The official records of the centennial celebration, Bath, Steuben County, New York, June 4, 6, and 7, 1893

Preface

The Official Records of the Centennial Celebration of Bath, after some unavoidable delays, are now given to the public.

This book does not purport to be a complete history of Bath during the first century of its existence, but merely a contribution of much valuable material toward that history when it shall be written. The papers were prepared by many individuals who wrote without reference to each other, or without any pre-arranged plan.

Consequently, it happens that some of the pioneers, who were foremost in building up the town, have been passed over with scant mention, each writer presumably supposing that some other would be sure to select such prominent characters for delineation. This has been especially noticeable in the cases of Dugald Cameron, of the McClures and of Henry A. Townsend. These men passed away so early in the century that their fame is a tradition, even to the members of the older generation now among us.

That the Book is an accomplished fact is due to the Rev. Benjamin S. Sanderson, through whose persistence in the meetings of the General Committee, it was finally decided upon, and whose advice and assistance have been extended at every stage of its preparation for the press. The material as selected by Mr. Sanderson, the representative of the General Committee, has been published substantially as it was delivered, with the exception of a few sentences too personal for permanent preservation.

The work of the editor has been, mainly, to arrange that the papers should be put in fit typographical form.

The frontispiece is a semitone, prepared from a photograph of the portrait of Colonel Charles Williamson, presented to Bath by his grandson, David Robertson Williamson, of Scotland, {vide p. 236),

The plate of the map of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase was furnished, at the request of Hon, A. J. McCall, by Howard L. Osgood, Esq. , Secretary of the Rochester Historical Society.

Contents

PAGE.

Preface 3

Rev. Benjamin S. Sanderson.

PART THREE. Reminiscences

Mr. William Howell 141

Hon. Justin R. Whiting 151

Hon. Irvin W. Near 154

Rev. L. M. Miller, D. D 167

Clarh Bell Esq l'i'5

Mr. E. H. Butler 193

PAGE.

The Schools of Bath 194

Charles F. Kingsley, Esq.

Ira P. Smith, M. D.

The Military History op Bath 310

Major John Stocum,

The Bench and Bar 216

Hon. Charles H. McMaster.

The Local Press 229

Mr. George B. Richardson.

PART FOUR. Our Pioneers— (Song) 235

Gen. William W. Averell.

The Williamson Memorial 236

Hon. Sherman S. Rogers.

Change op Namj: 256

PART FIVE. Appendix A (Round Robin, with Signatures) 259

Appendix B (Correspondence) 261

Appendix C (Business Directory, etc.) 276

A brief account of the events leading up to the glorious Celebration of June 4, 6 and 7, 1893, would appear to form a fitting introduction to the pages which follow.

Rome was not built in a day. Not even the proverbial smartness of the citizens of our village could put through, without preparation, the elaborate Celebration this volume describes. It was the patient labor of a few ; the elaborate, careful and painstaking arrangements of the General Committee, which made the Centennial of Bath the magnificent success it was conceded by all to be. Honor to whom honor is due.

In a speech delivered before the local Board of Trade, at its annual dinner (April 6, 1891), Mr. Anthony L. Underbill made the first public appeal to the citizens for a becoming recognition of this important event in the history of the village. The seed thus sown was soon to bear fruit. Not many months after, the following Round Robin, numerously signed by leading citizens, under the inspiration of Gen. William W. Averell, was sent to Hon. Ansel J. McCall :

Hon, A. J. McCall :

Dear Sir : Your fellow-citizens, undersigned, are desirous tliat there shall be a fitting celebration of the first Centennial anniversary of the settlement of our village of Bath in 1793, and of your County of Steuben in 1796. We are sensible that a proper celebration of these events cannot be fully and intelligently realized without a co-incident publication of graphic annals of oui* town and county from the earliest times. It is, therefore, our earnest desire to have available to our people on those occasions such a sketch of our social birth and history, in convenient form, from the earliest pioneer days to the present time, in order that valued memories may not be lost, but cherished and perpetuated. Happily for our aspirations, your long and worthy life has brought from the early years of the century rich memories and priceless materials which enable you, better than any other man living, to tell the story of the first hundred years of Bath and of Steuben county.

We earnestly request that you will kindly gratify your neighbors and friends, the people of Steuben, by the preparation of such a history. We will attend to its publication, under your permission and direction.

Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., Aug. 1, 1893.

This invitation was accepted by Judge McCall.

Nothing more than this historical Monograph was at first contemplated. But other minds were at work, aiming at a public celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the settlement of the village. From them emanated the following call :

IMPORTANT MEETING OF CITIZENS.

A meeting of the citizens of Bath is called for this (Friday) evening, at the Court House, at 8 o'clock, to consider the propriety of properly observing the Centennial of the first settlement of the town.

Per Order Committee.

That Friday evening (January 13) was cold and blustering, piomising fully to test the interest of all attending the meeting. The writer well remembers sitting in the Sheriff's ofiice. with two or three others, wondering whether any of the good people of Bath were sufficiently enthusiastic to brave the elements in response to the call. At 9 o'clock there were about twenty present, who energetically took hold of the business in hand, as the subjoined official minutes testify :

" In response to a call published last week, a meeting was held at the Court House, last Friday evening, to consider the advisability of celebrating the Centennial anniversary of the first settlement of the town of Bath. Genei'al W. W. Averell was chosen Chairman of the meeting, and James R. Kingsley, Secretary. It was decided to celebrate the anniversary, and the following Committee was appointed to decide the character of the exercises and the time and place of holding them : Gen. W. W. Averell, W. W. Allen, R. E. Robie, A. J. McCall, H. W. Bowes, J. F. Little, O. H. Smith, Abram Beekraan, W. E, Howell, J. F. Parkhurst, R. R. Lyon, James R. Bangsley, Rev. M. N. Preston, Rev. B. S. Sanderson, Rev, M. C. Dean, Rev. V. P. Mather, Rev. J. J. Gleason, Rev. B. W. Swain. Gen. Averell is Chairman of the Committee, and James R. Kingsley, Secretary. The plans of the Committee will be submitted to a meeting of citizens to be held not later than February 10."

With the to-be-expected set-backs, the preparations for a becoming celebration progressed favorably. The preliminary plans were endorsed at a public meeting of citizens held in the Court House, Febxaiary 10, with a large and representative attendance. June 14 was fixed upon as Centennial Day, The official program was arranged as follows, power being given to the General Committee to alter it as they deemed wise :

Sunrise Salute.

9 to 10 A, M.— Parade of School Children of the Town, and Addresses to Them.

11 A. M. — ^Address of Welcome, Historical Address, and Oration. Eecess.

2 P. M. — Parade of Fire Department, Civic Societies and General Trades Display.

Evening — Old Time Reception at the Casino.

The General Committee Avas thus constituted : General W. W. Averell, Reuben E. Robie, Henry W. Bowes, W. H. Nichols, J. F. Parkhurst, Rev. M. N. Preston, Rev. B. S. Sanderson, Rev. M. C. Dean, Rev. V. P. Mather, Rev. J. J. Gleason, Rev. B. W. Sv^ain.

Believing in a division of labor, various sub-committees were appointed to carry out the details of arrangements, as follows :

Invitations — A. J. McCall.

Reception of Quests — James R. Kingsley.f

Entertainment — Abrani Beekman.

Literary Exercises — John F. Little.

Finance — Reuben R. Lyon.

Decorating Village — John M. Farr.:j:

Schools — Clarence Willis.

Procession and Bands — William H. Hallock.

Evening Reception — Augustus de Peyster.

Publication and Printing — John Underhill.

Through the courtesy of the managers of the Steuben Club, its handsome parlors were put at the disposal of the Committee, and there every Friday evening the members could be found planning for the coming Celebration. Early in their deliberations, modifications of the original plan were deemed advisable. The unavoidable resignation of James R. Kingsley, as Secretary, resulted in the selection of Reuben R. Lyon, Esq., for that responsible post. It was a most fortunate choice. Zealous and ardent in the undertaking, doing the work of many men, at times to the neglect of his own private business, to Mr. Lyon every member of the General Committee concedes all the credit and praise for the happy outcome of our Centennial. Palviam qui 7neruit, ferat.

The date and method of celebration were altered, a new program being arranged, which was substantially carried out at the appointed time. It may as well be inserted here as anywhere as a matter of record :

f Augustus de Peyster, vice J. R. Kingsley, resigned. X John McNamara, vice J. M. Farr, resigned.

SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 1893.

1. Appropriate Religious Services and Historical Sermons in the Local Churches, at 10:30 A. M.

2. Union Religious Service, with Address by Prof. Levi D. Miller, L.L. D., in the Casino, at 7:30 P. M.

TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 1893.

IN THE CASINO, AT 2:00 P. M.

1. Prayer, Rev. L. M. Miller, D. D., of Ogdensburgh, N. Y.

2. Address of Welcome, by President of Day, Reuben E. Robie, Esq.

3. Poem, Prof. Zenas L. Parker.

4. Captain Charles Williamson; a Sketch, James McCall, Esq.

5. History of Bath for Fifty Years, Hon. Ansel J. McCall.

IN THE CASINO, AT 7:30 P. M.

1. Prayer.

Mr. Wm. E. Howell, of Antrim, Pa.

Hon. J. R. Whiting, of Eau Claire, Wis.

Rev. L. M. Miller, D.D., of Ogdensburgh, N. Y.

Hon. I. W. Near, of Hornellsville, N. Y.

Mr. Edward H. Butler, of Buffalo, N. Y. (A Letter.)

Hon. Clark Bell, of New York City.

3. * Schools, Chas. F. Kingsley, Esq.

4. * Physicians, Dr. Ira P. Smith.

.5. * Lawyers, Hon. Chas. H. McMaster.

6. * Editors, Mr. Geo. B. Richardson.

7. * Soldiers, Major John Stocum.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 1893.

6:30 A. M. Sunrise Salute of Cannon and Bells.

10:00 A. M. Parade of all the Schools of the Town (directed by Clarence Willis, Esq.), to the Fair Grounds. [About 1000 children, headed by five bands of music, participated in this novel and interesting event.]

ON THE FAIR GROUNDS, 10:30 A. M.

1. Prayer by Chaplain, Rev. M. N. Preston.

* The above papers had been prepared with reference to this occasion, but time did not permit of their being read.

2. Letters of Regret, read by the Secretary, R. R. Lyon, Esq.

3. Address and Presentation of Portrait of Capt. Chas. Williamson, James McCall, Esq.

4. Acceptance on behalf of Trustees, Byron L. Smith, Esq.

5. Oration, Hon. Sherman S. Rogers, Buffalo, N. Y.

6. Change of Name of Lake Salubria to Lake Williamson.

7. Benediction.

[The program was interspersed by many appropriate and patriotic songs excellently rendered by the school children, under the direction of Miss May Cowley.]

2:00 P. M. Parade of Fire Department, Civic Societies and General Trades Display ; Capt. W. W. Lindsay, Marshal ; Messrs. L. H. Balcom, Hoxie W. Smith, Wm. J. H. Richardson and S. J. Wilkes, Aides.

8:00 P. M. Old Time Reception at the Casino.

[The following list shows the formation, the companies and the floats in the line of the parade :

Soldiers' & Sailors' Home Band, sixteen men.

Custer Post, G. A. R., eighty men.

General Barry Post, G. A. R., No. 248, seventy-five men.

Keeley Club of the Soldiers' & Sailors' Home, seventy men.

L. H. Balcom, Assistant Marshal.

Hammondsport Cornet Band, sixteen men.

Royal Arcanum, Chapter No. 344, of Bath, forty men.

Knights of the Maccabees, No. 71, of Bath, forty men.

Boys' Society, "Character Builders of St. Thomas church," forty-two in line, led by Rev. B. S. Sanderson.

Wm. J. H. Richardson, Assistant Marshal.

Prattsburgh Cornet Band, fourteen men.

Bath Fire Department, Chief McNamara, First Assistant Cotton, Second Assistant Parker.

Rescue Hook and Ladder Company, twenty-six men, Foreman A. L. Lilley.

Hook and Ladder truck gaily decorated and carrying a log hut with Indians, representing 1793 at one end, while at the other end was a boat containing four little girls representative of the year 1893.

Samuel E. Wilkes, Assistant Marshal.

Cohocton Cornet Band, twenty men.

Edwin Cook Hose Company, twenty-eight men, Foreman John Donahe.

Hose Company's cart completely covered with flowers, and two little children riding on top dressed in Continental costume.

Hacks containing Mayor Gould, Trustees Smith, Phillips, Aber and Sutton, City Attorney Waldo and Clerk Shannon.

Hoxie W. Smith, Assistant Marshal.

FLOATS.

Steuben County Vineyard Association, mammoth wine cask.

A, Beekman, sash and blind factory, workmen making window sash.

T. H. Appleby's Collar Factory, workmen stuffing collars and making harness.

"Wylie's Book Store, "History of Bath;" tall as a man, thick as a telegraph pole.

E. Berkman's Bottling Works, three floats, workmen bottling beer and corking.

Gregson, Dolsen & Smith, shoe factory, rack of shoes and workmen.

John McNamara, hardware, a McCormick harvester and binder.

S. L. Holcomb, cigar factory, men making cigars, which were thrown out to the crowd.

Ferine & Davison, dry goods, etc., deUvery wagon, decorated.

Flynn & Co., groceries, delivery wagon, decorated.

A. Rich, clothier, men making coats.

Fred Moris, harness factory, 116 in line ; float, men making harness.

Plaindealer, float. Black Bath in 1840.

H. M. Jewell's Botthng Works, deUvery wagon loaded with beer kegs.

Martin Collins, blacksmith, making horse shoes.

P. P. Tharp, clothier, advertising wagon, decorated.

D. W. Raysor, cigar factory, men making cigars and tossing them to the crowd.

S. G. Lewis, groceries, delivery wagon, decorated.

Charles S. Allison, tailor, miniature tailor shop.

The Banks— First National, Hallock's, and Farmers' & Mechanics', two floats.

S. W. Wood, groceries, delivery wagon, decorated.

C. A. Ellas, druggist, deUvery wagon, decorated.

Rothschild & Loeb, Globe Clothing House, delivery wagon, decorated.

Ed Sliney, groceries, delivery wagon, decorated.

J. Stocum & Son, furniture, wagon with furniture.

S. M. Hewlett & Co., furnitm-e, wagon with furniture.

Stansbury & Leavenworth, sewing machines, wagon with machines.

T. P. Purdy, painter, wagon, decorated.

Bath Canton, No. 41, I. O. O. F., twenty men, followed by the Jemima Wilkinson carriage, 105 years old, driven by Lewis D. Fay ; the old Mansion House 'bus ; a coupe nearly as ancient, and citizens in carriages.

M. Bowes & Co., coal and agricultural implements, a Studebaker wagon gaily decorated.

Aber Bros., groceries, delivery wagon, decorated. Daniels & Carroll, groceries, delivery wagon, decorated. James Faucett, produce, and agricultural implements, a Johnston reaper.

Geo. W. Peck, hardware, an Osborne reaper.]

In their preparations the Committee were rendered most valued assistance by the Ladies' Committee, made up of the following:

Executive Committee — Mrs. James Lyon, Chairman; Mrs. Ansel J- McCall, Mrs. Wm. Rumsey, Mrs. George W. Hallock,Mrs. J. F. Parkhurst, Mrs. B. F. Young, Mrs. M. Rumsey Miller, Mrs. Augustus dePeyster, Mrs. John Davenport, Mrs. W. W. Averell; Miss Jeannette M. Hodgman, Sec'y.

Invitations — Mrs. Thomas J. Whiting.

Reception and Care of Guests — Mrs. William H. Nichols.

Entertainment, Seats and Grounds — Miss Katharine Bowes.

Literary Exercises — Miss Mamie McBeath.

Finance — Mrs. Charles F. Kingsley.

Decoration of Village and Grounds — Mrs. Abram Beekman.

Schools — Miss Anna Freeman.

Procession and Bands — Mrs. Alfred Case.

Evening Reception — The Executive Committee.

Publication and Printing. — Miss Cassie W. Hull.

Confining themselves mostly to the very important department of finance, the ladies arranged for a Loan Exhibition. As the result of their labors, a most varied and valuable collection of curios and relics were exhibited in the Casino on April 25 and 26. After paying all expenses about $140 were put in the hands of the General Committee. The ladies also very effectively assisted in preparing for the Old Time Reception.

To Mrs. James Lyon, the head of the Executive Committee, belongs a very large share of the credit due to the ladies for their work.

One of the most substantial aids in the way of money was contributed by Miss May Cowley, who organized, drilled and presented the operetta of "Trial by Jury," on the evening of May 17, turning over the entire proceeds (over $200) to the committee. In fact this, with another donation from some of the business men, defraying the expenses of all the bands, made it unnecessary for tlie committee to ask for general subscriptions. It is doubtful whether anywhere the hardest problem — the financial — was ever easier solved than during the Centennial of Bath.

What was said during those eventful days the rest of this book records. What was done every Bathite and thousands of strangers well remember. For who that saw them can soon forget the happenings of those memorable days. Every sort of building within the corporation limits had some sort of holiday token upon it. Flags and bunting were everywhere. Enthusiasm was unstinted. Former residents renewed acquaintance with their home of earlier days and did their part in the general rejoicing. With ideal weather and under most favoring circumstances, the long expected Celebration was gone through with and the fondest hopes of those who had it in charge were more than realized. How it appeared to others than the committee, this, from one of the local papers, may indicate :

" The Bath Jubilee Celebration was a hummer in every respect. Tuesday and Wednesday, June 6 and 7, the days appointed on which to commemorate the energy and chivalry of Capt. Charles Williamson, who settled the village 100 years ago, will form bright spots in the memories of young and old who witnessed the festivities, until memory is a blank. Tuesday, Nature was in a doubtful mood, but it was only to make herself more dazzling for the morrow, when "Old Sol" beat his brightest rays upon roof and steeple and people. The South Hill wore its best dress, and shone resplendent in green and purple hues, the bright waters of the Conhocton running at its base, once the carrier of forest wealth in arks and rafts to the Susquehanna, gleamed and shimmered as in the brave days of old ; Lake Salubria's "fine azure dimples curled its sparkling seas ;" the business portion of the village was gay with flags and bunting in every variety of decoration ; the private residences were in holiday attire ; Pulteney Park never looked in finer form ; and all the people, Bath's sons and daughters, and all their friends and relations, paid fitting homage to the scene of beauty which met the eye in every direction.

" From the Golden Gate of the Pacific, from the distant Rockies, from the mines of the South, and from the land of the midnight sun, her children came by the hundreds to sit once more at the old hearthstone ; to renew old acquaintance ; to tell a story or two, and to laugh at the visions of the past.

" The Committee having in charge the formal exercises which were to crown the Celebration and tell the story of Bath from the beginning, brought an almost formidable program to a most happy conclusion without a serious flaw or hitch."

When our descendants of a hundred years from now start out to celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of the settlement of the town, they will find themselves considerably handicapped, if they endeavor to outstrip the Bathites of 1893.

BENJAMIN S. SANDERSON.

PART ONE, Historical Sermons

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Sermon by Rev. M. N. Preston.

SUHDAY, MAY 28, 1893.

Text : — " Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations, asTc thy father and he will show thee ; thy elders and they will tell thee, for the Lord' s portion is his people." — Deut. xxxviii, 7, 9,

It is scriptural, as well as wise, for any people occasionally to review the past. All honor slioxild be given to the pioneers who have endured the hardships necessary to opening and settling a new country. All honor to those who laid the foundations on which have been builded in a century the goodly structure of civilization which we are now enjoying ; and those worthy men will receive the honor that is their due in the Centennial exercises of which this discourse is the opening.

We are to consider this morning " The Lord's portion which is his people," as the text tells us. They, too, laid foundations, even the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, a structure which, though all men build upon it through all ages, will be only completed in Heaven when " The headstone shall be brought forth with shoutings, crying Grace, Grace unto it." All honor to those Godly men and women who laid foundations on which men could build for eternity as well as time. The records of the progress of civilization in all its departments, of population, education, of the law and medicine, of manufacture and of trades in this town for a century will be compiled and will be highly prized by generations yet to come ; but the records which will stand the longest, of work which will give the greatest satisfaction and bring the greatest reward, will be the faith, the prayer, the devotion and the good works which were inspired through the church of Jesus Christ ; they are recorded in heaven and the record will be read in eternity.

It is interesting to note in the latest history of Steuben county (published in 1891), in the chronological list of the fifty-five most important events occurring in Bath, the very first one mentioned is, "1806, The Presbyterian Society was organized," and the second one, " 1808, Rev. Jolin Niles was installed tlie first minister." These two lead tlie list.

The first preaching services held in this village of which we have any knowledge were conducted by Rev. Seth Williston, a traveling missionary, about 1802. They were held in the old school house, situated on the lot facing Pulteney Square on the north end of the west side, the site now occupied by the Hewlett furniture rooms. Here, also, was organized, on the 6th of January, 1806, under the lead of Rev. John Niles, a Congregational minister, of Prattsburg, N. Y., "The Bath ReUgious Society," and the following trustees were elected : George McClure, J. T. Haight, Howell BuU, James Turner, Dugald Cameron, Samuel S. Haight, Henry A. Townsend and Robert Campbell.

Two full years elapsed before this organization was fully perfected, Rev. John Niles in the meantime occasionally visiting and caring for this vine which he had planted in this religious wilderness.

On Sunday, January 8, 1808, after due notice, the congregation assembled, probably in the Court House, as that was their regular place of meeting thereafter until a church edifice was erected, and fourteen persons entered into covenant and adopted the constitution of "The Church of Christ in Bath, Presbyterian Congregation," under the direction of Rev. John Niles. They were Joseph Inslee, Elizabeth Inslee, William AuUs, Elizabeth AuUs, James Turner, Eunice Johnson, Henry A. Townsend, Elizabeth Townsend, Howell Bull, Eimice Bull, Robert Campbell, Mary Shether, Samuel S. Haight and Sarah Haight.

The church adopted the Congregational form of government, and appointed Joseph Inslee and Samuel S. Haight as deacons.

A unanimous call was soon extended to Rev. John Niles to be their pastor ; he accepted and was installed by a committee of the Ontario Association of Congregational churches on the 7th day of July, 1808. He entered earnestly upon his work with true devotion to it, as his letter of acceptance to the call plainly shows. On the 18th of September, 1811, the church completed its Presbyterial organization by electing five elders, namely, William AuUs, Elias Hopkins, Samuel S. Haight, Henry A. Townsend and Howell BuU, and removed its connection from the association and united with the Presbytery of Geneva.

Of the original fourteen members who composed this church, five have lineal descendants residing in town, namely, Henry A. and Elizabeth Townsend, Howell and Eunice Bull and Robert Campbell. We are pleased to note that three of these are represented in the congregation which regularly worships with the church they helped to found in the wilderness a century ago. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend are represented by Mrs.

HISTORICAL SERMON, PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 21

William Rumsey and family, and Mr. Robert Campbell by his son William Campbell and family, and Hon. Frank Campbell.

The health of the pastor had been for some time impaired, and after ministering to the church but four years he rested from his labors on Sunday morning, September 13, 1813, aged thirty-five. His remains rest in the old cemetery, near the center of the grounds. The church had received thirty-five members during his short pastorate.

The cemetery has always been so closely connected with the church, being anciently called the churchyard, that we may linger here a moment. We find from its stone records that our city of the dead is exactly contemporaneous with our village, and both were started by members of the same family. The earliest burial we find is Christina Williamson, daughter of Charles and Abigail Williamson, who died September, 1793, aged six years. There could not have been more than ten or twelve families in the new settlement. Not one of the great pines was cut in the plot which was thus early selected for a burial place, and we may see the little company of perhaps a dozen persons carrying a little coffin into the forest, and without a clergyman to lead the service, amid their tears depositing the remains of the loved child in the first grave opened for a white person in this town. A well preserved stone marks that little grave now a century old.

Near it stands a stone bearing the name of James Moore, who died February, 1829, aged 102. Very few are the cemeteries in which lie the dust of one whose age is given with three figures.

The only monument we find in the old cemetery is one in honor of George C. Edwards, erected by the bar of the county, and bearing this inscription, " A just man, an able lawyer, a good citizen, an honest man." On the other side of the monument, " The richest legacy to leave to posterity is a good name." At the age of fifty he had wrought out a character that commanded such recognition on the part of those who Icnew him best.

Following Rev. Mr. Niles, Rev. David Higgins, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Auburn, N. Y., was called as pastor of this church, and accepted in January, 1813. He was born in Haddam, Conn. ; was graduated at Yale college in 1785; preached at North Lyme, Conn., Union Springs, N. Y., and Auburn, previous to his pastorate in Bath. "He was a robust and stalwart man, an earnest and vigorous preacher, and a marked character in the community." He was quick to apprehend any means suggested for enlightening and improving the people in the community, and the people of this church were ready to follow his lead and second his efforts, as was manifested in the organization of the Steuben County Bible Society. The late Dr. Gardner Spring, of New York City, once said : " This government rests upon protestant Christianity ; its corner stone is the Bible. As early as 1777 the want of Bibles in our country was the subject of solemn discussion in Congress, and that body appointed a committee to advise as to the expediency of publishing an edition of 30,000 copies of the Bible, to meet the needs of the families in America." It was not done, however, and to meet this want the American Bible Society was organized in May, 1816, in New York City. In less than nine months from this time the knowledge of this parent society had reached Bath, its object had been approved, an interest awakened, and the Steuben County Auxiliary Bible society had been formed, with the following officers : David Higgins, president ; Christopher Hurlbut and George McClure, vice-presidents ; Robert Porter, treasurer ; David Rumsey, secretary ; Rev. James H. Hotchkin, Henry A. Townsend, Elias Hopkins and Thomas McBurney, managers.

In the constitution the object of this society it is declared shall be "To supply those who are poor and destitute of the Bible in this county and vicinity with the Holy Scriptures without note or comment."

Then follows a list of seventy-four names of men as contributing members, and this Steuben County Bible Society, certainly one of the first auxiliaries, has continued in existence until the present time. Dr. Ira P. Smith being president, and Dr. Dunn being secretary. It has scattered thousands of copies of the sacred Scriptures, giving with a liberal hand to the destitute, in some years giving three times as many cOpies as were sold.

At this time, 1817, the Presbytery of Geneva, of which this church was a part, was divided into four Presbyteries, namely : the Presbyteries of Bath, Niagara, Geneva and Ontario. This church, of course, belonged to the Presbytery of Bath.

During Mr. Higgins' pastorate the first church edifice was erected, and dedicated March 2, 1825. This was an imposmg structure at the time of its erection, of graceful proportions, built at considerable sacrifice on the part of the congregation, but a house which the Lord owned by the gift of the Holy Spirit again and again to those within its walls. Many to-day hold it in precious memory as associated with the beginning of their spiritual life, and for fifty years it stood the sanctuary of this congregation, until it was removed to give place to this more stately edifice.