Peter Titus, the first permanent settler at Hydetown, and the father
of Jonathan Titus, the founder of Titusville, was brought when a lad
by his father, John Titus, from Holland to America. They settled on
Staten Island, and afterward removed to Frankstown, this State, at so
early a period that they experienced great danger and trouble from
the Indians. In 1804, or thereabouts, a few years after Jonathan had
immigrated hither, Peter arrived with the remainder of his family. He
had but two sons, Jonathan and Daniel; the latter settled at Hydetown,
and later in life removed to Marietta, Ohio. The daughters of Peter
Titus were: Fanny, who married Charles Ridgway; Olivia, wife of Robert
Curry; Ruth, wife of James Curry; and Susan, wife of John Ridgway. Mr.
Titus had had no educational advantages, and remained a life-long
farmer of this township, reaching a good old age. Daniel Titus, Sr.,
brother of Peter, some time before 1810 erected the first saw mill in
the village. It stood on Little Oil Creek, about a half mile from its
mouth, and it was operated until within a few years. Messrs. Hyde were
the last owners. Their grist-mill, erected a few years ago, occupies
the same site.
In 1797 Robert Curry and his son James had sojourned during the summer
on the site of the village, then removed nearer to Titusville. In 1824
Charles Ridgway purchased 800 acres of land, and removed to within the
present borough limits, where he remained until death in old age. Elijah
Hyde and his son William started the first store. They purchased the
Titus Mills, and for many years carried on saw-milling extensively.
William Hyde was the first Postmaster. The office was originally called
Oil Creek, now Hydetown, and was established about 1856. Benjamin Gilson,
a lumberman, came to the place about 1845. Penile Crane opened the first
hotel in 1852 or about that date.
The first school was taught as early as 1830 by Miss Sally Shelmadine.
The first schoolhouse was erected in 1838. It was a frame structure,
20x24, and stood on the lot occupied by the present school building, the
older part of which was erected in 1864, and the addition several years
later. It contains three apartments, and about 120 pupils are enrolled.
The village now contains three general stores, a grist-mill, a steam
(formerly water) saw-mill, a planing-mill, a stave and shingle-mill, a
jelly-mill, three blacksmith shops, two wagon-shops, a shoe-shop, two
physicians, two hotels and two religious societies. The grist-mill was
built by Swanson & Forsblom, the present owners, in 1880. Its power is
procured from three improved water-wheels, of twenty horse-power each,
and an extensive business is transacted, The B., N. Y. & P. R. R. passes
through the village, which is a shipping point for large quantities of
lumber. The population was 428 in 1870, and 405 in 1880.
A petition to incorporate Oil Creek Borough was filed January 18, 1868,
and approved by the grand jury the same month. The court confirmed the
report April 23, 1868, and appointed W. C. Hyde, Judge, and Titus Ridgway
and Daniel Baugher, Inspectors of the first election, directed to be held
at the schoolhouse, May 15, 1868. The Burgesses of the village have been
as follows: 1868, W. C. Hyde; 1869-70, Reuben Rodgers; 1871-72, L. G.
Worden; 1873, J. G. Titus; 1874-75, G. H. Sanford; 1876, E. I. Roffee;
1877, J. E. Paul; 1878, S. S. Spaulding; 1879, Dr. W. A. Baker; 1880,
Joseph Fertig; 1881, H. Malin; 1882, J. E. Paul; 1883, C. E. Aiken; 1884,
G. H. Sanford. The name of the borough has been changed to Hydetown.
The Hydetown Methodist Episcopal class was organized in 1847 with the
following members: Joseph Spaulding and wife. Oran Davenport and wife,
Thomas Titus and wife, and Mrs. Baugher, by Rev. John Abbott, then pastor
of the Oil Creek Circuit. The membership has fluctuated with the change
in the population of Hydetown, and now numbers about sixteen. Among the
leaders have been: Oran Davenport, Andrews, Joseph Spaulding, Beatty and
Adolphus Spaulding. The society holds meetings in the school hall.
Hydetown charge was organized by Rev. John Peat, P. E.,in 1874, with
Bethel, Hydetown and Tryonville classes. In 1877 East Troy, of Sunville
Circuit, was added. The other three were previously part of Titusville
Circuit. The pastors of Hydetown Circuit have been: Rev. S. Fidler,
1874-75-76; Rev. J. F. Hill, 1877-78; Rev. J. Abbott, 1879; Rev. Alva
Wilder, 1880-81; Rev. J. E. Roberts, 1882-83.
The First Baptist Church of Hydetown was organized April 27, 1879, by
Rev. John L. Bailey, the first, present and only pastor. The constituent
membership was but four: Mrs. Louisa Ridgway, Mrs. Anna C. Spaulding,
Mrs. Helen Kerr and Mrs. Harriet A. Roffee. The present membership is
eighteen. Meetings were held in the school hall until the present church
was erected. It is a handsome and unique structure, combining church and
parsonage, and cost about $1,500 exclusive of lot. It was dedicated
October 22, 1882.
The only order of the village is Hydetown Union, No. 372, E. A. U.,
instituted November 12, 1881. Its first officers were: Daniel Baugher,
Chancellor; Samuel B. Vrooman, Advocate; William C. Hyde, President; Mrs.
H. G. Thornburg, V. P.; Mrs. Mary M. Jamison, Auxiliary; William C.
Fulmer, Secretary; H. Malin, Treasurer; W. A. Baker, Accountant: Mrs. D.
Baugher, Chaplain; H. G. Swift, Warden; Mrs. G. H. Sanford, Sentinel;
Alexander Lingley, Watchman. The membership is now fifty-three, and
meetings are held each alternate Saturday.
The village contains a literary society which has been in successful
operation since October, 1881. It numbers about seventy-five members,
is largely attended, and has proved a highly instructive and beneficial
organization.
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