HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 1), continued ...
IV. - ORGANIZATION, continued ...
"A DESCRIPTION OF THE PUBLIC HIGHWAYS LAID OUT FOR THE DISTRICT OF SARATOGA BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF ROADS, 1784", continued ...
Road No. 6. - Begins at the corner of the field a little west of the house where Israel Taylor now lives; thence northerly in the most convenient place, as straight as the nature of the ground will admit, to the Baptist meeting-house where Mr. Kelly preaches.
Road No. 7. - Begins at the bend of the road a little northerly from the house of Jonas Titus; thence northerly as straight as the nature of the ground will admit to Joel Ketchum's; thence northerly as straight as the situation of the ground will admit to Benjamin Irish's; thence taking the line between Joseph Potter's and David Irish's farms; thence northerly along said line to a chestnut stump marked H, a little west of the same; thence northwesterly across the swamp straight to an elm-tree marked H, said stump and tree to bound the left-hand side of the road; thence northeasterly straight to a white-oak tree marked H; thence northerly straight to a red-oak tree marked H; thence northerly to a chestnut-tree marked H; thence to a white-oak tree marked H at the corner of Wilbur's fallow; thence northerly in the most convenient place to Henry Parsons'; thence northerly in the most convenient place near where the path now goes across lot No. 22 to the Hemlock creek; thence northwesterly until it intersects road No. 2 at a tree marked H on two sides; thence continuing nearly the same direction as straight as the nature of the ground will admit through the farm of Jonathan Fisk, Jr., to a large white-oak tree marked H, near the line between the farms of Jonathan Fisk, Jr., and Jacob Ferguson; thence westerly until it intersects road No. 5 at a tree marked H near the northwest corner of Jacob Ferguson's field.
Road No. 8. - Was laid by the commissioners of Ballston and Saratoga districts jointly, and begins at the southeasternmost corner of the district of Ballston; thence northerly along the line between the districts of Saratoga and Ballston to the southeasternmost corner of lot No. 9, in the Grand Division of Ballston, the line between the districts to be the centre of the road, which is three rods wide.
Road No. 9. - Begins on the south side of Anthony's Kill, at what is commonly called Ellsworth's; thence northwesterly across the kill to a beech-tree marked H; thence westerly along the kill to a white-oak tree marked H; thence in an oblique direction to the foot of the hill; thence along the foot of the hill to an elm-tree marked II; thence ascending the side of the hill and along upon the side of the hill to a red-oak tree marked H; thence obliquely down the hill to a white-oak tree marked H; thence along the foot of the hill to a red-oak tree marked H; thence up on the side of the hill along the east side of John Ostrander's field to a white-oak tree marked H, near the northeast corner of said field; thence northwesterly in an oblique direction down the hill to a white-oak tree marked H; thence northwesterly as straight as the nature of the ground will admit to a tree marked H, near Robert Williams' improvements; thence con-tinning along the same course across the field by consent to a red-oak tree marked H; thence northwesterly in the most convenient place to a white-oak tree marked H, near the house where Jerry Peck lives; thence continuing near the same direction in the most convenient place to a white-pine tree marked H, near George Hunter's; thence southwesterly to Schoonhoven's grist-mill; thence across the milldam; thence northwesterly in the most convenient place to a pitch-pine tree marked H, at the top of the hill, northwesterly from the house where Ephraim Stewart lives; thence by a straight line to a pitch-pine tree marked H, near the road that leads from Stillwater to Ballston, about forty rods east of Captain Michael Dunning's field; thence northerly by a straight line to a pitch-pine tree marked H, a little east of Wm. Dunning's house; thence to a pitch-pine tree marked H, by the bridge a little east of Michael Dunning. Jr.'s; thence northerly as near straight as circumstances will admit to what is called the dug-way on the north side the plain; thence northerly in the most convenient place along by the east side of the house where Wm. Rhodes lives, until it intersects the old path leading from the south end of Saratoga lake to Merrick's mills; thence westerly in the most convenient course near where the old path now goes towards Merrick's mills until it intersects the line between the districts of Saratoga and Ballston.
Road No. 10. - Begins at the north line of lot No. 9, near Eddy Millard's house, at a maple stump; thence southwesterly down the hill the east side of the brook; thence across the brook to the old bridge crossing the outlet of the lake in Ballston; thence up the hill to the corner of Mr. Middlebrook's field, a little west of his house; thence southerly as near straight as the nature of the ground will admit until it intersects the north line of Samuel Clark's land, a little west of the corners of lots Nos. 2 and 3 of said Clark's land; thence southeasterly until it intersects the line between the aforesaid lots No. 2 and No. 3; thence continuing said line to the south side of said lots; thence southerly in the most convenient place across the land in possession of John White and Samuel Ingliss to the north line of Stephen Benedict's farm; thence southerly across said farm; thence continuing the same direction to the northwest corner of Stephen Hooper's farm.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 1), continued ...
IV. - ORGANIZATION, continued ...
"A DESCRIPTION OF THE PUBLIC HIGHWAYS LAID OUT FOR THE DISTRICT OF SARATOGA BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF ROADS, 1784", continued ...
Road No. 6. - Begins at the corner of the field a little west of the house where Israel Taylor now lives; thence northerly in the most convenient place, as straight as the nature of the ground will admit, to the Baptist meeting-house where Mr. Kelly preaches.
Road No. 7. - Begins at the bend of the road a little northerly from the house of Jonas Titus; thence northerly as straight as the nature of the ground will admit to Joel Ketchum's; thence northerly as straight as the situation of the ground will admit to Benjamin Irish's; thence taking the line between Joseph Potter's and David Irish's farms; thence northerly along said line to a chestnut stump marked H, a little west of the same; thence northwesterly across the swamp straight to an elm-tree marked H, said stump and tree to bound the left-hand side of the road; thence northeasterly straight to a white-oak tree marked H; thence northerly straight to a red-oak tree marked H; thence northerly to a chestnut-tree marked H; thence to a white-oak tree marked H at the corner of Wilbur's fallow; thence northerly in the most convenient place to Henry Parsons'; thence northerly in the most convenient place near where the path now goes across lot No. 22 to the Hemlock creek; thence northwesterly until it intersects road No. 2 at a tree marked H on two sides; thence continuing nearly the same direction as straight as the nature of the ground will admit through the farm of Jonathan Fisk, Jr., to a large white-oak tree marked H, near the line between the farms of Jonathan Fisk, Jr., and Jacob Ferguson; thence westerly until it intersects road No. 5 at a tree marked H near the northwest corner of Jacob Ferguson's field.
Road No. 8. - Was laid by the commissioners of Ballston and Saratoga districts jointly, and begins at the southeasternmost corner of the district of Ballston; thence northerly along the line between the districts of Saratoga and Ballston to the southeasternmost corner of lot No. 9, in the Grand Division of Ballston, the line between the districts to be the centre of the road, which is three rods wide.
Road No. 9. - Begins on the south side of Anthony's Kill, at what is commonly called Ellsworth's; thence northwesterly across the kill to a beech-tree marked H; thence westerly along the kill to a white-oak tree marked H; thence in an oblique direction to the foot of the hill; thence along the foot of the hill to an elm-tree marked II; thence ascending the side of the hill and along upon the side of the hill to a red-oak tree marked H; thence obliquely down the hill to a white-oak tree marked H; thence along the foot of the hill to a red-oak tree marked H; thence up on the side of the hill along the east side of John Ostrander's field to a white-oak tree marked H, near the northeast corner of said field; thence northwesterly in an oblique direction down the hill to a white-oak tree marked H; thence northwesterly as straight as the nature of the ground will admit to a tree marked H, near Robert Williams' improvements; thence con-tinning along the same course across the field by consent to a red-oak tree marked H; thence northwesterly in the most convenient place to a white-oak tree marked H, near the house where Jerry Peck lives; thence continuing near the same direction in the most convenient place to a white-pine tree marked H, near George Hunter's; thence southwesterly to Schoonhoven's grist-mill; thence across the milldam; thence northwesterly in the most convenient place to a pitch-pine tree marked H, at the top of the hill, northwesterly from the house where Ephraim Stewart lives; thence by a straight line to a pitch-pine tree marked H, near the road that leads from Stillwater to Ballston, about forty rods east of Captain Michael Dunning's field; thence northerly by a straight line to a pitch-pine tree marked H, a little east of Wm. Dunning's house; thence to a pitch-pine tree marked H, by the bridge a little east of Michael Dunning. Jr.'s; thence northerly as near straight as circumstances will admit to what is called the dug-way on the north side the plain; thence northerly in the most convenient place along by the east side of the house where Wm. Rhodes lives, until it intersects the old path leading from the south end of Saratoga lake to Merrick's mills; thence westerly in the most convenient course near where the old path now goes towards Merrick's mills until it intersects the line between the districts of Saratoga and Ballston.
Road No. 10. - Begins at the north line of lot No. 9, near Eddy Millard's house, at a maple stump; thence southwesterly down the hill the east side of the brook; thence across the brook to the old bridge crossing the outlet of the lake in Ballston; thence up the hill to the corner of Mr. Middlebrook's field, a little west of his house; thence southerly as near straight as the nature of the ground will admit until it intersects the north line of Samuel Clark's land, a little west of the corners of lots Nos. 2 and 3 of said Clark's land; thence southeasterly until it intersects the line between the aforesaid lots No. 2 and No. 3; thence continuing said line to the south side of said lots; thence southerly in the most convenient place across the land in possession of John White and Samuel Ingliss to the north line of Stephen Benedict's farm; thence southerly across said farm; thence continuing the same direction to the northwest corner of Stephen Hooper's farm.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 1), continued ...
IV. - ORGANIZATION, continued ...
"A DESCRIPTION OF THE PUBLIC HIGHWAYS LAID OUT FOR THE DISTRICT OF SARATOGA BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF ROADS, 1784", continued ...
Road No. 11. - Begins where road No. 11 {?} intersects the south line of Stephen Benedict's farm; thence due west to road No. 8.
Road No. 12. - Begins on road No. 9, where the same intersects a line through the middle of lot No. 11, between the farm of Michael Dunning, Jr., and William Dunning; thence easterly along the said line to a pitch-pine tree marked H, continuing much the same direction to a pitch-pine on the top of the hill marked H; thence down the hill to a pitch-pine tree marked H; continuing much the same direction to a pitch-pine tree marked H; thence northeasterly to a dry pitch-pine marked H; thence easterly across the swamp to a red-oak tree marked H; thence to a white-oak tree marked H; thence up the hill to a pitch-pine tree marked H; thence continuing much the same direction to a pitch-pine tree marked H on the edge of the hill; thence down the hill in the most convenient direction to a pitch-pine tree marked H; thence ascending the hill to a pitch-pine tree marked H; thence northeasterly to a pitch-pine tree near the edge of the hill marked H; thence obliquely down the hill in the most convenient direction to a tree marked H; thence easterly across the swamp to a red-oak tree marked H; thence along the foot of the hill, between the wet land and the dry, in the most convenient place, through the field of Randall Hewitt, to a little swamp that comes in between the hills; thence across said swamp to the foot of the opposite hill; thence up the hill as the path now goes to a white-pine tree marked H; thence southerly to a pitch-pine tree marked H; thence to a pitch-pine tree marked H at the head of a little hollow; thence straight as the ground will admit to a chestnut-tree marked H; thence to a pitch-pine marked H, near the foot of the hill; thence easterly as near the foot of the hill as the nature of the ground will admit to a pitch-pine marked H, near the old path; then as the path now goes till it joins road No. 2 at Alexander McCrea's old place.
Road No. 13. - Begins on road No. 8, opposite the house of Samuel Wood; thence easterly where the path now goes straight to the east line of Samuel Evans' farm; thence northerly along the line between said Evans' and Samuel Finch's farm to the northwest corner of said Finch's farm; thence to the southwest corner of Stephen Hooper's farm; thence along the west line of said Hooper's farm to the northwest corner thereof; thence easterly in the most convenient place near the north line of Stephen Hooper's farm down the hill, and continuing the most convenient direction to the southeast corner of Stephen Benedict's farm; thence east to the line of Saratoga Patent.
Roads Nos. 14, 15, and 16 were east of the river, now in Washington county.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 1), continued ...
IV. - ORGANIZATION, continued ...
"A DESCRIPTION OF THE PUBLIC HIGHWAYS LAID OUT FOR THE DISTRICT OF SARATOGA BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF ROADS, 1784", continued ...
Road No. 11. - Begins where road No. 11 {?} intersects the south line of Stephen Benedict's farm; thence due west to road No. 8.
Road No. 12. - Begins on road No. 9, where the same intersects a line through the middle of lot No. 11, between the farm of Michael Dunning, Jr., and William Dunning; thence easterly along the said line to a pitch-pine tree marked H, continuing much the same direction to a pitch-pine on the top of the hill marked H; thence down the hill to a pitch-pine tree marked H; continuing much the same direction to a pitch-pine tree marked H; thence northeasterly to a dry pitch-pine marked H; thence easterly across the swamp to a red-oak tree marked H; thence to a white-oak tree marked H; thence up the hill to a pitch-pine tree marked H; thence continuing much the same direction to a pitch-pine tree marked H on the edge of the hill; thence down the hill in the most convenient direction to a pitch-pine tree marked H; thence ascending the hill to a pitch-pine tree marked H; thence northeasterly to a pitch-pine tree near the edge of the hill marked H; thence obliquely down the hill in the most convenient direction to a tree marked H; thence easterly across the swamp to a red-oak tree marked H; thence along the foot of the hill, between the wet land and the dry, in the most convenient place, through the field of Randall Hewitt, to a little swamp that comes in between the hills; thence across said swamp to the foot of the opposite hill; thence up the hill as the path now goes to a white-pine tree marked H; thence southerly to a pitch-pine tree marked H; thence to a pitch-pine tree marked H at the head of a little hollow; thence straight as the ground will admit to a chestnut-tree marked H; thence to a pitch-pine marked H, near the foot of the hill; thence easterly as near the foot of the hill as the nature of the ground will admit to a pitch-pine marked H, near the old path; then as the path now goes till it joins road No. 2 at Alexander McCrea's old place.
Road No. 13. - Begins on road No. 8, opposite the house of Samuel Wood; thence easterly where the path now goes straight to the east line of Samuel Evans' farm; thence northerly along the line between said Evans' and Samuel Finch's farm to the northwest corner of said Finch's farm; thence to the southwest corner of Stephen Hooper's farm; thence along the west line of said Hooper's farm to the northwest corner thereof; thence easterly in the most convenient place near the north line of Stephen Hooper's farm down the hill, and continuing the most convenient direction to the southeast corner of Stephen Benedict's farm; thence east to the line of Saratoga Patent.
Roads Nos. 14, 15, and 16 were east of the river, now in Washington county.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 1), concluded ...
IV. - ORGANIZATION, concluded ...
"A DESCRIPTION OF THE PUBLIC HIGHWAYS LAID OUT FOR THE DISTRICT OF SARATOGA BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF ROADS, 1784", concluded ...
Road No. 17. - Begins on what is called the Lake road, opposite to Captain Woodworth's; thence northerly as the road now goes within two feet of the southwest corner of John Neilson's house; thence northeasterly to a stump marked H; thence northerly straight to a white-oak tree marked H, the road to be the width of it westerly of the aforesaid boundaries; thence northerly and westerly as the old path now goes to a tree marked H, about ten rods northerly of the lane that turns to Joshua Barber's; thence northeasterly through the field on the most convenient ground, passing the house where Timothy Shipman now lives, about ten rods south thereof, continuing much the same direction until it comes into the old path at a tree marked H; thence continuing much the same direction on or near as the old path goes to a tree marked H, near to Captain Mead's field; thence northerly to a tree marked H, near the line between the farms of Captain Mead and that which Timothy Shipman now occupies; thence northeasterly in the most convenient place to a tree marked H, on the old road that goes from John Carthy's westward.
Road No. 18. - Begins at a white-oak tree marked H, on the Lake road a little west of Captain Taylor's; thence obliquely up the hill into the old path; thence as straight as the ground will admit between the house and barn of Samuel Stevens; thence along the west side of Joseph Stevens' house; thence southwesterly to a white-oak tree on the northeast corner of Samuel Bushee's farm; thence along the east side of said Bushee's house to the northeast corner of Joseph Williams' farm; thence along the east line of said farm to the southeast corner thereof; thence straight to the northeast corner of the farm that Stephen Toms has taken up; thence along the east line of said farm to the southeast corner thereof; thence as near straight as the ground will admit a little west of the house where Jacob Patrick now lives; thence straight to the road that leads from Stillwater to Ballston, a few rods west of the house where Daniel Campbell now lives.
Road No. 19. - East side of the river, now Washington county.
Road No. 20. - Begins at the river west side of lot No. 10, at the south line of Charles Mone's farm (perhaps Mann, perhaps not); thence westerly in the most convenient place on the south half of said lot until it comes out to the main road."
Under date of Monday, March 28, 1785, the commissioners divided the territory of Saratoga into twenty-two road districts.
They met at Mr. Ensign's and first made an imaginary division for the purpose of more easily describing the districts - this was as follows: "A supposed division-line shall be drawn from Anthony's Kill, at the place where the brook that David Bidwell's mill stands upon falls into said kill; thence northerly along said brook, upon the easterly side thereof, to the public road leading from Stillwater to Ballston; thence northerly to the southwest corner of the farm that Samuel Stevens now occupies, still northerly to the beginning of road No. 18; thence easterly to the beginning of road No. 6; thence northerly upon said road, along the east side thereof, as far as said road continues; thence northerly by a straight line to the place where road No. 4 begins, on the Lake road, near James Ackerman's; thence northerly along said road No. 4, upon the east side thereof, as far as said road extends; then by a straight line to James Milligan's on Fish creek."
"Also another imaginary line, beginning at the west six-mile line of Saratoga patent, where the same strikes Fish creek; thence northerly by a straight line to the North river, at a place called Wing's Falls."
Then beginning at the south, they took the districts off in sections each side of the said division-lines, fifteen in number.
The document is signed by the road commissioners - Joseph Row, Stanton Tefft, Philip Rogers, and John Mahawney - and it was received for record by Samuel Bacon, clerk.
Two years later - 1787 - some additional districts were made, and the commissioners were Joseph Row, Wm. Coffin, Thomas Smith, George Hunter, Jonathan Lawrence.
These descriptions we have copied at considerable length, because of the light they throw upon the early settlement in 1784 - the year next after the close of the Revolutionary war - the year when General Schuyler cut the road from Schuylerville to Saratoga Springs.
It brings out clearly so many family names and their exact location in 1784, that the old document is worthy of a place in history.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 1), concluded ...
IV. - ORGANIZATION, concluded ...
"A DESCRIPTION OF THE PUBLIC HIGHWAYS LAID OUT FOR THE DISTRICT OF SARATOGA BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF ROADS, 1784", concluded ...
Road No. 17. - Begins on what is called the Lake road, opposite to Captain Woodworth's; thence northerly as the road now goes within two feet of the southwest corner of John Neilson's house; thence northeasterly to a stump marked H; thence northerly straight to a white-oak tree marked H, the road to be the width of it westerly of the aforesaid boundaries; thence northerly and westerly as the old path now goes to a tree marked H, about ten rods northerly of the lane that turns to Joshua Barber's; thence northeasterly through the field on the most convenient ground, passing the house where Timothy Shipman now lives, about ten rods south thereof, continuing much the same direction until it comes into the old path at a tree marked H; thence continuing much the same direction on or near as the old path goes to a tree marked H, near to Captain Mead's field; thence northerly to a tree marked H, near the line between the farms of Captain Mead and that which Timothy Shipman now occupies; thence northeasterly in the most convenient place to a tree marked H, on the old road that goes from John Carthy's westward.
Road No. 18. - Begins at a white-oak tree marked H, on the Lake road a little west of Captain Taylor's; thence obliquely up the hill into the old path; thence as straight as the ground will admit between the house and barn of Samuel Stevens; thence along the west side of Joseph Stevens' house; thence southwesterly to a white-oak tree on the northeast corner of Samuel Bushee's farm; thence along the east side of said Bushee's house to the northeast corner of Joseph Williams' farm; thence along the east line of said farm to the southeast corner thereof; thence straight to the northeast corner of the farm that Stephen Toms has taken up; thence along the east line of said farm to the southeast corner thereof; thence as near straight as the ground will admit a little west of the house where Jacob Patrick now lives; thence straight to the road that leads from Stillwater to Ballston, a few rods west of the house where Daniel Campbell now lives.
Road No. 19. - East side of the river, now Washington county.
Road No. 20. - Begins at the river west side of lot No. 10, at the south line of Charles Mone's farm (perhaps Mann, perhaps not); thence westerly in the most convenient place on the south half of said lot until it comes out to the main road."
Under date of Monday, March 28, 1785, the commissioners divided the territory of Saratoga into twenty-two road districts.
They met at Mr. Ensign's and first made an imaginary division for the purpose of more easily describing the districts - this was as follows: "A supposed division-line shall be drawn from Anthony's Kill, at the place where the brook that David Bidwell's mill stands upon falls into said kill; thence northerly along said brook, upon the easterly side thereof, to the public road leading from Stillwater to Ballston; thence northerly to the southwest corner of the farm that Samuel Stevens now occupies, still northerly to the beginning of road No. 18; thence easterly to the beginning of road No. 6; thence northerly upon said road, along the east side thereof, as far as said road continues; thence northerly by a straight line to the place where road No. 4 begins, on the Lake road, near James Ackerman's; thence northerly along said road No. 4, upon the east side thereof, as far as said road extends; then by a straight line to James Milligan's on Fish creek."
"Also another imaginary line, beginning at the west six-mile line of Saratoga patent, where the same strikes Fish creek; thence northerly by a straight line to the North river, at a place called Wing's Falls."
Then beginning at the south, they took the districts off in sections each side of the said division-lines, fifteen in number.
The document is signed by the road commissioners - Joseph Row, Stanton Tefft, Philip Rogers, and John Mahawney - and it was received for record by Samuel Bacon, clerk.
Two years later - 1787 - some additional districts were made, and the commissioners were Joseph Row, Wm. Coffin, Thomas Smith, George Hunter, Jonathan Lawrence.
These descriptions we have copied at considerable length, because of the light they throw upon the early settlement in 1784 - the year next after the close of the Revolutionary war - the year when General Schuyler cut the road from Schuylerville to Saratoga Springs.
It brings out clearly so many family names and their exact location in 1784, that the old document is worthy of a place in history.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2).
V. - VILLAGES.
The various villages and hamlets in the town of Saratoga have received their names as follows:
Grangerville is named from Harvey Granger, who, though not the founder of the first mills, yet owned them for a long time, until his name became common to the place.
Dean's Corners is named from Dr. Dean, who lived at that point and practiced for many years.
He was not the first settler, however.
Quaker Springs derives its name from the fact that valuable springs exist there, and it is near the meeting-house where the Friends have met for more than a hundred years.
It is claimed that the mineral spring was known to the early French and English voyageurs many years before those at Saratoga Springs.
The water is of excellent quality, and the property is now owned by Isaac W. Meader.
There is also near it a valuable white sulphur spring.
Schuylerville, of course, receives its name as the early and long-continued residence of the Schuyler family.
It was incorporated April 16, 1831, under a special act of the Legislature.
The first election of officers, June 7, 1831, resulted as follows: Trustees, Gilbert Purdy, Richard W. Livingston, James Strang. Cornelius Letcher, John Fonda; Treasurer, Ira Lawrence; Collector, David Williams.
The board elected Gilbert Purdy president and James Strang clerk.
The village is noted for its public spirit, shown in its streets, better graded and paved than perhaps any other in this part of the State of equal population.
Much of this was done under the management of D.A. Bullard, president, in 1878.
The village had a rapid growth under the impulse given to it by the opening of the Champlain canal.
It became at once a place of considerable trade, as well as a pleasant village for a permanent home.
It is somewhat noted for the number of business men born in or near the village and still living there.
Saratoga men are wont to cling to their own town and grow up with it.
The energy and public spirit of its citizens are recently shown in the splendid school building, second to none of its grade in the State, erected at an expense of $15,000.
The village now contains five churches, an excellent union school, under the charge of Prof. Doty, lodges of Good Templars, Odd-Fellows, and Masons, and a Hygeian Home or Rest Cure, under the charge of John Bullard and a resident lady physician, Mrs. Brisbin.
VICTORY.
The enterprise of the Victory Manufacturing Company has built up this thriving village.
It derives its name wholly from the fancy of the company, who inserted it in the title of their organization in allusion to the victory of General Gates, won in their immediate vicinity.
A neat chapel for religious worship has been erected upon ground donated by the company, and built largely by their contribution.
Preaching is usually maintained, as well as a Sunday-school, throughout the year.
The village was incorporated under the general law in 1849.
The first meeting of the board of trustees was held April 16 of that year.
The first officers were William E. Miner, Patrick Cooney, George McCreedy, Russell Carr, Benjamin Kelsey.
William E. Miner was president, and James Cavanaugh clerk.
The latter removed to the west, and has since been a member of Congress.
The present trustees are William E. Ingerson, Michael E. Barrett, Charles W. Law, Peter Flanegan, James O'Reilly.
William E. Ingerson is president; John M. Connors, collector; John Carlin, clerk; Sheldon B. Gates, treasurer.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2).
V. - VILLAGES.
The various villages and hamlets in the town of Saratoga have received their names as follows:
Grangerville is named from Harvey Granger, who, though not the founder of the first mills, yet owned them for a long time, until his name became common to the place.
Dean's Corners is named from Dr. Dean, who lived at that point and practiced for many years.
He was not the first settler, however.
Quaker Springs derives its name from the fact that valuable springs exist there, and it is near the meeting-house where the Friends have met for more than a hundred years.
It is claimed that the mineral spring was known to the early French and English voyageurs many years before those at Saratoga Springs.
The water is of excellent quality, and the property is now owned by Isaac W. Meader.
There is also near it a valuable white sulphur spring.
Schuylerville, of course, receives its name as the early and long-continued residence of the Schuyler family.
It was incorporated April 16, 1831, under a special act of the Legislature.
The first election of officers, June 7, 1831, resulted as follows: Trustees, Gilbert Purdy, Richard W. Livingston, James Strang. Cornelius Letcher, John Fonda; Treasurer, Ira Lawrence; Collector, David Williams.
The board elected Gilbert Purdy president and James Strang clerk.
The village is noted for its public spirit, shown in its streets, better graded and paved than perhaps any other in this part of the State of equal population.
Much of this was done under the management of D.A. Bullard, president, in 1878.
The village had a rapid growth under the impulse given to it by the opening of the Champlain canal.
It became at once a place of considerable trade, as well as a pleasant village for a permanent home.
It is somewhat noted for the number of business men born in or near the village and still living there.
Saratoga men are wont to cling to their own town and grow up with it.
The energy and public spirit of its citizens are recently shown in the splendid school building, second to none of its grade in the State, erected at an expense of $15,000.
The village now contains five churches, an excellent union school, under the charge of Prof. Doty, lodges of Good Templars, Odd-Fellows, and Masons, and a Hygeian Home or Rest Cure, under the charge of John Bullard and a resident lady physician, Mrs. Brisbin.
VICTORY.
The enterprise of the Victory Manufacturing Company has built up this thriving village.
It derives its name wholly from the fancy of the company, who inserted it in the title of their organization in allusion to the victory of General Gates, won in their immediate vicinity.
A neat chapel for religious worship has been erected upon ground donated by the company, and built largely by their contribution.
Preaching is usually maintained, as well as a Sunday-school, throughout the year.
The village was incorporated under the general law in 1849.
The first meeting of the board of trustees was held April 16 of that year.
The first officers were William E. Miner, Patrick Cooney, George McCreedy, Russell Carr, Benjamin Kelsey.
William E. Miner was president, and James Cavanaugh clerk.
The latter removed to the west, and has since been a member of Congress.
The present trustees are William E. Ingerson, Michael E. Barrett, Charles W. Law, Peter Flanegan, James O'Reilly.
William E. Ingerson is president; John M. Connors, collector; John Carlin, clerk; Sheldon B. Gates, treasurer.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2), continued ...
VI. - SCHOOLS.
Early schools and school-houses are already mentioned among the items of early settlement, and in the several reminiscences given.
The first action of the town recorded was in 1796, simply the appointment of school commissioners under the then existing law - Sidney Berry, Herman Van Veghten, Joseph Palmer, Thomas Jeffords, Benjamin Phillips.
In 1797 the commissioners were Sidney Berry, Daniel Bull, Joseph Palmer, Thomas Jeffords, Solomon Wheeler.
In 1798, Thomas Jeffords, William Force, George Cramer.
None appointed in 1799.
In 1800, Thomas Jeffords, Elihu Billings, Daniel Bull, and William Wait.
The law was changed at that time, and no further action was taken by the town until 1813, when they evidently accepted the conditions of the new school act, providing that the towns by raising an equal amount of money could receive from the public funds for the support of schools.
That year commissioners were elected - Wallace Crawford, Harvey Granger, John R. Mott, and Inspectors Philip Duryea, Martin L. Bryan, Reuben Perry, Esek Cowen, David Evarts, Zeno Remington.
The town was then divided into eighteen school districts.
In the following years other persons served as commissioners, one or more years each, down to 1844 - James Green, Jr., Jonas Olmstead, James Mott, Harvey Granger, Esek Cowen, William Davis, Eli Granger, James W. Smith, Edward Fitch, Henry D. Chapman, Francis R. Winney, James Annibal, Oliver Cleveland, Henry Wagman, James Place, Ira Lawrence, William Wilcox, Elnathan Patterson, Wm. B. Caldwell, Henry F. Sherman (2d), Richard H. Livingston, Joseph Soule, Orville B. Dibble, Stephen H. Dillingham, Henry T. Sherman, Abram B. Barker, James P. Cramer, Thomas Smith, Alfred Scofield, John R. Mott, Ephraim Hill, John G. Mulford, John B. Wright, Chauncey D. Bull, Benajah Barker, Thomas J. Marshall, Cornelius Letcher, Gabriel Robbins, James C. Milligan, Dr. John R. Preston, Eliakim H. Mosher, Wm. C. Brisbin, Wm. Barnes, Gilbert Wright, Jr., Fones Wilbur, Isaac Freeman, Zina Clements.
The following also served as inspectors, one or more years each, in the period from 1814 to 1844: John H. Steel, John R. Mott, Richard M. Livingston, William L.F. Warren, Dudley Farlin, James Green, Henry D. Chapman, Elnathan Spinner, James W. Smith, Aaron Blake, Wm. B. Caldwell, Abram Van Duzen, Rockwell Putnam, Harmon J. Betts, Philip Schuyler, Daniel Morgan, Jr., Oliver Brisbin, Joseph Welch, James C. Milligan, Wm. Bennett (2d), Asher Smith, John P. Winney, Conrad Cramer, James Randall, Oliver Cleveland, Edward Fitch, Robert Y. Milligan, David Brisbin, Henry Holmes, Walter Van Veghten, Reuben Perry, Ephraim Hill, John G. Mulford, Nicholas J. Green, Thomas Smith, James Strang, Ephraim Hill, Reuben Perry, Alfred Scofield, Henry M. Dennis, Josiah Dean, James C. Milligan, Franklin Ruy, Paul P. Atwell, Daniel W. Belding, Wm. C. Brisbin, Wm. Barns, Fones Wilbur, Dr. John R. Preston, Henry Holmes, Richard S. Sheldon, Samuel W. Belding, Clark Perkins, James McNeil, Amos Reynolds, and Samuel Randall.
Town Superintendents of Common Schools - 1844-45, Daniel W. Belding; 1846, John R. Preston; 1847-48, Amos Reynolds; 1850-51, John R. Preston; 1852-53, Chauncey W. Allen; 1854, Nathaniel M. Wright; 1855-56, Chauncey W. Allen.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2), continued ...
VI. - SCHOOLS.
Early schools and school-houses are already mentioned among the items of early settlement, and in the several reminiscences given.
The first action of the town recorded was in 1796, simply the appointment of school commissioners under the then existing law - Sidney Berry, Herman Van Veghten, Joseph Palmer, Thomas Jeffords, Benjamin Phillips.
In 1797 the commissioners were Sidney Berry, Daniel Bull, Joseph Palmer, Thomas Jeffords, Solomon Wheeler.
In 1798, Thomas Jeffords, William Force, George Cramer.
None appointed in 1799.
In 1800, Thomas Jeffords, Elihu Billings, Daniel Bull, and William Wait.
The law was changed at that time, and no further action was taken by the town until 1813, when they evidently accepted the conditions of the new school act, providing that the towns by raising an equal amount of money could receive from the public funds for the support of schools.
That year commissioners were elected - Wallace Crawford, Harvey Granger, John R. Mott, and Inspectors Philip Duryea, Martin L. Bryan, Reuben Perry, Esek Cowen, David Evarts, Zeno Remington.
The town was then divided into eighteen school districts.
In the following years other persons served as commissioners, one or more years each, down to 1844 - James Green, Jr., Jonas Olmstead, James Mott, Harvey Granger, Esek Cowen, William Davis, Eli Granger, James W. Smith, Edward Fitch, Henry D. Chapman, Francis R. Winney, James Annibal, Oliver Cleveland, Henry Wagman, James Place, Ira Lawrence, William Wilcox, Elnathan Patterson, Wm. B. Caldwell, Henry F. Sherman (2d), Richard H. Livingston, Joseph Soule, Orville B. Dibble, Stephen H. Dillingham, Henry T. Sherman, Abram B. Barker, James P. Cramer, Thomas Smith, Alfred Scofield, John R. Mott, Ephraim Hill, John G. Mulford, John B. Wright, Chauncey D. Bull, Benajah Barker, Thomas J. Marshall, Cornelius Letcher, Gabriel Robbins, James C. Milligan, Dr. John R. Preston, Eliakim H. Mosher, Wm. C. Brisbin, Wm. Barnes, Gilbert Wright, Jr., Fones Wilbur, Isaac Freeman, Zina Clements.
The following also served as inspectors, one or more years each, in the period from 1814 to 1844: John H. Steel, John R. Mott, Richard M. Livingston, William L.F. Warren, Dudley Farlin, James Green, Henry D. Chapman, Elnathan Spinner, James W. Smith, Aaron Blake, Wm. B. Caldwell, Abram Van Duzen, Rockwell Putnam, Harmon J. Betts, Philip Schuyler, Daniel Morgan, Jr., Oliver Brisbin, Joseph Welch, James C. Milligan, Wm. Bennett (2d), Asher Smith, John P. Winney, Conrad Cramer, James Randall, Oliver Cleveland, Edward Fitch, Robert Y. Milligan, David Brisbin, Henry Holmes, Walter Van Veghten, Reuben Perry, Ephraim Hill, John G. Mulford, Nicholas J. Green, Thomas Smith, James Strang, Ephraim Hill, Reuben Perry, Alfred Scofield, Henry M. Dennis, Josiah Dean, James C. Milligan, Franklin Ruy, Paul P. Atwell, Daniel W. Belding, Wm. C. Brisbin, Wm. Barns, Fones Wilbur, Dr. John R. Preston, Henry Holmes, Richard S. Sheldon, Samuel W. Belding, Clark Perkins, James McNeil, Amos Reynolds, and Samuel Randall.
Town Superintendents of Common Schools - 1844-45, Daniel W. Belding; 1846, John R. Preston; 1847-48, Amos Reynolds; 1850-51, John R. Preston; 1852-53, Chauncey W. Allen; 1854, Nathaniel M. Wright; 1855-56, Chauncey W. Allen.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2), continued ...
VII. - CHURCHES.
THE REFORMED (DUTCH) CHURCH OF SARATOGA.
This church was organized before the Revolutionary war, certainly as early as 1772, and, no doubt, many years previous to that date.
No record remains of the society in those earliest years.
Even the name of the pastor is not recorded, and it is supposed that the services of the church were maintained only at intervals by minutes from Albany and Schenectady.
That the society had strength, determination, and some financial ability is shown from the fact that they erected a house of worship, a building that became historic from its occupancy by the British troops, and its location near the very spot where the great surrender of 1777 took place.
It was used as a hospital, and George Strover relates the incident that a young lady seated by a north window and eating an apple was instantly killed by a rifle-shot from the American camp on the hill, the ball cutting her throat.
She was buried within the church under the spot where she was killed.
Mr. Strover himself saw the blood-stains on the window, and the bones when they were removed at the taking down of the building.
During the war the society itself was virtually dissolved, and a reorganization took place in 1789.
July 10 of that year a meeting was held, in which twenty male members took part, and elected Cornelius Van Veghten and Peter Becker elders, Jesse Tall and James Abel deacons.
They also resolved that the services of the church be conducted in the English language, and extended a call to Rev. Samuel Smith, who accepted it, came to this place the 9th of December, and was ordained in the month of January, 1790.
Mr. Smith remained as pastor of the church until the year 1800, when he accepted a call from Connecticut Farms, New Jersey, and soon after removed to that place.
He married one hundred and fifty couples in the ten years.
In 1792 fifty acres of land were purchased by the society north of the present village of Schuylerville, and a parsonage erected.
This building is still standing, and belongs to the farm of Mrs. William Marshall.
In later years, the property having been sold by the society many years since, a neat and pleasant home for the minister has been secured by the society on the corner of Ferry and Pearl streets.
After the resignation of Mr. Smith, the pulpit was vacant for two years, when a call was voted to the Rev. Philip Duryee.
He accepted it December, 1802, and on the 13th of April; 1803, was ordained and installed.
He was pastor of the church for twenty-five years, and is referred to by the older residents of the town as the first minister they remember, and the old building as the first meeting-house they entered in the days of their childhood.
Feb. 7, 1821, the following record is made: "The consistory of the Reformed Protestant Dutch church of Saratoga, fully aware of their present situation, are persuaded that the congregation have seen that the house which their fathers built must soon fall to pieces, and they and their children must be left destitute."
"It must have also occurred to the congregation that, situated as they are, one temple will not answer their wants, the people being so scattered."
The society then resolved to build two churches - the one to be located at Schuylerville; the other west, wherever that portion of the congregation may direct.
This led to the founding of the church at Bacon Hill, Northumberland.
At last, in 1822, the old meeting-house of historic memory was taken down, and considerable of the material used in the erection of a new house on the present site in Schuylerville.
This house was destroyed by fire in 1831, and was replaced by a stone edifice that stood until 1856, when it was demolished, and the present brick structure was erected.
The house stands upon a large and convenient lot, a broad and handsome site.
The church has had ten pastors since its reorganization in 1789, and its present membership is one hundred and ninety.
It has a consistory of ten members; one of whom, Mr. Nathan Corliss, has been an officer for twenty-eight years.
The present pastor is Rev. D.K. Van Doren.
A few additional items are taken from the venerable book in possession of the church.
At the meeting of 1789 the following members took part in the election of officers: Peter Becker, Abram Low, John Mahawney, Simon Deridder, Corruth Brisbin, Jesse Toll, Julian Winne, Hendrick Van Beuren, Jacobus Abeel, John Smith, John B. Schuyler, Nicholas V.D. Barch, Cornelius McLain, Jacob Dannals, Abram Marshall, Solomon Wheeler, George McHutchin, James Brisbin, Stephen Viele, James Milligan.
The officers chosen were ordained July 26, 1789, by Rev. E. Westerlo, of Albany.
The same day James Brisbin was also elected an elder, and Corruth Brisbin a deacon.
The ordination services of Pastor Smith were conducted by Rev. Mr. Westerlo, of Albany, with the pastors of Lansingburg and Waterford.
Rev. Mr. Duryea, the next pastor, was ordained by Revs. Winslow, Paige, and John L. Zabriskie, May 1, 1803.
He was dismissed to take charge of a church in New Jersey, October, 1828.
He died there in 1850.
The pastors since then have been as follows: Rev. Hugh M. Boyd, 1829 to 1834; Rev. Edward May, 1836 to 1839; Rev. David Jones, 1839 to 1844; Rev. C.H. Chester, Oct. 30, 1844, to Feb. 19, 1850; Rev. F.S. Searle, 1850 to 1857; Rev. Franklin Merrill, 1850 to 1861.
He died of consumption.
Rev. A.G. Lansing followed; he was succeeded by Rev. Isaac H. Collier.
The present pastor, Rev. D.K. Van Doren, began his labors here, Aug. 1, 1874.
The present Elders are, Nathan Corliss, George T. Watson, Samuel Sheldon, L. B. Viele, Samuel Wells; Deacons, J.H. De Ridder, Z. French, D. Sample, J. Ingersoll, R. Sutfin; Clerk, S. Wells; Superintendent of Sunday-school, J.H. De Ridder.
Scholars, two hundred; four hundred volumes in the library.
The first marriage recorded was Feb. 7, 1790 - Nehemiah Billing to Elizabeth Francis.
The first baptisms, George and Anne, children of Jacob Dannals, Jan. 24, 1790.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2), continued ...
VII. - CHURCHES.
THE REFORMED (DUTCH) CHURCH OF SARATOGA.
This church was organized before the Revolutionary war, certainly as early as 1772, and, no doubt, many years previous to that date.
No record remains of the society in those earliest years.
Even the name of the pastor is not recorded, and it is supposed that the services of the church were maintained only at intervals by minutes from Albany and Schenectady.
That the society had strength, determination, and some financial ability is shown from the fact that they erected a house of worship, a building that became historic from its occupancy by the British troops, and its location near the very spot where the great surrender of 1777 took place.
It was used as a hospital, and George Strover relates the incident that a young lady seated by a north window and eating an apple was instantly killed by a rifle-shot from the American camp on the hill, the ball cutting her throat.
She was buried within the church under the spot where she was killed.
Mr. Strover himself saw the blood-stains on the window, and the bones when they were removed at the taking down of the building.
During the war the society itself was virtually dissolved, and a reorganization took place in 1789.
July 10 of that year a meeting was held, in which twenty male members took part, and elected Cornelius Van Veghten and Peter Becker elders, Jesse Tall and James Abel deacons.
They also resolved that the services of the church be conducted in the English language, and extended a call to Rev. Samuel Smith, who accepted it, came to this place the 9th of December, and was ordained in the month of January, 1790.
Mr. Smith remained as pastor of the church until the year 1800, when he accepted a call from Connecticut Farms, New Jersey, and soon after removed to that place.
He married one hundred and fifty couples in the ten years.
In 1792 fifty acres of land were purchased by the society north of the present village of Schuylerville, and a parsonage erected.
This building is still standing, and belongs to the farm of Mrs. William Marshall.
In later years, the property having been sold by the society many years since, a neat and pleasant home for the minister has been secured by the society on the corner of Ferry and Pearl streets.
After the resignation of Mr. Smith, the pulpit was vacant for two years, when a call was voted to the Rev. Philip Duryee.
He accepted it December, 1802, and on the 13th of April; 1803, was ordained and installed.
He was pastor of the church for twenty-five years, and is referred to by the older residents of the town as the first minister they remember, and the old building as the first meeting-house they entered in the days of their childhood.
Feb. 7, 1821, the following record is made: "The consistory of the Reformed Protestant Dutch church of Saratoga, fully aware of their present situation, are persuaded that the congregation have seen that the house which their fathers built must soon fall to pieces, and they and their children must be left destitute."
"It must have also occurred to the congregation that, situated as they are, one temple will not answer their wants, the people being so scattered."
The society then resolved to build two churches - the one to be located at Schuylerville; the other west, wherever that portion of the congregation may direct.
This led to the founding of the church at Bacon Hill, Northumberland.
At last, in 1822, the old meeting-house of historic memory was taken down, and considerable of the material used in the erection of a new house on the present site in Schuylerville.
This house was destroyed by fire in 1831, and was replaced by a stone edifice that stood until 1856, when it was demolished, and the present brick structure was erected.
The house stands upon a large and convenient lot, a broad and handsome site.
The church has had ten pastors since its reorganization in 1789, and its present membership is one hundred and ninety.
It has a consistory of ten members; one of whom, Mr. Nathan Corliss, has been an officer for twenty-eight years.
The present pastor is Rev. D.K. Van Doren.
A few additional items are taken from the venerable book in possession of the church.
At the meeting of 1789 the following members took part in the election of officers: Peter Becker, Abram Low, John Mahawney, Simon Deridder, Corruth Brisbin, Jesse Toll, Julian Winne, Hendrick Van Beuren, Jacobus Abeel, John Smith, John B. Schuyler, Nicholas V.D. Barch, Cornelius McLain, Jacob Dannals, Abram Marshall, Solomon Wheeler, George McHutchin, James Brisbin, Stephen Viele, James Milligan.
The officers chosen were ordained July 26, 1789, by Rev. E. Westerlo, of Albany.
The same day James Brisbin was also elected an elder, and Corruth Brisbin a deacon.
The ordination services of Pastor Smith were conducted by Rev. Mr. Westerlo, of Albany, with the pastors of Lansingburg and Waterford.
Rev. Mr. Duryea, the next pastor, was ordained by Revs. Winslow, Paige, and John L. Zabriskie, May 1, 1803.
He was dismissed to take charge of a church in New Jersey, October, 1828.
He died there in 1850.
The pastors since then have been as follows: Rev. Hugh M. Boyd, 1829 to 1834; Rev. Edward May, 1836 to 1839; Rev. David Jones, 1839 to 1844; Rev. C.H. Chester, Oct. 30, 1844, to Feb. 19, 1850; Rev. F.S. Searle, 1850 to 1857; Rev. Franklin Merrill, 1850 to 1861.
He died of consumption.
Rev. A.G. Lansing followed; he was succeeded by Rev. Isaac H. Collier.
The present pastor, Rev. D.K. Van Doren, began his labors here, Aug. 1, 1874.
The present Elders are, Nathan Corliss, George T. Watson, Samuel Sheldon, L. B. Viele, Samuel Wells; Deacons, J.H. De Ridder, Z. French, D. Sample, J. Ingersoll, R. Sutfin; Clerk, S. Wells; Superintendent of Sunday-school, J.H. De Ridder.
Scholars, two hundred; four hundred volumes in the library.
The first marriage recorded was Feb. 7, 1790 - Nehemiah Billing to Elizabeth Francis.
The first baptisms, George and Anne, children of Jacob Dannals, Jan. 24, 1790.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2), continued ...
VII. - CHURCHES, continued ...
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptist church of Schuylerville, known until 1836 as the First Baptist church of Saratoga, was constituted in 1790, and was received as a member of the old Shaftsbury Association in 1791.
It united with the Saratoga Association in 1805.
The following remark from "Benedict's History of the Baptist Churches," written in 1812, taken literally, would apply to this church, and carry the date of its organization back to 1772.
He says, "There was a church founded near where Burgoyne surrendered more than forty years ago, which was broken up and scattered by the devastations of war."
This claim is not sustained by the records of the Shaftsbury Association, and though the tradition among the people of Schuylerville assigns a very early period to the efforts of Baptist ministers, yet in the absence of all written records at home the books of the Shaftsbury Association must be regarded as correct.
Besides, the remark in Benedict's history is applied by the compiler of the Shaftsbury records, in 1852, to the church in Stillwater, and, if true at all, perhaps properly belong there.
The Schuylerville church was represented in the association of 1791 by Rev. S. Rogers, pastor, and S. Munger, messenger.
They reported forty-seven members.
In 1800 no delegates were present, and the membership is stated at twenty-eight.
The successive Baptist ministers preaching for this church have been Samuel Rogers, Joseph Craw, Azariah Hanks, John Colby, J. Finch, S.S. Parr, Charles B. Keyes, Joseph W. Sawyer, P.D. Gillette, J. Murphy, B.F. Garfield, William Hutchinson, T.S. Rogers, William Bowen, Elder Coburn, Elder Dubois, William J. Loomis, J.H. Bullard, William Garnet.
The loss of the written records earlier than 1832 prevents giving the name of the first officers, with facts of general interest which may usually be selected from such records.
The earlier preaching, as in the case of other societies, was in school-houses, barns, and private houses.
Mrs. St. John, still living in Schuylerville, states that Jordan's bridge was an old place of baptism.
She herself was baptized there in 1825.
At that time, and for several years after, the old meeting-house was in use.
This was probably built in 1807 or 1808.
It stood near the present residence of Morgan Moe about three miles from Schuylerville.
It is still standing, moved back from the road, and used as a hay-barn.
Stafford's bridge was another place of baptism.
The new house in Schuylerville was built about the year 1833.
Prominent members and deacons in early years were Reuben Perry, James Lewis, Elihu Billings, and William T. Smith.
Rev. Samuel Rogers, the first minister of this church, had been in the military service during the Revolutionary war.
He was a teamster attached to the army of Gates at the time of the battles of Saratoga.
One night he was carrying a load of specie northward, and was so closely followed by the British, and the muddy roads so delayed his progress, he was obliged to cut his team loose - allow them to go - while he carried the keg of specie into the woods and kept guard over them all night.
The next day he succeeded in getting them safely to their destination.
He died in Stillwater, Feb. 6, 1823.
At the time of building the house in Schuylerville Joshua Finch was clerk, and Richard M. Livingston was a very active leader in securing the erection of the new house.
The church cost about $1600.
Since Joshua Finch there have been only two clerks - R.S. Sheldon and Jacob Osborne, the latter serving for more than twenty years.
Deacons at the present time are O.J. Bates, Benjamin Tabor, and Charles Devoe.
Trustees are James Dillingham, Jacob Osborne, and Nathaniel M. Bennett.
Jacob Osborne, in furnishing these statistics, adds, that religious services was conducted by Elder Gillette when the remains were removed from the old Broad street burial-ground to the North cemetery in 1840.
Mr. Osborne was present and saw the ground dug over carefully, and the remains of about seventy bodies removed.
It is not believed that any were left.
The society have recently settled Rev. Irving C. Forte, formerly of the editorial staff of the Clyde Times, western New York.
He enters upon his new field of labor with excellent prospects of usefulness, and the venerable society of other days is renewing the vigor of its youth in the activities of Christian work.
From the records of the First Baptist church of Stillwater, it appears the following members were set off some time before 1800 to form the church at Fish creek: Jonathan Kendall, Seth Crowell, Henry Knapp, Alpheus Davis, Hezekiah Dunham, Joseph Coon, Timothy Carrier, Jonathan Sweet, Mr. Petit, Rufus Ballard, Zaccheus Taylor, Niles Taylor, Solomon Carrier, Benjamin Taylor, Thomas Gordon, Daniel Miller, George Coon, David Cross, Hezekiah Betts, Sampson Davis.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2), continued ...
VII. - CHURCHES, continued ...
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptist church of Schuylerville, known until 1836 as the First Baptist church of Saratoga, was constituted in 1790, and was received as a member of the old Shaftsbury Association in 1791.
It united with the Saratoga Association in 1805.
The following remark from "Benedict's History of the Baptist Churches," written in 1812, taken literally, would apply to this church, and carry the date of its organization back to 1772.
He says, "There was a church founded near where Burgoyne surrendered more than forty years ago, which was broken up and scattered by the devastations of war."
This claim is not sustained by the records of the Shaftsbury Association, and though the tradition among the people of Schuylerville assigns a very early period to the efforts of Baptist ministers, yet in the absence of all written records at home the books of the Shaftsbury Association must be regarded as correct.
Besides, the remark in Benedict's history is applied by the compiler of the Shaftsbury records, in 1852, to the church in Stillwater, and, if true at all, perhaps properly belong there.
The Schuylerville church was represented in the association of 1791 by Rev. S. Rogers, pastor, and S. Munger, messenger.
They reported forty-seven members.
In 1800 no delegates were present, and the membership is stated at twenty-eight.
The successive Baptist ministers preaching for this church have been Samuel Rogers, Joseph Craw, Azariah Hanks, John Colby, J. Finch, S.S. Parr, Charles B. Keyes, Joseph W. Sawyer, P.D. Gillette, J. Murphy, B.F. Garfield, William Hutchinson, T.S. Rogers, William Bowen, Elder Coburn, Elder Dubois, William J. Loomis, J.H. Bullard, William Garnet.
The loss of the written records earlier than 1832 prevents giving the name of the first officers, with facts of general interest which may usually be selected from such records.
The earlier preaching, as in the case of other societies, was in school-houses, barns, and private houses.
Mrs. St. John, still living in Schuylerville, states that Jordan's bridge was an old place of baptism.
She herself was baptized there in 1825.
At that time, and for several years after, the old meeting-house was in use.
This was probably built in 1807 or 1808.
It stood near the present residence of Morgan Moe about three miles from Schuylerville.
It is still standing, moved back from the road, and used as a hay-barn.
Stafford's bridge was another place of baptism.
The new house in Schuylerville was built about the year 1833.
Prominent members and deacons in early years were Reuben Perry, James Lewis, Elihu Billings, and William T. Smith.
Rev. Samuel Rogers, the first minister of this church, had been in the military service during the Revolutionary war.
He was a teamster attached to the army of Gates at the time of the battles of Saratoga.
One night he was carrying a load of specie northward, and was so closely followed by the British, and the muddy roads so delayed his progress, he was obliged to cut his team loose - allow them to go - while he carried the keg of specie into the woods and kept guard over them all night.
The next day he succeeded in getting them safely to their destination.
He died in Stillwater, Feb. 6, 1823.
At the time of building the house in Schuylerville Joshua Finch was clerk, and Richard M. Livingston was a very active leader in securing the erection of the new house.
The church cost about $1600.
Since Joshua Finch there have been only two clerks - R.S. Sheldon and Jacob Osborne, the latter serving for more than twenty years.
Deacons at the present time are O.J. Bates, Benjamin Tabor, and Charles Devoe.
Trustees are James Dillingham, Jacob Osborne, and Nathaniel M. Bennett.
Jacob Osborne, in furnishing these statistics, adds, that religious services was conducted by Elder Gillette when the remains were removed from the old Broad street burial-ground to the North cemetery in 1840.
Mr. Osborne was present and saw the ground dug over carefully, and the remains of about seventy bodies removed.
It is not believed that any were left.
The society have recently settled Rev. Irving C. Forte, formerly of the editorial staff of the Clyde Times, western New York.
He enters upon his new field of labor with excellent prospects of usefulness, and the venerable society of other days is renewing the vigor of its youth in the activities of Christian work.
From the records of the First Baptist church of Stillwater, it appears the following members were set off some time before 1800 to form the church at Fish creek: Jonathan Kendall, Seth Crowell, Henry Knapp, Alpheus Davis, Hezekiah Dunham, Joseph Coon, Timothy Carrier, Jonathan Sweet, Mr. Petit, Rufus Ballard, Zaccheus Taylor, Niles Taylor, Solomon Carrier, Benjamin Taylor, Thomas Gordon, Daniel Miller, George Coon, David Cross, Hezekiah Betts, Sampson Davis.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2), continued ...
VII. - CHURCHES, continued ...
METHODIST CHURCH.
The subscription to build the house, an old time-stained document, bears date Jan. 30, 1827.
The paper has this preface, "From Lansingburg along the valley of the Hudson for fifty miles, with a breadth of from eight to ten miles, the Episcopal Methodists have not one house dedicated to the worship of God."
"Private dwellings, school-houses, and barns have hitherto afforded to their classes a precarious yet acceptable resort."
"Perhaps there is not a spot in that rich and populous district of country where so many of this denomination of Christians would meet, as at Schuylerville, if a suitable edifice could be erected."
The effort was successful, and a house costing $1600 was built in the summer of 1827, and dedicated in the fall.
The same house is still standing, kept in good repair, a neat and appropriate chapel, better after fifty years' use than if it had that modern attachment - a mortgage - resting upon it.
The trustees at the time of building were John Cox, Jedediah Beckwith, Oliver Cleveland, John Seeley, and George Strover.
The class-leaders were John Cox, Asa Welch, and John Seeley.
John Cox was also steward, clerk, and sexton.
Of these names, John Seeley is still living in Rochester, of this State, and George Strover in this place.
Earlier than the building of the houses there were many years of pioneer work by the Methodist ministers in this town.
Peter Gallett, to whose industry in gathering and keeping the old records we are indebted for these facts, in his youth heard the Rev. Mr. Campbell give an account of his early labors here, far back nearly or quite to the year 1800.
In those times he traveled a circuit three hundred miles or more in extent, taking six weeks to fill the circuit appointments, endured all the difficulties of pioneer work, fording streams, staying in the woods, preaching from stumps, holding service in school-houses and in barns.
Milligan's hill school-house was an old-time place of Methodist preaching; also the place known now as Hemlock.
At Schuylerville, quarterly meetings were first held in the barn on the Schuyler place.
In connection with the church a female missionary society was organized in 1832, with Mary Ross, president; Sarah Ward, vice-president; Sarah Cox, treasurer; Elizabeth Cox, secretary.
The first Sabbath-school was established by an organized society, of which Rev. Robert Washburn was president; John Seeley, secretary; John Cox, superintendent.
Philip Schuyler's name appears as a subscriber to the funds of the school.
The roll of members in 1827 includes about thirty-five.
Services have always been continued without interruption.
The present number of members is about three hundred, and there is an attendance at the Sunday-school of nearly one hundred and fifty.
Present officers are A.F. Bailey, preacher; Isaac Whitman, superintendent of Sunday-school; trustees, Edwin Root, Isaac Whitman, Peter Gallett, James McAchron, David Graw, William Marshall, and John Chapman.
John Cox, whose name appears so often in the early records, served the church faithfully in various positions for more than thirty years.
The successive preachers appointed to this charge from 1825 to the present time have been B. Griffin, W.P. Lake, W.H. Norris, G. Lyons, C.P. Clark, D. Ensign, J. Beaman, J.D. Moriaty, N. Rice, S. Stevens, J. Lucky, P. Newman, D. Braylore, T. Newman, P.P. Atwell, O. Pier, E. Goss, J. Harwood, H. Burton, C. Meeker, J. Quinlan, D. Stephens, H. Chase, S. Coleman, C. Pomeroy, J.B. Houghtaling, C.R. Norris, S. Stiles, P.M. Hitchcock, O. Emerson, J. Sage, J. Quinlin, P.S. Williams, C.L. Wager, J.W. Belknap, P.P. Harrower, R. Fox, S. Meredith, W. Bedell, W.J. Heath, L. Marshall, J.B. Sylvester, W.H.L. Starke, S.M. Williams, A.S. Bailey.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2), continued ...
VII. - CHURCHES, continued ...
METHODIST CHURCH.
The subscription to build the house, an old time-stained document, bears date Jan. 30, 1827.
The paper has this preface, "From Lansingburg along the valley of the Hudson for fifty miles, with a breadth of from eight to ten miles, the Episcopal Methodists have not one house dedicated to the worship of God."
"Private dwellings, school-houses, and barns have hitherto afforded to their classes a precarious yet acceptable resort."
"Perhaps there is not a spot in that rich and populous district of country where so many of this denomination of Christians would meet, as at Schuylerville, if a suitable edifice could be erected."
The effort was successful, and a house costing $1600 was built in the summer of 1827, and dedicated in the fall.
The same house is still standing, kept in good repair, a neat and appropriate chapel, better after fifty years' use than if it had that modern attachment - a mortgage - resting upon it.
The trustees at the time of building were John Cox, Jedediah Beckwith, Oliver Cleveland, John Seeley, and George Strover.
The class-leaders were John Cox, Asa Welch, and John Seeley.
John Cox was also steward, clerk, and sexton.
Of these names, John Seeley is still living in Rochester, of this State, and George Strover in this place.
Earlier than the building of the houses there were many years of pioneer work by the Methodist ministers in this town.
Peter Gallett, to whose industry in gathering and keeping the old records we are indebted for these facts, in his youth heard the Rev. Mr. Campbell give an account of his early labors here, far back nearly or quite to the year 1800.
In those times he traveled a circuit three hundred miles or more in extent, taking six weeks to fill the circuit appointments, endured all the difficulties of pioneer work, fording streams, staying in the woods, preaching from stumps, holding service in school-houses and in barns.
Milligan's hill school-house was an old-time place of Methodist preaching; also the place known now as Hemlock.
At Schuylerville, quarterly meetings were first held in the barn on the Schuyler place.
In connection with the church a female missionary society was organized in 1832, with Mary Ross, president; Sarah Ward, vice-president; Sarah Cox, treasurer; Elizabeth Cox, secretary.
The first Sabbath-school was established by an organized society, of which Rev. Robert Washburn was president; John Seeley, secretary; John Cox, superintendent.
Philip Schuyler's name appears as a subscriber to the funds of the school.
The roll of members in 1827 includes about thirty-five.
Services have always been continued without interruption.
The present number of members is about three hundred, and there is an attendance at the Sunday-school of nearly one hundred and fifty.
Present officers are A.F. Bailey, preacher; Isaac Whitman, superintendent of Sunday-school; trustees, Edwin Root, Isaac Whitman, Peter Gallett, James McAchron, David Graw, William Marshall, and John Chapman.
John Cox, whose name appears so often in the early records, served the church faithfully in various positions for more than thirty years.
The successive preachers appointed to this charge from 1825 to the present time have been B. Griffin, W.P. Lake, W.H. Norris, G. Lyons, C.P. Clark, D. Ensign, J. Beaman, J.D. Moriaty, N. Rice, S. Stevens, J. Lucky, P. Newman, D. Braylore, T. Newman, P.P. Atwell, O. Pier, E. Goss, J. Harwood, H. Burton, C. Meeker, J. Quinlan, D. Stephens, H. Chase, S. Coleman, C. Pomeroy, J.B. Houghtaling, C.R. Norris, S. Stiles, P.M. Hitchcock, O. Emerson, J. Sage, J. Quinlin, P.S. Williams, C.L. Wager, J.W. Belknap, P.P. Harrower, R. Fox, S. Meredith, W. Bedell, W.J. Heath, L. Marshall, J.B. Sylvester, W.H.L. Starke, S.M. Williams, A.S. Bailey.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2), continued ...
VII. - CHURCHES, continued ...
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The movement that led to the establishment of the Episcopal church in Schuylerville commenced just north, in the town of Northumberland.
Rev. Reuben Hubbard, traveling through here in 1838, and stopping at the house of Mr. Jesse Finne, and becoming known as a member of the Episcopal church, to which Mr. Finne had been attached in his youth, was cordially invited by him to preach, and did so in his house, March 19.
Services were held in this manner for several years.
The first baptisms were three children of Mr. John Finne, duly recorded in the books of St. John's church, Stillwater.
The first service in the village of Schuylerville was held in the old academy, Feb. 25, 1844, by Rev. Reuben Hubbard.
The first formal organization was made at the house of Mr. Finne, March 2, 1846.
Rev. Reuben Hubbard presided, and John Metcalf was secretary.
They determined upon the name of St. Stephen's church, and elected the following officers: Jesse Finne and James Pickering, wardens; John Finne, Joseph Finne, Benjamin Losee, James Pickering, George U. Gates, James E. Stebbins, John R. Preston, and Henry W. Merrill, vestrymen.
The delegates to the diocesan convention of 1846 were Thomas Ball, James Pickering, and James G. Stebbins.
At the meeting of Sept. 12, 1846, a lot gratuitously offered by the Victory Manufacturing Company was duly and gratefully accepted; but the society did not build at that time, and services were not maintained regularly for some years after 1850.
The church was finally built and presented to the society by Dr. Payne, to whom great credit is due for this munificent and graceful gift.
It occupies a most beautiful and picturesque spot, and is itself a model of church architecture at once neat and classical.
The services of the first clergyman, Rev. Reuben Hubbard, were continued down to 1850, when the congregation, in accepting his resignation, placed upon their records a strong expression of their love and esteem.
The cornerstone of the church was laid June 2, 1868, Rev. P.B. Gibson officiating, and the church was opened for service on Christmas-day of the same year.
A font, presented by Dr. Payne, was first used on Good Friday, 1869, five persons being then baptized.
The rectorship of the church has subsequently been filled by Rev. George Forbes, Rev. John H. Babcock, Rev. George Walker, and the present incumbent, Rev. Dr. Dean, who commenced his labors here Oct. 17, 1875.
The present officers are Dr. C.H. Payne, John R. Preston, wardens; George Strover, S.R. Lawrence, Peter Davison, H.P. Shaw, J.H. Smith, John Knapton, Richard Rastall, Fred. McNaughton, vestrymen.
The last named is clerk, and the facts for this sketch are obtained from the carefully-written records in his office.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2), continued ...
VII. - CHURCHES, continued ...
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The movement that led to the establishment of the Episcopal church in Schuylerville commenced just north, in the town of Northumberland.
Rev. Reuben Hubbard, traveling through here in 1838, and stopping at the house of Mr. Jesse Finne, and becoming known as a member of the Episcopal church, to which Mr. Finne had been attached in his youth, was cordially invited by him to preach, and did so in his house, March 19.
Services were held in this manner for several years.
The first baptisms were three children of Mr. John Finne, duly recorded in the books of St. John's church, Stillwater.
The first service in the village of Schuylerville was held in the old academy, Feb. 25, 1844, by Rev. Reuben Hubbard.
The first formal organization was made at the house of Mr. Finne, March 2, 1846.
Rev. Reuben Hubbard presided, and John Metcalf was secretary.
They determined upon the name of St. Stephen's church, and elected the following officers: Jesse Finne and James Pickering, wardens; John Finne, Joseph Finne, Benjamin Losee, James Pickering, George U. Gates, James E. Stebbins, John R. Preston, and Henry W. Merrill, vestrymen.
The delegates to the diocesan convention of 1846 were Thomas Ball, James Pickering, and James G. Stebbins.
At the meeting of Sept. 12, 1846, a lot gratuitously offered by the Victory Manufacturing Company was duly and gratefully accepted; but the society did not build at that time, and services were not maintained regularly for some years after 1850.
The church was finally built and presented to the society by Dr. Payne, to whom great credit is due for this munificent and graceful gift.
It occupies a most beautiful and picturesque spot, and is itself a model of church architecture at once neat and classical.
The services of the first clergyman, Rev. Reuben Hubbard, were continued down to 1850, when the congregation, in accepting his resignation, placed upon their records a strong expression of their love and esteem.
The cornerstone of the church was laid June 2, 1868, Rev. P.B. Gibson officiating, and the church was opened for service on Christmas-day of the same year.
A font, presented by Dr. Payne, was first used on Good Friday, 1869, five persons being then baptized.
The rectorship of the church has subsequently been filled by Rev. George Forbes, Rev. John H. Babcock, Rev. George Walker, and the present incumbent, Rev. Dr. Dean, who commenced his labors here Oct. 17, 1875.
The present officers are Dr. C.H. Payne, John R. Preston, wardens; George Strover, S.R. Lawrence, Peter Davison, H.P. Shaw, J.H. Smith, John Knapton, Richard Rastall, Fred. McNaughton, vestrymen.
The last named is clerk, and the facts for this sketch are obtained from the carefully-written records in his office.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2), continued ...
VII. - CHURCHES, continued ...
FRIENDS' MEETINGS.
These were established in this town very early - from 1765 to 1770.
A log meeting-house was erected before the War of the Revolution, at or near the site of the present one, south of Quaker Springs.
The founders of the organization were Gabriel Leggett, Isaac Leggett, Tibbett Soule, Thomas Wilbur, Fones Wilbur, George Davis, David Shepherd, John Walker, and a number of others whose names it is difficult to obtain, as the records now in possession of the society do not extend back earlier than 1793.
The deed for the site of the meeting-house bears date Oct. 16, 1793, and conveys the title from John R. Bleecker to William Barker and Isaac Leggett, as trustees.
Isaac Leggett was the first minister, and continued in that capacity for many years.
He was a man of eminent worth, and withal possessing a decided turn for the pleasant and even humorous side of life.
Taken prisoner by the Indians in the early times, he conducted himself with such hilarity, and played such pranks with the young Indians, tripping them up and pushing them into the water, that he escaped all severe treatment, and was not long after released.
Meetings have been continued through all the years with unwavering regularity.
After the death of Isaac Leggett, several ministers for a few years spoke in the meetings until about 1820, when Andrew Dorland was generally recognized as the minister of the society.
From that time for more than fifty years he has walked before the people in that faith and love which characterize true Friends everywhere; and he yet lives in a hale and happy old age, neither his mental powers nor his eye waxed dim.
The records show that at a meeting held the 21st of 7th month, 1794, John Davis and Jemima Arnold were clerks.
On the 28th of 1st month, 1795, George Davis was married to Nancy Mead, and we give the names of the witnesses, as showing many of the early settlers before 1800, and the principal membership of the meeting: Isaac Leggett, Jonathan Griffin, Gideon Mead, John Davis, Joshua McOmber, John Dillingham, Thomas Bennett, Gabriel Leggett, William Barker, David Dillingham, Nathan Mosher, Charles Leggett, David Mosher, John Dillingham; Thomas Shepherd, James Covil, James Cooper, Martha Mead, Ruth Dillingham, Bridget Leggett, Fanny Mead, Hannah Mosher, Mary Covil.
Another early marriage recorded is that of David Mosher to Esther Ackerman, 1st of 4th month, 1795.
The present officers are David Griffen, clerk; Andrew Dorland, minister.
The society constitutes the Saratoga monthly meeting, and is attached to the Saratoga quarterly meeting, which has its regular place of meeting at this point, but does sometimes adjourn to meet in other places, and this latter body belongs to the New York yearly meeting.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, continued ...
SARATOGA (Part 2), continued ...
VII. - CHURCHES, continued ...
FRIENDS' MEETINGS.
These were established in this town very early - from 1765 to 1770.
A log meeting-house was erected before the War of the Revolution, at or near the site of the present one, south of Quaker Springs.
The founders of the organization were Gabriel Leggett, Isaac Leggett, Tibbett Soule, Thomas Wilbur, Fones Wilbur, George Davis, David Shepherd, John Walker, and a number of others whose names it is difficult to obtain, as the records now in possession of the society do not extend back earlier than 1793.
The deed for the site of the meeting-house bears date Oct. 16, 1793, and conveys the title from John R. Bleecker to William Barker and Isaac Leggett, as trustees.
Isaac Leggett was the first minister, and continued in that capacity for many years.
He was a man of eminent worth, and withal possessing a decided turn for the pleasant and even humorous side of life.
Taken prisoner by the Indians in the early times, he conducted himself with such hilarity, and played such pranks with the young Indians, tripping them up and pushing them into the water, that he escaped all severe treatment, and was not long after released.
Meetings have been continued through all the years with unwavering regularity.
After the death of Isaac Leggett, several ministers for a few years spoke in the meetings until about 1820, when Andrew Dorland was generally recognized as the minister of the society.
From that time for more than fifty years he has walked before the people in that faith and love which characterize true Friends everywhere; and he yet lives in a hale and happy old age, neither his mental powers nor his eye waxed dim.
The records show that at a meeting held the 21st of 7th month, 1794, John Davis and Jemima Arnold were clerks.
On the 28th of 1st month, 1795, George Davis was married to Nancy Mead, and we give the names of the witnesses, as showing many of the early settlers before 1800, and the principal membership of the meeting: Isaac Leggett, Jonathan Griffin, Gideon Mead, John Davis, Joshua McOmber, John Dillingham, Thomas Bennett, Gabriel Leggett, William Barker, David Dillingham, Nathan Mosher, Charles Leggett, David Mosher, John Dillingham; Thomas Shepherd, James Covil, James Cooper, Martha Mead, Ruth Dillingham, Bridget Leggett, Fanny Mead, Hannah Mosher, Mary Covil.
Another early marriage recorded is that of David Mosher to Esther Ackerman, 1st of 4th month, 1795.
The present officers are David Griffen, clerk; Andrew Dorland, minister.
The society constitutes the Saratoga monthly meeting, and is attached to the Saratoga quarterly meeting, which has its regular place of meeting at this point, but does sometimes adjourn to meet in other places, and this latter body belongs to the New York yearly meeting.
TO BE CONTINUED ...