The History of Cayuga County 1789-1879 page 382
FLEMING VILLAGE--CHURCHES/ TOWN OF OWASCO

erect a substantial brick edifice on the site of the old Sand Beach Church. This building was completed and dedicated to the service of God on the 26th of July, 1855. The cost of the new church was about $6,000. This building is still in good repair, and a beautiful house of worship. The present number of members is about fifty-five. The Sabbath School is very flourishing, and averages an attendance of from thirty to fifty. The usefulness of this chirch, planted in the wilderness by the pioneers of Cayuga County, cannot be estimated by its numbers. The light of its altar fire still illuminates this region of country, and God has not forsaken the church dedicated to his Holy Name.*

THE FIRST SOCIETY OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF FLEMING.--In 1832 the Rev. Gardnier Baker, who was then the pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Auburn, occasionally preached at Fleming and formed a class as follows: Samuel Gilmore, Leader; Daniel K. Culver and wife, Henry Whitbeck and wife, Emory Ingalsby and wife, Daniel Shaw and wife, Mrs. Lydia Wyckoff, Mrs. Abigail Culver and Mrs. Sabrina Forbes.

During May and June, 1832, Revs. Baker and Coryell held a protracted meeting of several weeks duration, in Elliott Howell's barn. Such assemblages being then a novelty, were largely attended, deep interest was excited and more than one hundred persons hopefully converted. The need of a house of worship at once was urgent, and a legal organization of the "First Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Fleming," was perfected June 19th, 1832, of which the first trustees were: Dr. Samuel Gilmore, Henry Whitbeck, Daniel K. Culver, Emory Ingalsby and Daniel Shaw. The church edifice was commenced that year and dedicated in May, 1833. The first pastor was Rev. Darius Simmons, succeeded by James P. Ellsworth and Ross Clark. Among their later pastors have been many men who became eminent in their profession, including Doctor Lamkin, John E. Robie, A. Cross, B. I. Ives and others. The present pastor is the Rev. Pratt T. Hughston.

Their present fine edifice was completed and dedicated June 8th, 1876. The present trustees are Ovid A. Baker, Hiram Thornton, Henry Whitbeck, Elliott Howell and William Clarke.

The present number of members is 90, and the attendance at Sabbath School, 45.

WYCKOFFS STATION.

WYCKOFFS STATION, (Owasco Lake p. o.,) is situated on the S. C. R. R., on the shore of the lake, seven miles south of Auburn. It contains neither church, store, hotel, nor shop, the post-office being kept in the depot. The first postmaster here was David Chamberlain, who was appointed in 1850, and held the office three years. He was succeeded by Christopher G. Post, who held it nearly thirteen years, and was followed by John Knox, the present incumbent.

FOUR MILE HOUSE.--This hotel is beautifully siuated on one of the pleasantest coves on the west shore of the lake, four miles south of Auburn. The proprietor, Mr. A. Brown, keeps a supply of sail and row boats for the accommodation of his guests. In 1876, he added further to the attractions of the place by the erection of a large summer house for picnic and dancing parties. This is one of those charming spots which nature and art combined have made inviting to the weary ones seeking rest and recreation, and under the efficient management of Mr. Brown has won a much deserved popularity.

MANUFACTURES.--Mosher's Mills are located three-fourths of a mile west of Fleming, and occupy the site of a saw-mill erected as early as 1820, by Amos Gould, and run by the Goulds a good many years. The present proprietor, Amos Mosher, added a feed-mill in 1873, and in 1876, a cider-mill. It is a frame building, and contains a circular saw and one run of stones. It was operated by water power until 1878, in which year a steam engine was put in.

In the west part of the town is a water-power saw-mill, owned by Asa Cornell, which has been in operation a great many years.

CHAPTER XLIV.

TOWN OF OWASCO.

OWASCO was formed from Aurelius March 30th, 1802. It lies upon the east border of the County, a little south of the center, at the foot of Owasco Lake, which, together with its

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*For the history of this church we are indebted to Mrs. C. W. Martin.

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