Vernon Centre minister from 1855-1873
Elijah Hayward Bonney was the longest serving pastor of the church. In fact, the 1885 stained glass windows at “the right hand” of the altar, often considered to be reserved for the holiest message, are dedicated to Reverend Bonney.
Elijah Bonney was born in 1817 in Hadley, Mass. He was “fitted for college” at Hopkins academy in Hadley. He attended Amherst College, was a member of the Alexandrian society there, and graduated in 1839.
According to the Amherst College Alumni directory:
From 1839 to 1841 he taught in Mass and in Westmoreland County, VA. Union T.S. 1841-44. S.s. Bennington, Vermont 1845-46. S. S. Pawlet, Vermont 1846-1847.
He was then ordained in Pawlet, VT on Feb 25, 1847, serving as pastor through 1853. He was married to Jane Maria Jones, daughter of Asa S. Jones, on July 10, 1848.
Then he served at Bellows Falls, VT 1853-54, Plainfield, VT 1854-55. Albion, VTT 1855. Vernon Centre, NY 1855-1872. Lenox, NY 1872-75. Somerset, NY 1876-79. Clarkson, NY 1879-1882.
Bonney died at Clarkson, on June 26, 1882, at the age of 65. He is buried at Bayside Cemetery in Potsdam, New York. Memorial Page.
Parents:
- Oliver Bonney 1790–1867
- Betsey French Hayward Bonney 1794–1856
Siblings:
- Franklin Bonney 1822–1907
- Oliver Edmund Bonney 1823–1907
- Susan Jane Bonney 1827–1831
- Mary Jane Bonney Judd 1830–1852
- Elizabeth Harvey Bonney 1832–1869
- Cyntha Bonney 1836–1837
Spouse:
- Jane Maria Jones Bonney 1823–1885
Children:
- Emma J Bonney Tapley 1849–1901
