West Bainbridge Temperance Society - 1830

Establishment of West Bainbridge Temperance Society

Antimasonic Telegraph, March 17, 1830

 

At a meeting of the inhabitants of West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], held on the 24th Feb., 1830, to take into consideration the subject of forming a Temperance Society, Edward L. Hyde, esq. was called to the chair--Thomas Newton, secretary.

 

After a number of suitable and appropriate addresses and remarks by sundry persons, the following resolution was passed:

 

Resolved, That it is expedient to form a temperance society in this place, to be called the West Bainbridge Temperance Society, auxiliary to the Chenango County Temperance Society.

 

A constitution of said society was then adopted, to which forty-two persons annexed their names as members, from

     Asa Dutton, president

     Edward L. Hyde, Vice President

     Elisha P. Willcox, Secretary

     Managers

        Squire Newton

        Cyrus Chace

        Butler Stowell

        Charles Lyon, 2d

 

Resolved, that the time and place of the annual meetings of said society be at the meeting house in West Bainbridge on the 4th of July in each year.

 

Meeting closed, as it was opened, by prayer.

 

In consequence of the inclemency of the weather at the time of the first meeting, many interested in the advancement of the cause of temperance were prevented from attending.  A second meeting was therefore called and held at the school house on the turnpike in West Bainbridge on the 9th inst., which was very numerously attended.

 

Elder Parker, of Coventry, delivered a written address, the excellence of which we cannot describe to do justice to its author. It is hoped that it will be given to the public.

 

Wm. S. Sayre, esq. of Bainbridge village, also addressed the meeting, whose sentiments did much credit to his head and his heart, and commanded the deep and undivided attention of all present.

 

The following persons were appointed additional managers of the society:  James Ireland, James Fosbury and Amos Pearsoll.  At this meeting the members of the society were increased to 107.  This society is formed on the principle of entire abstinence, and is composed of all ages and conditions, and of both sexes.  Females are actively associated with their husbands, fathers and brothers, and exert a very salutary influence in carrying on the reformation.

 

The young class of people are enlisted with a laudable zeal in this great and good cause, and none are more ready to organize and put forth their efforts in the all important work.  Thus has commenced, under encouraging prospects, a society which, with continued and increasing efforts, promises great good.

 

The meeting adjourned to the 24th of March, at the same place.