Collector .- William HI. Palmer.
Overseer of the Poor .- Herbert Small.
Torron Auditors .- Henry II. Davy, Harvey Young, and R. T. Van Horn.
Constables .- Abram Ilooke, Win. II. Babcock, and Sammel S. Sheldon.
Excise Commissioners .- Henry Franklin and Daniel McRorie.
AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL STATISTICS.
In 1865, Springfield had 20,034 acres of improved lat. 1. and the cash value of farms was $1,628.255. There were. 4554 acres of plowed land; 7015 of pasture, and 6939 of meadow ; bushels of spring wheat harvested, 168; bushels of winter wheat, 504; bushels of oats, 46,023 ; winter rye, 30; bushels of barley, 5022; busliels of buckwheat, 8-63 ; bushels of corn, 9028; bushels of potatoes, 22.879; bu-l- els of peas, 3896 ; bushels of beans, 163; pounds of hops in 1864, 386,088; pounds of tobacco, 1800; bushels of apples Harvested, 21,088; barrels of cider, 654; pounds of maple sugar in 1865, 12,754; pounds of butter, 33,060; pounds of cheese, 340,320.
Agricultural Statistics, 1875 .- Acres plowed. 4361 ; in pasture, 7458 ; mown, 8525 ; tons of hay produced, 10,- 939; bushels of barley produced, 2348; buckwheat, 10,- 112; corn, 9585; oats, 72,467 ; spring wheat, 97; winter wheat, 2155 ; beans, 23 ; peas, 456 ; pounds of hops pro- duced, 211,625; bushels of potatoes, 26,007 ; pounds of butter, 85,844; cheese, 4865.
Area .- Springfield has an area of 26,522 acres, the as- sessed valuation of which is $860,010, and the equalized valuation, 8663,050.
POPULATION.
1800
...... 1586
1810 ..... 1846 | 1850 ...
1814 1961
1855
1820 2065
1860
1825 2572
1865
1830 2816
1870
1835
2548
1875
1840
2382
CHAPTER LXXI.
TOWN OF SPRINGFIELD-Continued.
The Baptist Church of Springfield Centre-Universalist Church. Springfield Centre-Presbyterian Church of Springfield-Metho- dist Church of Springfield-Episcopal Church of East Springfield- Evergreen Lodge, F. and A. M .- Rising Sun Lodge, F. and .A. M.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptist church located at Springfield Centre was organized at the middle village, by Elder W. Bentley. in 1787, and was the first religious organization in the town of Springfield. This organization was effected at the house of N. Dike, and among the first members were J. Winter, J. Heth, S. Way, II. Stoncil, and N. Dike. J. Winter was the first church clerk. The first pastor wa- Elder William Farman. The following have served this church as pastors from 1803 to the present time. The date given is the time of beginning of pastorate : Elder Calvin Hulburt, July 14, 1803; Rev. Jacob Knapp. April 2 .. 1805 ; Elder Stephen Hutchins, June, 1829 ; Elder John Sawin, June, 1830; Elder William B. Curtis, June, 1-35: Eller Daniel Robinson, July 27, 1834; Eller Wm. W. .. June 12, 1840; Elder H. H. Huff, Feb. 11, 1s15 ; EM r G. W. Gates, June 28, 1945 ; Elder Charles Purett. Sit 30, 1847; Elder A. C. Wilder, Nov. 25, 1818; Eair L. Casler, May 29, 1852; Elder M. Brunson, April =". 1855; Elder II. Hammon, April 1, 1856; Elder
1852 Lewis Whipple.
1853 Martin Young.
1854
1855
Albert Cotes.
1856
Theodore F. Pier.
1857 John Scollard.
Danl. L. Keyes.
Saml. J. Wood.
John G. Fowler.
Edwd. S. Franees.
Arthur Wood. Saml. J. Wood.
Geo. W. Vandeveer.
1868
1870
1851 Benj. Barrett.
"
Benj. Barrett, Jr. Moses N. Hinds.
Martin Young.
Davis Cotes.
Seth II. Field.
1829
1830
Benj. Barret, Jr.
1832
16
"
"
William Baker. Wmn. H. Van Brunt. Rufus Tracy.
Abner Cook, Jr.
Wm. R. Seollard.
¥
Wm. H. Van Brunt.
=
66
66
"
¥
1852 Granville T. White.
1874. Sheldon A. Young.
1 1845 .. 2356 1843
1859
1849 John F. Scott.
1838
THE OLD BUILDINGS, OCCUPYING SITE OF NEW BUILDINGS.
Rrainewer of ISAIAH COOK foi SPONSFIELD OFSIGO CO N Y
325
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Sage, April 1, 1858; Elder O. Eastman, April 1, 1860; Elder W. C. Gun (date not given) ; Elder S. J. Douglass, April 1, 1809; Elder L. Caster, April 1, 1875. The church is now in a prosperous condition, with a member- ship of 84, and is under the pastoral care of Rev. L. Caster.
THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
This church was organized at Springfield Centre, in the year 1854, with 15 members. Among those instrumental in its organization were John Losce, O. Shipman, and D. Franklin.
The first pastor who officiated for this church was the Rev. Mr. Sage. The society was without a church edifice until the year 1857, when a house of worship was erected at a cost of $3500.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SPRINGFIELD* was organized in about the year 1796. It was occasionally visited by missionaries from Connecticut, prominent among whom was Jedediah Bushnell, who remained with the little church several months, and his labors were greatly blessed by an outpouring of the Divine Spirit. In his report to the trustees of the Connecticut missionary society, in the year 1800, he speaks of a fruitful revival having been held here, etc.
Thus it is clear this church was in existence prior to 1800, and in its infancy was nurtured by missionaries, and increased by the visitation of the Divine Spirit. Probably the church was formed several years before. It was now in a state quite removed, spiritually, from a church at its organization. As evidence of an earlier origin, we find in the records of the Baptist church, under date of Sept. 13, 1798, the following entry :
Chose Deacon Bond Bigelow, Deacon Tenant, and Brother Ben- jamin Allen as a committee to meet a committee of the Presbyterian order, to agree on what part of the time each one shall occupy the meeting-house.
Also on the records of the Presbyterian church of Cherry Valley, under date of Jan. 4, 1797, the following minute :
Met, agreeable to a notification, to consult whether the society will consent that Rev. Mr. Nott (their newly-elected pastor) shall preach any part of the time in Springfield: Rev. Mr. Spaulding was voted chairman. A letter froin the trustees of Springfield addressed to the trustees of Cherry Valley was read, requesting the consent of this society that Mr. Nott should preach at Springfield, not exceeding half the tique, in which a voto was taken whether the society would accept the proposals of Springfield society, which was not carried in the affirmative. Voted, that the trustees be requested to return an answer to the people and trustees of Springfield. Meeting dissolved.
Among the first members were John MeKillip and his wife, Mrs. Fanny Young MeKillip, John Young and wife, William Thompson and wife, James Young, Robert Fergu- son, Mrs. Jerusha Griggs, James Kelly and wife, and Mrs. Gitty Van Vost. The first settled pastor was Rev. Andrew Oliver, a native of Scotland, who was installed in 1806. A movement was soon after started for the erection of a church edifice, in the circulation of a subscription paper, and in 1807 the sumu of 81507.46 had been pledged, and in 1809 a building 50 by 55 feet square was erected. This edifice
fronted the cast, with a steeple 13 feet square, surmounted by a tower 46 feet in height. The land on which this building stood was donated by Major Johu Tennant and Dr. Little.
In less than two months after Mr. Oliver's installation, Dec. 2, 1806, a Congregational church was organized at the school-house in the west village, of twenty-four mem- bers, and commenced the erection of a house of worship at nearly the same time with the Presbyterians. It, how- ever, was never fully completed by them. It stood on land near the residence of Mrs. A. C. Winsor, and was sold to the Baptist society in 1813. The church had but one minister, the Rev. Mr. Williams, who was installed by an ecclesiastical eouneil, June 30, 1807. He remained but a short period. In 1813 the church gave up its separate organization, and its members united with this congregation.
In the record of this Presbyterian society, under date of July 15, 1811, we find a singular minute indicating a regard for church behavior not always cherished, and a mode of punishing offenders not over terrible. It is as follows:
At a meeting of members of session, trustees, and a number of members of the First Presbyterian society at the meeting-house, Robert Lothridge was appointed to return to the minister the names of all such young persons who behave unbecoming in the gallery during the time of public worship.
An event quite small in itself, yet indicative of great progress for the times, and helpful to religion, was the purchase of a church bell in 1816. This, I am told, was chicfly owing to the influence and exertions of Captain Ishi Parmele, late from Killingsworth, Ct. For several years the town appropriated money by vote to have the church bells rung at nine in the A.M., at twelve M., and at nine in the evening. Before this there was no church bell in the more pretentious surrounding towns, nor indeed in all this region. Mr. Oliver's ministry continued near thirteen years, the church growing in strength and stability ; and though no special seasons of revival were enjoyed, there were ninety-seven admitted to the church during his min- istry, fifty-five of whom were on profession of their faith. He was a man sound in doctrine, and faithful in preaching. and, by catechetieal instructions to the youth, impressed truth as he had opportunity. Mr. Oliver had many warm friends, faithful to the last. He was honorably dismissed by Otsego presbytery, in the year 1819, and continued to reside in town until his death, March 24, 1833, at the age of seventy-one years.
The following have served this church as pastors from its organization to the present time, viz. : Andrew Oliver, Aaron Putnam, Edward Fairchild, James C. Howe, Oren Hyde, Lumand Wilcox, Richard Montgomery Davis, Sam- uel Moseley, Solomon J. Tracy, Charles F. Beach, Daniel Van Valkenberg, Samuel N. Robinson. The church is now under the efficient pastoral care of Rev. P. F. Sanborne. who commenced his labors in 1869. Mr. Sanborne has manifested a lively interest in the affairs of this church and people, and its present prosperity is largely due to his untiring energy.
In these historical reminiscences of this Presbyterian church, special mention ought to be made of those members
" Abridged from History of Presbyteriau Church, by Rev. P. F. Sanborue.
£
326
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
that have served as ruling elders. During the period of eiglity years of this church's existence there have been twenty-three of them, and none of them unwisely chosen, none of them proving on trial unworthy of their office, or so faulty in any degree as to lose the confidence of the brethren and come under censure for erime or immorality. The mention of their names will stir very pleasant memories in many minds, and incite those who now occupy that re- sponsible position " to use their office well." I will name them in the order of their ordination : John McKillip, Esq, John Young, William Thompson-the session at the organization ; George Oliver, 1808; James King, 1811; Eliakim Sheldon, James Kelley, 1814; Jededialı Beach, Benjamin Barrett, William Hamilton, 1822; James Whip- ple, 1830; Richard B. Sikes, Benjamin Rathbun, Charles Fitch, Asahel S. Brown, 1835; Benjamin Jacobson, George Burnham, 1841; James R. Ferguson, 1859; Elisha W. Stannard, James E. Bnell, 1866; James N. Durfey, Epliraim O. Beach, James Hood, 1875. A goodly catalogue indeed, three of them serving more than thirty years, viz., Messrs. MeKillip, Sikes, and Burnhamn. Is there a church in the country that for eighty years ean show a better record of its ruling elders, for integrity, good judg- ment, harmony in counsel, and sympathy in co-operation for Christ's kingdom, soundness in the faith, and elevated piety ?
Though the first ministers, and the first elders, and the first generation of members have nearly all died and passed to their long account, the church still lives.
One family-we dwell in him ; One church-above, beneath ; Though now divided by the stream - The narrow stream of death.
.
One army of the living God, To his command we bow ; Part of the host have crossed the flood, And part are erossing now.
Oliver has long sinee gone, and Putnam, and Fairchild, and Howe, and Hyde, and Wileox, and Davis, and Mosely, and Van Valkenbergh, from the ministers; and from the ruling elders, MeKillip, Young, Thompson, Oliver, King, Sheldon, Kelly, Beach, Barrett, Hamilton, Whipple, Sikes, Rathbun, Fitch, Brown, Jacobson, and several hundred that in less conspicuous, but quite as serviceable ways, prayed and struggled in all the experiences of private membership in this church of God.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH .*
The earliest definite trace found of any Methodist Chris- tian in this vicinity is that of the first Willsey family, which settled on the hill that now bears the family name. They eame from Washington county not far from 1790, though probably a little carlier. And this family were, when they came into their new wilderness-home, of the " seet every- where spoken against." And, though coming into the forest to found a pioneer home, they continned faithful to their sympathy for " circuit preachers." It does not appear whether
Mr. Willsey was then a " member of the society," but hi- wife, Sally, was, she having been converted and joined whil .. living in Washington county. Other families of the sanne way of faith were soon there, one of which was Mr. Pinck- ney's.
At this time " Otsego eireuit" is named in the general minutes, and reported with 80 members, Freeborn Gar- rettson presiding elder, with P. Wagner and Jonathan New- man circuit-preachers. It was without doubt a circuit of some four hundred miles in extent, over which each preacher was to pass onee in four weeks, thus giving preaching in every place once in two weeks. In 1792, Garrettson was still presiding elder, with J. Newman and James Covell as subordinates, and that year 207 are reported in society. This increase in numbers indicates that some efficient work had been done, for 127 persons brought into the folds of Christ is no unworthy success for two preachers for one year. The following year Thos. Ware was presiding elder, and Zebulon Kankey and Moses Crane were on this circuit, while J. Newman and D. Bartine were on the Herkimer eircuit. This evidences that the work was increasing and that circuits were coming to be less extended as to area, but" increasing as to " preaching places" and numbers in society or class.
The general course in those days was for the preachers to make a plan as to "preaching places," and be as regular as the stars in their orbits in filling those, and no new point was to be taken into the plan until a conference of the preachers interested could be had; yet, if any one lad strength, and there was a new opening, he was permitted to add to his labors, but first he must fill his pian. And it would seem that if it were possible for men to do works of supererogation, surely these men would have accomplished them. For, while filling the plan they were continually going into new seetions, prospecting for a more elaborate or more efficient plan. So that every year saw large efforts to increase the fullness of the work of God.
In the year 1794, Thos. Ware was still presiding elder, with S. Weeks, E. Canfield, and J. Wooster as preachers. And this year there was reported 324 members. The fol- lowing year there was but little change.
In the years 1796-97, John McClaskey was presiding elder, and in this last year J. Egbert and Jonathan New- man appear upon the circuit, reporting 378 members. And in this report we find authentic data, which, joined to the remembranees of Aunt Rachel Hardy, give us assurance that the home of Peter I. Walrath was one of the " preaching places" in Springfield at that time. John McClaskey was not in this section after the year 1797, and Mother Hardy was then a little girl of eight years of age, and very deti- nitely remembers Mr. MeClaskey, and describes his personal appearance, especially his hair, which was long and having an outward curl at the ends. This preacher was presiding elder, and came to her father's house to preach and to atter .1 quarterly-meeting.
The name of Newman is also associated with Metholism in this immediate section, and in fact is more so than any other of the early preachers, which arises from the fact that he lived in a house that formerly stood a little northeastward froui Mr. Walrath's home. This Mr. Newman also taught
* Abridged from Rev. G. B. Fairhead's " History of Metbodism in the Town of Springfield."
.
327
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
school in the district, preaching at the same time. His wife also taught the district school; and our aged sister, as does also Mr. Nicholas Genter, remember him as teacher, they attending school together. The remembrances of Mr. Gen- ter are very clear regarding the preachers, and the services which were statedly held at Mr. Walrath's. And as Mr. Newmau's name does not appear on the minutes later than 1799, in connection with this section, we may safely say that Methodism was quite well rooted in this soil, and in hearts in Springfield, early in the history of this community. And we may be doubly assured of this when we know that the earliest recollection of the children of Peter I. Walrath is of their father and mother being Christian people, and manifesting it daily by family worship. So also the testi- mony of Mr. Nicholas Genter, who had his home in the family for three years in his boyhood. Mr. Genter told me but the other day that he remembers very well that at that early day Mr. Walrath's home was called a Methodist tavern, from the fact that the " circuit-preachers" were so fre- quently entertained. And I judge that all will be ready to admit that he was not a whit poorer for his Christian hos- pitality.
That there was a class-society at this point as early as 1795, or before, is more than presumable. For in those days wherever two who believed in God and loved Method- ist usages were found they were formed into a class, for the faith was strong, and works hervie, and they expected the little one to grow. And the probabilities are that here were more than two, for Mr. Genter's mother was also of those who feared the Lord, and lived a life of prayer, and loved the 'Methodists.
Adolphus and Coonradt Pickard's homes were also very early places of worship. And the barn belonging to Mr. Jerry Davy, and standing some little way north of his house, has seen many Methodist meetings at this early time. There also must have been places on Willsey hill where the same kind of service was regularly had. One day when Hiram, who is now near eighty-five, was a small boy, being with his father, who was working in the woods near a bridle-path which led from this section, suddenly heard a clear, strong voice singing, and, looking in the direction of the sound, he soon saw a man coming towards them from the south, who asked Mr. Willsey if he knew where there was a place near there where a Methodist preacher was to meet an appoint- ment, and was answered "yes, at my house," and they int- mediately went home. Services were held in the evening, the preacher using as huis text the words, " Awake, thon that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." Hiram says that, little boy as he was, he was deeply affected by the earnestness of the preaching. This minister traveled at this time on foot, having a portmanteau fitted round his neck, one part of it resting forward and the other resting behind. in which would have been fond a Bible, hymm-book, aud no doubt a few books of close the- ologie lore. For, though it was rare to find one among these early workers who had been even through a classical build- ing, there were many who, being so soundly converted, saw that it was necessary to drink deep draughts of wisdom from the works of the Christian fathers. And many a one of those old veterans were so untiring in their pursuit of knowl-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.