USA > New York > Onondaga County > Jordan > Our church and her interests : being a souvenir of the past history and a survey of the present and future interests of the First Presbyterian Church of Jordan, Onondaga Co., N. Y. . . . > Part 5
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An example of promptness and fidelity, in the discharge of all his duties and appointments ; of fixed principles, firmly held and yet calmly expressed, he never exhibited heat or irritation, but viewed things deliberately, and took a position from which he seldom had reason to retreat. He felt a deep interest in this and other neighboring churches, took a part in the organization of many of them, and was frequently called to preside in their meetings and perform important services.
One of the founders of Auburn Seminary, he belonged to its Board of Trustees from its incorporation until his death.
As a man, a citizen, a Christian, and a minister of the gospel, . he maintained an unblemished reputation, successfully practicing the apostolic principle, " As much as lieth in you live peaceably with all men."
The Rev. John Tompkins, his successor, preached the funeral discourse from 2d Tim., iv, 7, 8, "'The Minister's Work and Re- ward." From that discourse the facts for this obituary have been obtained.
Rev. Timothy Stowe
was born in Washington county, N. Y., June 23, 1798. Died in Lawrence, Van Buren county, October 14, 1860, His theo-
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OUR CHURCH AND HER INTERESTS.
logical studies were commenced with Dr. Gardner Spring, of New York, and finished at the Auburn Seminary. His first set- tlement was at Elbridge, N. Y. Thence he removed to Montrose, Pa., where he labored eight years. Then he opened a select school in Jordan, N. Y., where he influenced the people to erect an academy, which still prospers under its original character. Apart from the duties of the school room, he did much for the cause of religion and temperance. From Jordan he was called to take charge of the East Bloomfield Academy. Again he became a pastor and preached at West Bloomfield, Bristol Centre, at Peterboro, and in Lawrence, Mich. Mr. Stowe was twice married-first to Faustina Hancock, of Martha's Vineyard, next to Emmaline F. Densmore, of Chelsea, Mich.
In several particulars Mr. Stowe's character was noticeable and exemplary. He acted through life on the supposition that the faculty of speech was given to express thought and not to con- ceal it. He spoke his mind, whenever he spoke at all, with the candor and guilelessness of a child. He was affectionate in dis- position, unassuming in manner and spirit, always ready to attack with kindly boldness whatever he judged to be wrong, never har- boring ill-will against those who misjudged his motives and who returned him evil for good.
The following resolution was reported by Gerritt Smith, and passed by the church of Peterboro, November 11, 1860 : " Re- " solved, That it is with deep cmotion that the church of Peter- " boro hears of the death of its former pastor, Rev. Timothy " Stowe, and that here, whilst sitting around the table of the " Lord's Supper where he so often sat with us, we recall the " sweet virtues of our beloved brother, his Christ-like spirit and " Christ-like life, and commend them afresh to our own hearts. " and the hearts of others."
This resolution exactly expresses the regard entertained by the members of our church who knew and loved Mr. Stowe as a genial, generous, gentlemanly Christian-an accomplished scholar, and an earnest worker in the cause of education, philan- thropy and religion. " Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord
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OUR CHURCH AND HER INTERESTS.
of Milton, Peter Thacher, of Middleborough, Mass., Peter Thacher, of Attleborough, Mass. (the grandfather of the sub- ject of this obituary). Washington Thacher held thus, in a better sense than many who lay claim' to it, a place in an apos- tolic succession of godly and faithful servants of Christ.
He was born in Attleborough, Mass., Feb. 23, 1794 ; his father, Deacon Moses Thacher, being a son of Rev. Peter Thacher of that place.
When he was about six years old his father removed with his family and many of his neighbors, to Hartford, Susquehanna county, Pa. (A new town largely settled by emigrants from Attleborongh.) The emigrants brought with them a New Eng- land love of education and religion, and the schoolhouse and church were soon reared and occupied in their new settlement. Deacon Thacher had but two surviving children, and both inher- ited a fondness for study. Washington was an omniverous reader, and made the most of his .opportunities for study, which, though at first limited, were soon excellent for that region and time.
Rev. Lyman Richardson, D. D., then an eminent clergyman of that section, and a good scholar, established in Hartford very early a select school, which grew into the Hartford Academy, and finally into the Susquehanna University. Here young Thacher, who was a favorite pupil of the good Doctor, devoted himself so assiduously to his books that he became an excellent English scholar, and a better classical scholar than half the col- lege graduates of the time. Like most young men of his class, he taught for several seasons, to aid himself in the further prose- cution of his studies, beginning his teaching at seventeen years of age. From 1811 to 1816 he taught every winter in Susquehanna county, Pa., or in Broome county, N. Y. The exact time of his conversion cannot be recalled, but in 1818 he had commenced a course of theological study, which he subsequently prosecuted with great vigor for two years or more at Cherry Valley, N. Y., * under the direction of Rev. John Truair, then in the zenith of his fame and popularity as an eloquent and able revival preacher.
1
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OUR CHURCH AND HER INTERESTS.
In 1821 the Otsego Presbytery licensed him to preach the gos -. pel. In 1822 he was married to Miss Maria M. Johnson, of Little Falls, and the same year became the stated supply of the Presbyterian church of Morrisville, Madison county, where he remained for four years. In 1826 he was called to the Presby- terian church in Onondaga, where, in July, 1827, he lost his lovely and accomplished wife, who left three little children to his care. In December, 1828, he was married a second time, to Miss Sarah E. Morrill, of New York, whom many of our congre- gation will remember. He was pastor of the Onondaga church till January, 1833, when this church gave him an urgent call to become its pastor, at a salary of $500, with a parsonage. That call is signed by Sidney N. Norton, A. D. Botsford, Salmon Greene and Pomeroy Tobey, Session ; and Erastus Baker, Jr., Ebenezer Daggett and Daniel W. Mather, Trustees. The call was at once accepted, ratified by Presbytery January 16, 1833, and Mr. Thacher became the first settled pastor of this church.
As indicating the mode of arranging donation parties, and some of the active members of the Society at this time, the fol- lowing copy of an invitation to a Donation, held at Mr. Thacher's house during his first year's ministry, will be interesting :
DONATION PARTY.
The Company of
M
IS SOLICITED AT THE HOUSE OF THE REV. W.
THACHER, ON FRIDAY THE 26TH INST. AT 4 0'- CLOCK, P. M.
JORDAN, DEC. 19, 1834.
S. N. Norton, Mrs. L. B. Raymond,
Benj. Coonley, Erastus Baker, Jr.,
G. C. Munro, William Richards, W. T. Graves, Jno. F. Baker, William Porter, Jr.,
MANAGERS.
-- Mrs. L. Davis,
Mrs. J. Carson,
Mrs. D. Carson,
D. K. Green, John Dodge,
Miss Sarah Mason, Miss E. M. Davis,
Mise Julia Lansing, Miss Helen Wright,
Miss Lavina Otis,
Miss M. Stevens.
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OUR CHURCH AND HER INTERESTS.
Mr. Thacher's ministry of nearly ten years was the longest and most fruitful of our pastorates. Modest and retiring in his man- ners, when he came to Jordan he had already attained a high reputation as an able and eloquent preacher, and a faithful, zealous and sympathizing pastor. He was a trustee of Auburn Theological Seminary, and one of its most trusted counselors ; one of the most helpful friends of the Presbyterian cause in the then young and growing city of Syracuse, and was more than once called to the pastorate there, but declined the calls.
His ministry was blessed by several revivals, and large acces- sions were made to the church. In 1842, seriously impaired health obliged his resignation. He resided here after that event for a year or more, serving for a considerable time as principal of our academy. In the autumn of 1843 he removed to Eaton, Madison county, and was for three years stated supply of the Presbyterian church there. In 1847 he accepted the position of Corresponding Secretary of the central agency of the American Home Missionary Society, having his headquarters at Utica. The laborious and difficult duties of this position he filled with great ability and success for three years, till his somewhat frail constitution, overtaxed by his excessive labor and a burning zeal for the cause of His Master, gave way, and after a protracted and painful illness he departed from this mortal life to enter the bliss of heaven and be forever with the Lord, on the 29th day of June, 1850, aged fifty-seven years. He was buried in Forest Hill cemetery, where also repose the bodies of his second wife, Sarah E. Thacher, who died in February, 1849, and his third son, Edward M., who died in June, 1855. He left seven children, two of whom have followed him to the grave-Edward M. (just referred to), and Elizabeth A., who died in Norwalk, Ohio, May, 1865.
More than a quarter of a century has passed since the death of this eminent minister, but his name is still fragrant through this region, and his precious memory is enshrined in the thoughts and affections of many in this village, through whose ministra- tions many of them and their children were brought to "the
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OUR CHURCH AND HER INTERESTS.
" knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus "-" whom to know is " life eternal !" Of him it might be said, as of Barnabas of old :
" He was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of " faith," and under his labors " much people were added unto " the Lord !"
Bev. Aaron Judson.
Born in 1814. Died Aug. 9, 1853, at Oswego, N. Y., being at the time pastor of the Second Presbyterian church there.
During the last year of Mr. Thacher's ministry a series of re- vival services were held, in which Mr. Judson was called to as- sist. At that revival twenty were added to the church. He was called to the charge of this church in October, 1843, but de- clined to be installed, not believing in installation. He was stated supply till May, 1848, when he removed to Oswego, where he undertook the charge of the Second Presbyterian church there. It had much declined, but the energy and ability of Mr. Judson, under Divine blessing, built up the church till it became quite prosperous. He was a self educated man, of excellent nat- ural ability, and good financial and administrative powers. He knew how to combine, in happy and effective exercise, a knowl- edge of theology and business principles. He studied human nature by mingling with inen, as well as reading of them, and handled " the Word " better on that account.
His ministry was greatly blessed, thirty-nine being added to the church during its term of five years.
His death was a cause of great grief to the people here, as also in Oswego. The Oswego Daily Journal thus commented on the sad event, the same morning, August 9, 1853 :
" DEATH OF THE REV. MR. JUDSON."
" We have seldom been called upon to discharge a more painful duty than " which we are this day compelled to perform, viz .: to announce the death of " the Rev. Aaron Judson, which occurred at 10 o'clock, A. M., after a protracted " illness. Rev. Mr. Judson has been for several years pastor of the Second " Presbyterian church, and in the discharge of his clerical duties has endeared " himself to a large circle of friends, by whom his loss will be deeply felt Ever " more ready to render a service, than to be the recipient of kindness, Mr. Jud- " son has passed through life respected and beloved by all with whom he came
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OUR CHURCH AND HER INTERESTS.
" in contact. By his death the church has lost one of its most faithful servitors, " the poor an oft-tried friend, and the community a good citizen."
"Mr. Judson was in his fortieth year, and leaves a wife and two children " to mourn the loss of an affectionate husband and father. A sorrowing com- " munity sympathize with them, in their bereavement."
"HE BEING DEAD, YET SPEAKETH !"
Ben. Calvin Tolaterbury
was stated supply of this church from November, 1849, to May, 1851, during which period eighteen were added to the church. In 1855 he was pastor of the church in Victor, N. Y., removed thence to Leroy, N. Y., and thence to Knoxville, Illinois. He again removed to Freeport, Illinois, in 1860, where it is reported (somewhat indefinitely) that he died soon after. After delay- ing this publication two weeks, in the hope of receiving response to inquiries concerning him, we regret to have to print a record so imperfect. The same remark applies to
Rev. dalilliam Tolakeman,
who, after supplying this church for one year from June, 1856, went to labor in the west and died there. Also,
Rev. Judson Aspinwall,
who succeeded Mr. Wakeman as supply of this church, June, 1857 to 1858, and, like his predecessor, went as Home Mission- ary to the west. He died in Wisconsin. Scant as are these memoirs, we would not hold them in less regard than those of whom we have been able to obtain more extensive records.
Ben. Richard Dunning
came to Jordan from Amboy, N. Y., in May, 1858, and was in. stalled as pastor in November of that year. He labored earnest- ly and successfully with this people until August, 1863. During this pastorate of five years, fifty-three were added to the church- thirty-seven on profession of faith, and sixteen from other churches. The church reached its maximum membership during his ministry. Mr. Dunning was universally and deservedly res-
#
Rev. Richard Dunning.
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OUR CHURCH AND HER INTERESTS.
pected, for he was faithful in all the relationships and duties of life. An excellent pastor, his care of the flock over which God had made him under-shepherd was such as becomes so high and holy a calling. The light of his christian life, in its public and private walks, burnt with a bright and steady flame. He did his Master's business in his Master's spirit, and was "ready to depart and be with Christ " when the summons came, September 1, 1873. There were many in Jordan and elsewhere who sorrowed as they heard of his decease, sympathizing deeply and sincerely with his bereaved family, but knowing, nevertheless, that " their loss was his gain," for he had " fought a good fight," and brought many trophies of his conflict to lay at the Master's feet. Mr. Dunning's memory is fragrant and precious in the hearts of many he brought to Jesus.
Rev. Isaac O. Fillmore, D. D.,
stated supply of this church from July 6, 1873, to October 8, 1874, was born in Sennett, Cayuga Co., 1816 ; died at Everett House, Green Island, N. Y., Oct. 22, 1875 (aged 59 years), of an organic affection of the heart. Left motherless at an early age, he was received into the family of Mr. Knowles, of Knowlesville, N. Y., where he grew up a bright, sprightly, fun- loving boy. At sixteen years of age, he was converted under the preaching of that powerful revivalist, Dr. Burchard. Favor- ing his desire for the ministry, Mr. Knowles assisted him to se- cure the necessary education. He graduated with honor at Union College in 1839, and at Princeton in 1842. After leav- ing Princeton, he came to Western New York, and supplied the Jordan church for some time. He was then invited to become its pastor, but in the providence of God, was called to, and ac- cepted charge of, the church at Cambridge, Washington county, N. Y. He was the pastor of the Old White Church there for twelve years, during which time great harmony prevailed and large additions were made to the church. While there he was happily married to Miss Julia A. Parmalee, of Lansingburgh, N. Y. She proved to be a true helpmeet -a partner in all his joys and sorrows and labors, in very deed. From Cambridge Dr.
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OUR CHURCH AND HER INTERESTS.
Fillmore removed to Batavia, N. Y., and after two and a half years' labor there, accepted a pressing invitation to take charge of a new church enterprise (that of the Park church) in Syracuse. To that work he devoted seven of the best years of his life. He was chaplain in the army, and either from exposure there, or over exertion, contracted disease, so that his strength gave way and in 1870 he was compelled to seek rest and recuperation, by change of climate. He went accordingly, in that year, on a trip to the Pacific Coast, preaching occasionally with great acceptance, at San Francisco and other places. After two years there he re- turned to this state, and became stated supply of this church. Here, as elsewhere, his genial disposition, his tender regard for the temporal and spiritual welfare of all the members of the church, his kindly bearing towards rich and poor alike, the pains taken by himself and wife to seek out the poor and needy at their homes and in their workshops and place of labor, sym- pathizing with their sorrows and seeking the salvation of their souls, will ever be remembered by an affectionate and appreci- ative people.
The young and the old alike loved him. From a youth he had an aptitude for making and appreciating jokes, but they were never indulged in by him at another's pain. He was careful of others' feelings, and would not knowingly wound the most sen- sitive. His own heart was tender as a child's, and when (as was very frequently the case) he would receive letters from the youth (whom he was very successful in leading to Christ), telling him how, under God, they owed their conversion to him, he would weep tears of joy and gratitude. Many were the trophies of vic- tory he brought to the Captain of his salvation from battle fields, where he did valiant service for Christ against Sin and Satan. He was wise in that wisdom which "winneth souls." He removed from Jordan to Green Island, where he died. The funeral ser- vices were conducted in the church of his last charge, Green Island, on the Monday following his death, in the presence of a large and deeply moved audience. His mortal remains rest in the beautiful cemetery overlooking the church of his first charge,
F.CORMSBY
Rev. Isaac O. Fillmore, D. D.
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OUR CHURCH AND HER INTERESTS.
with those of many whom he led to God, and whose bodies rest in "God's acre," waiting the great harvest of the resurrection.
" Go to the grave in all thy glorious prime - In full activity of zeal and power. A Christian cannot die before his time ; The Lord's appointment is the servant's hour."
" While we weep as Jesus wept, Thou shalt sleep as Jesus slept ; With thy Saviour thou shalt rest, Crowned, glorified, and blest."
Our Departed Friends.
II. members.
Isaac Otis, St.
Our Departed Friends.
..
II.
members.
The Botsford Family
descended from Puritan families of Massachusetts and Con- necticut, and came to Jordan in 1823, when the village was but sparsely settled. The family then consisted of four members- ALVA D. (bachelor), DELANA (spinster), and EDMUND W. and MARY ANN, his wife. Until the organization of this church they were members and regular attendants of the Congregational church at Elbridge. They were all eminent Christians, earnest and liberal supporters of the cause of Christ in this place. To no other family does the Presbyterian Society owe more grateful regard and remembrance, for they were pillars of the church and steady supporters of all her enterprises. Of the four original members only Mary Ann, wife of Edmund W., survives. She now resides with her son, Rev. Alfred P. Botsford, of Port Jer- vis, N. Y. Of four sons born to Edmund and Mary (Charles Sedgwick, Alfred P., Eli Clark and Edmund Dowd), only Alfred P. survives. He has been pastor of the Presbyterian church in Port Jervis, N. Y., for ten years past. The family re- moved from Jordan in 1852. They have ever been affectionately remembered by all who knew them, and they themselves have manifested ever a lively interest in the church and society with
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OUR CHURCH AND HER INTERESTS.
whom they spent so many years and formed so many pleasant associations.
ALVA D .- One of the original members, the first Elder of the church, Sabbath school superintendent, trustee, temperance ad- vocate and worker in every good cause in Jordan. After a con- sistent Christian life he died in the year 1839.
DELANA -- Or "Auntie Botsford," as she was familiarly and affectionately called, was a genial, patient and earnest lover of our Lord Jesus Christ and His cause ; a veritable "Dorcas," full of good works and charitable labors. The service and worship of God was her delight ; God's house her home. In the church, the Sabbath school, and the Society, with "patient continuance in well doing," unassuming and unostentatious, she let her light shine, so that in many hearts and memories it shines still. She was one of the original members and Sabbath school teachers. One of her most cherished desires was to see her nephews set apart to the gospel ministry. She labored and prayed for this, lived to see two of them consecrated to the glorious work and occupy high positions in their sacred calling. One of these says of her : "We owe more than we can tell to the faith and " prayer of our maiden aunt-who was one of the most energetic " and patient and hopeful of the early workers in the church at " Jordan." She died in the triumphs of a simple and beautiful faith, in 1849.
" Not for thee shall tears be given, Child of God, and heir of heaven, For He gave thee sweet release ; Thine the Christian's death of peace."
EDMUND W .- Born June 18, 1799. Died November 3, 1836, aged thirty-five years, leaving a widow and four sons. He was an original member of the church and one of its first board of trustees. A liberal supporter and indefatigable worker, he is worthy of a most conspicuous place in the list of " Our Departed Friends ;" for, to the interests of this Zion, he gave much time, talent and energy, as well as pecuniary assistance. A consistent Christian, a tender parent, and a worthy citizen, he left behind him an unblemished name and
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OUR CHURCH AND HER INTERESTS.
reputation. His children "call him blessed ;" his neighbors and friends cherish his memory. He also desired to have his boys enter the ministry, and prayed for and trained them with that view. Speaking to a neighbor on these things when his boys were quite little, he remarked as he pointed to them, "Those boys will yet preach the gospel," and such a prophecy has been abundantly fulfilled. A faithful father, his prayer and care for his children have resulted in rich blessing to many souls. " He died the death of the righteous."
CHARLES SEDGWICK-Oldest son of Edmund and Mary Bots- ford. Born January 1, 1823. Died October 20, 1839, aged 16 years. He joined the church at an early age.
EDMUND DOWD-Youngest son of Edmund and Mary. Born December 4, 1831. Died June 4, 1838, aged 6} years.
ELI CLARK-Born 1830. Died December 30, 1860. He joined this church with his brother Alfred during a revival season in 1841-he being 11 years of age, Alfred 12. They both pre- pared for college in Jordan ; both graduated together at Union College in 1847, Eli being only 17 years of age. Graduated at Princeton 1853. Took charge of Mrs. Sheafe's church on Hud- son river for six months, when called to 86th street church, New York, where he labored seven years. Died suddenly, while pre- paring an anniversary sermon, which he never finished. His reason was taken from him by a stroke of surprising suddenness, to return no more this side of the grave. His widow died the same year, leaving three children, who all survive. Alfred suc- ceeded Eli to the charge of his church in New York, remaining there six years He then removed to Port Jervis, where he has a large and flourishing church, which was visited last year with a powerful revival, increasing the membership by 84 conversions.
Their's is a family record of a most pleasing and instructive character. God honors those who honor him. " His mercy is on them that fear Him throughout all generations."
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OUR CHURCH AND HER INTERESTS.
Lars. Sarah Barnes,
wife of Deacon Charles Barnes, came with him from the First Church of Auburn. She was born December 15, 1805. Died August 11, 1866. As a wife, mother, and christian lady, her excellent virtues and exemplary piety won for her great esteem. She was actively interested in Sunday school and Temperance work ; was President of a Women's Temperance Association organized by Miss Susan B. Anthony about 1850. Her funeral services were conducted by the Rev. J. V. C. Nellis.
Of her family of six children, two died young. The remain- ing four -- George, Chester, Altai and Ellen-are now members of our church. George is an Elder, and Chester Sabbath school superintendent. The Barnes family came from Washington, Lichfield county, Conn. ; are of English descent and claim kin- ship with the celebrated divine, Albert Barnes.
Airs. Eliza Bell,
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