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CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 THE 
 ANNA ALLEN WRIGHT 
 
 LIBRARY ENDOWMENT FUND 
 
1803-1903 
 
 CENTENNIAL 
 
 OF THE OLD 
 
 \\m liONGIifliillONii (iiUIIGH 
 
 WIMDMAM, NEW -YORK, 
 • JUNE 16th, 1903. 
 
 The History of the Old Church, with Shorter Histories of 
 the Daughter Churches of 
 
 WINDHAM, JEWETT AND ASHLAND, 
 
 And Other Historical Matter, 
 
 BY 
 
 REV. HENRY MARTYN DODD, A. M. 
 
 WINDHAM, N. YT 
 WIl^DHAM J0T7ENAL PRINT, 
 
 1903. 
 
The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924010165953 
 
THE CENTENNIAL EXERCISES, 
 ■ JUNE 16th, 1903. 
 
 The exact date would have been March 21st, but by postponing 
 to June 16th, the three daughter churches were able to hold union 
 services in the open air, in a lovely grove on the hill just behind the 
 site of the old meeting house, near the Ashland cemetery. This 
 grove, on the farm of the brothers Albert B. and John W. Steele, 
 proved an ideal location, — dry, shady, with very fine views up and 
 down the Batavia Valley. The grounds had been prepared in fine 
 shape by a faithful committee, with platforms, seats, tables, carriage - 
 room, etc. 
 
 Unfavorable weather had preceded for some days and this morn- 
 ing broke cloudy, but soon cleared up into a tolerablj' fair day. The 
 attendance was good, especially in the afternoon. The music was 
 furnished by the imited choirs of the three churches, assisted by 
 Hensonville friends, with Mr. A B. Munson, as director ; Mr. John 
 Williston, as organist,^ and the organ kindly loaned by Trinity 
 (Episcopal) Church. 
 
 Mr. George H. Chase of Jewett, was chosen President of the 
 Day, and the following programme gone through ; 
 
 1. Anthem— "Oh, Come, Let Us Sing." \', {'■ I '; 
 
 2. Prayer, - - - Rev. Charles E. Herbert. 'v' 
 
 3. Hymn, Tune, "Ortonville." »^ jl 
 
 4. "History of the Old Church," - Rev. Henry' M. Dodd. ^f - 
 
 5. Anthem. <|g 
 Recess for Lunch. ,, -fflhrK^^' ''j' 
 
• AFTERNOON. 
 
 6. Shorter Histories. 
 
 (1) "Jewett Church," read by Mr. Clifford M. Baldwin- 
 
 (2) "Windham Center Church," written and read by 
 
 Mr O. R. Coe. 
 
 (3) "Ashland Church," writteil by Rev. Henry M. Dodd, 
 
 read by - Miss Harriet Lewis. 
 
 "7. Hymn, Tune, "Bavaria." 
 
 8. Address, by Eev. Hem7 A. Stimson, D. D., Pastor of Manhattan 
 
 Congregational Church of New York City, grandson of the 
 first Pastor of the old Church. 
 
 9. Hymn, Tune, "St. Martins." 
 
 10. Reminiscences by 
 
 (1) Rev. C. C. Thome, Minister of Windham Church. 
 
 (2) Eev. C. E. Herbert, former Minister of Ashland. 
 
 11. Letters from Old Friends 
 
 12. Doxology, and Benediction by Rev. C. C. Thome. 
 
 These exercises were all listened to with deep interest, especially 
 the able and eloquent address of Dr. Stimson, a synopsis of which is 
 given elsewhere. 
 
 The exhibit of curiosities, under the care of Miss Ella Allen 
 Dodd, attracted much attention. Among them may be mentioned, 
 the portrait of Rev. Henry B. Stimson, the first pastor, a sketch from 
 memory of the old meeting house as it appeared after it became a 
 bam, the wooden lock of the old meeting house, a portion of the old 
 pulpit, the old communion table, a tankard, plates, and cups of the 
 old pewter communion set, the ancient church and society record 
 books, old hymn books, a tuning fork, old footstove, and sundry old 
 documents. 
 
 Letters were received and read from Rev. S. S. Potter, R«v. C. 
 H. Holloway, Rev. C. 0. Day, D. D., Rev. W. N. P Dailey, Rev. Nor- 
 man F. Nickerson, Rev. George Bergen, Rev. Irving E. White, Rev. 
 H. H. Kellogg, Mr. Augustus S. Brandow, and Miss Kitty Van 
 Vechten Van Dyok. 
 
 i!)(,^„There were a very few present who remembered attending meet- 
 
 ing ia the old house. Among them we note: Mr. James Harrington, 
 
 ^'''Charles P. Chase, David Pond, Mrs. Mary Lynde, (the only surviving 
 
 child of Rev. H. B. Stimson,) Mrs. Julia (White) Parker, Mrs. Laura 
 
 I (Clark) Moon, Cyril J. Brainerd and Darius Prout. 
 
Dr. Stimson's Address. 
 
 The address of the day was delivered by the Eev. Henry A. 
 Stimson, D. D., pastor of the Manhattan Congregational Church of 
 New York City. He is the son of the late Henry C. Stimson, a 
 business man of New York, and the grandson of Henry B. Stimson, 
 the first pastor of the old Windham Church. We have only room 
 for a brief outline of his remarks, of which he has kindly furnished 
 this synopsis : 
 
 Historians have pointed out that it is a great thing in the life 
 of a people when a nation is seen returning to renew its strength at 
 the sources of its youth. In this lies the value of the centennial 
 celebrations which have been of such frequent recurrence of late. 
 We gain new inspiration and courage from returning to the homes 
 of our ancestors and kindling our hearts with the surroundings in 
 which they laid the foundations of the life of our people. 
 
 No colony in the world's history has been so remarkable for the 
 quality and education of its members as that which settled on the 
 eastern shore of Massachusetts in the first half of the seventeenth 
 century. They were men of high principle and a clear purpose. They 
 had been harried out of England for conscience sake, and had found 
 in Holland a refuge which they had endured for twelve years, only to 
 discover that they were to remain aliens in a strange land and amid 
 strange speech, and that their children were endangered by tempta- 
 tions too great for them. For the purpose then, not onl^' of doing- 
 something to lay the foundations for the kingdoni of God in those 
 distant lands, but also to secure a practical opportunity for the fu- 
 ture of their children, they braved the terrors of Lhe North Atlantic 
 and the dangers of an unknown continent. Immediately they 
 founded the School, the State and the Church. As their children 
 pushed further into the wilderness they carried the principles and 
 the purpose of their fathers with them. Everywhere schools were 
 planted and everywhere the foundations of the state were laid along 
 lines which have determined our national life. We have reason to 
 be hopeful of the future of our country because of wliat we see 
 everywhere as the results of their labor. On the prairies of the far 
 West no less than in these Catskill mountains, there are to-day strong 
 
and prosperous communities whose children are gaining education 
 and are moving out into every variety of useful and honorable lite. 
 It is well to remember that all this was secured at the cost of heroic 
 sacrifice and an unfaltering purpose under an inspiration which 
 amounted to a vision given of God. These were men who believed 
 in God and believed in themselves. They furnished the solvent of 
 the nation, which has enabled us to receive people of every clime 
 and make them over into Americans like ourselves. This mightiest 
 migration of men which the world has ever s,een, which has settled 
 the American continent, is a blessing and not a curse because of 
 what our ancestors were and what they did. We are here to-day to 
 gain an assured confidence in the future of uur country, and a new 
 inspiration for our patriotism. 
 
 None the less is the debt we owe our fathers for the planting of 
 the church. This little church, founded in the wilderne is a hundred 
 years ago, was nothing in itself, but it is well to remember it was a 
 part of the great Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you would know 
 what that means, you have but to consider the price that was paid 
 for it in the sacrifice of the Son of Qod. For two thousand years it 
 has been the instrument of the revelation of God to men and the 
 key to the kingdom of heaven for a multitude which no man can 
 number. To-daj' it is the oldest of human institutions and the most 
 powerful. It has extended to all lands, it preaches the gospel of 
 the Lord Jesus Christ in every tongue, it is in itself the earnest and 
 the harbinger of the final coming of the kingdom of God. As your 
 eyes turn to that little cemetery where sleep the fathers and those 
 who followed them, the drama of human life unfolds vsdth all its 
 pathos and all its tragedy. The church brooded over them to com- 
 fort, to cheer, to strengthen, to help, as they fought their fight and 
 at last entered their reward. Here they brought their children for 
 baptism, here they made their own confession of faith in their Lord, 
 here they came for the message which was to strengthen them for 
 their service or to bind up their broken hearts, and here they buried 
 their dead. The building has disappeared, but that f jr which it 
 stood — the kingdom of God in the hearts of men — grows broader 
 and higher and more precious. We can thank God to-day that we 
 are the heirs not only of the traditions and the lives of the fathers, 
 but that their works do follow them in all spiritual ways, and that 
 their prayers are laid up before God for our upbuilding. In the 
 light of such an hour we see what the church is worth in every com- 
 munity and what we are called to do in preserving and strengthen- 
 ing it. Everything that divides or impairs its efficiency, strikes at 
 the heart of all that is best in the life of the community. It should 
 be cherished as we cherish what we love most. It should be kept 
 in living touch with the life that goes on about it. It is never a 
 thing of the past, either in doctrine or in purpose. Its message 
 should be as fresh as the daily needs of the people. Its sympathv 
 its ways, its every ministry, should be as vital and broad as the life 
 that goes on about it. Then it will forever be to our children what 
 
it was to our fathers — the summons to all that is best in them of 
 love, of aspiration and of effort, and the chief ministry of God in 
 blessing their lives. 
 
 In closing, he spoke of what our fathers were in their homes, 
 and of the place of the Christian family in the life of the nation. 
 He paid a tender tribute to the early home, and recounted many il- 
 lustrations of its beauty and sweetness. Our fathers were strong, 
 stern men only in their battle with the forest and the elements, as 
 they fought to clear the wilderness and establish conditions of rea- 
 sonable life for those who were to come after them. In this sense 
 they were masterful men. But within their homes they were tender 
 and loving and devotedly pious. They lived with the fear of God 
 before their eyes and with the certainty of heaven in their hearts. 
 They lived the faith they held. And if that faith in its ancient forms 
 seems to us austere and archaic, it was none the less vital and fruit- 
 ful in them. They sought to bring up their children in the assur- 
 ance of it, they lived it in its beauty, they were little troubled with 
 doubts, and they feared nothing but sin. We are here to-day to do 
 them reverence. And as we remember how they gave to us beside 
 our life, the state and the chui'ch and the family, as these are our 
 best possessions today, we may well cherish their memory, love to 
 think of them as our own, and pray to God for grace to live their 
 lives. 
 
 A HISTORY OF THE OLD FIRST CONGREGA- 
 TIONAL CHURCH, WINDHAM, N, Y, 
 
 BY REV, HENRY MARTYN DODD, A. M. 
 
 In this gathering here, to-day, my friends, we find ourselves in 
 circumstances and surroundings that appeal strongly to the senti- 
 mental in our natures, and even to the poetical. Here we are, very 
 near the graves of the fathers. Some of you can say our fathers, 
 and nearly all of you can say oi/r kindred. In yonder grave-yard 
 sleep most of the pioneers who settled this valley, and transformed 
 it.B primeval wilderness into fruitful fields. Near by in a corner of 
 
the grave-yard was a log school-house, probably the first m Wind- 
 ham, where meetings of various kinds were held.* In full view in 
 our front in the new part of the present cemetery, about 70 feet 
 from the center of the turnpike and facing the road, stood the "old 
 meeting-house," built little by little as they were able. And in that 
 house a hundred years ago, March 21st, 1803, was organized the old 
 First Congregational Church of Windham, which, though not the 
 first organized in town, was yet among the first, and for a long time 
 the strongest. As we look down onto the ground where it once 
 stood, we can almost imagine we behold the ox teams and single 
 horse rigs hitched to the trees close by, and see the people gathering 
 for worship on Sabbath days, morning and afternoon, and on week 
 days, for town meetings, political, and secular affairs, and enjoying 
 their noonday lunch in summer under the trees of this very grove 
 perhaps. And to this old sanctuary and meeting-place they came 
 and went for forty years, till the daughters moved out, and the old 
 mother church went to live with one of the daughters, and the old 
 sanctuary was left desolate. 
 
 Veiy few of those who ever attended service in the old meeting- 
 house still remain, and fewer still of them are here to-day. But the 
 three daughter churches, with their children and grandchildren, are 
 here to-day, a goodly company, to honor the memory, decorate the 
 graves, and celebrate the Centennial of the fathers, "into whose in- 
 heritances, spiritual as well as temporal, they have entered. 
 
 It has been assigned to me to prepare a historical address for 
 this occasion. To do this has been for me a labor of love, for I enjoy 
 history and genealogy and I love the church I serve. 
 
 I regret to say that the materials for history are scanty. The 
 Society records did not begin till 1808, and are in fair shape. The 
 Church records begin in 1803, but are very brief, and missing alto- 
 gether, from 1813 to 1826, a most flourishing period. But from 
 what the books do furnish, and from Rev. Oscar B. Hitchcock's work 
 Col. Geo. Robertson's History of Windham Church and Rev H h' 
 Prout's admirable sketches of "Old Times in Windham " with items 
 from other sources, I have gleaned the material which I have woven 
 into the narrative I now present to your kind attention 
 oi . ^o^o"^^. ^^^ organization, as such, dates back only to March 
 21st, 1803, yet any adequate history of it must treat of the events 
 and conditions that preceded it, Who could fully exhibit the life 
 and fruitage of a tree, who did not examine its roots, and the soil in 
 which It grew! No more could I fully write the hisWyoT thr old 
 Church, without going back to the conditions that gave it birth 
 
 Twenty years before 1803 these valleys and mountain sides were 
 covered with a primeval forest, chiefly hemlock. They had no set 
 tiers, and were visited only by forest rangers, roving^Indians tor v 
 refugees, and occasional land prospectors. It Was not SlSr the 
 
 *This house was succeeded by the one kliMf «irv .v,„r, ^ , 
 
 the elms, at the North Settlement road "^ y®*"'"^ ^^^"^ »°der 
 
Revolutionary War that it was safe to settle so far back from the 
 Hudson River. Peace came in 1783. By 1785 it was safe to begin 
 settlements. Deacon Jedediah Hubbard's tombstone says that he 
 was "the first deacon" and "the first settler." But the probability is 
 that Captain George Stimson, the father of Rev. Henry B., was a 
 little the first as a permanent settler. He came here as the agent of 
 Robert Livingston, a lar^e land owner, to take charge of his herds 
 pastured on his mountain lands. The same year, 1785, Elisha Strong 
 came and built a log cabin, cut some grass and went back to Con- 
 necticut for the winter There may have been one or two others who 
 came, but these we know about. 
 
 Capt. Geo. Stimson and his son Henry, a boy of 13, arrived in 
 1785. They spent the first night in the open air beaide the high 
 flat rock at the west end of "Windham village. There they built a 
 cabin of logs and brush, the rock serving for oue side of the hut, and 
 f jr its chimney also. Later this cabin was burned, but at once re- 
 built in much the same manner. 
 
 The Captain and the boy Henry spent the winter of 1785-6 
 here. Their stores got low, and the father went to Claverack, near 
 Hudson, where the nearest mill was, to get food. He expected to be 
 gone but a few days, and left Henry alone. But the ice in the Hud- 
 sou made his return crossing impossible for six weeks, during which 
 time the boy Henry had to live in the hut alone, among wolves, bears, 
 panthers, and other dangers, with no kind guardian except the 
 Heavenly Father, whose care for His people never ceases. 
 
 An incident worth relating, occurred at that time. One night 
 there came along a man on horseback, — a stranger, — who spent the 
 night and shared with Henry hi3 potato breakfast, and tried tj per- 
 suade the boy that the return of his father was very doubtful, and 
 that he had better go with him to a safer place. The boy, however, 
 would not leave the place, and so the traveler started on. Soon he re- 
 turned, fearing that the boy would starve if left alone, and evidently 
 thinking it his duty to save him, tried to force him to go, whereupon 
 Henry ran and hid in the woods, and the man haci to go on without 
 him, after all. 
 
 Many years afterward, the Rev Henry B. Stimson, at a Presby- 
 tery meeting, was accosted by an aged gentleman who said, "You 
 are from the Batavia, are you not?' "Do you know a little boy who 
 years ago lived in a hut there and was left alone ?" Mr. Stimson re- 
 plied, "I am that boy," a statement which melted all to tears. 
 
 It would be an interesting chapter of local histoiy if I had time 
 to sketch the settlement of this region, and tell you how during the 
 next ten or fifteen years, family after family came in and located 
 themselves, some in the valley, some "on the mouutain," or Jewett, 
 and built their log cabins and began their little clearings, and 
 tracked out their roads, — the tlubbards. Strongs, Stimsons, Rices, 
 Buels, Chases, Ponds, Tuttles, Clallins, Stones, Steeles, Ives, Pratts, 
 Miles, Pecks, Baldwins, Munsoas, Barlows, Babcocks, Reynolds, 
 Chamberlains, Johnsons, Robinsons, Beaches, Coes, Prouts, Cargils, 
 
10 
 
 Martins, Chatfields, Turneys, Smiths, Ticlienors, Arnolds, Hosfords, 
 Osborns, Baileys, Thomsons, Robei-tsons, Hitchcocks, Houghs, 
 Whites, Kinsleys, Parsons, Hansons, Holcombs, Stanleys, Camps, 
 Halls, Atwaters, Brays, Parkers, Distins, Beers, Austins, Norths, 
 Harringtons, Averys, Snows, Blakeslees, Cobbs, Bronsons, Goslees, 
 Hulls, Merwins, Andrews, Woolcots and many more equally worthy 
 people whose names I have no reor J of. With the exception of a 
 few Dutch families on the Schoharie, it was a purelj' New England 
 community, mostly from Connecticut, and as thoroughly Pui-itan as 
 any other of New England origin. The farms were about all taken 
 up and the community had become about what it was to be. Itn 
 character was formed in those first years. 
 
 Of course shelter for themselves and families, aad their animals 
 was the first thing of all. Then log school-houses were built, in 
 which they could assemble for more public purposes. They would 
 also meet at the hotels or private houses, to have religious exercises, 
 or hear an occasional preacher. Rev. Jesse Townsend, pabtvn' at 
 Durham, quite often visited the settlement and held meetings. 
 
 The time had now coma when they might think of church or- 
 ganizations; bat where could ministers be fouad, or mo.-iej' to keep 
 them. Hitherto, they had all worshipped together, informally, iu 
 private houses and school houses, but now they began to think of 
 church organizations. There were some B.iptists, some Reformed, 
 a very few Methodists, a considerable nunjber of Episcopalians, and 
 a large majority of Congregationalists and Presbyterians. The very 
 first church organization of all seems to hive been the O. S. BiptisV, 
 Church of Lexington, formed Oct. 25th, 1790. 
 
 The second church organized was the *Reformed Church of 
 
 *Tlie first settlers on the Solioharie, at Prattaville, were mostly oe the 
 Eeformed Dutch communion, and the Refonned Church was orc^aniypd 
 there in 1798 The county history says their minister at Hi^t was"™ 
 
 Mr. Lopaugh, but thts is, I'm sure, a misprint, and tliat the true name is 
 Rev. Peter Lnbagh, who, trom 1798 to 1809, was the pi,)us an.i beloved 
 pastor of the Reformed Churches of Leeds and O.ik Hill Tl ev b, Mr- 
 house in 1804. and rebuilt it on another site in 1834. This tiouse is sti il 
 use. The succession of -'dominies" has been: 1798 Rev Pt-fpi- Tai.aJ 
 1803-29, Rev. Cornelius D. Schermerhorn; 1814-27 R^vWins^owPri?' 
 1829-33, Henry B. Stimson; 1883, Rev. Hamilton VanDyck^^risMO Rfv' 
 ^k^mlffP^ '^*l-^^' Rev Epiu-aim DePuy; 1846-.',1. iev.A V V^rk: 
 off; 1852-54 Rev. Eben S. Hammond; 1855-59, Rev. Wm, Johns- ISsffifi 
 Rev. A. F Gilbert who died there); 18B6-7i) Rev Thomas qn,.'jK' 
 
 ham till the to>vn of Prattsville was for.ned in 1833 Two of Pr«f. 1','' " 
 most distinguished men were from this SocwtV-Zadon Pr^ef f ^''^'^^^'"'^ ^ 
 ett, and Barton G. Morss from the Ashland pm-tioi^rtK"" t^<^ J«^v- 
 their pastor after he left here for four years Aft,- fL i™'?" '^^"'""'^ 
 removed to Ashland and became feeb e it was d^^lLl^ "''* *='"»''"l' «"*s 
 ministers, from 18601891). Tliese ciioumstTnces ht^f °." ^''^^^^'i'le for 
 of the two churches more than usuallyTiuSlXoS. "" ''^^ "''"" 
 
11 
 
 Prattsville, in 1798. The next year, 1799, *Trinity Parish (Episcopal) 
 ■was organized, and three years later, in 1802, a Congregational 
 Church in Big Hollow. Thus we see that in Old Windham there 
 were at least four, chui'ches, regularly organized before this. And 
 yet it seems probable that the Congregational Society was really the 
 first. They had begun a meeting-house "on the Batavia" as early 
 as 1799. There must have been some sort of organization then for 
 the purpobe, and perhaps some years sooner, and they doubtless had 
 the right to name themselves as they did, " The First Society of 
 Windham," and their church the, First Congregational. 
 
 As already stated, the people in 1799 had begun to build a 
 meeting-hoiise. It is a well authenticated tradition that some of 
 the Prout family reached this valley on the last day of the last 
 month of the last year of the last century (1799), and as they passed 
 by they saw the psople raising ths frame of the old meeting- 
 house, for which Med ad Hunt gave the land. The portly Esq. 
 (Silas) Lewis stood cm one of the plates. A year later, 1800, or in 
 1801, the peoplrf in Jewett began a house, and organized the Second 
 C.mgregational Society of Windham. The Reformed Church at 
 Prattsville was built in 1804, the Episcopal Church in 1818, the Big 
 Hollow Chun-h about 1822. 
 
 It seams to be the fact that when the old meeting-house was 
 built, it was in some sense a union house, to whose erection all con- 
 tributed, and it wds used as such for a number of years. But, as 
 usually happens in union societies, trouble arose. The two minis- 
 ters, made appointments that conflicted, and the Episcopalians deem- 
 ing themselve3 shut oat, withdrew and used the house no more. 
 
 *Triiiity Church (P. E.), whose life and liistory has touched ours in so 
 many ways for a whole century, was formed May 20lh, 1799, by Rev. Phi- 
 lander Cliase, who afterward became Bisliop of Ohio The Act of Incor- 
 puration was signed by S.imnel Gunri, Norman Oolhiis, Silas Lewis, Ebe- 
 iiezer Osbora, Eli Odborn, John 'rnttle, Benjamin Johnson, Samuel Good- 
 sel, miphaleC Wheeler, Almond Munsun, Amasi Tuttle. Orange Munson, 
 Jehial Tutllf, Jabez Barlow, Samuel Merwin, Enos Baldwin, Samuel 
 Woolcott, Ebenezer Johnson, Elislia Stanley. Samuel Chatfield, and 
 William Tuttle. They had no res^nlar mini.ster till 1808, when Rev. Joseph 
 Perry became suchj He continued till 1817 arid was succeeded by Rev. 
 Samuel Fuller, and Rev. Jame.s Thompj.)n; 18iJl, Rev. O. P. Holcomb; 
 1813, Rev. Thomas S. Judd; 18.)7, K-jv. Cuarles Purviauce; 1858, Rev. Mr. 
 Judd again; 186:i, Rev. E N. Goddard; 1867, Rev. U. H Prout (brother 
 i)f Mr. DarioiH Prout); 1871, Rev. E. A. Edgarlon; 1873, Rev. John A. 
 Clarke; 1878, Rev. H. C Hutchins; 1880, Rev. F. A. Todrig; 1884, Rev E. 
 J. Ri)ke; 1886. Rev, S T. Brewster; 1893, Rev. W. B. Hall; 1897, Rev.. L. 
 C. Morgan: 1899. Rev. G. N. Mea.J; 1900, Rev. J. B. Sill; 1903, Rev. E M. 
 Skagen. Their first house was dedicated in 18l8, cost $2,300. It was re- 
 built iu 1879 and is now a beautiful edifice, of Gothic style. It is worthy 
 of note that the Eev. Samuel Fuller, named above, was the same one 
 with whom Mr. Stimsim studied theology, and who preached at his ordi- 
 nation. He had bncome an Episcopalian. He always lived at Rensselaer- 
 ville, but minintered to quite a number of Episcopal churches in the region 
 .-round. Sp.ace forbids me to give more of this history, for which see Mr. 
 Prout's '-Old Times in Windham." His contributions to local history de- 
 serve our lastinij gratitute, as well as his missionary zeal our admiration. 
 
12 
 
 la the summer of 1802, there was a remarkable revival of relig- 
 ion among the 13 families that then lived in Big HoUovf Seven 
 years before it had been first settled by Lemuel Hitchcock and his 
 sons, who took up a square mile of land. Mr. Hitchcock was a very 
 religious man, who kept up meetings in the Hollow with much earn- 
 estness, and by and by there were tokens of the Holy Spirit's pres- 
 ence. Eev. Jesse Townsend, of Durham, came and held special 
 services, with much success. In Nov., 1802, he and Rev. Bei-iah 
 Hotchkin, of Greenville, formed a Church of 22 members, 21 of them 
 on profession of faith. They baptized eight adults and fifteen chil- 
 dren. What became of this church I am unable to determine. 
 There is no other record, and no tradition. It is not the present 
 *church, for that was organized in 1822. I suspect it was given up. 
 They could not afford a minister. The early familie.3 in Big Hollow 
 were largely transients. Tradition says that Mr. Stimson preached 
 to them sometimes as an outstation. I find on our roll, some years 
 later, the names of several from Big Hollow. 
 
 By the summer of 1802, the fhouse on the Batavia had been cov- 
 ered, and it was possible to hold meetings in it. A house in Jewett 
 was begun a year or two later and stood near the residence of D. 
 Noble Chase. This house was sold at auction for $50, to Elisha 
 Thompson, who gave it to the society. It is now the parsonage barn. 
 In 1804 another house was begun where the present meeting-house 
 stands. This remained unfinished for a number of vears. 
 
 *Tlie present cimreh at Big Hollow was organized by Dr. Wiliiston, 
 Rev. David Harrower, Rev. Jnines Jewell, and Dea. Hubbard, a coiiiniiltee 
 of the Northern Associated Presbytery, Deu. lltli, 1822. Mr. Harrower 
 preaclied from Ps. cxxxiii, 1. It took the name Second CongreKal.ional 
 Church of Windham. Four years later it united with Cohirubia Presby- 
 tery (Sept. a7th, 1826), nnd was reorganized Nov., 1826, as a full Presbyte- 
 rian church, which it has been ever since. Its members when reorganized 
 were William Evans, Jr., and Harriet his wife, Lemuel Hitchcock nnd Pa- 
 tience his wife, Theron Hough and Tryphena his wife, Susannah, wife of 
 Isaac Pain, Samuel Chapman, Samuel Atwater, Eli Palmer Robinson and 
 
 Molly his wife, Samuel Bagley and L his wife, Lemuel Hitchcock Jr 
 
 and Lois his wife, Zalmon Hitchcock, Sally Root, Rhoena Hitchcock' and 
 Abigail Chapman. A number of these had been members of the old First 
 Church, and Mr. Stimson had preached there often. It might perhaps have 
 been proper to include Big Hollow among the daughters of the old Fir.-st 
 Church. The ministers have been: 1822-30, Rev. Mr. Diirfee and other 
 supplies; 1830-1853, the long pastorate of Rev. Alfred Gardner Since 
 then, owing to weakened condition, there have been many and short sun- 
 plies: Rev. Mr Smith 1 year, Rev. J. B. Fish, Rev. William Johns, liet 
 S''?!'^,!^^^"*^^" 1 y^'-^''' Kev. J. J. Buck. Rev. B. T. Phillips 1 vear Rev 
 R. Ct. McCarthy 1 year. Rev. B. Dubois Wyckoflf, Rev. W N P Dailev ■'> 
 summers. Rev. Charles E Herbert 3 years, Rev. Daniel I. MoiTison 1 vear" 
 F : ■^m'^o^^^'"'^^^''- ^^°^'^^ Bergen, Rev. Henry M. Dodd, March 1896- 
 ?;Pi-' J^S,^' ^^''- ^^"'W"*'' Bowers, Rev. Henrv H. Lmes U years Rev InL 
 McNab, Rev. Charles E. Herbert! Nov., 1903: '^^''^'^ y*^*"*' "bv. John 
 
 tDBSORiPTiON OF MEETiNG-HousE.-Tl.e meeting-liouse stood about 70 
 feet trom the center of the turnpike, and about 80 feet ea! f the welt 
 line of the new cemetery. It was 38 feet wide, and e th« 43 or 4i^eet 
 
13 
 
 There was not only a meeting-house but a minister in sight. 
 Henry Bowen Stimson, one of their own boys, and son of Capt. 
 George Stimson, the first settler, had been fitting for the ministry of 
 the blessed gospel. He had come here a boy of 13 with his father, 
 the first settler, as already related ; assisted in supporting the large 
 family till of age ; then for nine years had studied at Claverack and 
 Kinderhook, paying his way by working at cabinet making. His 
 thoughts had been turned to the ministry by Rev. Mr. Townsend, of 
 Durham, with whom he had studied some ; and finally he studied 
 *theology with Eev. Samuel Fuller, of Rensselaerville, whose wife's 
 sister he afterward married. He was licensed to preach June 3d, 
 1802, by the Northern Associated Presbytery, at the house of Eev. 
 Stephen Penn, in Harpersfield, after a "full and thorough examina- 
 tion." The license, which is still in existence, is signed, Beriah 
 Hotchkin, Moderator; John Morse, Scribe. 
 
 The people were not slow to secure for their minister one so well 
 and favorably known to them. He commenced preaching for them 
 that Summer or Fall, 1802. On the 13th day of October, a meeting 
 was held at the meeting-house in Batavia, at which a committee was 
 chosen to hire Mr. Stimson, and to circulate a subscription for his 
 support, — he to preach alternately in the Valley and at Jewett for 
 six months, which was signed by 20 per.sons on the Batavia. This 
 will be found in the appendix. 
 
 fThe order of services in those days seams to have been, sermons 
 morning and afternoon, with intermission for lunch at noon. There 
 were no evening services in the meeting-house, but the minister held 
 social meetings or preached in school-houses and private houses. 
 
 long — nearly square. It stood side to the road. The principal entrance 
 was on the south side, in the center. Tliere was no vestibule. Tliere was 
 another door at tiie east end. The bell tower built later, was on the west 
 end. Inside, the pulpit stood opposite the door, on the north side of the 
 room, and was approached by a center aisle. Galleries ran around on 
 three sides, stairs to which were inside, to the left as you entered. At firfct 
 there was neither lath nor plastering and only slab seats, but by 1814 it had 
 been finished, and square pews built. The pulpit was a circular affair 
 boxed in, and closed with doors. ' Some of those doors are still in use in 
 the old Stimson home, and a part of the pulpit is there, too. 
 
 *When Mr. Stimson decided to study theology he consulted the ministers 
 about going to college. They advised him not to go, on account of his age, 
 38. But Williams College gave him the honorary degree of A. M.. in 1814. 
 
 fit seems proper, also, to record that there is an old cemetery on 
 the "Old Road," about three miles from East Windham, where once stood 
 a union meeting-house, in which ministers of all names preached, as occa- 
 sion served. One preacher who preached there more or less regularly was 
 Elder Uervey, a Baptist minister, son of the man who gave Hervey Street 
 its name. This house was probably built between 1810-20, and was almost 
 identical in its plan with the one on the Batavia. It was never finished in- 
 side and always had slab seats. It liad a liuge round, goblet-shaped pulpit, 
 imported, painted white. ,The Iiouse was finally bought by Col. Bobertson, 
 who took it down, and used the material in his tenant house. It was this 
 union church that gave the name Union Society to the neighborhood and 
 post-office, established 1816. The new turnpike was opened in 1826. 
 
14 
 
 The Sabbath day services were held oue Sabbath at "The Batavia," 
 the next "on the mountain." There were choirs, but no instruments, 
 till later. Tradition says that in later times there was at one time 
 two choirs, who each had their part in the singing. 
 
 The time had now come for a formal organization, and the next 
 Spring it was effected. I quote the account given on the fly leaf of 
 the Church Record Book : 
 
 "A record of the First Congregational Church formed in Wind- 
 "ham. County of Greene, State of New York, March 21st, 1:5 03, by 
 "Beriah Hotchkiii, pastor of the church in Greenfield, and Samuel 
 "Fuller, pastor of the church in Eensselaerville. 
 
 "The persons whose names are hereunto annexed, were ' agreed 
 "in and publicly professed to believe the following Articles of Faith, 
 "and entered into the Covenant affixed to the same." 
 
 The Articles of Faith are 14 in number and will be found in 
 the appendix. 
 
 The Covenant, too, will be found in the appendix. 
 These Articles and this Covenant were solemnly adopted and as- 
 sented to by 28 persons — 11 men and 17 women — who have the 
 honor, the distinguished honor,' of being its Original Members. 
 Their names are as follows : Slisha Strong, Samuel Ives, Jedediah 
 Hubbard, Timothy Hubbard, Amos Hubbard, Jared Rice, Ichabod 
 Brown, Elijah Strong, Samuel Crocker, Increase Claflin, George 
 Stimson, Lydia Baldwin, Lois Lockwood, Lowly Ives, Martha Hub- 
 bard, Dolly Hubbard, Dolly Hubbard, Jr., Abigail Snow, Hannah 
 Morison, Abigail Stimson, Sahara Hubbard, Esther Rice, Betsey 
 Crocker, Rebekah Tuttle, Anna Buel, Sarah Bice, Sarah Claflin, 
 Experience Stone. 
 
 They chose George Stimson, son of Capt. George, . Clerk of the 
 Church. Jedediah Hubbard appears a little later, to be called "dea- 
 con." If he had been chosen here the record was not made. Timo- 
 thy, his son, ako appears as deacon, later. 
 
 The next September, Mr. Stimson* was ordained and installed 
 SIX mmisters being present and a large and interested congregation! 
 
 *From Conn. Evang. Mag., 180S, p. 199.-Was ordaiued in the meetine- 
 houee at Windliaai, County of Greene, and State of New York on 
 Wednesday, t}ie 14th of Sept., 1803, the Rev. Henry B. Stimson to the 
 pastoral charge of the church in tliat place. The several parts were i,e,- 
 tormedby the following gentlemen: Rev. David Hairowar of Walton 
 Delaware county made the introductory prayer; Rev. Samuel Fuller of 
 Rensselaerville, Albany county, preached the sermon from 1 Cor 1 ■ 21 ■ 
 Rev. David Porter, late of Spencertpwn, and now preaching at CatsRill 
 made the praver during the imposition of hands; Rev. Beriah Hotch kin of 
 Greenfield gave the charge; Rev. Jesse Townsend of New Durham Lve 
 the right hand of fellowship, and Rev Ezekiel Chafman, late Mssionarv 
 to New Connecticut, and now preaching at Canton [Cairo! madf the «>„ 
 eluding prayer. It is pleasing to remark that a large concourse of nP^^L' 
 were present on the occasion, and appeared especiallv attenHvP Lh .^t"^'^ 
 during the whole transaction. [The sermon was publLhedbuf ? -"" 
 never seen it —H. M. D.] puoiisiiea, but 1 Iiave 
 
15 
 
 The installing body is not named, but it was without doubt the 
 Northern Associated Presbytery, and the church was no doubt taken 
 under their care, if not at that time, yet certainly by March 9th, 1808, 
 when the church voted "to ask Presbytery for a copy of its proceed- 
 ings," and "to allow the pastor an4 delegate their extra expenses 
 whenever they attend Presbytery, from the church treasury." 
 
 Concerning this Northern Associated Presbytery, a few words 
 at this point may be in order. There were four of these Associated 
 Presbyteries, the Morris County in New Jersey, Westchester, 
 Northern and Saratoga in New York. In their ideas of church 
 government they were a cross between Congregationalism and Pres- . 
 byterianism. They adopted the forms of the Presbyterian order, 
 had presbyteries, sessions, elders, &c., &c. But they objected to the 
 idea of "authority" in the relations of one church to another, and 
 to the use of mandatory terms like "order," "enjoin," "direct," in 
 ecclesiastical proceedings. They would only "advise," "recommend," 
 "counsel." They also allowed standing committees instead of 
 sessiirns, and permitted "deacons," and even laymen to sit in Pres- 
 bytery as delegates. In their theology they were strongly Calvin- 
 istic, many of them Edwardean, and even Hopkinisian. They were 
 men of great pietj' and hi^ly zeal, and their body furnished most of 
 the missicmaries, who looked after the spiritual destitutions of this 
 region, and founded new churches. A prominent man among them 
 was Eev. David Harrowar, a strong thinker, and tireless worker, who 
 was second pastor at Jewett, 1821-26. Even more conspicuous was 
 Rev. Seth Williston, D. D., pastor at Durham, 1810-1829. He was 
 an eminently hoi V and useful man, and an apostle to the new settle- 
 ments in New York State. The Northern Associated Presbytery 
 foanded nearly all tlie churches in tbis section. 
 
 But to return to the story of our own church. It grew slowly, 
 at first. About 1807, there was a great revival. Those were trying 
 times in those early days, says Col. Robertson. But Mrs. Theophilus 
 Peck, Mrs. Lockwood, and Mrs. Brockett, who lived on the Heights, 
 agreed to meet at a certain log in the woods between their homes, 
 to pray for a revival of religion, which they did from week to week 
 and month to month, till a revivai commenced, and a large number 
 of heads of families and many others were converted and united 
 with the church. 
 
 About the same time the Methodist itinerant preachers began 
 to make occasional visits to this region. Dolly Hubbard joined 
 them, and when called to account for forsaking her own church, sent 
 Mr. Stimson a defiant letter, for which she was disciplined. 
 
 Maj-ch 19th, 1807, at a "Church Convention," it was voted "to 
 meet quarterly to join in the concert of prayer," for what object does 
 not appear. MarcH 9th, 1808, the quarterly church meeting was 
 appointed to be held alternately "on the mountain," and "in Batavia." 
 Sept. 13th, 1808, it was voted to examine those who brought church 
 letters. Thus they could shut out unsound and unworthy members. 
 
 Up to this time the society that built the meeting-house seems 
 
w 
 
 to have had no legal organization, and if they kept any records none 
 remain For nearly ten years they had gone on so, but Oct. lUth, 
 ?808 a meet n^ for incorporation ^as held at the meeting-house in 
 
 Sia,of wbich Perez^teele.was ft-'statTlaW March 
 Clerk Thev proceeded to organize under the State law ot iVlarcn 
 27tb 1801 and took the name of "T^-^V^* Society of^he [own of 
 W?^S'Cd chose Noah Pond, Philetus Reynolds, Nathan Os- 
 born Timothy Hubbard, Elijah Strong and Jairas Munson Trustees, 
 ^certificate of incorporation, duly attested was laid betor^ f "^- 
 sonBuel,oneof the lay judges of the County Court It w'ls ap- 
 proved by him and is recorded in Greene County Clerk s Office, Oct. 
 24th, 1809, Vol. 1, Page 21, 22. Sept. 28th, 1808, the society voted 
 Rev Mr. Stimson a settlement of $150, on condition that it,he Mt 
 without the consent of the society, he should pay it back. ibis 
 money was paid to Mr. Stimson the next June. 
 
 In October, 1809, the society adopted what is called the "per- 
 manent" subscription plan, in which each subscriber bound himself 
 to pay the sum opposite his name, every year in future, unless he 
 moved away or joined some other church. More than 50 signed this 
 and it is still ia existence, with its autograph signatures. They also 
 voted to fence the church-yard. In 1811 a committee was appointed 
 to "promote singing." Was it a singing school' 
 
 It was almost 14 years before the meeting-house* wns fully 
 finished. In 1811 they voted to let the finishing of the house, and 
 the putting in of pews to any party who would t.ake fv)r their pay 
 the rent of the pews, until they got their pay. 
 
 A pleasing incidentf of that time is the fact that when the A- B. 
 C. F. M. was formed, in 1810, Rev. Mr. Stimson caught the mission- 
 ary spirit and impai-ted it to his people. They had little money, but 
 Mr. Stimson gathered about 30 sheep and lambs as gifts to the 
 
 *Mb. Peck's Incident. — Mr. Erastus Peck, of Wiiidhain, wlio reached 
 the ripe age of 95, May, 1903, remembers attending meeting; in the old 
 liouse when he was a small boy, in the charge of his grandfather, Richard 
 Peck, who was a member of the church. The house was then uutinished 
 and the seats were hemlock slabs, with wooden legs, bench fashion. Mr. 
 Peck's legs were too short to quite rest on the floor and he swung them 
 energetically to keep them warm. A good woman seeing bis discomfort 
 eame and put a footstove under them, by which they were both warmed 
 and supported. 
 
 fAnother incident of a different kind is preserved by Col. Robertson. 
 He says: The Government having called for one hundred thousand volun- 
 teers for the War of 1812, and the spirit of '76 still living in the hearts of the 
 people, the militia held a meeting in reference to the call. Capt. Eli P. 
 Robinson stepped/out in front of the company and said, "/ wUl go. Who 
 will go with me?" Most of them volunteered at once, manifesting a de- 
 termination to maintain our rights at all hazards. Just before leaving for 
 the war, the troops assembled at the church to listen to an address by Rev. 
 Henry B. Stimson, Before entering the church, Oapt. Robinson ordered 
 the company to stack their arms, and commanded Aaron Taylor to tuard 
 them. Seth Beers took a gun from the stack, and refusing to replace it the 
 guard slabbed him. Mr. Stimson prayed earnestly with and for the sol- 
 diers, and the country. 
 
17 
 
 cause, and with two of bis boys, drove them to Catskill, 30 miles 
 away. Passing the tollgate, be asked to go through free, because 
 says he, "They are the Lord's sheep." He bad to pay the toll, bow- 
 ever, but had not gone far before he found the exact sum in the 
 road. At Catskill he sold the sheep for $1.00 a head and sent on 
 the money. 
 
 The portion of the church residing on the Heights, had become 
 by 1812, a more distinct community. They had a meeting-house of 
 their own, a society of their own, known as the "Second Congrega- 
 tional Society of Windham," and were just about becoming a new 
 town, named Lexington. They were now able to pay a minister 
 themselves, and they began to talk of a church of their own. There 
 are signs that there had been occasional friction between the two 
 portions of the church. Nov. 24, 1812, it was voted "that the church 
 residing on the mountain have liberty to hire a candidate to preach 
 to them for the term of four months, from the 1st of December 
 next." December 8th a petition was presented, signed by 69 mem- 
 bers of that society, to be set off as a separate church. In January, 
 1813, the old church agreed to it, "provided the difficulties be re- 
 moved." What these "difficulties" were, I have not been able to find 
 out. They also voted to ask the advice of Presbytery, and if Presby- 
 tery deemed it best to divide the church, to send a committee to 
 effect it. If not, to appoint a council to meet here, and advise what 
 to do. The Presbytery did appoint a council, which met April 28th, 
 1813, and after surveying the situation, decided to organize the new 
 church, which they proceeded at once to do.* 
 
 The old church had already voted that in case of division, the 
 deacons should divide the communion furniture and the money in 
 the church treasury. This the deacons did. They "met and'divided 
 the temporalities of the church." 
 
 Thus, my friends, was born into a separate church life the old- 
 est daughter of our common mother, under the name of "First Con- 
 gregational Church of Lexington." I judge that she took a good 
 half of the old church and of its families. In the next six years her 
 69 became more than 160 and she is here to-day, a strong, vigorous, 
 fruitful church, and an honor to the mother who bore her. 
 
 Of course this division would not materially affect the congrega- 
 tions on the Batavia on the Sabbath. But now Batavia must raise 
 the whole of Mr. Stimson's salary, and they found it no easy task, as 
 subsequent records show. 
 
 Before the division was consummated the church had voted to 
 observe March 13th, 1813, as a day of fasting and prayer, and "that 
 we vyill consider ourselves disciplinable if we allow ourselves or any 
 of our families to commit any servile labor on said day." It was 
 also voted to purchase four cups, one platter, and one cloth, for the 
 
 *For a fuller accouut of tliis event, I would refer you to the first volume 
 of the Jewett Eecords, where it is given in the lucid style and elegant hand 
 writing of Judge Munson Buel, the first clerk of that church. 
 
18 
 
 church. In 1814 the "Standing Committee," which had been chosen 
 annually from the first, was increased from four to six. Also a cup- 
 board and chair were bought. 
 
 "We get glimpses of the same old problem that puzzles churches 
 to-day: how to raise the ministers'. salary. I judge that Mr. Stim- 
 son's salary had been at first $400. He lived in his own house, which 
 he built in 1805. He had married Becca Pond, Oct. 2d, 1803. The 
 society had given him $150 as a "settlement" in 1809. In 1815 his 
 salary was fixed at $500, perhaps owing to high prices. By 1815, 
 the pews had been put in and paid for and the rents were thereafter 
 used for salary, and perhaps they thought they could pay more. By 
 1818 the arrearages amounted to $400, $200 of it on the preceding 
 year. They proceeded to raise the arrearage and then adopted a 
 heroic plan. A subscription was drawn up in full legal verbiage 
 and form, in which it was provided, (1) that Mr. Stimson's salary 
 should be $400; (2) that the pew-rents should be applied to the 
 salary; (3) if the pew-rents were not sufficient, the balance should be 
 assessed on the subscribers, according to the assessment uf each on the 
 Town Roll, by a regular tax collector's waiTant, with power to sell 
 goods and chattels, and enforce collection if necessarj'. Provision, 
 however, was ma,de for releasing the subscriber, if he joined another 
 church or moved more than 5 miles away. This subscription is still 
 in existence and has the autograph signatures of 32 of the principal 
 men of that day. 
 
 How this heroic plan worked I cannot say, but not very well, I 
 judge. Many had not signed it and the next year a strong com- 
 mittee was raised to devise a new plan. Something better, I judge, 
 was found, for by 1822 they raised the salarj' to $460, but if ' the 
 trustees were unable to raise it, they were to notify Mr. Stimson. In 
 1823 they voted $400 and 30 cords of wood, if they could raise it. 
 The same was done in 1824. 
 
 Up to this time the horses and ox teams on meeting days had 
 to stand out in the open air, or under nearby trees. In 1823" it was 
 voted that "the lands about the meeting-house be lotted out for 
 sheds and sold at vendue," and that some person build the sheds, 
 and take his pay in shed rentals, till paid for, after which they 
 would belong to the society. The trustees were wthorized, if they 
 thought best, to obtain land and put the sheds on the south side of 
 the road. Those on the west and north were built. 
 
 By this tune (1824), there seems to have arisen a state of thino-s 
 tending to bring to an end this long and useful pastorate. mI-. 
 Stimson did not favor the "new measures" in revival work, and tra- 
 dition says that some wearied of the frequency with ' which he 
 preached the distinctive points of his strongly Calvinistic system 
 After several meetings it was finally decided that the pastorate 
 should be dissolved, which was done Jan. 19th, 1825 bv tlje 
 Northern Associated Presbytery, which met at Windham" The 
 church belonged to that Presbytery, but Mr. Stimson to the Colum- 
 bia Presbytery, which he had joined Oct. 14th, 1823. His farewell 
 
19 
 
 sermon, the text of which was taken from the passage, 1 Sam. 12: 
 1-5, "Whose ox have I taken"? or whose ass have I taken 1 or whom 
 have I defrauded 1" &c., was a vigorous and characteristic effort, 
 suited to the situation, and talked about for many years afterward. 
 
 Mr. Stimson seems to have preached more or less after his dis- 
 mission.* It was voted in January, 1826, "that an effort be made 
 to hire Mr. Stimson under existing circumstances," and a large com- 
 mittee of leading men was chosen to wait upon him. That he did 
 preach some seems probable, but in a few months a new minister 
 was on the ground. 
 
 Mr. Stimson's, or Priest Stimsofi, as he was usually (Jailed, work 
 here lasted 24 years — almost a quarter of the century we celebrate. 
 It was foundation work, too, and it was well done and goodly was 
 the structure he reared. By all accounts he was a man of remark- 
 able personality and dominant influence.f His children, like him- 
 self, were intelligent, pious, useful, and in other spheres of action 
 have made their mark. Only one of his 11 children, Mrs. Mary 
 Lynde, remains, and we are glad to have her here to-day to share 
 this feast. We all remember the daughter, Rebecca, whose whole 
 life was spent in our midst and given in beautiful devotion to the 
 care of her aged and venerable father. We also rejoice that some 
 of the third generation are here, and that we are to hear from his 
 distinguished grandson. Dr. Henry A. Stimson of New York oitj*. 
 The name of Henry B. StimsonJ is indelibly carved on the foundation 
 of the old chuich, and is still honored by the generations that survive. 
 
 Let us now resume the history. In the Fall of 1826 a new pas- 
 tor appears, — Rev. Clark H. Grjodrich, of Delaware county, N. Y. 
 The church was received under care of Columbia Presbytery, Oct. 
 26th, 1826, at Greenville. They adjourned to Windham and ordained 
 and installed Mr. Goodrich Oct. 28th, 1826, who began his eight 
 year pastorate. With his coming a revived interest in. church affairs 
 was apparent. The records he kept are line. 
 
 *Presbytery gave Mr. Stimson the following strong testimoaial: "Tliis 
 may certify that the Rev. Henry B. Stimson has been dismissed from his 
 pastoral relation to the first churoli of Christ iu Windliam by the Eastern 
 section of tlie Northern Associated Presbytery without any allegation 
 brought against liis moral or miaiaterial character by ohuroli or society, 
 but merely on account of their being unable to raise his support, and he is 
 hereby cheerfully recommended to be further employed iu the Gospel min- 
 istry as an orthodox and faithful minister of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 David BALDwan, Scribe. Seth Williston, Moderator. 
 
 f Mr. Stimson continued to reside ip Windham to the end of his life. 
 From 1835 to 1829 he was in the employ of the Bible Society. In 1829 he 
 had a call from the Reformed Church, Prattsville, and was their pastor 
 about four years. He joined Classis and so continued to the end. His 
 health failed and he was laid aside in his later years. Born March 13th, 
 1772, he died April 2d, 1851, aged 79 years. 
 
 JHis pastoral field extended over 20 miles, but he was used to hard- 
 ships, nnd often piyached nine timi'S a week. Three extensive revivals 
 prevailed during his ministry, and tradition says he received into the 
 cliuroh more than 500 souls. 
 
20 
 
 The first entry made under his pastorate shows that a very im- 
 portant event in the church history had occurred. There is now a 
 "Session," and "Hiding Elders," and the church is denominated "First 
 I'resbyterian Church." The records henceforth are minutes of ses- 
 sion meetings. How all this had been done, we do not know. The 
 book is silent. We know, however, that about this time, by common 
 consent, the Northern Associated Presbytery was given up, and most 
 of the ministers and churches belonging to it joined the Columbia 
 Presbytery. The churches became fully Presbyterian. In this 
 church there were indications that there had always been a party 
 who preferred Presbyterianism. As early as 1808, a committee had 
 been appointed to examine the Presbyterian standards, but nothing 
 further was done then. In 1812, a committee "to draft articles of 
 discipline" was appointed, but discharged the next November. In 
 Oct., 1826, the society appointed a committee, of which Clark H. 
 Goodiich was Chairman, "to draft a Constitution and Covenant" for 
 the society. I believe that Mr. Goodrich was a Presbyterian, that 
 he reported in favor of adopting their standards, that his report was 
 adopted, and elders were elected and ordained, and the church was 
 reorganized by the Columbia Presbytery. They reorganized Big 
 Hollow that same Fall and Jewett the next year. The first session 
 meeting under the new regime was held Nov. 14th, 1826. 
 
 The pastorate of Mr. Goodrich* was one of renewed activity 
 The next Spring (1827), they voted (1) not to divide the society; 
 (2) to repair the meeting-house ; (3) to paint the meeting-house ; 
 (4) to build a steeple, and to expend $450 in these improvements 
 This was done by three men, one of whom built the steeple 
 ^ }fo-i ■ u^^* ^ ^^'^ """^^ another presented a pipe organ' 
 By 1831, it became necessary to build a parsonage, to cost $1 000 
 lor this a subscription was raised that footed $992. It may interest ' 
 you to know that some of these subscriptions were in hemlock lum 
 ber at $4 a thousand. And it was also provided that in case the 
 church was divided the parsonage should be sold and the money 
 divided among the original subscribers. This house was built and 
 GTor.JT^itti?°f t"'' ""^-^1 ^"''r^"^^- ^* "^^ -ii^r^^rAs used by 
 ptedfySk^tSewer^"'"^ ^''''''- '' ^^ *^^ ^^^^ ^^ -- 
 In 1832 the people had got tired of a meeting-house without 
 
 nZ "s^ "Z?" 'l'"" *^ women's foot-stoves, ft was ^oted Jan 
 uaiy, 1832, that we have two box stoves and a drum in the center 
 
 a a.rber^°ortlt'rr°ch^Vrartr^^'d^^^^^^^ was 
 
 licensed, Aprill9th, 1826 without th« „^,=i examined, received and 
 
 hie wa« an extraord Mry'crse?" He was mLPh?^'''''"^'^ ^^'i'^^' "bece^me 
 the church, and left when it took dS Z\7^T'^ >° 'i'^ "^'^'^i"" of 
 1834. His farewell sermon was from the tex^"?k„''"'r^'^ ^P'" l^th, 
 parture, grievous wolves shall ente^in a™ vi n J *''^'^.^""; '"y de- 
 etc "-an appropriate text under the circumstances ""it^P^'^S. "'e flock, 
 ford and resumed law practice. '"""'"^^" "^stances. He moved to Stam- 
 
21 
 
 placed in the meeting-house." Tradition says that there was much 
 opposition to this move on the part of some, and that they declared 
 that the heat of the stoves was insupportable. 
 
 The Society also gave permission to Deacon Osborn, H. Hub- 
 bard, H. R. Potter, A. Steele, C. H. Goodrich, A. Stone, 0. Camp, J. 
 Tuttle, Dr. King, H. Osborn, H. Kinsley, S. Steele and J. Robertson 
 to build horse-sheds, commencing at the north-west comer of the 
 meeting-house and running along the west line, and to any other 
 persons, to begin at the north corner and run east. These sheds 
 were built, but after division part of them were removed. 
 
 Mr. Goodrich's pastorate lasted till the division of the chui-ch in 
 1834, about eight years. It was a time of great spiritual prosper- 
 ity, not only here but through aU the churches of our State. It was 
 the time when Finney and Nettleton and other great revivalists did 
 their wondrous works. The ingatherings which had been increasing 
 for ten yea is from 1820-1830, culminated in the ever-memorable 
 year of grace 1831. In that year ninety and nine were received to 
 the old church, raising its roll in January, 1832, to 205 members. 
 In 1831 was the high water mark in the history of the church.* 
 
 And now I approach the greatest event in the history of the old 
 chiu-ch, viz. : the Windham division, which was the beginning of the end. 
 
 When the meeting-house was first located in this valley there 
 were no villages anywhere. The place chosen was central, and it was 
 anticipated that a village w. luld grow up on the flat near by. A man 
 named Morss had intended to put in a mill where the stream from 
 North Settlement issues from tiie ravine. He died before the mill 
 was established. But gradually villages grew uj) at "OsbornviUe," 
 now Windham, and "ScienceviUe," now Ashland. These places were 
 about five miles apart. Still they all went to meeting in the old 
 house half way between them. • It was inevitable that as they grew 
 stronger they should each desire a church home in their own village, 
 and when either party felt strong enough a house was built. 
 
 There had been for several years a deal of talk about division, 
 as far back as 1825. In January, 1834, things culminated. It was 
 voted at a society meeting, that if there shall be a Presbyterian 
 meeting-house built at OsbornviUe the inhabitants of that village 
 shall have their proportion of the property whenever this house 
 should be abandoned nB a meeting-house of the First Society, and 
 cease to be their regular place of worship. Similar votes were passed 
 in favor of ScienceviUe, and the Center and North Settlement. The 
 proprietors of the new sheds were also given the privilege of moving 
 them whenever tLey might feel disposed. 
 
 Matters progressed rapidly and April, 1834, 66 members asked 
 
 * Presbytery's report of the state of religion tliat year says: "It has 
 been a year of the right hand of the Must High. Revivals in Catskill, 
 Wintiham, Greenville, Lexington. Green River, Durham West, Windham 
 East, also gatherings in Spencertowu, New Leharion, Canaan Centre, Hud- 
 son First, Hudson Second. Aboui one thousand hopeful converts- within 
 our bounds the past year." 
 
22 
 
 for letters to forma new church at OsbornviUe. April 11th, 1834, 
 Session granted the request, and with the proviso ';that Session do 
 "not express any opinion with regard to the propriety of having a 
 "church formed at OsbornviUe, but leave the question open for dis- 
 "cussion and decision by the Presbytery." Presbytery sent a com- 
 mission which decided that it should be formed, and it was organ- 
 ized April 29th, 1834, Eev. David Porter, of Catskill, preaching the 
 sermon, assisted by Kev. Mr. Durfee, of Hunter. Their house of 
 worship was dedicated Jan. Ist, 1835. 
 
 You will learn more of "the history of the Windham Center 
 church from another, and I can only say, that they took fully one- 
 half of the old church both in numbers, working force and money. 
 They have grown stronger and stronger, and have had an honorable 
 career, and we all rejoice at their prosperity. As often happens, the 
 child has become stronger than the mother that bore her. 
 
 The withdrawal of the Windham people made a terrible hole 
 in the old tree— in fact split it down the middle— to the very roots. 
 The portion left was that living along the valley and at Scienceville. 
 They were in possession of the legal succession, the records, the 
 house, the grave-yard, and so filling up the offices vacated, they went 
 forward, trusting the God of their fathers, to guide them in the dark 
 paths of an uncertain future. 
 
 Jan. 11th, 1835, they called Rev. Augustus T. Norton,* who was 
 ordained and installed April Ist, 1835. His stay was brief — rnot 
 more than six months — for Aug. 11th, 1835, he was dismissed by 
 Presbytery, and closed his labors the "next Sabbath. 
 
 After Mr. Norton left, the church was in trouble. They 
 sent a letter to Presbytery, complaining of four things, (1) the way 
 Mr. Norton was dismissed; (2) the failure to be notified of some special 
 meetings of Presbytery; (3) that Presbytery did not hear their re- 
 monstrance when the church was divided, and (4) that the Presby- 
 tery did not regard them with proper attention. A commission to 
 visit Windham was sent, who reported Oct. 14th, 1835, that they 
 think that they succeeded in convincing the church that they had 
 no legal ground for complaint, unless for the fact that their remon- 
 strances against the division were not heard "The congregation 
 in Windham, the report continues, are in an unhappy and divided 
 state. The occasion was the dismission of Mr. Norton." The^' are 
 commended to "the prayers of Presbytery." Arrangements were also 
 made to help the church, by having the menbers of Presbjiiery west 
 of the River supply each one Sabbath in turn. 
 
 *Mv Norton graduated at Yale, in 1832, and was licensed bv Ool.uiibia 
 Presbytery Sept. 17th, 1834 and ordained and installed Api°l Is "ssr^ 
 
 S7en^,v Rev H ^^Stfr^ '''°™ T,"'' '°= ^*- ^'^^ "''^'•^'^ '" ^"^ pastor «",« 
 given by Bev. H. B. Stimaon The reason given to PresbvteiA' for his 
 rewgnafon was "that he misht become a Missionary on the Va ley of t e 
 Mississippi." lie was also dismissed to the Presbytery of lU inois M 
 Norton became a distiugn shed frontier minisior TiLr„ .'" "^'n'"**- ""• 
 of D, D. from Wabash College, in 1868, and dfed inissl'" "" '''°""' 
 
23 
 
 In a few months another pastor had been found, and July 17th, 
 1836, a call was made for Kev. Lewis Eema Lockwood. Mr. 
 Lockwood was here two or -three years, but there were circum- 
 stances unfavorable to the success of his ministry, and little progress 
 was made. He was not installed.* After Mr. Lockwood, for two 
 or three years, Mr. Crispus Wright, a licentiate, served the church 
 and appears to have been here as late as 1840. In 1841 Eev. Josiah 
 Hawes was employed and was the pastor when they moved to Ash- 
 land. Those were dark days for the old meeting-house, for a new 
 one was building at Ashland to claim its worshippers. Tradition 
 says, Mr. Wright and Mr. Hawes were married and resided there. 
 
 This is probable, for in 1836 they had voted to sell the parson- 
 age, which was done a year or two later. Aaron Steele was author- 
 ized to collect the money and divide it among the original sub-^ 
 scribers. They also gave permission to remove the sheds, which was 
 done in several cases. 
 
 And now the end draws near. At the annual society meeting 
 Oct. 81st, 1842, it was voted "that the place of worship be removed 
 to Scienceville," and the meeting adjourned to meet at Scienceville 
 next year. Tradition says the last sermon was preached in the old 
 house by Rev. Austin G. Morss, one of the sons of the ohxiroh, from 
 the text, "Your fathers, where are they?" — a most fitting text for 
 such an occasion. 
 
 The old house, left unused, soon became desolate. The furni- 
 ture was scattered, and the bell, bought about 1827, hung unused 
 in the steeple. Windham and Ashland each claimed that in equity, 
 if not in law, they were entitled to the bell, in the division of prop- 
 erty. Each wanted it to put in their own new church tower. So 
 high did the strife rise, that some of the more zealous ones in each 
 village planned to remove the bell secretly, and without "due pro- 
 cess" to their own village. A company from Ashland went by night, 
 lowered the bell, and brought it home. The Windham people there- 
 after always accused Ashland of stealing the bell. 
 
 Before we say good-bye to the old ineeting-house let us for a 
 moment call up to our minds some of those who for 40 years had 
 gone in and out as worshippers. It was a fine congregation, and 
 among them were some of more than local fame. Two of those 
 boys, in later years, became Governor oi New York State, Wa,shing- 
 ton Hunt, son of Sandford Hunt,f in 1857, and Lucius Robinson, 
 
 *Mr Li)okvvood whs from Harpersfield, was brought up a Methodist, 
 studied law in Durham, and theology middle year at Auburn, 1828-29, was 
 licensed liy Northern Associated Presbytery, ordained as an evangelist by 
 Columbia Presbytery Nov. 28th, 1832. He married for his second wife 
 Clicrissa Tutile, dtiugliter of John Tutlle. She died here. He removed to 
 the West and died in MSO. 
 
 fSanford Hunt at one time kept a store in Ashland, where the Metho- 
 dist parsonage now is. His son, Washington, the future Governor, is de- 
 scribed as ''a peculiMrly gentle boy, of almost feminine grace of feature 
 and sweetness of voice." flis later years did not belie his youthful promise-. 
 Tiie family removed to Niagara county about 1817. 
 
24 
 
 son of Eli P. Eobinson, in 1877. Two became Congressmeii, Zadoc 
 Pratt, 1837, 1843; Rufus H. King, 1855. Several were to sit as 
 members of the Assembly of the State Legislature, Perez Steele, 
 1808, 1813; Jairus Strong, 1818; Reuben Hosford, 1823; Duiaah 
 Tuttle, 1832; Albert Tuttle, 1849; Henry Kinsley, 1852; George 
 Robertson, 1855; Daniel B. Strong, 1858; Burton G. Morss, 1876. 
 Two were to be Electors of the President, Zadoc Pratt, 1836, 1852, 
 and Rufus H. King, 1860. Two or more were to be Sheriifs of the 
 county, Sidney Tuttle, 1826; Nathaniel Ormsbee, 1853. Several be- 
 came ministers of the Gospel, among whom I note, Austin G. Morss, 
 son of Poster Morss; Edward P. Stimson, eldest son of Rev. Henxy 
 B7 Stimson; Davfd "Sfeele, son of '|i^ te|jheu jsteele, a prominent Meth- 
 odist minister and educator; Sylvester iS. Strong*, son of Elijah 
 Strong, and Oscar B. Hitchcock,f son of Sylvester Hitchcock, and 
 perhaps others whom I have not learned about. 
 
 Besides these named there were many more just as worthy of 
 mention, but omitted for lack of space, who became physicians, 
 teachers, lawyers, bankers, soldiers, officials, and men of mark in 
 their respective communities. Among the prominent laymen were 
 Col. George Robertson, son of James Robertson, and his brothers and 
 sisters, and his son, Loring Robertson, who left a fortune of several 
 millions; also Zadoc Pratt, the man who gave name and fame to 
 Prattsville; also Burton G. Morss, who made Red Falls, now de- 
 serted, a hive of industiy at one time; also the Strongs at Ashland, 
 tanners and merchants; the Stimsons, brothers and sisters of Henry 
 
 *Dr. Sylvester Strong was born at Ashland, Sept 14th, 1813. became a 
 christian at the age of 15, united witli the Methodist church, obtained an 
 academic education, and began to preach. He was ordained in 1835 and 
 was an eloquent and successful minister. After 17 years his health failed 
 and he had to give up active work. He studied medicine with his brother' 
 Dr. Samuel Strong, in Ohio, and graduated in medicine at the University of 
 New York. He founded the Remedial Institute at Saratoga, and made it 
 a great success. His piety and zeal never left him, hut to the end he was 
 the same apostolic soul. Dr. Theo. Cuyler and he were great friends His 
 sister, Dorcas, was the last wife of George Robertson. 
 
 fOscar Blakeslee Hitchcock was one of the most gifted sons of the old 
 church. He was born May 34th, 182«, and died July 7tb, 1897 of mralv 
 s,s. He fitted for college at Delhi, Wilbraham (Mass.) and Am^uia Acade" 
 m.es and graduated from Union College 1852. He^ studied theoloty at 
 Yale and Andover, where he graduated 1856. He was licensed T°.,,^fifh 
 1857, by Essex South Association. He had a short Jstov^l J nJ^'' 
 Lake and Whitney's Point N. Y., but 111 health led hfm to etun home 
 where care of his mother detained him. Still he preached mo. „\^,i^ 
 and was active n the war as chaplain and in hospita work HU war ad' 
 dresses were notable for their force and power. He traveled fn vL^t 
 much and wrote a very fitie local history of Windimm n^uf a=. 5*"°^'^ 
 was a poet of no mean talent. He does not seem to h.l A»'"a-"d- He 
 dained-at least diligent search falls t"KndLnv record 17" ■?.*-"'.<"- 
 Though he and his father belonged to Wind! am CentltwV "■'dination. 
 
 division, he still cherished a livdy interest it h!.nU .''''"'«''' "^ter the 
 and beside several liberal gifts dudng ] fe e left Tt li-inn"- ""'v ?' A?''l'*"<^. 
 also left $100 to the cemetery, small sum^ to F ipl^o .'"', '"'^- ^e 
 
 bulk of his property, about $V000 to U™„,°Co^e^e ^*"'«°l«' ^"d the 
 
■25 
 
 B., who lived in the parish, the Hitchcocks of Big Hollow, the 
 Steeles on the Batavia, the Osborns, who made Osbornville, the 
 Tuttles, the "Whites, the Munsons,| and dozens of others, who in 
 early life attended meeting at the old meetiiig-house, and felt its 
 moulding influence. Surely it was a fine congregation, and has its 
 full quota of names on the rolls of honor and fame. 
 
 And how many distinguished men from elsewhere at some time 
 had been seen and heard within its walls who can tell. It is a fact, 
 that Horace Greeley once spoke there. A discussion had been ar- 
 ranged between him and Silas Wright, oil the, subject ' of the Tariff. 
 Wright did not appear and D. K. Olney, then of Windham, took 
 Wright's place, and answered Mr. Greeley very ably. 
 
 I must not close without a word as to what became of the old 
 meeting house. It had been deeded, tradition sftys, ' to the Church, 
 with a provision in the deed, that when it should cease to be used 
 as a place of worship it should revert back to the original owners. 
 The farm from which it was .taken, was then o-yyhed by B. G. Morss. 
 He took possession of it, boarded up the windows, took down the 
 bell tower, stripped it' of its pews and galleries, and made it into a 
 barn. And in that condition it remained till February, 1896, when 
 it was taken down bjr Albert B. and John W. Steele, the present 
 owners of the farm. 
 
 The sight of the old deserted houses converted to such secular 
 uses, methinks mtist have often fetirred' the- feelifigs of passers by, 
 who themselves had been wont to worship there,- or whose fathers 
 or kindred did, and also of the traveler who had a pious regard for 
 a sanctuary. The sight sometimef^ moved'" those who had a poetical 
 talent, as well a;s a pious reverence. A lad^, p. Miss Harvey, who 
 spent a few weeks in the place, was so moved that she wrote the fol- 
 lowing poem about the old house, and with.- this flowery wreath of 
 poesy I will finish mv narrative, and' decorate the memory of the 
 Old First Church: ' '! ' " ' ' 
 
 THE DESERTED CHURCH.' ■ 
 
 The Catskill's leafy range stretclied far away, 
 ShelteriDg the noble J^udson's glassy breast; 
 While in the distance, it? blue summit rose. 
 And seemed commingled with the azure sky. 
 Nearer, the wavinja; foliage wpo'd the eye; 
 Beech, birch, and maple, silyer aspen too; 
 The hemlockjdark, and tasseied pine between, 
 Adding fresh beauty to the light and shade; 
 And fellow-travelers look'd with awe and love. 
 As on the features of an old and dear 
 Familiar friend, still bright in memory. 
 
 Mr. Wright was born in 1809, in Westford, joined Dr. Kirk's Church 
 in Albany, graduated at Oneida Institute, took middle year at Auburn, 
 1836-7, was ordained by Chenango Presbytery June. 1848, served Meredith, 
 Windham and Coventryville. Died at Exeter, July &tih, J852.— [This note 
 refers to Crispus Wright, one of the ministers. See p. 83« 
 
26 
 
 Beside tbe road, a velvet grassy lawn 
 
 Stretched on our left, and there a stately fane 
 
 In silent grandeur stood — deserted — lone: 
 
 The path o'ergrown with weeds — no footprint there — 
 
 No step to echo thro' the ruin'd aisle. 
 
 Not e'en the sound of merry bird was heard, 
 
 Except upon tbe far-off mountain's side. 
 
 Yet here, once rose to Heaven, the fervent prayer — 
 The song of praise— the Christian's ardent love: 
 Here God's own minister. His message bore, 
 And bade the burden'd sinner cast his cares 
 Beneath the reeking cross, and be forgiven. 
 Here lips of wisdom urg'd to holy deeds; 
 The bread of life was broken — and the blood 
 Of Christ wns drunk in sad remembrance. 
 
 Here pious parents gave their little ones 
 
 To God in baptism from the holy font; 
 
 And here the blushing maid and happy youth 
 
 Pronounced their vows, in wedlock's solemn bands. 
 
 Yes— a lov'd Father in these hallow'd walls. 
 
 At times has stood — his Master's will and power 
 
 Proclaiming. Alas, alasl that voice is hushed. 
 
 Those lips are mute, that breath'd a blessing there! 
 
 See the lone pulpit, and the altar stilll 
 
 Mementoes of the past. How silent all! 
 
 Awe-struck we gaze, while through the broken lights. 
 
 The mournful winds alone a requiem sigh. 
 
 And he, the shepherd of the scatter'd flock. 
 Whose noblest powers were garner'd for their weal; 
 Who kept the watch-tower half a century— 
 Where is he now ? Let the cold earth reply 
 Who claimed his body for her own at last. 
 But not the soul, the immortal spirit. 
 That forsook its frail and earthly casket. 
 And rose on seraph wings, above to God. 
 
 Twice rolled the sun his changing annual tt)und. 
 While that lone body linger'd on, without 
 Ihe kindly spirit— mind had fled! 
 The semblance of a man, without a soull 
 Thus that old niin'd fane may prove a type 
 Of him who labor'd there-the good and great 
 Sad lesson this, that all of earth must diel 
 
 I pass d again the lone deserted church 
 aL-T* ? change, since last, with holy thoughts 
 And tearful eyes. I saw the sacred spot. * ' 
 The fane old rum desecrated nowi 
 
 Th?«inH"„" ^"u ^TY^^ there, enclosing all- 
 The windows boarded up-to serve for umI 
 
 te saSge" '"' '''' ^"-^ ^■'"'--S •'-rt: 
 
List of Officers, Elders, Members, &c. 
 
 NoTB: — Some of these served several times. The year given is that of 
 their first election. 
 
 1803-1826. 
 
 DEACONS. 
 
 1003— Jedediah Hubbard 1808— William Hubbard 
 
 Beach Nathan Osbom 
 
 1807— Gideon Hosford 1817— George Babcock 
 
 CHURCH CLERKS. 
 
 1803 — George C. Stimbou 1813 — Luman Squires 
 
 1808— Noah Poud 1813— Robert M. Turney 
 
 1812— Erastus Beach 1826— A. Stone 
 
 r 
 
 THE STANDING COMMITTEE. 
 
 1807— George Slimson 1812— William Beach 
 
 Jonathan Beach 1818 — Jairus Munson 
 Israel Thompson Timothy Hubbard 
 
 Isaiah Babcock l8l4~James O. Gates 
 
 1809— Theophilus Peck George Babcock 
 
 Nathan Osborn Joseph Hamilton 
 
 Munson Buel 1817— Elijah Strong 
 Perez Steele John Tuttle 
 
 1826-1842. 
 
 DEACONS. 
 
 Timothy Hubbard 1881 — Jairus Hanson 
 
 1837— Argalus White 
 
 RULING ELDERS. 
 
 1826— Timothy Hubbard Austin Strong 
 
 Nathan Osborn , Aaron Steele 
 
 James Robinson 1828 — James Robertson 
 
 Robert M. Turney 1883— Buel White 
 
 Argalus White Abner Berry 
 
 Abijah Stone Henry Osborn 
 
 Jairus Munson Ck>nsider Camp 
 1837 — Nathaniel Stimsou 
 
28 
 
 TEUSTEES. 
 
 1808— Noah Pond 
 
 Philetus Reynolds 
 Nathan Osborn 
 Timothy Hubbard 
 Elijah Strong 
 Jairus Hiitison 
 
 1809— Perez Steele 
 
 1810— Ephraim Turney 
 Argaliis White 
 
 1811— James O. Gates 
 
 Nathaniel Stifuson 
 
 1812— Robert M. Turney 
 Levi Babcock 
 
 1818 — Joseph Hamilton 
 James Robertson 
 
 1814 — Orange Munson 
 
 1815— John Tuttle 
 Aaron Steele 
 
 1816 — Jairus Strong 
 
 1817 — Benjamin Kinsley 
 Enoch Blakeslee 
 
 1818— George . Babcock 
 
 1819— Aaron Olaflin 
 
 1830— Abijah Stone 
 
 1823- 
 
 1823- 
 
 1835- 
 
 1830- 
 1831- 
 1882- 
 
 1833- 
 
 1834- 
 
 1835- 
 1836- 
 1837- 
 
 1839- 
 1840- 
 1842- 
 
 Josiah Chatfield 
 -Clark Finrh 
 
 Nehemiah Lewis 
 -David Arnold 
 
 Curtis Mattoon 
 -Bonnet Osborn • 
 
 Buel White 
 -Austin Strong 
 -Henry Kinsley 
 -EliP, Robinson 
 
 'Albei-t Steele 
 -Halsey Hubbard 
 
 Albert Tuttle 
 -Charles Voose 
 
 Stephen Steele 
 -Chauncey Hubbard 
 -Eiisha White 
 -Sylvester Hitchcock 
 
 Daniel B. Strong 
 
 George Arnold 
 -Lawrence Winnie 
 -George. L Morss 
 -E. S. White 
 
 Eiisha Strong 
 Samuel Ives 
 Lowly Ives 
 Jedediah Habb»rd 
 Timothy Hubbard 
 Amos Hubbard 
 Martha Hubbard 
 Dolly Hubbard 
 Dolly Hubbard, Jr. 
 Jared Rice 
 
 Abraham Dudley 
 Benjamin Chamberlin 
 William Chamberlin- ■ 
 Mary Chamberlin 
 Sarah Brown 
 Hannah Munson 
 Richard Peck 
 Betsey Pack 
 Elihu Rogers , 
 Elizabeth Rogers . 
 Lucy Hull 
 Edward Pond 
 (woman) Pond' 
 Adoniram Miner 
 Patience Miner 
 
 COMMUNICANT MEMBERS. 
 
 1803 1826. 
 
 Original Members. 
 
 Esther Rice 
 Ichabod Brown 
 Elijah Strong 
 Samuel Crocker 
 Betsey Crocker 
 .Lydia Baldwin 
 Lois Lock wood 
 'Abigail Snow 
 Abigail Stimson 
 
 Added Subsequently. 
 
 Noah Pond 
 Mary Pond 
 ■Simon Pratt 
 Abigiiil Filch 
 Isaac Miles and wife 
 Daniel -Miles and wife 
 Samuel Baldwin and 
 
 wife 
 Ebenezer Johnston 
 
 and wife 
 
 Sahara Hubbard 
 RebtkahTy'ttle 
 Anna Buel' 
 Increase Claflin 
 Sarah (jisiafn 
 Geoi-ge Stimson 
 Experie^flce/Stone 
 HannalfM'oribtin 
 Sarah Iffce - 
 
 Molly Robinson 
 Gilbert Saxton and wife 
 William Beach and wife 
 James Coe and wife 
 Asahel Baldwin 
 Lucy Baldwin 
 Joseph Hamilton 
 
 Sarah' Lord -• 
 
 (woman) Squire 
 Truinan- Hinraan and 
 
 wife 
 Sylvi»8ter Miles 
 
 Samuel Peck and wife 
 Harvey Bald win ^, „^^,^,. „ 
 
 Isaiah Babcock and wife Sally Miles 
 Alanson Saxton and wife>rathanierStim8on 
 Philetus- Reynolds ■ -iarah Stimson 
 
29 
 
 {Covimunicant Members — Continvied.) 
 
 Becca Stimson 
 Jonathan Beach and 
 
 wife 
 Deacon Beach 
 David Johnston and 
 
 wife 
 Theron Hough's wife 
 Zadoc Pratt's wife 
 Rockwell Strong 
 Ephralm Chamberlain 
 Sally Stimson 
 Sally Skiff 
 
 Stephen Johnson's wife 
 Rebecca Osborn 
 Widow richenor, 1806 
 Theophilus Peck's wife 
 Theophilus Peck, 
 
 Feb , 1807 
 Sylvia Strong 
 Cynthia Clafiin 
 David Arnold and wife 
 Perez Steele and wife 
 Gideon HosEord 
 Samuel Hubbard 
 Josiah Chatfleld and 
 
 wife 
 Reuben Smith and 
 
 wife 
 Samuel Hensou and 
 
 wife 
 Freeman Snow 
 Widow Pangman 
 Lucinda Wears 
 Nathan Osborn 
 Jairus Muuson and 
 
 wife 
 Mrs. Allen 
 Loly Ives 
 Samuel Baldwin 
 Aaron Clafliii 
 Robert M. Turney 
 Betsey Steel 
 Nancy Stone 
 Deborah Stone 
 Levi Babcock and wife 
 George Babcock 
 Timothy Bailey and 
 
 wife 
 Elisha Thompson and 
 
 wife 
 Anna B. Tuttle 
 Anna Hitchcock 
 
 Mrs. Hannah Barber 
 Mrs. Polly Strong 
 Mrs. Sally Osborn 
 Aletta Bell 
 
 Mrs. Boardmau 
 Orange Munson and 
 
 wife 
 John Rice and wife 
 Esther Chatfield 
 Phebe Stimson 
 Mrs. Stimson 
 Joseph Atwood and 
 
 wife 
 James O. Gates 
 James Robertson 
 James Saxton ■ 
 Theron Hough 
 Lemuel Hitchcock 
 Phebe Hitchcock 
 Widow Parsons 
 Henrietta Claflin 
 Sally Claflin 
 John Tuttle, Jr. 
 Hannah Tuttle 
 Polly Tuttle 
 Bue] White 
 Jairus Strong 
 Selina Hough 
 Ruth Smith 
 Andrew Hubbard, 1816 
 Hudson Kinsley 
 Austin Strong 
 Docia Strong 
 Halsey Hubbard 
 Susannah Prout 
 Lucy.Prout 
 Cornelius K. Benhain 
 Zalmon Hitchcock 
 AbiJHh Stone and wife 
 Mandana Hamilton 
 Martha Hubbard 
 Olinda Munson 
 Mrs Lucy Steele 
 Benjamin Kinsley 
 Benjamin Morss 
 Heni'y Van Slike 
 James Wears 
 Charles Voise 
 Ephraim Turney 
 Argalus White 
 Aaron Steele 
 Nathi-niel Stimson 
 Ebi-nezev Beers 
 Curtis Mattoon 
 Enoch Blakeslee 
 Merrit Osborn 
 
 1826-1830. 
 
 Huldah Turney 
 Keziali Goodrich 
 Eli P. Robinson and 
 wife Mary 
 
 Caleb P. Ive« 
 Whiting Rice 
 Henry Osborn 
 Albert Tuttle 
 George White 
 Alfred Smith 
 Derrick Conine 
 John Sturges 
 Mrs. Mary Ann Barlow 
 Mrs. Timothy Baldwin 
 Mrs. Lydia Baldwin 
 Mrs. Aaton Steele 
 Mrs. Jacob Hitchcock 
 Mrs. Chen y Burnham 
 
 (Benham ?) 
 Mrs. Parnel Tyler 
 Mrs. Abram Cargill 
 Mrs. Nathan Osborn 
 Mrs. John Ives 
 Mrs. Peter Lewis 
 Mrs. Polly Bush 
 Mrs. Laura Hale 
 Mrs. Freeman Snow 
 Mrs. Rachel Beers 
 Mrs. Samuel Smith 
 Mary Strong 
 Mrs. Dumah Tuttle 
 Mrs. Benjamin Morss 
 Mrs. Benjamin Kinsley. 
 Mrs. Buel White 
 Mrs. Lewis Bagley 
 Mrs. Nicholas. Hummel 
 Mrs. Samuel Hubbard 
 Mrs. Charles Voise 
 Mrs. Charles Graham 
 Mrs. Josiah Braiuard 
 Mrs. Nathaniel Stimpson 
 Mrs. Ebenezer Beers 
 Mrs. Widow Stimpson 
 Mrs. James Robinson 
 Mrs. Polly Stimson 
 Mrs. Elias Fannoher 
 Mrs. Bennet Osborn 
 Mrs. Henry Osborn 
 Mrs Stephen Steele 
 Mrs. John Sturges 
 Mrs. Austin Strong 
 Mrs. Sally Edmonds ■ 
 Welthy Hubbard 
 Suoa Prout 
 Betsey Stone 
 Lydia Robuison 
 
 Roma R. Ives 
 Emily Hubbard 
 Mrs. Archibald Bron- 
 ough 
 
30 
 
 ( Communicant Members — Con tirvued. ) 
 
 Qarnsey Osburn and 
 
 wife Mariali 
 Austin Moras 
 Mrs. Lois Beera 
 Elenor Oabarn 
 
 Dr. Consider King and 
 
 wife Lucina 
 William Hubbard 
 Albert Steele and wife 
 Aaron B. Steele 
 Alvin Smith and wife 
 George Robertson and 
 
 wife 
 Thomas Southard and 
 
 wife 
 Chauucey Hubbard and 
 
 wife 
 William Robinson and 
 
 wife 
 Consider Camp and 
 
 wife 
 William Young and 
 
 wife 
 Horace Graham 
 Humphrey R. Potter 
 
 and wife 
 Almos M. Babcock and 
 
 wife 
 Abner Berry and wife 
 Eugene Bump 
 Lyman Bigelow 
 Isaac Cornwall * 
 Joel Brandowand wife 
 William Dctyand wife 
 Elisba White and wife 
 James W. Lamoreaux 
 
 Electa Mattoon 
 Laban A. Hubbard 
 
 and wife 
 Mrs. Lydia Goodrich 
 George Goodrich 
 Philander M. Smith 
 Alexander Reynolds 
 Isaac N. Reynolds 
 Elijah Fuller 
 Mrs. Anna Reynolds 
 Loretta Reynolds 
 Mrs. Mary Miller 
 
 Note:— Ther« were 
 1837, whose names are 
 Some females, perhaps, 
 names. 
 
 Lydia Robertson 
 Mrs. Hannah Baame 
 Margaret Mattiiews 
 Loring Andrews 
 Eliza Shipman 
 
 Joined in 1831. 
 
 Lawrence Winnie 
 Milton Robinson 
 Gil man Morss 
 Walter Southerland 
 George Arnold 
 Horace Hubbard 
 Harmon Hitchcock 
 Levi Tiel 
 
 George L. Morss and wi 
 Henry C. Stimson 
 Nathaniel Stimson. Jr. 
 Benjamin Morss, Jr. 
 Samuel Robinson 
 Oman Stimpson 
 Mrs. Sidney Tuttle 
 Mrs. Halsey Hubbard 
 Mrs. Bennet Osborn 
 Mrs. Daniel Hunt 
 Mrs. Fanny Loomis 
 Mrs. Julia Camp 
 Mrs. Polly Turney 
 Mrs. Lydia Lovejoy 
 Mrs. John Rosp 
 Mrs. Roma R. Ives 
 Mrs. Leuiuel Stimson 
 Mrs. Eugene Bennet 
 Mrs. Harry Kinsley 
 Mrs. J. M. Job 
 Mrs. Clarissa Williams 
 Arlnda Arnold 
 Diodema Voose 
 
 Albert Tuttle and wife 
 
 Minerva 
 Mrs. Sally Ann Youngs 
 Mrs. Barber (aged 82) 
 Mrs. Fi-ayer 
 
 Clarissa Thorp 
 Hannah Beam 
 Dorcas Strong 
 Aurelia Strong 
 Elvira Strong 
 Loucia Strong 
 Elvira Hitchcock 
 Abigail Stephens 
 feFlorilla Brainard 
 Fanny Hinman 
 Emily Osborn 
 Fanny Hubbard 
 Martha Wears 
 Nancy Tuttle 
 Adeline Tuttle 
 Mary Tuttle 
 Clarissa Tuttle 
 Julia Tuttle 
 Mahala Tuttle 
 Jane Ann Ives 
 Thursa Cliidester 
 Eliza Ann Morss 
 Florilla Kinsley 
 Marian Lake 
 Harriet Barnev 
 Mary B. Stimson 
 Silva Doty 
 Eliza Ann Robertson 
 Laura Goodrich 
 Eunice Osborn 
 Clarissa Muuson 
 
 1832-1842 
 
 Nancy Etsall 
 Cynthia Carndell 
 Sally Sherman 
 Alexander Palmer 
 Eliakim Stannard and 
 
 wife Frances 
 Antoinette Stannard 
 Harriet Stannard 
 Mrs. Desire Mattoon 
 Mrs. Lucy Oaborn 
 Elias Kirtland 
 Mrs. Lucy Steele 
 
 Mrs. Eliza Stevens 
 Stephen S. Keeler and 
 
 wife Amelia 
 Mrs. Lorinda Hitchcock 
 Mrs. Jane White 
 Harriet Hubbard 
 Mrs. Mary Atwood 
 Mrs, Sarah Turney 
 Joel Peet and wife 
 Elizabeth Peet 
 Mrs. Allen Smith 
 
 Mrs. SHUjuel Ornisbee 
 
 .pp'.;; xite s.7a. s.i£'ra sa 
 
SI 
 
 "MAEAGES." 
 
 By Rev. Hkney B. S-rrasoN. 
 
 Sept. 26th, 180-, Chancy Hubbard to Anna Braiaard. 
 Mar. 18th, 1804, John Soealhen to Mrs. Doolittle. 
 Apr. 5th, 1804, James Robertson to Miss Betsey Rogers. 
 
 By 
 
 Jan. 1st, li^SO, Alvin Smith to Aletta Bell. 
 
 June 17lh, 1830, Harman Parker to Loiza Shipman. 
 
 The First Congregational Church of 
 
 Lexington Heights-Now Jewett 
 
 Presbyterian. 
 
 A SHORT HISTORY. 
 
 The materials for a full history of this church are in existence, 
 but space forbids the giving of more than a brief outline here. Some 
 future historian will doubtless do the- subject justice. 
 
 In the Histoiy of the old Windham First Church (of which 
 this chui'ch was a part previous to 1813), will be found some items of 
 its history before that time. The division was effected April 20th, 
 • 1813, and the new church organized by a "Council of the Northern 
 Associated Presbytery." Sixty-nine members joined in the petition. 
 They adopted 15 Articles of Faith and a iJovenant, and chose Mun- 
 son Buel, Clerk. The "candidate they had libei:ty to hire to preach 
 after Deo. Ist," was no doubt Daniel Beers. He was called April 
 13th, 1813, and ordained and installed Sept. 13th, 1813, by the same 
 Presbytery. His "salary was $300, and use of parsonage lot worth 
 $600." He seems to have left by 1819. During this period the 
 Church seems to have grown to about 160 members. The care they 
 took of the flock in those days is seen by the fact that they appoint- 
 ed a committee whose duty it was "to trace wrong reports to their 
 origin and put them in train for settlement." They also decided to 
 "meet Friday before communion to catechise the children." They 
 also adopted 13 "Articles of Discipline." 
 
 The Church and Society records for the next eight years are 
 
32 
 
 missing, but from Mr. Harrowar's Farewell Sermon, Presbytery 
 records and other sources, we glean that from 1819 to 1821, they 
 were supplied, probably, by Rev. Henry B. Stimson, who was still 
 pastor of the Old Church." Mr. Stimson was often their supply m 
 later years, when they needed temporary supplies. Rev. David Har- 
 rowar in Nov., 1821, became their minister, and preached his farewell 
 Nov. 26th, 1826. He was installed by the Northern Associated 
 Presbytery. In his ministry he preached three times each Sabbath 
 and fourteen converts united with the church. Mr. Harrowar was 
 one of the zealous home missionaries of that day who traveled far 
 and near. He was an able sermonizer, a close reaspner, and fervent 
 in piety. In doctrine he sympathized with the Hopkinsian school. 
 
 After Mr. Harrowar there was no regular minister for a while. 
 The next summer, 1827, the Rev. Asahel Nettleton, D. D., the fa- 
 mous evangelist, came from Durham, where he was staying for his 
 health, and spent a month, and under his preaching there was a 
 ■ great reviyal, with 40 or 50 conversions. A letter he wrote about 
 this revival is printed in his Memoirs. 
 
 About this time many Congregational churches adopted Pres- 
 byterian government and the Lexington church decided to do the 
 same in the Spring of 1827. They elected elders, and were received 
 by Columbia Presbytery July 3d, 1827, thus changing their ecclesi- 
 astical relations. For some reason they did not think it necessary 
 to ask the Northern Associated Presbytery for a dismission. That 
 Presbytery complained, and two or three years after they got their 
 letter, and were regularly received by Columbia Presbytery, Sept. 
 ^Otn, lool. 
 
 The next pastor was the Rev. William Johnson, who was on 
 the., ground as early as April, 1828, was installed by Columbia Pres- 
 bytery, Sept. 28th, 1828, and dismissed April 25th, 1832, on account 
 of ill health. There were some difficult discipline cases in those 
 years. This church also shared in the great revival in<jatherin"-s of 
 1831.* ra o 
 
 After Mr. Johnson came Rev. Charles Jones, an Englishman, 
 who made a good impression at first, and was engaged as a supply 
 But after a time it was evident that his old country ideas on clerical 
 
 ♦Itsesms proper to record at this point the fact that there was once 
 
 ?han^tCers''F;t\t^'8l2^^°Kn"'^- "*'"?'' "^^'^ but a li^le more' 
 inan [ wo years, teb. 1st, 1833, "liberty to unite with it when formed" 
 
 dUmiBsed to it' An,^ 1 S?h is^o '".''if ' ^^^l ^^<^'* Chamberlain was also 
 
 once a mo>.th, by pLIbytfin .I^'"" Z'nll^^""XT\t P^ T^f'^' 
 leav* to dissolve. This Churoh wna H«„hf j ^°^*- ""« Church had 
 Edwards, who Was a hroH,«.nf wn"^'i^**' '^"'' '« "i« efforts of Mr. 
 
 son of the7aLu/jona°lHnELT^^^^^ "^ ^""''''•' '^"'» «'-^"'^- 
 
 *t Lexiagtsn. ""ainan aawards. He for some years had a tannery 
 
33 
 
 deportment and drinking were not strict enough for this Church, 
 and the people became divided over him. A majority of the Church 
 were opposed to retaining him, but a majority of the Society favored 
 him and so he continued to preach. The matter was taken to Pres- 
 bytery and they notified the ecclesiastical body in New York to 
 which Mr. Jones belonged, which declined to act. The Presbytery 
 could only pronounce his ministrations "in*egular." The matter was 
 finally referred to a committee of neighboring ministers and elders, 
 who sustained the Church. He stayed till the fall of 1833.* 
 
 The next pastor was Eev. Augustus L. Chapin, who came from 
 Delaware Presbytery, and remained here 8 years. He was here as- 
 early as Oct., 1833, was installed Nov. 13, 1833. He was a good 
 man and did a good work, and left the Church, which he found di- 
 vided, in a more united state. 
 
 The successor of Mr. Chapin was Kev. Seth Williston, D. D., 
 who resided in Durham, but supplied about two years, ia41-1843, 
 and had a fruitful ministry. 
 
 The next pastor was Eev. J. J. Buck, who began his labors Oct. 
 15, 1843. He waa installed by Presbytery of Columbia (O. S.), May 
 1, 1844, and dismissed by Catskill Presbytery, April 24, 1867, a 
 period of 23 years and six months, the longest pastorate in the his- 
 tory of the Church. Early in his ministry, in 1847, occurred one of 
 the most extensive and thorough-going revivals in the history of the 
 Chiu-ch — 40 being added that year, some of whom still survive and 
 are now pillars in the Church. There were several other revivals in 
 Mr. Buck's time, notably in the years 1858, 1862, 1865. Discipline 
 was faithfully attended to. Some dissatisfied members, who would 
 not walk with the Church, were kindly dealt with. Mr. Buck 
 preached and practiced the giving of a tenth, which he did in spite 
 of his eight children, small salary and lack of capital KaA he 
 trained his people to give too.| 
 
 One prominent member we are sorry to record, embraced the 
 Mormon faith, and went to Utah. He was excommunicated. In 
 1850 the name of the chm-ch was changed to Jewett, to correspond 
 with the changed town name. Mr. Buck was a good preacher, a , 
 
 *Soon after Mr. Jones' time the M. E. Church was started, and in the 
 year 1848, they erected their meeting-house, on the Presbyterian Church lot, 
 on a site for which they paid five dollars. They continued to flourish for 
 many years, but gradually declined until they ceased to hold regular serv- 
 ices aboul; 1893. In 1901 they sold their house at auction. It was 
 bought by the Presbyterians and fitted up for social uses. The Presbyte- 
 rian records state that in 18.58 "D. Noble Chase, for himself and his Meth- 
 odist brethren," asked the privilege of holding union prayer meetings with 
 the Presbylei'ians, which was granted on condition, that the rules and 
 usages of the Presbyterians were observed, and their doctrines were not 
 to be attacked. Tlie record does not state wliether the union was made, 
 
 fThis country Church, composed entirely of farmers, and located on 
 mountain lands, with about 100 members, between the years 1843-1864, 
 contributed to Missions and benevolent work, outside their own church 
 expenses at home, no less than §14,095, an average of $671 a year. One 
 year it was as high as $1,235. 
 
34 
 
 diligent pastor, and lived a blameless life. He loved his people and 
 was respected and loved by them. But unfortunately m the latter 
 part of his ministrv, in the Civil War times, his silence on the issues 
 of the war caused dissatisfaction which finally resulted in his dis- 
 mission, in 1867.* 
 
 After Mr. Buck ceased preaching in April, 1867, there was an 
 interval of a year or two, in which Rev. Silas McKinney supplied, 
 tradition says about three months. A move was also made to call 
 Rev. A. D. Barber, but it was not done. In 1869 Rev. Andrew 
 Montgomery became the minister, and remained about two years. 
 He was here in April, 1871, but in September the record says "we 
 have no pastor." The "present supply was not yet ordained." 
 About this time Rev. Timothy Williston, son of Rev. Seth Williston, 
 D. D., who lived at Ashland, supplied for a time. He was an able 
 sermouizer and sound in doctrine. By Jan. 3d, 1872, Rev. Nathan 
 Leighton was here. He was called March 18th, 1872, and installed. 
 He remained about six years. During his ministry the meeting- 
 house was enlarged and remodeled. There was a fine revival which 
 enlarged the Church numerically and spiritually, 19 being added, 
 1st Sabbath, January, 1873. 
 
 The next minister was Rev. Frederick F. Judd, who came in 
 1877 or 1878, and remained four years. Under his ministry there 
 was another revival which still farther strengthened the Church. 
 In September, 1881, his health was so poor that he thought of re- 
 signing, but was advised by Session to continue. He left in 1882. 
 
 The next pastor was Rev. William S Long, who began his 
 labors October 1st, 1882, was ordained May 30th, 1883, and 
 called March 7th, 1886, installed June 2d, 1886, remained till May 
 27th, 1900, more than 17 years, the second longest pastorate in the 
 history of the Church. Mr. Long was a good pastor and Sabbath 
 School worker. Many were added to .the church by his labors. The 
 Christian Endeavor Society was organized in 1888. Under the 
 Q o/^on'^T ^^^^^'^ Leggett, the "Mountain Evangelist," Feb. 
 ,"• r . .,' .^ "*^®^'® many converted. Mr. Long's labors will long 
 abide in the histoiy of the church. 
 
 o iQ^r P^/'^'^x ^f^n^T-? ^^^- ^^^''^ ^''^eil Keeler, was called Oct. 
 2 1900, and mstalled Nov. 13, 1900. He is in the fourth year of his 
 able ministry. The meeting house built in 1848, was extensively 
 repaired and decorated in 1901. The parsonage bkt in 1844 was 
 mtSs home ' "^ "'*'' ^'^^ '' ''''' '' '^''^' '' ^ --f-taTle 
 
 financl^hif^* ■'' "^"^^^ ^^''^ ""^ "^'^^^ g'^'^t^*"! mention of the 
 financial help given us by our summer guests for 30 or 40 years 
 
 yea/i^e^uSed^gHoilor'aJl "^ reside in JeweU. One 
 
 as long us he lived by aiiTnn.i^l J, K ■ I" '^^'"'^^ piovided for liis needs 
 
 April 26ch, 1870. He was buied i',, W e/ '-eaioved an,l he <liea there 
 people he iov«d and eeTvL "" cemetery and sleeps among the 
 
as 
 
 past, which of late years has been from $200 to $400 a year. May 
 these generous christian friends be abundantly rewarded for their 
 gifts and labors of love, and may they and we all meet, with our 
 sainted dead gone before, in the General Assembly of the Church above. 
 
 LIST OF OFFICERS. 
 The Date is the Year of Election. 
 
 Deacons. 
 
 1813— Theophilus Peck 1834— Charles Peck 
 
 William Beach 1855— Schuyler B. Coe 
 
 Munson Buel 1897— Elmer E. At water 
 
 Standing Committee. 
 
 1813 — Ebenezer Johnson David Johnson Samuel Baldwin 
 
 Muling JUlders. 
 
 1837 — Munson Buel 1855 — Aaron Pond 
 
 Luiiian Squire Hervey North 
 
 Norman Ticknor 1865— Justin Morse 
 
 Elislia Bailey David Pond 
 
 H. V. Beacli, M. D. 1872— James Harrington 
 
 Oliver Coe Schuyler B. Coe 
 
 Ambrose Baldwin Lucius North 
 
 Charles Peck 1883— James A. 'Race 
 
 lKa9— Theophilus Pack George H. Chase 
 
 Samuel Osborn Brainard O. Peck 
 
 Amos Peck Judson B. Pond 
 
 1842— Ezra Pratt 1897 — Melvin E. Johnson 
 
 Jared Johnson Orville T. Bailey 
 Ransom Distin 
 
 The Presbyterian Church of Windham 
 Centre-Now Windham. 
 
 A Short History by Oswell R. Coe. 
 
 I am asked to tell you what has been accomplished by the 
 Windham branch of the Old Church, that swarmed out and became 
 a new hive of christian industry (as a bee keeper would express it). 
 I answer, I cannot do it. It cannot be described. 
 
 Had I been asked to tell you what a Napoleon or a Washington 
 
3a 
 
 had accomplished, there is history with all the data to draw from. 
 Not so of the -work a Church has done, as that is a work that is only 
 begun here and reaches into eternity, and sacred writ says: "Eye 
 hath not seen nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of 
 man the things God hath prepared for them that love Him." No 
 one can tell what the feeblest church is accomplishing. Much less 
 can we tell of the work of a church that has caused hundreds to 
 turn their faces Zionward. 
 
 A church well supported may be the very upbuilding of an en- 
 tire community. The lack of one may result in its undoing. 
 
 Within the recollection of those now living. La Porte and Den- 
 ver each aspired to become the capital of Colorado. Denver had its 
 churches ; La Porte had none. Denver was a long ways — many 
 miles— from any pass by which one could enter into and get over the 
 Eocky Mountains, while La Porte was out on the plains, just where 
 the Cash La Poo River breaks from its rocky fastness and forms a 
 natural gateway or pass into and over the great mountain range — an 
 ideal location for a great city. 
 
 Look at them to-day. La Porte is the same little town with its 
 many drinking places and no church there. Denver is a great city, 
 the very metropolis of the whole Rocky Mountain region, with its 
 manyigTeat churches 
 
 God only knows how much the old first Church did for Denver, 
 and how much the lack of one injured La Porte. 
 
 In 1834, what is now the village of Windham, having become 
 a thriving community, and many of the supporters of our Mother 
 Church (we meet to honor to-day) hving there, deemed it best to 
 swarm out and estabhsh a new Church. 
 
 Accordingly, on April 29th of that year, under the mnderatering 
 of David Porter, D. D., what is now known as the Center Presbv 
 terian Church was organized with a membership of 54 names that 
 were dismissed by letter from the old to the new Church. The erec- 
 tion of a new church building was at once begun and completed the 
 same year, and on the next New Years day, Jan. 1st, 1835 appro 
 pnately dedicated to the public worship' of God. ThSte'en T^s 
 later a unanimous call was extended to Rev. Leonard B. Van Dyck. 
 That he accepted and was matalled pastor the following month re 
 maming as such for 25 years. Rev. Wm. Addy succeeded him and 
 
 ry^ll6'tT8f3'^RTi,'''-''^°l«.^^i 
 
 may, labb, to 187d; Rev. Benjamin T. Phillips from Anvil 9^ la^A 
 
 to Jan. 1st, 1876; Rev. Euf us King from April M fe ?' It' 
 KS/r^i^'^^^'^^-^Carfhyf'mfi S, me t"oS 
 
 o^^s^mSr ' ^^" ^ --K;t:s^^pt ;Ss s 
 
 Osborn,7arht ol!::'7if ff^'l "" = P"^^^"^- ^^-P' Henry 
 Bo^ertson. CharlSSiJ:^^ ^J^S ^^'^ 
 
37 
 
 S. Henry Atwater, John A. Newell, Humphrey Potter, Dwight B. 
 Hitchcock, Monroe W. Carr, Lawyer Mellen. 
 
 There have joined our Church on profession of faith 347 persons, 
 and by letter 238, making 585 members. Our present membership 
 is 121. 
 
 As the country feeds our great cities, so she sends many of our 
 best church workers there, thus weakening us who need their help, 
 and building up churches already much stronger than ourselves — 
 a kind of swarming out that we do not appreciate. Had I the time 
 I could name over a long list of names well-known and of extended 
 influence who have been granted letters of dismissal and recommen- 
 dation to our city churches from our branch of the Old Church. 
 
 We are told, "Money answereth all things." Money is required 
 in doing eifectual church work, and therefore I take great pleasure 
 in saying to you that our Church has contributed during the past 
 12 years to Home and Foreign Missionary and the other Boards of 
 our Church $7,197; for pastor's salary and other home Church work 
 $16,968, making a grand total of $24,150, during the pastorate of 
 Mr. Thorne. I regret to say, I am unable, from the uncomplete 
 records of the other 69 years, to more than estimate the amounts. 
 If, however, they have averaged as large (some years they were 
 larger) as the past 12 years, they would foot up, including the past 
 12 years, the grand total of $163,012. The original cost of the 
 church building, with the addition and improvements,- has been 
 $8,000, and of the parsonage property $3,925, aU of which has been 
 fully paid up, and our Society has now a fund on hand of over 
 $3,500. These are magniflent tokens of the generosity and practical 
 christian benevolence of our people. But, as I told you in the be- 
 ginning, nothing can measure or describe a work that is only begun 
 here on earth and reaches out into eternity. A bit of history may 
 illustrate my meaning. 
 
 About i798, Dr. Thomas Benham, having broken a twig from a 
 tree to use as a riding switch, (the doctors all went horseback in 
 those days) gave it to his son, Jacob, who thoughtlessly stuck it in 
 the ground, where it remained until it had taken root and finally 
 grew into a great Lombardy poplar, giving shade and comfort to 
 many people long after father and son had passed into the great 
 beyond. So a little kind act or a small contribution may take root 
 and grow long after the giver shall have passed away. 
 
 When this whole region was overrun with wolves and bears, a 
 godly preacher began his sermon one day with the words, "There is 
 a Lion in the Way," with hand extended towards the open door. 
 So realistic was his method of address that it was said to have 
 so startled the congregation that a large part of them turned as if 
 to see the animal. 
 
 At a later date Rev. Austin Morse here in the Old Churh took for 
 his text, "Your fathers, where are they?" and many eyes were 
 turned toward yonder cemetery, as if to respond, "There they are." 
 If that were a truthful responding inference then — 60 years ago — 
 
38 
 
 .ow ..eh n.ore BO to-da^ when ^^^^^^^^^^i 'tZ 
 
 frL our godly pLnts who have Eiver we womd 
 
 iTseeSthfre, but here, near at hand. They canno come to 
 us but we can, and I trust loill, go to them. God grant that we 
 
 "'^tTsTaMoftlcSen of those early days that they had their 
 parents in such good subjection that they would not even aUow them one 
 Sunday at home^ but insisted on always going to church each Sunday. 
 
 Those in a iewly settled country seem to appreciate church priv- 
 ileges. A few years ago, in the far West, I saw, Sunday after Sun- 
 day whole families (not small ones either) coming into the city to 
 church in lumber wagons. (I sometimes enjoj-ed a ride with them.) 
 How many of us think you would be regular attendants at church it 
 the old lumber wagon were the only moans of conveyance to get there 
 in « You need not answer. I don't want to know. 
 
 We are told that the mid-week prayer meetings were well sus- 
 tained in those early days, notwithstanding the dark, lonely roads 
 that were little more than paths through the forest. Think ot a 
 godly father and mother each on horseback, with a child in front and 
 behind each of them, (three on each horse,) a not unusual sight m 
 those days. History tells of godly mothers who met in the forests 
 week after week to pray with not even a tent to shelter them. 
 
 If I had the courage I would say shame on the present genera- 
 tion who so frequently stay away from church services and the mid- 
 week prayer meetings when we have our comfortable spring wagons 
 and good roads to use in getting there, when our forefathers over- 
 came such obstacles, that they might meet together in public wor- 
 ship, and unite in prayer and praise. 
 
 There are those now who hold the worship of God so sacred 
 that they will not allow the use of an organ in church worship. We 
 smile over their scruples, forgetting that for years the Old Church 
 was used without any fire in it to make it comfortable during the 
 very long services of those days in winter, and the seats were only 
 rude benches made from slabs. I presume they would have thought it 
 wrong to prepare and use the comfortably cushioned pews of to-day.* 
 
 *We are indebted to Mr. Erastus T. Peck, now in his 96th year, for the 
 following; incident: "The meeting house was occupied for quite a number 
 of years before it was fiinidhed, outside or in. It had no sttcple, and rude 
 slab benches took the place oE pews. The three wealthiest and most prom- 
 inent members of the Society were Bennett Osborn, Sidney Tuttleand Fos- 
 ter Moras. Mr. Tnttle said to Mr. Morss: 'I will build a steeple if you will 
 buy a bell.' Mr. Osborn said: 'If Mr. Morss will buy a bell, I will buy an 
 organ.' To these propositions assent was given. The steeple was built, a 
 bell was purchased and hung;, and an organ was placed in the gallery. 
 Ever after Mr. Tuttle was known as 'Steeple Tuttle,' Mr. Morss as 'Bell 
 Morss.' and Mr. Osborn as 'Organ Osborn.' " 
 
39 
 
 History tells of those less than a century ago who believed it 
 very wrong to warm and make comfortable a church during services, 
 and it was not until 1817 that a majority consented to the use of a 
 stove in a church, and even then there was much bitter opposition, 
 and the first Sunday after a stove had been provided for a certain 
 church and set up (although no fire had yet been kindled) we are 
 told of two who fainted away and were carried outside to recover 
 from the (to them) irreligious heat caused by that stove, but on 
 leai-niug that it was their imagination that had overcome them, they 
 ventured back and remained comfortably during the remaining 
 service. 
 
 My great-grandfather, Munson Buell, familiarly known as Judge 
 Buell, (having been County Judge,) was a very great lover of musfc. 
 The night on which he died my father, Schuyler B. Coe, sat up with 
 him, and just before his ears were closed to the music of earth he 
 asked father to sing a familiar church hymn, and father did it with 
 all the expression and feeling at his command, after which gxand- 
 father passed away. Father often talked about that night of music 
 and death. Can we doubt that they now unite in singing the songs 
 of the redeemed in Heaven ?* 
 
 The First Presbyterian Church, 
 Ashland. 
 
 A SHOUT HISTOfiY BY REV. HEMY MARIYN DCDD, A. M. 
 
 It is proper to say at the outset, that the Ashland Church in 
 reality is the old First Congregational Church of Windham, which 
 became Presbyterian in 1826, moved to "Scienceville" in 1842, and 
 has ever since been known as the "Presbyterian Church of Ashland." 
 
 *In those early days, ministers, deacons, elders and members all were 
 considered good temperance men if tliey only drank liquor in moderation, 
 vvliile to-day it would be mucli curtailed if it were known that they were 
 habitual users of ii.-toxicaling liquors even in moderation. A grandson of 
 Foster Morss relates the following incident : He says that at a Society 
 meeting in the old church when business did nob progress satisfactorily, his 
 grandfather faid: "If any one will go over to Gun's Hotel and get a gallon 
 of whiskey, I will pay for it." James Eobertson responded: "I will do it," 
 and did so, and it was drunk, and under its exhileratiog effect, the business 
 was easily and satisfactorily completed. 
 
40 
 
 We have the legal succession, the organization, and the records. But 
 while we are historically and legally the old church, yet practically 
 we are a new and daughter church dating back to the time when we 
 established ourselves at Ashland. 
 
 The name "Scienceville" was given to Ashland at first, because 
 in that village there were some families of more than ordinary edu- 
 cation, who paid especial attention to having high schools, and culti- 
 vated learning. When the town was set off from Windham in 1848, 
 it was named Ashland in compliment to the home of Henry Clay, 
 who had some warm friends in this place. 
 
 The old Society, Oct. 31st, 1842, voted "to remove the place of 
 worship to Scienceville." Their minister was Eev. Josiah Hawes, 
 who had come in 1841. The elders were Argalus White, Jairus 
 Munson and Abner Berry. There is no record that Mr. Hawes was 
 installed pastor. The new meeting house at Ashland had been built 
 by individuals or a local committee in 1841-42, and was still unfin- 
 ished in 1843. How much they used it before removal, I cannot say. 
 Before this both the Presbyterian and the Methodists had used the 
 school-house, which had been enlarged to hold meetings in. They 
 had had some difficulty over its use, and each society began to build 
 a house for themselves. The M. E. church was built in 1843. 
 
 There was "an interesting revival of religion" in 1842, with 
 about 40 conversions, and a goodly addition to the church. In 1843, 
 the time for the annual society meeting was changed from October 
 to April. Mr. Hawes remained till 1844 or 1845.* 
 
 The next pastor was Eev. Samuel Sandf ord Potter, just gradu- 
 ated from Fnion Theological Seminary, who came in the Spring of 
 1845, introduced by a classmate. He was ordained, but not installed, 
 by Columbia Presbytery, May 27th, 1846. A gentle revival occurred 
 the first Winter. He left in the Fall of 1846, on account of his fear 
 of the climate and the need for him at his parents' home.-j- 
 
 The next pastor was Eev. Harrison Otis Howland.J He was 
 
 .■ *Mi;- Hawes was a Congregational minister from New England a na- 
 tive <.t Warren, Conn., and a graduate of Willianjs Colle'.re. He was or- 
 dained March 14th, 1805, pastor at Cornwall, Conn., nnd later at Lyme 
 wf "^^ T'h "'mJ^I"' P'^'^yt'J'-y tiil Sept. 18th, 1844, when he came by 
 letter tiom the Midd esex Association, and he continued a member of Pres- 
 bytery till his death in 1851, aged 72. Ashland seems to have been hif last 
 
 Clletl ^f*i 
 
 tMr. Potter, afto- a long and busy life as pastor, teacher, cl.aDlain in 
 tl,e army and editor, mostly in Ohio, died Jan. a2d, 1899, in h s 8?th vear 
 Mr. and Mrs Potter were both from New Providence, N. J. He maiden 
 
 re°^^srrj. srrt^d M^s'potr^^^^^^^ !?'; ?"^°- "^ 
 
 m.si.iaries, but the/ay was ^^'^^Z^^^^^-^. 
 Dvci, x\,cv. u. u. jrotiei, u. u., missionary to Persia. 
 
 tMi'. Howland was a Massachusetts man; born Jan 9fiH. ism a 
 herst College, 1841; Union Seminary. 1814 AfteVltavr,,^ 'a . ?= .^f" 
 served churches at Warren, N H Girard Pa ..!h T?n^ V^ Ashland, he 
 died at Kinderhook, N. Y., Feb ISth 1872 ' ^"'"g'on. N. Y. He 
 
41 
 
 called Nov. 23d, 1846, ordained and installed Dec. 23d foUo-w-ing. 
 He staid about four years, and was dismissed Sept. ITth, 1850. 
 
 In 1847 the time for the Society meeting was changed back to 
 October, where it had been from the first. In 1848 the members 
 numbered 44. The church adopted April 20th, 1849, "A short Con- 
 " fession of Faith and Covenant approved by the Northern Associated 
 " Presbytery and recommended to their members to be used in the 
 " admission of new members and of infant members to full commun- 
 " ion." This was printed, but I do not find any copies of it now. 
 
 When Presbytery dismissed Mr. Howland it appointed Rev. 
 Phinehas Blakeman "to declare the pulpit vacant the next Sabbath." 
 In Oct., 1850, at Society meeting, it was voted "to sell the slips for 
 one' year to hire Mr. Blakeman." If he stayed, it was not long. He 
 is not remembered as having been here. A year later, the record 
 says, there "was no minister and the pews were not sold." 
 
 Between the years 1850 and 1855, the tanning industry in this 
 region failed completely, owing to the exhaustion of the hemlock 
 bark. The cotton and woolen mills also sviifered severely from their 
 inland location, causing high transportation charges. There was a 
 great business decline in this region, and the churches were much 
 weakened by the loss of members and supporters. The Ashland 
 church, not strong at any time since its separation from Windham, 
 had become unable to support a minister alone. They were there- 
 fore obliged to resort to the plan of hiring the minister of some 
 neighboring church to supply them with an afternoon service, and 
 such pastoral work as he could. This plan began about 1852 and 
 lasted with a couple of exceptions till 1892 — about 40 years. The 
 church has not prospered as it might otherwise have done, under 
 this supply system. There is nothing so good for a church as a resi- 
 dent pastor, and full pastoral care. 
 
 But to go back to the history. The next minister was Rev. E. 
 S. Hammond, who was the Reformed minister at Prattsville from 
 1852-1855. How much of that time he preached at Ashland, I do 
 not know, but most of it I think, — about three years.* 
 
 In 1855 the church undertook to have a minister of their own 
 again, and in Julj', 1855, Rev. Edward Stratton'j" began his four years' 
 ministry here, living with his family in the parsonage, which was 
 built for him. His first year was marked by a gracious revival and 
 
 *Rev. Ebeii S. HaiuiiKHKl, born July Sotli. 1815; Rutgei's College, 1839; 
 Seminaiy, 1842; (iid.-diied bv Clasxis, Long Island, 1842; exercised iiis min- 
 istry in (.hu BeCormed Church in Huveral diSurent places. He died in 1873. 
 For fuller particulHi-ci of Mr. Hammond and tlif other Reformed ministers 
 in this history, the reader is referred to the vex-y complate "Reformed 
 Church Manual' of Dr. Corwin. 
 
 fMr Stratton, born in Philadelphia, Pa., 1830; Union College, 1853; 
 Union Seminary, 1855; was oidaiued and installed at Ashland, June 11th, 
 1856, by the Presbytery of Catskill; SBruiun by Rev. Mr. Hovey; ordaining 
 prayer. Rev. L. H.- Fellows; charge to pastor, Rev. L. B. Van Dyck; cliarge 
 to people, Rev T. F. While. After leaving Aahland Mr. Stratton had a 
 long and useful ministry, serving at Greeuport, Port Jefferson, Tom's 
 River, N. J., Fayetteville, Grreenville and Valatie. He died Aug, 9th, 1903 
 
42 
 
 a goodly addition of members. He did a good work and left the 
 field September, 1859, resigned in November, and was dismissed 
 April 24, 1860. ^, , „ „ „ 
 
 The successor of Mr. Stratton was Eev. Charles H. Holloway, 
 who had married Mr. Stratton's sister. He was a teacher m the 
 Seminary and supplied about two years, from Sept., 1859, to Nov., 
 1861. He lived with his family in the parsonage— the last minister 
 to occupy it.* 1 . » 
 
 There seems to have been no regular supply after this for a 
 time. The Presbytery the next Spring, 1862, arranged supplies for 
 Ashland from May 11th to Sept. 2l8t, 11 Sundays. 
 
 About 1860 Ashland had suffered a further business depression 
 from the closing out of the hat making industry, which had come in 
 after the tanning went out. A still greater loss was the burning of 
 the Seminary in January, 1861, built a few years before, about 1855, 
 which would have done much for the town had it continued. No ef- 
 fort was made to rebuild and its teachers all left. The church was 
 so weakened by losses that they resorted again to hiring the Pratts- 
 ville minister as a supply. 
 
 Kev. A. P. Gilbert was at Prattsville from 1861 to 1866. Just 
 when he began at Ashland I caanot tell, but before April, 1883. In 
 January, 1866, Mr. Gilbert held a protracted meeting here, which 
 was much blessed, for April 2d, 1866, 19 substantial converts united 
 on profession. Later in the same season, Mr. Gilbert broke down 
 while holding a protracted meeting in Prattsville and died of spinal 
 meningitis. His last sermon in Ashland was preached May 21st, 
 1866, and his funeral was attended June 17th, Eev. Charles Kendall 
 preaching from the text, "There is but a step between me and death." 
 Mr. Gilbert was very much esteemed and lamented.-j- 
 
 Mr. Gilbert was soon succeeded by another Prattsville minister, 
 Eev. Thomas Dusinberre,| who continued about three years, till some 
 time in 1869. During this period tlie Columbia Presbytery met in 
 Ashland, April 27th, 1869. 
 
 About 1869 the bell, which had been brought from the old 
 meeting house ("stolen" the Windham people always claimed) became 
 cracked. The trustees took it to the bell . foundry at Troy, N. Y., 
 
 *Mr HoUoway born m Philadelphia, Pa.; Amherst College 18.52; 
 Union Seminary 1857; was ordained as an evangelist Sept. 33d, 1857 bv 
 GatsKill Presbytery, at Greenville. Besides Ashland, he served 'the 
 churches of RensselaerviUe, Salem Center. Tom's River and Shelter Island 
 For many years he taught in academic schools. Owing to deafness, he is 
 
 flff i^^''w^n-'l^^'e°°^-" ^''^^Z^< *"»•" i" Stamford, N. Y., May Slst, 1S25; 
 fitted at Williston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass.; Amherst College 1850- 
 Principal of Femal,? Seminary Mercersburg, Pa., 1850-54; studied fh^oWy 
 
 Maste^s'^jo?.''' "^ ' "^' °"^'^''''^ ^^ °'''^*''- «^ ^^'1^ ente.ed into his 
 
 ,..,„^^1''' '^''°™^*'^f""""^"sinberre, born at Warwick N V O^t 18H, 
 1833; Rutger's College, 1861; Seminary, 1864. aAbi lekvinJ'p?«nifilp' 
 served Linlithgo 19 years, New HempstUd 9 yeafs! arid irnoS iS ' 
 
48 
 
 and exchanged it for a new bell, paying a large difference. Some 
 years later this latter bell was also cracked by violent blows in toll- 
 ing to try to get the people out to a meeting, and was sent to Troy 
 and recast. It lost considerable weight in this process. 
 
 I have already mentioned that a parsonage was built just west 
 of the meeting house, about 1855,— a good house suitable for the 
 purpose. But since IVIr. Holloway left in 1861, there had been no 
 resident minister, and it had been rented to various tenants. It 
 then seemed doubtful if the Society would ever need it again. Hon. 
 Albert Tuttle, a prominent member, whose wife was a Strong, 
 wanted it for a residence, because it adjoined the old Strong home- 
 stead, — the brick house. Many were opposed to selling, but it was 
 finally decided to sell for $800. The Society reserved the right of 
 building a shed on the east side of the church building, and of driv- 
 ing around the chui-ch for the purpose of repairing it. Mr. Tuttle 
 was also to build a fence on front of the church whenever the Society 
 builds a fence on the east side of the church lot and their shed. 
 This action was taken at a special meeting Oct. 24th, 1868, and was 
 ratified at the annual meeting Jan. 4;th, 1869. 
 
 This house was repaired and used by Mr. Tuttle until his death 
 in 1883. It was later moved a little distance and is now [1903] the 
 main part of the house of Mr. Thomas W. Jeralds. 
 
 The $800 was used to pay debts, get the bell exchanged and 
 build sheds. The bell took abjut $200, and the sheds cost $350. 
 Some went for the cabinet orgau which was bought about that time, 
 and the balance for minor work. 
 
 But to resume the history. After Mr. Dusinberre they secured 
 Rev. Charles Kendall, the Windham minister, as supply, who preached 
 till his death, March 19th, 1873. He, too, like Mr. Gilbert, was 
 much esteemed, and much lamented.* 
 
 The next supply was from Prattsville. He was Rev. William 
 H. CaiT, who served from May 1st, 1874, to early in 1875. f 
 
 He was succeeded in the Spring of 1875 by Rev. James Oorte- 
 lyou Garret^on, also a supply from Prattsville, who staid about a 
 year.J 
 
 In the Summer of 1876, from May to September, they were 
 
 *Mi-. Kendall, born in Westminster, Mass., Feb. 19th, 1813; Amherst 
 College, 1889; Union Sernin.iry, I84:'2; was ordained by Council Jan. 24th, 
 1844. Before coming to Windham, he served churclies in Massachusetts, 
 at Bernardston 12 years, Royaltou 1 year, Petersham 3 years, and Auburn 
 7 years. 
 
 f Mr. Carr was born at Kiaderhook, N Y., 1812. His early ministry 
 was in the Presbyterian church. He was at Centei-ville 1867-70, and served 
 Reformed churches at Sharon and Gallupville, N. Y. He was Chaplain of 
 Fourth N. Y. Volunteers from beginning to end of the War, and was hon- 
 orably discharged. He died Aug. 7th, 1890. 
 
 JMr. Garretson, born Aug. 8th, 1857; Rutger's College, '71; Seminary, 
 '74; went from Prattsville to Taghkanick, where he served 14 years. Since 
 then he supplies churches, as opportunity offers. * 
 
44 
 
 fortunate enough to secure as a supply Eev. C. O. Day, a student of 
 Andover Seminary. He did a good work during his brief stay re- 
 uniting the church which had been divided over the election ot an 
 elder and initiating the repairing and reshinghng of the meeting 
 
 house.* „ _, , . .„ , 
 
 The next supply was Rev. E. N. Sebring of Prattsville, who 
 served (I'judge) two or three years, between 1878 and 1881. In Jan- 
 uary, 1879, it was voted that the church be used during the ensuing 
 year only for religious purposes. A similar vote was passed the next 
 year, and the year after that. The object was to shut out pohtical 
 meetings, f 
 
 Feb. 2d, 1881, Eev. Norman F. Nickerson became stated supply, 
 preaching at Prattsville morning and evening, and at Ashland in the 
 afternoon. For four years Mr. Nickerson cultivated this field with 
 characteristic zeal and fidelity. J 
 
 After Mr. Nickerson's departure, Feb., 1883, for about two 
 yea.rs the ministerial service was very irregular, and at times there 
 was no meeting. In the summer of 1885 the pulpit was supplied 
 by Eev. W. N. P. Dailey, a student of Hartford Seminary. He lived 
 that summer here. He also supplied the next summer, 1886, living 
 at Big Hollow.§ 
 
 Eev. Timothy Williston, a resident- retired minister, quite 
 
 *Charles Orrin Day was one of the D.ty family of CuMkill, ami a gieat 
 grandson of Eev. David Porter, D. D Ha was born Nov. 8th, 1851, grad- 
 uated at Yale College 1872, and Andover Seminary 1877. His work in the 
 ministry has been, one year in a Mission Chapel, Montreal, five years at 
 Williamsburg, Mass., 13 years at Brattleboro, Vt. He also spent a year in 
 Europe and two in post-gradaate studies. He was Chaplain of a Vermont 
 Ragiment, and went to the Spanish War with her rejjiment in 1898. He 
 tlien became Secretary of the Congregational Education Society. In 1901 
 he became Dean and Professor of Practical Theology, in Andover Theolo"- 
 ical Seminary, one of the most honorable positions in the Congregational 
 body. 
 
 fElbert Kevins Sebring was b)rn at Ovid, N. Y., S-!pt. •22i. 1836 He 
 graduated at Eutger'g College, '63; Seminary, '65. He served Reformed 
 Churches at Second Ghent eight years, Fairfield four years. Prattsville two 
 years, Middleburgh five years, Leeds five years. He died at L-^eds Oct 
 12th, 1889. His obituary speaks of him as an amiable man, a devoted 
 christian, a zealous mmister and excellent sermonizer, and as such he is 
 remembered here. 
 
 INorman Fred Nickerson was born Nov. 26tli, 1836. He was a lawver 
 and teacher for several years. Feeling oalled to the ministry he irraduated 
 
 ^L^r^? ^'^"^"^ '^t ^' ^^' °'''^^'^«'' ''y »'• Lawrence^ -esbytery Oct 
 7th, 1875. His ministry has been a varied one, partly PresbvteriHn and 
 partly Reformed. His fields have been Evans Mills, Hugh" nVille Maiden 
 PrattsviUe, GlenvUle Prairie City, So. Dakota, Britton.'Micr, and Pretv'- 
 terial Missionary of Maumee Presbytery, Ohio. ^ 
 
 §Rev. William N. P. Dailey, born in Schenectadv Tiil„ obh iqp, 
 Union College, '84; Hartford Seminary, '87; licS bv Middl Jk v a ' ^^^' 
 tion '87; ordained by Utah Presbyte/v, >87; Mission woHHn utal, 'Si'-qT- 
 •M Reformed Church, Albany, '91-'98; Athens, '98-'02- PI, >,!i=;,^ n i ' 
 Asylum 2 years; now p»stor Trinity Reformed Church,' A?vs;?idam'''"' 
 
45 
 
 irequeutly supplied as he had done at intervals for a number of years. 
 His sermons were very able and doctrinally sound.* 
 
 Eev. Oscar B. Hitchcock, who lived in town, on North Set- 
 tlement, also preached occasionally. Of him I have spoken at length 
 in the Old Church history. He took a lively interest in the Ashland 
 church — the chui-oh of his father and his ovm earlier life. In 1888 
 he furnished paint to paint it twice outside. He also gave many 
 smaller gifts, and remembered it with a legacy at his death in 1897. 
 
 So weak and unpromising did the Ashland church appear about 
 this time, and so remote from Presbj^terian churches with which it 
 might be united in a field, that the suggestion was seriously made 
 in Presbytery, that it be advised to disband. To this suggestion it 
 was replied with spirit by its friends, that it evidently wanted to 
 live, that it had a right to live, and that if helped to live, it might 
 yet regain its lost strength and have a resident pastor, — a prophecy 
 which has been fulfilled. ' 
 
 This view, I am happy to say, prevailed in Presbytery. About 
 this time Columbia Presbytery determined to do something for its 
 weak mountain fields, and appointed Rev. Charles E. Herbert of 
 ounside, to preach at Ashland every other Sunday, in conjunction 
 with Mitchell Hollow and Big Hollow. The first Summer service 
 was at 3 p. M , but in the Fall it was changed to evening. Mr. Her- 
 bert continued three years, and such was his activity aiid efficiency 
 among the mountain churches, especially in pastoral work and finan- 
 cial effort, that he was sometimes styled "Bishop of the Catskills." 
 A choir was organized at that time, with Mr. A. B. Munson as 
 leader, and Miss Helen C. Brainard as organist, which has continued 
 pretty much the same till now and furnished unusually fine music 
 for aU occasions. In passing we must not forget to record the fa- 
 mous incident of the great blizzard, March 13th, 1888, in which Mr. 
 Herbert, returning from Ashland on Monday morning, was snowed 
 in ^v^th some very old and poor people on the turnpike next house 
 beyond Soper's bridge, and had to go in search of food for them and 
 himself. He was five days getting home to Sunside. Mr. Herbert 
 is remembered with most cordial feelings by all in Ashland.f 
 
 *Rev. Tiuiothv Williston, only child of Rev. Seih Williston, D D., 
 graduated nl Williaaj8 College. He taught in hifjh grade schools in New- 
 York city several years, then stuciied theology with his distinguished 
 father, and wa-* ordained by Columbia Presbytery as an evangelist, Nov. 
 3d, 1846, at Hunter. His ministry was exeroised in various churches in 
 New York State and the West. He spi^nt his Uist years in iionorable re- 
 tirement at Ashland, where he died Dec. 2Lst, 1893. in his 89th year. 
 
 fCharles E. Herbert, son of Rev. C. D Herbert, was born April 7th, 
 1860; Kraduated Amherst Collegs, '78; Yale Seminary, '83; licensed April 
 30th, 1884. and ordained April 28th. 1886, by Columbia Presbytery. He 
 was at Ceiiterville six years, 1883-89, Galwav 1889-94, Genoa and Ludlow- 
 ville 1894-99, and returned to Centerville 1902. On his present circuit, 
 comprising Sunside, Big Hollow and Mitchell Hollow, he preaches at each 
 place every Sabbath, and drives 30 miles, 20 of it on the Sabbath, includ- 
 ing the niiiniilain climb. 
 
46 
 
 After Mr. Herbert, in May, 1889, came Kev Daniel I- Mo^^^ 
 Mr. Herbert's successor at Sunside, who took np the same fields ajid 
 served them till August, 1891. Mr. Morrison was also a good, taith- 
 ful workman, whose early death is lamented sincerely. 
 
 July 4th, 1891, Eev. James Bain, also sent by Presbytery, arrived 
 in Ashland and took up the work. He also preached at Big Hollow 
 and Mitchell Hollow, returning to Ashland for the evening. He re- 
 sided here,— the first Presbyterian minister to reside here in dO 
 years. May 12th, 1892, the C. E. Society was organized and had a 
 useful career, till it was suspended in 1901, owing to lack of support 
 Mr Bain continued till the Fall of 1894, about three and one-halt 
 years. He was an able, earnest man, but his Scotch brogue impaired 
 his popularity as a preacher. We have been saddened to hear of his 
 recent death, at the age of 49 years.| , , „ j 
 
 In January, 1895, Rev. George Bergen, introduced by Synod, 
 moved here with his family, and took part of the house of Mr. E. B. 
 Dodge. He also preached at Mitchell HoUow and Big Hollow. He 
 staid just a year. During his stay the service in the morning was 
 resumed. In the Winter of 1894-95, the town had been greatly 
 moved by a revival in the M. E. church, under the labors of Eev. 
 Lester Leggett, then a lay preacher. Over 100 had asked for pray- 
 ers, and many were converted, most of whom united with other 
 churches, but ours received some valuable accessions, which have 
 added greatly to its strength as a working organization. | 
 
 In 1891 the town had, after years of bitter experience as a 
 "whiskey place," gone "no-license," and put an end to the open sale 
 of liquors. This and the great revival of 1894-5, produced a marked 
 change in the moral and religious condition of the town. Another 
 fruit of the revival was the Y. M. C. A., which was organized March 
 29th, 1895, and flourished for two or three years, but was suspended 
 in 1901 for lack of support. 
 
 *Rev. Daniel Isaac Morrison, a native of Nova Scotia, who had sludied 
 at Dallioasie College and graduated at Auhurn Seminary ]889. was or- 
 dained by Columbia Presbytery Sept. 18Ui, 1889. He was at Sunside four 
 years, Salem two years, East Meredith four years, Syracuse (Westminster 
 Church) eight months. He died June 3d, 1900, aged 40 years. 
 
 fRev. James Bain, born in Greenock, Scotland, April '20th, 1»53, came 
 to this country through the influence of Or. McCosh. He graduated from 
 Glasgow University 1881, and entered Princeton Seminary in 1882, but did 
 not graduate. He was ordahied Sept. 22d, 1885, by Presbytery of Saga- 
 naw. He had served the churches at Harris, Mich , and Hillsdale, N. Y., 
 before this. His health gave way after leaving here, and he died' after a 
 lingering and painful illness, Jan. 18th, 1901, at the Presbyterian Hospital, 
 
 tEev. George Bergen, from Washburn College, Kansas, '87, iind Union 
 Seminary, 90, was ordained by Hudson Presbytery Sept 16th 1890 He 
 served ihe churches of White Lake, Carlisle and Redfleld before corain"- 
 here, and Mitoliell Hollow, Hillsdale and Lyndburst, N. J., after leavinS 
 here. He is now at Slack, Wyoming, a home missionary. He is married 
 again. 
 
47 
 
 Mr. Bergen was succeeded by Eev. Henry Martyn Dodd.* He 
 was introduced by Synod; preached here as a candidate Jan. 
 12th, 1896; was called to become pastor Feb. 19th; began labor 
 March f'th; and was installed pastor June 1st, 1897. He removed 
 his family here in May, 1896, and moved into the new parsonage just 
 bought at a cost of $800, Miss Louisa Strong paying half. This 
 house stands on the site of the old brick store of the Strongs, oppo- 
 site the brick house. It has since been improved by the outlay of 
 between two and thi-ee hundred dollars. Mr. Dodd had also Big 
 Hollow once in two weeks, and later Mitchell Hollow, whose Union 
 Chapel was dedicated April 21st, 1898. His health gave way Sep- 
 tember, 1899, and he was obliged to give up Mitchell Hollow early 
 in 1900, and Big Hollow the next Fall, and to confine his labors to 
 Ashland alone. In September. 189S, the former members of this 
 chm-ch living elsewhere united to buy and give a pulpit, three chairs, 
 table and stand. In 1900 the fine stone flagging walk to the church 
 was laid. In 1902 the ladies, by fine effort, paid for new shingles, 
 which were laid by the men on both church and shed, and the liber- 
 ality of the church as a whole is noteworthy, not only in home out-- 
 lays, but in its missionai-y offerings. But best of all is the revival in 
 the Spring of 1903, when Mrs. Maggie Van Cott was in the M. E. 
 church and later in March Eev. Alexander Alison, D. D. (sent by 
 General Assembly's Committee), preached here for two weeks. On 
 the 3d of May, 14 were received, 12 on profession, — a most valuable 
 accession. 
 
 One other matter should be recorded, and that is the change of 
 name. The lot on which the chm'ch stands was given by the Strong- 
 family. The deed was made to the "Presbyterian Society of Ash- 
 land," the name by which, in later years, the Society had been com- 
 monly called. But the legal name, as recorded in the County Clerk's 
 office, was "First Society of Windham." It was a case of what in 
 law is termed a misnomer. In 1897 proceedings were taken to cor- 
 rect the deeds in the manner prescribed by law. Also, after the 
 deeds had been corrected, proceedings were taken to change in legal 
 form, the name of the Society from "First Society of Windham" to 
 "First Presbyterian Church of Ashland," which better expresses the 
 facts, and guards against mistakes in names. The name of the 
 chvrch had been changed to Presbyterian as far back as 1826, and 
 to Ashland, by usage, about 1860. 
 
 And I must not forget to mention the names of some who, 
 
 *Mr. Dodd, son of Rev. John Docitt, whs born Auk 6Lh, 1839. His 
 early life was in h parsonage. He was edncated at Biidgton Academy, 
 Maine, '58, and Genesee and WyoniinK 8i-aiinarv. New ^ork, '60; Hamil- 
 ton College, '63; Auburn Seminary, '70. From '63 to '67 he taught in Cort- 
 laiidville Academy, N. Y. He was licensed by Cayuga Presbytery, '69; or- 
 dained by St. Lawrence Preisbytery Jan. 3d, 187B; supplied Reformed 
 church at Canastota, May, '69, to April, '70; served as pastor elect at Mani- 
 lus. May, '70, to May, '73; pastor at Dexter and Brownville, December, '72, 
 \o September, '84; Augusta, September, '84, to March, '96, and Ashland 
 einca. 
 
48 
 
 dvinff have shown their love by leaving small sums for the benefit of 
 the church viz.: Elder George Lent, who died m 1890 ; Rev. Oscar 
 B Hitchcock, who died in 1897, and Miss Ellen F. Tuttle, who died 
 ia 1900 Others have done nobly while living, and should also have 
 the praise for generous giving. By their sacrifices we enjoy the in- 
 stitutions we have. . ■, ■■ , , 
 
 We rejoice that our influence for good has extended beyond cm- 
 own town, and.that two of oiu: young men have become ministers of 
 the blessed gospel. I refer to Irving E. "White* and Albert H. Orms- 
 bee,t neither of whom are with us to-day. Mr. White had fully in- 
 tended to come, but was prevented by a funeral, much to our sorrow. 
 
 I cannot close this history without a word of praise for the 
 faithful few who amid the sore discouragements of later years, have 
 been steadfast, and kept the church going, and the altar fires bui'n- 
 ing. I have been told that they have always kept up the prayer- 
 meeting, minister or no minister. And I can but rejoice in the im- 
 proved outlook with which we enter the second centuiy. I am told 
 by one competent to judge that the church is now in the best coudi- 
 tjon spiritually and financially that it has been at any time for 30 
 years. Let us then all rejoice, and reconsecrate ourselves to the 
 work of the Lord in this old vineyard of His where our lots in life 
 are cast, which is our Church Home now, and is to be in future. 
 
 "For her ray tears sliall fall, 
 For her my prayers H.scend; 
 To her my cares be jiiveii. 
 Till toils and cares shall end." 
 
 *Rev. Irving E. White was the son of Elisha White, and j>:riiMdson of 
 Argalus White, who was Elder from 1826 to his death March 10, 1861. Born 
 in Ashland in 1849; converted and joined the church in 1866; giaduated at 
 Princeton College, 1876; Union Seminary, 1880; ordaioert and installed at 
 Hobart, N. Y , June, 1880, by Presbytery of Otsego; pastor there six years, 
 and in Peekskill 2d Chm-ch 10 years, and minister at Portohesier since 1897, 
 and pastor there since May, 1902. He is still actively and fruitfully serv- 
 ing the Master, in the Church of his ancestors, in whose Faith and Order 
 he was trained. 
 
 fRev. Albert Hall Ormsbee, son of Nathaniel Ormsbee and Lucinda 
 Buel, born Aug. 6th, 1838, was brought up in the Episcopal Church. Wlien 
 19 he experienced a religious awakening and united with the Presbyterian 
 church in Ashland. Later, while teaching in Dutchess county, he was led 
 to examine the claims of the Episcopal church and he became convinced of 
 the soundness of her historical position, and was confirmed. He entered 
 St. Stephens College, 1864, graduated. 1869; Gen. Theo. Seminary, 1872; 
 was ordaineu deacon, 1872; priest, 1873, and has served 31 years in the 
 h^piscopal churches mostly in and about Utica. 
 
Lists of Officers, Deacons, Ruling Elders, Trus- 
 tees. Members, &c, 
 
 DEACONS. 
 
 1834— Jairus Munson 1837— Argalus White 
 
 EXILING ELDERS. 
 
 1826- 
 
 -Argalus White 
 
 
 1876- 
 
 -George Lent 
 
 
 Jairus Munson 
 
 
 
 Romayne L. Parsons 
 
 1883- 
 
 -Abner Berry 
 
 
 1895- 
 
 -George W. Clark 
 
 1843- 
 
 -Lawrence Winnie 
 
 
 
 Francis L. Dodge 
 
 1856- 
 
 -Anson Bela Brisack 
 
 
 1897- 
 
 -M. Watson Richmond 
 
 
 Peter I. Stanley, M. 
 
 D. 
 
 
 James A. Campbell 
 
 1859- 
 
 -John Munson 
 Sylvanus fa.rlcer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 TRUSTEES. 
 
 
 1841- 
 
 -Albert Steele 
 
 
 1862- 
 
 -Jesse Ingraham 
 
 1843- 
 
 -E. S. White 
 
 
 1863- 
 
 -Romayne L.. Parsons 
 
 
 Albert Tuttle 
 
 
 1867- 
 
 -James Stanibridge 
 
 
 Stephen Steele 
 
 
 
 John Munson 
 
 
 Henry Kinsley 
 
 
 1871- 
 
 -Hiram B. ClarK 
 
 1843- 
 
 -Daniel B. Strong 
 Abraham Parker 
 
 
 
 Egbert B Dodge 
 Iiavid Brainard 
 
 1844- 
 
 -Allen Smith 
 
 
 1874- 
 
 -Reuben Powell 
 
 1845- 
 
 -Henry Hart 
 
 
 1876- 
 
 -Walston Ferris 
 
 1849- 
 
 -Lawrence Winne 
 
 
 1878- 
 
 -George Sylvester Lewis 
 
 185 - 
 
 -Peter I. Stanley 
 
 
 1881- 
 
 -Daniel L. Lewis 
 
 1859- 
 
 —Jerome Smith 
 A . B. Brisack. 
 
 
 1884- 
 
 -Francis L. Doage 
 
 COMMUNICANT MEMBERS. 
 
 Note: — For some of the names which belong here, — o£ those who were 
 members at the time of removal, — the reader is referred to pages 39-31, 
 where they will be found scattered along the Roll of the old churcli. It 
 was not practicable to cull them out for this list. 
 
 United Tinder Rev. Josiah Hawes. 
 
 1843 
 Mrs. Benj. Kinsley 
 Mrs. Josiah Hawes 
 Mrs. Henry Hart 
 Mrs. Daniel B. Strong 
 Miss Mary Ann Coles 
 Miss Mary Ann Hawes 
 
 1845 
 Mrs. Phebe Potter 
 
 Miss Susannah Tuttle 
 
 1848 
 Benajah B. Hosford 
 Mrs. Abraham Parker 
 Mrs. Abigail Ives 
 Mrs. Matilda Winnie 
 
 James Frayer 
 
 1844 
 Miss Helen White 
 Elihu Smith 
 Everts Decker 
 Lamira Decker 
 
 Under Rev. 8, S. Potter. 
 
 1846 
 Abraham Parker 
 
 Miss Lucina P. Tuttle 
 Miss Adaline White 
 
50 
 
 (COMMUNICANT MEMBERS— CoNTrauED.) 
 Under Hev. H. O. Howland. 
 1847 WiUiam Littabrant Mrs. Sarah Beebe 
 
 Mrs. Harrison O. How- Mrs. WiUiam Littabrant Mrs., Elizabeth Bennett 
 
 j^jj^ 1849 Mrs. Nathaniel Ormsbee 
 
 Mrs. Eunice Kinsley Clark A. Beebe 
 
 Under Rev. E. S. Hammond. 
 1852 1854 Mrs. Sarah Stanley 
 
 Sandford Tuttle Alvin V. Vrooman John L. Gammer 
 
 Anson Bela Brisack Mrs. Alvin Vrooman Mrs. Cynthia Cammer 
 
 John J. Brandow Peter I. Stanley, M. D. 
 
 Under Rev. Edward Stratton. 
 
 18.^6 Mrs. Susan Parsons Romayne L. Parsons 
 Mrs. Edward Stratton Mrs. Elizabeth Bushnell 1858 
 Sylvanus Parker Mrs. Almira Morris James Stambridge 
 J. Buel Parker Mrs. Elizabeth B. Jaynes Mrs. James Stambridge 
 Mrs. J. Buel Parker Miss Demis Annable Jesse Ingraham 
 Mrs. Margaret E.Stratton Miss Caroline Tuttle Albert H. Ormsbee 
 John Munson Miss Lydia Parker George Lent 
 James Brandow Mrs. Alanson Mallory Mrs. Sarah Belinda Lent 
 Jerome Smith Miss Antoinette Hyatt Mrs Rebecca P. Hallo- 
 Mrs. Melvina Smith Albert Steele way 
 
 Under Ren. A. F. Gilbert. 
 
 1866 Howard A. Clark Prances Bennett 
 Charles E. White Irving E. White Miss Eva Brandow 
 Mrs. Lisandra White Miss Jennie D. White Miss Hannali Brainard 
 Reuben Powell William Smith Miss Lueinda Ives 
 Mrs. Reuben Powell Miss Ellen L. Tuttle Miss Martha Winghart 
 Hiram B. Clark Miss Fidelia Smalling Mrs. Cynthia Waterman 
 Mrs. Hiram B. Clark Mrs. A. Z. Allen Miss Emily E. Romayne 
 
 Under Rev. T. S. Dusinberre. 
 
 1867 1869 Miss Mary Williston 
 Mrs. Rosannah Tompkins Walston Ferris Daniel B. Strong 
 Mrs. Bmelissa Rogers Mrs. Phebe Ferris Egbert B. Dodge 
 
 Under Rev. G. O. Day. 
 
 1876 Miss Lizzie Clark Mrs. Aravesta Smith 
 Mrs. Sophronia Lee Miss Jarusha Martin Mrs. Sarah White 
 Mrs. Helen Brainard Miss EDla Burroughs 
 
 Under Rev. Timothy Williston. 
 
 1877 Maitland Rogers Miss Nettie Smith 
 Georgia Sylvester Lewis Charles Parsons 
 
 Under Rev. E. N. Sebring. 
 
 1878— Francis L. Dodge 
 
 Under Rev. Charles E. Herbert. 
 
 1889 
 
 Mies Carrie Tliorpe Miss Frances Brainard Miss Harriet Lewis 
 
 Under Rev. D. I. Morrison. 
 
 1890 
 
 David Brainard Miss Helen C Brainard Mrs. Albert B Steele 
 
61 
 
 (COMMUNICANT MEMBERS— Continued.) 
 
 Under Rev. James Sain. 
 
 1892— Mis. Elizabeth Wiltsie 1893— Mrs. Caroline Weeks 
 
 Under Rev. George Bergen. 
 
 189.5 John Wesley Steele Mrs. Eunice German 
 
 George W. Clark 
 Albert B. Steele 
 
 George Thorpe 
 William H. Lewis 
 
 Miss Lettie Brezee 
 
 Under Rev. H. M. Dodd. 
 
 1896 
 James A Campbell 
 Mrs. Ada Campbell 
 Mrs. Maria W. Dodd 
 Mrs. Mary C. Dodge 
 Miss Lucy Hay ward 
 M. Watson Richmond 
 
 1897 
 Miss Ella A. Dodd 
 Mrs. Mary E. Richmond 
 
 Mrs. Rose Ding 
 Lynn S. Munson 
 
 1898 
 David Henry Conine 
 
 1903 
 Daniel L. Lewis 
 Miss Etta May Payne 
 Frank A. Munson 
 Harry A. Steele 
 Miss Florence C. Dodge 
 
 BAPTISMS. 
 
 William Thorpe 
 Sherman Munger 
 Miss Mildred E. Brandow 
 John Thomas Ding 
 Augustus B. Munson 
 Addington Brandow 
 Mrs. Catherine Brandow 
 Samuel Chauncey Clark 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Clark 
 
 Note: — Only a few of them have been recorded, which are given below. 
 
 Harriet Augustus Hart, March 31st, 
 
 1847 
 Charles Bissel Hart, Sept. 5th, 1847 
 Isadore Newell Parker, Sept. 5th, 1847 
 Addison Tuttle Brandow, Dec. Blst, 
 
 1847 
 William Baily Rowland, Aug. Slst, 
 
 1849 -f fVK^'O'' 
 Amy Ann Aiygusta Hart, Sept. 2d, 
 
 1849 
 George White Stratton, June 10th, 
 
 1856 
 Clara Jane Parsons 
 Edward Doane Parker 
 Vernon Covell Stanley 
 Mary Ella Stanley 
 Lucina Tuttle Bushnell 
 Adah Stanley 
 Belle Stanley 
 Josephine Stanley 
 Sidney Smith 
 Dwight Smith 
 
 Eldora Smith 
 Nelson Smith 
 
 E Smith 
 
 Addie Smith 
 
 Egbert B. Dodge, Aug. 10th, 1869 
 
 Helen Clark Brainard, April 20th, 
 
 1890 
 Mrs. Mary Steele, April 20th, 1890 
 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Wiltsie, , 1892 
 
 Lottie Brezee, March 17th, 1895 
 William Henry Lewis, May 16th, 1895 
 Mrs. Eunice German, May 16th, 1895 
 Harry Addison Steele, Nov. 7th, 1897 
 Florence Clark Dodge, Nov. 7th, 1897 
 Daniel Lennon Lewis, May 3d, 1903 
 Samuel Chauncev Clark, May 3d, 1903 
 Elizabeth Buel Clark, May 3d, 1903 
 John Thomas Ding, May 3d, 1903 
 William Thorpe, May 3d, 1903 
 Mildred Eunice Brandow, May 3d, 
 
 1903 
 Sherman Munger, May 3d, 1903 
 
 MARRIAGES— By Rev. S. S. Potter. 
 
 June 14th, 1846, Seymour A. Whitcomb and Miss Catherine Jones. 
 June 30th, 1846, Sandford Tuttle and Miss Lucina P. Tuttle. 
 July 6th, 1846, Elisha P. Strong and Miss Caroline Peck. 
 Sept. I6th, 1848, John J. Brandow and Miss Susannah P. Tuttle. 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 The Articles of Faith of the Old First Church, 
 
 (See Page 14.) 
 
 I. 
 
 That there is one only true and living God: the King Eter- 
 nal, Immortal, Invisible, the only wise God : subsisting in one and 
 distinguished into three undivided persons, God the Father, God 
 the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. 
 
 II. 
 
 That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the 
 very word of God, and a perfect rule of Faith and manners contain- 
 ing all things necessary unto eternal salvation. 
 
 in. 
 
 That God from all eternity did (for his own Glory) ordain all 
 events, and doth invariably bring them to pass in his works of Crea- 
 tion and Providence. 
 
 IV. 
 
 That God made Man in his own image in Knowledge, Bighteous- 
 nesB and true Holiness, and entered into a Covenant of life with him 
 on condition of perfect obedience. 
 
 V. • 
 
 That Man lost the image of God through the temptation of the 
 Devil, and eating of the Fotbidden Fruit, by which sin entered, and 
 Death by sin, so that all mankind descending by natural generation 
 are wholly corrupt in their Heart and Life; liable to all miseries 
 Temporal, Spiritual and Eternal. 
 
 VI. 
 
 That God of mere mercy entered into a Covenant of Grace with 
 Man ; ordained it in the hands of a Mediator, Christ Jesus ; who 
 being the second person in the adorable Trinity, took upon him our 
 Nature, in which he obeyed and suffered unto justification of Life 
 for all who believe in him. 
 
 VII. 
 
 That God from Eternitj' predestinated a number unto eternal 
 life by Jesus Christ ; whom in time he effectually calls through 
 sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience; and doth justify and 
 adopt them into the privileges of the sons of God. 
 
54 
 
 VIII. 
 
 That Repentance toward God and Faith toward our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, are the only conditions of the Covenant of Grace and are the 
 gift of God. 
 
 IX. 
 
 That man by Nature is incapable of performing that which is 
 truly good in the sight of God, but is absolutely dependent on the ■ 
 Spirit of Christ both to will and' to do that which is Good in the 
 sight of God. Yet the will is without any Natural Constraint, and 
 such good works, and such only, are sui-e evidences of saving faith, 
 as are done with a pure desire of glorifying God. 
 
 X. 
 
 That all those who are effectually called shall persevere unto 
 the day of the Lord Jesus ; not in their own strength, but by their 
 union to Christ, the abiding of the Spirit, the oath of God, and the 
 nature of the Covenant of Grace. 
 
 XI. 
 
 That the moral Law although not a covenant of Life is an abid- 
 ing rule of Righteousness binding upon all men. 
 
 XII. 
 
 That our Lord Jesus Christ hath Erected a Visible Church in 
 this world, consisting of all who truly profess Faith in him together 
 with their children; also that he hath instituted the sacraments of 
 Baptism and the Lord's Supper to be Signs and Seals of the Cove- 
 nant of Grace, appointing them to continue in his church unto the 
 end of the world. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 That it is the duty of etery believer in Christ to join himself 
 or herself unto some particular church for the better enjoyment of 
 the ordmances of the Gospel; every such church having full powers 
 to choose Its own officers, viz., Pastors, and Deacons, and to admit 
 their own members or eject them, according to the Rule of the 
 Gospel. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 That God hath appointed a Day in which he will judge the 
 world in righteousness by Jesus Christ, when all who believe shall 
 be openly acquitted and glorified, but the impenitent and unbeliev 
 mg shaU go mto eternal punishment. Amen 
 
55 
 
 Church Covenant, Old First Church, 
 
 {See Page 14.) 
 
 And now confessing all your sins before a holy God, and flying 
 to the Blood of Jesus for cleansing, you do in the presence of the 
 ever living God, his holy Angels, and this church, solemnly avouch 
 the Lord Jehovah to be your God, Jesus Christ your Savior, and the 
 Holy Ghost your sanctifier. 
 
 You engage this, God's grace assisting, that denying all ungod- 
 liness and every worldly lust, you will walk soberly, righteously and 
 Godly in this present world. 
 
 You sincereh' dedicate yourself to the service of Christ and to 
 this church, faithfully covenanting that you will walk honestly and 
 orderly with us in all the ordinances and institutions of the gospel, 
 and that you will subrait yourself to the discipline and watch of the 
 Church of Christ in this place, so long as God in his Providence 
 shall continue you among us. 
 
 This yoa do solemnly 
 piomise and engage. 
 
 The Incidental Expense Fund of the Old Church, 
 
 In the old Church Book may be found a memorandum of this 
 fund, which presents some points of interest. It extends from the 
 beginning in 1803 to December, 1816. It seems to have been replen- 
 ished by collections at communion, aijd also by a quarterly assess- 
 ment on the members, sometimes of a sixpence, sometimes a shilling. 
 Payment was entirely voluntary, and many did not pay. Fi-om this 
 fund was paid the communion expenses, from $1 to |2 a time, four to 
 six times a year. With three exceptions it was paid to Deacon Hubbard 
 all those years. The Record book cost 75 cents. Mr. Stirason was 
 paid sums, "expenses to Presbytery," which the church had voted to 
 pa\-. [Page 15] Once something is paid on arrearage. Wine cost 
 from $1.50 to $2.50 a gallon. The action referred to on page 17 of 
 this history is as follows : "July 19th, 1813, Committee met, agreea- 
 " ble to the vote of the church and divided the temporalities of the 
 church." Three dollars and twelve cents cash was paid to Theophi- 
 lus Peck of Jewett. Not long after $7.50 was expended for a table, 
 chair, and putting in a cupboard. The cloth they had voted to pur- 
 chase, tradition says, was given. This table is no doubt the one from 
 the old meeting-house shown at the Centennial, the present property 
 of Mr. Sherwood Steele. The cupboard doors are in the Stimson 
 house. E. Strong seems to have been Treasurer, some of the time, 
 if not all. 
 
List of Baptisms, 
 
 [The following list is found iu the Old Church Record book. It is 
 copied as nearly exact as possible. Its publication will make accessible, 
 a valuable record, — one of interest not only to tlie families named, but to 
 the general public. The dates opposite each name are dates of birth. The 
 parent's names are in italics ] 
 
 " CATECUMENS." 
 
 " The names of children baptized and by that ordinance made 
 " members of the iirst CongTegational Church of Christ in the town 
 "of Windham, State of New York. 
 
 "March 2l8t, 1803." 
 
 Samuel Crocker [adult] bapt. March 
 3l8t, 1803 
 
 Oeorge Stimson. 
 
 Polly Hulzard, May 6th, 1791 
 
 Jeremy, Jan. lOth, 1793 
 
 Sally, March 10th, 1795 
 
 Samuel, Feb. 5th, 1799 
 
 Nathaniel, April 4th, 1803 
 
 Emily 
 
 All bapt. May 6th, 1803, except Em- 
 ily, bapt. Dec. 26th, 1813 
 S. [or T.] Hubbard. 
 
 Sophrona, Jan. 31st, 1799 
 
 Sally, Dec. 23d, 1799 
 
 Both bapt. May 6th, 1803. 
 
 </. Rice. 
 Luman 
 Julia 
 John 
 Esther 
 Thankful 
 All bapt. May 8th, 1 808 
 
 B. Rice. 
 Ruth 
 Polly 
 Amos 
 All bapt. May 8th, 1803 
 
 M. Buel. 
 Artamesia, bapt. May 8tli, 180S 
 
 Brown. 
 Sarah 
 
 Jedediah, Deo. 17th, 1789 
 Sarah, Jr., Jan. 31st, 793 
 Harriet, March 3d, 1794 
 Uriah R., March 33d, 1796 
 Lucretia V., July 4th, L798 
 Caroline, Feb. 17th. 1801 
 Henry, Feb. 18th, 1803 
 Lorinda, Aug. 3d, 180.5 
 
 io[h; ^!m^^ **'■'' ''"'^ '"«') J"iy 
 
 Pratt. 
 Simon (adult?) bapt. Sept. 18th, 1803 
 
 Exp. Stone. 
 Danfox-d 
 Nancy 
 Debby 
 Jeremy S. 
 George S 
 All bapt Sept., 18th, lV>m 
 
 Abram Dudley. 
 Mary 
 Anson 
 Urban 
 Lemuel N. 
 
 Joseph T., May 4th, 1806 
 All bapt. Sept. I8th, 1803, Joseph, 
 bapt. June 22d, 1806 
 E Strong. 
 James R. 
 Anna Eliza 
 Hamuel 
 
 All bapt. Sept. 26th, 1803, Samuel, 
 Jan. 18th, 1807 
 
 Sice. 
 Sally Rice, born 178.5, bapt. Sept. 31, 
 
 Samuel Crocker. 
 Lucy, Oct. 2id, 1792 
 William, Dec. 1st, 1794 
 Abigail, Aug. 22d, 1796 
 Betsey, Nov. 30tb, 1801 
 Charlotte, May 3d, 1806 
 Charlotte, bapt. June 32d, 1806 
 Joel Tuttle. 
 
 Alvin, age 18 
 
 Anna Bierce, age 17 
 
 Dumah, age 15 
 
 Juliu.s, aged 13 
 
 Sophia, age 10 
 
 All bapt. July 10th, 1803 
 
(CATECUMENS^CosTiNUED.) 
 
 Amos Hubbard. 
 Justin, June 15th, 1803 
 Samuel D., Sept. 1st, 1807 
 Justin bapt. July 10th, 1803 
 Samuel, July 27th, 1807 
 
 Increase Claflin. 
 Names not given, bapt. July 10, 1803 
 
 Timothy Hubbard. 
 Laura, Nov. 29th. 1789 
 Lusiua, Nov. llth, 1792 
 Alphred, June 26th, 1796 
 Weltlia, May 7th, 1799 
 Halsey, Sept. 6th, 1803 
 Laura bapt. and perhaps all the rest 
 
 Samuel Baldwin 
 Lvdia, July Sath, 1788 
 iaelmfD^'^-2'^t"-l'^90 
 
 Wait Hill, Feb. 8tli, 17 '3 
 ■ Ambrose. June 1st, 1795 
 Lucy, June l7th, 1797 
 Ira, April lllh, 1802 
 
 Aaron Claflin. 
 Polly, bapt. Feb! 1st, 1807 
 Simon Pratt. 
 Fanny (?), Deo. 2J. 1784 
 Luther. April 28tli. 1787 
 Experience, Oct. 26th, 1790 
 Ruth, March 6th, 1793 
 Lucretia, Nov. 13th, 1794 
 Epiiraim, July 24th, 1797 
 Jame^, Dec. 3d, 1802 
 Sally, May 3d, lh04 
 
 Rockwell Strong. 
 Meriam Rockwell, bapt. June 7th, 
 l(-07 
 
 James Coe. 
 
 Sylva, March IStli, 1799 
 Luman, April 13th, 1801 
 Norman, Feb. 6tli. 1804 
 All bapt. June ^9111, 180.") 
 
 Asaltel Baldwin. 
 Sallv, July llth, 1801 
 Eliza, Oct. 7lh, ISOii 
 Sally bapt. 180.'5, Eliza June 14tli, 
 1807 
 
 Luman Stanley,. 
 
 Frederic, Oct. 22d, 1807, ba,pt. June 
 
 14th, 1807 
 [So in Record. Probably born 1806] 
 
 Joseph Hamilton. 
 Joseph A.. July 12tli. 180-3 
 Axiah, Jan. 12th, 1807 
 Axsah bapt. June 2l8t. 1807 
 
 Holeomb. 
 Sally Orilla, Jan. 6th, 1793 
 Abi, Oct. 18th, 1794 
 Alonson, Sept. 14th, 1796 
 Diadamy, Sept. 25th, 1799 
 All bapt. Oct. 18th, 1807 
 
 Samuel Peek. 
 Clarracy, Feb. 13th, 1790 
 Loly, April 28th, 1792 
 Chancey, Oct 30th, 1793 
 George, Feb. 22d, 1796 
 Esther, May 6th, 1798 
 Philo, June 8th, 1801 
 Lucy, Aug. 4th, 1802 
 John, March 2d, 1805 
 Susannah, April 26 th, 1807 
 The last four, and perhaps all bapt. 
 
 Sept., 1807 
 
 George Babcoch 
 Abel Simmons, Sept. 30th, 1807 
 Herman Brings, April 2lst, 1809 
 Hiram Steele. May 12th, 1811 
 Horace Havens, June 10th, 1813 
 
 Samuel Baldwin. 
 Henry De Grasse 
 Fanny, Caroline 
 Boih bapt. June, 1812 
 
 Robert M. Turney. 
 Anne M., Nov.. 27th, 1806 
 Lusina P., Nov. 9th, 1808 
 Sally, Sept. lOth, 1810 
 
 Luman Squires. 
 Cynthia, Dec. 30th, 1803 
 Edward, July 16th, 1806 
 William, June 3d, 1808 
 Mary Burr, Dec 4th, 1810 
 Cynthia and Edward bapt. Oct. 4tb, 
 
 1807 
 
 Perez Steele, Esq. 
 
 Calista (?) 
 
 Hannah. July 1st, 1799 
 Harriet, Aug. 13th, 1801 
 Julia (?) 
 
 Hfinnaliiand Harriet bapt. Sept. 27ch, 
 1807 
 
 Samuel Hanson 
 
 Martha, Jan. 29th, 1793 
 Sarah, Mnrch 9th, 179.5 
 Samuel, Jr., March 28th, 1797- 
 Experience, June 9th, 1799 
 Clarissa,, Aug. 17th, 1801 
 Maria, March, 3d, 180i 
 Sylvester, Dec. 24th, 1808 
 The last three bjpt. June, 1809, and 
 l^erhaps the others. 
 
58 
 
 5th, 
 
 Benajah Tichnor. 
 
 Benajah, May 22, 1788 
 Luther, March 9th, 1790 
 Heman, March 17th, 1792 
 Norman, Nov. 30th, 1793 
 Almon, March 17th, 1796 
 Myron, Feb. 12th, 1798 
 Hiram, March 2lBt, 1801 
 Sophia Bingham, June 12, 1802 
 Caleb, Oct. 16th, 1804 
 The five youngest bapt. Sept 
 1806, and perhaps all. 
 
 David Arnold. 
 Betsey, March 5th, 1793 
 Ashbel, Oct. 9th, 1795 
 Milo, Jan. 15th, 1802 
 Clarissa, Feb. 13th, 1804 
 Orinda, Feb. 6th, 1808 
 Greorge 
 Clarissa, bapt. in 1807 
 
 Joel Peek. 
 Seth, Sept.,1812,bapt. Nov. 8th 
 
 Beuben Smith. 
 Louisa Hutchinson. Nov. 12th, 1791 
 Jemima Hourd (?), June 18th, 1793 
 Reuben Hendrick, Aug. 18th, 1795 
 Almira, Jan. 19th. 1800 
 Philander Milton, Jan. 15tli, 1«02 
 Betsey Allen, Aug. 16th, 1805 
 Almira, Philander and Betsey 
 ] 809, perhaps the others. 
 
 Squire 
 
 Cynthia, Dec. 30th, 1803 
 Edward, July 16th, 1806 
 Both bapt. Oct. 4th, 1807. 
 
 Harry Hosford. 
 Jane V., 1812, bapt. Nov 8th, 1812 
 
 (CATECUMENS— Continued.) 
 
 Erastus Beach. 
 Charles Lahatt. April 26th, 1808 
 Edmond, Feb. 24th, 1810 
 Charles, bapt. June 13th, 1808 
 Edmond, June, 1810 
 
 Timothy Parsons. 
 
 Eli 
 
 Albert 
 
 Timothy 
 
 Joseph Porter 
 
 Hiram 
 
 Lucetta 
 
 Some bapt. 1809. 
 
 Harry Johnson. 
 Erastus, Sept. 16th, 1806 
 Emely, April 18tli, 1808 
 
 Jairus Munson. 
 Leverett, Nov. 1st, 1790 
 Carisa. July 15tli, 1793 
 Alva, June 9th, 179.'> 
 ,Q,o Bede, April 25th, 1802 
 ^^^^ Lemuel H., May 29th, 1806 
 W. Distin. 
 Ranson Wolcott 
 
 Elnathan J. Pond. 
 Rebecca, June 22, 1800 
 Jenet, March 10th, 1803 
 Edward J.. Jan. 20f.h. 1806 
 Samuel W., April 10th, 1808 
 Gideon W., June HOtli, 1810 
 Ruth. Jan. 7th, 1«13 
 Ni)ali S., July 6th. 1815 
 Last four bapt , perliHpa more. 
 
 Abijah Stone. 
 Burrit O., bapt., no date 
 
 bapt. 
 
 Rev, Austin G, Morss, 
 
 Eev. Austin G. Morss, son of Foster Morss, was born June 16th, 
 1808 ; educated at Williams' College. His first charge was at Cam- 
 den, N. J., and he had a long pastorate at Oaks Corners, N. Y. He 
 died at Geneva, N. Y., Jan. 15th, 1877. 
 
 His father, Foster Morss, though not a member of the church, 
 was deeply interested in it and was one of its most liberal support- 
 ers. On his death bed he requested Rev. A. T. Norton to stay, 
 
59 
 
 promising him $100 a year and a house rent free, with land enough to 
 
 ^T^P ^ ^^^®,® '^'^'^ ''°'^- ^^^ Morss was born in Methuen, Mass., 
 March 27, 1774, died in Ashland, Feb. 27 1835 
 
 The Stimson Family. 
 
 As a sample of the stock of people which first settled this sec- 
 tion, we will give a little account of Capt. George Stimson, the first 
 settler, and father of Rev. Henry B. Stimson. He brought 10 of his 
 11 childi'en with him from Massachusetts, and the five sons and five 
 daughters, who married and settled here, made the Stimsons a prom- 
 inent element in the community. 
 
 Capt. George Stimson came here at the age of sixty. He had 
 been a soldier in the French War and he was in the Revolutionary 
 War from the beginning to the end. The tradition is that he hurried 
 to Lexington, when he heard the soimd of battle, vtdth a pitch-fork 
 fastened to his musket for a bayonet. He placed his private fortune 
 at Washington's disposal for the support . of the troops, and found 
 himself at the close of the war with only a trunk full of worthless 
 government paper. This was the reason for his removal to the West. 
 One of his brothers was in the "Boston Tea Party." His son, Henry 
 B., remembered seeing the British red-coats evacuate Boston. He 
 was then but five years old. 
 
 Capt. George had inherited this patriotic and soldierly spirit. 
 His grandfather, also named George, had been a soldier in Captain 
 Daniel Appleton's company, who defeated Canonchet in King Philip's 
 War, and destroyed 2,000 Indians in Rhode Island in 1675. He was 
 left i'or dead on the field, but finally recovered. 
 
 Capt. George Stimson was born Nov. 8, 1726, and died Nov. 8, 
 1796, and is bui-ied in Ashland. His wife, Abigail Clark of Newton, 
 Mass., born July 10, 1732, died Jan. 7, 1804. His children were: 
 
 l'. Jeremy, a doctor, who remained in Mass. and married there. 
 
 2. Abigail, married Abijah Fitch. 
 
 3. Experieace, married Abijah Stone. 
 
 4. Henrietta, married John Claflin. 
 5 George, married Sally Weslick. 
 
 6. Nathaniel, married (1) Sarah Elliot (2) Phebe Pond. 
 
 7. Sally, married Increase Claflin 
 
 8. Ephraim, married Mary Benham. 
 
 9. Henry Bowen, married Becca Pond. 
 10 William, married Phebe Wright. 
 
 11 ! Betsey, married John [should be Samuel, I behave.— 
 
 H M D-1 Crocker. , . , , t , • ■, n,^ 
 
 His eleven children, with their husbands and wives, and 60 
 o-randchildren made the Stimson family an important one in Old 
 Windham. 
 
60 
 
 Family Groups Among the Original Members, 
 
 We are able to trace the Hubbards, Dea. Jedediah and his sons, 
 Amos and Timothy and four Hubbard women; the Strongs, Ehsha 
 and his son Elijah; the Bices, Jared Esther and Sarah; and the 
 Stimsons, Abigail w^dpx of CaBt. Geqrge apd^her children, Henry 
 B. George, Betsey andi Samuel GrookOTj Sarah and Increase Claflin, 
 Experience Stone. A little later we find Abigail Fitch, Nathaniel 
 ^A Sa,i»h, Becca, and Sally, George's wife, in all 14 Stimsons. 
 
 Rev, Albert Barnes' Mother, 
 
 Oiie of the early worshippers, who lived on North Settlement, 
 was Benjainin Baldwin. He ha,d married a widow Erisbie, who had 
 a, daughter Anna. Anna Frisbie had been engaged in Connecticut 
 to a young man named Barnes. Barnes had gone to Rome, N. Y., 
 tp makehimself a home, andiShe had come withhgr people to Wind- 
 ham. In some way she had failed to bear from her lover, and aft^r 
 a silence of two or three years, she gave him up, and was about to- 
 marry a man in this vicinity. Mr. Barnes having got his plape near 
 Bome ready, returned to Connecticut to claim his bride. He found 
 that she had moved to Windham. He hurriedly followed her thither, 
 and arrived just as she was at>out to be married. She preferred her 
 first love, and matters being satisfactorily arrapged, she became Mrs. 
 Barpes, and went with hirp to Rome. Sh^ became the mother of 
 the famous Presbyterian divine and oommentator, Rev. Albert 
 Barnes, D. D. 
 
 The Parsonage Subscription, 
 
 (See Page 2(i ) 
 
 We whose names are hereunto subscribed promise to pay the 
 Trustees of the First Presbyterian Society of Windham, or their 
 order, the sums respectively set to our names on or before the first 
 day of April next, for the purpose of purchasing a lot of land to be 
 situated west of Esq'r Steele's and east of Sidney Tuttle's and build- 
 ing thereon a dwelling house, barn, suitable outhouses, fences, &c., 
 for a parsonage for the use of the minister of said society, the whole 
 to cost about One Thousand Dollars, said lot to be deeded to 
 the trustees of said society, to be held by them together with the 
 buildings thereon, &c., when erected for the use and purposes afore 
 mentioned, so long as said society shall remain undivided. But if 
 said society shall at any time hereafter divide for the purpose of 
 
CI 
 
 erecting a house, or houses, for public worship at anv other place or 
 places, then and m that case the said lot together "with the build- 
 ings and appurtenances thereon erected as afore mentioned shall be 
 sold at private sale, or at public auction, and the proceeds of said 
 sale shall be divided and paid over to the respective indi-viduals who 
 subscribed and paid towards said parsonage, or to their heirs, ac- 
 cording tq the respective sums they so subscribed and paid. 
 Dated Windham, Sept. 23d, 1831. 
 
 Names. Amounts. 
 
 Sidney Tuttle .si 00 00 
 
 Bennett Osborn 100 00 
 
 Foster Morss 100 00 
 
 Jolm Tuttle & Son .iO 00 
 
 Austin Strong; 30 00 
 
 Timothy Hubbard 30 00 
 
 Consider King 40 00 
 
 Harvey Camp 20 00 
 
 Dumah Tuttle 20 00 
 
 H. Kingslev 30 00 
 
 Clark Finrh 2^) 00 
 
 Robert M. Turney 30 00 
 
 Aaron Steele (in lumber). . . 20 00 
 
 Abijah Stone 30 00 
 
 Jairus Munson 20 00 
 
 Merritt Osborn SO 00 
 
 Consider Camp 15 00 
 
 Charles Voree 10 00 
 
 Buel White 10 00 
 
 Chauncey Hubbard (in tim- 
 ber) 10 00 
 
 Roma R.Ives 10 00 
 
 Joseph Atwood (one thou- 
 sand feet scantling). ... 4 00 
 
 James Robertson 30 00 
 
 George Robertson 10 00 
 
 Wm. Dota 10 00 
 
 Eli P. Robinson 5 00 
 
 William Young ') 00 
 
 Daniel Hunt 15 00 
 
 Wm. Robinson 5 00 
 
 George Stimpson 10 00 
 
 J. W. & J. W. Lamoreaux. 10 00 
 
 Lawrence Winna 2 00 
 
 Names. 
 
 Amounts. 
 
 Eugene Bennett 
 
 Benjamin Kingsley 
 
 Levi Baboock & Amos Bab- 
 oock 
 
 Orin Robinson 
 
 Curtis Mattoon (in sashes). . 
 
 Humphrey R. Potter (in 
 painting) 
 
 Nathaniel Stimpson 
 
 F. L. H. Graham (in work). 
 
 C. Grahaiji (1000 feet of lum- 
 ber) 
 
 Alvin Smith. 
 
 Ebenezer Beers (in lumber). 
 
 Schuyler • — 
 
 Thomas H. Southard (fivr 
 dollars to be paiQ in 
 hemlock lumber) 
 
 Henry Osborn 
 
 Josiah Brainard 
 
 Munson Brockett 
 
 Silvester Hitclibock 
 
 John L Durin 
 
 Z. P. &S. Strong 
 
 300 feet hemlock timber 
 
 ElisliaS White 
 
 Stephen Steele 
 
 David Arjiold (paid in cart- 
 ing) 
 
 Samuel Hubbard (in work). 
 
 Abner Berry (in work). . . . 
 
 Isaac Southeriand 
 
 5 00 
 5 00 
 
 10 00 
 5 00 
 
 8 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 00 
 00 
 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 U 00 
 5 00 
 3 00 
 3 00 
 S 00 
 
 13 00 
 
 5 00 
 5 00 
 4 00 
 3 00 
 
 if;993 00 
 
 The Original Subscriptions for Mr, Stimson, 
 
 (See Page 13.) 
 
 "Agreeable to a meeting held at the meeting house is Batavia, 
 on the 13th day of October, 1802, and there being chosen by a ma- 
 iority Mr. Jacob Hitchcock, Timothy Hubbard and Ichabod Brown, 
 as a committee to confer with a committee of Windham, for the pur- 
 t o^v^^iTio- with Henry B. Stimson to preach the Gospel tor 
 sT™thraSatdy Knd in the SouthUlement and?o hold 
 
02 
 
 subscription papers raising the money for that purpose. Therefore 
 we whose names are underwritten do promise to pay the said com- 
 mittee the several sums annexed to our names, the same to be paid, 
 the one equal half at the expiration of three months, and the other 
 half at the expiration of said time." Signed by Enoch Blakeslee, 
 Jacob Hitchcock, Miner Cobb, John and Abijah Stone, Benjamin 
 Baldwin, George and Mary Squires, Nathan Osborn, Am9s Smith, 
 Jacob Snow, Joel Tattle, Nathan Osborn, jr., Samuel Chatfield, Jesse 
 Bronson, Zachariah Cargill, Jairus Munson, and Alanson Barlow, 
 
 This paper perhaps might be found among the papers of Eev. Os- 
 car B. Hitchcock. What is believed to have been the subscription in 
 the "South Settlement" [Jewett] is given below. It is in an old memo- 
 randum book in the j^ossession of Mr. David Pond. The sums named 
 seem small to us, but they were large for the times and circumstances. 
 
 LIST OF NAMES ON THE SUBSCRIPTION— AMOUNTS SUBSCRIBED. 
 
 Names. 
 
 1803 
 U.QO 
 
 1804 
 
 1805 
 
 Names. 
 
 1803 
 
 1804 
 «1,00 
 
 1805 
 
 Samuel Goodsel 
 
 
 
 Ralph Fowler 
 
 Thomas Wheeler 
 
 2.00 
 
 
 
 Nathan S, Mills 
 
 
 1.00 
 
 $1.00 
 
 Eliphalet Wheeler 
 
 4.00 
 
 
 
 Roger Holcomb 
 
 
 3.00 
 
 1.00 
 
 Thomas Merwiu 
 
 2.00 
 
 $4.00 
 
 14.00 
 
 Zaaclieus Covill 
 
 
 .50 
 
 
 Daniel Merwin 
 
 ■2.00 
 
 3.00 
 
 4.00 
 
 Samuel Merwin 
 
 
 2.00 
 
 3.00 
 
 Theron HuiT 
 
 .26 
 
 .50 
 
 
 Isaac Bufl 
 
 
 2.00 
 
 i.no 
 
 Isaac Buel 
 
 .75 
 
 
 
 Thomas Merwin, Jr. 
 
 .31 
 
 1.00 
 
 .50 
 
 BenjamiH Baldwin 
 
 1 50 
 
 
 
 Samuel Woolcot 
 
 
 3.00 
 
 4.00 
 
 Caleb Hubbard 
 
 1.00 
 
 
 
 Asahel Hull 
 
 
 2.00 
 
 2.00 
 
 Jacob Snow 
 
 .50 
 
 
 
 Isaac Davi.s 
 
 
 3.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 Silas Fowler 
 
 .25 
 
 3,00 
 
 2.00 
 
 Israel Wliiti'omb 
 
 
 1.00 
 
 1.00 
 
 Amherst Andrews 
 
 .50 
 
 5.00 
 
 3.00 
 
 William P;.rker 
 
 
 2.00 
 
 1.00 
 
 Walter Munson 
 
 .50 
 
 
 
 Samuel Honson 
 
 
 ..^0 
 
 
 Silas Lewis 
 
 3.00 
 
 
 
 Adna Beach 
 
 
 1.00 
 
 
 Ichabod Andrews 
 
 
 5.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 George Miles 
 
 
 1.00 
 
 1 50 
 
 Simeon Fowler 
 
 
 1.00 
 
 .50 
 
 Ui i Cook 
 
 
 
 5 00 
 1.00 
 
 Samuel B. Fowler 
 
 
 1.00 
 
 .50 
 
 Cornelius Duken 
 
 
 
 Titus Heaton 
 
 
 8.00 
 
 1. 00 
 
 Theophiliis Peck 
 
 
 
 3.00 
 
 Isaac Doolittle 
 
 
 a. 00 
 
 1.00 
 
 Abel Holcomb 
 
 
 
 5." 00 
 3.00 
 .50 
 1.00 
 3.00 
 1.00 
 l.dO 
 
 Henry Jacobey 
 
 
 1.00 
 
 
 Henry Goslee 
 
 
 
 Jonatlian Rice 
 
 
 1.00 
 
 
 Ira Rice 
 
 
 
 Chester Hull , 
 
 
 2. so 
 
 3.00 
 
 Asa Brt,wn 
 
 
 
 Munson Buel 
 
 
 •-'.00 
 
 
 Justus C^oe 
 
 * 
 
 
 Reuben Hosford 
 
 
 5.00 
 
 2.00 
 
 Moses Kelar 
 
 
 
 Elisha Thompson 
 
 
 5.00 
 
 1.00 
 
 Asa Brown 
 
 
 2.00 
 
 Benajah Rice 
 
 
 2.00 
 
 1.00 
 
 
 
 Register of District School Taught by the 
 Rev, Henry B, Stimson, i807. • 
 
 The church not being able at that time to pay Mr. Stimson an 
 
 ThXt :tT ?' ^'' f T^ to supplement it V teaching school 
 The tally sheet of one school is still in existence, and is here given. 
 
C3 
 
 ?en nr.H S ''t^°''^^ ^""''''^^^ ^°°^^''^^ ^^^et, ruled by hand, with 
 pen and mk. The entries are m a neat business-like style, and ele- 
 gant chirography. The school began May 24th, 1807, and lasted 36 
 scnool days It was suspended three days, marked, "Three days at 
 Ihe parents names are in small capitals. The spelling is 
 preserved The sign (?) means doubt as to the exact writing 
 itie school house was at the north end of Ashland village. 
 
 — Hubbard 
 RuBsel Hubbard 
 Lyuiaii Hubbard 
 
 Strong 
 
 Marilla Strong 
 Ruby (?) SUiiug 
 
 Morse 
 
 Lj man Morse 
 
 Harris Morse 
 Bowers 
 
 Benjamin Bowers 
 
 ZhcIihimhIi Bowers 
 
 Amos Hubbard and Tim, 
 Hubbard 
 
 Laur.i, Hubbard 
 
 Lucina Hubliard 
 
 Sapprona, Hubbard 
 Sally Hubbard 
 Justin Hubbiud 
 Weltha Hubbard 
 Alfied Hubbard 
 Halsey Hul)l)ard 
 
 David Arnold 
 Betsev Arnold 
 AkIiIwI Arnold 
 Milo Arnold 
 Clarissa Arnold 
 
 E. Strong 
 
 James Strong 
 Charity Morison (y) 
 Anna Liza Strong 
 
 G. HiGGINS 
 
 George W. Higgles 
 
 Sapbia Higgins 
 Nancy Higgins 
 
 O MUNSON 
 
 Olinda Munson 
 Jolin Munson 
 
 P HOVEY. 
 
 Marilla Hovey 
 Harley Hovey 
 Clara Hovey 
 
 Brines 
 
 Patly Brines 
 Edward Brines 
 Asaliel Brines 
 Liuiau Brines 
 Halspy Brines 
 Martha Brines 
 
 Proutt 
 
 LuRv Proutt 
 
 S Ives 
 
 Desire Ives 
 Caleb Ives 
 
 Benham 
 
 Peggy Beiibam 
 Jolin Benliau) 
 Kiuiber Benliani 
 Polly Benham 
 
 R White 
 
 Buel While 
 Beulab While 
 Lavinna White 
 George White 
 
 SPRINGSTED 
 
 Sally Springsted 
 
 Anthony Springsted 
 
 James Springsted 
 Kinsley 
 
 Hudson Kinsley 
 
 Harry Kinsley 
 
 Leonard Kinsley 
 Strong 
 
 Austin Strong 
 
 Oliva Strong 
 T. Clark 
 
 Rodney Clark 
 
 Syrus Clark 
 GOODSELL 
 
 Sheldon Goodsell 
 Post (?) 
 
 Ginna (?) Post 
 T. Ives 
 
 Chancy Clark 
 
 Hiram Ives 
 S Ives 
 
 Edwin I ires 
 Fabrinton 
 
 Russel Farrinton 
 
 Hatvey Farrinton 
 Brines 
 
 Elizabeth Brines 
 
 Hezekiah S. 
 
 Parnal 
 
 Rachel Springsted 
 Polly Hood 
 George Crooker 
 
 Old Times in Windham, by Rev, H, H. Prout, 
 
 The limits and scope of this pamphlet do not admit the intro- 
 duction of many interesting incidents of local history, and sketches 
 of families and "persons connected with these three congregations. 
 For some such items the reader is referred to Rev. O. B. Hitchcock's 
 articles in the Greene County History, and to the above named articles 
 
64 
 
 in the Windham Journal in 1869. The author understands 
 that the republication of the latter is desired by many, and that 
 probably, it wiU be undertaken ere long. 
 
 Errata. 
 
 p. 30. Loucia Strong should be Louisa Strong. 
 
 Joel Peet should be Peck. 
 
 Elizabeth Peet should be Peck. 
 P. 14. Note. Chafman should be Chapman. 
 
Cornell University Library 
 BX 7255.W76F52 
 
 Centennial of the old First Congregation 
 
 3 1924 010 165 953