Reminiscences of Oaks Corners and Vicinity, Phelps Citizen 1889

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Amanuensis Monday, hosted by John Newmark at Transylvanian Dutch.

*************************

Three branches of my family were all in Ontario County, New York in the early 1800's, with the Hall's and Glover's settling in the town of Phelps at Oaks Corners. In celebration of the town's centennial the Phelps Citizen ran many pieces about the early history. I have been transcribing items as I have time. Other transcriptions may be found here.

*************************

The Phelps Citizen

Thursday, Oct. 24, 1889.

Reminiscences of Oaks Corners and Vicinity.

(By Mrs. Philomela Cooper Wright.)

At the beginning of the present century the most imposing structure in western New York, was known as :Oaks Stand." It was a grand hotel for those times, and was as well known from Albany to Buffalo as any of the best hotels of the present time. Although not a temperance house, it was always quiet and orderly and no drunken brawls were allowed to disturb the rest of the many weary travelers who found ample accommodations at this famous hostelry.

Closely allied to the hotel and quite as well known, was the race course. Here were assembled every year some of the most noted running horses of Pennsylvania, New York, some of the southern States, and Canada. The races were continued from four to six days. The immense crowds in attendance were composed of every grade of humanity, from the genteel sportsman down to the lowest debauches. There were dog fights and cock fights among brutes in human form also. What would seem very incongruous, the racing ground was closely adjoining the church, the "old meeting house," the first church building erected in western New York. Speeding around the one mile course, the horse with his rider, passed within three rods of the building. South of the church, nearly in direct line to the point now occupied by the railroad depot, and extending west to the public road, was the common, occupied during the races by tin peddlers and hucksters. On the race ground was also held "general training." All able bodied men between 18 an 45 years of age, were required to assemble at this place annually for military drill, lasting three days. This was a proud time for the boys, who were delighted with the gay uniforms and the music of the fife and drum.

The first building north of the church was occupied by Benjamin Hartwell, a carpenter, John and Jacob Sheckles, brothers, lived on the farm occupied many years by the late Hiram Armstrong. They also owned land adjoining, extending north to the east and west public road. Lemuel Bannister lived on the west side of the road, and owned a large farm. Many years ago he built a large brick house which he occupied until his death, and where some of his descendants still live. Ashel Bannister, a brother of Lemuel, lived on the adjoining farm north. The building in which he lived and kept a tavern for many years, is yet standing. It is the first building west of the residence of John B. Armstrong on the opposite side of the road. Next west was the home of Gen. Philetus Swigy, farmer and owner of the Swift flooring and saw mills. These mills were operated by the General and his successor Henry Swift, until the year 1857 and have since been known as Barlow's mills. General Swift was prominent in the war of 1812.

On, leading south from Oaks Corners, was a small house where Alpheus Lang a shoemaker lived. On the east side of this road, lived Benoni Grover, south of Grover lived David Northam, a farmer who it is said, taught the first school in district No. 1. Opposite on the west side of the road lived Alex. Glover, Sr. Next we come to the old brick school house, around which cluster many pleasant memories not unmixed with sadness. Of the fathers, it may be said where are they! And the few that remain of the children and youth, are the grandfathers of today. Opposite the school house, and a little further south lived Capt. Nathaniel Merrill, a soldier in the war of 1812, and was wounded in the battle at Sodus, N. Y. Major Joseph Hall lived on the next farm, since known as the Chester Webster farm. Opposite thus was the farm of Col. Elias Coat, now known as the Kirtland farm. The next house on the west side of the road was the home of Enoch Eddy, a carpenter. He sold the place many years ago to Theodore Swan who is still living on the same house. Pne mile south of Oaks Corners, is what is known as Simmons Corners. Here Abram Simmons kept a tavern and owned a farm. The old building is yet standing. Osee Crittenden lived at Simmons’ Corners, a little west of the tavern. David Boyd, the father pf James, Hugh and David Boyd, and Jonathan Crittenden and William Clise lived on adjoining farms south of Simmons; Corners.

West of Oaks Corners on the hill, Thaddeus Oaks owned a tenant house, now occupied by Dr. G. H. Church. The next house on the north side of the road, was the home of Charles Crandall. Daniel Trowbridge lived on the opposite side of the road. Mr. Crandall was a carpenter, and Mr. Trowbridge a cooper. Dr. Joel Prescott, 2d. West of the corners was the farm of John Taylor; west of Taylor’s farm was Abner Bigelow. On the road leading north was Dr. Joel Prescott, 1st, Esq. Stearns, Capt. Hall, Thomas Kelley, Caleb Phillips and Abram Yosburg, in the order named. On the road leading south from Dr. Prescott’s, was the home of Jacob Cooper. Bela Wetmore lived in the next house and owned a large farm. On the road leading east from Oaks Corners, James Pullen lived, I think he was a shoemaker. The house in which he lived, was, for many years, at a later period, the home of Dr. John Spaisbury. Joseph P. Tower, a blacksmith, lived in the house now occupied by John Calu. Samuel Cross lived and died on the farm which is still the home of his descendants, known as the John Cross farm. The next farm east was owned by John Wooden, farmer and tavern keeper. One mile farther west, was another tavern kept by William Howell.

Early History of Phelps, Phelps Citizen 1889, Part 2

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Amanuensis Monday, hosted by John Newmark at Transylvanian Dutch.

*************************

Three branches of my family were all in Ontario County, New York in the early 1800's, with the Hall's and Glover's settling in the town of Phelps at Oaks Corners. In celebration of the town's centennial the Phelps Citizen ran many pieces about the early history. I have been transcribing items as I have time. Other transcriptions may be found here.

*************************

The Phelps Citizen, Thursday, May 9, 1889

Early History of Phelps

(Continued from Last Week)

The first occupant of the farm now owned by Russell B. Cobb, (at least the first I ever knew or heard of, ) was Captain Hall, father of Joseph Hall, and father in-law of Roswell Baker. Capt. Hall and his wife lived and died on that farm. After their death the family was broken up, and then Roswell Baker took the farm, I think that must have been about the year 1819 or 1820.

David Burnett was not a farmer, He lived a mile east of Oaks Corners.

The school district of Oaks Corners and vicinity, was No. 1. The first school house was built of brick, as is the present one, and accupied the same ground, only very much of the hill was scraped down when the new house was built, which made it much more easy to access, as many of the little ones and some of the larger growth during the winter seasons suffered severe falls striving to reach that hill of learning.

As it was sixty years ago, there were no graded schools in those days, but I think District No. 1 can boast of having had a graded school house even in that early day. As you entered the school room there was a level floor, whose length equaled the width of the school building, and was twelve or fifteen feet wide. On each side of the door and on two sides of this apartment were two comfortable seats for small children, but the only back those seats had was the cold brick wall, from thence one step brought us on to a platform about four feet wide extending across the room. On that platform the scholars were called out, made to toe the mark, make their manners, and go through the daily excises [sic] of reading and spelling. On one end of the platform stood the teacher's desk, on which lay the inevitable ferule, which greeted the offender with such warmth on the hand that it would last nearly through the day, as many a poor culprit could testify. From this you took another uoward grade which broght you to a platform wide enough for a writing desk and seat behind it, and so it continued step by step higher than the last through the length of the house.

Mr. Eaton was the first teacher that I have any recollection of. I was only about five years old, and the most that I remember of him was, he was a terror to evil doers. Thise old poplar trees in front of the house were set out the season that he taught. They were not much larger than the sprouts that were so common and so frequently used in schools in those days and I well remember the stringent rules and penalties that would be inflicted on any one that touched one of those trees. I hardly dared to go that part of the yard among the crowd of scholars, for fear my dress might brush against on of those trees.

I think the next teacher was Erastus Burt, a brother of the late Dr. J. Burt, of Phelps. Miss Mix, Mr. Penman, Miss Blossom, from Geneva; Mr. Cutting, Miss Clara Sickenson, Alfred Riggs, Mrs. Wheeler, who lived and died near Phelps; Mrs. Covill, a widowed sister of Daniel Trowbridge; Miss Bedell, afterwards Mrs. Wirts and others.

From this period you will probably recollect more names of teachers than I can. I could tell you more in connection with the school and school days of my childhood, how they tore out the inside of the old school house and built it all over, made two long writing desks on each side and one on the end, with long benches behind them, and no backs at all. But I am afraid I shall spin out so long a yarn that you will lose what little interest you may have found in what I have already written. So I leave it, hoping that the items which I have been able to gather from my own recollections, amy be of some use to those better qualified for historical writing than myself.

Yours truly,

P. C. Wright.

________

In addition to the above named teachers I will name Mr. Corder, Miss Caroline Loomis, who married John Pullen of Oaks Corners, Ichabod N. Duning, Mr. Babcock, Miss Philomenia Cooper the writer of the above letter for which many thanks are due her for the favor. She married our esteemed citizen, Charles S. Wright of Oaks Corners, Ann Gray, Peculia Webster, a neice of Chester Webster, who married a Mr. Carpenter, Stephen Wilson, John Fairchild, Benjamin Young, Susan A. Wirts, a daughter of the late John Wirts of Phelps. She married Elisha Holmes of Oaks Corners, who was another teacher of the same school. There were other teachers, but I do not recall them. I hope there are others who will make out the list.

Miss E. Northham

Early History of Phelps, Phelps Citizen 1889, Part 1

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Amanuensis Monday, hosted by John Newmark at Transylvanian Dutch.

*************************

Three branches of my family were all in Ontario County, New York in the early 1800's, with the Hall's and Glover's settling in the town of Phelps at Oaks Corners. In celebration of the town's centennial the Phelps Citizen ran many pieces about the early history. I have been transcribing items as I have time. Other transcriptions may be found here.

*************************

The Phelps Citizen, Thursday, May 2, 1889

Early History of Phelps

The following communication was sent by request to Miss Elmira Northam, of this place, by Mrs. Philomenia Wright, of West Candor, Tioga County, N.Y., a lady about 75 years of age, who spent her earlier years in Phelps, and gives evidence of remarkable powers of memory in a lady of her years:

West Candor, N.Y., April 16, ’89.

My dear Friend; - I am very glad to give any information that I am able to in regard to the early settlement of our town. Ambrose Porter I never knew. Caroline Porter left Oaks Corners before she married, I do not know who she married. Charles married a Miss Caroline Ward, she did not live long in the place, and was not very much known. I do not know when they came into town. It was longer ago than I can remember. Joshua Porter, who I suppose is still living, and father of Mrs. Stephenson, of Phelps, is a nephew of Mrs. Grover’s first husband. The house where your people lived, I have always heard spoken of as the Northam house, and supposed your grandfather built it. The Glover homestead was always the same from my earliest recollections. I do not remember of any house on either place previous to the ones in question, neither do I recollect of any families who occupied either house previous to the Northams and Glovers. I do not know when they came to town, but I can remember them back seventy years ago.

John Taylor owned the farm now occupied by Mr. Cook, about a mile west of Oaks Corners. He was a good citizen, a kind neighbor, very kind to the poor, and the father of nineteen children. His first wife was the mother of seventeen children, and the later wife had two more. Very few of the family located around the old home, but the settled in different parts of the country, and have all passed away years ago.

Dr. Joel Prescott owned the farm adjoining the Taylor farm now owned by Prof. Ezra J. Peck. He was the first physician in town, and the first Justice of the Peace. He died in 1811, in the prime of his life, and in the midst of his usefulness.

My father came into the town seventy-eight years ago. Of course the country was new, and my father and mother knew something of pioneer life, but I think I will leave their history for sister Doolittle to write, she will do them better justice than I can.

I do not know where Nicholas Pullen lived or died. I think he was the father of Mrs. Cortright and Mrs. Spoor.

You remember the little house between your old house and Mr. Burtis’, where old Charely Burnett, as every one called him, lived. I think that place belonged to his farm, probably Mrs. Burnett, who was formerly Mrs. Pullen, had the use of that place her life time. It run in bank [sic], I do not know how far, but the lot the we used to own, was originally bought of the Pullen heirs. John and Charley Pullen’s father was James Pullen, and if I am right, he was the son of Nicholas. Cotton Dickinson, the Rev. Wm. Young and Mrs, Hugh Boyd, were the grandchildren of Nicholas Pullen.

Philander Glover lived on Melvin Hill, His first wife was a Melvin. She left two children, a son and a daughter. The second wife had two sons, Wellington and Livingston. I think Wellington was a lawyer, Livingston became quite a noted minister, a D. D. He died some two or three years ago.

I have just received a copy of the PHELPS CITIZEN containing an article from Mr. Root. Speaking of the Glovers, he said there was one whose name he could not recollect. I think it was Whitfield.

Joel Thayer kept the Oaks Corners Inn, also had a store on the opposite corner, the lot now owned by J. W. Lyon.

Daniel Trowbridge, who was a very prominent man in the church and society at Oaks Corners, lived opposite the cemetery, one-half mile or more west of Oaks Corners. He came from Buckland, Mass., I think in 1816, a young man and a young convert to Christianity, full of zeal for the Master. He organized the first Sunday School, not only at Oaks Corners, but the first in Ontario County. He started the first prayer meeting that was established there years before the church at Oaks Corners and Phelps divided, and when the same ministers supplied the pulpit at both places alternately. Mr. Trowbridge sustained afternoon or evening service at the school house the year round with a full house. He removed to Ohio in 1833, where died a few years ago. The Trowbridge, Mr. Root speaks of, is Samuel Trowbridge, a brother of Daniel.

To be continued.

A Number of Answers, Phelps Citizen 1889

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Amanuensis Monday, hosted by John Newmark at Transylvanian Dutch.

*************************

Three branches of my family were all in Ontario County, New York in the early 1800's, with the Hall's and Glover's settling in the town of Phelps at Oaks Corners. In celebration of the town's centennial the Phelps Citizen ran many pieces about the early history. I have been transcribing items as I have time. Other transcriptions may be found here.

*************************

The Phelps Citizen.

Thursday, April 11, 1889, page 1, column 1

A Number of Answers.

Editor Citizen - In your issue of April 4, I nuts [sic] an article from Mr. Theron VanAuken, making some inquiries about the early pioneers of Phelps, and requesting ansmwers from any persons can give the,

I will give as far as I am able some of the names and their history. There were three Glovers with whom I was acuainted, viz. Philander who lived at Melvin Hill, on the south side and close to the road. Alexander, whose home was, I think, on what is now known as the Ishmael Lane farm. Another was Williamson Glover who learned the trade of sadler of E. D. Redfield, in this village. I recollect that two or three fingers had been cut off one of his hands. In after years he was prominent as singer in the choir of the church at Oaks corners. Since writing the above, I learn that Williamson and Stillman and another brother whose name I don't recollect were brothers of Alexander and Philander.

Abram D. Spoor was a son-in-law of J. Decker Robison, and lived on the Palmyra road, about half mile east of the bridge at Gypsum. The place has since been known as the peer tavern.

Mathew Denniston lived in a small house between the Simmons corner and the cemetery as you come north. Afterwards I was acquainted with a family of Dennistons who lived wast of Oaks Corners, a mile or more. There were three sons. This was probably the same family, having moved from their first location.

Thaddeus Collins lived in the old house on Major Hopkins' farm, in which Enoch Crosby lived for many years. Mr. Collins moved to Wayne county, where his descendants now live, and are prominent people.

W. N. Loomis lived about half a mile north of the Crittenden corner, or the old Indian castle. Years ago a long row of white mulberry trees stood before the house.

Joel Thayer lived at Oaks Corners, and either had a store or kept the Oaks Inn. Afterwards he moved to this village, and in company with his twin brother, Levi Thayer, opened a store, and built the first brick store in the village. It stood about wher Hawks' store is, was long known as Cutler and after as the Joseph Jones store. The firm was long known as J. & L. Thayer. The store was painted yellow.

Lackey Morrow lived on what is known as the James Pritchard farm, about two miles north=east of Orleans, was till his death an elder in the church in Phelps village. He died in Michigan, July 9, 1840, while on a visit to his children. Buried in old cemetery, Phelps.

About 1819 or 1820, John Partridge with his son-in-law, Theodore Paretridge, and Dwight Partridge brother of Theodore, came from Hatfield, ______, to Phelps, and built the long building on the north-east corner of Main and North Wayne street, now owned by Miss Hattie McPherson, and started a store in the front part, and John and Theodore occupied the rear dwelling, and Dwight lived in a house on the south side of the road nearly opposite. Upon the death of Dwight shortly afterward, the store was discontinued, and Theodore entered the service of Bartle, Norton & McNeil, and later went with their branch store to Newark. Went into the insurance business, became Judge Partridge, and went to Richmond, Va.

Mr. Trowbridge lived east of Oaks Corners, two or three miles, and a little north of the old Taylor Inn.

Roswell Baker lived on the farm now owned by Russel B. Cobb, joining the old Kelley farm on the south.

Nathaniel Merrill, a former well known citizen of Phelps. the war of 183 to 1815 found him a resident of Sodus Point, but when the Brotish raided that place, Mr. Merrill was burnt out. He then came to Phelps and for a while lived, I think, in our village, afterward he occupied the house on the north-east corner of the Oaks Corners road and the Seneca castle road. Again he was living in a house on the rise of ground south of the brick school house south of Oaks Corners. The Hammond house now. Afterwards he lived in Geneva, and probably died there.

Cornelius Westfall was the father of the late Albert, Benjamin and Smuel Westfall. Was Captain of a rifle company. Was in the war of 1812 15, and was killed.

Joseph Hall lived in the house long known as the Chester Webster house; He had a tannery and shoe shop.

A man named Howell, yeras ago kept an Inn east of Simmons' corners, on the premises known as the Swift place, but I cannot recall Hollands Inn, mentioned in Mr. VanAuken's communication.

Polodore B. Wisner lived on the high land just north of the Castle Brook bridge, where the Maxwells now live.

FRANCIS ROOT

The Church at Oaks Corners - Part 3

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Amanuensis Monday, hosted by John Newmark at Transylvanian Dutch.

******************************** 

Part 1 is here. Part 2. The full series is also available at Ontario County GenWeb.

The Phelps Citizen, May 23, 1889
Sessional Records of the Church at Oaks Corners
(Continued from last week)

List of members of the Union Religious Society of Phelps, Located at Oaks Corners, with time of their admission:

Names Dates

Julia Ann Bush, 1826
Adeline Warner,
Sarah Glover,
Caroline Whipple,
Rhoda Wright,
John W. Klepeattle
Laura Strong,
Selah B. Wilder,
Tobias W. Stoutenburg, 1827
Mary Hill,
Maria VanFleet,
Betsey Burt,
Erastus Burt,
Caroline Porter,
Thankful Glover, [sic]
Betsey Brower,
Richard VanVranken, 1828
Esther VanVranken
Martha Maria Flynn,
Lemuel Trussdale Nichols,
____________ Bevier,
Oris Frazer,
Catherine Frier,
M. Frazer,
Betsey Goodale, 1829
Ann Frazer,
Mrs. Kniffen,
Rufus Goodale,
Mary Ann Glover, 1831
Elvira Armstrong,
Mrs. Morse,
Nancy Moody,
Julius Babcock,
John Wright,
Lucy Wright,
David Pies,
Eleanor Pies,
Catherine Brower,
Maria Brower,
Phoebe Brower,
John Brower,
Frederick Brower,
Betsey Brower,
Abigal Brower,
Julia Hinman,
Charlotte Hinman,
Lydia Hinman,
Lydia Webster,
Ann Eliza Case,
Peter Bruzee,
Reuben W. Stevens,
Dudley L. VanAuken,
Lucinda Crittenden,
Mary N. Doty,
Chloe Humphrey,
Mrs. Roaman Cooper, 1832
Mrs. Philomela Cooper,
David S_tfris,
Lois Cooper,
Rachael Burnett
Rousona Bainbridge,

This finishes up to the time that the church was organized at Vienna.

SOME EARLY MARRIAGES BY REV. C. M. MOSHER.

John Melvin and Catherine Flint, 1815 [or 1816 very hard to read]
Imley Prescott and Maria Cross,
Stuart Parker and Charlotte Gates,
Rufus Streeter and Orpha Brusee
Desbrow Taylor and Mary Jacobs,
Noah Crittenden and Mrs, Shattuck, 1817
Freeman Robers and Rebecca Woolson,
Kellogg and Wetmore,
Robert Halliday and Rhoda Ward,
Thomas Smith and Pamelia Landon,
Wm. Hubbard and Sopia Gates
W. Partridge and Miss Crum
J. Hovey and Polly Harris
Joseph Annis and Sally Widham
Lettie Paine and Salome Phillips,
Daniel Trowbridge and Sally Blenplay
Andrew Haville and Jane Miller,
John Elman and Esther Olmstead,
Thomas Annis and Sarah Brace, 1818
H.D. Williams and Mary A. Bardwell,
John Turnbull and Mary Cahonen,
John Humpgrey and Pollina Wiggins
Eli Dickinson and Mary Pullen,
Name obliterated and Dolly Dickinson,
Daniel Gates and Maria Boyd,
Wm. Parmalee and Atherine Wright, 1819
Harvey Dean and Mary Crosby,
Carpenter and Smith,
Hugh Humphrey and Phoebe Wiggins,
Nathan Raid [or Rald or Bald] and Sally Chase
Daniel Shattack and Chloe Crittenden,

Many of the above names were obliterated and consequently there will be mistakes.

These marriages were all performed by the Rev. Charles Mosher during his pastorate from 1816 to 1819.

There seems to be no record of marriages during the incumbency of pastors Brace and Strong.

It is exceedingly desirable, in this, our centennial year, that as much of our town's past history as possible may be preserved.

An original Town Historical Society with a paid Secretary, would be the proper thing, to insure thorough work and permanency, with preservation of records.

We thus close the hasty glance of our early religious history, and cannot but admire the sturdy manhood, and strict Integrity tenacity of purpose, and conscientious devotion to religious principles, of the noble men and women, who founded and left unto us so rich a heritage.

It would be befitting as we take leave of the century, to erect a suitable monument to their memory, so that in the generations to come, it may be said that we were not "degenerate sons of Noble ancestry." and we enter upon another century, may we be stimulated to higher and nobler endeavors, ever sustaining the right and condemning the wrong, reaching out to a pure and ennobling citizenship.

A PHELPSTONIAN

The Church at Oaks Corners - Part 2

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Amanuensis Monday, hosted by John Newmark at Transylvanian Dutch.

******************************** 

I continue with the Sessional Records of the Church at Oaks Corners as published in the Phelps Citizen as a series in 1889. Part 1 is here. The full series is also available at Ontario County GenWeb.

 

The Phelps Citizen, May 16, 1889


Sessional Records of the Church at Oaks Corners.
(Continued from last week)

List of members of the Union Religious Society of Phelps, located at Oaks Corners, with time of their admission:

[Names without a date after them had ditto marks for the date above. I cannot get that to format correctly here.]

Lackey Morrow, Elder, Aug 7, 1806
Caleb Case. "
Letitia Harris,
John VanAuken,
Catherine Myers,
Joseph Griffith,
Mary Griffith,
John Griffith,
Jane Baggerly,
Margaret Morrow,
Eunice Seager,
William Hutchinson,
Mary Hutchinson,
Sally Barnard,
Catherine Carae,
Ebenezer Fields,
Anna Deit,
Mathew Denniston, Elder
Henry Farbush,
Phoebe Farbush, 1807
Elizabeth Howell 1806
Phoebe Doty,
Mercy Benton 1807
Esther Hobart, 1808
Caleb Phillips,
Sally Phillips,
Walter Norris,
Mary Moffatt,
Rahannah Hall,
Nancy Maynard,
Osee Crittenden, Elder
Lydia Maxwell,
Abraham D. Spoor, 1809
Amy Merry,
Irene Cooley,
Polly Parker,
Mary Moore,
Amanda Flint,
Caroline Melvin,
Fanny Bannister,
Temperence Jones,
Polly Woodard,
Hannah Moore,
Jacob Brazee,
Bildad Brooks, 1810
Rahannah Glover,

An intermission occurs of four years to the next admission.

Hannah Grover, 1814
Seth Chase, 1815
Letty Barden, 1812
George VanAuken, Elder 1814
Jamison Glover, 1815
Hamilton Bell, 1816
Thomas Bruce,
Sophia Bruce,
Elijah Case,
Cephas Field,
Ruth Hudson,
Lydia Taylor.
Laura Mosher, 1817
Mercy Humphrey,
Eunice Lang,
Margaret VanAuken,
Abigal Winter,
Busnell B. Downs,
Eunice Chase,
Enoch Wing, Elder,
Daniel Trowbridge, Elder,
Robert J. Griffith,
Maria Prescott,
Sabrina Webster,
John Partridge, 1818
Sally Trowbridge,
Reuben Stevens,
Mrs. Stevens,
James VanAuken,
Elizabeth VanAuken,
Freelove Beals,
Elizabeth Griffith
Mary Shattuck,
Mrs. Rogers,
Electa Partridge,
Sarah Ashley,
Thomas Eckley,
John Rose,
Susan Moore,
Anna Hubbard, 1819
Lucy Pullen,
Theodore Partridge, Elder,
Submit Brown,
*John Gates, 1808
*Archelaus Gates 1810
Arena Staats, 1816
*Deborah Flint, 1808
Lucena VanAuken, 1820
Loa Wells,
Jane Rees,
Sarah Rees,
Mrs. Clark,
Charles W. Glover, Elder,
Erastus Lovett,
William Frisbie,
Elizabeth Frisbis,
Elias W. Frisbie,
Sally C. Deming,
Abigal Glover,
Henry Hubbard,
Rhoda Crosby,
Jabez Joslyn,
Nancy Young,
Minerva Walt,
Abigal Baldwin,
Lucy Phillips,
Eliza Wing,
Ninera E. Glover,
Richard Smith,
Hannah Smith,
Elizabeth Disbrow,
Mary Hubbard,
Maria Paralee,
Persis Dickinson,
Jerusha Benjamin,
Mary Case,
*Chairty Humphrey, 1815
*Betsey Bennett,
Abel B. Hobart, 1820
Sophronia Gould,
Lovica Bigelow,
Betsey Stevens,
Mary Bedell,
Elizabeth Bedell,
John Jones,
Orrilla Grover,
Betty Densmore,
Mary Smith 1821
Harriet Brace,
Charles Yale,
Sally Yale,
Luana Bedell,
Charity Stevens,
Robert Harris,
Polly Glover,
Miller Eddy,
Lemerce Glover,
Milan Glover,
Samuel Glover,
Conway Wing,
Sarah Crosby,
Alfred D. Crosby,
George Bedell,
Mary Ann Williams,
Benjamin F. Hough
Mehitable Sumner,
Rebecca Phillips,
Elizabeth Humphrey,
Robert Cross,
George W. Glover,
Peter Cook, 1822
Rachel Cook,
Mary Hathaway,
Catherine Cook,
Nellie Kanouse
Silas Hathaway,
Sarah Beeman,
Diadema Brown,
Louisa Baker,
Experience Field,
Benoni Grover,
Enoch Eddy, Elder,
Samson Loyd,
Joanna Russell, (now Sheckels,)
Roana Nichols,
Harriet Hall,
Minerva Hickey,
Zachariah Drumb,
Hannah Drumb,
Caty Hathaway,
Jacob Hickey,
Francis M. Lansing,
Susannah Lansing,
Olive Burnett,
Samuel Wright,
Isaac Hathaway,
Elizabeth Simmons, (now Green,)
Jacob Cooper,
Jacopa Hovey,
Mary Hovey,
George Kanouse
Betsey Kanouse,
Ann Patterson,
Persis Baker,
Murana Hoburt,
Mary Lane,
Nancy Ford,
Parmela Foster,
John Whipple, Elder,
Elizabeth Hibbard, 1823
Asa Hovey,
Almira Hovey,
Ruth Hubbard,
Maria Guilford,
Mary Bigelow,
Peter Brower,
Catherine Brower,
John Brower,
Joseph Brower,
_inche Brower,
Joseph Brower,
Leah Brower,
Abram Crumb,
Catherine Crumb,
Abigal Wright,
Damaris Hall,
Catherine Christian,
Sophia Schutt,
Elizabeth Bruzee,
Lurena Sears,
Lucretia Bruzzee,
Rachael VanVoorhees
Sally Monet,
Peter VanBlaircum,
Mary VanBlaircum,
Enoch Crosby,
Nancy Colton,
Wealthy Burgess,
_10 in commision at this time.
Asahel Bannister,
Polly Bannister,
William Butler,
Esther Butler,
Benjamin Heartwell,
Jane Heartwell,
Eli Dickinson,
Abigal Parks,
Jacob Cook,
Harriet Stewart,
Diantha Lewis,
_ethuel Dodd,
Anna Dodd,
Eunice Merrill,
Nancy Gates,
Lucy Kellogg,
Sarah Dickinson, 1824
David G, Monet,
Jacob Hollenbeck,
David Shirrill, 1825
Elizabeth Shirrill,
Robert Allen,
Andrew Robison,
Jacob Gaul,
Darius Seager,
Mary Spafford,
Phoebe Stephenson,
Mrs. Whipple,
Girty Christler,
Sarah Lyons,
Mary Jane Morrow,
Dolly Covil,
Eleanor Bartholf, 1826
Winans Bush,

The Church at Oaks Corners - Part1

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Amanuensis Monday, hosted by John Newmark at Transylvanian Dutch.

******************************** 

Part 1 is here. The full series is also available at Ontario County GenWeb.

 

I have spent many hours reading old newspapers this summer. Three branches of my family were all in Ontario County, New York in the early 1800's, with the Hall's and Glover's settling in the town of Phelps at Oaks Corners. This is the only place other than family notes that I have ever found a reference to my gr-great-grandmother, Louisa Glover! I have found many other names of persons I know I am related to and I'm still exploring my file to see if any others are there. I hope that others find their families listed here.

***************************

The Phelps Citizen. [Phelps, Ontario, New York. No author name with article.]
Thursday, May 9, 1889

Sessional Records of the Church at Oaks Corners

A synopsis of the same will only be attempted. I have been unable to obtain any sessional records, as such, till April 1st. 1814, at which time the Society was transformed into a Presbyterian Church. Therefore, the records, printed In the business records from 1804-1814, must suffice.

The record in question opens with a written confession of faith and covenant, as held by the Presbyterian Church. The first recorded meeting, was held at the house of Thaddeus Collins, April 1813.

Resolved, That the church adopt the Presbyterian standards and form of government. Dr, Peter Woodward was appointed delegate to Presbytery of Geneva, to present the notion of the church.

Said action was presented at a meeting of Presbytery, April 23d, 1813, at Housoye, and the church was made a constituent member of Geneva Presbytery.

Rev. Mr. Powell , as far as I know, was the only officiating pastor from 1805 up to this time, 1813.

Lackey Morrow, Peter Woodward, Mathew Denniston and John Burnham were the first board of ruling elders.

A meeting was held at the union school house in Phelps to consider a call to the Rev. Mr. Barritt. Committee: John Burnham, Moses Youngs, Joseph Griffith, M. Denulaton, Thaddeus Collins, Caleb Case, John Griffith, Joseph Hall and Thadeus Oaks.

This committee did not meet with sufficient success, resulting in a failure to call Mr. Barritt.

At the next meeting, August 14th, 1814, the Rev. Ambrose Porter presided, and undoubtedly was the officiating minister, as his name appears as moderator of the session for some length of time.

Peter Woodward was dismissed to join the church at Gorham. George VanAuken was admitted membership, on profession, October 2d, 1814.

During this period John Burham was clerk of session.

At a church meeting, May 14th, 1815, Joshua King and Caleb Case were chosen elders. Charity Humphrey and Betsey Burnett were received into the church. Anthony VanAuken and wife dismissed to join the church in Lyons. September 12th, 1816, Rev. Charles Mosher was Installed as pastor.

December 11th, 1816, Cephas Field, Ruth Hodson and Lydia Hindman were admitted.

January 26th, 1817, Simeon VanAuken was dismissed to join a church in Wolcott.

May 4th, 1817, Lucinda Richards, Louisa Baker and Mercey Humphrey were admitted to the church.

May 9th, 1817, Maria Prescott, and Salmira Webster. Reuben Bardwell and Robert J. Griffith, were received January 16th, 1818.

A number were dismissed to join a new church in the north-west part of the town, Brewer, Post, Sears, VanBlarnacom and others.

May 17th, 1818, James VanAuken, Mary Shattuck and Mr. Rogers were admitted to the chrch.

August 1st, 1819, received Theodore Partridge and Summit Brown.

Theodore Partridge was a school teacher in Phelps, and became a ruling elder, and prominent in church affairs many years. He was clerk of the session many years. His fine work is still to be seen on the books.

The resignation of Rev. Charles Mosher was accepted September 20th, 1819.

Rev. Samuel Brace was ordained and installed December 29th, 1819. Present, Rev, Axtell, Clark, Stephen Porter, Townsend, Pomeroy, Merrill, Bacon.

January 16th, 1820, received into the church Lucena VanAuken, Loa Wells, Jane and Susan Rees, Mrs. Clark, Charles W. Glover, and Erastus Lonett, William Frisbie and wife, Elias W. Frisbie, Sally C. Deming, and Abigail Glover.

March 23d, 1820, Doctor William Frisbie was chosen Deacon, and Enoch Wing, Daniel Trowbridge, Theodore Partridge, Elders.

Jabez Joslyn, Nancy Young, Minerva Wait, Lucy Phillips, Eliza Wing, Abgail Baldwin, Vinera Glover, were admitted. The names of Charity Stephens, Mary and Elizabeth Bedell appear. Cases of discipline occurred which were conducted in a straight forwrd manly manner, to positive results.

November 24th, 1820, Rev. Mr Brace baptized Christopher, Augustus, Caleb, Lorenzo, and Sophia Dickenson, children of Fanny Bannister, also Samuel B. an infant of Robert J. and Elizabeth Griffith

March 23d, 1821, Elder Nathan Denniston and wife were dismissed to join the church at Sodus.

April 22d, 1821, Charity Stevens, Robert Harris, Polly Glover, Miller Eddy, Louisa Glover, Milan Glover, Samuel Glover, Conway D. Crosby, were admitted to the church.

August 25th, 1821 Charles Yale was elected elder.

November 13th, 1821, received into the church, Mehitable Sumner, Rebecca Phillips, Elizabeth Humphrey, Robert Cross, George Glover.

February 4d, 1822, Enoch Eddy, Benoni Grover, Harriet Hall, and others.

May 12th, 1822, received into the church, Olive Burnett, Susannah Lansing.

August 11th, 1822, received on profession, Jacob Cooper and Elizabeth Simons.

November 7th, 1822, by S. W. Brace, baptized Willard, child of Henry Farbush; also Nathan, son of Thaddeus and Fanny Oaks.

April 27th, 1823, received into the church, Asahel Bannister, Polly Banister, William Butler, Esther Butler, Benjamin Heartwell, Eli Dickinson, Abigal Parks, Mrs. Harriet Stewart, Jacob and Diantha Lewis.

The Rev. Samuel W. Brace closed his labors with the church February 8th, 1824.

November 10th, 1834, the Rev. Henry P. Strong was installed pastor of the church. Present, Rev's Stockton, Larndsbury, Lansing, Axtell, Pomroy, Wm. Eddy.

October 12th, 1826, Samuel Wright and Charles W. Glover, were chosen Elders, and Doctor Winens Bush, Deacon. Presbytery, Seneca Falls, February 4th, 1830

STEPHEN PORTER, Moderator.

May 10th, 1831, the relation existing between the Union Religious of Phelps, and Presbyterian Society of Vienna, and the Rev. H. P. Strong, is dissolved.

The persons named as follows, constitnted [sic] a new church at Vienna: Lackey Morrow, (Elder,) Richard Van Vranken. Esther his wife, John, Lucy, and Mary Wright, Ann Frazier, Enoch Wing, (Elder,) Elizabeth Bulkley, Rufus Goodale, Samuel Wright, Daniel Peer, David G. Monett, Francis M. Lansing, A. D. Crosby, Ann Johnson, Sally Beman, Robert J. Griffith, E. Willard Frisbie, Minerva Wait, Jane McCormac, Anny Merry, Nancy Gates, Rhoda Crosby, Elizabeth Frisbis, Walter Laidlow, Loa Wells, Orres Frazer, David Sherrill, Wynan Bush, Robert Allen, Elizabeth Hibbard, Julia A. Bush, Mary J. Morrow, Margaret Morrow, Elizabeth Sherrill, Elizabeth Griffith, Polly Woodward, Darius Seager, Eunice Seager, Eunice Wilson, Sarah Deming, Maria Flynn, Wm. H. Thomson, Catherine and Sally Crumb, Andrew Robison, Sophia Schutt, Joseph Bronson, Sarah, Catherine and Mary Brower, Ellen Poe, Joseph Griffith, Peter and John Brower, Cyntha Brower, Lydia Taylor, Julia Hindman, Charlotte and Lydia Hindman, Mary Harmon, Jane Laidlow, Nancy Moody.

The above persons were constituted into a church at Vienna. In addition the following persons were dismissed June 4th, 1831:

George, Betsey, Phoebe, John and Frederick Brown, Betsey, Charlotte and Abigal Brown, Lucretia Bruzee, Elizabeth Goodale, Anna Morse, Anna Hubbard, Wm. and Mary Hutchinson, Mrs. Guilford, Enoch Crosby, Tobias Mercy, Mary Sarah Stoutenburg, and Catherine Loomis, to the Vienna church. Eighty four in all.

The wholesale emigration to Phelps nearly stranded the old church. We may well imagine their feelings, with Minister and some Elders, and a large membership gone. But with courage undaunted, the remnant proceeded to hold up the banner.

June 22d, 1831, Asahel Bannister and Enoch Eddy were chosen Elders. Cha's Glover and Daniel Trowbridge, Deacons.

July 31, received into the church, Othniel Hall, Peter Brizee, Sally Brizee, Eliza Bigelow, Dudley L VanAuken, Reuben Worthy Stevens, Mary Doty, Elwin Thompson, Elizabeth Brown, Lucinda Crittenden, Chloe Humphrey.

April 8th, 1832, Eli Dickenson was chosen Elder, Osee Crittenden and Reuben Stevens, Deacons.

September 1832, Rev. Wm. R. Betts was ordained and installed pastor.

John Whipple elected Elder January 20th, 1833.

Osee Crittenden and George VanAuken elected Elders July 25d, 1833.

The pastoral labors of Wm. R. Betts closed April 14th, 1834.

Rev. Isaac Crabbe appears on the record, July 13th, 1834. At this point the records are missing from page 70 to 93. 1836, Isaac Crabbe is still pastor, but closed his labors in the autumn.

November 27th, 1836, Hiram Armstrong was received by profession into the church.

Wm. Young chosen Elder February 16th, 1837.

August 27th, 1837, were received into the church, Sylvanus Burtis, Oscar Heartwell, Victoria Bannister and others.

Rev. Ezra Scoville installed pastor Febraury 20th, 1838.

March 11th, 1838, Cotton Dickenson, I. Clinton Stevens, Catlin Webster, ordained Ruling Elders.

September 7th, 1840, Rev. Mr. Scoville closed his labors.

February 15th, 1842, Rev. Mr. Everett installed.

I. C. Stevens, November 17th, 1842, was dismissed, at his request, to join the church at Vienna.

May 26th, 1843, Hiram Armstrong was ordained Elder.

Twenty years elapsed without any more additions to the Eldership.

Rev. Mr. Everett was succeed by Rev. J. R. Moser in 1843, he by John R. Young in 1847, A. G. Moore in 1849, Rev. Ira Ingram 1853, Chester 1857, Stoutenburg 1860, A. T. Young 1864, twelve years, Rev. Mr. Werner 1876, Rev. Mr. Salmon 1880, Mr Richardson 1884, Rev Samuel Murdock 1887.