USA > New York > Cortland County > Pioneer history; or, Cortland County and the border wars of New York, from the earliest period to the present time > Part 23
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He returned with his family to. Homer in 1809, and lived one year near the County House, after which he moved on to his place and commenced its improvement. Abram Franklin drew the lot, for services rendered in the Revolutionary struggle. He sold it to Henry Frank- lin by whom it was subsequently transferred to a Mr. Cushman. The purchase price paid by Mr. Chollar was $3 25 per acre. His disposition was not of that unset- tled kind which continually seeks for change, as is suf- ficiently evidenced in the fact of his having spent nearly a half century on the very spot where he first perma- nently located, living an honored life, and exhibiting the various virtues which fully adorn and dignify the Christian character. His conversion occurred while in Connecticut. He united with the Baptist Church, in May, 1810 ; was chosen deacon in 1812, and discharged its duties with eminent ability and usefulness until 1847, when a decline of health precluded the further performance of the required services.
In the truthful, eloquent and admirable funeral dis- course of Deacon Chollar, pronounced by Elder Harvey, occurred the following tributary remark :
" He was a man of strict integrity in the business relations of life. The apostolic injunction, 'owe no man anything,' perhaps has seldom been more strictly ob- served. No man ever had occasion to complain of mis-
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representation or overreaching. Though providences beyond his control sorely tried him in earlier life, he never had those perplexities and embarrassments that many Christians bring upon themselves by attempting a style of living beyond their actual means, or by care- less, reckless speculations in order to increase their property. He rose early, worked hard, and trusted God to reward his diligent labor. The result was, his farm was always well cultivated ; and Providence gave him a competence to the day of his death. ‘Diligent in busi- ness, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord' was a text fitly illustrated in his course of life."
Those who knew Deacon Chollar best will fully sub- scribe to the sentiments we have quoted. To have said less would have been excusable in Mr. Harvey, only on the ground of a misconception.
There is not a more sublime and interesting contem- plation than the death of an aged, consistent believer. We behold the glorious setting of a sun which had grown brighter through its long-continued day, till, without a cloud to intercept its splendor it sinks into an ocean of light.
The radiant beams of Christian experience and char- acter thus reflected by the venerable saint at the close of life's career, seem to throw back a hallowed lustre on all around. As we gaze on the prospect every faculty and affection of the mind is absorbed-we breathe the atmosphere of eternity-the concerns of the world are forgotten-its mightiest events are reduced to their absolute insignificance ; and the powers of the world to come fill the soul with the most impressive interest. . We feel ourselves to be " quite on the verge of heaven."
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We say to our companion, " Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright ; for the end of that man is peace ;" or pour forth the fervent prayer, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his."
To the number of those whose departure has inspired such reflections, and who have lived for full half a cen- tury on the promises of the gospel, we add the name of Deacon Thomas Chollar, who, on the 6th of August, 1855, united his testimony to that of millions who have gone before him, " that the just receive their reward in a brighter and better world." His illness was long and severe ; the disease having assumed the worst form of spasmodic asthma, terminated in death sooner than his friends had anticipated, and though not marked with ecstacies his end was peaceful and happy.
Fervent in his sympathies, gentle in his communion, consistent in his affections, the records of his Christian excellence live in the hearts of all to whom he was known, by whom he could but be beloved. Though declining years had much confined him to his dwelling, yet "Faith and Hope" were with him, and his " Charity never failed." Misery plead not in vain. He passed not by on "the. other side " when want and sickness, cast forth on the highway of a pitiless world, turned toward him an imploring eye. The widow and fatherless did not breathe to a listless ear their tale of sorrow, when they appealed to his compassion. But he was especially distinguished, like the excellent Lydia, whose heart the Lord had opened to receive the faith and to show hos- pitality and kindness to those that preach the gospel. He spent not the "precious ointment" on himself ; but 2
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broke it at his Saviour's feet, and the incense of his heart went up with it.
When bowed with age and sickness, still he " gloricd in his infirmity," that the power of "Christ might rest upon him," and although he felt with the Apostle "that to depart and be with Christ is far better," yet he hum- bly resolved with patient Job, " All the days of my ap- pointed time will I wait until my change come." In his house the weary herald of the cross has often found refreshment, and his heart has ever been opened to the destitute ; so that while we mourn his loss, which is severely felt by his relatives and friends and the church of Christ, we joy upon the reflection that our loss is infinitely his gain. " Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord-they rest from their labors."
The fond wish of this aged disciple has been realized- the pilgrim has safely passed through the waves of Jor- dan, and has reached the promised land of life and peace eternal.
And while we contemplate the bright example he has left behind him-his faithful profession of the Christian verity-his conscientious discharge of relative duties- his ardent desire for the salvation of souls, and the glory of God : in a word, his life of unspotted holiness, and his death of sainted serenity, and then turn to his glo- rious resting-place in the presence of his Saviour and his God-we pause, and seem to say :
He now holds converse with the Patriarchs Of old-with Prophets, who foretold of all That since has shaken empires, and made way For the dominion of the Prince of Peace. His voice unites with David's in the song
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Of " Praise the Lord "-with David's harp, his harp In concert joins the chorus of the skies.
He sits with the Apostles, and recounts The eternal wonders of redeeming love.
Deacon Chollar was one of those who are justly termed " the Light of the World." And that same light which he had so steadily emitted during his Christian life for the illumination of others, shone not less brightly at the hour of death.
He reared a numerous family of children, among whom is Dea. Thomas D. Chollar, of Homer.
Mrs. Chollar, the aged sainted mother of Israel, still lives, her "lamp trimmed and burning," like a beacon light to the world of happiness, aged 80 years.
. DEACON ASA BENNETT was born in Mansfield, Ct., July 10, 1778. His education was strictly moral. He was early taught to fear God and to attend to the external forms of religion, and the parental instruction and prayer bestowed upon his youthful mind exerted a sal- utary influence upon his subsequent life.
At about the age of sixteen he embraced the Christian religion, and in 1800 evinced his catholicity of spirit by uniting with the Baptist church, in Hampton, Ct. He removed to Homer in 1803, and united in 1806 with the church of the same faith, of which he became an active and influential member. Early in 1807 he was chosen Deacon, though not ordained until 1815. His Christian character was well calculated to command respect and veneration, and most eminently fitted him for the high duties of Deacon, which relation he sustained to the church until the insatiate archer, Death, sped his shaft, and the venerable pillar was called to his eternal home.
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His house was a home for the preachers, and a place for the people of God to meet. . He gathered in and " built up souls," who will no doubt mingle their joys with his in Heaven.
He was affable and courteous, and in all the benevo- lent associations of the day he exhibited a zealous and enterprising spirit. His chief study seemed to be the eternal welfare of his brethren. And while his hand was engaged in dispensing blessings, his prayers were ascending to the Throne of Grace for the redemption of his fellow beings.
He was a subject of long and severe affliction. But up to the hour of dissolution he evinced all the powers of patience and resignation to the will of his Divine Preserver.
ELD. ALFRED BENNETT was born Sept. 26, 1780, in Mansfield, Windham co., Ct. He received an early re- ligious education, and for which he always felt deeply indebted to his pious parents. The buds of a bright in- telligence were early put forth, hopefully indicating a rich development of mind ; the spring of youthful piety had begun to flow along the opening channels of the tender heart with much assurance of high excellence of Christian character and deep devotion to his Maker. A mild and ardent temperament, warm social virtues, buoyant spirit, and winning address, tempered and re- fined through the chastening influence of his early edu- cation, made him a great favorite, and entwined him closely about the hearts of his devoted parents and friends, and prepared him for the higher duties of moral excellence just as he was entering the stage of rational life.
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In 1800 he united with the Baptist church in Hampton, some fifteen miles distant from his home. Here he mar- ried, in 1802, Miss Rhoda Grow.
In 1803 he located in the town of Homer. His dwell- ing was a rude structure composed of logs ; the external and internal appearances were not of the most inviting character. Yet to the early pioneers these unhewed tenements were of valuable importance, and contained within their limited enclosures as much moral virtue and social benevolence as ever flourished within the gorgeous citadels of crowned monarchs. The valley was yet a comparative wilderness, the hills a dense forest, visited only by the fearless hunter and wandering sav- age. Here Mr. Bennett, with a strong arm and a reso- lute will, engaged in felling the forest. In April, 1805, he became deeply exercised upon the subject of the Christian ministry, and finally gave himself up to God and the church, and commenced his labors as an itinerant preacher. He was ordained Feb., 1807. His subse- quent labors were arduous, but he appeared to be hap- pily adapted for the promotion of the cause in which he embarked ; he labored with remarkable ability and eminent success. As a preacher his talents were respect- able, but in the gift of exhortation few persons excelled him ; his appeals were made to the hearts of his hearers with remarkable effect.
He died May 10, 1851.
The demise of this good man was a loss never to be repaired ; and although it fell with peculiar weight upon his family and near friends, yet the Baptist church of Homer, over which he long presided, and the poor, shared very largely in the bereavement, for in him they always found a constant and untiring friend.
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The closing period of his life was calm as a peaceful river. His inspiring hope of immortality found expres- sion in the triumphant language of "Glory ! Glory !"
MALACHI CHURCH, was born in Brattleborough, Ver- mont, May 15th, 1769. He enjoyed very limited advan- tages for literary pursuits ; yet, by diligent application, he acquired a knowledge of the elementary branches which qualified him for the practical duties or business transactions of public life. A portion of his time, when a young man, was occupied in cultivating the soil, and in acquiring a knowledge of the blacksmith's trade. At the age of twenty-two years he married Lucy Blakeslee, and reared a large family of children-four sons and six daughters. In the winter of 1804-5, he emigrated to the present town of Bainbridge, Chenango county, N. Y., and in September of 1805 he removed to that part of the Tioughnioga valley now included in the town of Marathon, a distance of about forty miles. This journey was accomplished in three days with hard toil. Here he found but a few scattering residents, and no reasonable encouragement was presented to the patronage of a mechanic. Hence it became necessary, as the means of supporting his family, to engage in ag- ricultural pursuits, in clearing and cultivating the soil. The lands lying in the valley being more feasible of tillage, were first cleared and improved ; but gradu- ally, as other settlers arrived, the contiguous hill lands were taken up ; but the process of cutting and burning up the heavy timber and fitting the land for growing crops was a work of severe toil and of slow progress.
Mills for sawing lumber for building, and for grinding grain, were greatly needed, but for the want of adequate
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means none were erected till the year 1810. These structures called into requisition the aid of mechanics. The first framed edifices were erected on the land where Marathon village is now located. Mr. Church, some ten or twelve years after his arrival here, built a frame house and shop on the west side of the river, a few rods from the present railroad depot ; where, assisted by his sons, he successfully carried on the blacksmithing busi- ness for several years. About the year 1815 Mr. Church was solicited to become a candidate for the office of Justice of the Peace ; and although a large majority of the inhabitants were opposed to his political opinions, yet entertaining a high regard for impartial- ity, integrity, and capacity, his name was presented as the unanimous choice of the people. It will be recol- lected that all judicial officers at that time were ap- pointed by the governor ; and when a petition was pre- sented for the appointment of an individual by constit- uents known to be favorable to the State administra- tion, there could be no hesitancy in complying with the wishes of the petitioners. Mr. Church was accordingly duly appointed, and held the office for quite a number of years, discharging the duties thereof with ability equal to the confidence which the public had reposed in him. In the year 1823 Mr. Church made a public pro- fession of religion and became a member of the Baptist church, and for his zeal in the cause, his talents and christian character, he was soon after appointed a dea- con of the church,-an office which he filled with honor to the cause by an exemplary life to the time of his decease, which occurred November 20th, 1846, at the age of seventy-seven years. His widow survived him
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a few years. At his death, he left four sons and three daughters. His sons were all distinguished for military talent, and each of whom received a Colonel's commis- sion ; three of them also served as Justices of the Peace. His daughters were, by marriage, connected with re- spectable families.
MAJOR ADIN WEBB was a native of Scotland, Wind- ham county, Conn. His father, Christopher Webb, was an industrious and enterprising agriculturist. At an early period of the American Revolution he embarked in the arduous struggle, and devoted his best energies to the acquisition of liberty and an equality of rights. He held the office of Sergeant, and discharged with marked ability its responsible duties. He was with his brethren in arms during the cold and stormy winter so memorable in history, when they were encamped on the hills back of Morristown, suffering the most severe pri- vations ; half fed, half clothed, and much less than half paid. His bravery and heroic devotion to his country was exhibited on various occasions, and especially in the bloody conflict at Bennington, and in the capture of Burgoyne, near Stillwater. He died a professor of religion, March 1, 1837.
Adin Webb, the subject of this notice, was born March 31, 1780. While still a mere child, his father concluded to change his place of residence, and located at Canterbury, where he remained until June 4, 1804.
His early literary advantages were respectable, hav- ing received a good academic education. He was reared to the business of agriculture, though he frequently engaged in teaching school. He taught eight winters in Connecticut-the first at the age of sixteen.
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Modest and unpretending in his manners-strictly correct in gentlemanly deportment-diligent in the pur- suit of his various duties, he secured the esteem of his pupils, and enjoyed a large share of the best affections of his near friends.
He was married October 15, 1800, to Miss Deborah Carter, in whose person were united in the extremest sense the various accomplishments of an intellectual lady. She too, was devoted to the profession of teaching.
He removed with his parents in 1804 to Cazenovia, N. Y. He came in with an ox team, by way of Hartford, Albany, Utica, Whitestown, Westmoreland, and Lenox. Approaching near Manlius, he turned to the left and bore to the head of Cazenovia lake, where his father purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land.
He spent one year and a half with his father, and then, through the urgent solicitations of a friend, was induced to come to Homer and take a school for a term of four months, as also a singing-school. Gratified with his success, and pleased with the attractive beauties of the county, he concluded to locate. And it is certainly complimentary of him to remark, that with one excep- tion he taught seventeen successive years. .
In 18.08 he erected a dwelling-house on ground now occupied by Mr. Barber's new block. A few years after he disposed of it and purchased a lot of Captain Hezekiah Roberts, and erected a dwelling on ground at present covered by the Baptist church. . Subsequently he sold this to Chauncey Keep, and spent two years in the vicinity of Mr. Kingsbury's. He next purchased a situation of Mr. Asa Kendall, where he lived until 1823, when he removed to Cortland.
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In 1826 he purchased a lot on which now stands the jewelry store of Mr. Stiles.
At this time he entered into copartnership with Mr. Eleazar W. Edgcomb, in the mercantile business. The copartnership continued about ten years, when the lat- ter disposed of his interest to Mr. Calvin Bishop. These gentlemen were sons-in-law of Mr. Webb. He con- tinued for about fifteen years in the prosecution of the mercantile trade.
In 1809 he was elected Town Clerk of the old town of Homer, and continued in the discharge of its duties for twenty years.
He was appointed Surrogate in 1816, and held the office till 1823.
In 1827 he was elected Justice of the Peace ; and in 1828 elevated to the responsible office of Sheriff.
In 1840 he was elected Surrogate, and served the people for four years.
In 1845 he was elected Town Clerk of Cortlandville, and continued to discharge its duties till 1856.
His inclinations partook but little of a military cast ; yet in 1809 he was elected a Lieutenant. The next spring he was chosen Captain, in place of Benjamin An- drews. He served four years, and was then elected 2nd Major.
He joined the Congregational church in Homer in 1813, and led the choir for fifteen successive years.
In 1823 he united by letter with a church of the same order in Cortland.
In private life he has ever exhibited the true charac- teristics of a gentleman. In his public career he has adorned and dignified his position, alike creditable to
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himself and his country. A true pattern of integrity and worth, he is revered, not as a laurel-crowned hero, but as a noble specimen of the Great Architect. If
""Tis infamy to die and not be missed,"
Major Webb will go down to the tomb an honored relic of an iron age, leaving behind him an unblemished rep- utation, which, like the cruse of oil, will gladden many a cherished heart.
The habits of Major Webb have been most remarka- bly correct. The numerous exhilirating beverages, alike destructive to the physical and the mental facul- ties, have had little or no influence over him. He has usually risen early, and always been active and ener- getic ; and to those influences he attributes much of his usually excellent health.
We doubt whether there is another individual in the county who has more warm personal friends, or whose sympathies and virtues have taken a more last- ing hold upon the affections of the people.
And now, at the advanced age of seventy-eight, he exhibits the activity and sprightliness of the man of sixty.
Mrs. Webb died February 27, 1850.
SAMUEL GILBERT HATHEWAY was born in Freetown, Bristol county, Mass., July 18, 1780. He is descended from those Gilberts of whom Sir Humphrey was one, and from the Puritans, Bradford and Alden. He was the youngest son of Shadrach and Hannah (Chase) Hatheway. His only brother was lost at sea with the vessel he commanded. His sister married and died in New England. The father deceased while the son was
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yet in infancy, and soon after he was placed under the care of his paternal grandfather, with whom he re- mained for a period of nine years. His early education was derived principally from the primary schools of his native State. He possessed great energy of character, a clear, active mind, and was resolved to succeed in life, and hence he achieved a triumph over every dif- ficulty. His early habits of industry were in after time exhibited in the unbending perseverance of the young New England farmer. His self-reliant powers were re- garded with almost idolatrous respect. His energy was his capital, and he invested it with pleasure in approved pursuits. The limited amount of learning which he ac- quired in the common schools was subsequently greatly enlarged by private study and extensive reading. Thrown upon his own resources, he first presumed that the mariner's life would be congenial with his feelings, but, after making a voyage to the West Indies, he readily concluded that it would neither promote his in- terest nor be propitious to his feelings.
In 1803 Mr. Hatheway migrated to Chenango county, designing to make a permanent residence ; he was not, however, well pleased with the country, and after spend- ing two years in the settlement, removed to Cincinnatus, (now Freetown), and located on lot No. 2. Soon after, his mother; a woman of great mental and physical energy, joined him, and remained with him until her death, which occurred Aug. 14, 1826. He purchased 300 acres of Robert Smith, a Revolutionary soldier. Mr. Smith drew the lot and had located on it some ten years previous. At this time Mr. Hatheway was eight miles distant from his nearest neighbor on the south,
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four to the north, and about a like number to the east and west.
In 1819 he removed to Solon, and settled on the eastern part of lot 71. Here he remained until 1842, when his buildings were devastated by fire, and he changed his residence to his present location on lot 73. .
In 1810 he was appointed by the Council of Appoint- ment, Justice of the Peace, which office he has held forty-eight successive years. He has also been honored with every office from Supervisor down to Commissioner of Highways.
In 1814, and again in 1818, he was elected to the New York Assembly. These were periods of marked importance in the political annals of our State, and Mr. Hatheway fully sustained the confidence reposed in him by his party and friends.
In 1822 he was elected to the State Senate, and in 1832 chosen a Representative from the 22d District to the United States Congress.
His early tastes led him into political life, and he soon acquired great influence in the Democratic party. A deep thinker and of active temperament, he was well calculated to plan and execute whatever business of a political and social nature he might undertake. Few citizens, if any, in the county, have acquired an equal influence in the control of party movements, or who could with so much exactness predict its majorities. It is believed that he has in no instance swayed from his political predilections, and has never compromised a right for the achievement of a temporary success.
In 1852 he was elected a Presidential elector. In 1804 he voted for Thomas Jefferson at his second elec-
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tion to the Presidency, and has voted for every Demo- cratic candidate since.
He was a delegate to the National Democratic Con- vention at Cincinnati, in June, 1856, when James Bu- chanan was chosen as the national standard-bearer of the party he represented.
In 1808 he received a captain's commission in a bat- tallion of infantry, under the command of Major John Kingman. He was appointed Major in 1814, and Lieut. Colonel by Gov. Tompkins in 1816; Colonel in 1819 ; Brigadier General in 1820, by Gov. Clinton ; Major General in 1823, by Gov. Yates. The last appointment he still holds.
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