The Cortland Democrat, Friday, April 21, 1899.
LAPEER.
A Brief History of the Town and Some of Its Residents.
The town of Lapeer lies between the towns of Marathon and Harford and is bounded on the south by Broome and Tioga counties. The section of country constituting this town was formerly a part of Virgil, and was organized as a separate township on the 2nd of May, 1845. The surface of the town is for the most part hilly, but not to such an extent as to render agriculture either unpleasant or unprofitable. Luce Hill in the northwestern part of the town is the highest point, rising from 1600 to 1700 feet above tide. Several small streams run through the town, cutting the hills laterally. Fall creek, the largest of these streams, runs through the southern part of the town and upon this stream is located Hunt's falls, a beautiful cascade sixty feet in height. The soil is particularly adapted to grazing and the inhabitants are largely engaged in dairying.
PRIMUS GRANT.
The first settler of the town was Primus Grant, a colored man who came from Guinea, Africa. He purchased a tract of land on lot No. 595, settled on it in 1799, and commenced the work of clearing it. Here he died and was buried upon one of the high bluffs which are seen along the stream known as Big brook. The Grant farm has for some years been known as the Jennings homestead.
PETER GRAY.
Peter Gray was the first white settler in the town. He came from Ulster, Sullivan county, in July, 1802, and located on lot No. 70. He reared a highly respectable family, many descendants of which are now living in Lapeer. One of the daughters afterwards became the wife of the late Hon. Dan C. Squires, also a resident of Lapeer.
SETH JENNISON.
In 1803 Seth Jennison removed from the "land of steady habits'' and settled on lot No. 597 in the town of Lapeer. Here he continued to reside until the time of his death. He reared three sons, Rufus, Alfred and Harry, all of whom were highly respected citizens of Lapeer and Harford.
DANIEL C. SQUIRES.
Dan C. Squires, one of the most prominent citizens Lapeer has ever known, was born November 23, 1793. His father, John S. Squires, a native of Connecticut, came to Lapeer from Lisle in 1807 and settled on lot No. 68. The opportunities for acquiring an education were somewhat limited during his early days, but by great perseverance he was able to so store his fertile mind with knowledge than in after years he was able to fill with credit to himself and to his constituents, many public offices both in town and county. The following record in office holding fittingly exemplifies the high esteem in which Mr. Squires was held by his fellow townsmen. He held the office of justice of the peace twenty-eight years, supervisor of the town fourteen years, and was chairman of the board six years; was superintendent of schools several years; and was the first school commissioner in Cortland county, having received his appointment from the state before the present method of election by votes was adopted. He was justice of sessions three years and member of assembly in 1865 and 1872. He served twenty-two years in the state militia holding the offices of captain, lieutenant colonel and colonel. Mr. Squires was the father of Ex-District Attorney Jerome Squires, now a promising attorney of Buffalo.
ASA HUNT.
Asa Hunt, the founder of Hunt's Corners, was born in Windham, Windham county, Connecticut. When eighteen years of age he came on foot to Lapeer, locating on lot No. 41 where the present little hamlet known as Hunt's Corners now stands. His son, Wm. E. Hunt, now resides upon the homestead and is highly respected by his fellow townsmen.
SIMEON LUCE.
The first grist mill in Lapeer was built by Simeon Luce in 1827, but it has since fallen into decay and at present the people of Lapeer go to Marathon for their custom grinding and feed. The first saw mill was built by Samuel and John Gee in 1825. During the year 1874, Sidney Pease erected a steam saw mill and also equipped the mill with appliances for the manufacture of cider. This mill still does a thriving business and is owned and conducted by Sidney Underwood.
WILLIAM E. HUNT.
William E. Hunt, a descendant of the early settlers, still resides upon the homestead and enjoys to a marked decree the result of the industry of his forefathers. Mr. Hunt is an extensive land owner and breeder of fine horses. He has been prominently identified with the interests of his town, having represented it as supervisor during the years of 1866, 1887, and 1889. He held the office of justice of the peace for seventeen consecutive years, and town clerk for several terms. Mr. Hunt's pleasant home is situated in the little hamlet named in his honor. In the absence of a hotel the home of Mr. Hunt is always open to receive travelers.
JOHN HOUSE.
Among the prominent and wealthy farmers of Lapeer we speak with great pride of John House, who was born in Virgil in 1836, on what is now known as the Stewart farm near Frank's Corners. He received his education at the Cortlandville Academy. Mr. House then began the work of teaching, which work was highly satisfactory. He taught successfully schools in Cortland, Tompkins and Tioga counties. While engaged as a teacher Mr. House commenced the study of law and later continued it with Judge Crandall of Cortland. He also studied medicine for some time with Dr. Fredrick Hyde of Cortland. He moved to Lapeer in 1886, and purchased his present beautiful home of 240 acres. Under his careful management he has converted this tract into one of the most productive and beautiful farms in Cortland county. The buildings are large and of modern architecture and everything about the place bears an appearance of prosperity. Mr. House was for eight years a justice of the peace in his town and has held several other town offices. In 1864 he married Miss Mary C. Johnson, the only daughter of William and Hettie Johnson. Mrs. House died two years ago, leaving two sons, Orson A. House and John C. House, who still reside at home with their father. Mr. House is a man of excellent judgment and his advice is frequently sought by the people of Lapeer.
ORSON A. HOUSE.
Orson A. House, the oldest son of John House, was born upon what is known as the Carson farm in the town of Virgil, December 1, 1870. His early education was obtained at the schools of Dryden and Marathon academy. He then attended the Central school at Binghamton and later Lowell Business college from which he graduated in 1891. Mr. House taught several terms and soon developed an aptness for politics in which he has since been identified. He is a Republican and has several times acted as county committeeman from Lapeer. He has also been appointed upon the congressional committee and has held every office in his school district and nearly all in his town. He is at present a justice of the peace, having three times been re-elected by increased majorities. At an early age Mr. House learned the printer's trade and has since written many articles for surrounding papers. Mr. John C. House owns and oversees a large cheese factory located in the town of Lapeer and is also the constable of the town.
JEROME AND FRANK SQUIRES.
Of the men who originally came from Lapeer and who have since been prominent in this county we would mention Jerome Squires, ex-district attorney of the county, and his brother Frank C. Squires, who was at one time school commissioner of the first district. The wife of Frank C. Squires enjoyed the distinction of being a schoolmate of Miss Francis Folsom, who later became the wife of ex-President Grover Cleveland.
TOWN OFFICERS.
The officers of the town are as follows:
Supervisor— Frank M. Surdam.
Town Clerk—Wm. Verreau.
Justices—Orson A. House, L. A. Lamphere, Abner Johnson, E. A. Homer.
Highway Commissioner—Talma Hill.
Assessors—S. R. Alvord. Henry Boice, M. W. Parker.
Collector—Miner Conrad.
Overseer of Poor—Dwight Freeman.
Constable—John H. House.
CHURCHES.
Two churches are located in the town. In one the Methodist and Baptist societies unite for services. The pulpit is supplied by Revs. Estus and Flora. The church on Parker street is well attended and services are regularly conducted by G. Martin Brooks of Marathon.
Prominent among the extensive land owners of Lapeer we mention Walter L. Chaplin of Messengerville, who owns and rents 200 acres in that town. The farm is under the management of Mr. Chaplin's son in law, Geo. Burton.
JAS. R. ROBINSON.
We speak with great pleasure of James R. Robinson, who for upwards of forty years has been a resident of Lapeer. Mr. Robinson is the owner of a beautiful farm of 305 acres and keeps from fifty to seventy-five cows. The farm is under the personal supervision of Mr. Bert Conrad. Mr. Robinson has for many years been engaged in buying and shipping cattle to New York and New Jersey. Twice he has served his town as supervisor and his judgment is much sought on matters of importance. As an entertainer Mr. Robinson is excelled by few and his friends are legion.
S. E. ROBINSON.
About one half mile north of J. R. Robinson's farm lies the three hundred acre farm of S. E. Robinson. This farm is under a high state of cultivation and can easily keep one hundred head of cattle. Mr. Robinson at present milks forty-two cows and delivers his milk daily at Marathon. An inspection of the stock of Mr. Robinson would well repay any lover of well bred and well kept cattle. Personally Mr. Robinson is very popular among his townsmen.
Especial mention should be made of the farms of Eugene Johnson and Walter Bliss, which are located in the eastern part of the town of Lapeer and upon the town line. They are models of neatness and fully exemplify the business principles of these owners.
The only store in town is conducted by Geo. Wheeler and is well patronized by the nearby farmers. Mr. Wheeler is a Democrat, but still holds the post office through his general popularity.
FRANK M. SURDAM.
Frank Surdam, supervisor of the town, is a prosperous farmer of the town, and resides about one mile north of Hunt's Corners. Many times during the last ten years Mr. Surdam has represented his town upon the board of supervisors and his countenance is a familiar one at the county seat.
Among other prominent farmers we mention M. E. Parker, Myron Pierce, Benjamin Chaplin, Henry Murray, Thomas Parker and Edwin Parker.
MARATHON.
Through an oversight several of the Marathon business places were unintentionally omitted last week and we hasten to mention them.
THE LYNDE HOTEL.
The Lynde Hotel is a building of modern construction, three stories high, with an open basement situated near the D., L. & W. depot on West Main-st. The hotel was formerly owned and conducted by Moses Rogers and was then known as the Rogers House. Some twelve years ago Mr. Ira Lynde entered the employ of Mr. Rogers, in which capacity he continued for two years and then, in company with his brother, D. C. Lynde, he purchased the hotel, which they have since conducted. The house is well furnished and no better accommodations can be obtained on the line of the D., L. & W. railroad. The culinary department is under the direct supervision of Mrs. D. C. Lynde and the table is first class. A large barn Is connected with the hotel. Dewitt and Ira, as they are familiarly known, are genial gentlemen and have by their honorable dealing won the esteem of the traveling public.
RAILROAD HOUSE.
The Railroad House was built some three years ago and was until recently conducted by P. J. Comerfort. The house enjoyed a good degree of prosperity, but about six months ago Mr. Comerfort died suddenly. The house has since been run by John Lynch, a brother in law of Mr. Comerfort. Mr. Lynch is very popular with the public and enjoys a fair proportion of the trade of that section.
V. H. PALMER.
V. H. Palmer, one of the substantial men of Marathon, has conducted a jewelry store on West Main St., for nearly twenty years. Mr. Palmer carries a full line of silver and plated ware, watches, clocks, etc. He also gives personal attention to repairing.
E. J. BOWDISH.
E. J. Bowdish has for many years conducted a livery and sale stable on Main St., near the river bridge. His barns are large and well arranged. Mr. Bowdish is largely engaged in the purchase and sale of horses and has recently returned from Buffalo with seven gentleman's roadsters which he offers at a bargain.
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| Maj. Gen. Henry Ware Lawton. |
TROOPS RETREATING.
General Lawton's Forces Returning to Manila.
MANILA. April 18.—General Lawton has been ordered to return to Manila and is preparing to comply with the order at once. All the territory he has captured is to be evacuated and all the launches he seized to be restored to their original owners—that is to say, they will be given back to the persons from whom Aguinaldo's soldiers took them.
General Lawton regrets exceedingly being compelled to evacuate the territory he had captured, but explained the order by saying:
"The present prospect is that 100,000 troops will be necessary to pacify the Philippine Islands. The difficulties in the way are those of fighting guerrillas in a tropical country. With my brigade I could force my way from one end of the islands to the other, if I did not have to hold the territory I traversed. But leaving garrisons behind would soon eat up the whole force."
THE MILK PROBLEM.
Several Stations Closed—The F. S. M. P. A. Making a Pretty Fight—Refuse to Deliver Milk.
The large army of farmers who supply the milk for the New York market are waging their warfare against the Milk Exchange with a determination to win. Notwithstanding their recent disappointment over the failure to close a contract with a new organization in New York, the association seems as strong as it ever was, and in many instances the farmers have compelled milk stations to close entirely because of their failure to deliver milk.
The members of the F. S. M. P. A. at Whitney's Point sent a notice last week to Mr. Laemmle, owner of the milk station, that they could not deliver milk after April 10 at the Exchange price. Getting no reply they stopped drawing milk Tuesday morning, some of it going to Lisle, some to Page brook and some to Barnes & Whittaker's creamery. The station is still open and some of Mr. Laemmle's patrons are still drawing their milk there. At a meeting of the branch held Monday arrangements were made with A. W. Page to open a creamery in the village. He has since rented the hall of Geo. Bishop, and will put in an engine and separator and expects to be ready for business in about ten days.
A similar demand for better prices is being made in many other places. The Killawog branch, where the dairymen are well organized and pulling together, withdrew their milk from the station there with the result that that station is closed, and a creamery is to be opened by D. D. Ensign, E. M. Sessions and Frank Jennings, who have leased the barn of Mott Hoyt, and will buy milk of the farmers.
At a meeting held in Walton last week to sign the new contracts with the condensary at that place, the producers were first asked to sign for a year, and on refusing this were given a chance to sign for six months, with the exception of those who had been most prominent in the association. The producers stood by their friends nobly and would not sign under those conditions. On Saturday, the day on which the new contracts went into effect only six of the old patrons brought their milk. The fight is now on with a vengeance and will be continued with vigor.
A number of the creameries and condensaries along the line of the O. & W. have taken advantage of the temporary failure of the Five States Milk Producers association to take the milk contracted for and are disciplining some of its most prominent members by refusing to accept their milk, giving as a reason some trivial and unfounded excuse. At South Gilboa the creamery refused to accept their milk from any member of the F. S. M. P. A.
The Sherburne News states that the milk station at that place has been closed and the patrons are obliged to care for their milk as best they can. Some of them are taking their milk to the Robinson creamery. The News further says: "This is a hard blow to the farmers, but it is nothing more than they might have expected after the trick played on them last year at the beginning of the flush season when the station was closed and kept closed for a long time. Better go to making butter and full cream cheese until the F. S. M. P. A. is ready to do business, which we trust will not be a very long time ahead."
The local section of the F. S. M. P. A. at Marathon held a meeting last Saturday and unanimously passed the following resolutions:
WHEREAS, The milk dealers and members of the Milk Exchange of New York have refused a hearing to our representatives or to consider our just complaints, Therefore, be it
Resolved, That when the president of our local section, being ordered by the executive committee of the Central organization shall order that the milk produced by the members of this local section be withheld from sale for, or shipment to New York we, each and all, do hereby pledge ourselves to withhold said milk and in evidence thereof we do hereto affix our names.
Resolved, That these resolutions become a part of the bylaws of our local section and any member violating the same shall thereby forfeit his right as a member of our organization and all benefits that may derived therefrom.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the local papers for publication; that copies be sent to F. B. Alken, president of our Central association, and to J. D. F. Woolston, president of our route union.
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