USA > New York > Yates County > History of Yates County, N.Y. : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and pioneers > Part 22
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From Regents of University, 688 40
Value of school grounds,
$ 4,500 00
Value of buildings,
12,000 00
Value of furniture,
1,500 00
Value of apparatus,
440 00
Value of library,
2,000 00
Value of museum,
45 00
Total cost for year ending July 25, 1891,
10,426 28
STARKEY SEMINARY.
Starkey Seminary owes its origin to the denomination known as Christians. The institution was founded January 5, 1840, and is the oldest of like character within the bounds of Yates County. The first building was erected in 1841. Other buildings have been added until the property is estimated to be worth $25,000. It is supplied with modern improvements, with scientific apparatus sufficient for advanced teaching, and has held its own from the time it was opened until the present as a first-class educational institution, and one of which the county of Yates may well be proud. Its alumni, numbered by hun-
229
STARKEY SEMINARY.
dreds, are scattered throughout the length and breadth of the land, pointing back to this grand institution as their inspiration, and proving by their lives an honor to Starkey Seminary and a blessing to the world.
Its first trustees were men of the highest standing both intellectually and morally, men of culture and ability, and well worthy to have charge of an institution of this character. They were as follows: Jo- seph Bailey, Obadiah Chase, Caleb Cowing, Livret Gabriel, John Guth- rie, Horace Henderson, James Huntington, Isaac Lanning, Clarkson Martin, Ezra Marvin, Seth Marvin, O. E. Morrell, Hiram A. Newcomb, Henry Spence, H. G. Stafford, Eli Townsend, and Daniel D. Van Allen. Elder Ezra Marvin was its first president and Daniel D. Van Allen was its first secretary. At a meeting of the Central Conference held at Eddytown on the 15th of January, 1840, it was resolved that the in- stitution be called "The Seminary of the New York Central Christian Conference." Elder Marvin was president of the Board of Trustees un. til the time of his decease, with the exception of seven years, when he was pastor at Enfield. He was the indefatigable friend of the seminary from its inception until the close of his long and useful life. He died in Starkey in 1871. He was an effective minister and a man of ability and practical character. But for his persistency Starkey Seminary would not have achieved an existence in his day. He was born at Laurens, Otsego County, N. Y., in 1806, and married, in 1827, Huldah, the daughter of Elder Ezra Chase, of the Christian connection.
Its first term began November 28, 1842. The first principal was the Rev. Charles Morgridge, who occupied this position for seven terms. The next was Abram Miller, who was principal for two terms. He was followed by Thomas E. Turner, who remained two years. Edmund Chadwick, A.M., then assumed control and remained principal until 1861, a period of fourteen years. Professor Chadwick was succeeded by O. F. Ingalsby, A.M., whose administration extended over a period of twelve years. During the labors in behalf of instruction by these two latter gentlemen the institution reached its highest possible efficiency and usefulness.
Prof. Edmund Chadwick, who is among the more noted teachers of Starkey Seminary, first took charge November 8, 1847. At his coming
230
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
such men as Abbott Lawrence, Charles Francis Adams, Albert Fearing, Thomas Mandell, and others of Boston and vicinity contributed funds toward the purchase of apparatus for the school. Professor Chadwick was born in Milton, N. H., in 1812, and graduated at Bowdoin Col- lege in 1840. He also studied two years at Lane Theological Semi- nary and was graduated as a theological student at Bangor, Me. His health failed as a preacher, and he then took charge for two years of the Classical and Mathematical Institute at Nashville, Tenn. He next be- came principal of Starkey Seminary and continued to occupy this posi- tion for fourteen years. Professor Chadwick and his second wife, who for some years was preceptress of Starkey Seminary (her maiden name was Adaline Ward), both did for this institution a work of lasting good, retrieved and built up its fortunes, and through their efforts the school was placed on a firm, lasting, and secure foundation.
The first preceptress of the seminary was Mrs. Turner, the wife of Thomas E. Turner, the third principal. The second preceptress was Cassandra D. Hobart, who became the first wife of Prof. Edmund Chad- wick. The third was Adaline Ward, formerly preceptress of the Dun- dee Academy, and afterward the second wife of Professor Chadwick. Miss N. N. Doane was for a number of years preceptress under Professor Ingalsby. Helen C. Bassett also held this position for several years.
Prof. B. F. McHenry was principal of Starkey Seminary from 1873 to 1 877. Robert D. Evans, A.M., succeeded him as principal and held the position for two years. In 1879 O. F. Ingalsby, A.M., again be- came principal and served seven years in that capacity, and was suc- ceeded by W. J. Reynolds, A.M., who resigned after holding the posi- tion for one year. G. R. Hammond, Ph.D., was then principal for five years and was succeeded in 1891 by O. H. Merrill, A.M., the present incumbent. The principals of Starkey Seminary have been gentlemen of unusual ability and devoted to the interests of the institution.
The teachers now employed in Starkey Seminary in addition to the principal are : Elizabeth Bolley, preceptress, Coreall C. Wilcox, A.B., Frank H. Hansner, Charles E. Cook, Ida E. Peake, Lelia C. Nelson, Warren H. Dennison. The courses of study include the common Eng- lish branches, a complete academic and college preparatory course, with art, music, commercial, and stenographic departments.
23I
DUNDEE SCHOOLS.
The location is healthful and the scenery beautiful, and there is no saloon within three miles of the school. The value of the buildings is $21,700; of the grounds, $2,300 ; of the library, $1,700 ; of the appa- ratus, $1,788. The present Board of Trustees consists of W. E. Bassler, president; I. C. Tryon, secretary ; L. A. Earle, treasurer ; Cyrus Bar- ber, Rev. M. G. Borthwick, Rev. Henry Brown, Rev. E. Burnap, S. E. Butler, George I. Edgerton, Benjamin French, G. R. Hammond, Ph.D., W. M. Hatfield, L. G. Phinney, D. L. Royce, Omar Smith, Hon. Han- ford Struble, and Rev. T. R. Wade.
DUNDEE SCHOOLS. .
The Dundee preparatory school was chartered by the Regents of the University in 1888. The following named gentlemen comprise the Board of Trustees : Hon. George P. Lord, Hon. Henry M. Huntington, H. V. L. Jones, E. M. Sawyer, S. R. Harpending, Dr. A. R. Otis, Le- roy Sutton, C. S. Goble, Henry Goble, Eugene Vreeland, T. D. Beek- man, and Frank N. Sayre. The officers of the board are Hon. George P. Lord, president; Frank N. Sayre, secretary ; T. D. Beekman, treas- urer. Prof. E. E. Cates is principal and Amy M. Parsons is preceptress, with an able corps of assistants. In this school students are graduated who have taken the full course of instruction and are prepared for col- lege entrance.
The school building is situated on Harpending avenue and was erected at a cost of $7,500. In the erection of this school building the public spirit and liberality of the citizens of Dundee were manifest, as the entire cost of the building and grounds, together with the superior library and apparatus, was provided for by subscription and not by tax. The average attendance is about eighty.
The Public School building is situated on Seneca street. It has been completed about one year, at a cost of $7,000, exclusive of lot. It is an excellent building, supplied with modern improvements. Prof. Jerry Thompson is the present principal and has three assistants. The trus- tees are Dr. C. C. Harvey, John J. Knapp, and Edwin Jessup. The school is very properous and the attendance is so great as to necessi- tate the building of additional room. The citizens of Dundee may well point with pride to their excellent system of schools.
232
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
In 1849 Daniel Smith, James Shannon, and Isaac Maples bought the old Methodist Church in Dundee and had it refitted as an academy. Richard Taylor, a noted teacher, was its first principal. He was suc- ceeded by Charles T. White. Among its first pupils were Hon. George P. Lord, Hon. Martin J. Sunderlin, Loren G. Thomas, and Rev. D. Corey. About thirty others among the earlier students afterward be- came school teachers. Among the later teachers in the Dundee Acad- emy were Thomas E. Turner, William Marvin, H. M. Aller, P. G. Winfield, Hanford Struble, Ziba H. Patton, Edmund Chadwick and wife, Thomas Robinson, and Archibald Grant. Ira H. Stout was principal in 1872. This academy did a grand work for Dundee in its day, but for reasons hard to tell (like the first academy located at Penn Yan) it was allowed to be discontinued. The immeasurable good it accom- plished is appreciated by the old citizens of that locality, and as long as life shall last they will never cease to remember the old Dundee Academy.
Among the earliest teachers in the Eddytown settlement was Rhoda Royce, who afterward became the wife of Caleb Cowing. Some of the other teachers there in early times were Bashan Roberts (one of his pupils being Isaac Lanning), Dr. John Warner, Alfred Gridley, Dr. William Cornwell (who quite early taught a school in the north part of Bennett's settlement), John Fulkerson, John Culver, Jonas Wickes, and Jane Quinn. Subsequent teachers in the town of Starkey of more or less note have been Elmer Keeler, John T. Andrews, Edwin C. An- drews, Walter Dickinson, James L. Seeley, Alice Demorest, Stephen and Zebora Edgerton, Richard Durham, Philander Cogswell, Henry Burgess, D. D. Warner, Ichabod Kneeland, C. Longstreet, Hiland G. Wolcott, Hershel W. Pierce, Hiram Cornell, John D. Wolcott, Henry A. Bruner, Lewis J. Wilkin, James H. Pope, Richard Taylor, and Dr. Samuel Hart Wright.
Beyond all doubt the first school within the present limits of the town of Starkey was taught by Orpha Scott some time before 1800. She and her mother came to the Friend's settlement in 1790. She was well educated and a woman of rare ability. She married Pearly Gates and died in Gorham at the age of nearly one hundred.
As early as 1826 the town of Starkey was divided into nine school
233
KEUKA COLLEGE.
districts and two parts of districts. The town has long been noted for its high grade schools and for the public spirit of its citizens in this direction.
KEUKA COLLEGE.
Keuka College had its origin and was planted in the county of Yates through the agency and untiring labors of Christian ministers. The enterprise was first suggested at a meeting representing the Central Association of Free Baptists and the New York State Conference of the Christian Convention held at Whitesboro, Oneida County, in the spring of 1887, and was fully determined upon at a joint convention of the two corporations held at Oneonta the ensuing fall. The plan was submitted to the citizens of Penn Yan and of the county of Yates in the winter of 1887-88, with the proposition to locate the institution on Lake Keuka near the village of Penn Yan. Several meetings were held and the prop- osition was met by a very generous response. A bona fide subscription of the sum of $50,000 was soon placed in the hands of the committee. It is proper to state that the greater part of the subscription has been paid, but a portion, we regret to say, has as yet been withheld.
The institution was finally located in the town of Jerusalem on the westerly shore of Lake Keuka, four miles from Penn Yan, four from Branchport, and eighteen from Hammondsport, on a point of the lovely Keuka, on a farm of 157 1/2 acres, which seemed to have been made and kept on purpose for this institution. A small lot was added by dona tion, making in all a little more than 160 acres. A liberal subscription by citizens residing about the lake to the building fund was raised and on the 18th of April, 1888, work on the center building was com- menced. The building, 260 feet in size and four stories high above the basement, was finished and duly dedicated on the 18th of August, 1890.
Brethren from the Christian connection, having decided not to merge Starkey Seminary into the college, withdrew from the compact in the year 1890 and the work went on without their assistance. The ideas contemplated in the founding of this institution were as follows: By combining a vigorous academy, a thorough college, a great summer as- sembly, a college town where families shall reside while their children are in school, gentle and helpful Christian influence without sectarian
30
234
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
bias, plainness and cheapness of living, freedom from saloon tempta- tions, healthful and delightful surroundings, revenue from the college building by using it for summer guests during vacation when such buildings are unproductive, the sale of lots of the park on which cotta- ges shall be erected, by which a college town is secured and families from remote districts become active and interested friends of the col- lege, the advertisement of the college through the summer assemblies, and the courses of lectures at these assemblies, by which information is imparted, desire for improvement begotten, and interest in the educa- tion of youth is inspired. The power to do a large work is secured, students and friends are attracted, and growth is assured. More than $100,000 in cash has been already expended in the plant, which is now worth at least $200,000. Nearly $50,000 in notes, securities, and do- nations toward an endowment is in hand, and additions are being steadily made to this sum, inspiring faith that an ample endowment will ere long be secured. The college is pre-eminently for the common people, especially the children of farmers and other industrial classes. The border counties of New York and Pennsylvania need just such an institution and are showing that they appreciate it by giving it a liberal patronage.
The attendance the first year was 157 and indications favor the be- lief that the current year will show nearly double that number of stu- dents enrolled. Its aim is to supply a thorough education to both sexes at a very low cost. It takes students direct from the district school, fits them for college, and puts them through a regular college course. It also provides a scientific and business course for such as are not able to pursue a full classical course. It is proposed to provide ample accom- modations for all who may come. Between forty and fifty neat sub- stantial cottages have already been erected on the grounds, and the lots surrounding the college are rapidly increasing in value. The library is fast assuming generous proportions and arrangements are be- ing made to supply the institution with needful philosophical and other apparatus. The department of music is not lost sight of, but competent teachers are in the employ of the Board of Directors.
The present Board of Managers consists of Rev. George H. Ball, D.D., president ; Prof. Frank E. Passmore, treasurer; Rev. T. A. Stevens,
235
KEUKA COLLEGE.
secretary ; Rev. J. M. Langworthy, Rev. A. F. Schermerhorn, Rev. B. M. Briggs. The Board of Instructors consists of L. C. Millspaugh, M.D., principal ; Marvin L. Spooner, M.A., vice-principal ; Ella J. Ball, M.A., lady principal; Clarence E. Brockway, B.A., J. Nelson Green, Ph.B., E. G. Folsom, M.A., A. M. Hagaman, with several assistants.
The college and assembly are both for the public; whatever of value or interest belong to them aim at the elevation, improvement, and cre- ation of superior men and women. This supreme purpose has inspired the founders from the beginning ; with these objects kept constantly in view and as the foundation stones of this beautiful college who can measure the boundless influence for good of its future ? This grand temple of learning, builded by the prayers and labors of the servants of the Master, will stand for centuries, a beacon light pointing upward and onward always toward all that is good and true and noble in manhood and womanhood. The charming lake, the site " beautiful for situation," the wide field to be cultivated, the generosity of the people brought it here, and here may it stand a " blessing for all time." Having pros- pered thus far through faith and the help of God its founders and sup- porters confidently expect Keuka College to grow for centuries, doing more and more for humanity and standing an object of joy and pride to all the people.1
The Rushville Union Free School was organized under the general law April 23, 1868, by combining District No. 7, towns of Potter (in Yates County) and Gorham (in Ontario County), and District No. 13, towns of Potter and Middlesex. The following trustees were elected : Emmet C. Dwelle, William G. Holbrook, and Nathaniel H. Green to serve one year ; T. W. Crittenden, Orlan E. Blodgett, and Hiram Brown for two years; Moses B. Watkins, S. Judson Jones, and F. B. Seeley for three years; S. Judson Jones was elected president of the board. The school-house is a two-story brick building and cost with the grounds $15,000 The grounds are ample, consisting of three acres, one acre be- ing covered with thrifty maples, making a beautiful grove for which the district is indebted to Prof. A. D. Whitney, a former popular principal.
1 At a meeting of the State Board of Regents held at Albany February 11, 1892, a provisional charter, without degree-conferring powers, was voted Keuka College. It is expected that full powers will be ere long conferred on this institution.
236
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
The school has been extremely fortunate in having a good Board of Trustees. It has been composed of intelligent, liberal men, all of them interested in the cause of education. The gentlemen composing the present board are Dr. W. A. Carson, president; D. J. Harkness, secre - tary ; S. Judson Jones, Joshua P. Legg, James De Witt, Loyal C. Twitchell, Henry M. Smith, Ward M. Taylor, and F. P. Williams. The teachers are: F. W. Fisher, principal ; Miss Harriet N. Davis, precept- ress; Mrs. Ann G. Jones, primary. The successful manner in which the primary department has been conducted by the " veteran " in - structor, Mrs. Ann G. Jones, is deserving of special mention. This lady has had charge of this department since the Union School was founded. She was also a teacher for several years in the district school of Rush- ville, and has taught continuously for forty years. The citizens of Rushville and vicinity may well feel proud of this grand institution of learning.
Middlesex Center has a new district school-house of ample dimensions and capacity for the accommodation of the place and vicinity. It is of brick, substantially built, and cost $3,000. The citizens of Middlesex (as they should) take great pride in their village school.
The village of Branchport, in the town of Jerusalem, is possessed of one of the best and most substantial of school- houses. Its construction is of stone, and it has long been considered as one of the best managed district schools of the county.
Perhaps no town in the county is supplied with all that goes to make up good district schools than is the town of Benton. The school-houses are a model of neatness and convenience. Great care is also taken by the trustees in the selection of well qualified teachers. The school at Benton Center is known as an exceptionally fine school, as is also the one near Ferguson's.
One of the finest and most substantial school buildings in the county was erected in 1887-88 in the village of Dresden, in the town of Torrey. It has accommodations for 150 students and has all the improvements of the best regulated district schools. The citizens of Dresden have reason to be proud of their splendid school facilities. Its cost, including lot, was not far from $4,000.
In closing this chapter congratulations are in order to all who are in-
237
THE VINEYARDS.
terested in the success and prosperity of the public schools. The free school system of the State of New York has been a source of incalcu- lable good to all the people. The educational interests of the county have kept at least even pace with its development and growth in other directions. It is safe to say that the schools of Yates compare favorably with those of her sister counties throughout the State. Their generous and hearty support in the past is a credit to the good sense of the citi- zens. The old school-houses are fast giving way to convenient and substantial structures with all modern improvements. The people are awake as never before to the value of institutions of learning.
The signs are full of hope and encouragement ; the present is an age of culture and general diffusion of knowledge such as the world never before witnessed. The old adage that " knowledge is power " is being verified more and more. " Excelsior !" the motto of our State, should be adopted as the motto of every girl and boy in the land. "Upward and Onward " should be the watchword. With our schools what they should be under the blessing of the Infinite we shall show progress in all that is good and beautiful and true.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE VINEYARDS AND THEIR PRODUCTS.
T HE growing of grapes for commercial purposes is of comparatively recent date. The early settlers in this county found vines growing luxuriantly in the thickets where soil and moisture were congenial, in- digenous to the soil so far as we know. " With regard to the necessity of attention to the most advantageous climatic conditions," says William Saunders (of the agricultural department), "it is enough to re- mark that when these are favorable good crops of fruit are the rule, and that, too, even in the absence of experience in cultivation, but in un- favorable locations the application of the highest attainments in the art and science of grape culture, so far as relates to pruning, manipulation
238
HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
of culture, and management of soil, will not insure success. Grape culture has now reached a point from which but little further progress can be made without a close recognition of the requirements of the plant in connection with local climatic conditions, the most important being that of freedom from heavy dews, freedom from those cryptogamic dis- eases, mildew and rot. The topographical configuration of a locality is of far more importance than its geographical formation. When the atmospheric conditions are favorable satisfactory results may be obtained even from poor soils, but in incongenial climates the very best soil will not guarantee success." The climate being exceptionally free from fogs and heavy dews, and the topographical formation of the shores of lakes Seneca, Keuka, and Canandaigua being eminently fitted to the growth of choice fruit, have done much toward making the business a success.
The history of the grape industry is so closely allied in the counties of Yates and Steuben that it becomes necessary to give some facts which do not apply to Yates alone. In 1836 J. W. Prentiss began planting a vineyard in the town of Pultney, Steuben County, at a point about four miles south of the Yates County line. This seems to be the first vine - yard planted for raising grapes to be sold for table use in this section of the State. From 1840 to 1852 he shipped to Bath, Steuben County, one or two tons of Isabellas in bulk annually, which sold for six cents per pound to regular customers. Production, however, increased faster than consumption, consequently he was soon compelled to look for a more extended market. In 1854 he shipped to New York city about a ton of Isabellas packed in tubs made by cutting apple barrels in halves. Each tub was packed half full, when a thin board was put over, press- ing somewhat, a thin hoop being tacked under to prevent too much pressure. The tub was then filled and covered much like a tobacco pail. The tub when filled held seventy- five pounds. These sold at fifteen cent- per pound, arriving in market in good condition. He continued ships ping, but the next ton broke the market and Mr. Prentiss, being his own salesman, had to have boxes made of pasteboard to contain ten pounds; then re packed the fruit from the tubs into the boxes, and managed by using time and perseverance to make satisfactory sales. This shipment closed the business for that year. In following years they were packed and shipped in boxes made by Mr. Prentiss at his vineyard, and sold by
239
THE VINEYARDS.
commission merchants. In 1852 Mr. Reisenger, a German vineyardist, heard of Mr. Prentiss's success and came to see. Upon being satisfied that the cultivation of the grape could be made a success he made a con- tract with David Wagener to plant a vineyard of Catawbas, especially for wine and brandy. Wagener was to find the land and pay all expenses and Reisenger was to do the work, dividing the profits equally. There were about three acres set in 1853. The spot selected for this vineyard was on the lake shore about three miles south of the line dividing the counties of Yates and Steuben. The roots were set after the manner of planting in Germany, four feet apart each way and trellised about four feet high. It was soon found a change was needed. Three fourths of the vines were taken out, the trellis made higher, and it is now one of the most productive vineyards on the shores of Lake Keuka.
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