The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 83

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 83

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Adams and vicinity, in 1877, was visited by terrific hail storms which did great dam- age, stripping trees of fruit and verdure, injuring crops, demolishing window-glass, and doing other wide-spread damage.

Previous to the completion of the railroad, in 1851, all freight was brought by teams, either from Sackets Harbor or Rome. After the farmers had completed their spring ploughing, and their early crops were sown, they often found time to send their teams through for loads of goods, thereby earning a few extra dollars. To Rome, the nearest route was through the town of Redfield, and this was travelled by private conveyances, as it lessened the distance several miles. As late as 1830, and possibly later, there were nine miles of thick dense forest to pass through, unbroken, save by narrow roads, so narrow that teams were unable to pass each other ex- cept at points where it had been widened for that purpose. They were known as the Red- field nine-mile woods. They were infested by bears, and their footprints were often seen in the soft loam where they had crossed the pathway. Two days were usually consumed each way in making this journey from Adams to Rome. The locality was noted for its deep snows, and so little sunlight pierced the gloom of this forest, that snow was often found as late as May, and even June.

The stage route lay through Pulaski, Williamstown and Camden. This was the only mode of public conveyance, and was considered a very genteel one. The coach was drawn by four handsome, well-fed

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horses, usually bedecked with red and yellow tassels at their ears. The coach was painted yellow and highly varnished, while designs of art were displayed upon its sides and doors. It was an object of great attraction to those who were so fortunate as to dwell upon its direct pathway. Children formed in line upon the roadside, making low bows and courtesies as it passed, while the plough- boy in sudden sympathy for his tired beasts, gave them a breathing spell while he mounted the nearest rail fence to watch the approach of the shining vehicle. Each day its advent into the village was heralded by the blowing of a tin horn, which reverberated through the little hamlet, bringing women and chil- dren to the doors and windows to catch a glimpse of the handsome equipage, while men gathered in groups upon the sidewalks and about the post office to gain news from the outside world.

As the years went by, and the settlements increased, school houses were erected in the different districts, affording opportunity to those who desired their children to be taught the rudiments of an English education, and many a prosperous man of the town lived and died with no better opportunity for acquiring an education than he could gain by attending these schools during winter months.

About 1833 Adams Seminary was estab- lished as the result of an effort to locate a female seminary at Adams village. A small academy building was erected by individual enterprise, being largely aided by the gener- ous efforts of T. C. Chittenden, whose purse was its main dependence.

Miss Frances Willard, of Troy, who was a relative of the much admired teacher of the Troy Female Seminary, came to Adams in 1832. Her first labors as a teacher of a select school in the village, was in a room in a private house. The next year or the follow- ing, the seminary building was completed and the school removed to that place, where for several years competent teachers were employed; but eventually the building was purchased by the Presbyterians for a session room. Still later it was sold and converted into a dwelling house.

In 1829, Jason Marsh taught a school for young men in what was called even at that early day, "the old bank." As late as 1856, a select school was taught in the same build- ing by M. C. Manning, a Baptist clergyman, with Miss Elizabeth Clarke, of Watertown, (daughter of the late Samuel Clarke), as assistant teacher of French and German.

In 1865 the two districts in Adams village were consolidated, and a commodious build- ing was erected in a convenient locality. There is at present an average attendance of 250 scholars, and 6 teachers are employed. Although not properly termed a graduate school, pupils are here fitted for entering the Institute if they so desire.

ADAMS COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE.

This institution was incorporated April 22, 1855, but not fully organized, when a pro-

position was received from General Solon D. Hungerford, of Adams, for a substantial endowment. The name was changed March 24, 1864, to Hungerford Collegiate Institute. Under this name an academic school was soon afterwards erected upon a slight emin- ence on the northern border of the village, commanding a most beautiful prospect, and in design and arrangement surpassed by but few academies in the State.

This building was occupied from 1870 to 1882. It having been sold for a debt, and the trustees being unable to agree with the purchaser for further occupation, upon terms that they deemed just, the school was removed in 1882 to a block in the business portion of the village. It remained there until burned out in a disastrous village fire, August 28, 1884.

The name "Adams Collegiate Institute," was restored in a provisional charter, granted May 29, 1883. The academic building has since been re-purchased by D. A. Dwight and wife, of Adams, and conveyed by perpetual lease, subject to certain conditions, to the Board of Trustees.

Principals: Rev. J. Dunbar Houghton, A. M., 1866-68; Albert B. Watkins, A. M., Ph. D., 1871-1882; Orlo B. Rhodes, A. M., 1882.

The Institute is of brick, three stories high, about three minutes walk from the depot, and is beautifully situated, commanding a view of the town and surrounding country. Student and recitation rooms are all high, light, com- modious and well furnished. The building is heated by steam and has a fine library room and chapel.

Among the leading and prominent citizens of Adams, since 1840, may be mentioned R. B. Doxtater. He was the only son of Wil- liam Doxtater, one of the pioneer settlers of the town. He succeeded his father in the dry goods business, and later, at the comple- tion of the Rome and Watertown Railroad, became its first superintendent. He subse- quently removed to Rome, Oneida county, and became interested in a Western Rail- road, when he was stricken with apoplexy, and died at Chicago. He left a wife and one son, who have since died. Mrs. Doxtater was the only daughter of the late Judge Daniel Wardwell, formerly of Mannsville.

Maxey and J. Preston Mann came to Adams about 1844. Maxey, the elder brother, became a partner in the dry goods business of R. B. Doxtater. He married the eldest daughter of Henry Whitcomb, and several years later removed to Detroit, where he died in 1883. J. Preston Mann was a suc- cessful physician in Adams, but eventually removed to New York city, where he won fame and wealth in his profession. Both brothers were highly esteemed and beloved. Dr. J. Preston Mann died in 1893, while on a visit to the World's Fair at Chicago.

Solon D. Hungerford came from Water- town to Adams in 1844, where he established a bank, known for many years as Hunger- ford's Bank. Mr. Hungerford was a man of

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great public spirit, and did much during his life to advance the interests of Adams. He was a son of the late Dexter Hungerford, of Watertown. He died in 1884, leaving one son. Robert, who now resides in New York.

William C. Thompson was for many years a successful lawyer in Adams. In 1853 he was elected judge of Jefferson county on the Democratic ticket, the late Joseph Mullin being the opposing candidate. Soon after his election he removed to Watertown, where he died in 1875. He married Miss Antoinette N., daughter of the late Judge T. C. Chitten- den. Mr. Thompson was a most genial man, and greatly beloved by all who knew him.

S. Newell Bond was born in Adams in 1820, and spent his entire life there. In his early manhood he commenced the dry goods busi- ness, which he followed through life. He was for many years a member of the firm of Doxtater & Bond. He was a man possessed of many good qualities, and was a prominent and active member of the Presbyterian Church of that place. In 1847 he married Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Peter Dox- tater, who still survives him. He died in 1891, deeply regretted by his many friends.

William A. Gilbert was for many years a resident of Adams. He was a lawyer by profession, and was at one time engaged in banking at Adams with the late E. D. Bab- cock, of Copenhagen. Mr. Gilbert was elected to the Assembly, and later to Con- gress. He married Miss Julia Scott, of Bridgewater, N. Y., and died in 1875.

Dr. A. P. Hale commenced the practice of medicine at Adams Centre about 1840, which he continued for many years, meeting with marked success in his profession. Subse- quent to 1865 he removed to Adams village, where he continued his practice until his death in 1880. He married Miss Hannah Kent, of Redfield, and was the father of Dr. A. R. Hale, one of Adams' leading physicians.

Rev. George. B. Whipple, a younger brother of the Bishop, left Adams in his boy- hood. He was graduated from Hamilton Col- lege, was ordained by his brother, the Bishop, and became a missionary to the Sandwich Islands, where he did a noble work as teacher and missionary.

He was the friend of Queen Emma, whom he knew as a noble, Christian woman.

In 1870 Mr. Whipple returned to Faribault, to become the chaplain of St. Mary's Hall and the Dean of the Bishop's Cathedral. He was the friend of the sick, the poor and the needy, to whom he was ever ready to administer the consolations of the gospel, and was greatly beloved .by the people of Faribault, who, without reference to creed, assisted in erect- ing to his memory one of the finest Guild Homes in that diocese.

Julius Fox, son of Samuel Fox, the first pioneer of the town, was the successor upon his father's farm, where for many years he tilled the soil. In 1849 he removed to Adams village, where he purchased the property of Seth Gaylord, converting it into a sash and blind factory. He afterwards removed to

Alameda, Cal., where he died in 1891. He was renowned for the amusing qualities of his character, and was a general favorite wherever he was known. He married Caro- line, daughter of Seth Gaylord, of Adams.

Calvin Yotman, Samuel Harmon, S. M. Patrick, Cyrus Stone, Samuel Niblock, Albert Gilbert and many other residents of Adams village, now deceased, are remembered as being closely identified with its prosperity.

THE CHURCHES.

The Baptist Church, known as the State Road Church, is, with the exception of the Presbyterian Chureh at Adams village, the oldest in the town. It was organized in 1805, and Timothy S. Heath, was its first pastor. Meetings were held for some time in his house or barn. In 1824 a church was built one mile east of Adams Center, on the State Road. Daniel Talcott, Jacob S. Heath and Asa Lewis were its trustees. In 1838 a new church was erected at a cost of $3,000. Joshua Freeman was for many years its pastor. He was a man noted for his native wit, his goodness and his piety. His ready wit rendered him a favorite in all circles, and his labors for many years were attended with flattering success. The church at the present time numbers 173. Elder Peyne was its last pastor. The mem- bership of its Sabbath school is 100.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

In 1803 a Presbyterian society was organized at Adams village, but no place of worship was erected until 1815. Then a contract was made for a building one story high, 45 feet long and 28 wide. Subscriptions were to be paid in building material, cash, wheat or corn. The largest subscription was $100, and the smallest $1. It was completed by the first of the next January. It was clapboarded, shingled and windows put in, but contained no means of heating. Two years after, 42 slips were put in and stoves were added. In 1827 this church was sold to the Methodist society, and re- moved to the opposite side of the street. A new one was then built on the same site, and is still occupied by the Presbyterian denomi- nation. It was a grand old structure, and would do credit to an architect of the present day. It has undergone many repairs and many changes.

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

In 1828 the church was struck by lightning. It was at the close of a sultry afternoon in July. It was on Friday, and a service had been appointed to be held at 5 p. m. by an Episcopal clergyman from Sackets Harbor, who occupied the pulpit together with the Rev. John Sessions, who was then pastor of the church. The news was soon circulated among the inhabitants that such a service would be held, and many availed themselves of the opportunity, and at the appointed time gathered at the church. A portentous cloud that boded a fearful storm was seen to hover over the little village, and as there was a lightning rod attached to the church, some

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sought it as a place of safety. The services were not far advanced when the storm burst in all its fury. Flash after flash of vivid lightning was seen, while the deafening peals of thunder drowned at intervals the speaker's voice. Suddenly a fiery bolt struck the rod, and breaking it in twain, entered the roof, rending and tearing the building in a fearful manner. Plastering was torn from the ceil- ings, glass was shattered to atoms, and many of the pillars supporting the long gallery were shivered so fine as to be worthless. All the long line of stovepipe centering in the large drum in the body of the church fell to the floor, and the corner of the building was rent asunder many feet. Miraculous as it may appear, no one was injured save by fright. Every one fled from the church, few ever being able to tell how they escaped. It was said that Mr. Sessions jumped over the top of his high pulpit, but probably the reverend gentleman knew no better than others how he escaped from the building, his only thought for the moment being for his wife, who had been in the body of the church, and who with bonnet in hand, was fleeing up the street amid torrents of rain, towards home and children. The church was repaired, but for many years marks of the destroyer were plainly visible.

July, 1811, Rev. Chauncey Cook was in- stalled as its first pastor, in which year 25 members were added. The church was organ- ized as a Congregational one, but in 1821 it became Presbyterian. Abel Clary, Jacob Kellogg, Josiah Heinman, Westwood Wright, William Grenell and Samuel Bond were its first session of eldership. A Sunday School was organized in 1818, with Perley D. Stone as superintendent, and it is said to be the first one established in Jefferson county. Many distinguished men have at different times occupied its pulpit. The Rev. Jedediah Bur- chard, although never a settled preacher, labored much among the people as an evangel- ist, often meeting with marked success in adding large numbers to the church. Al- though at times he indulged in eccentricities, the people felt the utmost confidence in his goodness and sincerity. Under the influence of his preaching, Charles G. Finney, who was then a law student in the office of Judge

Benjamin Wright, was converted. Mr. Finney afterwards attained a national repu- tation as an evangelist, and still later became president of Oberlin College, Ohio. At the same time, and under the same influence Orson Parker was converted. Mr. Parker became one of the most powerful preachers of his day. In the early days of the church, the father of Robert Ingersoll was for a few years its pastor. He was a talented man, much respected and beloved by his people. During his residence in Adams the now famous "Bob Ingersoll" was born. About 1851 the Rev. P. C. Headly came to Adams as pastor of the church. He was a man pos- sessed of rare talents, both as a clergyman and an author. While here he wrote several books, which added much to his celebrity. He was a brother of J. T. Headley, a well-

known and much admired writer in those days. Its present pastor is De Witt L. Pelton, and its present membership is 173. H. H. Waite is superintendent of its Sabbath school with 10 teachers and 125 scholars.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The church was first organized in 1827 by Elisha Wheeler. The trustees then elected were Laban Ross, Philip Young, David Wright, Zephaniah Tucker, Chester McKee, Daniel Dikeman and John Adams. Their first house of worship was purchased of the Presbyterians. This was afterwards burned, and in 1852 a new church was erected on the same site at a cost of $600. One of the trustees appointed at its organization was Zephaniah Tucker, whose name is incorrectly given as Jacker, in former histories of Jeffer- son county. During the two succeeding years they depended upon itinerant preachers, but in consequence of the many obstacles they had encountered, and the difficulties they saw were yet to be overcome, a petition was forwarded to Conference in 1830, asking that an experienced clergyman be assigned to that charge. With pleasing anticipations they ' looked forward to the advent of a man of large experience and wisdom to instruct them the coming year. Near the close of a day in early June, a boyish form was seen slowly riding up the long street now known as Church street. He sat upon a sorrel colt whose youth was as apparent as that of his rider. Many a curious gaze was directed toward him, as a stranger upon the streets of the rural hamlet was not a common occur- rence. Stopping by the wayside he inquired for a well-known Methodist brother, and it was at once suspected that this youth might be the new minister, and sarcastic smiles were seen to rest upon the faces of those who looked upon this new sect as rather an un- necessary innovation in their midst. It was with ill-concealed disappointment that the elder Methodist members beheld in this boy, who then numbered but 19 summers, the one who was to guide and direct their spiritual interests in place of the wise and discreet elderly man they were prepared to meet. Wisely concluding, however, to suspend their judgment until a later day, they awaited patiently for the Sabbath, when an oppor- tunity would be afforded to test the ability of the new preacher. The day arrived, and with failing hearts the little band wended their way to their accustomed seats-one side of the building being occupied by the men, while the opposite side was reserved for the ladies, as was then the custom. The new minister entered the pulpit; he offered a prayer and read a hymn. Then he selected a text, and a flow of eloquence, the like of which they had never listened to, fell from the lips of the youth. With wondering eyes and open ears, and I might add open mouths. for they drank in every word, they sat, unable to conceal their astonishment.

His fame soon spread abroad, and at times the church was found inadequate to contain

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the numbers drawn thither to hear the gospel proclaimed by this singularly gifted man. Large numbers were added to the church. and from this time its prosperity was established, and I am told that its members now exceed those of any church in Adams. This young clergyman was Rev. William Ward Ninde. During his residence in Adams he married Miss Mary More, of Lowville, and Bishop Xavier W. Ninde, their eldest son, was born in Adams.

Its pulpit has often been occupied by the most able men of the former Black River, now the Northern New York Conference. At present Rev. Eugene Joy, who has recently entered upon his third year, is its pastor. The membership of its Sunday School is 238, with 34 teachers. Mr. Newton is the super- intendent.

In 1885 the church was repaired, windows of stained glass were added, and a new par- sonage was built.

THE BAPTISTS.

The first society of Baptists was formed in Adams village in the fall of 1846, by the efforts of Rev. Charles Clark. The church was built in the summer of 1847, and dedi- cated the following winter. Mr. Clark occupied the pulpit until 1850, when he re- moved to Oneida and subsequently to Rome, where he died in 1852. Several clergymen of distinguished ability afterwards occupied the pulpit, and among them were Revs. Adam Cleghorn and M. C. Manning. In 1871 the building was replaced by a handsome brick edifice; its membership has increased to 257.

Rev. W. F. Bastian is its present pastor ; O. B. Rhodes is superintendent of the Sabbath School. There are 158 scholars and 18 teachers. The present trustees are Jolin Sin- clair, F. H. Swan, W. L. Brown, H. O. Ken- yon, E. J. Waite, A. W. Ingraham, W. D. Arms, G. H. Legg and S. H. Pitcher. Its first trustees were Jesse Wright, Hanibal Miller, Spencer Woodward and Samuel Har- man.

By the efforts of Henry B Whipple and others, Emmanuel Church was built in 1849. The society had been organized with 10 mem- bers. Henry B. Whipple and William John- son were chosen wardens. John McCarty, David Gaylord, Hiram Salisbury, Philip R. Ward, John Wright, Charles Rogers and William Dixon, vestrymen; Rev. Osgood E. Herrick was the first rector.

In 1875 a rectory was purchased, and Rev, O. E. Kenyon is the present rector. There are at present 60 communicants. In connec- tion with the church is a Sabbath-School, with a membership of 40 scholars and 6 teachers. C. V. Clark is its superintendent.

The Seventh Day Baptist Church at Adams Centre, was organized June 9, 1822. At the, same time William Greene was ordained pastor, and Jared S. Potter deacon. The society was legally incorporated in 1836. Its house of worship was completed in 1837, repaired and enlarged in 1868. Other changes and improvements were made at various times.

The present officers are: Pastor, A. B. Prentice; deacons, N. G. Whitford, Gould Trowbridge, O. DeGrass Greene, George W. Gardner; clerk, O. D. Greene, jr. Member- ship 308. Sabbath School-W. W. Prentice, superintendent; W. D. Ayers, assistant superintendent. Membership, 300.

The First Day Baptist Church at Adams Centre was organized in 1853 with a member- ship of 32 persons. Ezra Hull, Oliver Mc- Kee and Silas Glazier were trustees, and the following summer a church was built at a cost of $3,500. It has 150 members, with a Sabbath School in connection, but at present has no pastor.

The Seventh Day Advent Church at Adams Centre was organized in 1863 with 18 mem- bers. Later a church edifice was erected, and a Sabbath-School was held in connection. No pastor is in charge of its people at the present time.

Adams village was incorporated under the laws of 1847. In 1853 there was a special act passed making it a separate road district, and, December 5, 1884, a vote was taken. and it was decided to come under the law of 1870 for the incorporation of villages of the State of New York. It has now a popula- tion of about 1,600. The boundaries of the original corporation were enlarged on the petition of the board of trustees to the super- visors, at the session of said board in Decem- ber, 1892.

The first trustees of the village were John Whipple, Samnel Bond, Calvin Skinner, Cal- vin R. Totman and Wells Benton. The present board is Henry Kenyon, E. Waite, F. Swan, with Frank Kenyon president of the board.

In 1848 a cemetery association was formed under the name of Rural Cemetery, and several acres of ground were added to the original place of burial. A legacy of $5,000 was bequeathed by the will of the late Erastus Hale, the interest of which is to be expended for the benefit of the grounds. Many hand- some and expensive monuments are found here, among which are those of R. B. Dox- tater, Judge Calvin Skinner, Judge William C. Thompson, John C. Cooper, William A. Gilbert, C. C. Case, Erastus Hale, J. Gris- wold, and many others. Many a hero of '76 lies buried here, and here also sleep many wlio died to save our Union.

These grounds contain a convenient receiv- ing vault, and several acres have recently been added. By a wise expenditure of means, notwithstanding the many improvements that have been made, the funds from the Hale legacy and other sources have accumulated, and a chapel has recently been constructed at a cost of $2,500.

Elmwood cemetery lies a short distance west of the railroad-a description of which will be found elsewhere.

ADAMS STATE-ROAD CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.

This cemetery lies midway between Adams Centre and the State Road. It contains three acres, and presents an appearance which

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reflects credit upon those who bury their loved ones within its borders. Many beauti- ful monuments adorn these grounds, among which are those of John A. D. Snell, William Fuller, Royal Fuller, Joseph Webb, Pixley Phelps and others. Within these grounds also rest the remains of the parents of the late Henry Keep, to whose memory he caused to be erected a handsome memorial.

Adams Centre cemetery lies a short distance south of the village, and the resting-place of many of its residents is marked by expensive monuments and other emblems of living re- membrance.

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The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 83

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