Train Wreck on Christmas Day and C. F. D. Elections

The Cortland News, Friday, January 1, 1886.

Wreck on the E. C. & N. Railroad.

   What came very near being a fatal catastrophe occurred near the East Court street crossing of the E. C. & N. road in this village on Christmas morning. A freight engine was switching cars on the side track that runs into the yards of the Cortland Wagon company, about the time for the west bound morning train to arrive. The freight engine was on the main track but was attempting to get in the switch in time to let the passenger pass, but was too late, and the two locomotives came together badly smashing both.

   The engineers and their firemen hung to their posts and, strange to say, escaped without injury. The passengers were badly shaken up but all escaped without injury. Wreckers were at once put to work but it was not until half past one that the east bound train with its burden of hungry people anxiously waiting for a Christmas dinner passed the scene of the accident and speed on its way.

   The engineer and conductor of the freight train were discharged on Saturday for carelessness in not having the road open when a passenger train was due.

 

C. F. D. Elections.

   The annual election of the Cortland Fire Department was held at Fireman's Hall in this village, Wednesday evening, Dec. 30, 1885. A very harmonious meeting was held, all the following officers being elected by acclamation:

   Chief—R. A. Smith.

   First Asst.—C. S. Strowbridge.

   Second Asst.—R. D, Woodford.

   Secretary—A. M. Delavan.

   Treasurer—Aaron Sager.

   From the secretary's report we glean the following statistics in regard to the value of property destroyed by fire and the number of fires during the past year:

   Feb. 21, at 1:30 a. m., dwelling No. 42, Groton avenue, belonging to A. Sager and occupied by Wm. Rennie. Loss on building $800, fully insured; on furniture, $400, insured for $ 200. Cause of fire, defective chimney.

   Feb. 23, at 11:30 p. m., paint shop in rear of Dexter House. Loss, $536.33; insurance, $200.

   March 11, 9:55 p. m., fire discovered in blacksmith shop used by Thos. Mulligan. Loss, $10; insurance $5.

   March 17, 1:20 a. m., E. C. & N. engine house burned to the ground. Loss, $5,000; fully insured.

   There were two other alarms during the year, one being assistance asked from Homer, and the other caused by a burning wood pile in Ireland's lumber yards.

   The total loss was $6,746.33, on which there was an insurance of $6,205, making a total loss of $541.33.

   Secretary Delavan extends his thanks to the secretaries and officers of the different companies for the aid given him during the past year in compiling his report and transacting the necessary business. The department although having been heavily in debt is now free from obligation and has a balance of twenty [odd] dollars in the treasury.

   The department has now on its roll 166 members, divided as follows:

   W. W. Engine Co., ……...30

   Orris Hose Co. No.2,……30

   E. H. & L. Co., No.3,…….30

   Emerald Hose, No.4,…....30

   Protective Police, No.5,....46

   The treasurer had not compiled his report and so we are unable to give it.

 

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   Sheriff Van Hoesen moved into the Court House to-day. John Miller, of Cortland, has been appointed undersheriff, and Adam Hillsinger, of Marathon, one of the deputies. The balance of the deputies will be announced in a few days.

   Mrs. Lucy S. Robinson died on Friday morning last of typhoid pneumonia at the residence of her son, Wm. P. Robinson, on Reynolds avenue, aged 76 years. The funeral services were held from the residence Monday, conducted by Rev. W. H. Annable.

   W. P. Robinson is on the sick list, suffering from typhoid pneumonia.

   In their annual reports to the State the D. L. & W. Railroad Company shows gross earnings of $4,872,796 and net earnings of $2,813,529. The Syracuse, Binghamton & New York railroad, reports its gross earnings at $690,934 and its net earnings at $328,693. A good showing by both companies.

   A. P. & D. C. Smith have removed their law offices to the second floor of the new bank building on South Main street where they have more commodious quarters. They have three rooms on the south side of the hallway, where they will be pleased to see all clients who need their services in the knotty problems of the law.

   A house and all the furniture belonging to Austin Baker, in Taylor Center, was destroyed by fire a week ago Wednesday while the family were away from home. Among the effects destroyed was an $800 piano. There was no insurance.

   A sheriff's jury convened at the court house on Tuesday to take action in regard to the appointment of a committee to take charge of the person of Charles C. Taylor, whose mind has become affected since his recent illness. Judge Knox appointed W. C. Crombie as commissioner to hear and decide the case. Hon. R. H. Duell appeared for the estate of Mr. Taylor. Dr. F. Hyde, Dr. A. J. White, Sidney N. Gooding and Wm. E. Taylor were sworn after which the jury rendered their verdict finding that Mr. Taylor was of unsound mind, and assessing the value of his real and personal estate. The finding of the jury was confirmed by Judge Knox, and an order made appointing Wm. E. Taylor as committee.