Founding the Congregational Church

Congregational Church

1868-1933

Minutes of Meetings & Membership

Church organised Mch 12 1868

Church built

Church organised Mch 12 1868

Church built

Incorporation of the Congregational Church of Motts Corners.

State of New York, County of Tompkins:rs We the undersigned two of the members of the Religious Society hereafter mentioned do hereby certify that on the 28th day of March 1868, the male persons of full age belonging to the Congregational Society in which divine worship is celebrated according to the rites of the Congregational Church and not already incorporated met at the place of Public worship heretofore occupied by said religious Society in Motts Corners, Town of Caroline, County of Tompkins for the purpose of incorporating themselves and did then and there elect by plurality of votes Edward Lounsbery, Walker V. Personius and John Wolcott, as Trustees of the said Church and the said persons did and there determine by the like plurality of votes that the said Trustees and their sucessors [sic] should forever be called and known by the name or Title of the Trustees of the Congregational Church of Motts Corners, County and State aforesaid. Witness our hands and seals this 18th day of April 1868. ([5? ?])

Signed and sealed in the presence of:

George T. Sanders SS Chrmn

Walker V. Personius SS Secty

State of New York, Tompkins County:rs On this 18th day of April 1868, before me came G. T. Sanders and Walker V. Personius to me known to be the individuals described in and who executed the [within?] and acknowledged that they executed the [within?] certificate.

Benjamin Losey, Justice of the Peace in aforesaid Town of Caroline.

Recorded April 20th 1868 at 2 o’clock P.M. T. J. McElheny clerk.

REV. WM. S. HILLS

Rev Wm. S. Hills, pastor of the Congregational church of this city, crossed the River Friday, October 26, at 5:45 a.m. after a long and painful sickness that has elicited the warm sympathy of the whole community towards him and his family. Mr. Hills was born of English parentage on North River, near Tarrytown, New York, May 16, 1834, and thus was nearly midway between 72 and 73 years of age at the time of his death. His parents were emmigrants from Yarmouth, England and he was reared under the care of a good foster mother, who instilled into his mind in his earliest years the elements of the Christian religion.

Mr. Hills’ education for his life work was gained through the common schools of New York, and through the handcrafts of wagon making, baker, and mechanic, a start in life of no mean sort coming to so earnest a soul. In 1854 Mr. Hills married Mrs. Julia Sackett, whom he now leaves a widow of 52 years of wedded life at an age equal to his own. Three children were born of this union, of whom one only, Laura Amelia, together with an adopted grandson, William Walter, survive the death of their father.

When the war broke out Mr. Hills resided in New York. He answered the call of his country by active service in the South with the Engineer Corps as a bridge-builder, but, somehow or other and unfortunately, without being formally enlisted as a soldier. This fact debarred him from the advantages that come with the wearing of the G. A. R. Button, not the least of which was the eligibility to pension and the right to a soldiers’ claim of Government land.

Mr. Hills was reared in an Episcopalian atmosphere, but while still a youth turned to the non-ritualistic religion and worship of the Congregational church. He felt the call to preach and began work as a lay preacher. It was his good fortune to be thrown into the company of the famous Beecher family various members of which took a lively interest in the growing layman and shaped his course in life by superintending the lay-preacher’s studies. At different times Mr. Hills recited his studies in Theology and homiletics to James, T. K., Henry Ward or Harriet Beacher. When Mr. Hills was ordained in 1866 at Wellburg, N. Y. into the regular Congregational ministry, it was largely the outcome of the inspiration of the direction of this gifted family.

The career of Rev. W. S. has been characteristic of frontier times. Very surely upon him has fallen the heat and burden of the day. Could the whole story of Mr. Hills’ ministry be told it would rank with the classics of frontier ministry. This partial list of places covered by Mr. Hills’ ministry tells a story of strenuous life, of hardships endured as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Mr. Hills served Congregational churches at Pottersville, Penn., Perry and Bevier, Mo., York Town, Neb., where he and a Methodist circuit rider had the work of four counties divided between them; Hamilton, Verdon, Eagle, Wymore and Alma, Neb.; Garfield, Nickerson, Ochletree, Linwood and Longton, Kansas. Besides these scattered points Mr. Hills had appointments in Texas, and in the Territory and Oklahoma.

In all this frontier work Mr. Hills was serving under the commission of the Home Missionary Society, and at a salary that never really reached the dignity of a living wage. Had Mr. Hills followed his trade he would doubtless long ago laid up a competency, for he was active, energetic and of the temperament that leads to success in business. But he literally devoted himself to the preaching of the Gospel and sad to relate, as a consequence his widow and daughter are left in destitute circumstances, so far as this worlds goods are concerned. Both are in delicate health and will need the financial assistance of the benevolent. There ought to be some system by which the churches that have thriven on Mr. Hills’ life blood in past years might have an opportunity to take care of his family now that he is gone.

Though serving small frontier churches through a long life time Mr. Hills was a forceful and efficient preacher. His pulpit work showed the earmarks of the Beechers, who were his teachers and he was worthy of much wider hearing that circumstances accorded him. The citizens of Longton, without regard to church affiliations, acting generously upon broad humanitarian principles have nobly done their part in the work of relief, and will still do more. The Congregational churches of the state will help the widow and daughter of the deceased.

Rev. Arthur Metcalf, Independence, Ks.

OBITUARY.

Julia Ann Fuller was born in Union, Pennysylvania, February 18, 1834. January 15, 1854 she was married to Rev. W S. Hills at Binghampton, New York. To this union three children were born. A son and daughter survive her. Her daughter Laura and grandson, Walter Hills, were with her during her last sickness.

Mrs. Hills came to Longton in Ang. 1906, to join her husband who had been called to the pastorate of the Congregational church. Mr. Hills preached but one Sunday and was taken sick. On October 26, he died and Mrs. Hills, an invalid was left to the care of her daughter and her grandson. She was taken down with pneumonia Sunday and Thursday, Jan. 10, 1907, she passed away. The funeral was conducted at the Congregational church by Rev. B. Watts, and the remains laid to rest beside her husband in the Longton cemetery, Sunday Jan. 13.

The children have the sympathy of all the people of Longton in this, their second bereavement.

MOTT’S CORNERS BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

E. C. Marsh…Grocery and Provision Store.

J. Vandemark…Carding Mill, Manufacturer of Woolen Cloths.

W. Shurter….Dealer in all kinds of Grains and Mill Stuffs. Custom Grinding.

E. Lounsbery…Tanner and Currier. Dealer in Hides and Leather.

R. G. Tucker…Dry, Goods, Groceries, &c.

W. V. Personius…Dry, Goods, Groceries, &c.

J. L. Mandeville…Surveyor.

J. Quick…Veterinary Surgeon.

J. Besemer…Resident.

A. Keeler…Miller.

D. C. Hanford…Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer, near Mott’s Corners.

S. B. Landon…Butcher and Dealer in all kinds of Fresh Meats, near Mott’s Corners.

J. Stoddard…Telegraph Operator, Caroline Depot.

G. W. Atwood…Section Foreman…Caroline Depot.

J. R. Miller…R. R. Man, Caroline Depot.

C. Stevens…Farmer. Coopering in all its Branches, East of Caroline Depot.

MEMORIAL DAY 1906 in Brooktondale with members of the David Ireland Post taking part. The names are not in order of the men in line and some are identified only by first name initial. J. W. Finn, James Cole, J. L. Mandeville, W. B. Wolcott, Sam Woodhull, J. J. Peters, D. Hanford, G. Middaugh, Charles W. Personius, D. Malady, L. Young.

STRICKEN WHILE GIVING ADDRESS.

EDWARD LOUNSBERY FALLS DEAD IN A BROOKTON CHURCH.

Was Speaking at a Meeting of the Christian Endeavor Society When Overcome—Prominent and Respected Resident of the Community.

Edward Lounsbery, a prominent resident of Brookton, dropped dead suddenly about 7 o’clock last night while speaking before the Christian Endeavor Society in the Congregational Church in that village. He had been talking but a short time when he suddenly reeled back and fell heavily to the floor. Those sitting nearby raised him up while others went for a physician. Death, however, had come instantaneously and was caused by apoplexy brought on it is thought by the mental effort he exerted in addressing the meeting.

Mr. Lounsbery came from an old and prominent family who early settled in the vicinity of Brookton. He was born in the village 71 years ago and had always lived there. He was a member of the firm of Lounsbery & Peck, dealers in hides. Mr. Lounsbery was very active in church affairs and also was a member of the Prohibition party being one of its leaders in this county.

He is survived by his wife and two sisters, Mrs. Culver Little of Brookton and Mrs. Fred J. Marsh of this city. The funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Mrs. Amanda L. Lounsbery.

Mrs. Amanda L. Lounsbery, 79, widow of Edward Lounsbery, died at 10 o’clock Sunday night at the home of her sister, Mrs. George R. Peck of Brookton.

The funeral will be held at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon from the Peck home. Rev. S. A. Worden of this city will officiate. Interment will be at Brookton.

Walker V. Personeus, Sept 24, 1914. He was one of three trustees elected Mar 28, 1868. All are gone now. His age was 78. (Seventy Eight)

BROOKTON.

DEATH OF MRS. W. V. PERSONIUS.

Mrs. Ella M. Personius, wife of Capt. W. V. Personius, died at 2 P. M. on Sunday, March 14th. Death was due to stomach trouble from which she had suffered many years. She was in her 70th year. She leaves her husband and one daughter, Mrs. W. G. Besemer, at whose home at Besemer’s her death occurred. The funeral was largely attended from her daughter’s home on Tuesday, the Rev. A. B. Woodworth, of Brookton, and Mrs. F. E. Bates, of Ithaca, officiating. The interment was in the West Slaterville cemetery. Mrs. Personius was held in high esteem for her many good qualities and will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends not only in Brookton, where she made her home for a good many years, but in Ithaca, where she had been spending the winter. Attorney Edward N. Jackson and wife and Mrs. Julia Piatt, of Park Place, Ithaca, were in town to attend the funeral of Mrs. W. V. Personius on Tuesday.

C. W. Personeus, 83, Well Known Resident Of Brookton, is Dead

Charles W. Personeus, one of the most prominent residents of Brookton, died suddenly about 4 o’clock Saturday afternoon at his home of chronic nephritis, He had been in failing health for several years, but had not been seriously ill at any time, and his sudden death came as a shock to his many friends, He was 83 years old and a veteran of the Civil War, during which he served with Company G, 50th New York Volunteers.

For many years he was assessor for the town of Caroline, and at one time was part owner of the flour mill in Brookton. He was born in Brookton and had always resided there. Mr. Personeus was a member of the First Congregational church.

The funeral will be held at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon from the residence. Rev. Wade Pinckney will officiate and interment will be made in the Quick cemetery. Surviving are his widow and one sister—Mrs. Julia Piatt of this city; also one nephew and several nieces,

Brookton

Death of Mrs. S. B. Landon.

Mrs. Abigail Keeler Landon, of this place, died last Tuesday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M. C. Holcomb, in Binghamton. Mrs. Landon had not been well for a long time. She was born and passed most of her life in Brookton, where she has many friends. Besides her husband, Sextus B. Landon, She is survived by four children, viz: Albert H., of Brookton, and E. B. Landon, of St. Louis; Mrs. Dr. Fish of Ludlowville, and Mrs. Holcomb, of Binghamton. The remains were brought here for the funeral and burial.

MRS. SEXTUS B. LANDON.

(Contributed.)

The funeral of Mrs. Sextus B, Landon was held at her late home, near Brookton, at 2 o’clock on the afternoon of April 2, Rev. A. B. Woodworth officiating. Interment was in Brookton Cemetery.

Mrs. Landon was born at Scott, Cortland County, October 28, 1836. Since her marriage, 54 years ago, she has lived in Brookton, and was a charter member of the Congregational Church of that place, and endeared herself by her consistent Christian life, her kindly and thoughtful interest in all about her, and especially by her lovable character, to a very large circle of friends, by whom she will be sincerely mourned.

Of her family of four sons and two daughters, two sons, Elmer and James, preceded her to the other side, there to await and welcome her coming.

The floral tributes were very numerous and beautiful, attesting the esteem and loving remembrance in which she is held.

Among the relatives from a distance who were in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Edward Dean, Jamaica, L. I.; Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Keeler, Mr. and Mrs. David Keeler and Porter Keeler, Owego; Mr. and Mrs. George Keeler, Mrs. Homer Wool, Mr. and Mrs. Justis Heath, Mrs. Edward Young, and Mr. and Mrs. Willard M. Kent, Ithaca.

Besides her husband, Sextus B. Landon, She is survived by two sons, Albert H. Landon of Brookton and Edward B. Landon of Gibsland Ia., and two daughters, Mrs. Dr. W. G. Fish of Ludlowville, and Mrs. M. A. Holcomb, of Binghamton.

Sextus B. Landon, 91, Mason Over 40 Years, Dies in This City

Sextus B. Landon, 91, prominent resident of Brookton, died at 6:30 o’clock Sunday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Wilbur G. Fish, 504 North Aurora street. He was a member of Slaterville Lodge, F. and A. Masons, for over 40 years, and was a charter member of the Congregational Church of Brookton, where he had resided practically all his life.

He leaves two daughters — Mrs. Fish of this city, at whose home he died, and Mrs. Merian Holcomb of Long Beach, Calif.; two sons—A. H. Landon of Brookton and E. B. Landon of Webster Groves, Mo., also five grandchildren and six great grand children.

A prayer service will be held at the Gilbert Undertaking parlors, 125 East Buffalo street, tomorrow afternoon at 1:15 o’clock. The body will be taken to Brookton where the funeral will be held at the Congregational Church at 2 o’clock. Interment will be in the Quick cemetery.

At a regular meeting of the Congregational Church, June 13, 1880 Mr. Robert W. Edwards was at his own request dismissed by letter.

J. H. Smiley, Clerk

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Griffith, of Lansing, Mich., are visiting friends and relatives of this place. Mr. Griffith was a resident of Brookton forty years ago. He will be remembered by the older people as a miller in the various flour mills in this vicinity.

BROOKTON

Brookton, May 6.

Mrs. W. J. Vandermark is seriously ill.

H. H. Shepard is moving his family to Slaterville Springs.

Miss Harriet McWhorter of Ithaca is visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs W. T. Graham.

John Caveney is moving into Mrs. Archie Schutt’s house on Elm street, recently vacated by W. B. Wolcott.

A band of Gypsies, composed of two women and five men, with seven horses, camped last night about a mile west of this place.

The remains of Alamanza A. Perry, who died at the home of his son. Charles Perry, at Ithaca, were brought here today for interment in the Quick Cemetery.

Mrs. Richard Sloughter left on Saturday to join her husband at Ripley, N. Y., where they expect to make their home.

“What though in sorrow must their names be spoken,

‘Tis ours to keep the muster roll unbroken.

They are not dead for whom our strong tears fall,

They are not dead for whom we softly call,

They are with God–and God is over all.”

Promoted

They are not dead! For death

Can only take away the mortal breath;

And life, commencing here,

Is but the prelude to its full career.