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 38
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TOWN OF STARKEY.
A considerable portion of those subscriptions were payable in labor and materials. Andrew Raplee headed the list with a gift of $100. He also gave a large amount in timber for which there was no charge. Sam- uel Harpending donated the lot and $100. These were the largest sub- scriptions on the list. Excepting the above, which were cash, no amount appeared on the paper over $50. It was no easy matter to raise the comparatively small amount needed to build the church edifice pro- posed. It required a resolute and patient effort, and after obtaining all possible by subscription, there was still a deficiency. The building of the church was commenced in the spring of 1831. Benjamin B. Beek- man was the contractor. There were the usual delays, and it was not completed until some time in June, 1832. The building, as compared with the present edifices in this village, was a small affair, but it aver- aged well with the same kind of buildings of the times. It cost less than $2,000, but small as that amount appears it was too large for the subscriptions, and a deficiency was reported of $300 at date of dedica- tion. This seemingly small amount, which now-a-days would be paid for a pair of diamond ear- rings or a seal-skin sack without much consideration, remained unpaid for some years and was a grievous bur- den. The members were poor, with a few exceptions, and the greater number were in debt for their farms. The aggregate wealth of the church did not exceed $40,000, and was probably less. The debt was a source of annoyance to pastor and people. At a meeting called for the consideration of "ways and means " for payment, the pastor pro- posed to allow $50 a year to be deducted from his meager salary, to be applied to extinguish the indebtedness. This offer was accepted, and that amount for three years was regularly deducted from his yearly stipend.
Before a deed was given for the lot a defect was discovered in the or ganization of the church. It was considered doubtful whether by that organization it was legally entitled to become owner and holder of real estate. The machinery of the Baptist Church is so extremely sim- ple that this defect was easily remedied. The male members met at the pastor's house and organized the " Baptist Church of Plainville." The meeting in a private house was a common occurrence. The ordin- ation services of Elder Bigelow were held in his dwelling. The school
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houses during the secular days of the week were used for school pur- poses, hence the necessity of resorting to private dwellings. The regular Sunday service was sometimes held in private houses. The writer re- members one held at the dwelling of Thomas Roszell. At the close of the service there was a general invitation for the congregation to re- main to dinner, and the greater part accepted. The tables were boun- tifully spread with good things, and the most pleased of the party were host and hostess. At the time of the organization of the Baptist Church of Plainville the male members were Andrew Raplee, Thomas Roszell, Dr. Millard Deacon, Moses S. Littell, John Beers, Levi French, Deacon Lewis La Fevar, father of the late Deacon La Fevar, Samuel Conklin, Ephraim Bennett, Abram Sheldon, Henry Osman, Joel Hayes, David Peterson, Daniel Miller, Alonzo W. Sunderlin (afterward ordained a min- ister), David B. Bartholomew, Abia Ketchum, David Hayes,sen., Richard Townsend, John Harmon, and Daniel Wilson.
In the year 1834 the name of the church was changed from Plainville to Dundee. Of. the members of the Baptist Church of Plainville at its organization not one is now living. The following is a complete list of the pastors that have served the Baptist Church since its first organ- ization : Samuel Bigelow, Baptist Church, Reading, 1812 ; E. W. Mar- tin, Plainville, later Dundee, 1831-1842 ; C. S. Smith, 1841-1843; J. J. Fuller, 1843 ; Philander Shedd, 1845-1850; O. Montague, 1850- 1852 ; J. L Seeley, 1852-1855 ; F. Glenville, 1855-1856; T. S. Harrison, 1857-1862; Daniel Taylor, 1863-1866; L. C. Bates, 1867-1869 ; Will- iam Cormac, 1867-1870 ; G. W. Abrams, 1870-1871 ; William H. Pease, 1873; James Mullen, 1873; W. N. Tower, 1876; William Entworth, 1880; Isaac B. Thompson, 1881-1883 ; W. F. Benedict, 1883-1886; Jesse A. Hengate, 1886-1890 ; R. H. Colby, 1891.
In the year 1833 a band of Christian ministers invaded Dundee for the purpose of holding a series of meetings, and if sufficiently encouraged, of forming a church. Among the number were the Revs. Ira Brown, Mil- lard Badger, and Dr. Holland, (whether it was the " Timothy Titcomb" Holland or another person of the same name the writer does not know; some persons who made his acquaintance aver that it was the veritable Timothy.) The ministers applied to the Baptist trustees for the privi- lege of holding the meetings in their church. . The request was refused.
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From one standpoint the refusal was unwise. It alienated friends and exasperated nearly the whole community. In those early times the people in all matters of difference usually " took sides," and so a fierce and bitter controversy was the result, and the church was placed in a wrong position, on the defensive. And so it came to pass that from the refusal of the trustees came the building of the Free Church. The ministers secured the use of a large barn belonging to Jacob Hackett, located on the lot now owned by Mr. Oldfield. In that barn they held their meetings of several days' duration, and in it was organized the Christian Church of Dundee.
While the dissatisfaction at the refusal of the Baptist trustees was highest the project of building a free church was agitated, and a sub- scription to raise the necessary funds was circulated. The responses were liberal and there was soon enough to warrant the commencement of the undertaking. Samuel Harpending came down with his usual sub- scription of fifty dollars and the building lot. The terms of the sub- scription were curious. After reciting the grievances it went on to say in substance that the proposed church should be absolutely free to any or all sects, denominations or individuals, that no one should be debarred from its use on account of religious belief, whether Pagan, Mahometan, Jew or Christian. The terms of the subscription paper gave to the infidel, deist or atheist, or the deciple of Buddah, the same rights and privileges as those of the most orthodox sects. The terms of the subscription were never repudiated while under the control of the free church or Christian trustees. From its pulpit Christians, Presbyterians, Method- ists and Universalists have proclaimed their doctrines and dogmas.
The Christian Church organization was continued for many years. The building of Starkey Seminary diverted the attention of the church to that place, and the organizing of the church at Rock Stream so weak- ened this church that it ceased to exist. As was the case with the other churches, the subscriptions for the building of the free church were in- sufficient and the curse of debt rested upon it. For the payment of the debt it was mortgaged, and as time went on and the excitement that brought it into existence was forgotten, no provision for the payment of the debt having been made, the mortgage was foreclosed, and at the sale the church was bid off by Daniel Shannon, who donated
51
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it to the Christian Church. There was a proviso in the deed given for the lot that when it ceased to be used for religious purposes it should revert to the original owners. The Christian Church having aban- doned it, the lot became the property of the Harpending estate and was sold with the building to the present owners, the Catholics.
The Methodists from the smallest beginning numerically have become the largest in the village. The first Methodist class was formed in the year 1833. It was the outcome of a "protracted meeting " held in connection with the Baptists the previous year. The class numbered but few members. I can remember only the three Pierce brothers, Abel, Samuel and Abner, Arch Strowbridge, Thomas Swarthout, Asher Spicer, Nash Sawyer, Dill Sawyer, Isaac H. Maples, Edward J. Smith, Burges Truesdell, Charles Chandiler. If there were any others among the male members their names have escaped my memory. The wives of males named were all members. An effort was at once made to se- cure subscriptions for the building of a chapel. The chapel was built by donations of labor, timber and other materials, but still there remained a debt on it that harrassed the society for a number of years. Samuel Harpending donated a lot and fifty dollars, his usual subscrip- tion. In 1835 the quarterly conference made a recommendation to liquidate the debt. This chapel was used until 1849, when it was moved off the lot and used for an academy and other purposes, and is' now a part of the Casino.
A large brick church was built on the same site. It is a singular co- incidence that each of the three Protestant churches have built three houses of worship. The chapel was queerly arranged, being long and narrow, with galleries on two sides and one end, a single aisle running from the door to the altar, with long benches running from the aisle to the wall. The aisle separated the sexes, the men and women sitting on different sides. This was at the time the custom in all the churches. The benches were not ornamented, but for comfort were an improve- ment over pews of the churches of the times and the other churches of the village.
Among the conspicuous and active members who came into the church in those early days were David Smith, Lewis Millard, Loren Barnes and James Wright, and afterward William McLean. These with
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the older members formed a band of earnest workers. The church be - gan to be heard from the first, and its meetings both for preaching and prayer were largely attended, and the church soon became a power in the village.
The preaching was " served " by circuit preachers. These preachers were hard workers and poorly paid. Three sermons on Sunday, with a ride of miles between their appointments, were their usual work. A few specimens will illustrate how small was the amount paid for their serv ices. The circuit was very large, covering most of Yates County, and parts of Steuben and Schuyler. The three ministers received that year (1826) $231.71. The succeeding year Abner Chase was still presiding elder, and Dennison Smith and Nathan B. Dalson were the circuit preachers and received $345.56 for this year.
In 1830-31 R. M. Everts and C. Story served the circuit and received for their services $388.72, including presiding elder's claims. Who re- members the Methodist circuit preachers of olden times ? There was a tacit regulation in their dress and equipage. The sulky, the clerical coat, usually of indigo-blue broadcloth, the white neck cloth, and sum- mer or winter the inevitable tall white beaver hat. They always drove fine horses, and it was generally understood that the circuit preachers were good judges of horse-flesh. There have been greater preachers than those poorly paid ministers of the circuit, but the list of names is one that any church might be proud to recognize. Some of them be- came eminent in there denomination. Many of the churches for the first few years had a hard struggle for existence, and had it not been for the fidelity and devotion of the early members would have perished in their infancy. The circuit system was good for those early times, but the country has outgrown it, and except in newly settled portions it has gone into disuse. The name of Abner Chase often appears in the early history of the church. He honored the office of presiding elder for two or more terms. His record is one of fidelity and confi- dence-fidelity on his part to his duties and obligations to his church, and confidence on the part of those over whom he presided. Outside the church he was respected and reverenced for his sterling worth.
On all the great moral questions of the times the Methodist Church has been on the right side. Early in its history stringent temperance
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resolutions were passed, and it was strongly anti-slavery. The building of the last church gave it an impetus and its future looks brighter than ever before.
The great religious awakening of the century occurred in the years 1831-32. Never since the times when Wesley and Whitfield preached repentance throughout the length and breadth of the land, has there been anything comparable to it in extent and interest. In the years mentioned Rev. Charles G. Finney (afterward president of the Oberlin College) preached and held revival meetings in this and adjoining States. The interest created by those meetings spread and widened until it reached the smaller villages, the hamlets, and the school dis- tricts. The additions to the churches during those years were num- bered by thousands.
In the fall or early winter of 1832 there was held in what is now Dundee, then Plainville or Harpending's Corners, the first "protracted meeting." My recollection is that the meeting was projected by the Methodists, and after its commencement the Baptists joined and made it a union meeting, or it may have been union from the commencement. It was held in the Baptist Church. The Methodists were represented by their circuit preacher, the Rev. W. Jones, and the Rev. Dr. Com- stock, of Trumansburg, and the Baptists by their pastor, Rev. E. W. Martin, and the Rev. Joseph Sheardown, an evangelist of considerable local fame. The meeting was continued twenty-two days, and the converts numbered considerably more than 100. As a result of these meetings the churches received numerous additions, and from the con- verts and others the first Methodist class was formed.
It was during the progress of these meetings that Jacob Hackett put in an appearance. During the afternoon service, and while the Rev. William Green was preaching, Hackett entered the church on the west side, and passing half way up the aisle, halted, and pointing his finger at the preacher said in a loud voice: " I, Jake Hackett, the second man in the Trinity, command you to come down, you d- rascal." There was a great commotion for a few minutes. He was soon ejected and the services went on. The next morning Hackett appeared on the street in a perfectly nude state-the costume of Eden before the fig-leaf era was no more scanty than was his. He had started for the church,
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but was soon captured and returned to his home. From this time he went from bad to worse until it became necessary to confine him with straight-jacket and chain.
Having introduced Hackett I think I will give him a chapter, thinking his strange life and its tragic ending may interest the reader. Some- time in his early career John Shoemaker built a fine dwelling on the farm now owned by the Raplee's, half a mile west of Hillside Cemetery. The house was completed and ready to be occupied, when, on a dark night, it was burned to the ground. The fire was evidently incendiary, and suspicion rested on Hackett, but there was no proof of his guilt. There was the usual nine days wonderment, and as years passed the circumstance was nearly forgotten.
Hackett was easily wrought upon religiously, and at a funeral some years after the burning, while the services were progressing, he arose in the congregation and made confession that he caused the burning of Shoemaker's house, and afterward deeded him fifty acres of timber- land in restitution. Sometime subsequent to the burning Hackett built a saw mill on Big Stream, half a mile west of the Raplee mills. What- ever he attempted was always well done, and the mill was no exception. The building of this mill was a pet scheme. It was his pride to make it the best mill on the stream. The mill was finished, but before it was started there came a flood and carried away the dam. The dam was rebuilt in the most substantial manner. Nothing that could give it sta- bility was omitted. Standing on the dam after it was finished, and raising his arm, Hackett defied God, man, or the devil to tear it away. It was a strange coincidence that while returning to his home, on the evening of that same day, a heavy rain set in and before the next morn - ing the dam was washed out. It was never rebuilt. The wheels of that mill never made a revolution. Year after year, for half a century, it rusted and rotted and went to ruin ; piece by piece, it fell into the stream and was carried away by the current, until now not a vestage re- mains. It was said that Hackett never visited the spot after his dam was destroyed. Whether this was truth or romance I do not know. Later in life Hackett purchased the Crosman farm in " Beartown " now owned by Mr. Phillips. On this farm he spent his last days. Caleb Cowing bought an adjoining farm. They were cousins and came from
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Massachusetts, and traveled together on foot the 200 miles between Old Rochester and Canandaigua. They should have lived peaceful lives, which they did not. A dispute soon arose between them regarding the disposition of the surface water that in rainy times overflowed parts of their farms. The neighbors said that in their disputes Hackett was in the right. Frequent disputes occurred, and there was bad blood be- tween the parties. A meeting to settle the difficulties was arranged. It was held in a school house located on the line between their farms. It was a strange meeting. In the darkness of a November night they met; no witnesses were present; high words were heard by persons passing by the place; criminations and recriminations. Cowing was cool, crafty, and exasperating. Hackett impulsive, wild, and turbulent. Cowing agravated his opponent in every possible manner. Hackett raged, stormed, and blasphemed. Cowing afterward said that Hackett offered to fight it out to the death. The proposition was declined. At that argument Hackett would have had his opponent at an advantage. The meeting continued until well in the night, when they parted. The next morning they met and quarrelled. It was their last meeting. They both returned to their homes. Hackett sat down to his morning meal, but before he tasted of food fell forward on the table a corpse. Hackett was not all bad. In his dealings he was just, a good neighbor, and very kind and benevolent to the poor.
These papers have treated of the formation of the churches. The results of that period may be of sufficient importance to warrant a few lines, more or less, to be added to those already written. Who would have ventured the prediction on New Year's day of 1885, that on New Year's day of 1888 there would have been built within three years four beautiful churches, at an aggregate cost of $40,000, and that three good buildings of the same kind would have been demolished to make room for new and better ones. The Rev. William Tracy commenced his labors as pastor of the Presbyterian Church eight years ago, with a membership of sixty-five. The church had then been organized fifty- two years. During his pastorate of four years there were added ninety members. The number at the time of his resignation was 147, after deducting for deaths and removals nearly one and one-half of the orig- inal number. There was but one communion while he was pastor, in
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which there was no addition. Mr. Tracy was followed by Rev. Stan- ley B. Roberts four years ago, who has just closed his pastorate and removed to Utica. During Mr. Roberts's labors there were added IIO. The pulpit is now supplied by their new pastor, the Rev. Augus- tus Frederick.
Mr. Hungate closed his four years' pastorate with the Baptist Church and accepted a call from the Baptist Church of Hornellsville. Mr. Hungate's labors were acceptable to his people and his removal was very much regretted. Within the past eight years the Methodist Epis- copal Church has had phenomenal additions, and the other churches report satisfactory gains.
The Catholic Church has been organized about twelve years. It numbers about 125 members. Service is held once in three weeks. Father Eugene Pagani, the priest, is very popular with his church, and has made hosts of friends outside of his own pastorate. At the present time he is under treatment for disease of the eyes, which has nearly deprived him of sight. All who know him wish him a speedy recovery.
The Olivet Baptist Church was organized in 1884. The Rev. R. Kocher was pastor four years and was succeeded by Rev. D. T. Van Doren, May, 1888, to September, 1890; Rev. N. C. Hill, from Octo- ber, 1890, to February, 1891. The church edifice was built in 1885-86. and dedicated in 1886. The church has had a healthy growth up to the present time. Joseph Taylor, a licentiate and student of Cook's Academy, has supplied the pulpit since May last.
Glenora- Glenora is beautifully situated on the west shore of Seneca Lake. The banks of the lake rise abruptly to a height of 200 feet or more. The Northern Central Railroad bridge spans the chasm made by Big Stream at that dizzy height. The mercantile business is represented by one store, and the manufactures by a flouring-mill, saw-mill and a large factory manufacturing grape and other fruit baskets. There is a " Union hall " for the accommodation of religious gatherings and other purposes. The village was formerly called Big Stream Point, and was a place of business importance. Larmon G. Townsend, an energetic merchant, controlled the mercantile business of the hamlet. He came from New Haven, Conn., and commenced business as a merchant. He soon enlarged his sphere, taking in the grain and produce business, and
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finally became owner of the flouring and saw-mill and a woolen factory. The business was too much for his capital, and like most business too much extended ended disastrously. The village has of late years be- come a summer resort. Major Budd's summer hotel is always well patronized, and there are several cottages rented or occupied by owners.
Rock Stream .-- The village of Rock Stream is located in the extreme southern limit of the town of Starkey. It has two stores, two churches, Christian and Presbyterian, and a variety of mechanics. It has been a place of considerable business importance. It was first known as Hurd's Corners, from a family of that name, early settlers. The Hathaway fami- lies are among the older families. Gilbert Hathaway was a large land owner, and kept a public house for many years.
Mr. C. W. Barnes was for many years a merchant at Rock Stream and carried on a large business in merchandise and country produce. Mr. Barnes was the senior partner in the firm of Barnes & Sharp, which was dissolved many years ago. Alonzo Simmons, a very suc- cessful merchant, amassed a handsome fortune here, and retired to Reading Center in 1843. The village is located in one of the finest sections of farming land in the State, and has the Northern Central Railroad on the east and the Syracuse, Geneva & Corning on the west.
Reminiscences .- Under a pile of rubbish in the southwest corner of an old "grave-yard," now included in the public school lot, with noth- ing to mark the place, lie the remains of Isaac Andrews, private secre- tary to Gen. George Washington during the war for Independence. Mr. Andrews drew the forms of the pay rolls used by General Washington, and which I have been informed are still used in the army. Mr. An- drews was by profession a teacher and surveyor. Over his grave the wagons rumble carrying supplies of fuel, etc., to the public school, and the children innocently and unknowingly pursue their noisy sports. Mr. Andrews was a scholar and Christian, and a gentleman. He was also a Mason. His funeral was the first Masonic funeral held in the town and was largely attended.
Gen. Timothy Hurd was a captain of militia in the War of 1812, and with his company (or with as many as he could persuade to go over), crossed the Niagara River into Canada. He was later elected briga-
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dier-general of militia. He settled in Eddytown, built himself a large dwelling, and became one of the leading men in the Methodist Episcopal Church and in the town. He built a saw-mill in 1809 on Big Stream south of Eddytown, and later a grist-mill. It is claimed that his was the first saw-mill on the stream. Isaac Stark's was senior one year. His family occupied a very high social position. Leveret Gabriel, a boy, came from Vermont with General Hurd, and afterward settled south of Eddytown.
Stephen Reeder and his brother-in-law, Joshua Tuthill, bought 360 acres of land at Starkey Corners and divided it equally between them, Tuthill taking the north half and Reeder the south. Josiah Reeder came at the same time, 181I, and located on fifty acres in Eddytown, on the northwest corner of the Dundee road.
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