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| DeRuyter Hotel, formerly Hotel Windsor. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, May 5, 1899.
DeRUYTER.
A Brief Historical Sketch and Mention of Some of the Leading Business Men and Farmers Who Live Near us in Madison County.
Twenty miles northeast of Cortland on the line of the Lehigh Valley railroad lies the village of DeRuyter in Madison county. It is located upon a level tract of land which extends for some miles outside of the business portion of the town to the north and east. On the south, hills rise to the height of several hundred feet. Previous to 1795 what is now the town of DeRuyter was included in the ancient town of Whitestown and was a part of the original Lincklaen Purchase. Trump township was the original name given by Mr. Lincklaen to this town, but this name was only retained until 1798 when the town was incorporated under the name of DeRuyter, named in honor of the famous Admiral DeRuyter. The original township of DeRuyter, when incorporated in 1798, embraced in connection with its present territory the town of Georgetown in Madison county, and the towns of Otselic, Lincklaen, Pitcher and German in Chenango county. The country was principally a wilderness at this time and the howl of the wolf and bear were frequently heard.
EARLY SETTLERS.
In 1793 Elias and Elijah Benjamin came from Dutchess county and settled on a large tract of land and began the work of clearing. During the same year a party of emigrants came from Cazenovia and took up tracts near the present village of DeRuyter. During 1793 Joseph Messenger and Samuel Thompson settled within the present boundaries of the town.
About this time came William Russell and Zenas Rider. They settled in what is now known as Quaker Basin. The daughter of Mr. Russell, Mrs. Harrison Miner, still resides on Utica-st. and, although at an advanced age and confined to her bed most of the time, still enjoys the full possession of her faculties and refers to the early history of the town with great accuracy. Eugene Rider, a prominent business man of DeRuyter, is a grandson of Zenas Rider above spoken of. Joseph Rich moved from Connecticut to DeRuyter in 1795 and erected a grist and saw mill in 1809.
Among others who located at about this time we mention Jeremiah Gage, who was a man of great ability and with fidelity filled many public positions in the town. Thompson Burdick, who came in 1795 and was for many years numbered among DeRuyter's most honored citizens, several of Mr. Burdick's descendants still residing in DeRuyter; Daniel Page, some time before 1800, opened the first public house in DeRuyter. About the same time Samuel Bowen put in a small stock of goods and enjoyed the distinction of being the first merchant in the town.
Dr. Hubbard Smith was the first postmaster and also enjoyed a large practice in DeRuyter and surrounding towns. In 1803 Sylvester Crumb came from Rhode Island and located about three miles east of the present village of DeRuyter on what has since been known as Crumb hill. About this time many other settlers came and located in various parts of the town. Much could be said of these noble men who in those early days contributed to the growth and prosperity of DeRuyter, but space will not permit us to refer farther to past history and we pass briefly to speak of those who at the present time represent the business interests of DeRuyter.
TOWN OFFICERS.
The officers of the town are as follows:
Supervisor—W. W. Ames.
Town Clerk—Eugene Rider.
Justices—G. S. Mason, H. D. Preston, F. R. Wood, G. N. Ames.
Assessors—John W. Wood, Byron D. Delemarter, Leroy Frink.
Highway Commissioner—Calvin Kinney.
Constables—Orrin M. Blanchard, E. F. Coon, Edwin Harris.
THE SCHOOL.
DeRuyter is to be congratulated upon her splendid school accommodations. A large and convenient school building is located upon Utica-st. facing the east.
The school board is at present as follows:
President—Henry Howes.
Trustees—L. R. Swinney, B. S. Bryant, Chas. Hayes. H. P. Mitchell.
Faculty—Principal, Prof. I. Z. Sears; preceptress, Jennie Sheeley; training department, Agnes Post; Intermediate, Helen Robinson, primary, Cassoline Coon; second primary, Miss Wilson. The school is enjoying a high degree of success under the management of Prof. Sears.
CHURCHES.
The following churches are located in DeRuyter and all have large and influential congregations: Baptist, Rev. Mr. Proctor, pastor; S. D. Baptist, Rev. L. R. Swinney, pastor; Congregational, Dr. D. W. Buell, pastor; Methodist, Rev. Mr. Rosenberry, pastor; Quaker Basin Methodist church, Rev. Mr. Rosenberry, pastor.
SIGNOR SAUTELLE.
Among the residents of DeRuyter we mention with great pleasure Signor Sautelle, whose reputation as a successful showman has spread over the entire United States. Signor Sautelle was born in Luzerne, Warren Co., N. Y., in 1848. His early education was obtained at the common schools of his native town and at the age of 18 he entered the office of the Glens Falls Republican as "devil" and there learned the printer's trade. In 1862 Signor Sautelle enlisted in the 18th N. Y. Vol. Infantry as drummer boy, and served until 1865, when he received an honorable discharge.
From early youth Signor Sautelle developed an aptitude for the show business, which has since been the means of his great success. In 1886 Mr. Sautelle and wife embarked in the show business under rather adverse circumstances. His entire outfit consisted of a blind horse for which he paid $12 and a wagon which he purchased for $8. His harness was given him by a friend. For some time Mr. Sautelle and wife traveled about the country giving entertainments in school house halls and churches. The program was varied, consisting of Punch and Judy, sleight of hand performances, etc., but so successful was this venture that soon additions were made to the show. Interest at once increased and as fast as possible new attractions were added to the company, until now Signor Sautelle can truthfully boast of one of the best shows before the American public. For twelve years Mr. Sautelle has occupied elegant winter quarters in Syracuse and has also conducted in connection with his show business a livery, sale and exchange stable in the city.
Some months ago he purchased the Hotel DeRuyter in the village of DeRuyter, and also a 400 acre farm about three miles south in the town of Lincklaen. The hotel is a beautiful brick structure of modern architecture, and has been entirely remodelled and refitted by Mr. Sautelle since he took possession on March 1, 1899. He will at once commence the building of a large ring barn, paint shop, blacksmith shop and stable, and when completed his buildings will occupy many acres of land in the rear of his hotel. He also intends to add another story to his hotel and also put on a mansard roof.
From a very modest beginning, Signor Sautelle has by his aptitude, genial ways and strict attention to business, built up one of the most flourishing shows in existence. His show is by careful judges valued to-day at $100,000. He carries 150 beautiful horses and 175 people, who speak in the highest terms of their employer. Seldom is a town of the size of DeRuyter privileged to count as one of its residents a man so widely and favorably known as Signor Sautelle.
His hotel is elegantly furnished. The walls are adorned by hundreds of portraits of various actors and actresses who have at some time been members of his famous show. The costly diamonds, which now sparkle upon the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Sautelle, look in strange comparison with the $12 horse and $8 wagon which were their only possessions 23 years ago. So much for perseverance and industry! Signor Sautelle is a genial gentleman and rich and poor alike are made to feel at home in his presence. He will open this year at DeRuyter on May 12, after which he will make a tour of the Middle, Eastern and Southern States, returning to DeRuyter to spend the winter.
JOHN COYE.
Among the prominent men of DeRuyter is Mr. John Coye, who for four years has conducted the Taber house. This hotel is one of the best in Madison county and under the management of Mr. Coye has gained a high degree of popularity. It is a large, three story building, finely furnished and fully equipped as a first-class hotel. Every courtesy that can be extended to a guest is cheerfully given by Mr. Coye and his genial clerks, Levi Coon and Ralph Weaver. The house is situated on the corner of Utica and Cortland-sts. and no more pleasant location can be found in town. The kitchen and dining room are under the personal supervision of Mrs. Coye, her table being first-class. A large barn with an excellent livery is run in connection with the house. John, as he is usually called, has by his long acquaintance with the traveling public established a large and profitable business. The bar is well stocked with the best liquors and cigars and all visitors are at once made to feel at home at the Taber house.
B. S. BRYANT.
One of the prominent citizens of DeRuyter we find B. S. Bryant. Mr. Bryant was born in Truxton about fifty years ago. His early life was spent on a farm near Cheningo in the town of Truxton and at the age of twenty years he moved to DeRuyter where he succeeded H. H. Pomeroy as general produce dealer. During the years which have passed Mr. Bryant has handled thousands of dollars worth of produce, and has won for himself an enviable reputation among farmers and citizens generally. So great is is popularity that when the DeRuyter Banking company was incorporated some ten years ago Mr. Bryant was chosen to fill the responsible position of president, which position he still holds. In matters pertaining to the welfare of the town he has ever taken a keen interest and has filled many positions of trust in the village. He lives in a handsome house in the center of the town and with his wife now enjoys the results of years of industry.
JAMES M. POOLE.
James Henry Pool was born in Fabius March 20, 1866. He was educated in the common schools of Cortland county and later attended DeRuyter union school and academy from which he graduated in 1889. He then entered Cornell university and on June 18, 1891, graduated with the degree of L. L. D. He was admitted to the bar as an attorney and counselor at law, Nov. 20, 1891, at Syracuse and at once opened an office in DeRuyter where he has built up a flourishing business in Cortland, Madison and Onondaga counties. Through his efforts, assisted by N. L. Miller of Cortland, Nelson Albro was recently acquitted of assault in the first degree in shooting one Lansing. The circumstances of the case at some points seemed very dark for Albro but the jury at last brought in a verdict of acquittal.
Personally, "Jim" is very popular with all classes. He also is a Democrat and ranks high among the politicians of the county.
EUGENE RIDER.
Eugene Rider was born in DeRuyter in 1844 and has since resided there. In 1861 he enlisted and during the war won a good name for courage and bravery. In conversation relating to the war of the rebellion Mr. Rider once said: "I never had a particle of fear when I saw the Johnnies coming, but I got awful mad and went right after them." He still retains the same principle of determination which characterized him in those perilous days. After his return from the war Mr. Rider for some time conducted a restaurant on Cortland-st., which he sold, and opened a grocery and news room which he now conducts in connection with a lunch room. At the town meeting in 1898 Mr. Rider was elected town clerk on the Republican ticket and reelected last February; he is also property clerk and janitor of Fireman's hall. He is assisted in his store by his capable wife, who very thoroughly looks after business when Mr. Rider is called away.
H. P. MITCHELL.
H. P. Mitchell, who now enjoys the distinction of postmaster of DeRuyter, is a native of the town and for twenty years previous to his appointment has been actively engaged in the insurance business. He was appointed postmaster by President McKinley Jan. 1, 1899. Mr. Mitchell is highly respected in the community in which he lives and together with his family resides in the center of the village. His son, Clarence D. Mitchell, and Mr. Joseph Kennedy act as deputies. Mr. Mitchell has a very convenient insurance office directly over the post office where he can usually be found. He represents many substantial fire insurance companies and handles a large proportion of the insurance of DeRuyter.
W. E. BURDICK.
Perhaps no resident of DeRuyter is more widely or more favorably known than is W. E. Burdick, the present president of the village. Mr. Burdick has been a lifelong resident of the town and for many years has practiced law in Madison and surrounding counties. Mr. Burdick has had a wide experience in the county and supreme courts and his face is a familiar one in Cortland, where he frequently has cases. He has, by virtue of his position as president of the village, the further distinction of being chief of police. In politics Mr. Burdick is a Democrat and he stands high in his party. As an entertainer Mr. Burdick has no superior and but few equals. He occupies pleasant offices on Cortland-st. near the post office.
F. S. MITCHELL.
F. S. Mitchell was born in DeRuyter and for several years was employed as a drug clerk. Some years ago he built his present commodious store and put in a full and complete line of drugs, toilet and fancy articles. The DeRuyter Banking company is located in this store and the business is carefully supervised by Mr. Mitchell who for several years has been its trusted cashier.
H. D. MESSENGER.
H. D. Messenger, attorney at law, is a former resident of Cazenovia, but has recently taken up the practice of law in DeRuyter and is gaining a fair proportion of its law business.
H. D. PRESTON.
H. D. Preston, attorney and counselor at law, occupies a very pleasant store on Cortland-st. where he has constantly on hand a full assortment of sewing machines and extras. He is justice of the peace and agent for many reputable fire insurance companies.
FRANK CRAW.
Among the young business men of DeRuyter is Frank Craw, who since 1898 has conducted a grocery and provision store on Cortland-st. Mr. Craw was born in Fabius and until 1898 resided in that town. He is a careful business man and has already built up a flourishing business.
W. H. HARDIE.
W. H. Hardie, formerly of the firm of Hardie & Orvis, owns and conducts a general dry goods business. He also handles carpets, oil clothes, etc. He is a former resident of Camden and during his few years residence in DeRuyter has built up an excellent business.
F. M. RUSSELL.
F. M. Russell has been a lifelong resident of DeRuyter and now conducts a grocery store. He also handles crockery, glass ware, farm surplus, books, music, etc.
FRANK GARDNER.
Among the recent additions to the business firms of DeRuyter we find Frank Gardner, who came from Shed's Corners on March 1, 1899, and at once opened a general store. His line of goods is full and complete and sold at prices as low as is consistent with good quality.
E. H. LEE.
E. H. Lee was born in Cuyler and twenty-five years ago moved to DeRuyter where he has since conducted a general dry goods and grocery store. He carries an immense stock of goods in all departments and also handles coal and has by his long residence and honest dealing built up a large and profitable trade. Mr. Lee has been remarkably successful in business and has amassed a liberal fortune. He is a brother of Hon. B. F. Lee and George Lee of Cuyler.
H. S. WALKER.
One of the pioneer merchants is Mr. H. S. Walker who for more than forty years has conducted a store in DeRuyter. He is located upon the corner of Cortland and Utica-sts., and carries a full line of stoves, shelf hardware, etc. Mr. Walker vividly recalls the early days of DeRuyter and notes the business changes which have taken place in the village during his residence there.
W. G. WEED.
W. G. Weed, ex-postmaster of DeRuyter, is numbered among the most prominent men of the town. He has been a resident of the village for many years and now conducts a music store, a bakery and confectionery business being also run by him. Fruits in season are largely handled. Socially Mr. Weed is very popular and in politics he is a staunch Democrat.
CLARK BROTHERS.
Clark Brothers conduct a general tinning and plumbing establishment on Cortland-st.
E. S. NEWITT.
E. S. Newitt was born in DeRuyter, but for some time was a resident of the west. He at present conducts a general grocery store and carries a full line of staple and fancy goods. He enjoys a fair share of the business of the town.
R. F. CLARK.
R. F.
Clark, whose early life was spent in DeRuyter, was for several years engaged in
blacksmithing, but during the gold excitement in 1849 he went to California. He
returned some years afterwards and now conducts a grocery, candy, confectionery
and tobacco store.
DERUYTER GLEANER.
The DeRuyter Gleaner, a bright, newsy eight page weekly, is published by W. W. Ames. The Gleaner office is on Utica-st. and is commodious and pleasant. The proprietor is a staunch Republican and enjoys the distinction of being the supervisor of his town and is generally popular with his fellow townsmen.
FRANK FORSHEE.
Frank Forshee owns and conducts a restaurant on Cortland-st. Mr. Forshee was formerly a well-known resident of Marathon, but about two years ago he removed his family to DeRuyter. His place is well conducted and receives its full share of the business of the surrounding country. A large pool and billiard room is attached.
PHYSICIANS.
The physicians of the town are Drs. Coon, C. P. Monroe and James E. McClellan. All are men of wide experience and have succeeded in establishing an extensive practice. Dr. McClellan served as surgeon during the war of the rebellion.
H. C. BLANCHARD.
H. C. Blanchard owns and conducts a clothing store on Cortland-st. A full line of suits, hats, caps and gents' furnishings are constantly kept in stock, also boots and shoes.
W. W. RAINEY.
Perhaps no resident of DeRuyter is more widely or more favorably known than is W. W. Rainey, who conducts a harness repository on Utica-st. For many years Mr. Rainey has acted as auctioneer in different towns and cities of New York State and his equal in this capacity is hard to find. He carries a full line of harness and horse goods.
JOHN MCALLISTER.
John McAllister, formerly a resident of Cuyler, has recently moved to DeRuyter and engaged extensively in the purchase and shipment of eggs. He buys large quantities in Madison and Cortland counties and ships to New York, Paterson, Newark and Jersey City.
W. W. OWENS.
W. W. Owens runs a fine hotel near the depot and has in connection with his house and a large and convenient barn. The bar is stocked with liquors of all description and a well deserved patronage is received by Mr. Owens.
M. E. TALLETT.
M. E. Tallett, produce buyer, station agent and president of DeRuyter Gas company, is largely interested in the welfare of the town.
J. W. FASSETT.
Paul Billings & Co. of Tunkhannock, Pa., have a branch house at DeRuyter. They handle extensively hay, straw, grain and potatoes. The DeRuyter business is under the management of J. W. Fassett of Homer.
DR. SCHAFFER.
Dr. Schaffer, who for some years practiced dentistry at Cortland, has for last four years been located in DeRuyter and by careful attention has established a fine business. He is a genial gentleman and has many friends.
OTHER BUSINESS PEOPLE.
A general bus line is run in the village of DeRuyter and is owned and conducted by Fred Brown and Levi Frink of Pitcher. They run regularly to all trains.
David Wilcox owns and conducts a milk route in the village and has a large trade in milk and cream.
A large steam mill is owned and operated by Alfred Bryant, who has established a lucrative business.
Ed Stanton is an extensive dealer in flour, feed, fertilizers, etc.
J. Church now conducts the old grist mill which lies just outside the village on the Quaker Basin road. He sells all kinds of feed, flour, graham, and buckwheat flour. He also does custom grinding.
Misses Altha Stanton and Jetty Nickolas conduct a millinery store upon Cortland-st. They have a fine assortment of spring hats, feathers, and general trimmings. Both young ladles are very popular and enjoy a large trade among the ladles of DeRuyter and nearby towns.
Mrs. Sarah Cone is engaged actively in the purchase and sale of eggs and does a large business with the surrounding farmers.
W. B. Ryan was formerly a resident of Cuyler, but five years ago removed to DeRuyter and opened a grocery store. By fair and honorable dealing he has established a prosperous business. He carries a full line of groceries, provisions and ski goods.
Among other business men we mention O. M. Blanchard, who conducts a general carriage repair shop. He also deals extensively in all kinds of farm machinery and implements; T. A. Stillman, electrician and jeweler; G. A. Stillman, pioneer bicycle shop and boot and shoe repairs; Blanchard Griffith, who has for ten years conducted a first-class barber shop on Cortland-st.; Virgil & Coon, who conduct a meat market in the building formerly occupied by G. M. Foster, now deceased; E. D. Benjamin conducts a photograph gallery on Cortland-st.; Chas. Rainbow is proprietor of a meat market on Utica-st. and general agent for Smith Bros. of Cortland for the purchase calves, sheep, etc.; J. Allen, general tinning and plumbing establishment; E. H. Coon, general blacksmith and repair shop; Hayes Brothers, wagon shop, general blacksmith shop and foundry; Stephen Seamons, who conducts a barber shop nearly opposite the Sautelle House.
NEARBY FARMERS.
Many wealthy and influential farmers reside in the town of DeRuyter, and their well kept farms are admired by all. Near the village to the south we find the farms of Eugene and Adelbert Tripp and Eugene Perry. In the region of Quaker Basin are the farms of DeForest Warren, John Hunt, B. E. Wood, Sylvanus Holmes, Alfred Blakeman, Mrs. Joseph Crumb, Dell Lewis and Edwin Gage. On Crumb Hill we find the extensive farms of George N. Ames and Charles Crumb.
On the north side of DeRuyter and braced within a radius of five miles are the following well known farmers: Alvin Stewart, Mrs. Jas. H. Tripp, James Delamarter, Deloss Lewis, DeLloyd Burdick, Dewitt Clark and Leroy Vincent.
THE RESERVOIR.
In the northern part of the town of DeRuyter is located a large reservoir which was built by the state. It is used as a feeder for the Erie canal. Last year several thousands of dollars were expended upon improvements about the reservoir. Excellent fishing is found here and visitors at the reservoir are many.
SHED'S CORNERS.
Shed's Corners, a small hamlet, lies in the north-eastern portion in the town of DeRuyter and contains a few houses and one store. It is also a station upon the Lehigh Railroad.
Thus briefly the writer has endeavored to speak of some of the residents of DeRuyter, who during the last century have contributed to the present prosperity of the town. Much more could be said, but it is to be hoped that the young people may endeavor to profit by the experiences of the past and press forward with greater diligence in their efforts to advance the interests of the town which is their inheritance.
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