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| Well's Hall and Well's block, Clinton Ave., Sanborn Fire Insurance map 1897. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, May 12, 1899.
STILL INCREASING.
Gillette Skirt Co. Doubles Its Output—Custom Dressmaking.
It is with pardonable pride that Cortland people watch our many industries enlarge and none have come to the front in volume of business faster than the Gillette Skirt Co. It is less than two and one-half years since it was started and it has come to be so large that nearly all the Well's block above the ground floor is occupied.
Till January 1 last, the sales were entirely through agents but at that time Mr. H. B. Pomeroy of Syracuse, formerly with Warner Bros. of Bridgeport, became associated with Mr. N. H. Gillette and an entirely new line of skirts in some thirty styles was soon put on the market, the sales being entirely to merchants, with whom Mr. Pomeroy has a most extensive acquaintance.
This new line necessitated the adding of many new machines and an increase in the force of employees, until the output is now nearly double what it was before January. The busy season with agents is the dull season with dealers and vice versa so that the factory has no dull season. They work nights much of the time and are far behind orders.
To meet the call of agents for it, a custom dress-making department has been added in two rooms on the second floor and this has so increased in a few months that more room is needed for this department. It is in charge of Mrs. Allsopp, an experienced dressmaker who makes frequent trips to New York and is thoroughly up-to-date in styles. Unsolicited, much local work of this nature has come in but is at present being turned away on account of the large amount already promised.
From a small beginning a little more than two years ago, the Gillette Skirt Co. has come to be ranked with our largest industries and Mr. N. H. Gillette, the genial manager, is constantly reaching out and securing more business.
CUYLER, N. Y.
An Article Telling of Those who Founded this Prosperous Town and Mention of Many Who Now Reside There.
The town of Cuyler is situated in the extreme northeastern part of the county. It was formed from the town of Truxton, on the 18th of November, 1858, and was the last town formed in Cortland county. The surface of the town is hilly, broken by several wide and fertile valleys. The east branch of the Tioughnioga river crosses the town and is re-enforced by Onondaga creek, which runs through Keeney settlement, uniting with the main stream near Cuyler village. Several other small streams run through various parts of the town which finally unite with the Tioughnioga. Muncy Hill is the highest point of land in the town and rises gradually to the height of several hundred feet. As has been previously stated the town of Truxton formerly embraced all that territory now known as Cuyler. The first settlement made in that section was in 1798. The first house erected was named "Home," which in its fullest meaning signifies much.
EARLY SETTLERS.
In 1793 Samuel Benedict came to Cuyler and located on lot No. 12. He was at this time monarch of all he surveyed. In 1794 Nathaniel Potter, Christopher Whitney, David Morse and Benjamin Brown located in various parts of the town. Nathaniel Potter came from Saratoga county in the spring of 1794 and settled upon lot 96, paying $1.10 an acre for his land. He built a small house near the State bridge, and at once began the work of clearing up the dense forests which surrounded his humble home. Penelope Potter, a daughter of Nathaniel Potter, in 1810 was married to Nathaniel Patrick and became the mother of fourteen children, one of whom was the late Hon. Stephen Patrick of Truxton.
David Morse came from New Jersey and settled on lot 87, which embraced the present site of the village of Cuyler. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and drew his lot as a bounty. He was a man of great ambition and became in after years a very successful farmer. He was also a prominent member of the Methodist church. He became the father of two sons, David and Joseph, who also settled upon the same lot. Wm. A. Morse, a grandson of the pioneer settler, now resides in Cuyler upon the old homestead, and in company with his son, Eugene Morse, now owns and conducts the large and fertile farms which were formerly the property of their forefathers. Mrs. S. F. Brown, wife of the present postmaster of Cuyler, is a great-granddaughter of David Morse.
James Lockwood came from Pennsylvania at the same time with Mr. Morse and their trip up the Tioughnioga river in a canoe was perilous and exciting. One ox team was also utilized to convey their scanty stock of household goods from the river to their destination.
About the same time came Benjamin Brown from Connecticut. He settled upon lot 87 which has for many years been known as Keeney's settlement. Mr. Brown was a man who took great interest in the welfare of the town. His grandson, Benjamin Brown, was a successful teacher as well as a very enterprising farmer and was the father of the present postmaster, S. F. Brown.
During the five years which followed, many additions were made to the population of Cuyler. Among the notable residents in those early days, we mention Isaac Brown, who settled upon lot 99 in 1806; Zebediah Gates located on lot 88 in the year 1807; Joseph and Martin Keeler settled on lot 96 about the year 1797.
Jesse Blanchard located on lot 66 in the year 1798; William Blanchard came the same year and settled on lot 77. Jesse and William married sisters of Amasa Whitmarsh, who came about the same time from Vermont. William Blanchard was a soldier in the war of 1812 and upon his return to Cuyler took up his trade as blacksmith. He was a skillful mechanic and followed the blacksmith business for many years. William Blanchard was for many years postmaster of Cuyler, for several years assessor of the town and also served as justice of the peace for several terms.
James Vincent located in Cuyler in 1800 and in 1806 was followed by Charles Vincent. Many of their descendants now reside in Fabius and Cuyler. Hon. Stephen Patrick with his parents came to Cuyler in 1812, locating on lot 86. Mr. Patrick was a prominent citizen; was in the employ of the Delaware & Hudson Canal company from 1833 to 1839 and in 1866 represented Cortland county in the legislature. Mr. Patrick was a man of remarkable business ability and for some years was a successful farmer in the town of Truxton. His son, J. W. Patrick, is now a prominent farmer in the town of Cuyler and enjoys the distinction of being supervisor of his town.
During the ten years which followed, many new names were added as residents of Cuyler. Space will not permit us to speak personally of all these noble men and women and we pass to speak in a brief way of their early work.
FIRST SCHOOLS.
The first school was taught in Daniel Morse's log house by Jabez [Kiep] in 1800 and about the same time Thomas Queensbury taught school in Hollenbeck's barn on lot 77.
FIRST MILL.
The first mill in the town of Cuyler was built by John Corbett in 1803. This was a saw mill, but during the following year a carding and grist mill was erected on the same lot by James Dorwood. This was the first carding mill in New York state and was largely patronized.
The second saw mill in town was built by Judge Charles Vincent on lot 78 and was run by him until 1844. At this time a saw mill was located upon what is now known as the Keeler farm and was owned by S. F. and I. D. Brown, great grandsons of Benjamin Brown, one of the pioneer settlers before mentioned.
Silas Blanchard erected the first cheese factory in the town of Cuyler in 1864.
When the war of the rebellion [civil war] broke out the town of Cuyler furnished a large quota of brave and fearless men who acquitted themselves with credit during the four years of hostilities which followed.
The town of Cuyler was without railroad communication until about 1870, when what was known as the Auburn branch of the Midland was laid through the town. This road gave Cuyler communication on the east with Norwich and with Cortland on the south.
CUYLER ORGANIZED.
Under a special act of the legislature in 1859 the town of Cuyler was formed. The following officers had already been named at a town meeting held on the 18th of November, 1858:
Supervisor, Lewis Sears , town clerk, Alexander Dunce; justices of the peace, James Burdick, Walt Besley, Daniel Fairbanks; assessors, John A. Keeney, William S. Merchant; commissioners of highways, Ezra Benjamin, Henry Smith, Seabury B. Henry; overseers of poor, Francis B. Aldrich, Robert Griswold; inspectors of election, Warren A. Jones, Horace Benjamin, Franklin Blanchard; collector, James Allen; constables, James Allen, Wm. F. Wall, Ransom Fairbank, James Breed, Elisha House.
FIRST STORE AND HOTEL.
The first store of much importance in town was run by C. J. Vincent, although it is thought that a gentleman by the name of Hull had a small store there as early as 1806. The first hotel in Cuyler was kept by Joseph Sweetland in 1806.
The first physician in Cuyler was Dr. Christopher L. Main, who became a member of the Cortland County Medical society in 1836.
In 1839 the Methodist church was erected and regular services were held. In the year 1840 the members of the Baptist society (which numbered only a few persons) erected a frame church building in the hamlet of Keeney's settlement. This church was not, however, financially successful and in 1866 the building was purchased by the Methodists and is now connected with the Fabius circuit. A union church was erected at South Cuyler just previous to the war of 1861. The society thus formed was not a very strong one, but its members were all earnest and determined men who were anxious to build up the church and improve the spiritual condition of the residents. A Seventh Day Baptist church was organized about the year 1850 on what is known as Burdick Hill, and has since enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity.
Thus briefly have we reviewed the early history of the town, and we pass now to speak of present residents who have added much to the prosperity of the town.
ADAM PETRIE.
Among the oldest and most respected citizens of Cuyler we speak of Adam Petrie, who for many years has been a resident of the town. Mr. Petrie has filled many positions of trust in his town and to-day lives retired upon his large and productive farm, enjoying the results of years of toll. His son-in-law, S. E. Curtis, formerly a member of the firm of Kellogg & Curtis of Cortland, now works the farm and cares for Mr. Petrie, who is in poor health. In politics Mr. Petrie is a free silver Democrat and has always been a strong supporter of Bryan.
WM. PETRIE.
Wm. Petrie, a brother of Adam, has been a resident of Cuyler for many years. He now owns and occupies a productive farm near the Truxton line and is considered one of the most substantial men of the town. In politics Mr. Petrie is a Democrat and is, like his brother, a faithful follower of Bryan principles.
HON. B. F. LEE.
Hon. B. F. Lee was born in Cuyler in 1853 and received his early education at the schools of his native town. At an early age, Mr. Lee developed an aptitude for business which has ever since characterized him as a leader. He and his brother, Geo. W. Lee, now own and conduct one of the finest and most productive farms in the town of Cuyler. They have also large land interests in other towns. Their farm near Syracuse is especially worthy of mention. Last year they erected a very large and substantial barn upon the homestead. The building is of modern architecture and built almost entirely of the best quality pine. When finished the building will cost about $3,500. For six years B. F. Lee was supervisor of his town and for four years a justice of the peace. So great was his popularity that in 1893 he was elected member of assembly and in that capacity served upon several important committees. Geo. W. Lee, like his brother, is a prominent man and has served his town as supervisor. The two brothers some years ago formed a partnership and together they manage their large interests. They own about 1,000 cows which they lease to farmers in this and adjoining counties. They also deal extensively in live stock of all descriptions, buying and selling in carload lots. Personally the Lee brothers are very popular and visitors are ever welcome to their beautiful farm home.
EUGENE MORSE.
Eugene Morse, a son of W. A. Morse, was born in Cuyler in 1852 and with the exception of a few years spent in the grocery business in Cortland, has been a continuous resident of Cuyler. Mr. Morse is the owner of a large and productive farm just south of the village. He has always displayed a great interest in the affairs of his town and has filled the position of collector and assessor. Mr. Morse is a staunch Republican, but last year was allied with the Independent movement. He was a candidate for supervisor, but although polling a large number of votes was defeated by J. W. Patrick, the regular Republican candidate.
J. WESLEY PATRICK.
J. W. Patrick, who now fills the office of supervisor of Cuyler, was born in Truxton about fifty years ago. His father Hon. Stephen Patrick, was one of the early settlers and was a man of rare literary attainments as well as of wide personal observation and the early training of his son was considered of paramount importance in his mind. The early life of young Patrick was spent upon the farm and there he formed those principles of perseverance and industry which have since characterized his life. Mr. Patrick has held several offices in his town and now represents his fellow townsmen upon the board of supervisors. He is also largely engaged in farming and owns and conducts a fertile farm about a mile southwest of Cuyler village.
W. A. MORSE.
W. A. Morse, one of the oldest citizens of the town, was born in Cuyler in 1827 and is a grandson of David Morse, one of the first settlers in the town. He now lives upon the farm formerly owned and occupied by his grandfather. Mr. Morse has filled many positions of trust in town and to-day enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow townsmen. His farm, consisting of several hundred acres of land, is situated in close proximity to the village and is well kept, and remarkably productive. Mr. Morse is the father of Eugene Morse, a prominent resident of Cuyler, and also Mrs. Seabury F. Brown of Cuyler and Mrs. John McAllister of DeRuyter.
SEABURY F. BROWN.
Seabury F. Brown was born in Cuyler in 1854 and was the son of Benjamin Brown and grandson of Seabury Brown, after whom he received his name. Brown is a man of sterling business qualifications and universally respected by all parties. For twelve years he in company with his brother, I. D. Brown, owned and conducted the grist and saw mill which stands just east of the Lehigh tracks, in the village of Cuyler. During these years the firm built up a large and flourishing business. In 1896 Brown Bros. sold the mill property to F. C. and P. L. Whitmarsh, who now own and conduct the same. In Feb. 1898, S. F. Brown was appointed postmaster at Cuyler village to succeed Mr. L. Holmes. In this position he has given the best of satisfaction to both parties. Mr. Brown has also held the office of railroad commissioner for the past ten years. Mr. Brown and family occupy a very comfortable home near the postoffice, and together enjoy the fruits of his early labor.
LUTHER HOLMES.
Prominent among the business men of Cuyler is Luther Holmes, ex-postmaster of the village. Mr. Holmes has for many years been a resident of the town and now conducts a general blacksmith and repair shop. He also owns and operates a farm which is situated about two miles north of the village, and is largely interested in any measure which tends to promote the welfare of Cuyler. Mr. Holmes is a prominent Democrat and highly respected by all.
ADELBERT HOLMES.
Adelbert Holmes, a son of Luther Holmes, is one of the representative young men of this county and at present is a member of the firm of Babcock & Holmes, dealers in dry goods, groceries, clothing, etc. Mr. Holmes is a prominent Odd Fellow, belonging to the DeRuyter lodge, and is very popular with his customers.
JOHN W. BABCOCK.
John W. Babcock, senior member of the firm of Babcock & Holmes, is a native of Cuyler and during his short experience in the mercantile business, has won a large circle of friends. They carry a full line of dry goods, ready-made clothing, groceries, boots and shoes and provisions. By strict attention to business this firm has built up a flourishing country trade.
TOWN OFFICERS.
The officers of the town at present are as follows: Supervisor. J. W. Patrick; town clerk, G. F. Fairbanks; justice, E. J. Albro, Isaac [Rigby,] R. A. Ryan, L. S. Barber; assessors, Wm. Thompson, Wm. Hall, H. W. Keeney; highway commissioner, Geo. Bogardus; collector, Ira Kinney , overseer of poor, Enos Babcock; constables, Geo. Bogardus, Fayette Keeler, B. B. Cardner, Fred Steele, S. A. Burtis.
Cuyler village has a very comfortable and inviting school house situated near the church. Prof. T. J. Gleason is the principal and Miss H. Mable Hull the assistant.
A prosperous church of the Methodist denomination flourishes in Cuyler which is ably presided over by Rev. Mr. Andrews.
F. H. FARRINGTON.
F. H. Farrington has for some time been located at the Lehigh station as station agent, telegraph operator and United States express agent.
A large milk shipping station was some years ago erected in Cuyler. This is owned by Henry Arnstine of New York. The milk of 2,000 or more cows is daily received and shipped to New York.
During the year 1898 the price of milk went down so low that many of the farmers of Cuyler formed a combination and erected a large creamery near the residence of W. A. Morse. This factory is fully equipped with all necessary machinery for the manufacture of butter and cheese.
EZRA J. ALBRO.
Perhaps one of the best known citizens of Cuyler is Ezra J. Albro, who was born there in 1847. At the breaking out of the war young Albro, although only 16 years of age, enlisted in the 10th N. Y. cavalry and served with distinction during the war. At its close Mr. Albro returned to Cuyler and engaged in farming. He owns and operates a farm about three miles north of Cuyler, and is besides actively engaged in buying calves and other stock for Smith Brothers of Cortland. Mr. Albro has filled many offices in his town and has for the last five years been one of the justices in Cuyler.
A. HOUSE.
The only hotel in town is owned and conducted by A. House. Mr. House was for many years the proprietor of the Fabius hotel, but about eight years ago effected an exchange with Chas. Vincent, whereby Mr. Vincent went to Fabius and Mr. House took possession of the Cuyler house. Mr. House is well-known throughout the county and enjoys a large trade. For the past few years Mr. House has not enjoyed the best of health and this spring the services of Mr. L. J. Horton were secured. Mr. Horton is a gentleman fully acquainted with the hotel business and looks well to the interest of his guests.
HENRY HOWES.
Among the prominent men of Cuyler is Henry Howes, who owns a fine farm near the DeRuyter village line, and besides looking after this is actively engaged in the purchase and sale of stock. He is also deeply interested in the politics of his town and is known as a leader of the Independent Republican faction.
A. D. THEOBOLD.
A. D. Theobold about two years ago came to Cuyler and purchased the hardware store. He is a tinner and plumber by trade and carries a full line of general country hardware.
DR. WHITMARSH.
Dr. Whitmarsh, for many years an active physician of Cuyler, now runs a drug store, and also handles tobacco, cigars, candies, etc. A barber shop is located in his store.
CHARLES WARD.
Charles Ward has recently built a new blacksmith shop upon the hill in the village of Cuyler. Mr. Ward is a first-class mechanic and receives a just proportion of business.
HENRY D. WATERS.
Henry D. Waters is one of Cuyler's oldest residents. He owns and conducts a large farm and incidentally continues the practice of law of which profession he has long been a member.
WHITMARSH BROS.
Whitmarsh Bros. own and run a grist and saw mill in the village of Cuyler. When the Spanish war broke out Mr. P. L. Whitmarsh enlisted as a member of the 203d N. Y. Volunteers and at once reported for duty, When the company was mustered out he Joined tho regular army and is now stationed at Augusta, Ga. The business management therefore falls upon Mr. F. C. Whitmarsh. They carry a full line of flour and feed and do much custom grinding for the surrounding farmers. A saw and planing mill is also run in connection with the grist mill.
NEARBY FARMERS.
The residents of Cuyler are largely interested in agriculture and many beautiful and productive farms are there situated. Among the prominent farmers we wish to speak of Hon. Harlan P. Andrews who owns a fine farm just west of Cuyler village. Mr. Andrews rents his farm and at present resides in Cazenovia.
Mrs. Mary Lee owns a large farm just north of Cuyler which is now worked by John Murray. Farther north on the road towards DeRuyter, we find the well kept farms of J. Rigby and M. Benjamin. On Cuyler Hill are located the farms of R. A. Ryan, Geo. Albro and ex-Supervisor Wells G. Cardner. On or near the Lincklaen road are the farms of Wm. Thompson, I. N. Brown and Wm. Yager.
North of Cuyler is the extensive farm of Lee Brothers; the large and productive farm of David Smith and upon the hill nearby the farm of Ezra Albro. On the Keeney settlement road are the farms of H. W. Keeney, J. W. Patrick, Wm. Baldwin and Hon F. P. Saunders.
South of the village are the farms of W. A. Morse, Eugene Morse and Frank Teeter.
The people of Cuyler are largely engaged in farming and are numbered among the most substantial citizens of Cortland county. In politics Cuyler leads the world, and upon the approach of election the town of Cuyler is always the scene of great activity. The town boasts a Republican majority and two factions known as the Howes and Lee followers can always be found in the field. At the last town meeting an unusual amount of activity was apparent.
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