USA > New York > Schenectady County > History of the County of Schenectady, N. Y., from 1662 to 1886... > Part 39
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In the early part of the year 1885 an effort was made to repair the old church. $2,500 were raised by subscription. Rev. J. W. Johnston, J. W. Waddell and A. N. Bronk were appointed a committee to have charge of the work, which was completed in July of the same year, the church edifice having been thoroughly renovated and modernized.
At the present time the session consists of Rev. J. W. Johnston, Moderator; and Elders James M. Lasher, Joseph Green, George Lasher and John Turnbull.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF DUANESBURGH.
But little is known of the history of the Baptists within the bounds of this church previous to the commencement of the present century, no records having been preserved of an earlier date. But it is well understood that there were some Baptist brethren and sisters among the early settlers who came soon after the close of the revolution. One such emi- grant was Elijah Herrick, so well known fifty years ago as "Father Herrick." He had taken an active part in the struggle for independence, and soon after its termination
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
embraced Christianity, and subsequently entered the minis- try, beginning his labors with the sparse population by which he was surrounded. He was one of those who early proclaimed the truths of the Gospel to the inhabitants of Duanesburgh. Having been inured to the privations and rigid discipline of the camp, he was well prepared to meet the fatigues and undertake the responsibilities of his new vocation. To his military training is attributed a remark- able punctuality, which characterized him through life, for he fulfilled his engagements regardless of weather or dis- tance.
In 1800, according to the earliest record extant, there was a small society of Baptists in the northern part of Duanesburgh known as " Elder John Mudge's Church," but destitute of a pastor, and another in the adjoining town of Florida under the pastoral care of Rev. Reuben Mudge. These small churches being too feeble to support two min- isters, mutually resolved to unite in a common organization. This union was effected by the usual observances July 29, 1800, and the church of Duanesburgh and Florida was constituted with seventeen members, nine of whom were women.
The fifth year after the new organization, the number of the members had increased from seventeen to sixty-four, and the sixth year witnessed the conversion of so many that the membership was increased to nearly one hundred by baptism. In 1809 nineteen were received by immersion, and the total number amounted to one hundred and thirty.
Conversions occurred nearly every year subsequent to this, varying in general from one to six and amounting in the aggregate to about ninety in thirty years. But deaths, removals and exclusions more than counterbalanced these and reduced the number more than one-half in that period of time. For many succeeding years but little transpired that is worthy of notice. There was a union meeting-house which the Baptists might occupy a part of the time, but which was little used on account of its unfavorable location, and in 1834 they were yet holding their meetings in school- houses and private dwellings at different places as expe- diency suggested. In 1835 a house of worship was erected sufficiently commodious for all ordinary occasions at that time. In 1840 there were only sixty communicants in the church, and but sixteen male members who could be relied upon to aid the organization steadfastly with their presence and substance. Nearly all of these had passed the merid- ian of life, and the most efficient laborers had before them but a few of their allotted "three-score years and ten." Fears were entertained that the church might be disrupted, but during the winter of 1842 and 1843 sixty-two converts were added to the church membership by baptism. A large number of these were between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five, the extremes being twelve and seventy. In the winter of 1853 another revival brought an accession of forty-nine members, all but ten of whom were heads of families.
Previous to 1857 no rupture had occurred in the church, but at this time internal dissensions arose. But in the midst of these difficulties a revival began which resulted in the addition by baptism of a number of new recruits greater than that of those who had withdrawn. Those who had not entirely departed from the church united hand in hand in working for the common good. In 1864 a parson- age was purchased which had long been needed, and in 1868 the old meeting-house was sold and a larger and better one was erected. Some slight repairs have been put on them from time to time. Following is a list of the succes- sive pastorates:
Reuben Mudge, 1800-1805: Elnathan Finch, 1805- 1810; Rev. Mr. Bolton, 1810-1811; Reuben Mudge, 1812- 1813; Rev. Mr. Longworthey, 1813-1814: Bartimeus Braman, 1814-1819; Charles Howe, 1823-1833; Calvin Herrick, 1833-1843; Joseph Earl, 1843-1856; G. W. Abrams, 1857-1859; David Corwin, 1859-1861; W. F. Benedict, March, 1861, to November, 1862; D. B. Collins, 1863-1867; J. W. Starkweather, 1867-1870; E. Ashton, 1870-1871; J. S. Johnson, 1871-1872; I. Powers, 1873; Leonard Smith, April, 1878, to the present time.
THE TRUE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH.
The church at Mariaville known by the above name, orig. inated about forty years ago with persons living in that
vicinity who were members of the church at Charlestown under the pastoral care of Rev. Henry V. Wyckoff. They met first as a reading society of worship at the house of Mr. Henry I. Smith. After some time had elapsed, they called Rev. Marcus Bellinger as their minister, and he preached in a school-house for a number of years. About 1858 or 1859 Rev. Perry Devenburgh assumed the pastoral care, and re- mained about twenty- five years, till his death in December, 1882.
The present house of worship was built about 1864 or 1865, and services have since been conducted therein. Since the death of Rev. Mr. Devenburgh the church has been con- nected with the Classis of Hackensack of the True Reformed Dutch Church, and has been supplied by ministers of that Classis.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF QUAKER STREET.
The Christian Church of Quaker Street was organized after a series of meetings extending through February and March, 1859, under the labors of Revs. Henry Brown and B. F. Summerbell. Quite a number of persons united in the organization, under a covenant declaring that Christian character should be the test of their fellowship, and the Bible their rule of faith and practice. The name Christian was applied as pointing directly to Christ as the head of the Church.
Rev. Henry Brown was pastor until July, 1859, when, at his urgent request, the church obtained the services of Rev. Thomas Holmes, who remained until April, 1861. Since that time the pulpit has been filled by a number of different ministers, prominent among whom was Rev. Charles E. Peake, who served two terms, aggregating seven years. He was a victim of the wrecked steamer Narragansett, on Long Island Sound. Among others may be mentioned Revs. Philip Couchman and Henry Brown, and the present pas- tor, Rev. W. Jay Reynolds.
The church building was erected in 1859-60, and was dedicated in June of the latter year. Rev. B. F. Summer- bell preached the dedicatory sermon, and was assisted in the services by Rev. John Ross, Rev. Henry Brown and Rev. Thomas Holmes, the pastor. The house underwent repairs about five years ago at an expense of about $1,500, and was rededicated by Rev. Austin Craig.
THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER.
The Church of the Redeemer (Universalist) was organized December 16, 1875, with sixteen members, as follows:
Dr. Joseph Braman and wife, Daniel Van Henn and wife, George Lester and wife, Fayette Peek, Murray Peek, De- Witt C. Chase, DeWitt C. Lester, Ida Belle Lester, Saxton M. Cheeney, Eunice Cheeney, Benjamin K. Elton, William Broeffle and Susannah Broeffle.
The organization was effected at the house of Dr. Joseph Braman, under the ministrations of Rev. D. C. Davis. The growth of this church was rapid and steady during the next few months. The membership was soon increased to thirty, and January 17, 1875, three persons were confirmed by bap- tism. For a time the interest continued unabated, but at length, owing to causes over which those most deeply inter- ested had no control, it abated until services were held ir- regularly, and then ceased altogether.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL. CHURCH OF MARIAVILLE.
The Mariaville Methodist Episcopal Church was organized about twenty-five years ago. Solomon Pulver, Henry Mickle, Evert Van Anken, and others were among the early members. The ground upon which the church was erected was given to the Society by Messrs. Marsh and Delamater. During a portion of the time this church has been connected on one pastoral charge with the Methodist Episcopal Churches of Minaville and Fort Hunter. It has not for some time had a regular pastor, and is at present supplied.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF QUAKER STREET.
At Quaker Street there is a flourishing Methodist Epis- copal Church, of which Rev. Mr. De Vol is the pastor. This organization owns a good-sized frame house of wor- ship, located at the foot of the rise of ground separating the two parts of the village. Early meetings were held on the hill.
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THE TOWNSHIP OF DUANESBURGH.
SuLLKAN 2%.
Siirby Heller
KIRBY WILBER.
This well-known and highly-respected citizen of Quaker Street was born in that village September 25, 1820, a son of Kirby and Mercy (Allen) Wilber. His father came from Dutchess County about 1812, and was for a time engaged in tanning on a small scale. Soon, however, he opened a small custom shoe shop. In this shop, and with their fa- ther as an instructor, the Wilber brothers, R. P. U., E. G., W. K. and Kirby, gained their first knowledge of that busi- ness with which they were destined to be so prominently identified in after life.
Kirby Wilber was educated sparingly in the public schools of the time and place, and taking more naturally to business than to mechanical pursuits, at the age of fourteen he be- came a clerk in the old time store of Job Cleveland. Two years later he went to Schenectady, and was for a short time a clerk in the store of John Ohlen. Returning to his native town, he became a salesman in the store of James E. O'Neill in July, 1837. In the spring of 1840 he removed to Brainard's Bridge, Rensselaer County, and entered a store belonging to a manufacturing company, in which Seth Hastings, late of Albany, was one of the partners. There he was employed most of the time for about eight years, at the expiration of which time he bought the stock
of goods of his former employers and engaged in trade for himself, continuing during the succeeding five years.
In the spring of 1853, Mr. Wilber disposed of his interests at Brainard's Bridge and returned to Quaker Street to take an interest in the boot and shoe manufacturing business which had been established by his brothers, his successful connection with which is noticed elsewhere. The present store of Wilber & Co. was opened in 1860 and was owned in connection with the factory until 1867, when the firm dissolved and was reorganized. The successive owners of the store since that date have been Kirby & E. G. Wilber : Kirby, E. G., E. & Charles C. Wilber ; Kirby, E. G. & Charles C. Wilber ; and Kirby & Charles C. Wilber. E. Wilber withdrew in the spring of 1874, and E. G. Wilber in the spring of 1884, since when Kirby Wilber and his son, Charles C. Wilber, have conducted the business under the style of Wilber & Co.
In 1843 Mr. Wilber married Lucy Ann Crego, of Chat- ham, Columbia County, N. Y. She died in 1877. In 1880 Mr. Wilber married Mrs. P. J. Auchampaugh, of Quaker Street, who is still living. He has five children-a son and four daughters-by his first marriage. The son is Mr. Charles C. Wilber, his partner, mentioned above. Mr. Wilber is a Democrat, and a staunch and conscientious de- fender of the principles of his party, but he is not, except
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
in the best and truest sense, a politician. Not an office seeker nor a vociferous campaigner, he yet takes a proper interest in the public welfare, and, politically and otherwise, he has ever been actively interested in all measures calcu- lated to advance the public good. Since 1859 he has been a member of the First Christian Church of Quaker Street.
So frequent mention is made of the name of the late R. P. U. WILBER in these pages, that some reference to the per- sonal characteristics which made him so successful and so popular seems to be demanded. He was a man of industry and originality; a man of enterprise and perseverance; a man of great public spirit, and an almost unconquerable de- sire to do something which would benefit the community in which he lived. He was the originator of the business which has made Quaker Street so well known, and an early and liberal employer of skilled labor. It was his part to pave the way for the triumphs which came after he was gone from earth, and well and earnestly, and with wonder- ful forethought, did he perform his allotted task. During his busy and useful life it is doubtful if there was one good public interest that did not receive his moral support, his kindly encouragement and his financial aid. A more pub- lic-spirited man never lived in Duanesburgh, his means and opportunities considered. It has been nearly a third of a century since he died, but he is remembered with kindly regret by nearly every old resident of the town.
E. G. and W. K. WILBER's names will be long known in Duanesburgh as those of men who nobly did their part in the work of human progress as it came to their hands.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
The villages and hamlets of this town are Quaker Street (Village and Depot), Mariaville, Duanesburgh, Braman's Corners, Patterson's Corners and Green's Corners.
QUAKER STREET.
This village is divided by a somewhat steep ascent into two parts, known generally as Quaker Street and Quaker Street Depot, though during late years the terms Old and New Quaker Street have obtained some popularity. One post-office, located at Quaker Street proper, suffices for both villages. Their combined population is not far from 600. Evidences of thrift and enterprise are to be seen in all directions.
Quaker Street on the hill was early settled by the Briggses, Moshers, Hoags, and others, and was so named because the residences of numerous members of the Society of Friends were scattered along the road running through what is now its center. Quaker meetings were held there early in the present century. For many years there was only one store there, one of the first buildings erected after a few dwellings having been a Quaker meeting-house. The sec- ond store was built at least forty five years ago. A prom- inent merchant in the old store (now Wilber's) was Lewis Freeman. Thomas Barnes, James Gale and Asa Marshall were among its earlier keepers. It later had many occu- pants, one of whom was Daniel T. Hoag, now of New York, till it passed into the hands of the Wilbers. The second store was occupied by Job Cleveland, Seneca Enders, Thomas Rushmore and Kirby Wilber, among others, and has been open only a few months during the past twenty- five years. The present store of Wilber & Co. has been in the management of the family and firm with which they have been connected since 1860.
Robinson P. U. Wilber began making shoes at Quaker Street for the retail trade in 1845. Three years later he be- gan manufacturing for wholesale orders, employing about twelve men, and continuing until 1854, when he died. While he was on his death-bed the sale of the enterprise to his two brothers-Edwin G. and W. K. Wilber -was ar- ranged and consummated. In 1857 Messrs. DeWitt Duane McDonald, Milton R. Hoag and Kirby Wilber became part- ners in the business, the firm name being changed to Wil- bers, Hoag & Co. Mr. McDonald withdrew two years later, but re-entered the firm in 1861. In 1863 W. K. Wilber re- tired, but resumed his interest in 1865. There were no fur-
ther changes in the style or personnel of the firm until 1867, when Mr. Hoag sold his interest. About this time the gen- eral store, which had been run in connection with the factory for about ten years, was taken into the building now owned by Kirby and Charles C. Wilber, Kirby and Edwin G. Wil- ber purchasing that and W. K. Wilber and D. D. McDon- ald retaining the ownership of the factory under the style of Wilber & McDonald. In 1872 the factory passed to the pro- prietorship of Mr. McDonald and William H. Davis, the firm name being McDonald & Davis. Mr. Davis retired in 1875, when Mr. McDonald and his son (Seward McDonald) became owners, under the firm name of D. D. McDonald & Son. Thirty to thirty-five men find constant employment in this factory, making heavy boots and shoes for men and women. Twelve hundred cases are manufactured yearly, and the monthly wage-list foots up to $600. In connection with their factory the firm conduct a retail boot and shoe store and a general grocery and flour and feed store. The store proper is a frame building, two stories high, 22 x 55 feet, and the factory is a two-story frame building, 35 x 40 feet. The products of McDonald & Son are placed mostly in Albany, Schenectady, Schoharie, Delaware, Otsego, Greene and Ulster Counties, though large shipments are made to Ohio. Mr. McDonald also owns a store at Quaker Street Depot.
The grocery of Ira Estes on Main street was opened about twelve years ago. The old W. S. Lang stand has been occupied for several years by Melville W. Mead's tin, hard - ware and furniture store. Mr. Mead is an enterprising bus- iness man and a prominent citizen. Mr. Estes, above men- tioned, was a stock dealer of repute before he became a merchant, and is known as a man of brains and progressive ideas.
Lewis Hunt conducted a paint shop here for many years. Dying a few years since, he was succeeded by his son, Chauncey B. Hunt.
The old hotel was occupied for many years by William R. Wing, Simon Vedder, George Rich and others. It was burned in 1875, and soon afterward the American Hotel, on the same ground, was nearly completed by John J. Ladd. It passed from his possession by legal process and was finished by other parties. It has been occupied by E. Bigelow, Frank Bigelow, John J. Wilber and others, and is now in possession of Howland McComber.
In 1870 Arthur D. Mead & William McGraw began the manufacture of carriages. Their works were on Main street in the building now occupied by John Moon, black- smith. Ten men were employed and about seventy-five wagons were made annually. A second blacksmith shop is that of Christian Mackley. W. H. Harden has carried on a small tailoring business for many years.
It was the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad which gave activity and growth to the enterprising village known as Quaker Street Depot and New Quaker Street. The first store was erected there by Hicks W. Sheldon soon after the completion of the railroad. He was succeeded by Mott T. Sheldon, Mead Sheldon and Van Wagner, and the building was finally closed as a store and converted into a tin shop.
About five years ago a store was opened at the Depot by W. K. Wilber & Son, which is now the property of L. A. Wilber. Milo J. Auchampaugh built a store here about ten years ago, and died not long afterward. He was succeeded in its occupancy by Elias Jones, and he by S. Mckinney & Sons in 1885.
The tin shop in the old Sheldon store above mentioned was established by Dexter Clement, whose successor was A. Manchester, whom Manchester & Wilber succeeded. In the spring of 1885, Elmer J. Fake opened a drug store ad- joining this establishment.
The Shoudy House was built by James Shoudy about twelve yars ago. He has ever since owned it. The pres- ent lessee and keeper is John Boyce. The Central Hotel was built in 1880 and managed until the spring of 1885 by George Passage, whose successor was William Van Bens- choten. Dexter Clement erected a hotel building in 1883, and occupied it only a short time. It is now occupied as a residence and meat market by Emmet Schermerhorn. Whitney's railway eating saloon was opened about two years ago.
Quaker Street Depot is the terminus.
THE TOWNSHIP OF DUANESBURGH.
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183
ALITTLE
Francis Houg
FRANCIS HOAG.
FRANCIS HOAG was born in Duanesburgh September 27, 1820. His early life was passed upon a farm, and his edu- cational advantages were only such as were afforded by the common schools near by. His parents were of the good old Quaker stock, and his early religious training was in the faith and doctrines of the Society of Friends, to which faith he has clung through a long and successful life, and whose pure teachings did much to develop in him a beautiful char- acter and an earnest, steadfast and thoughtful nature. Active, energetic, persevering, he has surmounted obstacles which seemed for the time to thoroughly block the way of his advance; but no worldly ambition ever led him to forget that strict integrity and honesty of purpose were called for at his hands.
At the age of twenty-four, Mr. Hoag married Eliza I). Carpenter, a young woman of rare merit, well calculated to be a help and strength to him in all the relations of life. In 1858 they moved to Albany, where he engaged in the wholesale provision trade, for a time in Exchange street and afterward in Dean street, in which business he continued successfully for nearly nineteen years. In business, as well
as in social life, he won many warm friends. His noble manly, straightforward way of dealing, won him the confi- dence of men in leading business circles, and his credit was almost unlimited. In 1861, the death of his beloved wife brought to him the greatest sorrow of his life. Their union, during a period of more than fifteen years, had been an un- usually harmonious one. The war of the rebellion had soon afterward entered upon its dreadful career, and from his private sorrows the mind of Mr. Hoag was providentially drawn to the sorrows of a great people. His sympathies were aroused, and he gave freely of his means and influence to aid the Union cause and lend succor to the wounded he- roes in Southern fields and in Southern hospitals. Decem- ber 30, 1862, he married his second wife, Mary J. Case, of Chatham, Columbia County, N. Y., and on the opening of the new year (1863) he brought her to brighten his desolate home. Two sons have been born to them: Francis Hoag, Jr., in January, 1867, and William M. Hoag, in September, 1874.
In 1877, having bought a farm near his old home at Quaker Street, he disposed of his business in Albany and moved his family to the country, building for himself a handsome residence, and settled quietly down to the enjoy- ment of a peaceful old age.
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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY.
George Lashes
HON. GEORGE LASHER.
Hon, GEORGE LASHER was born in Duanesburgh Septem- ber 20, 1834, a son of James McMillan Lasher, who was also born in Duanesburgh July 4, 1811. George Lasher, his grandfather, was one of the early settlers of the town. He was a native of America. His wife, Helen McMillan, was born in Scotland. Simon Kennedy, father of the wife of James McMillan Lasher, and maternal grandfather of the subject of this notice, was for a long time a resident of Sche- nectady County. His wife was Mary Perry, of Connecticut.
Mr. Lasher was educated in common schools and at East- man's Commercial College in Poughkeepsie. He has been a merchant, and is at present engaged in farming. He cast his first vote for John C. Fremont for President, and has acted with the Republican party ever since. He has served his townsmen as Justice of the Peace; was Supervisor in 1876, 1878 and 1880; and was elected to the Assembly in 1880 by a majority of 382 over Edward W. Paige (Demo- crat), the Democratic majority in 1879 having been 299. In his responsible capacity as legislator he served with credit to himself and to the gratification of his constituents. As a private citizen he enjoys the fullest confidence of all who know him.
DE WITT DUANE McDONALD.
DE WITT DUANE MCDONALD, son of Anson D. and Hannah (Macomber) McDonald, was born in Wright, Scho- harie County, N. Y., December 15, 1827. He removed in infancy to Quaker Street and has since lived there. His educational facilities were limited to those afforded by the common schools, and even those he was unable to attend regularly, even the winter terms, after he was thirteen years old.
At that tender age, when most boys are yet treated like children and have no thought of the stern duties of life, young McDonald left home and began the battle of life in the humble capacity of a farmer's boy of all work, He grew from boyhood to manhood, still doing his daily labor behind the plow, hoe in hand, or in the fields of grain ready to be garnered, and became in all respects a practical and well-informed farmer; but it was not as a farmer that he was destined to make a place and name for himself among his fellow men.
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