The subject of this sketch died at his home in Alfred, N. Y., on Friday morning, Nov. 20, 1896, of old age, in the 98th year of his age. The funeral services were held at the First Alfred church on Monday afternoon, conducted by Pastor Davis.
Maxson Stillman, son of Maxson and Esther Crandall Stillman, was born Sept. 29, 1799, near Boon Bridge, in the town of Westerly, R. I. He moved with his parents to Petersburg, N. Y., in 1803. Here he worked with his father, who was a carpenter and millwright, and being a natural mechanic thoroughly learned those trades. He was married to Lydia Chapman, of East Hampton, Mass., Sept. 26, 1822, who, as a faithful wife and mother, shared his joys and sorrows till called to her heavenly home April 24, 1891; giving them a married life of nearly 69 years.
In 1825 he came to Alfred to see the country with the view to make it his future home. This was soon after the first settlement here. Returning to Petersburg in the fall, he came back to Alfred, in the spring of 1826 with his and his father's families, and settled about a mile south of Alfred, where he resided until a few months ago, when he was brought into the village. The journey from Petersburg was made via canal, upon the packet.
After settling here he worked at his trade, and being the leading millwright in this section, he built many grist and sawmills in Steuben and Allegany Counties, only one of which now remains, the upper mill at Almond. Besides this, many houses and churches show the impress of his work.
In 1837, after the select school taught by Bethuel Church, he was one of the movers in the building of the old academy, "for the purpose of a school, and for a place to hold singing schools," the latter of which he taught during the winter months. He was elected one of the trustees for the erection of this building, which cost $700. Soon more room was needed, so in 1841 the two-story addition, costing $2,500, was built under his supervision. In 1845 the South, Middle and North Halls were built upon the side hill, he advising in regard to their plans, and building the pillars to the Middle Hall.
Again more room was needed and the chapel, which cost $7,000, was commenced in 1851, the frame being put up and partly covered, and in 1852 it was so far completed that it was used for the Commencement Exercises and was finished ready for the opening of the fall term in that year. This building, in its plan and strength, is a fitting type of his character and work.
The Ladies' Hall, (South Hall,) was destroyed by fire Feb. 14, 1859, which necessitated another building, and he was called upon to study public buildings and draft plans for the Ladies' Boarding Hall, which was built during the years 1859 and 1860. The last work of this kind that he performed for the University was in 1878, when the chapel was enlarged, the platform moved to the south end, and the stairs changed. This was done by his help and direction. Not only as an architect and builder was he a friend and worker for the university, but as a trustee six years before the Academy was chartered, and 51 years after the charter was granted.
He was ever ready to give time, counsel and help to advance its interests. Was there a struggle to drive out the rum power, he was one to help. Was there discipline, he was ever ready to sustain the faculty in favor of good order. Were there plans for advancement, he sanctioned them, if considered wise. Believing in a thorough education, he was anxious to help his children to secure the same, and to encourage others in their pursuits for this object.
Few, very few, of his co-laborers are left to recall the struggles and sacrifices that were made to bring Alfred University to its present status; struggles and sacrifices that few schools have had to endure for the lack of funds. May the mantles of such men fall upon those who must take their places to carry the work, so well commenced, wisely and successfully through its present labors to complete and noble success.
But not alone in the school was he a molding influence. He joined the First Alfred church very soon after settling here, and served it faithfully in every way he could. He was for many years its chorister. In the community, for general morality and progress, he was a substantial support, philanthropic, benevolent, beloved by all. I have heard our lamented President Allen speak of Uncle Maxson Stillman in such a way as to show that in his heart Uncle Maxson was loved and venerated as few, if any others, ever were.
There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stillman six children. Three of these have gone before him - Mary A., who died when about one year old; Hannah E., wife of Eld. Stephen Burdick, who died Jan. 3, 1858; and L. Elvira, first wife of Prof. H. C. Coon, who died April 20, 1879. Three remain - Prof. J. M. Stillman, of Milton College, Milton, Wis.; Chester B. Stillman and Harriet L. Stillman, of Alfred, besides Anna M. Stillman, who was adopted in her childhood as a member of the family, and has always shown herself a faithful and affectionate daughter.
These, with many relatives and friends, mourn their loss. Since the death of his wife, Harriet L. has kept his home, and with loving hands tenderly cared for him, meeting the increased wants of declining years, assisted by Chester (when needed) until death released his worn spirit and gave it rest. B. C. D.
