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| Peck Library, Marathon, N. Y. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, April 14, 1899.
MARATHON.
A History of the Early Settlers of the Town—Its Present Prominent Men and Something of their Business which is of Considerable Magnitude.
Fourteen miles south of Cortland upon the banks of the Tioughnioga river is situated the village of Marathon. The territory embraced within the boundaries of the town of Marathon was set off from the southwest quarter of Cincinnatus April 21, 1818, and organized into a town under the name of Harrison, named in honor of Gen. Harrison, the famous war general. The place did not, however, retain the name of Harrison long, as it was found that another town of the same name existed in New York state, consequently the name of Marathon was agreed upon.
FIRST SETTLERS.
The first actual settlers were Dr. Japheth Hunt and wife, two sons, James and William, and three daughters, Betsey, Nancy and Hannah. They entered the valley of the Tioughnioga from the south in canoes in the year 1794, and after several days of laborious work up the river camped upon a piece of land about one mile south of the present village. The place has since been known as the Comstock farm and later as the Moore homestead.
About the time that Dr. Hunt's family settled in Marathon a road was surveyed and partially cut through the wilderness from the south near the river until passing their land, where it diverged somewhat from the stream crossing the south line of lot No. 73, about three-fourths of a mile east of the village of Marathon and continuing in a northerly direction intersected the state road near what is known as the Richardson farm in the town of Freetown. This road extended north to its terminus at the old salt works, which gave the road the name of the salt road, which it still retains. Dr. Hunt had served with honor in the Revolutionary war in the capacity of surgeon. He died March 7, 1808, at the advanced age of 97 years and was the first person buried in the east burying ground of Marathon.
Samuel M. Hunt, a grandson of Dr. Japheth Hunt, was born Oct. 30, 1798 and for over thirty years practiced medicine in the village and surrounding county. Many of the descendants of Dr. Hunt still reside in Marathon and are among its most influential citizens.
ABRAM BRINK.
Abram Brink with his family moved into the town of Marathon in the year 1800 and located a few rods south of Mr. Hunt on the north part of lot No. 82, then state land. He was a son of Captain William Brink, a patriot of the Revolution. Mr. Brink was the proprietor of the first tavern that was ever licensed in the town of Marathon and continued in this business until his death, which occurred in 1824.
EARLY SETTLERS.
At the close of the last century a traveler coming from the north in passing down the river, after leaving Chaplin's ford now known as Messengerville, would find the following residents upon the east side of the river: The families of Mr. Hunt, Mr. Brink, Mr. Alford, Mr. Lee, Dr. Hunt and Mr. Cole. Somewhat further south and near the county line was the residence of Gen. Samuel Coe and directly across the river on the west side was the home of Jonathan Cowdrey. Soon after this John S. Squires moved to Marathon and occupied the farm of Mr. Alvord. Soon, however, he purchased a farm in what is now known as the town of Lapeer and laid the foundation for the beautiful Squires homestead of after years.
EBENEZER CARLEY.
In 1800 Ebenezer Carley moved into the town from Unadilla and settled upon the west side of the river. Mr. Carley was the grandfather of Hon. A. A. Carley of Cortland. During the next ten years the increase in the population of Marathon was rapid, and in 1820 there were 807 people included within its boundaries.
TEXAS VALLEY.
Early in 1800 several settlements were made at what is now known as Texas Valley in the east part of the town of Marathon. This was the central point of the old town of Cincinnatus when it comprised Willett, Freetown and Marathon, and in those early days was thought to be even more promising than Marathon proper. It was centrally located upon the state road and for this reason it was thought that some time a flourishing village would spring up. This, however, was not the case as most settlers preferred to locate near the Tioughnioga or Otselic rivers and the Center (Texas Valley) was destined to remain a small hamlet.
Under the direction and labor of the early settlers the practically unbroken forests were depleted and in their stead beautiful homes were erected, and the foundation for comfortable fortunes were in many instances laid. Time and space prevents the mention of the many early settlers who came to Marathon during the twenty years which followed, and we pass to the present generation, briefly noticing some of those men who have contributed largely to the prosperity of the present beautiful village of Marathon.
HON. JAMES H. TRIPP.
First among those we find the name of Hon James H. Tripp. Mr. Tripp, when five years of age removed with his father's family to Harford and received his early education at the district schools. Later, he attended the Cortland Academy at Homer and at the age of nineteen commenced teaching. This occupation he followed until 1856 when he came to Marathon and entered the employ of Peck & Adams, general merchants. In 1859 he became a partner. The firm continued to do a thriving business until 1863. At this time the attention of H. J. Messenger was called to the superior ability of Mr. Tripp and he was appointed cashier of the Marathon bank. Six months later Mr. Tripp was appointed cashier of the Bank of Canandaigua, of which Mr. Messenger was president. He remained in the capacity of cashier of Canandaigua bank and as general superintendent of Mr. Messenger's general affairs in Marathon, Canandaigua and Geneva for four years. In 1865 Mr. Tripp entered into a partnership with his old employer, Lyman Adams, and this business continued under the firm name of Tripp & Adams for over eighteen years. Such has been their success during the years that followed that they felt warranted in 1884, in organizing the National bank of Marathon, of which Mr. Tripp is now president. In 1891 Tripp was elected Member of Assembly and was re-elected in 1892. His record at Albany was highly complementary, both to himself and his constituents.
GEO. L. SWIFT.
Among the wealthy and influential men of Marathon none rank higher than Geo. L. Swift, senior member of the firm of Geo. L. Swift & Sons. Mr. Swift was born in DeRuyter early in this century, and soon came to Marathon where he has since resided. About 1889 Mr. Swift edited a small newspaper in Marathon called the Marathon Telegraph. This was the first newspaper ever published in the town and received the hearty support of the residents. After abandoning the newspaper work he engaged in the general merchandise business and from a small beginning has built up the most extensive trade in Marathon. Their stock comprises a full line of hardware, drugs, books and groceries. They occupy three stores at present and intend within a few weeks to open a department store in the Tarble block. This they will conduct in connection with their present extensive business.
Mr. Swift is a man of rare business ability and by perseverance and attention to business has become possessed of a large amount of this world's goods. It is his especial pride to assist the worthy in any laudable undertaking and many can attribute their success in life to the financial aid given them by Mr. Swift. Although at an advanced age, he gives his personal attention to his business and can be found constantly at his store during business hours. He owns much real estate in town and resides in a very pleasant home upon the hill east of the business portion of the town.
His sons, Geo. W. and Fred H. Swift, have for the past ten years been connected with him in business.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
The First National bank of Marathon was organized in 1884 with James H. Tripp as president; Geo. P. Squires, vice-president; Lyman Adams, cashier and D. B. Tripp, assistant cashier. Capital stock, $50,000. The bank occupies the eastern portion of the ground floor of the Peck Memorial building and is one of the best arranged banks in central New York.
UNION SCHOOL.
The Marathon union school is located upon the village green and is a modern and substantial wooded structure. The board of education is made up as follows: President, Geo. P. Squires; secretary, Ed. L. Adams; treasurer, D. B. Tripp; trustees, D. B. Wilson, H. E. Wilson, Dr. W. Spencer, A. P. Greene and G. N. Valentine. The faculty is made up as follows: Prof. W. A. Coon, principal; Henrietta W. Perry, preceptress; Marietta Davis, senior intermediate; Helen L. Page, junior intermediate; Margaret Killela, advanced primary; Stella J. Sears, primary and drawing. The school enjoys a high degree of prosperity under the management of the present principal.
DELLOW & SON.
The firm of Dellow & Son is composed of Wm. and Frank Dellow and is one of the oldest firms in Marathon. Wm. Dellow has been a resident of Marathon for twenty-three years and has conducted a furniture and undertaking business continually during those years. Until recently the firm have manufactured a large proportion of their extensive stock. During the year 1898 they made 30,000 blackboards for the Adams Manufacturing Co. Wm. Dellow was a member of company H, N. Y. Volunteers, and entered the war in 1862, serving until its close.
F. J. MCFARLAND.
F. J. McFarland, dealer in dry goods and groceries, ladies' and gents' furnishing goods, paints, oils, etc., occupies a very pleasant and commodious store upon Main-st. Mr. McFarland's stock is new and well selected. The store is a model of neatness and his prices are as reasonable as consistent with first class goods. A large line of fancy dress goods, ready-made clothing and groceries are constantly kept, to which he invites the attention of people of Marathon and vicinity. By fair and upright dealing he has built up a large and increasing trade.
A. S. BURGESS.
Among the recent additions to the business houses of Marathon is the large and commodious store of A. S. Burgess. Mr. Burgess has for many years been engaged in the ready-made clothing business in Cortland, and to better supply the needs of his customers in the southern tier decided about two years ago to establish a branch in Marathon. A full line of ready-made clothing, hats, caps, gents' furnishing goods and boots and shoes are constantly kept. His stock is large and comprises goods of every variety and value. Buying as he does for three large stores enables him to secure the best possible goods at remarkably low prices. The business is under the management of J. G. Barnes, a capable and genial gentleman, whose home formerly was Cortland.
A. C. BAKER.
In 1893 Mr. A. C. Baker removed from Cortland to Marathon and started the furniture and undertaking business in a small store on Cortland-st. Business rapidly increased until it was found necessary to have more room and he moved to his present store on Main-st. Here he interested more capital in the business and is now doing an extensive business. Each year has shown a steady improvement in business. His services as an undertaker are widely sought in the southern towns of the county.
H. E. WILSON.
Among the well-known members of the Cortland county bar is Henry E. Wilson, who located in Marathon in April, 1885, and has since practiced his profession there, where he has a substantial and increasing practice; he has very pleasant and convenient offices in the Mansard block. Mr. Wilson is a graceful public speaker and has excellent abilities as an advocate. He is a forceful writer and has contributed some vigorous political articles in the campaigns of this county. Mr. Wilson has always been a leading and active Democrat and has been a familiar figure at county and state conventions. He was postmaster at Marathon during the last Cleveland administration. Mr. Wilson is a Mason and prominent in Masonic circles, is a past master and has been an officer of the Grand lodge. Mr. Wilson's family consists of his wife and daughter Marjorie, and he resides in a very pleasant residence upon Broome-st.
JOHN H. MILLER.
John H. Miller was born in the town of Louisville, St. Lawrence county, on the 7th day of July, 1869. He attended the district school of his native village until he was seventeen years of age, when he entered the Potsdam State Normal school, from which he graduated in the classical course. He began the study of law with Judge John A. Vance at Potsdam in the spring of 1892, went to the University of Michigan in the fall of 1893, and took the two years' course of law at the University in one year; graduating in June, 1894, and obtaining the degree of L. L. B. Mr. Miller was admitted to both the circuit and supreme courts of Michigan in 1894, and later, came back to New York state to finish his course of study here. He was admitted to the New York state bar at Albany in January, 1896, and came to Marathon in May of the same year, having bought the law library and good will of A. M. Mathewson. He was admitted to practice in both the district and the circuit courts of the United States at Utica on the 4th day of November, 1898. His work, therefore, consists of practice in all state and federal courts. He makes a specialty of bankruptcy practice in the United States district courts. By strict attention to business, he is obtaining for himself a very lucrative practice.
ADAM HILSINGER.
Adam Hilsinger was born in the town of Marathon in 1846. The early years of his life were spent upon a farm. Eleven years ago he purchased an interest in the meat market near the bridge and has since been connected with that business. For several years Mr. Hilsinger was a constable of the town, and in the fall of 1894 was elected sheriff of Cortland county. He discharged the duties of sheriff in a highly creditable manner. After the expiration of his term of office he returned to his home at Marathon and again resumed the meat business at the old stand.
F. M. BEARDSLEY.
Among the prominent young business men of Marathon we wish to speak of F. M. Beardsley, who conducts a general dry goods house upon East Main-st. For several years Mr. Beardsley occupied the corner store in the Tarble block and during those years succeeded in a marked degree in securing the esteem and patronage of his fellow citizens. Mr. Beardsley is a prominent Republican and takes an active part in the politics of his town. He is now very pleasantly located just west of the Marathon house and carries a full line of fancy and staple dry goods.
WATERBURY & TALMADGE.
Waterbury & Talmadge, general shoe dealers, are pleasantly located in the Hulbert block and carry a full line of gents' and ladies' shoes. They are well and favorably known to the residents of Marathon and community and by honorable dealings have built up a large trade.
EDMUND MATHEWSON.
Edmund Mathewson has for many years been a practicing attorney in the village of Marathon and has a fair amount of the legal work of the town. He is also a capable civil engineer of many years' experience.
F. A. ALLEN.
Mr. F. A. Allen, proprietor of the European hotel, came to Marathon from Clyde in 1896 and started in business in his present location. From a small beginning Mr. Allen has by his genial ways built up a large business. His establishment is the only place in Marathon where meals are served at all hours and this supplies a long felt want. Regular meals are served at meal hours, rates $1.00 per day. The bar, which has recently been put in, contains the choicest of wines, liquors and cigars. The rooms are well furnished and are a model of neatness.
PECK MEMORIAL LIBRARY.
The residents of Marathon justly take great pride in the Peck Memorial library building. It will be remembered that Mrs. Marsena Peck, who died about ten years ago, in her will bequeathed to the village of Marathon $20,000 for the purpose of building and equipping a public library. This amount was given in trust to competent trustees who carefully carried out the provisions of the will. A beautiful brick building has been erected and the west side on the ground floor has been elegantly fitted for a public library. Just off of the main library room is a reception room elegantly furnished, which contains a very large portrait of Mrs. Peck. The library is well equipped with the leading publications of the day. The association having the library in charge also wish to acknowledge the substantial gifts of J. Stewart Wells of Binghamton, which have freely been bestowed from year to year. Directly over the bank and library is one of the neatest and best arranged public halls in this county. The stage is commodious and the scenery of the most recent design. The hall has a seating capacity of 500.
THE CHURCHES.
Upon a beautiful plot of ground and facing Main-st. stand the churches with the exception of the Catholic, which was built recently at a large expense and is situated upon Academy-st., with Rev. C. V. McGuire pastor. The pastors of the other churches are as follows: Presbyterian, Rev. J. H. Blue, D. D.; Methodist, Rev. H. D. Hartstock; Baptist, Rev. E. B. Cornell.
WOOSTER & AYRES.
One of the best known and most substantial firms of Marathon is that of Wooster & Ayres, who for eight years have conducted this drug business in their present location on Main-st. This firm carries a fine stock of drugs and medicines of all kinds. Mr. Wooster, a druggist of thirty-five years experience, gives the business his personal attention. They carry in connection with their drug business a full line of fancy and toilet articles. By careful attention lo business this firm has built up a large trade.
MARATHON HOUSE.
The Marathon house, situated on the corner of Main and Cortland-st., is one of the most comfortable and homelike hotels in Central New York. Since 1884 this house has been under the management of A. A. Tarble, and in those years the proprietor has established an enviable reputation as an entertainer and host. He runs a carriage to and from all trains, thus adding to the comfort of his many patrons.
G. W. SMITH.
Prominent among the older business men of Marathon is G. W. Smith. He was born in Blodgett Mills in July, 1843, and resided in that place until the commencement of the war in 1861. He was one of the first to enlist in the 76th N. Y. volunteers and served with distinction for two years and seven months when he lost one foot and was also seriously wounded in the hip. It is generally conceded that the 76th regiment was the first to fire a shot in the famous battle of Gettysburg. Mr. Smith was taken to the Chestnut Hill hospital at Philadelphia and later was transferred to the New York hospital. As soon as able he returned to his home in Blodgett Mills. In 1887 Mr. Smith opened a general store in Marathon, which he still conducts. He keeps constantly on hand a full line of staple and fancy groceries and his store is also headquarters for Coon brothers' baked goods of Cortland. In connection with his grocery, he runs a general repair shop for shoes.
C. EUGENE BOYDEN.
One of the most prominent young men in Marathon is C. Eugene Boyden. Mr. Boyden was born in Marathon March 23, 1860, and at the age of 20 entered the barber business and has since conducted a shop in Marathon. Mr. Boyden is a prominent Republican politician and has been often honored by his townsmen. In 1890 he was appointed assistant paymaster of this assembly and in 1895 he was appointed assistant financial clerk at Albany. In 1894 Mr. Boyden was elected president of his native village. He was re-elected in 1895 and again in 1896. He now holds the same position, having been elected for the present year. He was assistant chief of the fire department in 1892 and '93, chief in '94 and again elected for the present year. Possessed of excellent judgment and rare business ability he has proven his fitness for the positions of trust imposed upon him. In connection with his barber shop Mr. Boyden deals extensively in tobacco, cigars and fishing tackle.
EMORY DORAN.
Emory Doran, a much respected citizen of Marathon, has been engaged in the trucking business in that place for nine years. He is a brother of J. D. Doran of Cortland.
DUANE BURGESS.
Duane Burgess has for many years been a prominent Democrat in the town of Marathon. He is associated with his brother, Corwin Burgess, in the coal business and is very popular among the residents of Marathon and vicinity. In the fall of 1898 Mr. Burgess was elected justice of the peace to succeed Barney Wilson. This is considered a great honor as the town is largely Republican and the office has never been given to a Democrat during the last forty years.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS.
Some five years ago the Union Electric Light company was established in Marathon with John O'Connell of Cortland as manager. The power for running the dynamos is obtained from a water wheel in the mill of J. S. Burgess and affords a very strong light at a very small running expense. The plant is now under the care of David O'Connell.
M. H. Allen came to Marathon in 1883 and has since conducted a blacksmith and general repair shop on Main-st. Mr. Allen is an excellent workman and by careful and personal attention has established a prosperous business.
Geo. K. Smith, who for the past twelve years has conducted a barber shop on East Main-st., is one of the popular young men of Marathon. Mr. Smith is an active politician and has for some time been prominent in the county. He is at present a prominent candidate for county treasurer and his many friends wish him success.
C. H. BOUTON.
Among the substantial men of Marathon we wish to speak of C. H. Bouton, who for the past 58 years has been a resident of that village. Mr. Bouton is a large dealer in agricultural implements, pork and other farm products. By strict attention to business he has acquired a liberal amount of this world's goods. He caters to the finest trade and sends lard and hams to such people as John D. Rockefeller and others of the elite of the country.
BROWN HOTEL.
Upon Main-st. and just east of the river stands the Brown hotel. The house is pleasantly located and well kept. It was built and for some years conducted by Cornelius Brown, now deceased. At one time Mr. and Mrs. Brown owned and conducted the Central house in Cortland. This was sold and they then purchased the Farmer's hotel, which place they owned for several years. They then disposed of this house and in company with John Wheeler purchased the Cortland house. Here they remained for several years when they again sold out and purchased the Marathon house. Fourteen years ago the present Brown's hotel was built and was conducted by Mr. Brown up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1889. It will be remembered by many of our readers that Mr. Brown was seriously injured by the falling of Barnum's show tent in Cortland. Since the death of Mr. Brown the business has been conducted by Mrs. Jane Brown. Mrs. Brown is the mother of Dr. U. H. Brown, the noted eye specialist of Syracuse.
CHARLES A. BROOKS.
Charles A. Brooks, the present postmaster at Marathon, was born at Danby, Tompkins county, and is the son of Rev. Asa and Permelia Brooks. At an early age Mr. Brooks removed to Marathon and there learned the printer's trade. He soon became one of the proprietors of the Marathon Independent, the late Andrew Day of Cortland, being his partner. At an early age Mr. Brooks displayed his aptness for politics and soon became an acknowledged leader in the Republican party in Marathon. He was appointed postmaster by President Arthur and at the close of his term of office was appointed postmaster of the Assembly which position he held for four years. He was then appointed postmaster at Marathon by President Harrison and held the office until after the close of his administration. President McKinley again appointed Mr. Brooks and he still holds the office. He is assisted in the office by ex- Postmaster W. J. Lynde, who for many years has been associated with the office either as postmaster or assistant.
DANIEL E. WHITMORE.
Daniel E. Whitmore was born at Columbus, Chenango county, Jan. 6, 1825, and laid the foundation for his liberal education in the schools of his native town. He then attended the Albany Normal college, where he graduated with high honors. Afterwards he attended Hamilton college, where he received the honorary degree of Master of Arts. At the completion of his college course he began the work of teaching and held important positions in Marathon, Homer and Canandaigua. In 1857 he was appointed school commissioner in the first district of Cortland county. In this capacity he served for fifteen years and to his efforts is due in a large measure the present excellent system of schools in this county. In 1885-6-7 he represented his town as supervisor, holding the position of chairman during the session of '87. He now, in company with his son Frank, is actively engaged in the purchase of farm produce. Through his strict integrity and business ability he has amassed a competent fortune and now lives in a very commodious home on Academy-st.
GEO. A. HULBERT.
Among the wealthy and influential men of Marathon we mention Geo. M. Hulbert, owner of the Hulbert block on Main-st. For many years Mr. Hulbert in company with his brother, Jerome Hulbert, was extensively engaged in the purchase and sale of farm produce. Their business extended over the entire line of the D., L. & W. railroad. Since the death of his brother a few years ago Mr. Hulbert has discontinued the produce business and is now practicing law. Mr. Hulbert also personally looks after the opera house, which is located upon the upper floor of his block.
J. W. HUNT.
The Marathon Bottling works will soon be opened by Mr. J. W. Hunt, who for several years has done a thriving business in Marathon and vicinity. Mr. Hunt is a descendant of Dr. Japheth Hunt, the first settler of the town of Marathon. Mr. Hunt and sister Mrs. Carrie Chapman are the owners of the Mansard block on Main-st. The lower floors are occupied by A. C. Baker as a furniture store and Hunt & Chapman as a grocery and drug store. The second floor is used for offices and living apartments and upon the upper floor in very pleasant rooms are located the Masonic hall and Grand Army rooms.
CLIMAX ROAD MACHINE CO.
Principal among the manufacturing interests of Marathon we find the Climax Road Machine Co. The building is located near the south line of the village and just west of the D., L. & W. tracks. The business was commenced several years ago in the buildings formerly owned by the Stockwell Wagon Co. The company then consisted of A. S. Manning of Auburn, O., F. Pinckney and Mr. Clark of Marathon. At that time the company manufactured road machines only. About five years ago the Stockwell plant was burned and soon after the present commodious buildings were erected and a corporation formed as follows: F. H. Swift, president; W. A. Brink, vice president; T. R. Clark, secretary and treasurer; O. F. Pinckney, general manager; directors, A. S. Manning of Auburn, Seward T. Lupton of Dryden and Ed. L. Adams of Marathon. The manufacture of road machines was continued and stone crushers, bridges and threshing machines added to the line of works. They also manufacture horse powers for the Wheeler & Melick company of Auburn. Fifteen traveling men are employed and their products cover the Middle and Eastern states and as far west as the Mississippi river. From fifty to seventy-five men are regularly employed. The firm enjoys a high degree of prosperity.
THE TANNERY.
The Marathon tannery, which is owned and conducted by John Dunphy & Sons, is a leading industry of the village. Thirty-five hands are employed during most of the season. The principal office and salesroom are located in New York [City].
PHYSICIANS.
Drs. Field, Smith and Bishop are men of wide experience and enjoy a very lucrative practice in Marathon and surrounding towns.
CREAMERY.
The creamery is owned by H. F. Huntman of New York and is conducted by Ezra Laird. Large quantities of milk are received daily and shipped to Hoboken and New York.
BYRON GRAY.
Just west of the D., L. & W. depot is located the mill of Byron Gray. For many years this property has been owned by T. L. Corwin & Sons, but upon April 1st it was sold to its present owner. Mr. Gray has for many years been a resident of Livingston Manor, where he was extensively engaged in the milling business. Mr. Gray will carry a full line of feeds, both staple and fancy, flours of all varieties, lime, plaster, cement, brick and Worcester salt. Custom grinding is also done on short notice. Marathon is to be congratulated upon securing as one of her citizens a man of such high character as Mr. Gray.
SWIFT & CRAIN.
Among the prominent business firms of Marathon we mention with well deserved pride, the Jewelry house of Swift & Crain. The firm consists of F. H. Swift and F. W. Crain. Mr. Swift, however is simply interested in a financial way, while Mr. Crain personally conducts the business. A full line of clocks, watches and silverware is carried. The firm also handles a full line of magazines and prominent publications. Repairing in all its branches is under the personal supervision of Mr. Crain.
J. H. SEEBER & SON.
Prominent among the business men of Marathon we wish to mention the firm of J. H. Seeber & Son, feed dealers. The business has been managed by Clayton W. Seeber since the removal of his father to Cortland, which occurred a few years ago. Mr. C. W. Seeber is a genial gentleman and a business man of exceptional ability. He handles a full line of staple and prepared feeds, flour, salt, lime, plaster, brick and cement. He also handles extensively, clover and timothy seeds in season, and has already built up an immense trade in and about Marathon.
MARATHON INDEPENDENT.
The Marathon Independent was started in 1870 by the late Benton B. Jones of Cortland, and was managed by Wallace Kelley, who was then an employee of the DEMOCRAT office at Cortland. In 1871 Mr. Kelley bought the paper of Mr. Jones. At this time Mr. Ed. L. Adams entered the office as "devil." He continued in the employ of Mr. Kelley until 1876 when he came to Cortland and entered the office of the Cortland DEMOCRAT as local editor. During the same year Mr. Kelley found it necessary on account of failing health to give up the business and accordingly an arrangement was made whereby Mr. Adams returned to Marathon and assumed control of the paper. Under the management of Mr. Adams the paper has been enlarged to nearly double its original size. The business when first started occupied a room 18x20; now it occupies three floors of the present building and has a large circulation throughout the southern part of the county. Mr. Adams is closely connected with the interests of the town and holds several prominent village offices.
VILLAGE OFFICERS.
The village officers for the present year are President C. E. Boyden; trustees Ed. L. Adams, O. G. Underwood; street commissioner Joseph Cole.
ADAMS MANUFACTURING CO.
The Adams Manufacturing company was organized some years ago and consists of the following well-known gentlemen: Lyman Adams, Carley A. Adams and Charles C. Adams. This firm has enjoyed a long season of prosperity and are still doing a flourishing business. They manufacture family and school blackboards.
HUNT & CHAPMAN.
Hunt & Chapman are located in the west store of the Mansard block and have a carefully selected stock of groceries and drugs. The business is conducted by Mr. Chapman, a son-in-law of Mrs. D. D. Hunt, the other member of the firm.
THE CEMETERY.
On the hillside looking southward is located the Marathon cemetery. Nature has done much to beautify the place. The surface of the land is broken by an occasional elevation gently sloping away. Here lie the remains of many men and women to whose efforts is largely due the present prosperity of Marathon. Space will not permit us to speak of all the stately monuments which have, by loving hands, been placed within the sacred spot. The attention of the writer was especially called to the Gray monument which stands in about the center of the cemetery. Only those of the Gray family here repose. To beautify this lot seems the especial pride of J. C. Gray of Cortland. He often visits Marathon for no other purpose than to beautify if possible the resting place of his loved ones. A substantial fence has been erected around the lot. Flower urns stand at either end of the lot and in season are filled with flowering plants. The officers of the cemetery association are as follows: President, Norman Sherwood; vice-president, Geo. H. Chaplin , secretary, Edward Barnes; treasurer, Lyman Adams; trustees, Harry Wattles and Leroy Crittendon. R. P. Fish has for many years been superintendent and to his unceasing efforts is largely due the present appearance of the grounds. Much of the time the president, Mr. Sherwood, is now occupied in looking after the business.
HON. A. A. CARLEY.
Hon. A. A. Carley, now a resident of Cortland, was for many years a prominent business man of Marathon. In 1881 and 1882 Mr. Carley was elected member of assembly from Cortland county and served his party with fidelity. He now lives retired at his comfortable home on Grant-st., Cortland. He is an active member of the Cortland board of education and spends much of his time in looking after the work of the schools.
A. R. CHAPMAN.
A. R. Chapman, formerly of the firm of Coon & Chapman, at present conducts a meat market on Cortland-st., having purchased the interest of his partner on March 1. He solicits a share of the trade of the town.
CORWIN BURGESS.
Probably the best known gentleman in Marathon is Corwin Burgess, the genial station agent. Mr. Burgess has occupied that position and that of express and freight agent for many years. He also handles all the coal which comes to Marathon. Through his wide acquaintance and great popularity Mr. Burgess has built up a large and lucrative business. He is assisted by his brother Duane Burgess.
SEAMANS BROS.
Seamans Bros., dealers in general merchandise, occupy the entire lower floor of a commodious block on Cortland-st. They carry a full line of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, They have recently rented the store formerly occupied by M. E. Mack and will add a full assortment of hardware and plumbing supplies. The hardware business will be under the management of Mr. Maine, who for the last ten years has been in the employ of Geo. L. Swift & Sons.
BERGER BROS.
About two years ago this popular firm opened a grocery business in Marathon. They are now located on Cortland-st. and carry a fine assortment of both staple and fancy groceries, dry goods and notions.
S. B. PIERCE.
S. B. Pierce, agent for Ten Counties Co-operative Insurance Co., was born in Homer in 1826. He attended school at Homer with the late B. B. Jones. For the last five years he has been the representative of the above named company, and has a large business in and about Cortland county.
OTHER BUSINESS MEN.
J. S. Burgess owns and conducts a planing mill and general wood shop in Marathon. A saw mill of great capacity is also connected with his business. Here, annually, large numbers of logs are converted into lumber and shipped to nearby points.
W. P. Tyler conducts a general harness and repair shop on Main-st. and receives a fair share of the business of the town.
Wm. Crandall conducts a billiard and pool room and barber shop in pleasant apartments under the Hotel Lynde.
Mrs. M. I. Brown, who conducts the bakery and confectionery store on Main-st., came to Marathon December 1, 1897, and at once started a bakery. Mrs. Brown has had eight years experience in the business in Groton and came to Marathon highly recommended. She carries a full assortment of baked goods, candies and confectionery, and will soon open ice cream and lunch rooms.
The cooperage on the corner of Peck and Brink-sts. is owned and conducted by H. S. Wood, son of the late S. M. Wood. Tubs, firkins, barrels and cheese boxes are manufactured.
C. S. Myers, who conducts a general hardware store on Main-st. is a prominent Democrat and besides looking carefully after his business finds time to engage somewhat in politics. From a small beginning in the hardware trade Mr. Myers has by industry built up a paying business.
In May, 1898, Mr. E. Hilsinger opened a job printing establishment in Marathon, and has by industry built up a comfortable business. He expects soon to purchase a much larger press and to otherwise increase his facilities.
F. J. Hilsinger, paper hanger and painter, is constantly in demand by people of Marathon.
SOME NEARBY FARMERS.
Among the prominent farmers of Marathon we wish to mention Mr. G. Peck Squires, who owns the elegant farm just south of the village. Mr. Squires is also vice-president of the Marathon National bank.
Samuel D. Hammond, who resides about one mile north of town, has an excellent farm and is also prominent in politics, being a member of the county committee.
Mr. J. Harris Hammond, also a prosperous farmer, enjoys the distinction of representing his town as supervisor. He was first elected to the office in 1896 and has been re-elected at each election since. With the board Mr. Hammond is very popular and his superior qualifications were last year recognized by the board in electing him chairman. He resides upon a well kept farm about two miles north of Marathon.
For a village of its size, there is none more hustling in the state and the general public-spiritedness of its citizens keep the town in the front rank as is show in the new system of waterworks recently put in. The general appearance of the prosperity of its inhabitants is a frequent subject of remark among visitors.
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