The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 119

Author: Haddock, John A., b. 1823-
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Albany, N. Y., Weed-Parsons printing company
Number of Pages: 1098

USA > New York > Jefferson County > The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894 > Part 119

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Then extraordinary efforts were put forth to raise the money to pay off the mortgage,

O. Cole, a graduate of Union, and a lawyer, who remained one year. For many years Mr. Cole occupied the Supreme bench of the State of Wisconsin, and was twice a Repre- sentative in Congress.

The next principal was Calvin Littlefield, who, after teaching in the western part of the State, returned to Belleville, and has for many years been a trustee of the Academy. After Mr. Littlefield came G. S. Ramsay, of Watertown, and after him Mr. Ellis again became principal until 1850. Mr. Ramsay died in California, a gold-hunter. John P. Houghton then became principal for one year, and was succeeded by J. Dunbar Houghton, who was prepared for college in the Academy, and graduated at Union, and had taught for five years. It was with no

BELLEVILLE UNION ACADEMY.

in which work Rev. Jedediah Burchard stood pre-eminent. In 1840 the Academy was redeemed, repaired and re-opened, with Rev. George J. King, of Union, as principal, and his wife as preceptress, and David Hunter as assistant. In November, 1841, Mr. King associated with himself Richard Ellis, who had during the Academy troubles been carrying on a very successful school at the corner of Water and Searles streets, under the title of "Belleville Mathemical and Classical School." His pupils went with him to the Academy, swelling the number to 110, and now nothing seemed wanting to complete success but a continuance of the same faculty. But in 1843 Mr. King resign- ed to accept a position as pastor of a church, and for one year longer Mr. Ellis remained as principal. He was succeeded by Orsamus

little difficulty that he was induced to accept the post of principal, but under his manage- ment, assisted by an able staff of teachers, the school reached a point of excellence never before attained, and became celebrated throughout the country. Indeed, it has never lost the prestige gained during the years Mr. Houghton was its principal.

In 1856, Professor Houghton sent in his resignation, but he was prevailed upon to continue, on their promise to erect a new building, improve the old one, and fit up the whole in first-class condition. This was im- mediately done, and on the 6th of October, 1856, the academy was again opened for the reception of pupils.

On June 30, 1859, there was a grand gath- ering of the alumni. It was a great occa- sion, and stirred the hearts of the people to a

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better appreciation of the school, so that the fall term opened with a largely increased at- tendance. Every thing went grandly on un- til 1861, when a change came. War meet- ings were held in the chapel, and as a result, Barney, Buckley and Fox, the first a trustee, and the others teachers, together with a large number of students, joined the ranks of the defenders of the Union, and went forth to the contest. For a while a pall seemed to rest upon the school, students under the ex- citement of the times grew listless, and many left for home ; and for a time it really seemed that the school must be broken up. Finally, however, it became settled, and matters re- sumed their usual condition, and the school went on. Then came the first shock. Fox, the beloved teacher was shot while on picket duty, and his remains were brought to Adams for burial. At the second battle of Bull Run, in 1862, Barney, Buckley and others fell. The remains of Major Barney were brought home, and 1,000 people gathered at the funeral. Many a funeral service was afterward held, and sorrow upon sorrow fell upon the school, but after a time the students learned to grow attentive to their studies, and the terms afterward were not materially affected in numbers or interest. At the close of the Academic year ending July, 1864, Mr. Houghton, who had been principal for years, resigned his position, to the great regret of the community. He was succeeded by Benja- min D. Gifford, a graduate of Hamilton. In 1866, Rev. Buel A. Smith, a graduate of Madison University, became principal, and increased the school to 342 pupils. He was succeeded by E. H. Hillier, he by R. L. Thatcher, A. M., and he was succeeded by Willard A. Grant, A. M., and Henry Carver, A. M. During the administration of Profes- sor Houghton, the number of volumes in the library was nearly doubled, and the scientific apparatus largely increased, and the diploma of Union Academy is an "open sesame " to any avenue in life which the student may choose to follow.

SCHOOL SOCIETIES.

There are two excellent student associa- tions, the ladies' society of the Sybillines, and the Gladstone Dehating Club, for gentlemen. A course of lectures is also maintained. There are four scholarships, viz: The Fred- erick Williams, established by Frederick Williams, of Belleville, by a gift of $3,000; the Shepardson, established by the late Eunice Shepardson, of Belleville, by a gift of $2,000; the Gaylord Memorial Scholarship Fund, started in 1893, by graduates who once were pupils of Principal Henry A. Gaylord ; and the J. J. Mather Scholarship, established in 1894 by Mr. J. J. Mather, of Belleville, by a gift of $500.

There is also an endowment fund of $34,000 already invested, of which Frederick Williams, N. C. Houghton and Wm. Mather are the trustees. Of the Board of Trustees, E. A. Chapman is President ; V. R. Blanden,

Secretary, and N. C. Houghton, Treasurer. The other trustees are : George Bigelow, George Bull, J. H. Carpenter, D. H. Chap- man, A. M. Durfee, C. A. Eastman, M. M. Fillmore, S. W. Frame, J. E. Green, W. H. Green, R. B. Heald, Osgood Ingraham, D. M. Kelsey, C. B. Kennedy, C. L. Lee, C. Littlefield, J. J. Mather, William Mather, Duane Ormsby, C. M. Overton, J. W. Over- ton, Henry Powell, A. A. Scott, H. P. Stacy and M. D. Swan.

Following are the faculty, to which is added the names of the librarian and steward : Charles J. Gilpin, Principal ; A. Hadlock, Assistant ; Miss Lena K. Gardner, Precept- ress ; W. J. Pelon, Assistant Teacher; Miss Winifred A. Rians, Instrumental Music ; Miss Jennie E. Mather, Vocal Music ; Mrs. C. J. Gilpin, Librarian and T. M. Miller, Stew- ard.

At the present writing there are about 100 students in attendance, of whom 82 are in the Academic Department.

THE LIFE-SAVING STATION.

In addition to the short notice of the Life Saving Station, on page 552, we insert the following, hy Maj. Durham :

This station was established in 1876. It is equipped with a life boat, a surf boat and dingy, and the most improved beach appara- tus, a gun, Coston signals, etc ; apparatus for weather observations are also supplied, and storm signals are shown when necessary. The routine of duty is strictly enforced. Patrols are made along the beach night and day during the season of navigation, usually from the first to the middle of April to the middle of December. The day patrols begin at sunrise and end at sunset, and at night every two hours a man leaves the station and goes to the key-station, one and a half miles north and back. During the winter the station is visited at least once each week by the keeper, and sometimes oftener, if in his judgment anything needs looking after. Intemperance is strictly prohibited, and every man must be able to read and write.

The men are paid $65 per month, boarding themselves, and providing their own uni- forms. In case of vacancy the keeper may appoint, subject to the approval of his super- iors. Capt. Fish has always a large num- ber to choose from, as he has usually no less than fifty applications on hand at any time.

If a vessel is wrecked, and a single life lost, though all the rest he rescued, a most searching examination is held, to discover whether it was hy any fault of the life-saving crew. At the time of the wreck of the schooner Hartford, when not a single soul on board was saved, in watching for bodies to come ashore and in trying to find them at sea, over 300 miles of coast patrol, and 100 miles of boat patrol were made; so that it will be readily seen that the duties are some- times very onerous. A list of vessels and steam yachts saved, crews rescued and prop-

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erty saved by the crew of this station dur- ing the last 12 years would be very interest- ing, but want of space prevents its insertion.

The great efficiency of the crew at this station is due to Capt. Fish. He is a native

of Ellisburgh, and up to the time of entering the Life-Saving service had been a sailor on the lakes from his youth. He has been in the service 17 years; the first five years at Mexico Point and the remainder at this place.

FAMILY SKETCHES.

ASA BROWN, a native of Rhode Island, came from Danbury, Vt., and settled in 1815, one mile west of Mannsville, where he had purchased timbered land a few months after he reached Ellisburgh. He helped fell trees in making the road on what is now Main street, Mannsville, and was a man of remarkable physical strength. Quaker Brown, as he was sometimes called, by reason of his manner of dress, died in 1863, at the age of 92 years.

DANIEL WARDWELL, son of Col. Samuel Wardwell, was born in Bristol, R. I., in 1791; married in 1815, to Hettie, daughter of Newton and Abigail (Maxey) Mann. Re- moved from Rome, N. Y., to Adams in 1817, and in 1822 settled at Mannsville, and took charge of the purchase his father had made .. In 1823 he began the erection of a cotton factory 40x50 feet, and three stories high, fitted for 600 spindles, and which stood near the site af the lower grist-mill. Soon after, Major H. Barzilian Mann purchased a half interest. He was a son of Newton Mann, who at a very early day was interested in the manufacture of cotton at Oriskany, N. Y. The factory had been nearly three years in operation when it was burned, February 16, 1827; loss estimated at $10,000, and there was no insurance. The factory was not re- built, and the marked growth the village had reached became seriously checked.

Judge Daniel Wardwell continued to make Mannsville his residence until about 1860, when he removed to Rome. He died in 1878, at the age of 87 years .

NEWTON MANN, the first postmaster, was born at Attleboro, Mass., in 1770, located at Whitesboro in 1806, and removed to Manns- ville in 1825, where he made his home until his death in 1860. He carried on the mercan- tile business a number of years at Mannsville, and was one of the firm of Mann & Fiske, dry goods dealers at Ellis Village. He reached venerable years, and was always a man of sterling worth.

PHILIP WHEELER was born near Troy, N. Y., in 1800; was married about 1824 to Rox- anna Shepard, daughter of Thomas Shepard, a native of Vermont. Mr. Shepard and Mr. Wheeler settled at Mannsville in 1825, hav- ing purchased several hundred acres of land of David I. Andrus. Mr. Wheeler, after clearing his portion, sold it and purchased about 200 acres of Daniel Wardwell, and on part of which a large portion of Mannsville stands. He was in the mercantile business 20 years, and accumulated a large property. At the time the Methodist Church was built,

he contributed a large portion of the entire cost, and was always a useful citizen and a man of honor. Mr. Wheeler died in Novem- ber, 1872. To Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler one daughter and five sons were born: Sally A., Philip, John, Thomas B., William L. and Andrew A. Thomas B. practiced medicine at Mannsville for several years. He married a daughter of Andrew Shaw, a prominent merchant of Montreal, Canada, and is now a resident of that city. William L., who died in 1887, was a surgeon in the United States navy for eight years; Andrew A., a prac- ticing attorney at Mannsville, is a graduate of Union College, and also of the Albany Law School.

ROSWELL KINNEY, M. D., was born at Wynart's Kiln, N. Y., in 1802, graduated at Castleton Vt. Medical College in 1823, and in the spring of 1824 settled at Mannsville, where he practiced medicine nearly 50 years. He was married in 1827 to Abagail M., daughter of Newton Mann. In his profes- sion, as well as a citizen, Dr. Kinney stood deservedly high. He died May 2, 1874. A granite monument in Maplewood Cemetery bears the names of Wardwell, Mann and Kinney.

PHILIP P. MARTIN, son of Philip Martin, who settled in Ellisburgh in 1806, was born in Rehoboth, Mass., in 1804. In early life he was a successful school-teacher, and in gram- mar was proficient. About 1828 he married Chloe Lum, and two sons were born to them: Leonard A. and Eugene L. About 1835 he opened a dry goods store at Mannsville, and carried on a successful business until his death, when he was succeeded by his sons. He was one of the founders and a leading member of the Baptist Church, and was its clerk nearly 50 years. He held the office of magistrate 15 or 20 years, and was a man of marked accuracy. Mr. Martin died Decem- ber 21, 1881.

GEORGE HOPKINSON was born in the State of New Hampshire, about 1795, married about 1818 to Isabel C. Tilton, of Scotch descent ; came to Ellisburgh in 1839, settling at Rural Hill, and in 1847 at Ellis Village. In early life he was a hatter, afterwards a farmer. He died in 1856. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hopkinson, Geo. M., Daniel T., Augustus and Eliza.

RENSSELAER BIRGE HEALD is the son of Amos Heald, who came from New Hamp- shire and settled on the farm where Mr. Heald now lives, and to which he has been devoted all his life, having now reached the age of 73 years. He married Harriet Soules, by whom

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he had three children, Annie Jane, Amos Ward and Dell A., two of whom are living. Dell A., married A. C. Hill, a graduate of Madison University. He was principal of Cook Academy, and is now in the Depart- ment of Public Instruction at Albany. An- other son-in-law, Mr. Wallace H. Morris, re- sides on a farm, near Mr. Heald. Always a consistent member of the Baptist church in Belleville, a man of sterling principles, ever at the front in promoting a good cause. Mr. Heald has reached a good old age, beloved by his family, and respected by all ..

HORACE M. WILDS was educated at Union Academy and at the State Normal School, and subsequently taught school a number of years. He has served as justice of sessions, justice of the peace and town clerk. In 1868 he married Frances L., daughter of George and Tabethy (Martin) Chamberlain. He is now engaged in mercantile business at Ellis- burgh.

JAMES K. POLK BIGELOW was born in 1846, and was reared upon a farm. He mar- ried Mary Josephine, daughter of Jotham and Mary (Rogers) Littlefield, in 1872, and now occupies the homestead, where he was born. George W. is also a successful farmer.

MAJOR ANDREW J. BARNEY, eldest son of Col. Walker Barney, was born at the ances- tral homestead, near Belleville, September, 1829, and in his early childhood manifested a martial spirit, in his school life giving evi- dence that be was born to command. Choos- ing the profession of law, he studied at Belle- ville and graduated from the Law School at Ballston Spa. Returning to his old home, an honorable career was opened before him when the sound of war filled the land, and the drums beat to arms. At once he obeyed the call, brave men rallied around him. He led them to the battlefield, and was among the first to fall at the head of his regiment on the fatal field of Bull Run, choosing death rather than inglorious surrender or retreat. A monument to his memory marks the spot where he sleeps, near the home that he loved so well.

"So sleep the brave who sink to rest, By all their country's honors blest."

DEACON EDWARD BARNEY came from Guilford, Vermont, about 1803 and settled in the town of Ellisburgh. He was physician and farmer. He died in 1835, aged 86 years. Three of his sons, substantial business men, settled and raised families in that town, and were foremost in efforts to repel invasion during the War of 1812, especially in defence of Sackets Harbor. They favored education and were active in founding Union Academy at Belleville, in 1824, and patronizing it lib- erally in later years. John, Benjamin and Eliakim Barney were always stanch friends of Old Union, and gave their sons and daugh- ters opportunity to share its honors. Hiram H., son of John Barney, prepared for college at this institution and graduated at Union College in the class of 1830; studied law, became a distinguished educator in New York

and Ohio. He died some years ago in New York city. His two sons are members of the publishing firm of Robert Clark & Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Eliam E., son of Benjamin Barney and of Union Academy, graduated from Union College class of 1831. To the untiring en- ergy and integrity of his father be added thorough scholarship, business methods and bold adventure, that gave him success in every enterprise he undertook. whether in literature or manufactures. He was princi- pal of Lowville Academy for a few years, when he was called to a professorship in Dennison University, and was thence called to a new enterprise-to organize and equip the Dayton (O.)Academy. This institution was successfully conducted till health failed. He then engaged in the lumber business, owning and operating a mill in connection therewith. But an educational venture opened the way for additional honors. Cooper Female Academy was endowed and its management placed in his charge. Success followed and he made it one of the best private schools in the State. But again health failed and a change was imperative. He then organized a company for the manufacture of agricul- tural implements, and from a comparatively small beginning laid the foundation of one of the most complete and extensive car fac- tories in the country. With it came wealth, honor, troops of friends. He received the degree of L.L. D. from Denison University. Using wisely and well the wealth he ac- quired, he died lamented in 1886, aged 73 years.

GEORGE M. HOPKINSON was born at Mere- dith Bridge (uow Laconia, N. H.), in 1819, and since 1847 has resided at Ellis Village. He was married in 1865 to Mrs. Hannah A. Deni- son, and one daughter, Isabel, born to them. Mr. Hopkins was in the mercantile business many years; was member of Assembly in 1884, and has also held the office of supervisor and magistrate.

ISAAC WODELL was born in Hoosac, N. Y., in 1786, and came to Ellisburgh about 1797. He belped on the first mill built by Lyman Ellis, and was in his employ a few years, re- ceiving in payment 340 acres of land.

PARDON T. WHIPPLE, a native of Rhode Island, located permanently, in 1806, on the farm south-east of the village, now owned by his son, George Whipple. Mr. Whipple had been here for a time as early as 1803, near the landing on Sandy creek ; was a carpenter by trade, and worked on the mills of Lyman Ellis. One of his sisters married Marvel. Ellis. Mr. Whipple died in 1814.

BENJAMIN GRENELL, from Montgomery county, N. Y., settled near Pierrepont Manor in 1812. He married Keziah Freeman, and three sons and four daughters were born to them. Of the sons, Ezra Oroscoe was born in 1815 ; married Abby M., daughter of Samuel and Hannah Wardwell, in 1841, and two sons born to them, William H., in 1846, and Benj. P., in 1843. William H. married

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Adelaide E. Allen, in 1867, and two daugh- ters born, Anna W. and Helen Allen. Benj. P. married Mary E. Robinson, in 1876.

EDMUND LITTLEFIELD, the ancestor of the Littlefields who settled in Ellisburgh in 1805, came from Tichfield, England, to Boston, in 1637. Edmund, Jesse and Josiah, the fifth in descent from the above, were of Revolu- tionary stock-their father, Edmund, having served in that war, in Captain Amos Lin- coln's company of Crafts artillery. In the year 1805, Edmund and Jesse moved from Vermont to Ellisburgh with an ox team. They came by the way of Rome and Redfield, the journey taking them three weeks, reaching Ellishurgh near where now stands the village of Belleville, on March 17, 1805. Edmund was a Baptist minister. He soon purchased from the agents of the Constable estate, lots 56 and 58, in the town of Ellisburgh, upon which he settled. He was one of the found- ers of the First Baptist Church of Ellisburgh. He died in 1806. Dr. Hough speaks of him as being a man of considerable influence. Jesse Littlefield, above mentioned, purchased of Edmund, his brother, 110 acres of land, and settled upon and cleared it. He died in 1832 Jesse Littlefield, Jr., son of the above, came with his father's family from Vermont when but a lad of seven. When he was 16 he was at the battle of Sandy creek, and assisted in carrying the cable to Sackets Harbor. In 1826 he purchased a lot of land of Andrew Pennell, built a house on it, and there resided till his death, in 1872. He was a builder and carpenter, erecting a large number of build- ings-amongst them the old stone Baptist church at Belleville. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ellisburgh for nearly 50 years, and his seat in the church was seldom vacant. Josiah Littlefield, a brother of Edmund and Jesse, came from Ver- mont a few years later, and settled in Ellis- burgh. From these three brothers have de- scended all the Littlefields who have lived in Ellisburgh, numbering over 100.

NATHAN C. HOUGHTON, the subject of this sketch, is the third son of Nahum Houghton, who was born in Marlborough, Vt .. and was among the earliest settlers of Ellisburgh. He was one of those who were called out to take part in the battle of Big Sandy creek, but was a few minutes too late to take an active part. He was, however, one of those who helped to carry the big cable to Sackets Harbor. Nathan C. was born in Belleville, and has alwayslived there. He was educated at the public school, and at Union Academy. Until he was 21, he re- mained at home, helping on the farm. There- after for six or seven years, he devoted him- self to teaching, principally vocal, music. The succeeding four years he spent in the dry goods store of Alexander Dickinson, after which he entered into business on his own account, and for 16 years he applied himself to the dry goods trade. For 13 years of that time he was postmaster, and for three years overseer of the poor. He was also jus-

tice of the peace for two years, refusing to serve longer in that office. He has been a trustee and treasurer of Union Academy for many years, and also a trustee of the endow- ment fund. Always a warm friend of the cause of religion and education, he has ever contributed liberally to their support. For years he has carried on the business of a life and fire insurance agency, and general col- lecting. He was married in 1858 to Miss Marietta Warrener, daughter of Walter and Eliza Warrener.

FREDERICK WILLIAMS was a son of Alex- ander Rhoda Williams, who came to Ellis- burgh in 1818, and settled on a farm two miles west of the village of Belleville. Frederick was born on this farm and lived there until he was 25 years of age. He was educated in the common schools and in the Union Academy, which he attended at intervals for four years. He married Cordelia Swan for his first wife, by whom he had one child, Frank M. His second wife was Marionette Swan, sister of his first wife. In 1852 Mr. Williams bought and settled on a 70-acre lot two miles east of Belleville. He sold that, and in 1861 purchased 63 acres a mile nearer the village, where he now lives. He com- menced the business of growing peas and beans for the seed trade, in 1866, from which time it has grown into a large and lucrative business. Mr. Williams has a fine seed house on his premises, where he handles several thousand bushels of seed every season, giving employment to quite a large force of hands. His present splendid residence was built in 1872, which, with its appointments, is one of the finest residences in the town. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have always taken a great in- terest in Union Academy, and in the cause of education generally. He was especially ac- tive for the endowment of the academy, sub- cribing himself a scholarship fund of $3,000. Mr. Williams is a most worthy and highly respected citizen. He has been a member of the Baptist church since he was 15 years of age.

JAMES F. CONVERSE, the youngest son of Thomas and Lydia Converse, was born in Bridgewater, Oneida county, N. Y. He graduated at Hamilton College at the age of 23, being prepared at Union Academy. In 1848 he bought the homestead farm on which he now resides. He has been successfully engaged for several years in the importation of blooded stock. His stock-farm is un- rivalled for its conveniences, having a barn 165x45 feet in size, with basement under- neath the whole. In 1875 he built his pre- sent residence, one of the finest farm-houses in the whole country. Mr. Converse has been twice married ; the first time Marietta Bull, daughter of Alva and Louisa Bull. She died in 1865, leaving two children, Frank A. and Marietta May. For his second wife Mr. Converse married Adelia C. Hopper, daughter of Samuel and Betsey Hopper. Two children, Geo. Henry and Clara J., are the issue of this marriage. Mr. Converse is a

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

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The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 119

Author: Haddock, John A., b. 1823- Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Albany, N. Y., Weed-Parsons printing company Number of Pages: 1098

Author: Haddock, John A., b. 1823-
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Albany, N. Y., Weed-Parsons printing company
Number of Pages: 1098