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 31
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VILLAGE OF PENN YAN.
new building, including lot, represented a total of $25,000. The trus- tees were the building committee of the new edifice, and were as follows : Andrew F. Chapman, Martin F. Hicks, Henry A. Douglass, George W. Shannon, Ephraim Sanford, Jeremiah Raymond, Henry Briggs, Watkins Davis, and Gilbert Sherer. The new church was appropriately dedicated May 18, 1871, the sermon of the occasion being delivered by Rev. T. Edwin Brown, of Rochester.
The following named persons comprise the succession of pastors of the Baptist church and society, viz .: Samuel Carpenter, David Hulburt, John D. Hart, Ira Bennett, Orel Montague, Samuel Adsit, Howell Smith, Hiram K. Stimpson, Charles Morton, Samuel D. Bainbridge, Charles N. Chandler, Edwin P. Brigham, N. Judson Clark, G. M. Peters, T. R. Peters, J. P. Farmer, D. Crosby, D. R. Watson, and Edward M. Saunier.
St. Mark's Church and parish became a separate organization by ac- tion taken by the proper authorities on the 8th day of May, 1837, but prior to that time, and during the period from 1826 to 1837, Epis- copal services were undoubtedly held in the residence of Rev. William Bostwick, missionary at Hammondsport and Bath. Upon the organi- zation of the local parish Henry Rose and Abraham Dox were chosen wardens, and John N. Rose, Dr. Henry P. Sartwell, Seabury Kissam, Francis M. Potter, Erastus Page, Ebenezer Lord, B. W. Franklin, and William C. Parsons were likewise chosen vestrymen. In 1838, the year next succeeding that in which the parish was organized, the church edifice was erected on the lot where now stands the dwelling of William N. Wise. It was consecrated on the 8th day of August. Its cost was about $7,000. The services of the church held prior to the erection of the edifice were conducted regularly in the old Masonic Hall on Court street.
" The church in Penn Yan," says a recently written historical article, " has had a checkered history. Its growth has not been proportionate to that of churches in neighboring villages. This, no doubt, was due principally to the frequent changes and long vacancies in the rectorship. During the Rebellion the bitter partizan spirit which influenced all classes was permitted to invade the parish, and finally culminated in the withdrawal, about 1870, of a large number of its members. But the
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HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
organization of a second parish was not effected until 1871. The new parish assumed the name of Grace Church. Rev. George M. Stanley was called to be its rector, but resigned after a brief pastorate of about six months. The Missionary Board of the parish having withheld the necessary aid, services were soon discontinued and the work of erecting a church on the corner of Main and Clinton streets was abandoned."
The old parish, after the loss of so many of its members, was able to maintain but a feeble existence. Rev. B. F. Taylor officiated for a time and was succeeded by Edmond Burke as lay reader, and after his ordination to the deaconate, September 15, 1872, was placed in charge of the parish. At this time the finances of the church were so low that the rectory and a part of the church lot were sold for debt. After the departure of Mr. Burke no regular services were held until 1875, but with the coming of Rev. H. L. Dennis, missionary, both branches of the church attended the services. Rev. William Catterson became res- ident clergyman on October 1, 1877, and in Easter week of 1878 there occurred a practical reorganization, with the election of officers to the places that had been three years vacant. , Horatio W. Perkins and Au- gustus W. Franklin were elected wardens, and John C. Sheetz, Henry Tuthill, William H. Fox, George Y. Eastman, E. B. Sample, Thomas Emory, H. Rose, and C. J. Page, vestrymen.
The church had for some time considered the question of erecting a more suitable edifice, but the condition of the parish did not appear to justify such action. But after some hesitation the vestry was induced to exchange the old property for the lot at the corner of Main and Clinton streets to which they acquired title, and on which, on the found- ation already in part laid, was built the present attractive English gothic structure. Its cost entire amounted to about $9,000, and it has a seating capacity sufficient for 250 persons. The names of the follow- ing rectors appear in succession on the church register : Edmond Em- bury, B. W. Stone, Henry Stanley, O. F. Starkey, P. F. Stryker, Anthony Schuyler, George N. Cheney, John Long, T. F. Wardwell, G. W. Mayer, William Catterson, George S. Teller, William H. Lord. The latter, Mr. Lord, became rector of the parish in 1884 and has con- tinued in that capacity to the present time.
St. Mark's parish contains about eighty-five families, while the com-
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municants number about 120. The officers are : Horatio W. Perkins and Augustus W. Franklin, wardens; John C. Sheetz, George Beebe, Edson Potter, Wade Shannon, Perley P. Curtis, D. H. Stoll, George C. Snow, and Henry Rose, vestrymen.
In 1849 there were resident in and about Penn Yan about fifteen Catholic families. In 1891 the parish of St. Michael's Church numbers about 300 families. In the year first mentioned the Right Rev. John Timon, bishop of Buffalo, authorized Thomas Hendricks to raise by subscription funds sufficient to build a church, which was done. Abra- ham Wagener generously donated a lot on Pine street for the erection of the edifice, the deed therefor being excuted to the bishop. On this lot John Southerland built the church at a cost of $2,200. The church was dedicated during the same year and was christened St. Michael's Church. Afterward and during the pastorate of Father Dean the par- sonage was erected, costing $1,500; and still later Father English en- larged the church edifice, frescoed its interior, placed new seats in the auditorium, painted the building, and otherwise improved the property at an expense of $1,500. He, too, paid the debt against the church and cemetery. The succession of priests in charge of St. Michael's Church and parish with their term of service has been as follows : Michael Gilbride, about three years ; P. Canny, two years; Joseph F. Dean, two years; Joseph McKenna, seven years; D. English, more than six years; Edward 'McGown, about six years; W. A. Gregg, until January, 1877, when the Rev. Eugene Pagani, the present pastor, was appointed by the bishop to the pastoral charge of the parish. Connected with St. Michael's parish is a parochial school, an account of which will be found on a preceding page.
The Fire Department .- The present excellent fire department of the village had its origin in the little embryo organization that came into spontaneous existence during the early years of Penn Yan history. No sooner did it become an assured fact that this place was at some time to become a village, than the inhabitants began casting about for some means of protection against fire. The first organization of any sort was the famous bucket brigade, not a mythical, but a real, live company, whose duty it was, and enjoined upon it by ordinance, to re- pair at once to the scene of conflagration, armed and equipped with at
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HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
least one stout leathern bucket. At that time the local laws also pre- scribed that every householder should keep a bucket in some convenient place within his domicile, and in case of fire whatever male person should be present was expected to take his place in the line and " hand the bucket."
With the rapid growth in population and its consequent increase in number of buildings, it soon became necessary to provide other and more effectual means for extinguishing fires, and this led to the pur- chase of the old famous engine called the " Cataract; " but the bucket brigade was by no means abandoned, as the Cataract had but little greater power than a large "squirt-gun." However it was the imple- ment of the period and was the first engine appliance of the village, and as such was in use for about a score or more of years.
In the fall of 1835, after the burning of the old court-house, the vil- lage authorities, for Penn Yan had then been incorporated, took meas- ures looking to the organization of a fire department. A meeting was held and Thomas H. Locke was chosen chief engineer of such a depart- ment as should be formed. He at once called for volunteers for a company of fire fighters, and it was not long before the ranks were well filled. About this time the trustees authorized the chief to proceed to Rochester and there purchase an engine suitable for the requirements of the village. The old brake engine, called the "Neptune," was the result of Mr. Locke's mission, together with a good supply of leather hose. The Neptune was first called into service on the occasion of the burning of " Brimstone Row," so-called, extending from Wheeler's cor- ner north to Hamlin's store. Of course a hose company was formed to operate in conjunction with the engine.
The Cataract was kept in a small shanty on Head street, and the Neptune became the possession of the lower end of the street, being kept in an engine-house which stood just west of where the Shearman House is located. Subsequently another brake engine somewhat sim- ilar to the Neptune was purchased, and then the department began to assume more tangible shape and form. There were two engine com- panies, No. I and No. 2, and their co-operating hose companies. These fire department equipments supplied the village for many years, and until the purchase of the steamer in 1872.
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VILLAGE OF PENN YAN.
In 1864 a charter was granted the village, and in the act then passed provision was made for a regularly organized and well appointed fire department and its commanding and governing officers. By the act the trustees were authorized to appoint one chief engineer, two assistant engineers, and three fire wardens; also to procure fire engines and other necessary and convenient apparatus, and to organize fire compa- nies and provide for and maintain the same. Under this regime the chief and his assistants were chosen by the village trustees, a system that was continued in force until 1873, when another law was passed which provided that the engineers and secretary of the fire department should be elected by electors of the village, a system that is in effect at the present time.
Keuka Engine Company was organized in October, 1871, with eighty-three members. This body then petitioned the trustees to be allowed to organize themselves into a fire company, provided they were given charge of engine house No. 2 and engine No. I. The petition was headed by Morris F. Sheppard and followed by eighty-two other strong men. The result was the organization of the now celebrated " Ellsworth Hose Company," so named in honor of Gen. S. S. Ells- worth, of Penn Yan. Originally this was an engine company, but par- took of the character of a hose company in 1872 by the regular detail of a number of its members to act as hosemen.
Ellsworth Hose Company now numbers full forty men. It is or has been provided with uniforms for both active duty and parade occasions. The officers of Ellsworth Hose are as follows : President, John Under- wood ; secretary, John Cramer; treasurer, George Brooks; fireman, Fred Swarts; first assistant, A. J. Obertin; second assistant, Ralph Brown. The company meetings are held twice each month.
Hydrant Hose Company had its organization in 1866, under the orig- inal name of Hydraulic Hose Company, but afterward changed to its present designation. The company now numbers forty members, but its duty appears somewhat abridged in that it is not called into service except in case of fire on Main street, there being no hydrants on any other village thoroughfare, the regular hose duty being performed by Ellsworth Hose Company, which operates with the steamer throughout the fire district. The officers of Hydrant Hose are as follows: Fore-
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HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
man, Andrew Mckay ; first assistant, Peter Curran ; second assistant, Arthur Jessup; secretary, William Holloway; treasurer, George C. Snow.
Hunter Hook and Ladder Company, more commonly known as the "Truck " Company, was organized in its present character in 1880, the same year in which the truck was purchased. Like the other compa- nies the truck has forty members, and is officered as follows: President, Richard Willoughby; secretary, E. A. Chapman; treasurer, J. O. Smith ; captain, George Wilkins; first assistant, F. Crane; second as- sistant, P. Carley. This company was named in honor of Charles Hun- ter, of Penn Yan.
The present Penn Yan Fire Department comprises, as will be seen from what has been stated, two hose companies, one hook and ladder company, both with necessary apparatus, and one second-class Silsby steam engine, the latter being in charge of an engineer and fireman. The department officers are as follows : Jay T. Parker, chief engineer ; Andrew C. Harwick, first assistant; Frank McAdams, second assistant; H. E. Bell, secretary and treasurer.
However desirable it might be to furnish a complete succession of chief engineers of the fire department since Squire Locke's appointment, such a list cannot be given on account of the loss of records. But there can be recalled the names of many persons who have served in that capacity during the last twenty-five or thirty years. In 1863 Charles Elmendorf was chief, and was succeeded by Abraham Miller. From that until the present time there have served as chiefs, among others, these persons : David G. Gray, Oliver C. Knapp (1871), R. F. Scofield, Charles Bell, Charles Hunter, W. S. Bruen, Jay T. Parker.
Banking Houses of Penn Yan .-- There was no banking house in this village prior to 1831. In fact there was but little need of such an in- stitution, for currency and coin were scarce commodities, and produce of various kind was a recognized medium of exchange between the debtor and creditor. During the first twenty-five or thirty years of vil- lage history there were but few business houses in the place, while the country roundabout was likewise comparatively undeveloped. How- ever, the village had its usual contingent of money lenders ; men of capital who conducted a quasi banking business whenever and where- ever occasion presented.
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The first steps taken in the matter of organizing a bank under au- thority of the law occurred during the year 1831, when on the 2d of April the Yates County Bank was chartered and incorporated. Its original capital stock was $100,000, which, as shown by the books of the concern upon its organization in September following, was sub- scribed for and owned by these persons: William M. Oliver, Andrew F. Oliver, Abraham H. Bennett, George Young, Mordacai Ogden, Alanson Douglass, Thomas W. Olcott, Alexander Marvin, James Har- ris, Samuel Stevens, Green C. Bronson, Ira G. Smith, Lot Clark, Eben Smith, Elias Patterson, William B. Welles, Henry B. Gibson, Olivia Hochstrasser, Grattan H. Wheeler, William W. McCay, Hervey Wheeler, Samuel S. Ellsworth, Asa Cole, and John Spicer.
The old Yates County Bank appears to have been a politico-financial institution, as it procured its charter through the influence, and was afterward managed and conducted in the interest of the so-called Hun- ker element of the Democratic party. In fact so radical in this respect became its controlling officers as to work disastrously to the welfare of the institution and contributed to its early downfall. It was organized under the then existing safety fund system, but was managed under un- safe business principles. William M. Oliver was its president and active financial officer, while John A. Welles acted in the capacity of cashier. The first place of business of the bank was in Mr. Oliver's office near his residence, but was afterward removed to the building standing where is now located Lown & Co.'s store. Here the bank ended its business career by a disastrous failure in 1848, by which failure many of the de- positors lost to the extent of their credit accounts for a considerable time. Under the law as it then stood the directors could vote to pay, in liquidation of their debts, whatever per cent. they saw fit, and taking the benefits of this power the Yates County Bank voted to pay fifteen cents on the dollar. But there were persons who understood the inside workings of the bank who would not be satisfied with this meagre pay- ment, and by speaking out at the proper time succeeded in realizing nearly the full amount of their claims. However, the safety fund sys- tem, under which the bank was chartered, brought to the other creditors a fair proportion of their deposits, but not until after several years of anxious suspense.
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HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
The Farmers' Bank of Penn Yan was brought into existence by a charter dated August 20, 1839, and was closed on account of unprofit- able business in 1843. The active spirits in the organization of this bank, and in the conduct of its affairs, were Judge Samuel S. Ellsworth, Alvah Clark, and E. H. Huntington. The State issued currency to the concern, taking as security bonds, mortgages, and other collateral. The place of business was in the store now occupied by Frank Quack- enbush as a drug store, and the old deposit vault still occupies a part of the ground floor. Originally and for a short time the bank did business on Main street, just north of Jacob, but was soon afterward moved to the store above mentioned. The Farmers' Bank was commonly known to the people as the " Red Dog Bank," and so called from the fact of its bills having red colored backs. The house eventually failed, upon which the State sold the securities and used the avails to pay depositors and creditors. The capital stock of the Farmers' Bank was $100,000.
The Bank of Bainbridge was chartered by the State in April, 1847, and became a local institution two years later. In 1849 Nathan B. Kid- der, formerly of Geneva, caused to be erected the bank building now occupied by the First National Bank, and about the same time pur- chased the Bainbridge concern and moved it to Penn Yan. He was its virtual owner, though its management was entrusted to Henry B. Ben- nett, afterward assisted by James Tims. By the former the bank was run about two years and then closed, although the reports state that Mr. Bennett continued to redeem its currency until 1863.
At that time, in the early fifties, Oliver Stark was an insurance agent of the village, a man of prominence and some means. He occupied the bank building in connection with his former business, and soon after- ward determined to do general banking in connection therewith. For a number of years he was highly successful, but eventually he became involved by embarking in too extensive enterprises, and final disaster and failure was the natural result. Many residents of the locality were heavy losers by this failure, and but little was realized on settlement of the bank's affairs. The name under which the proprietor did business was " Oliver Stark, Banker." Mr. Stark operated as a banker for a period of about fifteen years.
J. T. Raplee's Bank is well remembered as one of the financial insti-
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tutions of Penn Yan ; and remembered by some persons with feelings of deep sorrow and regret. It is understood that Mr. Raplee com- menced business soon after 1860, although a State work gives the time as July 15, 1858. He occupied the old Yates County Bank building, and for some time did a successful business ; but, unfortunately for him, Mr. Raplee was a rabid Democrat, and so thoroughly impregnated his business with his political sentiments as to bring himself into disfavor with the majority of the people, and finally worked the ruin of his bank.
Following the downfall of the Stark and Raplee banks there appears to have been no banking concern in the village for some time. But merchants and dealers of the locality found temporary accommodation in this direction through the malting firm of George R. Youngs & Co., which was at that time one of the largest and safest business houses in in the county.
In October, 1869, Mason L. Baldwin, of Benton, established a private banking house in Penn Yan, and under the name of "M. L. Baldwin, Banker," continued a successful business until 1881. In the year last named, and the month of May, " Baldwin's Bank of Penn Yan " was in- corporated under the laws of the State of New York. Its capital stock, all paid in, was $50,000. Its first board of directors comprised W. H. Fox, John T. Andrews, 2d, A. W. Franklin, Silas Kinne, and Mason L. Baldwin. The president chosen on the organization of the bank was Mr. Baldwin, and the cashiership was voted to Mr. Kinne, both of whom are still serving in their respective offices. This bank has been and now is a successful institution, having an accumulated surplus of more than $50,000; a sum in excess of its capital. The present directors of Baldwin's Bank are as follows: Oliver G. Shearman, John P. Plaisted, W. H. Fox, Silas Kinne, and Mason L. Baldwin. Assistant cashier, Fred S. Plaisted.
The First National Bank of Penn Yan was organized by the purchase of the charter of the First National Bank of Watkins, and the removal thereof to this village, in pursuance of an act of Congress passed in 1873. The re-organized bank had and still has a capital stock of $50, - 000. Its first board of directors was Ezekiel Castner, John C. Sheetz, James Forbes, William S. Briggs, John Southerland, George H. Lap-
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HISTORY OF YATES COUNTY.
ham, and Fred S. Armstrong. At the opening of its doors for busi- ness, April 1, 1873, the officers in charge of the bank's affairs were John C. Sheetz, president ; William S. Briggs, vice-president ; George H. Lapham, cashier. Mr. Sheetz retired from the presidency in 1885, and was succeeded by Mr. Lapham, the latter being now the chief man- aging officer of the bank. H. K. Armstrong became cashier on Mr. Lapham's advancement, and in 1889 A. W. Kendall was appointed assistant cashier. Also in 1889 Judge Briggs retired from the vice- presidency and Theodore F. Wheeler was elected to the vacancy. In 1890 Mr. Armstrong resigned the cashiership, and Mr. Kendall was elected to that position. Since 1889 there has been no change in the direction, which is as follows : John C. Sheetz, John Southerland, Clar- ence W. Perkins, John T. Knox, Theodore F. Wheeler, George H. Lapham, and James H. Gamby. At the commencement of business in 1873 the First National Bank had a surplus of $7,000, an amount that has since increased to more than $25,000. The reports of the first fif- teen years of the bank's business show net profits of $103,731.56, of which $75,500 was paid in dividends to stockholders; $23,000 carried to surplus ; and $5,231.56 to undivided profit account. For the period named the bank has shown a net profit of fourteen per cent. per an- num, with bad debts and losses all charged off.
The Yates County National Bank was incorporated December 30, 1878, under the national banking laws, with a capital stock of $50,000. About the same time the bank opened its doors for business. Its first board of directors was as follows : Andrew Oliver, Charles C. Sheppard, Nelson Thompson, John Lewis, Morris F. Sheppard, Theodore Bogart, George R. Cornwell, George S. Sheppard, and Ralph T. Wood. The officers were Andrew Oliver, president; Morris F. Sheppard, vice president; Frank R. Durry, cashier. In 1881 Mr. Oliver retired from the presidency and was succeeded by Morris F. Sheppard, the latter having been the chief managing and executive office from that until the present time. The vacancy created by Mr. Sheppard's advance- ment was filled by the election of Theodore Bogart. The latter was afterward superceded by John L. Dinturff, and he still later by the present vice-president, Daniel Lanning. The Yates County Bank is and ever since its incorporation has been a safe, strong, and well managed
ARTOTYPE PROCESS, Growthophomi
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financial institution, and one, too, that enjoys a full share of the public confidence and support. During its thirteen years of business the bank has accumulated a surplus of more than $15,000. Its place of business is at No. 34 Main street. The officers and directors of the bank are as follows : Morris F. Sheppard, president; Daniel Lanning, vice- presi- dent ; Oliver H. Stark, cashier. Directors, Morris F. Sheppard, Daniel Lanning, S. W. Van Deventer, John H. Butler, S. H. Sheppard, Will- iam T. Morris, Oliver H. Stark.
Local Improvement Companies .- Of this class of institutions the vil- lage has but four, which will be treated in the order of seniority.
The Penn Yan Gas Light Company was incorporated May 12, 1860, with a capital stock of $10,000. The corporators were Darius O. Og- den, Levi O. Dunning, George McAllister, S. H. Welles, John McDou- gall, and Charles M. Stark. The first officers were D. A. Ogden, president ; S. H. Welles, secretary and treasurer. Since the organiza- tion the capital stock of the company has been twice increased ; first, in August, 1860, to $12,000, and again in June, 1868, to $24,750. The company now has about six miles of main pipe. Its principal works are on Jackson street. The present board of directors is as follows : William T. Morris, Thomas W. Summers, W. H. Fox, Edson Potter, and Morgan D. Tracy. Officers, William T. Morris, president and treasurer ; Thomas W. Summers, secretary and superintendent.
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