History of Ulster County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Vol. II, Part 22

Author: Sylvester, Nathaniel Bartlett, 1825-1894. cn
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 818

USA > New York > Ulster County > History of Ulster County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Vol. II > Part 22

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The church was received into union with the Diocesan Convention 20th September, 1837 ; the following spring Bishop Onderdonk visited the parish and confirmed two persons. During the summer divine service was held in the old school-house at Hampton; in the fall and winter the congregation again worshiped in the Methodist meeting- house. A lot of ground containing an acre and a half, very eligibly situated a short distance south of the village, was generously given by Dennis H. Doyle, on which the vestry erected a small wooden structure 24 feet front by 4S feet deep, with a tower and belfry on the western end, and affording sittings for 140 persons, at a .cost of $2500, in- cluding the bell and organ. The church was consecrated by Bishop Onderdonk, Sept. 10, 1839. The bishop in his address said, " The union in this church of economy with great beatness I would commend to the imitation of all parishes who would pursue the honest and Christian course of building in strict conformity with their means." At the close of the year Mr. Shaw resigned his charge and ac- cepted a call to Trinity Church, Fishkill. The services were continued by the Rev. George B. Andrews, of War- pinger's Falls, and the Rev. William Walsh, of Newburgh, until the following summer, when the Rev. George W. Fash was appointed missionary and choseu rector of the parish. Hle entered on his duties July 5, 1840. He began by organizing a Sunday-school of 35 children, who were carefully instructed in the catechism and at stated periods publicly catcelised in church ; his entire time was given t . his parish duties. Bishop Onderdonk visited the church the 28th of August, and confirmed six persons, and ex- pressed much gratification in seeing the increased attend- ance and growth of the congregation.

The rector of Trinity Church, Fishkill, having resigned. it was proposed to the vestry that Mr. Fash be allowed to officiate for them on Sunday mornings, and hold an after- noon or evening service at Marlborough. It was reluctantly agreed to. The divided service was a serious loss, and war- discontinued at the end of the year. On resuming the usual services the church was again well filled, and the co- casion marked by the donation of a silver communion-service from some ladies, members of St. Mark's Church, Nos York, who were passing the summer in the neighborho. 1. The vestry being unable to give Mr. Fash a sufficient auf port, he felt obliged to resign, and left the 1st of Jus. 1843, after three years' faithful service, leaving m.)

TOWN OF MARLBOROUGH.

warmly-attached friends. The services were continued by Mr. Henry Edwards, a lay reader and candidate for holy orders, assisted by the neighboring clergy, until the spring of 1844.

He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Hawksley, who was born in England, and came to this country while quite young, with an elder sister and her husband, landing in Philadelphia, where they remained a short time. Leaving him there, they went to the West. Young Hawksley was aided by the Rev. William Cooper Mead, D.D., rector of Trinity Church, who placed him at school, and afterwards «'nt him to Trinity College, Hartford, where he graduated A.B in 1539. Ile entered the General Theological Semi- nary in New York in 1840. His close application to study so severely affected his sight that he was obliged to ask for an extended leave of absence, during which time he visited England. On his return, his sight being improved, he asked for a dismissal from the seminary. Soon after he was employed as a tutor in the family of a gentleman living near Marlborough. He volunteered his services as a lay reader, and was gladly accepted. Bishop Brownell, of Cou- neelieut, admitted him to deacon's orders in Christ Church, Hartford, in 1845. Soon after he was appointed missionary to Marlborough. lle then relinquished teaching, and de- voted himself to the duties of the ministry. After two years uf incessant labor, holding service at different places, bap- tizing the children, and by his kind and sympathizing disposition gaining the confidence and esteem of the work- ing-people, he gathered in the church a congregation re- -pwetable in tormbers and regular in their attendance. On Sunday, the 2d of May, 1847, he was advanced to priest's orders by Bishop De Lincey, of Western New York, in St. George's church, Newburgh. Soon after he was made rector of the church in Marlborough. His missionary labors ex- tended to Milton and Lloyd, afterwards to Stoneridge and Ellenville, frequently journeying on foot from village to village. In 1850 he organized All-Saints' Church, Milton, in 1853, St. Paul's Church, Ellenville, and had charge of St. Peter's Church, Stone Ridge, preiching in each place one Sanday in the month, and on the other Sundays procuring lty readers for them.

These arduous labors gradually undermined his consti- 'ction. His health was so much impaired that he was Migrd to relinquish his duties and seek a change of air. He visited the sea-shore, and after a short rest returned Lome somewhat improved in health, but without that buoy- aney of spirits for which he was noted. On resuming his duties before he fully recovered his strength, he was assisted Ly a member of the congregation, who read the prayers for Him, he reading his sermons seated ou a chair in the chancel. The following summer he was again confined to his bed. At the urgent request of his friends he consented to have a physician called ; it was then too late. It might not be irreverent to say that he was prematurely worn out in the service of his Master. After lingering a few days, he died Sunday morning, the 20 of September. A very appro- printo momument marks his grave, bearing the following tocriptions : " Rev. Samuel Hawksley, Presbyter." " Rector of Christ Church, Marlborough." " Departed this life 2d September, 1855, aged 41 years." Even so, saith the Spirit,

for they rest from their labors." After Mr. Hawksley's death the services were suspended for two weeks, when Mr. Saunuel M. Akerly, at the request of the vestry, read the services, in which he was frequently relieved by Rev. George B. Andrews and Rev. William Walsh. Early in the ensu- ing year the Rev. James C. Richmond, then living in Poughkeepsie, offered his services, and officiated regularly every Sunday until the 1st of November, when Mr. Akerly resumed the services, having been licensed as a lay reader, and had also become a candidate for holy orders.

On Christmas- day, 1857, the Rev. William Walsh officiated, and administered the Holy Communion to a large number of communicants. The day being very cold and windy, larger fires were made than usual, which were sup- posed to have been carefully secured at the elose of the service. About six o'clock on Sunday morning, the 27th, flames were discovered bursting out of the windows and roof. Before assistance could be obtained the church and contents were totally destroyed .*

The present structure is erected on the site of the old church, from plans furnished by Messrs. Richard Upjohn & Sons, of New York. The foundation was commeneed on the 10th of May; the work was carried forward very ener- getically, and completed on the 20th of October, 195S. The church is a Gothic structure, known as the early Eng- lish,-built of brick with brownstone trimmings,-with very substantial hollow walls and slate roof. It is 29 feet front by 52 feet deep, with a semi-octagonal chancel 18 feet deep. On the north side of the chancel is a robing-room 10 feet square. with an entrance from the rear end of the church. The tower is on the southwest corner, 11 feet simmare (intended for a spire which would be 80 feet high from the ground ); the entrance is through the tower. A large window occurdes the western end; this and the other windows are filled with enameled glass with stained glass borders. The chancel windows are stained glass ; the centre one has a beautiful figure of Faith, copied from Sir Joshua Reynolds' well-known picture. The interior shows an open finished roof ceiled with boards. The seats, pulpit, bishop's chair, altar, and all the chancel furniture are of black wal- nut, oiled and polished ; the floor, doors, and trimmings are of yellow Georgia pine, also oiled and polished. The San- day-school room is in the basement, neatly furnished. At the extreme west end, in the cellar, is the furnace, so care- fully guarded that no danger need be apprehended from it.

The church was consecrated by Bishop Horatio Potter on Tuesday, Oet. 26, 1858; there were present, besides the bishop, taking part in the service, Rev. John Brown, D.D., of Newburgh ; Rev. Christopher B. Wyatt, of New Windsor; Rev. John R. Livingston, of Fishkill; Rev. Joel Clapp, D.D., of Cold Spring; Rev. George B. Andrews, of Wappinger's Falls; Rev. Henry Authon, D.D., Rev. Theodore R. Eaton, D.D., of New York ; Rev. Richard M. Morrison, Rev. John H. Hobart Brown, of Brooklyn; Rev. Samuel M. Akerly, and Richard Upjohn, the archi- tect, besides a large attendance of the people living in the village and vicinity. Alter the services were concluded, the bishop and elergy and members of the congregation were hospitally entertainel at the house of Mr. Buckley,

# The church was insured for $1800.

HISTORY OF ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.

the senior warden. The entire cost of the church, includ- ing the furniture, was $0500.

Mr. Samuel M. Akerly having been admitted to deacon's orders was appointed missionary, and was requested to con- tinue his services. On the 1st day of December, 1859, he had the satisfaction of seeing the last and only obligation existing against the church paid, leaving it free from all inembrances.

On the 21st of July, 1861, he was admitted to priest's orders in the church at Marlborough by Bishop Potter, who at the same time administered the rite of confirmation, and confirmed seven persons. On the 21st of September, 1861, Rev. Samuel M. Akerly was unanimously elected rector of the parish.

A lot of ground containing about half an acre, on the north side of the church, was donated by Mrs. Hester Doyle for the parsonage, on which the vestry built a commodious dwelling, 40 feet front by 28 deep, two stories high. It com- mands a charming view of the river and surrounding country. It was completed in 1803, costing about 83000, and is free from all incumbranees.

On the 1st of June, 1870, John Buckley, the senior warden, died, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He had takeu an active part in the church from its organization, contributing liberally towards erecting the present church and parsonage, and had served as warden and vestryman for thirty years.

At the Easter election in 1975, Mr. Akerly gave notice of his intention to relisomish his charge ; on the 221 of May he sent in his resignation, to take effect on the 19th of June. Mr. Akerly's servier in the parish commenced even before the death of Mr. Hawksley. Ile had faithfully served the church as lay reader, deacon, and priest, and was their rector for over seventeen years, leaving the parish entirely free from all pecuniary obligations. On Sunday afternoon, June 13, 1875, when he took leave of his congregation, many were unable to restrain their tears. On Saturday, June 26, he and his funily sailed for Europe, intending to remain abroad several years. Rev. George Waters, D.D., of Kingston, succeeded Mr. Akerly, entering on his duties Sept. 5, 1575. His family retaining their residence in Kingston, he was unable to give his entire time to the Farish ; after remaining about one year he resigned, to take effect when his successor should be appointed ; the re-igna- tiou was received with great reluctance by the whole vestry and congregation. On the 14th of October, 1876, the Rev. John W. Buckmaster, of Elizabethtown, N. J., was elected rector, and entered on his duties November 1st.

The following is a list of the wardens and vestrymen of Christ Church, Marlborough, from the organization of the parish, Feb. 26, 1937, to ISSO: Edward Armstrong, Miles J. Fletcher, church wardens ; Thomas Fyfe, William Cush- ion, Dennis II. Doyle, Leonard S. Carpenter. David E. Fowler, Joseph Hepworth, Andrew Oddy, Richard R. Fowler, vestrymen. These gentlemen organized the parish and were elected the first vestry.

Edward Armstrong served as warden, 1837-38; died 1 840.

Miles J. Fletcher, warden, 1937; vestryman from 1838 -41; and 1:43-56; moved to New York ; died 1570.

Thomas Fyfe, vestryman, 1837-39, inclusive; returned to England ; died 1867.

William Cushion, vestryman, 1837-38; returned to England ; Jied.

Dennis H. Doyle, vestryman, 1837-40, inclusive; died 1844.

Leonard S. Carpenter, vestryman, 1837; warden, 1833 -47, inclusive; again, warden from 1859-74, inclusive; twenty-seven years; died 1875.

David E. Fowler, vestryman, 1837-10; again, 1843- 48, inclusive; died 1879.

Joseph Hepworth, vestryman, 1837-38; warden, 1839 -36; again, vestryman from 1866-75, inclusive; thirty years.

Andrew Oddy, vestryman, 1837-56; warden, 1857-58; vestryman, 1850 ; twenty-three years.

Richard R. Fowler, vestryman, 1837; again, 1841-45, inclusive.

James Carpenter, vestryman, 1838-41 ; again, 1844-49; again, 1851; again, 1856-74; warden, 1875-79, inclu- sive; in all, thirty-six years.

Isaac Conklin, vestryman, 1839-18; again, 1860-66; died.

Dennis D. Purdy, vestryman, 1839-42, inclusive.

Gabrael Merritt, vestryman, 1840-47; warden, 1818- 53; diod 1853.

Josich W. Carpenter, vestryman, 1841-43, inclusive ; Jied.

Frederick Flagler, vestryman, 1812; again, 1857-53 ; died.

John Buelley, vestryman, 1812-53 ; warden, 1854-70; in all, twenty-nine years ; died 1870.

Benjamin Oddy, vestryman, 1846-50; died 1861.

Henry Holden, vestryman, 1848-19, inclusive. John Hepworth, vestryman, 1849; died 1853. John Hoffenden, vestryman, 1849-51.

Andrew MeElrath, vestryman, 1854-55.

Samuel M. Akerly, vestryman, 1855-58. John W. Berrian, vestryman, 1859-60.

Nathaniel HI. Du Bois, vestryman, 1854; again, 1876 -78, inclusive.

Bpenerus R. Woolsey, vestryman, 1862.

Julin 1. Wygant, vestryman, 1864-65.

Gabrad! Merritt, Jr., vestryman, 1849 -- 53, inclusive. John W. Armstrong, vestryman, 1854-63, inclusive ; died 1870.

Governeur Armstrong, vestryman, 1864-75, inclusive.

William HI. Armstrong, vestryman, 1872-79.

D. Maitland Armstrong, vestryman, 1878-70.

John Buckley, Jr., vestryman, 1850-59 ; again, 1876 -79.

William F. Buckley, vestryman, 1875.

Daniel Barnes, vestryman, 1876-77.

Julin A. Hepworth, vestryman, 1876-78, inchisive.

Williva Kelly, vestryman, 1850-61; died 1861.

Marcus D. Kelly, vestryman, 1868-79, inclusive.

James S. Knapp, MI.D., vestryman, 1852-79, inclusive : twenty-nine years ; died 1879.

Philip A. Passmore, vestryman, 1857-71. Christopher Champlin, vestryman, 1859-71.

Sand Stilwell

SAMUEL. STILWELL was a son of Stephen and Nancy (Moore) Stilwell, and was born in New York City, on March 23, 1798. At the time of his birth his father was in the mer- cantile business in that city. He subsequently removed to Glasco, in the town of Saugerties, Ulster Co., where he operated a glass-factory and an iron-foundry. At this time he was the owner of a tract of Find, comprising about ten thousand acres, in that locality. After this he again entered mercantile life in New York City, and finally died at Stone Ridge, in the town of Marbletown, Ulster Co., on Feb. 8, 1847. His wife died in Ponghke. psic, on July 2, 1546.

Samuel Stilwell was the fourth of a family of six children, the others boing William M., Stephen, Jane M., Silas MI., and John. The earlier years of his life were passed at home, where he enjoyed the benefits of a home education under a tutor. He closed his educational career at the Kingston Academy. Having been a clerk in his father's store in New York City for some time, the natural bent of his mind was towards a mercantile life, so that, at the age of nineteen. we find bin establishing a store at Wawarsing. Ulster Co. After a year's experience in that locality, he transferred his mer- cantile enterprise to Stone Ridge, Marbletown, where he con- tinued in the trade until 1850. He also owned a farm at this place, and engaged in agricultural pursuits.

In the year 1851, Mr. Stilwell removed to Marlborough village, locating on the site of his late residence. He kept a store in the village until 1855, and was succeeded by his nephew. Marshall Bloom, whom he raised, and whom he cs- tablished in business. The Inter years of his life were passed in fruit-raising in Marlborough.

While Mr. Stilwell had no public aspirations, but preferred to devote all his time to the prosecution of his own private affairs, he was possessed of those qualifications that made him sought after for advice and counsel, and which naturally gave him place and position among his fellows. Ile took great interest in the military affairs of the State, and on Aug. 20, 1823, was appointed by Governor John G. Yates quarter- master of the 130th Regiment of New York Infantry. On July 5, 1827, he was appointed by Governor De Witt Clinton aid-de-camp to the brigadier-general commanding the 23d Brigade of Infantry of the Starte. His chier publie othice was

that of associate justice of the Ulster County Court of Com- mion Pleas, which he held by gubernatorial appointment fr two successive terms of five years each. He was actively identified with the Republican party, and during the trying period of the late Rebellion was a strong supporter of the Union eause, and contributed liberally to the enrollment of soldiers for the suppression of the Rebellion.

Mr. Stilwell, at the time of his death, on March 8, 1880. was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Marlborough. and had been a member of the denomination for one-half a century. He was formerly connected with the society at Stone Ridge, and was chiefly instrumental in the erection of the house of worship at that point, circulating the subscription paper himself, superintending the erection of t !... church, and seeing the enterprise crowned with success an ! the church paid for. He was one of the trustees of the society at Stone Ridge and a class-leader in the church, Alling the latter office also at Marlborough for a few years.

The special characteristics of Mr. Stilwell were the posses- sion of a . trong, energetic nature, great industry, integrity of purpose and decd, and liberality to all worthy religious and philanthropic enterprises. He was quiet, careful. con- servative, invading no man's scerets or rights, and zealousty guarding his own. He was specially kind to the young, a: 1 during his life brought up several young men in his hon ... and started them out in the world as useful and valuable members of society. The worthy poor, those in distress and corrow, ever found a kind and sympathetic friend in his. . He contributed liberally to the building of both the Meth- odist and Presbyterian churches in Marlborough, was u !... versally respected and csteemed by all throughout a long and busy life, and when he passed away left many sad hearts, bus not an enemy behind.

Mr. Stilwell was twice married. His first wife was Miri. daughter of Isaac Bloom, of Stone Ridge, to whom he was united on April 15, 1819, and who died, leaving no issue, oa May 9, 155t. His surviving widow was Miss Jennette P .;- melee, danghter of Linus Parmelee, of Haddam, Conn .. whom he married on Feb. 14, 1855. Sammel W. Stilwell. the only child of the union, was born Oct. 1, 1857, and is Es father's successor in the old home.

TOWN OF MARLBOROUGH.

William Smith Wright, vestryman, 1860-65 ; died 1865. William A. Hustead, vestryman, 1870-71; warden, 1-72-75.

Rafus R. Skerl, vestryman, 1861-63.

Charles M. Purdy, vestryman, 1863-67 ; again, 1875-

Edward Jackson, vestryman, 1867-75; warden, 1876-

Charles W. Jackson, vestryman, 1879. John Stover, vestryman, 1879.

ALL-SAINTS' CHURCH, MILTON,

was organized by Rev. Samnel Hawksley, rector of Christ Church, Marlborough, in the year 1850. The corner stone of the church was laid May 30, 1854, by Rev. Dr. Brown, of Newburgh. The edifice was completed in 1956, and · pened for service April 12, 1857, and was conscerated by Bi-hop Potter, October, 1859. Its cost was about $3000. It is under the pastoral charge of Rev. Mr. Buckmaster, of Marlborough.

This body was incorporated by a certificate bearing date Five. 24, 1849. Rev. Samuel Hawksley, Rev. John Brown, and William B. Jarvis presided at the meeting for organi- zation. The wardeus elected were William II. Gidney and Ive Ensign. The vestrymen were Jacob Handley, David Svide, Jr., James T. Knapp, Jacob Rowley, Ir., Edgar D. Gillis, Smith Wood, Jr., L. Harrison Smith, and Richard Gre. The names of Isaac L. Craft und Alexander M. Smith appear as wirnesses upon the instrument. It was verihed before Judge Lin ! rman, and the record attested by John D. 1 .. Montanye, clerk of the county.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OF MILION.

This society was incorporated by a certificate executed Aug. 23, 1841. Luther Pratt and Summer Coleman pre- s: Jed at this meeting for organization. The trustees chosen Kore Luther Pratt, Nathaniel Clark, Sumner Coleman, Clark Smith, Daniel Lewis, William Soper.

The meeting was hell at the district school-house. Rev. Som, G. Ostrom offered prayer. The congregation re- hodl that they sympathize with that branch of the Pres- Jorien Church in the United States known as Constitu- . . al. Luthor Pratt & 1 Sammel Coleman were appointed Je ann.ittee to make application to be received under the 'are of Presbytery. The proceedings were verified before 1. 1 ... R. H. Hine, and the record attested by George A. ' y, clerk.

The church itself was organized July 12, 1841, by a tomittee from the North River Presbytery, and consisted : twenty members,-seven male and thirteen female. Rev. 'i l'. Liebenau was the first pastor of the church. Some " the records of the church have been destroyed by fire. "" , Mr. Liebenau the pastors of the church have been : : - 11, Rev. William R. Platt ; 1849, Rev. M. F. Liebenau; ++1, Rev. Sumuer Mandeville, stated supply ; 1866, Rev. M F. Liebenau ; 1868. Rev. J. H. Myers; 1874, Rev. B. 1. Wie; 1877, Rev. Duncan C. Nevin.

The church is not a large or strong one. The house of w r-hip was built about 1546, and is valued at $5000.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE TOWY OF MARLBOROUGH AND VILLAGE CALLED MILTON.

This society was incorporated by a certificate executed Nov. 16, 1812. The election was presided over by Richard Burdge and Ananias Ketcham, inspectors; Thomas Wool- sey, Uriah Coffin, Richard I. Woolsey, Heury Woolsey, and Jacob Dayton were elected trustees. The instrument was witnessed by William Bolton and Nathaniel Chittenden ; sworn to before Judge David Staples; and the record attested by Christopher Tappen, clerk.

At that time this society formed part of a large circuit. Milton did not become a separate station until the year 1358. The pastors since that time have been : 1858-59, D. W. C. Van Ga-beck ; 1860, J. A. Edwards ; 1861- 62, J. W. Smith; 1863, N. Hunt; 1864-65, E. S. O- bon ; 1866-07, J. Craft ; 1868-69, D. Phillips; 1870-72, P. C. Oakley ; 1873-74, H. Wood; 1875, F. D. Adams ; 1876-57, C. Palmer; 1878, E. HI. Roys; 1879, H. Jackson.

The house of worship used by the church was erected soon after the organization of the society, in 1812. It has since undergone important changes aud modifications. The present membership of the elorch is 107 ; average attend- ance at Sabbath-school, Go; number of volumes in library, 150; superintendent of Sabbath-school, P. C. Oakley. The trustees of the society are Dr. William Gedney, John Purdy, and Jesse Lester. The stewards of the church are Dr. William Gedney, Jesse Lester, J. Galloway, J. Crook, Jesse Lyons, and Zachariah 7. Stall.

Another certificate of incorporation of the society was executed March 18, 1945. Josiah Merritt and Jacobs JI. Gillis presided at the meeting for organization. The trus- tees chosen were James A. Disbrow, Isaac L. Craft. James Biochledge, Jacob 11. Gillis, and Remos Woolsey. The proceedings were verified before Judge Linderman, and the record attested by Joseph II. Tuthill, clerk of the county.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF MARLBOROUGH.

The movements leading to the establishment of this church began at a very carly period in the settlement of the town. They were at first of a feeble character, and were included among the missionary enterprises of the de- nomination. The society at the village of Marlborough for a long time formel jeuit of a largo circuit. About the year 1827 the society had gained sufficient strength to enable them to erect a church edifice, and the old frame church, now used by the Catholics at Marlborough village, was built. That was used a good many years. The present attractive and imposing frame structure was built in the year 1867.

The records of this church are almost entirely wanting, and hence it is impossible to give many important details of its early development and its subsequent progress.

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History of Ulster County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Vol. II, Part 22

Author: Sylvester, Nathaniel Bartlett, 1825-1894. cn Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 818

Author: Sylvester, Nathaniel Bartlett, 1825-1894. cn
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 818