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| Lehigh Valley R. R. Depot, Truxton, N. Y. |
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| Hotel Kenney, Truxton, N. Y. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, May 19, 1899.
TRUXTON.
A History of the Town and Its Early Settlers, and Mention of Many Who are to-day Prominent as Business Men or Residents.
The town of Truxton lies upon the northern boundary of Cortland county and is intersected by the east branch of the Tioughnioga river and the Lehigh Valley railroad. The town was named in honor of Commodore Truxton, and was organized from Fabius April 8, 1808, embracing the southern half of that military township. In 1811 the northern tier of lots of Solon were annexed. The territory of Truxton as then formed, remained unchanged until 1858, when the town of Cuyler was set off from the eastern portion.
The surface of the town is a broken upland dividing into ridges which have a northerly and southerly direction. On the northern border of the town is a small sheet of water called Labrador pond which is noted for its picturesque scenery. The traveler driving from Tully to Truxton must of necessity pass through this romantic spot. For a considerable distance the highway is bordered by a thick growth of underbrush, the monotony of which is occasionally broken by a stately pine or stalwart oak. Partridges and rabbits are often seen by travelers while driving through this section.
The town is next to the largest in the county and contains 28,099 acres. Only Virgil can boast a larger acreage.
FIRST SETTLERS.
The first settler in the town of Truxton was Samuel C. Benedict, who located on lot No. 12, which is now within the town of Cuyler. Very little is known of his career previous to coming to Truxton, but in the years of his residence in Truxton, he was a worthy and enterprising citizen.
In 1794 Nathaniel Potter, Jonah Stiles, Chrlstopher Whitney, David Morse and Benjamin Brown came to the town and settled either within the present boundaries of Truxton or in that portion of the town which in 1858 was set off and organized as Cuyler. Especial reference to these gentlemen and their descendants was made in the article on Cuyler, which can be found in last week's issue of the DEMOCRAT.
Among other very early settlers were Robert Knight from Monmouth, N. J., Hugh Stewart from Colerain, Mass., John Jeffreys and Enos Phelps from New Jersey, Billy Trowbridge and Dr. John Miller from Dutchess county. The last named gentleman was the first physician in Truxton, where he lived and practiced medicine until his death in 1862.
John Shedd located early in the year 1797 on lot 68 and during the same year Nathaniel and Chas. Stewart came. They located on the "State's Hundred." Billy Trowbridge became a prominent citizen and was twice elected to the assembly and once as sheriff of the county.
Increase M. Hooker was a native of Bennington. Vt. He was with Ethan Allen during a portion of the Revolutionary war and witnessed the conflict at Bennington on August 10, 1777. In 1797 Mr. Hooker moved to Solon and purchased a gristmill of Joseph Sweetland. It contained one run of stones and was covered on the outside with elm bark. This portion of Solon later became a part of Truxton by annexation.
Lewis Wicks came from Saratoga county in 1804 and located in the town of Truxton.
PIERCE FAMILY.
The Pierce family, which has always been a prominent one in town, came from Colerain, Mass. Zebulon came in 1805 and located on lot 34. Col. Judah Pierce settled on lot 12 in 1806, and became a wealthy and influential citizen. His first house was built nearly upon the same spot where the new house of Dennis Pindar now stands. He took up a large tract of land which extended from one side of the valley to the other.
Sabin S. Pierce now resides upon the western portion of this tract and is also a wealthy and highly respected citizen.
THE BUELL FAMILY.
Thomas Buell came to Truxton in 1806 and in 1808 kept the hotel in that town. He was the father of Franklin M. Buell, and grandfather of Howard F. Buell of Truxton and Clayton H. Buell of Cortland. Franklin Buell was for many years a respected citizen of Truxton and this spring passed away at the advanced age of 88 years.
FREEMAN FAMILY.
Rufus Freeman came to Truxton from Colerain in 1806 and in 1807 organized the Baptist church. He had four sons, all Baptist preachers. Albert Freeman, a grandson, still resides upon a large farm at Crain's Mills and has become wealthy.
THE KENNEY FAMILY.
James Kenney came to Truxton as early as 1809 and the same year a son, Moses Kenney, was born.
Hosea Kenney was born in Stoddard, New Hampshire, October 31, 1791, but at an early age he came to Truxton where he became a prominent citizen. Amos L. Kenney, a son of Hosea, still resides in Truxton, and although at an advanced age can daily be seen upon the streets of the village.
ALEXANDER LANSING.
Alexander Lansing came from Schenectady in 1811 and located on lot 13, which has for many years been known as the Wicks farm.
HENRY PATRICK.
Henry Patrick, a native of Vermont, came to Truxton about the year 1815 and settled near the town line. He was the father of Dewitt Patrick who was born in 1828, and who still resides in the village. In 1840 Mr. Patrick married Sabra Risley. The venerable pair, although past the allotted three score years and ten, still continue to enjoy the fruits of their early labor in their comfortable home in the village. Otis D. Patrick, their only son, is a prominent business man of the town and a member of the firm of Hilton & Patrick.
EARLY MILLS.
Thus briefly we have mentioned some of the prominent pioneers who contributed to the early success of the town. The streams of Truxton furnished many excellent mill sites and at an early day several mills were erected. The first grist mill in the town was erected by Joseph Sweetland on lot No. 94. The exact time of the erection of this mill is not positively known, but it was sold to Increase M. Hooker about the year 1809. The second grist mill in the town was erected in 1809 by Jonah Stiles and Alvin Pease.
FIRST TOWN OFFICERS.
The town of Truxton was organized April 8, 1808, and the first town meeting was held at the house of Charles Stewart, and resulted in the election of Charles Stewart for supervisor, and Reuben Risley for town clerk.
EARLY BUSINESS MEN.
The first merchant and postmaster in the town was Stephen Hedges who opened a store about 1800. The second store was built in 1814 by Asa Babcock and was just in the rear of the present store of J. C. Wiegand.
Blacksmithing was carried on in the village at an early day by Wm. Jones, who continued the business many years and became quite wealthy. He also manufactured wagons and sleighs quite extensively and sometimes employed from twenty to thirty hands.
FIRST HOTEL.
The first public house in Truxton was opened by Thomas Buell in 1808. During the early part of the 18th century the Truxton hotels had many proprietors, among which were George Pond, I. Rogers, John Wheeler, A. L. Pomeroy and James H. Ashby, a brother of Captain Ashby of the Hotel Kremlin of Cortland.
Thus briefly we have mentioned some of the early industries and we now pass to speak of those who at the present time conduct the business interests of this flourishing town.
DR. JOHN MILLER.
The first physician in Truxton was John Miller, who came to the place in 1801 and settled on lot 93. He practiced his profession twenty-five years and died in 1882. Dr. Miller was a prominent man. He received the appointment as postmaster in 1805 and continued in the office for twenty-five years; was justice of the peace from 1812 to 1821; county judge from 1817 to 1820 and member of assembly in 1816, 1820 and 1846; in 1826-27 he represented his district in congress.
ALVAH RISLEY.
Among the early settlers we speak of Alvah Risley, who at the time of his death was acknowledged to be the wealthiest man in town. His estate was estimated at $500,000. In his will he bequeathed $10,000 to his daughter, Mrs. Peter Muller, $10,000 to his grandson, Alvah Muller, $10,000 to his grand- daughter, Miss Jennie Muller, and the balance to his daughter in charge until Miss Jennie Muller should become of age. The estate of Alvah Risley comprises many hundred acres of land in Truxton and surrounding towns.
JOHN O'DONNELL.
John O'Donnell was born in Solon in 1855. The early years of his life were spent upon a farm, but at an early age he displayed an aptitude for the practice of law and accordingly entered the office of Harrison Miner of DeRuyter as a law student. In 1881 Mr. O'Donnell was admitted to the bar at a general term of the supreme court held at Ithaca, and at once began the practice of law in the village of Truxton. Mr. O'Donnell's ability was soon recognized in his adopted town and he was elected town clerk, which office he held for five years. In 1894 Mr. O'Donnell was elected supervisor of his town and has held the office ever since. Last fall he was re-elected for a period of two years. Mr. O'Donnell during his long term of service upon the board has displayed superior ability and has served upon many important committees. During the session of 1898 Mr. O'Donnell was appointed chairman of the special committee on county buildings for the insane. Through the efforts of this committee the county received the sum of $4,868 30. The buildings still belong to the county and can be put to some use as an annex to the county alms house, near which they are situated. Mr. O'Donnell has by strict attention to the interests of his clients built up a prosperous law business in Truxton and surrounding towns and few court calendars arc issued without his name appearing as counsel in several actions. He occupies a very comfortable home in the village of Truxton.
HILTON & PATRICK.
Prominent among the business men of Truxton are F. L. Hilton and O. D. Patrick. These gentlemen have been lifelong residents and started in the mercantile business in 1883. For several years they successfully conducted the dry goods business, handling at the same time large quantities of farm produce. About 1890 Mr. Hilton sold his interest to Mr. Patrick, who conducted the same until 1892 when he sold out to Westcott & Stanton.
Messrs. Hilton and Patrick then opened a general produce store under the firm name of Hilton & Patrick company in the large building just west of the Johnson House. This firm deals largely in butter, potatoes, wool, maple syrup and sugar, and ships from many points along the line of the Lehigh, West Shore and D., L. & W. railroads. These gentlemen have by their attention to business, built up comfortable fortunes and both now reside in beautiful homes in the village of Truxton. In politics they are strong Republicans and have frequently held offices of trust in the town. Mr. Patrick has been prominently mentioned as a candidate for member of assembly. Mr. Hilton has held the office of town clerk several times and is prominent in his party.
TOWN OFFICERS.
The present officers of the town of Truxton are: Supervisor, John O'Donnell; town clerk, John O'Connor; justices of the peace, Patrick Comerfort, Michael Weigand, Michael McGraw, Alex. Lansing; assessors, Wm. Beattie, Thomas Twentyman, John Comerfort; highway commissioner, James S. Smith; overseer of poor, Benjamin Beard; collector, Wm. Crandall; constables, Wm. Crandall, Winn Stone, Henry Steele, Thomas Lee, P. J. Dwyre.
JOHN O'CONNOR.
John O Connor was born upon the old homestead about a mile north of Truxton in 1856. His early education was obtained at the common schools of Truxton and at the Homer academy and Cortland Normal. After completing his school work he returned to his home and was employed with his father in the management of the large farm known as the Cornelius O'Connor farm. In 1875 Mr. O'Connor commenced teaching, which business he followed for ten terms. In 1883 he went to Minnesota where he resided for several years. In March, 1886, he, in company with his brother Jerry, purchased the store which is situated near the hotel. They continued the mercantile business until 1890. The post office was during this time located in their store, Mr. Jerry O'Connor being the postmaster. In [1890] John O'Connor purchased the Truxton house of Geo. Pond of Phelps, Ontario county, and he at once severed his partnership with his brother and assumed the management of the hotel. He was elected town clerk in 1889 and has since held that office. A large new safe of the Cary make has recently been placed in his office, for the proper care of town papers, books, etc. The hotel, since coming into the hands of Mr. O'Connor, has been completely remodelled and refurnished and to-day presents a very tasty and inviting appearance. A large barn has also been built by Mr. O Connor. The care of the house is under the supervision of Mrs. O'Connor, ably assisted by Misses Katie and Delia Gibbons. In politics he is a strong Democrat and is prominent in his town. By his genial ways and honest dealing Mr. O'Connor has won a large circle of friends both among his own townsmen and the traveling public. As a conversationalist Mr. O'Connor has few equals, having visited, at some time in his life, every state in the union east of the Mississippi river.
MULLER & SON.
Peter Muller & Son are well-known business men of the town of Truxton. Mr. Muller has been for many years one of the representative men of the town. He is a son-in-law of the late Alvah Risley and probably no man has ever conducted a general mercantile business with greater success than has Peter D. Muller. In 1890 and 1891 he represented his town on the board of supervisors. For several years he was associated with his brother, A. C. Muller. During 1898 the partnership was dissolved and Alvah Muller entered into partnership with his father. The new firm of Muller & Son have since conducted a general hardware and harness business and also handle lumber, and general supplies. The Muller bank, connected with this firm, does a flourishing business and is well appreciated by the surrounding townsmen.
JERRY O'CONNOR.
Prominent among the business men of Truxton is Jerry O'Connor, who was born in Cold Brook in the town of Homer in 1857. At an early age Mr. O'Connor, with his father Cornelius O'Connor, moved to Truxton. Jerry was educated at the common schools and later at the Cortland Normal. After finishing his school life Mr. O'Connor taught for four years in Cortland and Onondaga counties. In 1886 he in company with his brother went into the mercantile business which they followed until 1890. Then the firm was dissolved, John O'Connor retiring. Jerry has since conducted the business and was postmaster during the first Cleveland administration. Mr. O'Connor is an acknowledged leader among the Democrats of his town and his business ability is well known.
EARL JOHNSON.
The Johnson House, a large three-story hotel, was built some ten years ago by Wm. Baldwin, and when completed at once opened as a public house. After a time, however, Mr. Baldwin, desirous of retiring from active business, sold the hotel to Byron Briggs of Delphi, and purchased the Dr. Nelson residence upon the hill just at the outskirts of the village. In November, 1896, Earl Johnson purchased the house of Mr. Briggs and at once entered as owner and proprietor. The house is of modem architecture and well furnished throughout. The table is first-class and is under the immediate supervision of Mrs. Johnson. Mr. Johnson is a native of the town of Lapeer, this county, but previous to coming to Truxton had been living in Chicago.
A. R. BRYANT.
The principal manufacturing concern in the town of Truxton is the Bryant Furniture Co., and is owned and conducted by A. R. Bryant. He manufactures extensively bedsteads, bed room suits, commodes, etc. A large steam sawmill is also connected with the business, where a large quantity of lumber is sawed annually.
A. C. MULLER.
Mr. A. C Muller is doing a flourishing business in jewelry and fancy goods, having been so engaged for about a year past, since his partnership with P. D. Muller was dissolved.
DENNIS COLLINS.
Dennis Collins conducts a blacksmith shop in the village of Truxton. Mr. Collins is one of the oldest residents in the town.
F. J. WESTCOTT.
Mr. F. J. Westcott conducts a large department store on Main-st. Mr. Westcott came to Truxton from Shedd's Corners in [1892] and in company with E. M. Stanton purchased of O. D. Patrick the store which Mr. Westcott now owns. In 1896 Mr. Westcott purchased the interest of Mr. Stanton and that gentleman removed to DeRuyter. Mr. Westcott carries a full line of dry goods, gents' furnishing goods, boots and shoes, groceries and wall paper. He has by careful attention to business built up a substantial and constantly increasing trade.
WILLOW GROVE MILLS.
Wm. and Henry Bell, proprietors of the Willow Grove Mills, are life-long residents of the town of Truxton, and previous to assuming control of the mill in August '98 were engaged in farming. They are both prominent young men and have already built up a large trade in flour, feed, and poultry food. The mill is situated upon the Tioughnioga river about one-half mile north of Truxton village.
ERNEST RIGGALL.
Ernest Riggall, formerly a resident of Cazenovia, on April 1 this year opened a meat market in the Hilton & Patrick building. He carries a full assortment of fresh and salt meats which he sells at prices as low as consistent with good quality.
MELDRIM BROS.
The box factory just south of the Truxton house is one of the largest enterprises in town. It was formerly conducted by Meldrim & Lansing, later by Thomas Meldrim and at present by three Meldrim brothers, C. R., Frank and J. J. They manufacture cheese and packing boxes and their trade covers all the surrounding counties.
THOMAS DODD, JR.
Thomas Dodd, Jr., who is the present postmaster of Truxton, came to the village in 1868 and at once opened a blacksmith and repair shop which he has since conducted. On May 27, 1898, Mr. Dodd was appointed postmaster by President McKinley and on July 1, 1898 took possession of the office. Mr. Dodd at once began the erection of a new and convenient office adjoining the blacksmith shop. On August 1, the office was moved into its new quarters, which in point of furnishings and appearance is second to none. Mr. Dodd is a very accommodating gentleman and is assisted by his accomplished daughter Mrs. Baldwin.
STANDARD BUTTER CO.
The Standard Butter company of Oswego occupy and conduct a butter factory in the village of Truxton. The building was erected last summer and is owned by Thompson & Dutton. The milk of 2,000 cows is, during the height of the season, daily converted into butter.
DR. J. C. NELSON.
Dr. J. C. Nelson was a graduate of the Geneva Medical college (1848) and came to Truxton in 1857. He soon became the leading physician of the town. At the breaking out of the [civil] war Dr. Nelson was commissioned as regimental surgeon and served for three years with distinction. Dr. Nelson was supervisor of his town several terms and in 1870 and 1883 represented Cortland county in the assembly. He was the father of A. R Nelson, a prominent business man of Cortland. Up to the time of his death, which occurred July 11, 1895, he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession. During the last ten years of his life his practice became so extensive that he formed a partnership with Dr. I. H. Van Hoesen who has, since the death of Dr. Nelson, succeeded to his extensive practice.
W. R. WOODWARD.
W. R. Woodward was born about two miles south of East Homer in June, 1860, and for some years engaged in farming. In March, 1889, Mr. Woodward purchased the Truxton Steam mills of the O. J. Kenney estate. During his ten years ownership of the mill he has materially increased the business in all its branches. He carries flour, feed, prepared foods and fertilizers, and enjoys the respect and esteem of his townsmen.
L. M. WOODWARD.
L. M Woodward was born in Homer in 1846 and is a brother of W. R. and F. I. Woodward. His early life was spent upon a farm, after which he was employed in the dry goods business in Homer and various cities of the west. In 1894 Mr. Woodward came to Truxton and opened a dry goods store in the building formerly occupied by Hilton & Patrick. Mr. Woodward carries a full line of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes.
J. C. WEIGAND.
Among the substantial and wealthy men of Truxion we mention with pleasure J. C. Wiegand, who was born in Herkimer county in 1849. When a mere lad Mr. Weigand came with his parents to Truxton where he has since resided. When the Midland railroad was completed in June 2, 1872, Mr. Wiegand was appointed as station agent at Truxton. This position he retained for four years when he purchased the drug store which he now owns and conduits. Mr. Wiegand is a highly respected citizen and has accumulated a large amount of property, both by labor and inheritance. He now owns the property formerly known as the Franklin Buell farm near Crain's Mills and also the farm known as the Graham home, for many years occupied by Willie Graham and at present time by Chas. Graham, a son of Willie. He also has other land interests in various parts of the town.
B. F. KENNEY.
B. F. Kenney has for many years been a resident of Truxton and is well and favorably known. He owns a large cider mill near the eastern limit of the village. Mr. Kenney is at present in charge of the saw mill connected with Bryant's furniture factory. Mr. Kenney was for several years an enthusiastic base ball player and still enjoys the game.
DR. S. H. STEVENS.
Dr. S. H. Stevens, who for several years has been a practicing physician of New Woodstock, has recently removed to Truxton and has already established a very profitable practice. He is a genial gentleman and has formed in many friends since his arrival in December, 1898. He has recently been appointed health officer by the town board.
FRED I. WOODWARD.
Fred I. Woodward was born in the town of Homer, upon the Truxton road in 1854 and about twenty years ago came to Truxton and opened a furniture and undertaking business. In this he has been successful and he now carries a large stock representing all lines and varieties of goods. He also does a large amount of work in the undertaking line in Truxton and surrounding towns.
JAMES L. GODDARD.
James L. Goddard came to Truxton in 1841 and was for many years a successful farmer at Cheningo. At the breaking out of the war Mr. Goddard enlisted in company G, 76th regiment New York volunteers. He enlisted as a private but was promoted first to second lieutenant and then to captain and transferred to company F. Mr. Goddard took part in the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg and was seriously wounded at Cold Harbor in June, 1864. At the close of the war Mr. Goddard returned to Truxton and has since lived a retired life in a pleasant home on Cortland-st.
L. L. SCHELLINGER.
L. L. Schellinger, one of the oldest citizens of the town of Truxton, was for many years engaged as a farmer, and for the last seven years has conducted a meat market in Truxton. Mr. Schellinger is a Bryan Democrat of the deepest dye and cherishes the idea that he may yet live to see that gentleman occupy the White House.
G. M. CROFOOT.
G. M. Crofoot has conducted a wagon shop in the village of Truxton since 1870 and has become widely known among the residents of Truxton.
FARMING INTERESTS.
The residents of Truxton are largely engaged in dairying and many of the farms of this town are large and well kept. Space will not permit the mention of all the deserving men who by industry have changed their farms from a vast forest into well cultivated and well fenced farms. We desire, however, to refer to some of the most extensive land owners and also to those who, although not owning the farms upon which they live, have made an excellent record as tenants upon the same.
SABIN S. PIERCE.
Sabin S. Pierce, now 72 years of age, owns and works a large tract of land in the southern part of the town. This farm was a part of the original tract taken up by Col. Judah Pierce, one of the early settlers, and is under a high degree of cultivation. Mr. Pierce is a man of sound judgment and looks well to the success of his native town.
P. COMERFORT.
South of the village and just outside of the limits we find the large and fertile farm of P. Comerfort. Mr. Comerfort keeps a large dairy and sells his milk at the milk station. He is a genuine Democrat and a justice of the peace, which office he has held for 10 years. His father John Comerfort was one of the early settlers and no man was more looked up to or respected than he.
OTHER FARMERS.
South of Mr. Comerfort lies the large and productive farms of Chas. Pierce, Thos. L. Goddard, William Miller and Hugh McDairind. Everything about these farms presents an air of comfort and prosperity.
JOHANNA HARTNETT.
As you pass through the village and up the road leading to Cuyler, just at the Truxton village limit you find the beautiful farm of Johanna Hartnett. This farm has been owned by Mrs. Hartnett for about ten years, and is worked by her two sons, Nell and John. This was for many years known as the Stewart farm.
J. C. WIEGAND.
Passing on to the northward the next farm is owned by J. C. Wiegand and is worked by Chas. Graham.
BURDETT PIERCE.
The next farm in the early days of the town was known as the Hooker farm, but is now owned and conducted by Burdett Pierce. Mr. Pierce was born in the town in 1847 and has since resided upon the farm which he now occupies. He is an exceptionally prosperous farmer and now enjoys the fruit of his early labors.
ALBERT FREEMAN.
At Crain's Mills, a small hamlet about one mile north of Truxton, you find the extensive farm of Albert Freeman. Mr. Freeman is a highly respectable citizen and keeps his farm in a high state of cultivation. His father, Rufus Freeman, was one of the prominent early settlers of Truxton.
THOMAS O'CONNOR.
Just north of Mr. Freeman's lies the farm of Mrs. Hannah Gibson of Elmira. This farm is worked by Tom O'Connor.
MRS. ANGELINE PATRICK.
Mrs. Angeline Patrick, who has now reached the advanced age of 85 years, is the owner of a largo farm situated about two miles north of Truxton on the back [road] to Cuyler. The farm is worked by John Casey.
OTHER FARMS.
Upon the hill south of Crain's Mills we find the extensive farms of John Riley, John Comerfort, Wm. Gibbons. Geo. Atkinson, P. O'Donnell, Spencer S. Pierce and John Courtney. Large dairies are kept upon all these farms and the milk delivered either to the shipping or butter station at Truxton.
William Gibbons is one of a remarkable family of fourteen brothers and seven sisters, the two youngest being twins fifteen years old. All but one are living. In Mr. Gibbons' own family are eleven children.
In the north western part of the town are situated the well kept farms of Chas. Pulford of Elmira, occupied by his father Samuel Pulford, one of the older men of the town. The farms of Judson Osterhout and Howard P. Buell, gentlemen who are thrifty farmers and prominent men of their town. Mr. Buell was at one time interested with his brother, Clayton H. Buell, in the publication of the Cortland News.
MRS. WILLIAM YOUNGS.
On the north road leading from Truxton to Tully and Preble is situated the large farm of Mrs. William Youngs. This farm has always been considered one of the best in town, and under the supervision of Mr. Youngs was always exceedingly productive. Since his death a few years ago the business has been ably managed by Mrs. Youngs.
CORNELIUS O'CONNOR.
Cornelius O'Connor owns and conducts a farm of 410 acres just north of Mrs. Youngs. Mr. O'Connor was a native of Ireland and came to Little York in 1848. He worked one year for Dr. Jones, when his son. B. B. Jones, who for twenty-seven years was editor of the DEMOCRAT, was a lad just running about the yard. In 1849 he purchased his present home, where he has since resided.
DANIEL S. SEVERANCE.
Daniel S. Severance is one of Truxton's oldest residents and has much of the history of the town at his tongue's end. His father, Jonathan Severance, came to Truxton in 1801 and Daniel was born in 1819. He has lived for 57 years upon the same farm, which is now also the home of his son-in-law, W. R. Woodward.
NEW POETRY MACHINE.
A Valuable Acquisition to the Democrat Office—Poetry Turned Out by the Yard.
For the amusement and entertainment of our readers, and to facilitate the work of giving choice bits of local news in verse, the DEMOCRAT office has secured one of the famous Skowski duplex poetry machines, made in Russia, an acquisition that will be of inestimable value to the office, and we are sure it will be appreciated by the grand army of people who weekly peruse the columns of their favorite paper, the DEMOCRAT. So far as known, only one machine of this character, except our own, is in existence in the United States, the accomplished editor of the Arizona Kicker being its fortunate possessor, and while we give full credit to the editor of that journal for the success attained by the Kicker, a large share of the honor is due to the poetry machine, which is so skillfully manipulated by the Kicker force.
The Skowski device is an expensive affair, and is operated by a crank (not a personal one), poetry of a comic, tragic or other order being obtained by manipulating a system of stops similar to those in use on an organ. On account of its intricacy none but an expert can turn out poetry of a high order, and readers of the DEMOCRAT must not expect perfection for several weeks yet, but they can judge from the few specimens turned out and given below, whether it is capable of entertaining them in the future. The first production seems to be a little ditty on the Cortland base ball team, the rhyme and meter of the last line being destroyed by a too sudden turn of the crank:
Hank Ramsey has a little band
Of players on the diamond;
They each and all have lots of sand,
And what's the matter with their winning the pennant?
For a new machine with an inexperienced operator this first effort is not a failure. The thing seems partial to base ball, for the very next effusion is along the same line:
In the Cortland team is a giant six-footer,
His magnificent curves delight every rooter;
And Ketchum, our townsman, still plays in the field,
At base running and batting to no man will he yield.
This is an improvement over the first poem, and we will now test it on some other subject. Ah! here comes a squib on paving:
The spirit of paving has come o'er the town,
Smooth surface of asphalt is spread up and down;
No more will huge fish-ponds be seen in Main-st.,
For white-winged angels are keeping it neat.
The recent village ordinance regarding bicycle riding is the cause of this poetical effusion:
Rider on wheel,
Without any light,
Police close on heel,
Ready for fight.
Smith goes up street,
Gooding walks down,
Nix takes his beat,
All over town.
Corcoran alert,
Paces all night;
Along comes Bert
Without any light.
Smith pulls him in,
Orson comes too;
Each pays a dollar,
Makes them look blue.
The next turn of the crank grinds out a very rosy picture:
Come readers of the DEMOCRAT,
From far and very near,
Just listen to this tale of joy,
A tale that’s full of cheer.
This town is putting on new life,
Its trade is growing bright;
The shipments of its business men
Came rivals fearful fright.
The laborers are busy now,
No loafing 'round the store,
And soon wall paper will be made,
They'll want one hundred more.
The streets are reaching city style,
With brick and asphalt laid;
And merchants sing the happy song,
"Our debts are quickly paid."
This pretty little verse closes the week's entertainment in this line:
Now these rains of showery April,
Which in April went astray,
Will turn in and get their work in
On the sunny month of May.
Thus endeth the first trial at machine poetry ever attempted in Cortland.
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