USA > Pennsylvania > Bradford County > History of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections > Part 36
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The following are the details by townships as they are numbered :
DISTRICTS.
Whole number-Schools.
Number of Males.
Number of Females.
Average Number At- tending School.
Average Per Cent. of
Cost Per Month.
DISTRICTS.
Whole Number-Schools.
Number of Males.
Number of Females.
Average Number At-
tending School.
Average Per Cent. of
Attendance.
Cost Per Month.
1. Albany
10
217
146
254
81
$0 65 1 01
15
230
187
275
86
86
2. Alba
1
22
41
47
71
14
213
203
353
85
46
3. Albany, New.
2
46
53
62
89
67
33. Rome, bor.
35
31
55 203
93
92
4. Armenia.
34. Rome, twp.
117
136
290
437
90
81
6. Athens, bor
36. Sheshequin
11
177
124
178
87
86
7. Athens, twp ...
14
222
202
245
82
88 37. Smithfield.
17. 252
128
110
138
176
85
81 91 1 01 1 07
12. Canton, bor.
7
206
237
174
269
87
88
4
64
35
80
78
50
14. Carbon Run.
5
124
100
180
81
58
15. Columbia
82
1 05
5
153
166
117
40
167 115
146
86
69
20. Lecanville (Ind.)
1
9
14
79
1 03
0
151
124
180
88 81
87 92
52 Waverly, South 53. Wells
4
137
128
123
156
86 87 85 74
95 70 1 00 65
25. Monroe, bor
3
77
85
90
88
75 72 1 00
58. Wysox.
128
125
128
82
69
29. Overton .
6
37
40
65
73 92
2 19 1.20
442 7480 6917 9841
81
$0 84
7
112 328
336
179
301 35
86
39. Springfield
13
161 98
72
27
229
82 74
56 57 1 30
13. Canton, twp ..
14
155
10
11
14
77
1 13
11
133
55
161
142
160
176
207
191
2
59
52
111
186
78
53
54. Wilmot
12
24. Macedonia (Ind)
55. Windham
10
121
204 98
185
85
98
26. Monroe, twp.
57. Wyalusing, bor.
3
52
89
91
89
77
28. Overton (I.)
39
88
1 09
30. Orwell (Ind.) ... 2
28
19
38
56 Wyalusing
12
185
140
217
80
96
182
206
84
27. Orwell, twp ..
11
124 26
118 28
142
88
74 69
19. Herrick
9
94
83
160
85
1 09
6
51. Warren
23. Le Raysville
11
23. Litchfield ...
9
145 30
10
23
50
64
47. Troy, twp ... 48. Troy, East
18 Granville
9
157
143
108 190
84
49. Tuscora. 50. Ulster.
10
220
89 83 92 84
1 28
16. Doty Hill (I.).
I 5
73
62
80
79 83
42. Terry
221 362
203 372
551
94
90
5. Asylum
35. Sayre (Ind.).
9
223
246
308
62 84
10. Burlington, twp
9
150
99
152
81
56 85
40. Standing Stonc. 41. Sylvania
11. Burlington, West
8
129
81
I21
82
90
43 Towanda, bor .. 44. Towanda, North 45. Towanda, twp .. 46 Troy, bor.
1
23
190
280
86
52
38. South Creek.
81
8. Barclay .
8
159
26
24
136 481
60
78
10
74
80
60
72
11
8
85
158 35
163 76
1 16 63
17. Franklin
2
14
21. Le Roy
155 259
271
1
10
168
154
253
96
78
31. Pike.
32. Ridgebury
SCHOLARS.
SCHOLARS.
Attendance.
5
80
155
9. Burlington, bor.
14
224
105
7
A. N. Bronson
351
HISTORY OF BRADFORD COUNTY.
Bradford county has 58 school districts, 7,480 male scholars, 6,917 females. Whole tax levied for school purposes, $108,177.60: State appropriation, $19,363.24 ; teachers' wages, $75,835.36; total expendi. tures, $177,142.82; total resources, $19,991.58; total liabilities, $55,- 883.42.
The Teachers' Association continues to meet quarterly. At the Institute of 1890 held at Towanda, the following were the officers : President, G. W. Ryan ; vice-presidents, D. Fleisher, M. G. Benedict, U. G. Palmer, C. P. Garrison ; secretaries, C. J. Marshall, M. G. Ronan, F. H. Seward, Etta Foster, Anna Cash ; music conductor, L. E. Rowley ; organist, Miss Honor Sheridan ; stenographer, Miss Sarah Chatham ; enrolling clerks, E. E. Chubbuck, M. Shores, D. Post, J. Manley, D. F. Lindley. There was an attendance of over 500. The institution, under the management of G. W. Ryan, is probably as prosperous as any in the State.
CHAPTER XXI.
CHURCHES.
BAPTISTS - PRESBYTERIANS - METHODIST'S - EPISCOPALIANS - DISCIPLE CHURCH - UNIVERSALISTS - CATHOLICS AND OTHER CHURCHES IN THE COUNTY-EARLY PREACHERS, ETC .- MISCELLANEOUS.
B APTISTS .- The first were in Troy in 1808. Elihn Rich, Sr., and Elihu Rich, Jr., commenced church services and soon organized under the name of the "Baptized Church of Christ at Burlington"; eight persons placed their names on the roll, four of the Rich family, Russell and Lydia Rose, Moses Cancius, James Mattison. In 1822 the church was incorporated as "The First Baptist Church of Troy," and a church built in 1832; a parsonage built in 1874. The ministers in the order were : E. Rich, Sr., E. Rich, Jr., I. Butler, David A. Balcon, Elder Kin- ney, Benj. Oviatt, James Parsons, Levi Baldwin, B. G. Avery, John Sayrer, Daniel N. Root, Samuel Bullock, Henry C. Koon, Edward Ely, Job. Leach, J. M. Cogshell, Joseph W. Parker, W. H. H. Dyer, T. Mitchell, T. S. Sheardown, S. K. Boyer, Chas. T. Halliwell, J. Barton French, W. H. Mentzer.
Presbyterians .- They organized in 1839, with the following members : Solomon, Jemina, Israel, Sophia and Samuel Morse, Jr., Ebenezer Kim- ball, Anna, Eleanor J., Polly and Mary Ann McClenan, Elizabeth Cole, Barthena Wheeler, Julia Rockwell, Enos Frisbee, Lydia Long, Ebenezer and Laura Pomeroy. In 1876 a parsonage was provided. A first preacher was Isaac Todd, followed by R. Entler, John K. Cornyn, Henry S. Doolittle, Sidney Mills, J. G. Carnochan, L. S. Fine, Samuel F. Colt, E. H. Camp, S. N. Conde, G. P. Sewepell, the latter came in 1879.
19
352
HISTORY OF BRADFORD COUNTY.
Methodists .- The celebrated Lorenzo Dow visited Burlington in 1871 and preached ; no church organization however was effected until 1855, when by the efforts of Maj. B. S. Dartt, E. Newberry, John J. Berry, A. J. Howell, G. N. Newberry and others " The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Troy, " was organized; Rev. W. H. Knapp.
East Troy and Columbia Cross Roads were until 1874 "outside appointments," under the charge of Rev. J. S. Lemon; at that time they were made a separate " charge" when the Troy church moved into its present quarters on Redington Ave. Among the pastors were: D. Ferris, D. E. Clapp, W. B. Holk, O. L. Gibson, G. J. DuBois, J. H. Blades, M. C. Dean, W. S. Wentz, J. E. Williams, M. Hamblin, C. L. Connell, H. C. Moyer, D. W. Smith.
Episcopal Church of Troy .- This was organized March 4, 1841, and called "St. Paul's Church of Troy," Rev. G. P. Winslow, rector. The first vestry were : S. W. Paine, Henry Card, O. P. Ballard, I. N. Pomeroy, L. J. Bradford, E. C. Oliver, William Scott, D. F. Pomeroy, Batman Monroe and G. F. Redington, clerk and treasurer ; S. W. Paine and Henry Card, church wardens. From 1849 to '59 the church organization was not kept up. In 1875, however, they provided for their church building and in 1887 secured the Rev. James P. Ware.
Disciples Church .- The church was organized at the house of Adriel Hibbard, and called "The Church of Christ of Columbia and Troy," with 16 members, Elders, John C. Rockwell and Barney Webber, Chas. Himes, N. Pease, Ezra Hines, Levi Preston, Jr., John Owen, Louis Hibbard, Lurinda Owens, Minerva Hinds, Lurinda Webber, Mary Howe, Rachel Strait, Laura Strait and Nancy West. Their first meetings were held at the school-house on the Shubal-Manyard farm two miles west of Troy. The distinguished ministers of this church were Elder J. B. Knowles, L. B. Hyatt and Rev. Silas E. Shepard. In 1848 they built their church on Elmira street, now owned by the Episcopalians. In 1884 they leased the old Presbyterian church, Rev. T. D. Butler, pastor. In 1884 Rev. John H. Gardiner was placed in charge. Their church building was completed in June, 1885. Their membership is 105.
The Universalist Church .- In 1885 Rev. F. O. Eggleson came to Troy and took charge of " All Souls " Parish and for some years preaching was held in the Baptist's church. In 1885 they built their present temple on Redington Ave. Included in Rev. Eggleson's parish were Sylvania and Springfield.
Catholics .- In 1853 the Church purchased the church on the hill. Father Ahearn was the first priest, his parish including Towanda, Troy, Athens, Ridgbury, Canton, in Bradford county Rev. M. J. Hoban was placed in charge, also serves Canton, Cascade and Ralston.
St. John's Nepomucene Roman Catholic Church, at Troy, was pur- chased about 1859 from the Episcopalians, having been formerly used by that denomination. It was blessed and dedicated. The church and missions were previously attended from St.Andrews, Blossburg, Pa., and SS. Peter and Paul's, Towanda. The first resident pastors of St. John's was Rev. C. Mangan, 1859, and afterward attended by Rev. Florence McCarthy, who was succeeded by Rev. John Loughlin, who
-
353
HISTORY OF BRADFORD COUNTY.
was succeeded by Rev. M. P. Stack, who was succeeded by Rev. N. J. McManns, who was succeeded by Rev. M. H. Dunn, who was suc- ceeded by Rev. John Bergan, who was succeeded by Rev. P. J. Hurst, who was succeeded by Rev. M. J. Hoban, who was succeeded by present incumbent, Rev. T. J. Comerford.
EARLY PREACHERS.
East Canton M. E. Church .- The west Leroy church was built in 1857.
Alba Baptist Church was erected in 1835 on the farm of Joel Taylor, and being blown down, the pieces were gathered and re- erected on the farm of David Palmer. The society was organized in 1818, and was connected with Canton much of the time. Revs. Bur- dick, Dwyer, Lake, J. H. Dwyer, Levering. Burroughs, Wells, Crowl. The church in Le Roy was built in 1855.
Alba Disciple Church .- Rev. M. C. Frick, pastor, 175 members. He came to the charge in 1884 and extends his labors to Armenia, Grover, and the Spencer school-house in Union. Church was organized and built about 1840. Connected with Granville Centre during pastorate of Elder John L. Phoenix. Immediate cause of its organization was the exclusion from another church of S. E. Sheppard, Col. Irad Wilson and fifteen or sixteen others " for heresy." Elders, Randolph Manley, Leonard Lewis ; deacons, J. P. Bates, P. Case, N. B. Case ; trustees, N. B. Case, P. Case, John Warren, Charles Warren, Leonard Lewis.
Alba Seventh Day Adventists .- Organized August 5, 1883. J. L. Baker, elder; J. Loughhead, deacon ; C. B. Loughhead, clerk, and Mrs. Esther Loughhead, treasurer.
Grover Disciple Church .- A house of worship, but has no pastor at present. Grover Evangelical Church .- Rev. Mr. Vought, pastor. He also preaches at Beech Flats where the society erected (in 1884) a tasteful little church. Grover Old School Baptist Church .- Elder Durand preaches.
East Troy and Columbia M. E. Churches .- Rev. DeWitt Myers, pastor. He came in October, 1886. They have a neat church at Cross Roads. Since division and separation from Troy, S. A. Chub- buck, N. B. Congdon, David Crow, John Van Kirk, J. W. Barnet, P. M. Joralemon, A. King and P. J. Bull have occupied the pulpits.
East Troy Free Will Baptist Church .- Rev. O. J. Moon; he serves at Bailey's Corners, in Granville. At the latter place a very neat little chapel was erected in 1883. N. W. Clark and Franklin Baxter, dea- cons.
The East Troy Church is one of the oldest organizations in the township, erecting its first house of worship in 1839, during the pastor- ate of Rev. Asa Dodge. "The Old Church," sad to say, was sold and turned into a "tavern," which was subsequently burned. Present house erected in 1865. The trustees are Joel and Leighton Calkins, C. R. Case, Zina Dunbar, Alfred Van Horn ; deacons, Zina Dunbar and Joel Calkins ; clerk, C. R. Case. Rev. Mr. Moon, the incumbent.
Granville Disciple Church. - Rev. W. S. St. Clare, pastor. He preaches also at Le Roy. Dr. Silas E. Sheppard organized the Gran-
354
HISTORY OF BRADFORD COUNTY.
ville Church in 1832. The church of LeRoy Corners was erected in 1850. L. M. Leonard, Henry Arnold, P. R. Warren, Leroy Holcomb, George Morse and Hiram Stone, the elders.
West Granville Free Will Baptist Church. - Organized 1833, wor- shiping at first in the Windfall school-house, afterward in the Union church, built about 1848 (now Mr. Josiah Warren's horse-barn), but since 1865 in their present very neat and comfortable house of wor- ship. M. B. Porter is clerk ; Charles Taylor, S. S. superintendent; V. S. Landon and M. B. Porter, deacons ; and V. S. Landon, Henry Jen- nings, Hiram Kittle, M. B. Porter and James Merritt, Sr., trustees.
Armenia Baptist Church .- Organized, 1876. Rev. T. R. Jones closed labors in July, 1886. Without pastor. Deacon, Frank Mor- gan ; clerk, J. W. Ripley.
Armenia Wesleyan Methodist Church .- Rev. Mr. Porter, pastor, church built in 1880. Preaching also at the Wall school-house.
Sylvania Presbyterian Church .- Organized in 1858. Adopted Presbyterial order sometime afterward. The church was built in 1876. Rev. J. H. Jewell has been pastor thirty-five years.
Sylvania Universalist Church .- Building erected in 1855 or 1856 as a Union Church by a combination of Baptists, Methodists, Presby- terians, Free Will Baptists, and " Nothingarians." The trustees now are A. M. Cornell, C. H. Ballard, Joseph Gladden and J. H. Calkins.
Wells and Columbia Baptist Church .- In 1840 there was a Baptist organization of more than one hundred members at Sylvania. Removed to Austinville, where there is a large and imposing church edifice. There is also one on " Baptist Hill."
Wells and Columbia Presbyterian Church .- In charge of Rev. Hallock Armstrong. "His eye is not dim nor his natural force abated." His appointments are Aspinwall, Judson Hill, Mosierville and Colum -. bia Cross Roads. The latter society was organized in 1859. Elders and deacons, John McClelland and Gabriel Besley.
Judson Hill M. E. Church .- An appointment on Daggett's Mills charge. Rev. J. Merring, pastor. Old church burned, doubtless by an incendiary. Present house erected about 1865.
South Creek Baptist Church .- Located at Gillett. First building erected in 1858; second structure in 1877; Deacon John F. Gillett, Rev. Levi Stone, pastor.
Springfield Baptist Church .- Organized in 1819 at the house of Major John Parkhurst, father of Eben F. Parkhurst. There were eighteen constituent members, embracing the Parkhursts, the Cooleys, the Bennetts, the Browns and the Adamses. First deacon, Isaac Cooley ; first clerk, Elam Bennett. Worshiped for some years in old school-house on land between the store and the Dr. Wilder place. Church built in 1845 under the labors of the present pastor, Rev. Thomas Mitchell, who entered the field in 1844. Other pastors have been Elam Bennett, Wm. Jones, Thomas B. Jayne, C. T. Hallowell, J. F. Rush and Rev. Mclellan. A fine parsonage was built during Rev. C. T. Hallowell's term of service. W. W. Spalding, deacon ; Frank Ripley, T. Beards- ley, Marcus Strange, Geo. Cory, H. R. Gates, trustees.
Springfield Universalist Church .- An old church building, now
355
HISTORY OF BRADFORD COUNTY.
thoroughly organized and working, under the care and leadership of Rev. F. O. Eggleston, of Troy. Deacons: Wm. Cornell, Alfred Brace, Mrs. A. Brace. Trustees : Wm. Cornell, J. R. Guild, Wallace Mattocks, Stephen Brace and Mr. Hosley.
Leona M. E. Charge .- Organized in 1814, with six charter mem- bers : Joseph Grace, Elisha Fanning, David Brown and their wives. Some of the first preachers were: James H. Baker, James Hall, John Griffin, Palmer Roberts, William Burge, Rev. Judd, Rev. Warner, Elom Parkhurst, Rev. Bennett, Rev. Rogers, Asa Orcutt, Rev. Gilmore and Solon Stocking. Ministers : J. K. Tinkham, E. O. Hall, C. L. F. Howe, John Powell, B. J. Tracy, J. E. Williams, P. J. Bull, J. R. Drake, W. Statham, O. N. Roberts, J. Lloyd Jones, C. M. Adams and others. Rev. C. D. Smith present pastor. There are two little churches at Mt. Pisgah's base.
Methodist Episcopal Church of Big Pond .- Erected in 1883-4, under labors of Rev. J. A. Roberts. Alvin and Derrick Smith prom- inent workers. Rev. F. M. Smith, pastor.
Burlington M. E. Charge .- It is recorded that " the first Methodist minister who visited Burlington was Rev. Mr. Newman." "The old church," with its high pulpit, antique gallery and weather-beaten exterior, still stands, surrounded by the grass-grown graves and hum- ble headstones of the sleeping pioneers. Rev. C. M. Adams is the incumbent.
Trustees, C. Rockwell, J. Blackwell, Jesse Mckean, George Hill, Sherman Hill, Mr. Whitehead, Isaac Brown, Mr. Bailey, Decatur Pepper, Ed. Spencer, Mr. Thacker; stewards, Thomas Blackwell, Alfred Blackwell, IIilton Leonard, Joseph Rockwell, David Rundell, F. L. Stanton, H. Spencer, C. Fanning, D. S. Bourne, Sloan Ross, Will- iam Heath, and M. Rockwell.
Protestant Methodist Church of Burlington .- Rev. Mr. Crump at Towanda preaches fortnightly in pleasant little church of the denomi- nation at Hickory Grove.
Evangelical Church in Burlington .- Burlington borough, Luther's Mills and Mountain Lake. Rev. Mr. Golding, Rev. G. B. Gallagher appointed, Union Church, Hickory Grove. No sermons at present.
CANTON'S CONGREGATION.
The Methodists formed a church at Canton in 1817, and the follow- ing were its first members: Solomon Brown, Lusanna Brown, Levi D. Landon, Lurinda Landon, David Lindley, Anise Lindley, Cynthia Lindley, Elias Wright, Amanda Wright, David Andrews, Priscilla Andrews, Thomas Miles and Nancy Miles. In 1851 Rev. J. B. Hewitt, who was then on the circuit, organized the class at "Canton Four Cor- ners." It was composed of Mrs. I. C. Wright, Mrs. Rathbone, Mrs. Charles Stockwell and Mrs. S. K. Porter. In 1867 the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Canton borough was built. Following J. B. Hewitt as preachers, were: James Linn, Harvey Lamkin, Thomas Jones, John Powell, Elisha Sweet, H. T. Avery, J. H. Ross, C. L. F. Howe, J. E. Hyde, M. Coyle, J. Putnam, J. Thompson, Rev. S. T.
356
ยท
HISTORY OF BRADFORD COUNTY.
Sanford, present pastor. Trustees, G. A. Gurney, H. Caterlin, C. Ster- ling, C. A. Crise.
The Presbyterians .- "The first Presbyterian Church of Canton" was organized in 1832, and embraced the two congregations of Canton and East Canton. Twenty-one members were enrolled. These were Jerome, Charles, Sarah, Joel, Mary and Lydia Wright; John and Achsah VanDyke; Oliver and Lydia Bartlett ; Sylvester, Anna, Nancy, Betsy, Mary and Rosanna Manley; Abraham and Alfred Foster, Abigail Smith, Lucy Landon and Harty Hickok. Of these none remains to-day save one, Mary Manley, wife of Mr. Charles Stephens of Franklin. Meetings were held for several years in homes, and in " the old school-house " near the burying ground, and in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The church at East Canton was commenced in 1846, and was dedicated in the spring of 1847. The church at Canton was commenced in 1860 and was dedicated in 1861. From 1861-2 Rev. Philander Camp was pastor. From 1863-4, Rev. John Colwell, M. D. served. In 1865, Rev. Mr. Gates commenced his long-protracted pastorate. The parsonage was built in 1883, and both churches were enlarged and remodeled in 1886.
Disciple Church .- Elder T. Miller organized this church in 1850, with the following members : Elders, Charles McDougall, Ira C. Mitchell, Na- than Mitchell, George Wells, W. T. C. Sanders, of Philadelphia, William Owen, of North Broad Albans, N. Y., Alexander Greenlaw, John L. Phoenix, R.C. Barrow, A. B. Chamberlain, of Auburn, C. T.Mortimer. In 1851-2 the fine church on the corner of Troy and West Union streets was erected, and in 1870 it was extensively improved and re-furnished.
The Baptists .- Rev. W. H. H. Dwyer, father of Mrs. Rev. W. H. Porter, of Alba, commenced preaching in Canton borough in 1854, or- ganizing the Baptist society with 18 charter members : Abraham Run- dell, James D. Hill, J. W. Knappin, Gudwin Fuller, George Hison, James C. Parsons, E. Q. Greenleaf, and Sisters Knappin, Miller, M. J. Dwyer, E. A. Hison, Mary A. Rundell, Anna Parsons, Lucy Hill, Anna Griffin, Lydia Rundell and Sarah E. Parsons. Rev. E. Loomis was succeeded by Revs. Geo. T. McNair, E. A. Francis, James McDonald, J. L. Watson, Geo. P. Watrous, E. Wells, Thomas Mit- chell and Alexander McGovern.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ORWELL.
This church was organized Sept. 5, 1815, under the name of " Warren and Orwell Presbyterian Church." Present pastor is Rev. F. E. Bassey. Original members at organization, 8; in 1870 -- 52; 1880-74; 1890-49, and there are beyond the bounds of the church, 29, or a total of 78. Seating capacity of church, 228, and the buildings are valued at $2,000. S. N. Bronson has been clerk of the session since 1878. In the meeting to organize the society, it was resolved to build "on East street, a few rods north of the old school-house, on the west side of the highway," on the land of Liberty Sharp. The subscribers to the building fund in 1815: Alvin Humphrey, Lucy, Charles, Addison and William Cowles, Asa Fuller, Monels Humphrey, Lucius Fuller, James D. Newell, J. W. Grant, Silas Allis, Rhoda Gridley,
357
HISTORY OF BRADFORD COUNTY.
Abel Estabrooks, Joel Burns, Marcus Estabrook, John W. Browning, Dudley Humphrey, Nathan Payson, Joseph S. Browning, Lyman Tennell, Johnson Cowles, Chauncey Grant, Levi Frisbie, Chauncey Frisbie, Theron Darling, Roswell D. Pitcher, Abel Darling, George W. Pitcher, Liberty Sharp, Ithall Allis, Czar Roberts, Jason Chaffee, Conel and Theron Wells, Elisha Keeler, Charles Stevens, Jarvis Loyal, Benijah Martin, William Warfield, Samuel Mathews, Jesse Barnes, William B. Robinson, James Smith, Jesse Estabrooks, Thrall Blair, Eleazer Allis, Jr., John D. Wage, Levi Frisbie, Zebulon Frisbie, Uri Cook, Joel Cook, Jr., Curtis Robinson.
The house was completed and opened for church service in January, 1828. The records indicate that at this time the building was used by the Baptists and certain societies also. In 1832, Uri Cook, moderator, and Milton Humphrey, clerk. In 1835, Wyllys Bronson, chosen mod- erator and clerk. The nine members originally organized by Revs. John Bascom and Salmon King : Parley, Moses, Amos and Sally Coburn, Mary King, Lucy Coles, Maria Coburn and Dorcas Coburn. In 1816, seventeen were added: Lois Merrill, Polly Case, Joel Cook and Salome Humphrey (wife of William Humphrey); Mrs. Green, Capt. George Ranney and wife, Phebe Frisbie, Esther Roberts, Sarah Andrews, Jemima Wells, Molly Coburn, Comfort B. Chaffee, Rilla Humphrey, Polly Ranney, Betsey Payson and Peggy Grant.
September 26, 1823, Sister Lydia Alger was put upon her trial for " the sins of prevarication, falsehood and other unchristian conduct," and found guilty, and the " moderator then laid her under censure." A few days before this, Comfort B. Chaffee, had confessed in open meet- ing that he had been guilty " of profanity and falsehood." The year before this, Sister Huldah Johnson had confessed : "I believe the Sab- bath to be holy," and that she " had traveled on the Sabbath under peculiar circumstances," and was heartily sorry for her great sin, etc.
Some of the schemes for cheering the sick by these earnest, good, old-fashioned fathers and mothers, is given as follows: "On the first Sabbath in February, 1823, the sacrament * * was administered to Sister Experience Buffington, at her own house, on account of her being sick, after which the members present individually took her by the hand and bid her an affectionate farewell, not expecting to meet her in this world again ; but hoping to meet her in another to serve God without alloy."
In April, 1824, by a vote, it was resolved to change the form from Congregational to Presbyterian.
At a meeting of the church in 1824, "Brother Liberty Sharp exhibited his confession that he did passionately strike three of his neighbors." It is not stated under what "rules " he was knocking 'em out.
At a meeting, November, 1827, three members were excommuni- cated for non-attendance at church worship; the minutes then recite : " After some conversation in experimental religion, and confessions of stupidity and indifference, asked each other's forgiveness."
In April, 1828, thirty-seven members were dismissed " to be con- stituted into a new church ; " they formed thechurch at Warren. This year it was resolved to change the name to the " Church of Orwell."
358
HISTORY OF BRADFORD COUNTY.
The new church at Orwell was completed and dedicated January 15, 1850, chapter read by Rev. Snowden ; sermon by S. F. Colt.
Ministers : Solomon King, from the formation, 1815 to 1827; Christopher Corey (in connection with Pike township), January to April, 1828; Amos Bingham, 1829 to 1831; Samuel Henderson, 1832 to 1836 ; Isaac Todd, 1836 to 1838 ; Charles C. Corss, 1837 to 1841 ; John Mole, 1841 to 1843; N. Bogardus, 1843 to 1844; William Huntting, 1844 to 1849 ; (stated supply) ; Thomas Thomas, 1850 to 1852 ; Charles Huntington, spring to fall of 1852; Augustine Root, 1855 to 1856: T. Thomas, 1857 to 1862 ; J. A. Prossell, 1862 to 1864; Clark Salmon, 1864 to 1869; Samuel F. Colt, 1869 to 1870; J. Crane, November, 1870; Faber Ryllesby, 1870 to 1875; William Bradford, 1876 to 1877; William Macnab, 1877 to 1879; Howard Cornell, 1879 to 1885; Halleck Armstrong, one Sunday, 1885 ; S. F. Colt, seven Sundays ; Walter B. Thomas, nineteen Sundays ; T. Pierce, 1885 to 1886; T. P. Thomas, 1886 to 1887. In December 1887 the present pastor, Francis E. Besley was installed.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The First Presbyterian Church of Towanda was an off-shoot from the church of Wysox. In 1821, thirty-eight were added to its com- munion. A number of these were living on the west side of the river, October 25, 1825, and constituted into a separate organization. The following were members: Rufus Foster, John Fox, John B. Hinman, Abraham Foster, Samuel Cranmer, Clark E. Conley, Ephraim Ladd, Lydia Scott, Hannah Taylor, Mary Fox, Sally Foster, Eley Ridgway, Deantha Gilson, Selina Powell, Weltha Hale, Lois Ladd. In 1829 the number of members had increased to twenty-seven. The church strug- gled against great opposition until the winter of 1831 ; thirty-four were soon added. Up to 1833 the church had had no regular pastor. In September of that year Rev. Oscar Harris became pastor. In 1834 there was not a church edifice in Towanda. In 1835 the church was completed and opened for worship, and twenty persons were received into the communion. Mr. Foster continued a pastor of the church until his death, January 16, 1865. Under Mr. Harris's pastorate, the building was enlarged. He resigned in January, 1870, and in much of that vear Dr. John S. Stewart, the present incumbent, was installed.
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