Slide 1

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

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A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
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About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

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Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
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Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

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Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

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Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
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High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
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•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

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Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

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Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

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It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
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The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
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Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
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The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

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What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
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Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

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Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

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Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

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The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
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In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

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Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

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When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

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“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

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But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

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Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

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Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
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Monument in Trinity Churchyard

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Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

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Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

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This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

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It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

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The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

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The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
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Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

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Octagon Church, Little Falls

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The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

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Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

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This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

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In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

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St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

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With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

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Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

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By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

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The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

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How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

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Charles Neely

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Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

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As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

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Slide 2

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

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About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 3

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 4

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 5

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 6

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 7

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 8

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 9

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 10

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 11

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 12

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 13

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 14

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 15

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 16

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 17

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 18

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 19

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 20

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 21

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 22

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

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Slide 23

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 24

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 25

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 26

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 27

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 28

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 29

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 30

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 31

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 32

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 33

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 34

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 35

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 36

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 37

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 38

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 39

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 40

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 41

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 42

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 43

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 44

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 45

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 46

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 47

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 48

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 49

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 50

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 51

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 52

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 53

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 54

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 55

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 56

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 57

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 58

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 59

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 60

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 61

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 62

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 63

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 64

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 65

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 66

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 67

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 68

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 69

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

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Slide 70

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 71

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 72

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 73

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 74

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 75

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
34

35

In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

52

The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
55

56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

61

62

In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

68

69

The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

73

74

As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

75

76


Slide 76

A Town, a Church, and an
Extraordinary Man
Fairfield and the Contributions of
Andrew A. Bartow

1

A large tract of land was purchased from the Indians by Jacob
Glen, his relatives and friends in 1734. Glen was from Scotia, grandson
of the founder of Scotia, Alexander Lindsay Glen, who settled on the
Mohawk River in 1655. A portion of Glen’s Purchase was owned by
James DeLancey who was appointed governor. His sister was married
to Sir Peter Warren, Sir William Johnson’s uncle. Being loyal to the
Crown, the land of James DeLancey was acquired by the state with the
passage of the attainder act in 1779. New Englanders began to
purchase lots from the state.
The Royal Grant portion was acquired by Sir William Johnson
from King George III. in 1769. It was originally given to Sir William by
the Canajoharie Mohawks in 1760. They knew that they would be
allowed to hunt on this tract if Sir William, Superintendent of Indian
Affairs, had ownership. It took nine years of letters to the British
government to have this gift officially sanctioned. Two beaver skins
were to be delivered to Windsor Castle on January first every year
along with 1/5 of all gold and silver found upon the tract.
2

3

About the year 1770, Sir William Johnson settled three families in
the Royal Grant, in the valley of what was to be named Maltanner Creek.
The Maltanners, Goodbreads, and Shavers were the tenants settled here
and were probably Tory sympathizers. John Maltanner was a mason. He
and his wife Mary had two known sons, Oliver and George. They paid rent
to the Johnsons of $10 per year. In 1779, a party of Indians attacked the
little settlement, belonging at this time to Sir John Johnson. John Maltanner
and one of his sons were captured and a 16 year old Shaver girl was killed.
The Maltanners met Sir John Johnson when they were taken to Canada and
he was angry that his tenants had been invaded by the Indians.

4

Maltanner Valley – Site of early Indian raid
5

Palatine families from the Little Falls/ Herkimer area and Stone Arabia
began to move into the southern portion of what to become the Town of
Fairfield. Many of these people settled in the Fairfield/Manheim area and were
present during the Revolutionary War. Cobus Mabee was moving his family to
the Indian Castle area where he felt they would be safe. While taking his wife
and two younger children to safety, his daughter Polly and son John were left
to finish the chores. John was cutting potatoes to feed the cattle when two
Indians, Hess and Cataroqua, approached. John warned his sister as the
Indians grasped him prior to scalping. Polly hid and after the Indians departed,
cared for her brother until their father returned. John died after being taken to
the Indian Castle.
Numerous Palatine settlers fought with the Tryon County Militia in
engagements such as the Battle of Oriskany. Several survived Indian raids
and some were captured, later to return. Some were Tories and met their
neighbors at Oriskany.

6

Early settled areas in what was to
become the Town of Fairfield

7

Over fifty Revolutionary soldiers
are buried in the Yellow Church Cemetery
in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, Town of
Manheim. Many of them are listed on this
monument, erected by the DAR.

8

Yellow Church Cemetery – Revolutionary Soldiers’ Monument

9

On October 22, 1779, the state legislature passed the attainder
act which confiscated the properties belonging to the Johnson family and
other Tories.
On Sept. 3, 1783, the British recognized the independence of
the United states.
On May 12, 1784, the legislature ordered the sale of the
confiscated land. It was put on the market by the Commission of
Forfeiture in an effort to pay some of the $10,000,000 debt of New York
State following the Revolution. Developers purchased large parcels
which were divided into smaller lots and sold mainly to New Englanders.

10

Land Ownership Changes
• Oct. 22, 1779 – State Legislature passed
the Attainder Act.
• Sept. 3, 1783 – British recognized the
independence of the United States.
• May 12, 1784 – Legislature ordered sale
of confiscated land.
• Commission of Forfeiture put land on the
market to cover some of New York’s war
debt of $10,000,000.
11

12

High taxes, and farms divided many times amongst
large families caused many New Englanders to look
westward. Revolutionary veterans told of virgin soil, virgin
forest, and inexpensive land available in New York State. By
1785, settlers were arriving in the Fairfield area and building
cabins like this. Frequently the men of the family would come
first, erect a cabin, and clear enough land for a garden. Then
he would go back for his family.

13

Early Communities in Fairfield Area
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eatonville
West Neighborhood
Alexander District
Fairfield Village
Hardscrabble
The Platform
District 1, Military Rd.
Old City
Lawton St. (Castle Rd.)

14

Homesteads were improved as
the seasons passed.

15

As the settlers made improvements to their properties,
they constructed log schoolhouses, one for each cluster of
homes. At one time there were 13 school districts in the
township.
Another vital concern to many settlers was religion.
Groups would gather in the schoolhouses or their homes to
worship. The Reformed Lutheran Church in Manheim had been
established in 1733 – the earliest known in the area north of
Herkimer. Services were conducted in German in the small log
church in Rheimensnyder’s Bush, the first church on Yellow
Church Road.

16

17

Presbyterians were among the first groups to organize.
The church at Burrell’s corners, Salisbury, was functioning in
1795. Baptists in northwest Fairfield were noted by 1794. A
Congregational group was present in Fairfield with 24 members
when the Rev. Caleb Alexander arrived on his winter missionary
journey to Fairfield in 1801. The group met in a schoolhouse and
the collection taken was $2.33. Rev. Alexander caught a head
cold and sore throat. When he arrived at Little Falls, the Mohawk
was ice covered.

18

19

It is fortunate that weather conditions did not discourage the
Rev. Alexander. On returning to Fairfield in 1802, he reaped what he had
sown the previous year. The local residents had rallied to his call for an
institute of higher learning and had collected funds sufficient to raise the
first building of the Fairfield Academy on July 4, 1802. Thomas Jefferson
was President of the United States and the Revolution was only 19 years
in the past.
The Rev. Alexander served as principal and the Regents
granted a charter in 1803. The Board of Trustees was composed of men
from Fairfield and surrounding towns. Salisbury was represented on the
board by Alvah Southworth, Jonathan Hallett, and Aaron Hackley.
Local people quickly put the largest building in the village to use.
Church services, lectures, town meetings, and dramatic programs were
held. There was ample room for a primary school in addition to the
academy students’ classes.

20

In 1806 a new family moved to
the Fairfield area. The Andrew Bartow
family were “downstaters”. Andrew was a
miller from Westchester, a descendant of
an illustrious family. He purchased the hill
farm and the hill has borne his name for
almost two hundred years.

21

View from Bartow Hill

22

The founder of the Bartow family in colonial New York was the
Rev. John Bartow who was sent from England by the Society for
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1702. He was a priest of the
Church of England. His parishes were Westchester, Eastchester,
Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham. Later he was named missionary to
Hempstead and Jamaica on Long Island and Shrewsbury, Freehold, and
Amboy in New Jersey. The Rev. John served for 25 years and fathered
10 sons, one of whom was Theophilus Bartow.
Theophilus married Bathsheba Pell, daughter of Thomas Pell,
Lord of Pelham Manor. This marriage also produced 10 children, one of
whom was Theodosius.
Theodosius was ordained priest following the Revolution. During
the war, Anglican clergy were deprived of their property, shot at,
imprisoned, and banished. These sturdy folks renewed their church after
the war. Theodosius was part of that process and became known as
“Parson” Bartow. The Parson and his wife had 11 children. Their first
born was Andrew.
23

The Bartow Family
The Rev. John Bartow (1673-1725) m. Helena Reid
Theophilus Bartow (1711- ) m. Bathsheba Pell

The Rev. Theodosius Bartow (1747-1819) m. Jemima
Abramse
Andrew Abramse Bartow (1773-1862) m. Mary Hunt

24

When Andrew and Mary purchased their hill farm from Moses and
Sally Mather in 1806 for $2500, they had two sons and baby Mary. The
following year, Andrew purchased adjoining land, thereby gaining ownership
of the entire hill on the Fairfield-Salisbury Road.
Son Charles Joseph was admitted to the Herkimer County bar at the
age of 22. Unfortunately he died a year later.
Son Henry became a teller in the bank of Utica and later worked in
larger banks downstate. A brief note in “The Pioneers of Utica” indicates that
Henry disappeared with a very large sum of money and was located after his
death in Texas.
After the disappointing outcomes of the oldest sons, John must have
been a joy to his parents. At age 21, John was admitted to the bar. He was
successful in the popular debating societies of the time where he participated
with the young Francis E. Spinner who was later to be Treasurer of the United
States under President Lincoln. John practiced law in Buffalo and Flint,
Michigan and fathered seven children. One of them was Bernard Bartow. He
became a well known orthopedic surgeon in Buffalo and served as professor
at the University of Buffalo.
25

Andrew A. Bartow’s Children
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Andrew Bartow married Mary Hunt
Children:
Julia Marie 1796-1796
Charles Joseph 1797-1820
Henry Theodosius 1799-c1836
Mary Frances 1805-1882
Elizabeth Ann 1808-1891
John 1812- ?
26

The Bartow daughters are the only Bartows in this area
today. They rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. They
spent the last years of their lives in Herkimer, members of
Christ Episcopal Church. They donated a window in their
father’s memory which faces Main Street and reminds people
of the first warden, Andrew A. Bartow.

27

28

What was there about Andrew Bartow that caused his name to linger on the hill
184 years after he moved to Herkimer? Medical courses were proposed for the Fairfield
Academy since its beginning. In 1808 a lean-to was added to the chapel to house the
fledgling medical department. Enrollment at the academy increased rapidly and a three
story stone building called the Worden Lab was built for classrooms and student housing in
1809. Several professors were hired and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the
Western district of New York was chartered in 1812. On the original board of trustees was
Andrew A. Bartow.
He had been instrumental in obtaining the medical college charter, making
frequent trips to Albany to appear before the Board of Regents. It is likely that he was
chosen to represent Fairfield’s interest because he was a friend of Gov. DeWitt Clinton.
Remember that the Bartow family was numerous downstate and several Bartows had
married into influential families. The growth and development of medical education in our
young country was aided by Andrew Bartow’s support. Fairfield was the site of the first
medical school west of the Hudson River and many doctors were educated here who later
made important contributions to medical science and founded other medical schools as
people began to move westward.
An interesting anecdote was told by daughters Mary and Elizabeth regarding the
fact that Andrew’s nickname was “Dr. Bartow.” Though he had no medical education, he
appeared so often on behalf of the medical school that a member of the Regents called
upon “Dr. Bartow” to render an opinion on a matter under discussion. Bartow said he was
not entitled to such an honorable title and supposed it was intended as a compliment or a
joke. Gov. Clinton interrupted and said, “Go on, Doctor, the Board of Regents never jokes.”
This story traveled along the Erie Canal and the nickname became commonly used.
29

Worden Laboratory – Fairfield
Medical College

30

31

Why was Andrew Bartow known on the Erie Canal? He made an
important contribution for which he received no recognition in the history books.
In 1817 he was appointed by the Canal Commissioners to procure the land
through which the Erie Canal was to be built. The next year he was empowered
to make contracts for the delivery of lime, sand, timber, and other supplies.
Water lime, a hydraulic cement, was needed for the construction of
locks. This material had been located in England by Canvass White, an
assistant canal engineer. It was thought that this material would have to be
imported, a costly, time consuming process. But at the time the locks near
Syracuse were being built, Andrew discovered a strange type of limestone in the
Town of Manlius. Local farmers told him that they had ground some of it to use
as fertilizer only to find that it hardened when wet. He showed a sample to some
English masons and they told him it looked like the material they used in
England. After experimenting himself, Andrew returned to Fairfield where he
consulted with Professor James Hadley at the medical school. Hadley confirmed
that the samples produced a perfect waterproof cement.

32

Bartow’s next step was to inform Canvass White (from Whitestown, a
former Fairfield student) of this material. White was delighted and paid Andrew
$2,000, applied for the patent in his own name , and agreed to let Andrew have
a quarter interest in the patent profits. As a result, White received recognition as
the discoverer of water-lime in this country. A profit was never realized from the
patent as the material was readily available and people just took it as needed.
Original letters between White and Bartow exist at the Oneida County
Historical Society. But once a so called “fact” finds a place in history books, it is
repeated in later works. Bartow is about to receive the recognition due him
about 184 years late. An author from New York City is about to have published
his newest book, a history of the construction of the Erie Canal. Gerard
Koeppel is not afraid to contradict previous works and will tell the true story of
Bartow’s contribution.
Andrew continued his canal employment until 1825 when the Erie was
officially opened.

33

The Water-lime Patent
• Canvass White, a native of Whitestown,
attended Fairfield Academy.
• White paid Bartow for his interest in the
water-lime patent.
• Profit was never realized from the patent.
• Bartow will regain his rightful place in
history in two forthcoming books.
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In 1820 the Bartow family moved to Herkimer where
they resided on the south corner of Green and Washington
streets until 1837.
This courthouse was erected in 1834, the second
Herkimer County Courthouse. Andrew probably saw the 1834
fire that burned the original county buildings and probably
witnessed the construction of this courthouse where he was
employed as a Master of Chancery. His signature is found
today on many documents in the public archives.

36

37

Professor James Hall of Fairfield recorded much of the Academy’s
history and left writings concerning town history and local people.
He lived from 1832 to 1925. The Hall family moved from
Middleville to Little Falls in 1838 where they lived until 1849.
During these years, a young James Hall observed an aging
Andrew Bartow in Little Falls. Bartow and his daughters lived in
Little Falls from 1837-1850. Andrew became blind in 1837 and
Prof. Hall remembered him “walking up and down with his cane
thumping on the flagstones.” In 1850 Bartow moved to West
Farms in Westchester.

38

When Andrew Bartow died at the age of 88, he was buried
in the old family burying ground at Hunt’s Point. No longer a
peaceful part of Westchester County, this point is now part of the
south Bronx.
Daughter Elizabeth wrote this tribute to her father (see
slide).
Samuel Earl of Herkimer had this to say, “Dr. Bartow was
a good man, and was always genial and talkative, and as Governor
Clinton once said of him, he was by no means parsimonious in
communicating. He was a true patriot and he loved the institutions
of his country. In politics he was a Clintonian and a Whig. He
always took a great interest in current politics, and was well posted.
He foresaw the storm arising between the north and south, and
when hostilities commenced he was much distressed. He insisted
to the last that the daily papers should be read to him, giving him
the latest news about the conflict.”

39

“My father was an impulsive man. He loved much, and so
could hope to be forgiven much. He was a good citizen, a kind
neighbor, a most devoted husband. I never knew a man who loved
his wife better, and my mother was well worthy of his love. He was
blind over 25 years, and in all that time he was patient and cheerful,
never murmuring against his lot. He loved his Savior and He gave
him grace to bear his trials.” Elizabeth Bartow

40

But to return to the founding of Trinity Church…the Rev.
Amos Baldwin, a missionary at Utica, visited Fairfield in
December 1806 and conducted what was most likely the first
Episcopal service north of the Mohawk River. He was welcomed
and the parish of Trinity Church was organized in January 1807.
With some financial support from Trinity Church, Wall Street,
NYC, the church was quickly erected and was consecrated by
Bishop Moore in the same year.

41

Trinity Episcopal Church, Fairfield,

42

Who were the founders who gave of their time and resources to
create this church – the second largest building in Fairfield village? The
largest was the 1802 Chapel of the Fairfield Academy.
One warden was Andrew A. Bartow, newly arrived in town, from a
prominent Episcopalian family. It is probable that Bartow was responsible
for the Rev. Baldwin’s original visit in 1806, only a few months after the
Bartow family’s arrival.
The other warden was Jonathan Hallett from Salisbury. A major in
the Revolutionary War, Hallett served as Salisbury’s third Town Supervisor
and was a charter trustee of Fairfield Academy. The major later moved to
Fairfield and is buried in Trinity’s churchyard.
The Vestry members were: Stodard Squires, Russia, sawmill owner
Charles Ward, died 1809, one of the first to rest in Trinity’s new cemetery
Elijah Hanchard
William Waklee, Newport, tavern owner
Peter Ward, Eatonsbush
Philip Paine, buried at Trinity in 1822, from Fairfield
Joseph Teall, Fairfield, owned land in center of village
Abell Bennett, Salisbury
43

Monument in Trinity Churchyard

44

Some of the planks used in construction of the church
walls are over 20 inches wide. It is not known who built this
church. One possibility is Jacob Wilsey, of the Hardscrabble
area, north of the village. He was active during this period,
having built the Fairfield Academy chapel and the first bridge at
Middleville.
The vestry finalized the purchase of one acre from
Richard and Zilpha Smith for $75 in 1808. Richard Smith owned
a great deal of land as one of the original settlers. Then he
married Zilpha, widow of Cornelius Chatfield, thereby acquiring
the Chatfield land and becoming one of the largest landholders in
the area.

45

46

Trinity has a gallery along the
north wall, facing the altar. It was probably
filled with Academy students in the early
years.

47

48

This is a floor plan from 1843. It indicates pews on
both side of the church facing the center. There were two
aisles, with pews in the center. The names in the pews show
that most were rented by church families, except for a few in
the rear. One remaining wall pew in today’s church provides
evidence of this arrangement. The supposed attendance of
the students would indicate a lack of downstairs seating.

49

50

It is possible that a pointed steeple once extended from the
square tower. This would have been traditional for this period of
church construction. But we have no evidence of this. We can note
the destruction of other area steeples and guess that the winds were
not kind to this type of structure. The steeple of the Norway Baptist
Church was blown off when a thunder shower passed over Norway in
June 1856. In the 1950s the steeple of the Middleville Methodist
Church was lost.
A quote from the Norway Tidings indicates the way some felt
about steeples. “When the devil planted the besetting sin of vanity in
man’s heart he took care that steeples should be put on churches. It
was all he could do against the church, but it has diverted many a
dollar that might have been applied to the alleviation of human
misery. And not only that, it has cost many human lives, as the
tornado record abundantly shows.”

51

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The recess chancel and sacristy was completed around 1872.
The cost of the addition including painting the church’s interior
was $450.25. The window was $60, a memorial to Alexander
Hamilton Buell, the Fairfield boy who grew up to be a member of
the 32nd congress. He died in Washington, DC and is buried in
Trinity’s churchyard.

53

54

The connection between the Fairfield Academy and Trinity dates back to 1812.
John Henry Hobart was the Bishop of New York. He was interested in
theological education. The Rev. Amos Baldwin sent the Bishop letters about the
new church in Fairfield and the rapidly growing Fairfield Academy. The Bishop
and Trinity Church, NYC, offered Fairfield Academy $500 a year for seven years
if the principal of the Fairfield Academy was an Episcopal clergyman and if four
students named by the clergy were educated tuition-free. Thus a tiny theological
seminary under the auspices of Trinity Church and the Fairfield Academy was
established. Trinity’s rector and the academy principal were the same person.
The General Theological Seminary in New York City opened in 1819. So
Fairfield was the site of the first Anglican education offered in the United States.
Prior to this, students were mentored by priests, much as students learned by
assisting doctors.
In 1821 Bishop Hobart decided that Anglican education would be better
served by establishing a seminary in the western part of the state. Financial
support, the principal of Fairfield Academy, and several students were diverted to
Hobart College in Geneva.
At this time the academy consisted of the original building, the Worden
Lab where the medical school was flourishing, and old North, a dormitory added
in 1811.
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56

Several faiths banded together to erect this Octagon Church
in Little Falls around 1796. In 1809, the Rev. Amos Baldwin held
Episcopal services in Little Falls. By the 1820s, Fairfield’s missionary
priest, Phineas Whipple, was on the scene and Emmanuel Parish of
Little Falls was incorporated. They worshipped in the Octagon Church.
Andrew A. Bartow was on the first vestry.
By 1828, the Rev. Phineas Whipple was preaching in the
Herkimer area. St. Luke’s Of German Flatts was incorporated to serve
Herkimer and Mohawk residents. Andrew Bartow was the first warden.
The support was mainly from the Herkimer so in 1839, Christ Church
was incorporated in Herkimer and guess who was on hand to be
elected a warden – Andrew A. Bartow.
Trinity’s reputation as the Mother Church was acquired by the
missionary zeal of its priests and the influence of Andrew A. Bartow.

57

Octagon Church, Little Falls

58

The Calvary Society of Norway was made up of
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians. In 1813 they decided to
build a meeting house to share and by 1816, the Union Church was
completed. In 1819 the Episcopalians incorporated Grace Church
which was served by the Rev. Daniel McDonald who was also the
principal of Fairfield Academy and the rector of Trinity, Fairfield. Grace
Church members met in the Union Church until its demise in 1888,
always served by the current rector of Trinity. Only six women
remained of the once active congregation. The Union Church was
used as a town hall until the late 1960s. It passed into private
ownership and was demolished in 1986 or 1987.

59

Norway Union Church – Grace
Church

60

This is a view of Middleville at its industrial peak. Eight years after
Jacob Wilsey built the first Fairfield Academy building, he built the
first bridge at Middleville spanning the West Canada Creek. He
also built a sawmill and soon, a grist mill was added. Four years
later, in 1814, the Herkimer Manufacturing Company erected a
stone building for manufacturing wool, cotton, flax, and iron
products. Also John Wood started the first tannery. Many came to
work in these facilities and soon Middleville was a flourishing
community of homes and businesses. The Union Church was
dedicated in 1827, to be shared by Methodists, Episcopalians,
Universalists, and Baptists. Today it is the Middleville Methodist
Church.

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In 1871 the Church of the Memorial was erected in Middleville at a
cost of $10,000. The attached rectory was valued at $1000. With
the population of Middleville booming, the Vestry of Trinity Church
agreed in 1880 that the rector hold morning services in Middleville
each Sunday, with the afternoon services to be in Fairfield. The
Vestry also agreed that the rector take up residence in Middleville.
Middleville people were granted the right to serve on the Vestry of
Trinity Church. As time went on, Middleville became a parish
instead of a mission. The two churches were always served by the
same priest.

63

St. Michael’s Episcopal
Church, Middleville

Formerly the Church of the
Memorial

64

With the closing of Fairfield Seminary in 1901, the village of Fairfield
declined. The traffic now ran though the West Canada Valley corridor. Students
and professors no longer roomed in the village and shopped in local stores. Trinity
began a period of neglect while the Middleville parish flourished. When Lula Zeeb
McKee (1896-1991), a former lumber camp cook, was driven through Fairfield one
day in the 1940s, she saw an overgrown churchyard with a church badly in need
of repairs. She made the church her mission in life and began her campaign to
reopen the church. She lived in Dolgeville and worked in North Hudson Woodcraft
but her heart was in Fairfield. Lula became familiar with the local Episcopalian
families, and some families not so local. She attended the annual Fairfield Alumni
gatherings, and she frequently contacted the Bishop of Albany. A non-driver, Lula
managed to get rides from Dolgeville people every Sunday and for meetings
during the week. She became parish treasurer and the unofficial organizer.
Shown here in 1986, Lula is preparing the coffee hour. She passed away in 1991,
her age remaining a secret until it was engraved on her tombstone. People feel as
if she is still watching over Trinity from her resting place on the west side of the
church.

65

Lula McKee at a Trinity Coffee Hour

66

By 1959, it was apparent that the number of Fairfield
Episcopalians was insufficient to support the church. A
consolidation took place joining the Church of the Memorial in
Middleville with Trinity Church, Fairfield. The parish became known
as Trinity-St. Michael’s Parish. Services are held in Fairfield from
Trinity Sunday in June through Labor Day weekend. During the fall,
winter, and spring, services are conducted in Middleville. Trinity
Church was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places in 1993.

67

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The Rev. William C. Prout was fondly remembered by
residents of Middleville and Fairfield. He became rector of the
Middleville church in 1919, after retiring from Christ Church,
Herkimer. He lived in the rectory and served Trinity and the
Church of the Memorial until his death in 1938 at the age of 90.
He was a Mason and a member of the Grange and was highly
regarded by young people as a friendly counselor. His funeral
was one of the largest ever seen in Middleville.

70

How does one tell the history of a church? By giving a list
of dates, a list of structural repairs, by attendance records? The
church is really its people…and how many have passed through its
doors, worked and prayed in a church that is entering its 197th year!
The organ of Trinity is said to have been donated in the 1830s.
Charles Neely was a pumper of this old-time organ, playing for
services and weddings.

71

Charles Neely

72

Dorothy Munn is the current organist, assisted usually by
George Dieffenbacher who inherited the pumper’s job. This photo
shows a summer musical interlude in 2001, provided by daughters
of the Rev. Richard and Mrs. Barrett – Constance and Deborah.
Amanda Rice is playing the flute.

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As time goes by the church is watched over by those
who have gone before and rest in the churchyard. This
monument for the Dr. William Mather family represents one of
Fairfield’s first families. Dr. Mather was born in 1802 and died in
1890. His life began the year the Fairfield Academy was born and
extended through the Civil War and the years of Middleville’s
growth. He was a record keeper for the parish, writing in a fine,
legible hand. He also left numerous historical articles and notes
behind. It is important that men and women of today keep up the
legacy of Dr. Mather’s generation.

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