USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Danby > The history and map of Danby, Vermont > Part 10
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THE BAPTISTS
Made the first move toward organizing a church, it being in 1781, previous to which time there had been no preach- ing in town, except by some itinerant ministers, whose literary qualifications were not great, and yet they were very well adapted to the condition of the people of that day. It is said of these early ministers, that " they toiled in the cold and in the heat, by day and by night, traversing the wilderness frou. one solitary dwelling to another, by marked trees and half made road-, fording rivers and streams, often without a guide, and at the hazard of their lives. They frequently had to pursue their journey through storms of snow and rain to meet their appointments, and administer to the perishing the bread of life."
The first Baptist society was formed in 1781, and the Rev. Hezekiah Eastman was the first settled minister. Among thie early members were Thomas Rowley, Abraham Chase, William Brondey, Sen. John Stafford. Nathan Rowley. Roger Williams, Joseph Fowler. Stephen Calkins and Abel Haskins. At a meet- ing of the inhabitants, held at the house of Stephen Calkins, " May ye 11th, 1781," Thomas Rowley moderator. it was voted
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HISTORY OF DANBY.
to give the Rev. Mr. Eastman a call to settle in the work of the ministry in Danby. It was also voted. the first minister that should be ordained over a church of Christ in Dauby, "by the laving on of hands," shall be fully entitled to the right reserved by the charter for the first settled minister.
Mr. Eastman accepted the call, and was ordained in October following. as the records show :
" October ye 11th, 1781.
The church of Christ in the town of Danby, together with the voice of the people of the town, in meeting assembled, unani- monsly agreed and gave the Rev. Hezekiah Eastman a call to settle in the work of the ministry in the town of Danby. The Rev. Elder Waldo, the Rev. Eller Dakens and the Rev. Elder Rogers were appointed to assist in the ordaining of Mr. East- man over said church in Danby. After every measure was taken, agreeable to the constitution of Philadelphia, present in Danby the Rev. Elders Waldo, Dakens. Rogers, and the Rev. Mason aud Cornwall, all assisted in ordaining the Rev. Mr. Eastman over the church of Christ in Danby. The Rev. Mr. Waldo preached the sermon, from Ezekiel ve 33 chapter, from the 2d to the 9th verses. Elder Rogers gave the charge, and Elder Dakens gave the right hand of fellowship. &c."
The Rev. Mr. Eastman supplied the church here until about the year 1800, when it dissolved. Being without a church, meetings were held in private houses, and sometimes in barns and school houses. When the brick school house was built, meetings were held there. The Baptist church was reorganized in 1826, under the auspices of Elde: Joseph Packer. Previous to that time there had been ouly occasional preaching by the Rev. Elias Harlbut, the Rev. Harvey Crowley. Elders Daniel and Joseph Packer and others. The church was then in a flourishing condition, and the most prosperous of any period iu its existence. Among its members at that time were Azel Kelley, John Bab- bitt, Ephraim Chace, Hiram Kelley, Rowland R. Green, William Johnson, Allen C. Roberts, Harvey Crowley, Benjamin Chace, William Haskins, Rath Haskins, Polly Davis, Hannah Chace. and some others. Ephraim Chace, Azel Kelley and Hiram Kelley were its deacons. The organization was kept up for some twenty years, since which it has declined. There is no organized society at the present time.
METHODIST.
A Methodisi society was organized here at a very early day. The first clouich was built in 1795, and stood west of the Cor- ners, near the burial ground. The Rev. Jared Lobdel was the first settled minister over this church, and the first Methodist
12
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who preached in town. He was a local preacher here for mans years, performing pastoral duties longer than any man since. lle was laborions and useful. and his preaching plain and power- fil. During Mr. Lobdel's ministry there were several interesting revivals, and his labors were always attended with snecess. His meetings were sometimes held in private houses, in groves, and sometimes in barus. Lorenzo Dow visited this town in 1797, and preached in the old Meeting House, which was well filled. The members to Mr. Lobdel's church had increased so rapidly that, in 1800, a class was formed in the southwest part of the town, and also one on the east side. Their meetings were held mostly at private houses. The church at one time numbered about 70 members. Among the early members of the society were Alexander Barrett, Gideon Barnum, Timothy Barnum. Darius Lobdel, William Edmunds, John Ransom, Henry Herrick, Henry Signor, John Signor, Henry Herrick, Jr., Elisha Tift. Luemda Emerson, Huidah Benson, Betsey Calkins, Mary helley. Jonathan Randall. Nathan Weller, Moses Vail, Lucy Vail. Phebe Griffith and Dennis Canfield.
Since 1804, the Methodist church has been supplied by circuit preachers. The first circuit minister who preached here that year was the Rev. Seth Chrowell, who then belonged to the Brandon cirenit. He deserves an honorable place among the heroes of the early history of Methodism. He commenced his labors in 1801, and continued them. for twenty-five years. He combined distinguished argumentative powers with great horta- tory ability. His appeals were said to have been sometimes overwhelming. He labored while here with uncommon zeal, and his future labors were performed amid great bodily infirmity and severe mental conflicts, until utter prostration laid him aside. Ile died in 1826, honored and beloved. The Rev. George Powers and the Rev. Justus Byington also preached here during the year 1804, and supplied both the east and west side. The society then numbered about thirty members.
In 1805, the Rev. Samuel Draper and the Rev. Reuben Harris preached here once in two weeks. The Rev. Mr. Draper is said to have done valiant service for Methodism here, being indo- fatigable in his labors. He commenced his preaching in 1801. and continued until his death, in 1824. He was presiding elder from 1810 to 1815, always laborious and useful. The Rev. Samuel Howe and the Rev. George W. Powers preached here at stated intervals during the year 1806. Quarterly meetings were regularly held here, and largely attended. The Rev. Daniel Broraley was the presiding older from 1804 to 1807, aud preached here occasionally. Mr. Bromley was a native of this town, and belonged to the Brandon rent. In 1807, Rev. Phineas Cook and Rev. Lewis Pease were assigned here, and met their appoint- ments regularly. The Rev. Mr. Pease was a very devoted and successful laborer in the Christian ministry. He was reared in
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Canaan, N. Y., aud Brandon was his first cirenit, and North Second street, Troy, was the scene of his last successful minis- trations.
Rev. Dexter Bates and Rev. Stephen Lomborger were sent here in 1808. both of whom were zealous, pions and faithful ministers of Christ. The next, who came in 1800, were the Rev. Phineas Rice and Rev. Francis Brown. In 1810. Rev. Tobias Spicer and Rev. Daniel Bromley supplied the church here. The Rev. Mr. Spicer was born November 7. 1778. at Kinderhook. Columbia county, N. Y. He entered the ministry at the age of 22, joined the cirenit, and preached here the first year. He was a noble, spirited, energetic man, a good preacher and a powerful exhorter, and is " known and read of all men" who have any acquaintance with Methodism. Of integrity and industry he is a notable example. The Brandon circuit was at that time very large ; it embraced no less than thirty-one towns and thirty regular appointments. These appointments were each visited once in four weeks : so that there was preaching onee a fortnight. In order to attend those appointments, the ministers had to ride about four hundred miles in four weeks, which was performed on horseback, and over exceedingly bad roads. Rev. William Anson, who was presiding elder from 1807 to 1811, preached here at the quarterly meetings. Mr. Anson was a native of England, a student of Oxford, and came to America in early life. He is said to have been subsequently a secretary under General Washington. At the age of 26 he became the subject of converting grace, and joined the New York Confer- ence in 1800. He was one of the pioneers of Methodisni. Those who knew him. say that he was a genuine specimen of an old-fashioned Methodist preacher. He died in 1848.
In 1811, Phineas Rice and Rev. Francis Brown returned to this appointment. The Rev. James Young also preached here that year. In 1812, Rev. David Lewis and Rev. Bardsley Northrop came. Mr. Lewis was here two years, his colleague in 1813 being the Rev. Thomas Maddin. In 1814, Rev. Almond Dunbar and Rev. Nicholas White attended to this appointment, and Samnel Draper, the presiding elder, visited the town.
Rev. Justus Byington, who preached here in 1804, was again sent here in 1815. Hle was associated with the Rev. Jacob Beman. Mr. Byington was here two years, his associate in 1816 being Rev. David Lewis. Jacob Beman entered the ministry in 1808, and is said to have been laborious and useful while here. He never wearied of preaching, especially against Calvanism. Rev. David Lewis was also here in 1817. associated with the Kov. James Covell, who was then quite young. Mr. Covell was born in the town of Marblehead, Mass .. in 1796. At the session of the N. Y. Conference, held in June, 1816. he was admitted on trial, and was appointed to the Brandon cirenit in 1817. Mr. Corell was a devoted student and a good scholar, and ranked
HISTORY OF DANDY.
among the most distinguished men of the Troy Conference, His preaching is said to have been concise, clear and instructive, and he a pious, consistent Christian. The Rev. Isaac Hill, Phineas Doan and Moses Amidown preached here in 1818. Rev. Henry Stead, the presiding elder, was here during the quarterly meer- ings. Rev. Mr. Stead was an Englishman by birth, and entered the itinerant field in 1804. He was, as we are told, an amimated and useful preacher, and an excellent presiding elder. being kind. frank and humorous. He was a warm hearted Christian aud a decided Methodist.
Rev. Moses Amidown was here again in 1819, associated with Rev. Levi Barnet. In 1820, the Rev. Samuel Draper and Rev. Jacob Beman were again appointed here, together with Rev. Elisha Dewey. Mr. Draper was also here in 1821, and Rev. Mr. Amidown was reappointed. and the church. prosperal under their charge. In 1822, there was circuit preaching by the Rev. George Smith and the Rev. Hiram Meeker. Rev. John S. Stratton was the presiding elder for that quarter.
From 1823 to 1832. the following circuit ministers preached here. viz : Harvey De Wolf. Rev. Philo Pherris, 1823; Rev. Dillin Stephens, 1821 ; Rev. Cyras Prindle, Rev. Lucius Baldwin. 1825; Rev. Tolman Todd, Rev. Anthony Rice. 1826: Rov. Almond Dunbar. Rev. Amos Hazleton, 1827; Rev. Salmon Stebbins, Rev. James Goodrich. 1828; Rev. Reuben Wescott. Rev. Cyrus Prindle, 1829: Rev. Joshua Poor, Rev. Joseph Eames, 1830 ; Rev. Joshua Poor, Rev. William Ryder. 1831 : Rev. Christopher Morris, Rev. Lyman Prindle, in 1832. The following presiding elders preached here during that quarter. viz : Rev. Buell Goodell, Rev. Lewis Pease and Rev. Tobias Spicer.
The Troy Conference was organized in 1832, and has sent the following ministers here, viz: Rev. John Atley. Rev. John Fitch, Rev. Anthony Rice, in 1833 ; Rev. David Poor, Rev. Peter Harrower, Rev. Arnold Kingsbury. in 1834; Rev. Alden S. Cooper, Rev. Manley Witherell, in 1825; Rev. Tra Bentiev. Rev. Hiram Blanchard, in 1836 ; and the Rey. William Hurd in 1837 and 1838.
The year 1838 marks a new era in the history of the church in Danby. The old Methodist Meeting House. west of the Cor- ners, was torn down in 1822. before and after which time meetings for the west side of the town were held at the brick school house, and for the east side in the school house at the Borough, so that for a period of sixteen years the Methodists were without a church. In 18XS there were there societies formed, each of which created a church. The one at the Borough was built first, and dedicated by the Rev. Stephen Martindale, of Wallingford. That Society was composed of Episcopal Motho-
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dists, Close Communion Baptists and Friends. The church south of the Corners was finished next. in 1839, and dedicated by the Rev. Mr. Martindale. The Society was composed of Methodists and Baptists. The church at the Corners was completed about the year 1840, and dedicated by the Rev. Mr. Brown, a Univer- salist minister. This was designed as a Union church, and was dedicated as such. all denominations being represented.
Sinec 1838, the Methodist Episcopal churches have been sup- plied by the following preachers, viz : Rev. William Hurd in 1838; Rev. Josiah Chamberlin in 1839 : Rev. Albert Chamberlin and Rey. John Brown in 1840 ; Rev. Albert Chamberlin in 1811 : Rev. Chester Chamberlin in 1842 and 1844: Sylvester Clemons from 1844 to 1846 ; Rev. Benjamin Cox in 1847. From 1848 to 1855 there was no regular preacher sent here. Since that time the following named ministers have supplied this church : Rev. - Ituriburt in 1800 : Kev. Lewis Dwight in 1806 ; Ker. J. L. Cook in 1858 ; Rev. Wesley Clemons in 1859 ; Rev. Mr. Hannah in 1800 : Rev. M. A. Wicker in 1861 ; Rev. H. II. Smith in 1862 and 1863 : Rev. Mr. Newton in 1864 : Rev. Mr. Whit- ney in 1865 ; Rev. D. Rose in 1866 ; and Rev. Z. C. Picket from 1867. and who continues to supply the church here. having been r turned for the third time. A spirited revival took place here in the winter of 1859-60, under the preaching of Rev. Mr. Clemons, whose stirring appeals and unremitting labors brought many over to the cause of Christ. An interesting Sabbat !: School has been connected with this church for many years, and libraries have been established. Since 1830. donation festivals have become general and popular. When they were first intro- duced they were limited to the supply of the pastorate, with such necessary articles as each donor could conveniently spare from his own stores. Since money has become the most plentiful article in the community, donations are almost exclusively made in cash, and frequently from one to two hundred dollars are raised in an evening. The effect of these festivals has been to create a better feeling in the community, more sympathy among the people. and between the pastor and people. The largest festival ever held here was in the winter of 1868. for the benefit of the Rev. Z. C. Picket, at which the sum of $236 was obtained. Besides the amount raised at these festivals, a salary of about $500 is paid to the minister each year, which is raised by sub- scription.
FRIENDS, OR QUAKERS.
A very large number of the first settlers were Quakers, and :: society was formed here at an early dav. Their meeting- were first held in a log house, which stood on the hill, west of the residence of Howell Dillingham. The first church was erected
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HISTORY OF DANBY.
in 1785, and was located in the southeast corner of the farm now belonging to James E. Nichols. The society held its meetings here nutil 1806, when the building was sold to Reuben White, and has since been used for a barn.
Among the early members of this society were Stephen Rogers, Aaron Hill. Wing Rogers. Ebenezer Smith. David Lapham. Anthony Nichols, Joseph Button. Jacob Eddy. Timothy Bull, Crispin Bull, David Lapham, Joseph Davis. Jacob Bartlett, Luther Colvin, John Barlow. Reuben White, Josiah Southwick, William Boyce. Isaac Wilbur. Gilbert Palmer, Nathan Smith. Asa Sinith. Joseph Irish. Enoch Congor, Ezekiel Ballard, Harris Otis, Elkanah Parris. Daniel Cook, Jazaniah Barret, Daniel Southwick, Benjamin Kelley and Aaron Rogers,
Another church was built in 1805, near the present residence of Howell Dillingham, and for many years the quarterly and monthly meetings were held there. At the time uns church was built, the Friends were the most numerous, and outnumbered all other religious societies, Many eminent Quakers have preached from time to time in that church, among whom was Elias Ilicks, who visited this town about the year 1830.
The society of Friends continued to prosper until 1827, when a division took place, and a small portion of the members, calling themselves Orthodox, withdrew. Those who did not withdraw were known as the "Hicksites," and worshiped agreeable to the doctrine taught by Elias Hicks. Among those who were instru- mental in establishing the Orthodox society here were Harris Otis, Friend Smith, Booth Rogers and others, and a church was erected about the year 1830, near the residence of William Her- rick. The Orthodox society, failing for members and want of support, finally discontinued their meetings, and the church was torn down some ten years since.
In 1845, a new church was built on the east side of the town. since which the monthly meetings have been held there a part of the time, and the other part at the old church. For a number of years past the quarterly and monthly meetings have been held here and at Granville, N. Y., alternately. The Friends' church is gradually declining, there being but few members now living in town, among whom are Josiah Southwick and wife, Isaac Nichols, John Bell, Joseph Bartlett and wife, David Boyce and wife, Prince Hill and wife, and Job Seoft and wife. We foresee and apprehend what the fate of this society will be. and that a few years hence there will not be a member left in town. Thus will pass. and doubtless never to be revived here. this venerable and once prosperous church. Although there are many Quaker descendants among the inhabitants, for the church is not sas- tained, and is failing for want of support.
The old church near Mr. Dillingham's was purchased in 1817. by David Staples, of Granville. N. Y., and torn down, which created some difficulty among the people and members of the
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society, it being claimed by some that, according to the deed, the building could not thus be sold. The premises were deeded in 1807, by Joseph Button and Harris Otis, to Anthony Nichols and Ezekiel Ballard, as being members of the denomination of Friends, and appointed by said denomination of people, by a minute of their monthly meeting, to take the deed. The money paid for these premises was the property of the meeting, and by the members thereof raised by a free, voluntary contribution for that purpose, which premises were to be holden entirely for the use and benefit of the society forever, and their successors in membership that should remain in unity with the society. Also all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging were conveyed to Anthony Nichols and Ezekiel Ballard, as members of said people, under the direction of the yearly, quarterly and monthly meetings of the Friends and their successors that should remain in unity in the said meetings, forever. Whether they had a right to sell the building or not, it was torn down very much against the wishes of the people, especially many who had friends buried there, and whose efforts to check the proceedings were unavailing. This venerable structure, which had stood there for over sixty years, and in which the fathers and mothers of the town worshiped, and around which sacred recollections clung. was thus sacriligiously torn down. The burial ground connected with the church, in which lie the remains of many of the earlier members of the society, and those of later times, still make it a hallowed spot. It is still the wish of many that when they die their bodies may be deposited in this yard. It was also their wish to have the church stand there, for funeral purposes, if for no other.
Besides the churches and societies already named, there have been, within our limits, Congregationalists, Universalists, Second Adventists and Spiritualists. The Congregationalists and Cui- versalists have been at times quite numerous. The Church of the Disciples has also been represented here. Within the past ten or twelve years Spiritualism has prevailed to a considerable extent, and at present there are a large number of believers in the new spiritual philosophy.
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HISTORY OF DANBY.
CEMETERIES.
There are some six or seven public cemeteries in town. besides several family cemeteries. The oldest is in district No. 12. on the farm originally owned by Micah Vail, and now belonging to Eunice Reed. It was given to the town in 1776, by Capt. John Vail, and Micah Vail and his wife were the first persons interred. This yard is almost entirely occupied. The next oldtest is west of the Corners, on the farm of Ira H. Vail. It was given to the town in 1785, by Henry Herrick. Some improvements have recently been made. The third one is in district No. 7, and was laid off from the Lemuel Griffith farm in 1795. This yard has recently been enlarged and improved, being enclosed by a neat and durable fence. The Friends or Quaker cemetery is next oldest, having been laid out in 1406. Gilbert Pommes was the first person interred. The Friends have another small burial ground. on the east side of the town, laid off from the farm originally owned by Anthony Nichols, and near the residence of Isaac Nichols. The next one is a small publie cemetery. near the residence of Edwin Staples. There is also another in the Little Village, and one in the northwest part of the town, near the residence of Erwin E. Lillie.
There is still another cemetery, near Scottsville, laid off from the farm of Joseph Buil. The yard has lately been enlarged and handsomely improved. In 1865, an association was formed. known as the Danby Cemetery Association, and chartered by the State Legislature, and consists of the following named persons, viz : George Hadwin. G. W. Phillips, W. L. Phillips, Charles Nichols, Nelson Colvin, Thomas Nichols, O. B. Hadwin, David Griffith, J. S. Perry, A. S. Baker, R. E. Caswell, S. P. Scott, S. W. Phillips and others. This association was organized in 1866, by appointing a board of five trustees, and from said board of trustees was appointed a president, secretary and treasurer. who hold their offices during the pleasure of the board. The trustees are elected annually, but in case of failure of an election. the old trustees hold their offices until new ones are appointed. The cemetery at present contains one acre, or more, which is laid out in lots, avenues and walks, alleys and areas, the same being substantially fenced, and a contract has just been completed for setting the cemetery to shade trees. The present trustees are Thomas Nichols. A. S. Baker. S. W. Phillips, R. E. Caswell and G. A. Hadwin, of whom Thomas Nichols is prezident, S. W. Phillips secretary. R. E. Caswell treasurer, and Joseph I. Scott, sexton. Mr. Scott has taken a contract of the different proprietors of lots to grade the lots in tiers with the aventes, ete .. of the cemetery, which, when completed, with the shade tives. will make as fine a cemetery as there is in this part of the country.
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HISTORY OF DANBY.
FAMILY SKETCHES.
INTRODUCTION.
Much time and labor has been expended in collecting materials for this chapter. We designed, at the commencement of this work, to give a more extended history of the families of this town, but our attempts have failed in many cases. Hundreds have lived in town and passed away from the recollection of those now living, and consequently many families must necessarily be omitted.
In introducing these sketches, we shall give the names in alphabetical order, commencing with the oldest families, and so continue down to the present time. We have given the town and state, as far as could be ascertained, from which those who are not natives came. and to which those who have left have removed. A record of marriages and deaths is also given, which will proba- bly contain some errors.
Although this town has never been prolific in what the world calls great men. yet many are worthy of mention. We have labored to rescue from oblivion the names of those who have gone before us, to record their virtues. and to place landmarks where they resided, that those who come after us may know who were their ancestors.
Many months of labor are over, which have brought some perplexities as well as pleasures ; and we hope the time spent has not been entirely in vain. We trust, however, that the reader will find some satisfaction in following through successive genera- tions back to their ancesters, many of whom forsook the comforts of older countries, and endured the hardships of settling a new country. to establish a home for themselves and those they loved. The spots where they lived ; the buildings they created : the brooks in which they bathed their weary limbs, and the majestic trees beneath whose ancient arms they found a cooling shade. are more interesting to us than any place on earth.
NOTE .- b. stands for born; m. for married; d. for died: and dr. for daughter.
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