USA > New York > Wyoming County > Warsaw > History of the town of Warsaw, New York, from its first settlement to the present time; with numerous family sketches and biographical notes > Part 12
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
But a reverse ensned. The friends of temperance, not sat- isfied with the progress they were making by means of "moral suasion," henceforth abated their efforts in this direction, and sought the desired consummation in a more summary man- ner, by the aid of the strong arm of the law. Their mistake consisted, not in seeking the aid of legislation, but in the relaxation of effort in the use of former tried and effective
154
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
instrumentalities, the diligent appliance of which was neces- sary to prepare publie sentiment to sustain and enforce a restrictive law if one should be enacted.
A stringent prohibitory law was passed in the state of Maine. Authenticated official statements soon showed a reduction, in some districts, of more than three-fourths of the expenses of pauperism and crime. With some modifications, the law remains unrepealed. A similar law was, in 1855, passed in this state; and its practical working gave promise of equally favorable results. But the public were soon apprised that its constitutionality would be contested; and dealers were encouraged to resume the traffic. A case was carried to the Court of Appeals, and a majority pronounced the aet unconstitutional. Many eminent jurists, however, concurred in the opinion of the minority. Since that decision, the question of legislative restriction has not been agitated in this state.
In 1857, a new excise law was passed. It abolishes the town boards of excise, and vests the power to grant licenses for the whole county in a board of three Commissioners appointed by the County Judge. Its restraining effect, if it has any, is not apparent. Licenses are now granted in every town. Under the former law, they were in many towns refused.
It is the general opinion that intemperance has for many years been increasing; and many believe that it was never more prevalent. The latter opinion is probably erroneous; the former is believed to be correct. And it is equally true that due efforts are not making to check the growing evil. The only active temperance organization in this town is the " O-at-ka Lodge, No. 168, Independent Order of Good Tem- plars, organized December 23d, 1866, with twenty-seven charter members. The number. of initiations to October 31st, 1868, was, Males, 135; of Females, 133 .- Total, 268. Its officers are as follows:
155
TEMPERANCE.
Worthy Chief Templars-Wm. D. Miner, Charles W. Bailey, James M. Fullington, Rev. E. E. Williams, Wm. II. McElwain, Asa P. Lord.
Worthy Vice Templars-Mrs. Catharine Shattuck, Mrs. Emma C. Homer, Mrs. Esther S. Tuttle, Miss Mary McCagg, Miss Helen S. Gardner, Miss Alice E. Fisk, Miss Carrie M. Hollister, Miss Eva M. Fargo.
Worthy Secretaries-Charles W. Bailey, James M. Fulling- ton, M. R. Quackenbush.
Lodge Deputies-Seth M. Gates, William D. Miner.
This association is pursuing its object with commendable diligence, and is believed to be doing a good work. But it can not do all that needs to be done. Another organization is necessary to reach some which the former can not. There are those who would prefer open associations, though both have one and the same object-to persuade and encourage the people to avoid the use of alcoholic poison as a beverage. Few of the pioneers of 1830 survive. There are among us, however, the sons of a number of them, who could, perhaps, in no better way honor the names of their worthy fathers, than by renewed effort to complete their unfinished work.
156
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
ANTISLAVERY.
IN few parts of the country did the antislavery sentiment earlier or more strongly prevail than in this town, and a few others in the then southern part of Genesee county. How- ever widely men may still differ in their views in regard to the merits of the Antislavery Societies, it will be generally admitted, that the people of Warsaw have taken so prominent a part in the great antislavery effort, that our history would be materially defective if it did not contain a record of events which have associated so intimately the name of Warsaw with the cause of abolition.
The American Antislavery Society was formed in 1833. The Warsaw Antislavery Society was formed the same year or the next. The great object of the abolitionists was, by the discussion of the subject, and the exhibition of the evils of slavery, to produce a public sentiment at the North which should induce its abolition by the states in which it existed, they only having the power; and by Congress in the District of Columbia, where Congress only possessed the power to abolish it. Town and county societies were soon formed in many parts of this state and other northern states. This movement alarmed the southern people; the excitement soon became general. A vehement opposition was raised in the North, and public meetings were broken up. The first annual meeting of the State Society was held in Utica, in 1835. By a mob, instigated by leading citizens, and embracing some of them, the meeting was dispersed; and the delegates were compelled to flee to a neighboring county to transact their business. To that meeting the town of Warsaw sent five delegates, viz: Dr. Augustus Frank, F. C. D. McKay, Samuel Fisher, 2d, William Buxton, and Rev. Abraham Ennis.
The first annual meeting of the Genesee County Anti- slavery Society, held at Batavia, March 16, 1836, was routed in a similar manner. The antislavery sentiment prevailed
157
ANTISLAVERY.
most in the southern towns, especially Warsaw, Perry, and Arcade, and in Le Roy, in the north part. With a view to the diffusion of the principles of the Society, Batavia was selected as the place of meeting. Aware that there was among the Batavians a strong prejudice against the aboli- tionists, it was deemed prudent to obtain from some of their leading citizens an expression of opinion in relation to the holding of the meeting in that place. In answer to the appli- cation, the following statement, dated March 5, 1836, was received, signed by seven gentlemen, six Lawyers, and one Merchant:
" Although we doubt the policy, in general, of the advo- cates of immediate abolition, and many of the measures for effecting the objects which they profess to have in view; yet we are utterly opposed to any measures, the tendency of which would interfere with the individual rights of any citi- zen, or which should abridge the expression of opinion in an orderly or quiet manner." Seven other gentlemen, among the most eminent citizens, verbally expressed their concur- rence in the above sentiment. Of these, two were Justices of the Peace, who said they should, as a matter of course, use their official authority, if it should become necessary, to pre- vent a disturbance. Under such encouragement, a meeting was appointed to be held at the Court House in Batavia, on the 16th of March.
On the 12th, a notice was posted throughout the village, of which the following is a copy:
" CITIZENS OF BATAVIA, ATTEND! The citizens of Batavia, without distinction of party, are desired to meet at the Court House this afternoon, at 2 o'clock, precisely, to take into consideration what measures it is necessary to adopt with reference to the proposed meeting of abolitionists, to be held in this village on Wednesday next. Let all opposed to fanat- icism, and who valne the existence and perpetuity of the Union, attend.
" March 12, 1836.
" ANTI-FANATICISM."
158
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
The principal resolutions adopted at the meeting, were the following:
" That, whatever may be the object of the meeting of the said society, we are utterly opposed to its being held in this village; and that, in the opinion of this meeting, none but those who are reckless of the public weal, regardless of the common bond of union by which the states are cemented, and are anxious more for broil, anarchy and insurrection than for union and national quiet, would, at such a time as this, pro- pose so dangerous a topic for discussion as that which involves the constitutional rights of the slaveholding states.
"That, as citizens of Batavia, independent of the abstract question of slavery, and the avowed objects of the Antislavery Society, most sincerely deprecating any disturbance of the peace and tranquillity of our village, we can not suppress the apprehensions we entertain of the consequences that may result from the holding of the contemplated meeting of the Antislavery Society in this village.
" That a committee to consist of fifty persons be appointed to wait upon the Abolition Society, if it should meet in pur- suance of the notices given, and make known to it the pro- ceedings of this meeting, and request that no proceedings be had by this Society."
The Antislavery Society met, pursuant to notice, at the Court House. Before the meeting was duly organized, its proceedings were interrupted by the entrance of the Commit- tee of Fifty, in behalf of the citizens of Batavia. The chair- man read the proceedings of the village meeting held on the 12th, and followed the reading by a short speech, in which he stated that the citizens had no confidence in the good inten- tions of the abolitionists, and that, therefore, they (the citizens) could not be held responsible for any flagrant acts which might be committed. The committee then gave notice that they would retire to a place named, and await a reply from the meeting. The greater portion of the committee, however, remained, together with some fifty men and boys who had come in with them.
159
ANTISLAVERY.
The meeting appointed a Committee of Five to prepare a reply: Henry Brewster and Seth M. Gates, of Le Roy, Gen. John D. Landon, of Castile, Wm. Patterson, of Warsaw, and Huntington Lyman. This committee in their reply disclaimed a want of respect for the citizens of Batavia, the meeting having not been appointed without previous consultation with respectable citizens, and referred to the statement signed by the seven, which had been voluntarily drawn up by the chair- man of the Committee of Fifty himself, and to the verbal statements of others. The committee also asserted "the unqualified right peaceably to assemble and deliberate upon such matters as we may deem important to the interests of our common country; and we can not, consistently with our self-respect and the sacred rights of citizenship, acknowledge the right of any persons, or body of men, to molest us when assembled, or require us to cease our deliberations." They said, further, that it was evident from the resolutions of the Committee of Fifty, that the citizens passing them did not understand the real sentiments of the abolitionists. The so- ciety disclaimed any intention of interfering with the consti- tutional rights of any portion of the people of this Union, or of exciting the slaves to acts of violence, and stated that the publications of the American Antislavery Society had no such tendency. In reply to the insinuation that their motives were not what they professed, they referred the committee to their conduct as citizens where they reside, which was one of the safest tests of motives and intentions. On the whole, there- fore, they did not feel it their duty to yield to the request of the citizens of Batavia, and suggested that the citizens could avoid all possible injury, if they refrained from attending the meeting; and that, " inasmuch as the committee declared that they would deeply regret any acts of violence and discord, whether they will not, as good citizens, feel bound to exert themselves, in good faith, to prevent the acts of disorder which they profess to deprecate, and tlms give a practical demon- stration that they are governed by good motives, whether we
1
160
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
are or not. Should fifty as respectable citizens as those who have waitel on us thus act, the result can be easily antici- pated."
This report was communicated by a Special Committee to the chairman of the Committee of Fifty, and the meeting pro- ceeded to complete their organization preparatory to the transaction of business, but were interrupted by stamping and loud vociferation, and various other noisy demonstrations of the intruders, not only without the least attempt by any of the members of the committee who remained, to suppress the riot, but rather with the approval of some of them manifested by gestures and other signs. After several unsuccessful at- tempts, by expostulation and remonstrance, to abate the disturbance, the meeting was adjourned to Warsaw one week from that day.
The history of events like this, which were not of rare oc- currence in those days, will be read with surprise by our descendants. That men, not merely those of the " baser sort," but of moral worth and high standing, should countenance such flagrant infractions of the right of free speech, in a coun- try professedly regarding this very right as among the most valuable guaranties of its constitution, will appear incredible. The advocates of the most absurd and demoralizing senti- ments, not excepting promiscuous cohabitation or " free love," open infidelity, and withal slavery, whose natural concomi- tants were oppression, the violation of marital rights, and the severance of the domestic relations by the sale of parties at public auction, were everywhere allowed free speech, while those who felt it their duty to oppose a system attended with such a train of evils, and to defend that fundamental princi- ple of our government-the inalienable right of all men to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness "-were in many places not permitted to give a public expression of their sen- timents. The freedom of the press-a right held so dear by the American people, that they demanded for it an express guaranty by an amendment of the constitution,-was strik-
161
ANTISLAVERY.
ingly illustrated, in several instances, by the destruction of presses established for the express purpose of advocating the principles of freedom. In short, free speech was tolerated on every subject except that of liberty itself!
In New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Albany, and other places, meetings were held in whose proceedings their most distinguished citizens participated, at which the severest cen- sure upon abolitionists were passed. At the Albany meeting Governor Marcy presided; in the meeting in Boston, Edward Everett took a prominent part.
These facts are here alluded to, not to revive latent animos- ities, for none are supposed to exist; nor to reproach any for acts which they have themselves since most deeply regretted; but because they are facts which our descendants have a right to know, and which a faithful historian would not suppress. They have a moral, too. Errors often have the sanction of great names. Their opinions, though often valuable, and always entitled to respectful and candid consideration, are not to be taken on trust. It behooves every man to investi- gate, and to think for himself, availing himself of such helps as are likely to conduct him to correct conclusions.
Pursnant to adjournment, the Genesee County Antislavery Society met at Warsaw, March 23, 1836. A series of resolu- tions and an address were adopted, together with a " Declar- ation of Sentiment," expressing, in brief form, the principles of the abolitionists, for the information of any who might never have seen a statement of them. Measures were also taken for establishing a free press; and one thousand dollars was pledged for its support the first year. Such paper was accordingly established. [Sce Newspapers.]
There was as yet no political antislavery party. The aboli- tionists continued to vote for the candidates of their respective parties. They petitioned Congress to abolish slavery in the the District of Columbia, and their petitions were disrespect- fully treated. Many of them then began to vote for candi- dates for Congress who were in favor of that measure,
11
162
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
irrespective of party. As late as 1837, the American Anti- Slavery Society declared it inexpedient to form an antislavery party. The subject of a political organization, however, began soon after to be agitated. Although local organizations of the kind may have been earlier formed, a national anti- slavery party did not exist before 1839. A meeting of the Western New York Antislavery Society was held at Warsaw, in the Presbyterian church, Nov. 13, 1839. The extreme badness of the roads prevented a general attendance. There were present about fifty persons, as members, nearly all of them from the southern towns of the county, then Genesee. A proposition was made to nominate candidates for President and Vice-President. It was opposed by a large portion of the members; but its advocates, among whom were Myron Holley and William L. Chaplin, able and eloquent men, who had come for this special purpose, succeeded, after a two days' discussion, in carrying the measure by a small majority. James G. Birney, formerly a slaveholder in Alabama, who had emancipated his slaves and removed to the North, was nominated for President, and Francis J. Lemoyne, of Penn- sylvania, for Vice-President.
The result of this measure was to divide the abolitionists. A large majority in this state and other states, refused to join the new party, and continued their connection with the old parties; voting generally, however, for candidates for Con- gress who were in favor of a respectful reception of anti- slavery petitions, and for abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, and opposed to its extension into free territory, by which party soever they had been nominated.
The antislavery societies were now composed almost entirely of persons who belonged to the new political organization, and were therefore weak in respect to numbers. Nor did the new party ever acquire great numerical strength. In 1844, when Mr. Birney was again a candidate, but a little more. than 15,000 votes were given in this state for the antislavery electoral ticket. That party, however, was composed chiefly
163
ANTISLAVERY.
of respectable and worthy citizens, and may, by its intrinsic moral power, have had a greater effect upon the politics of the country than has generally been supposed.
In 1848, the Antislavery party was merged in the Free Soil party. Texas had been admitted to the Union as a slave state; and a large territory had been acquired from Mexico, which also was intended to be converted into slave states, with the view, as was supposed, to the ultimate predominance of slavery in the national government. On the 9th of August, 1848, a National Mass Convention of the friends of free terri- tory was held at Buffalo. Resolutions against the extension of slavery were adopted; and candidates for President and Vice-President were nominated. The abolitionists had al- ready nominated John P. Hale, of New Hampshire, for President; but he and his friends expressed a willingness to submit to the action of the Convention, which made choice of Martin Van Buren for President, and Charles Francis Adams for Vice-President. At a state convention in September fol- lowing, the new party, called the "Democratic Free Soil Party," nominated for Governor, John A. Dix, of Albany, and for Lieutenant-Governor, Seth M. Gates, of Warsaw. Before the next Presidential election. (1852,) nearly all the Whigs and Democrats who had joined this party returned to their former parties; and thereafter only a few thousand votes were cast for antislavery candidates, until after the formation of the Republican party in 1855.
ยท
164
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
THE ecclesiastical or religious history of the town demands a place in this work. The salutary influence of the Christian religion upon the character and welfare of a community, is universally admitted. Its happy effects wherever it is duly exemplified, may be seen in all the relations of life. To transmit a record of the virtues of the fathers, is due to their descendants, many of whom will cherish their memories with the highest satisfaction, and regard their good names as the richest portion of their inheritance.
The early settlers were generally respectable men and good citizens; but there were among them, for several years, few professors of religion. Funerals were attended without any religious service. The first two were those of children, at one of which, and it is believed at both, no such service was per- formed. The third death of which we have knowledge, was that of Dwight Noble, the first adult person who died in town, in January, 1807. His death was deeply deplored. and it is presumed that his funeral was attended by most of the men in town; yet there was not so much as the offering of a prayer on the occasion, though there may have been among the then latest settlers one or more, who, had they been present, would have performed that service. In the year 1807, Dea. Eliphalet Parker, of Granville, N. Y., settled on East Hill; and about the same time Dea. Abraham Reed, and Dea. Ezra Walker, both also of Granville, settled on the West Hill. Whether they brought with them their religious titles, we cannot say; but they were the first, or among the
165
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
first, who conducted religious services in those early days; and, as will be seen, all of them became members of the first organized church in the town, the Presbyterian.
This Church, when organized, was in form Congregational. But to avoid indistinctness and confusion, we shall designate it throughout by its present title, by which it has been distin- guished almost from the time of its organization, and long before the change of its form of government. It was organ- ized July 14, 1808. Rev. John Lindsey, a missionary in . these parts, officiated on the occasion, and preached a sermon. The church consisted of ten members, and was styled the "First Congregational Church of Warsaw." The names of the members were, Edward Goodspeed, Eliphalet Parker, Luther Parker, Ezra Walker, Abraham Reed, Israel Branch, Polly Day, Prudence A. Walker, Martha Parker, and Rhoda Parker.
Eliphalet Parker and Israel Branch were chosen Deacons. Abraham Reed was chosen Moderator, and Ezra Walker Church Clerk. A Confession of Faith and Covenant were adopted. The singing was usually led by Dea. Walker or Dea. Parker.
The church was for several years partially supplied by missionaries and occasional ministers, as Messrs. Lindsley, Phelps, Parmelee, Spencer, and Oliver Ayer. In connection with the labors of Mr. Ayer, in 1S08 or 1809, occurred, as we are informed, the first religious awakening in town. Passing through Western New York as a missionary under the direction of the Connecticut Missionary Society, Mr. Ayer preached here one Sabbath. His custom was to spend only one Sabbath and pass on. But observing here, as he thought, unusual attention and seriousness, he tarried and spent a second Sabbath, and wrote home for leave to labor longer, if the preached word should produce, as it already seemed to do, a marked effect. Leave was granted; and he remained three or four months. The awakening became general, and many heads of families were hopefully converted. Among
166
HISTORY OF WARSAW.
the number were, Dea. John Munger and wife, John Me Whorter, Sen., and wife, Elkanah Day and wife, and his son, Artemas Day, Hezekiah Wakefield and wife, Zera Tanner and wife, Doctor Chauncey L. Sheldon, Giles Parker and wife, and many others whose names are less familiar to our citizens generally. Elkanah Day was son-in-law to Mr. McWhorter; so that here was brought into the church at one time, Artemas Day, the son, Elkanah Day and wife, the parents, and Esq. John Mcwhorter and wife, the grand- parents.
In 1813, Rev. Silas Hubbard was chosen and installed the first pastor, at or about which time the church, it has been said, adopted the Presbyterian form of government. This is probably simply an inference from a minute on the records, under date of Sept. 9, 1813, of the appointment of Dea. Ezra Walker "to attend the Presbytery, and to form a relation with that body." Although the church was from that time regularly represented in Presbytery, the records show the absence still of a church session, and a continuance of the Congregational mode of disciplining offending members. The change was made on the recommendation of Rev. Julius Steele, whose ministry of nearly two and a half years, closed early in the spring of 1831. This fact is distinctly remem- bered, and the more so from the additional fact that the vote was unanimous. But as the records for about six years, including the period of Mr. Steele's ministry, are lost, no record of the vote is to be found.
In 1814, Rev. Mr. Hubbard, on account of failing health, resigned the pastorate. In 1816, he was succeeded by Rev. Hippocrates Rowe, who supplied the churches of Warsaw and Orangeville on alternate Sabbaths. His pastorate con- tinned about two years, when it was terminated by his death. Hitherto religious services had been held in the school-house, which was one of ordinary size, and stood where the Baptist church now stands.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.