History of Wyoming County, N.Y., with Illustrations, Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Some Pioneers and Prominent Residents, Part 68

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Publication date: 1880
Publisher: F.W. Beers & Co.
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years. During the remainder of its existence as an academy it was controlled by the Methodist denomination.

The building was constructed at a cost of $14,000, eighty- seven by fifty-eight feet, and three stories high above the basement, which was subsequently fitted up for a boarding hall: and having a spacious chapel in the third story and containing thirty study and recitation rooms. The site pro- cured was an eminence in a retired part of the village. The library and apparatus cost $600. The library now consists of over a thousand well selected volumes, and additions are yearly made to the apparatus.

The first principal was Charles H. Dann, now of Warsaw; and there were seven subordinate teachers. During the first year the aggregate number of students was 324. The course of study embraced all the branches usually taught in an academy, and the success of the institution was equal to the average of similar schools.

Previous to 1872 the public school of Perry was held in the old school-house near the Methodist church. The build- ing having become unfit for school purposes, the project of erecting a new one was agitated in several school meetings called for that purpose. At a meeting held April 12th, 1872, it was finally resolved to appropriate $5,500 for the purchase of a new site and the erection of a new building. During the following week the project of purchasing the Perry Academy instead of putting up a new building was privately discussed, and at a special meeting called for the 23d a com- mittee, consisting of H. H. Brigham, William Chamberlin and George Tomlinson, was appointed to confer with the trustees of the academy. The result of their negotiations was the transfer of the academy property to the district for $4,500.

A meeting was held in August, at which it was voted to organize a union free school, adopting the academy as the academic department. A board of trustees was elected, con- sisting of E. M. Read, R. C. Mordoff, William Chamberlin, E. G. Matthews, H. A. Brigham, M. C. Williams and H. M. Scranton.

The school opened in October, with the following faculty: Principal, Professor Wildman; preceptress, Miss E. S. Cal- ligan; assistant, Miss E. E. Ames; intermediate, Miss Ellen Smallwood; primary, Miss - Chamberlin; music, Mrs. A. D. Howland; drawing, Miss Mary Brigham.

The following year Miss Calligan was elected to the prin- cipalship, which position she held down to 1878. Under her management the school made excellent progress, improving in scholarship and increasing in numbers. During the last year of her stay the school was carefully regraded to con- form to a wider and more thorough course of study. A dis- agreement arising between her and the board in regard to the number of teachers necessary to carry out the new course of study, she resigned, and Mr. I. P. Bishop was chosen in her place, which he holds at the present date.

The course of study extends over three years in the primary department, three in the intermediate, and three in the grammar school. In the academic department students are allowed the choice of three courses: the English, ex. tending over three years, and the scientific and classical, each extending over four years. The school is now in a flourishing condition and is considered inferior to none in the county in point of thoroughness and efficiency.

The following is the composition of the present faculty

and school board: Principal, Irving P. Bishop; preceptress, Miss E. May Skiff ; assistants, Miss Minnie F. Wheelock and Miss Hattie Kellog; music, Miss Flora Elliot; drawing, Miss Flora Bradley; intermediate, Miss Cora B. Percival; primary, Mrs. Ida M. Smith; board of education-E. G. Matthews (president), E. H. Wygant (secretary), Willard Chapin, Anson Sleeper, T. B. Catton and Hiram Wright.

THE PRESS OF PERRY.

The Genesee Recorder was commenced at Perry by George M. Shipper in 1834, and continued for two years.

In 1841 Peter Lawrence commenced the publication of the Perry Democrat. In 1848 it passed into the hands of C. C. Britt, who continued it until 1853.

The Countryman was started at Perry in 1843 by N. S. Woodward. Soon after it was purchased by Daniel S. Cur- tis, who changed its name to the Impartial Countryman, and continued it until August, 1864, when it passed to Ansel Warren, who again changed its name to the Free Citizen, and issued it until August, 1847.

The Christian Investigator was published at the office of the Free Citizen, in Perry, for one year, and was edited by William Goodell.

The Wyoming Advertiser was commenced December 22nd, 1853, and published one year by Horace Wilcox.

The Wyoming Times was commenced at Perry in May, 1855, by T. S. Giilett. . In 1856 it was destroyed by fire, and was revived soon after. Its publication ceased, however, in the year 1863.

The Silver Lake Sun was started at Perry in December, 1865, by George A. Sanders, by whom it was published till 1877.

The Wyoming County Herald was established in July, 1877, by Lewis E. Chapin, and published at Perry. The name was changed in 1878 to The Herald, and it is still issued.

CHURCHES OF PERRY VILLAGE.

BAPTIST.

As early as 1816 there were a few families of Baptists in Perry and Castile.

On the 25th of October, 1818, the following persons or- ganized themselves into a Baptist church: Solomon Squiers, John Bowen, Beriah Bowers, David Carlisle, Thomas E. Parmerly, Peter Clark, Samuel Waldo, Martha Bartlett, Hannah Finch, Betsey Leonard, Anna Squiers, Sarah Par- merly, Clarinda Bowers and Nancy Bowers. Of these Samuel Waldo alone remained a member of the church in 1879. November 5th, 1818, the church was recognized by a council, convened at the house of John Bowers, at which the sermon was preached by Rev. Daniel McBride.

Rev. Mr. Wisner was the first pastor. He labored about one year, receiving for his salary only such donations as the people were able to offer. He was succeeded in 1820 by Rev. Jesse Brown, who also continued about one year, after which the church was supplied by Rev. Joshua Bradley and others till August 25th, 1822, when it became a branch of the church at Middlebury.

On the first of October, 1825, the church was reorganized and recognized as an independent church, with thirty-three members. In 1826 Rev. Richard H. Benedict became pas-

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REAPER WORKS OF WYCKOFF, TUTTLE & OLIN , PERRY, N. Y.

FARM RESIDENCE OF PHILIP DURYEE, CASTILE, N. Y.

at night

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- FARM RESIDENCE of J.W. DALRYMPLE, ... PERRY VILLAGE, WYOMING CO, N.Y.

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BAPTIST, PRESBYTERIAN AND METHODIST CHURCHES OF PERRY.

tor, and he remained two years. Rev. Noah Barell became pastor in 1828, and his pastorate continued more than a year, during which intense feeling arose in the church on the subject of masonry. Several members of the masonic frater- nity severed their connection with the institution, and a resolution was adopted refusing fellowship with masons.

Rev. Daniel Eldridge became pastor in 1830. In 1833 Rev. Absalom Miner; 1834, Rev. William Arthur; 1837, Rev. Elon Galusha; 1841, Rev. Daniel Eldridge; 1843, Rev. J. W. Spoor; 1846, Rev. F. Glanville; 1849, Rev. Walter R. Brooks; 1857. Rev. Chauncey W. Wardener; 1859, Rev. Roswell Cheney; 1875, R'ev. Charles Ayer; 1877, the present pastor, Rev. J. W. Harris, son of Rev. Norman Harris, who has been during thirty-three years a missionary in Burmah.

The society worshiped in school-houses, etc., till 1830, when a church edifice was erected at a cost of $3,000. It has been enlarged to about double its original capacity.

During the pastorate of Mr. Galusha the church took positive ground against American slavery, and the members resolved that "as a church of Christ they could not fellow- ship slaveholders or their apologists." From this position the church never receded.

In 1850, at the annual meeting, the church resolved " that we deem it the duty of all Christians to abstain from the sale and use of all intoxicating drinks or liquors as a bev- erage, strong beer not excepted, and we cannot fellowship the conduct of any brother who will not thus abstain."

In July, 1844, it was voted to have no fellowship with members of a secret society. In February, 1861, it was voted a duty to aid in the circulation of such publications as expose free masonry. A resolution was subsequently passed not to require any tests as to society membership. A portion of the members were dissatisfied with this action and withdrew their support. It is therefore difficult to as- certain the present number of members.

PRESBYTERIAN.

The first Presbyterian church organized in Perry was es- tablished July 22nd, 1822. Revs. Samuel T. Mills, of Mos- cow, and Norris Bull, of Geneseo, were present at the or- ganization, and it is remembered that Ebenezer Higgins was chosen clerk. The first organization never numbered more than twenty-seven and never had a settled minister.

On the 14th of July, 1835, this church was reorganized, and soon afterward a house of worship was erected.

Rev. Samuel Gridley, now of Waterloo, N. Y., was active in the second church organization, which consisted of twenty-three members, of whom Mrs. Polly Higgins alone survives. A society had been organized September 13th, 1834, with Merrick Hough, Otis Higgins, Edmund Birdsall, James R. Webster,- now. of Waterloo, N. Y.,- Orris D. Gardner and Harvey E. Homans as trustees. In 1838 Rev. S. Haynes-now of Rome-became the supply of this church, and it was determined to build a house of worship. This was done, and on the ist of January, 1839, it was dedicated; Revs. Erastus Gillett, of Batavia, Joseph Ladd, W. Stratton and S. Haynes participating in the dedicatory services. Rev. Mr. Haynes was, in February, 1840, succeeded by James R. Page, D. D., now of Brighton, N.Y., who, with the exception of several short intervals, continued to be pastor during twenty- seven years. Revs. J. W. Ray and William Patingill sup-

plied the pulpit for short periods during that time. In 1868 Dr. Page was succeeded by Rev. H. M. Hazeltine, who was pastor till 1870. when he was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Gardner, and he, in 1872, by the present pastor, Rev. E. H. Dibble.

Temporary repairs have been made in the church edifice from time to time. In 1852 a lecture room was built, and a bell was presented to the society by E. P. Clark. In 1875 extensive repairs were made, costing, including an organ, about $6,700. The society owns a parsonage. The present membership of the church is 145; that of the Sunday-school is 150.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL.

The data for this sketch of the M. E. church in Perry down to about 1840 are gleaned from a series of articles written by Rev. John Stainton, who came to this town in 1819, at the age of twenty-one.

Henry Wallace, who in June, 1816, settled on the east side of the outlet of Silver lake, about half a mile from Perry village, was a Methodist, and induced Rev. Robert Winchell to visit Perry and preach in his house. Mr. Winchell formed a class of six members-Henry Wallace, leader; Sabra Wal- lace, his wife, Hannah Wallace, his daughter-in-law, Miles Rhoads and wife, and a Mrs. Dow, who had located a mile or two farther south about the same time with Mr. Wallace. Mr. Winchell and his associates, Rev. William Jones and Rev. Thomas Magee, visited and preached to this class oc- casionally. Of this first class Hannah Wallace died in 1831, Henry Wallace in 1840, at the age of eighty-two, and Sabra Wallace in 1844, aged eighty.

In February, 1817, Rev. William Wiles, with his own and two other families of Methodists, came. Thomas Bachelor, an exhorter, settled near this place about the same time, and in 1818 Thomas Grisewood, three of whose sons were after- ward preachers. Mr. Wallace, on becoming deaf, was suc- ceeded as class leader by Story Wiles, and he, in 1819, by Thomas Grisewood.

The class by 1822 numbered thirty or forty. November 23d of that year a society was incorporated, with Samuel Gilman, Thomas Grisewood, William Dolbeer, Daniel Wiles, Thomas Bachelor and Rev. William Wiles as trustees.

Measures were at once instituted and prosecuted for the erection of a house of worship, and in the autumn of 1823 the first church edifice in this part of the country, except at Warsaw, was erected and enclosed. It was finished in 1824, and dedicated that year by Rev. Goodwin Stoddard, pre- siding elder of the district. In 1826 the Genesee Con- ference sat in this church. It stood on the site of the pres- ent residence of Richard Smith, just north from where the present edifice stands.

In 1832 or 1833 this building was found too small, and it was sold, removed and used several years by the Universalist society. It was then converted into a dwelling or boarding- house for the accommodation of the academy, and a more capacious church erected. It was dedicated by Rev. Samuel Lucky, D. D.

In 1839 this house was burned. A chapel was soon erected, in which the congregation worshiped about two years, till the completion of the present church edifice. The new and more capacious edifice was completed, and dedicated by Rev. Schuyler Seager, D. D., in the autumn of 1840. This

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HISTORY OF WYOMING COUNTY, NEW YORK.

building at one time required extensive repairs after a fire. In January, 1836, a parsonage was bought on Leicester street, a few rods west from where the academy stands. April 19th, 1877, this was burned. A lot was purchased on the corner of Center and Leicester streets, on which was erected one of the most substantial, commodious and beautiful parsonages to be found in western New York. To this enterprise Mr. M. P. Andrews and wife contributed the generous sum of $2,200.

Perry was once a circuit, embracing a large surrounding territory that has since been divided into several distinct pastoral charges. It was set off by itself as a station in 1831, Rev. Philo Woodworth pastor. During its history there have been three sessions of the Genesee Annual Con- ference in this place-the sessions of 1829, 1837 and 1858. At the session of 1829 action was taken which resulted in the founding of the seminary at Lima.

After the conference of 1858 the Free Methodist church of Perry was formed, by a secession from this one, and in 186r it was legally organized.

From an early period a Sabbath-school has been sustained in the M. E. church of this place. Among the earliest su- perintendents were Rev. J. Stainton and Mr. Gilbert Mitchel; in later times Prof. M. R. Atkins, A. B. Cooley, D. P. Stowell and others have filled this office.

Among the pastors here have been Rev. Drs. F. G. Hib- bard, Seth Mattison, S. Hunt, J. H. Bayliss, J. B. Wentworth and others widely known through the connection. The society has always contributed liberally to. deserving causes. With a membership having an average of about 170 for the last twenty years, the society gave to the cause of missions in the decade ending with 1870, $1,540; during the eight years between 1870 and 1878, $1,279, and to other causes in proportion.

UNIVERSALIST.

Universalism was preached in Perry at a very early day; how early it is very difficult now to ascertain. A congrega- tion had worshiped here previous to the formation of a society. At a meeting of that congregation on the 8th of October, 1831, a constitution and profession of faith were adopted, to which the following, as constituent members, subscribed:

Dan Dickerson, Robert Matison, Arvin Olin, Moses Wollen, Bliskim Bots- ford. Noah Bacon, Josiah Williams, James H. Bolton, Amos Otis, Jobn Griffith, Leatab T. Gore, Jonas Wood, William Tripp, Homer Bingham, Na- than Chitester, Oliver Goodspeed. Samuel Marsh, Joseph Wilson, Jamen Calkins, Jacob Ashdin, Rodney Atwood, Stepben D. Tabor, Talmon T. Car- ver, Hiram Austin, Titus Howe, Ann Dickerson, Betsey Ayers, Betsey Olin, Denes Burnham, Dolly Botsford, Margaret Bacon, Lovina Otis, Deborah Waterman, Mary Patchin, Nanoy Wood, Sally Tripp, Polly Bingham, Laura Goodspeed, Harriet Collins, Lucy Ann Collins, Mary Colline.

Josiah Williams, James H. Bolton and Dan Dickerson were chosen trustees. The church organization was effected June 18th, 1843.

At a meeting of the society in 1833 the trustees were authorized to purchase the old Methodist meeting-house. This was used till the erection of the present building, then sold, removed and converted into a dwelling-house, and af- terward burned. . The present church edifice was completed in the summer of 1852, and dedicated February 9th, 1853, Rev. D. Skinner, of Utica, N. Y., preaching the dedication sermon. It is a wooden structure, sixty by forty-five feet, with a lecture room adjoining; and its cost, including site,

was $4,000. An organ has been placed in it at an expense of $800.

According to the record, since the ecclesiastical organiza- tion the pastors have been: Daniel Ackley, Stephen Miles, J. S. Brown, Eben Francis, A. B. Grosh, D. C. Tomlinson, Stephen Crane, W. B. Randolph, George Adams and W. Sisson, the present pastor. The records of the society pre- vious to the church organization do not give the names of either pastors or occasional preachers. The following are remembered: Revs. Sampson Skeele, W. T. Reese, Alfred Peck, - Moreton, John Flagler, Benjamin Luther, L. L. Saddler, T. P. Abell, Seth Barnes, Jacob Chase, Orren Roberts, Alanson Kelsey and B. G. Bennett.

The society has maintained preaching withi scarcely an in- termission since its organization, and has enjoyed uniform prosperity. The present number of meinbers is 116,

ST. JOSEPH'S, ROMAN CATHOLIC.

In 1848 the only Catholic families in Perry were those of Dennis Kennedy, Bernard Smith, Joseph Malone and Thomas Farrell. During that year mass was celebrated for the first time in the town, at the house of Mr. Kennedy, on Watrous street, by Rev. Father McEvoy. During eight or nine years afterward mass was celebrated monthly by Fathers Lawton, Ryan and McEvoy.

About the year 1858 a building on Covington street, which had been used for a private school and for the session room of the Presbyterian society, was purchased from E. P. Clark for $300. This was used as a house of worship till 1872, when a new house was erected and this was sold. The new church was located a short distance east from the academy. It was eighty by forty-five feet, and it cost, with the site, $5,000.

Though from the first the society has steadily increased in numbers, it continued to be a mission till 1879. This mission was attended by Fathers McConnell, Purcell, Mc- Guiness, Gregg, Cook and Fitzpatrick-the last of whom built the present church edifice in 1872; then Father O. Dwyer, who was succeeded in 1879 by Father Berkery. The last also attends a church which he has erected in Gaines- ville. The parish numbers about 500 members.

In 1851 this parish was first visited by Bishop Timon, who lectured in the Universalist church. Bishop Ryan has sev- eral times visited this church.

FREE METHODIST.

Early in the fall of 1859 Jonathan Handley and nineteen other members of the M. E. church were expelled for eccle- siastical reasons similar to those for which Revs. B. T. Rob- erts and Joseph McCreery had been expelled from the Gen- esee conference and M. E. church. They procured Smith's Hall, and held regular services in it until they could secure a permanent place of worship. The following summer they built a church on a lot presented to them by A. D. Smith, on the corner of Main and Gardeau streets. This church was dedicated on the 20th of July, 1861, by Revs. Asa Abell and Loren Stiles.

. The church organization was effected at Smith's Hall, the following persons constituting the membership: Jonathan Handley, Mary Handley, John Grisewood, Hannah Grise- wood, James R. Johnson, Rhoda M. Johnson, Mark Johnson, William Rudd, Sarah Rudd, Thomas B. Catton, Sarah H.

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PERRY FREE METHODIST CHURCH-BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

Catton, James Purdy, Sarah Purdy, Wright Mason, Mary Clark Sanford, Hannah Sanford, Lydia Grisewood, Ann Smith and Elizabeth Hare, twenty in all.

A Sunday-school was organized, with T. B. Catton as superintendent.

In the autumn of 1862 the class of twenty-five at Burke Hill withdrew from the M. E. church and united with the Free Methodist; and since that time the two societies have been known as the "Perry and Burke Hill circuit."

The following clergymen have served as pastor of the circuit since the organization of the class at Perry:

From May to October, 1881. Rev. William Manning : 1881 to 1802, Rev. Ama Abell ; Rev. C. Hudson was appointed by the conference of 1882, but dying soon after. the circuit wwa supplied till the next version of the conference : from 1863 to 1804. Hev. B. H. Lowe : 1861 to 1806. Rev. J. W. Reddy : 1806 to 1808. Rev. Heory Hornsby : 1808 to 1870. Rev. G. W. Humphrey : 1870 to 1872, Rev. F. J. Ewell ; 1872 to 1878. Rev. G. W. Humphrey ; 1878 to 1875. Rev. M. B. C. Barritt ; 1875 to 1877, Rev. G. W. Marcellus: 1877 to 1878, Rev. G. W. Cole- man ; 1878 to 1879, Rev. W. Manning, the present pastor.

The society owns a parsonage on Watrous street.

J. D. Handley is superintendent of the Sunday-school at Perry village, and Eugene Jeffers of that at Burke Hill.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

G. W. ABRAMS was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1860, and was married in 1878 to Jennie N. Olin, daughter of Philip and Maria Olin, of Perry. Mr. Abrams is a farmer. His father, Joseph Abrams, was born in Massachusetts, in 1808. After living for a time in Genesee county be removed with his family to Perry in 1840, and after working at the carpenter's trade pur- chased the farm where the family now live about fifteen years aro. His wife, Diana Rotobkiss, whom he married in 1886, was a daughter of Ira Hotchkiss, a native of Vermont, who moved to Gainesville, and from there to Warsaw, where be died. Mr. Abrams's brother, William Abrams, served in the late war in the 9th N. Y. cavalry and the 9th Michigan volunteers. He was in the battle of Bull Run, and other engagements.

JEROME ALLEN, GOD of Bari and Bunice Allen, was born in Pavilion, Gonesse county. in 1802. January 1st. 1855, be married Cornelia A., daughter of Lemuel Cornish, of Covington. He is a carpenter and joiner and con- tractor and builder, and has been a resident of Perry since 1803, when be re- moved from Le Roy, Genesee county.

THOMAS J. ALTON was born in Covington, in 1886. and married Sarab T. Cronkbite, daughter of John and Eunice W. Cronkhite, in 1858. Mrs. Alton was also born in 1836. Mr. Alton is a farmer. He bas served the town as constable and collector. John Cronkhite was born in Argyle, Washington county, in 1791. He came to Perry, after living in various localities, and was a resident of the town until his death, in 1877. He was married in 1886 to Eunice Wigans. of Stillwater, Saratoga county, wbo is still living. He was a member of the Congregational church, with which Mra. Cronkbite and Mr. and Mrs. Alton are identified. For some years Mr. Cronkbite served his town as assessor and commissioner of highways.

DAVID ANDRUS, GOD of David and Mary Andrus, was born in Shaftsbury, Vt .. in 1825, and removed to western New York with his parents in 1834 and located in Castile. He spent several years in Virginia and California, and returned to Castile in 1868. From Castile be removed to Perry in 1866. He was married in 1864 to Miss Harriet A. Palmer, daughter of Alton and Har- riet Palmer, who died in 1865. In 1866 be married her sister, Martha Jane Palmer.

MARTIN ANDRUS, brother of David Andrus, was born in Shaftsbury, Vt., in 1812, and married Clariera Huntington, of Castile, in 1820. His father, who is mentioned above as a settler in Castile in 1834, died at the residence of Martin Andrus, in Perry village, in 1801. at the age of eighty-two. The latter has been a resident of Perry since 1832.

MARK ANDREWS was born in Turner, Maine, in 1786, and came to Perry in 1816, having just married Dolly Mcintyre at Atigusta, Maine. They settled on one hundred and twenty acres of partially improved land west of Perry Center, and Mr. Andrews was a resident of the town until his death, May 19th, 1856. Martin P. Andrews, bis son, was born in Perry, August 17th, 1817. November 8th, 1848, be married Mary Hunt, daughter of Elijeb and Eunice Hunt, who died July 81st, 1866. March 21st, 1867, be married Mrs. Diana Norton, widow of Isaac Norton, of Livingston county. Paris An- drews, son of Martin P. Andrews, was born in Perry in February, 1846, and married Lydia, daughter of Alfred and Abigail Abell, of Perry, March Zist, 1867. They have one child.

SANFORD ARMSTRONG was born in Connecticut, in 1788. and was married October 5th, 1849. to Marilda. daughter of John and Sophia Wilcox, of War- maw. Mr. Armstrong was a resident of Perry from 1815 until his death, May 18th, 1806. He held the office of justice of the peace. Hisson, Sanford Arm- strong, was born in July, 1851, and was married in March, 1878, to Emma C .. daughter of Ebenezer and Corinda Burt, of Perry, by whom he has three children-Gertie. born August 28th, 1876; Florence, born November 18th, 1876; and Burt, boro August 20th, 1879.

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History of Wyoming County, N.Y., with Illustrations, Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Some Pioneers and Prominent Residents, Part 68

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: F.W. Beers & Co. Number of Pages:

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: F.W. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: