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| Daniel S. Lamont. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, June 2, 1899.
CORTLAND IN 1870.
WONDERFUL GROWTH IN POPULATION AND PROSPERITY.
Interesting Retrospect of the Village—Many Changes in 29 Years—Some Names Still Familiar While Others Will Be Known No More.
Looking backward for a period of twenty-nine years, the DEMOCRAT finds so many changes in the population, the business industries, the clergymen, the village officers, and in fact everything pertaining to Cortland, that a brief pen picture of the village as it was in 1870 will without doubt be of great interest at this time. To old readers it will bring to memory many familiar names and long-forgotten events, and to those less advanced in years this sketch will prove none the less interesting.
It was in 1870 that the United States census was taken, and the result of the enumeration gave the village a population of 3,083, and McGrawville 520. The men who controlled municipal affairs were H. Crandall, president; Madison Woodruff, Frederick Ives and W. H. Crane, trustees. The pastors of the churches at that time were as follows: Presbyterian, Rev. S. H. Howe; Baptist, Rev. A. Wilkins; Episcopal, Rev. J. M. Benedict; Methodist Episcopal, Rev. J. T. Crippen; Universalist, Rev. A. A. Leighton, Catholic, Rev. B. F. McLoghlin. What is now the Kremlin hotel was at that time the Sperry House, which was managed by Dan. J. Sperry, a very popular landlord; Wm. S. Copeland was proprietor of the Messenger House, and the Cortland House was conducted by Delos Bauder, who still lives in Cortland, highly respected by all. The postmaster was Horace A. Jarvis.
Daniel S. Lamont, whose name in the political and business world has become so familiar, and whose early life was spent in McGrawville, was in 1870 an engrossing clerk in the state legislature, and it was this position that brought him in contact with prominent politicians, who learned his worth and capabilities, and through whom he was called to enjoy higher honors.
In that year Governor Hoffman was called upon to make two appointments for Cortland county, and he did his duty satisfactorily by selecting Riley Champlin for district attorney in place of A. D. Waters, who died during the summer, and by appointing Dr. Miles G. Hyde coroner in place of Dr. H. C. Gazlay, who had moved to Chenango county. Dr. Gazlay returned to Cortland in after years, and is still a resident of this village.
As a result of the civil war, it became necessary, as a means of revenue, to tax incomes, a war measure that was generally unpopular. Cortland people bore their share of this burden, and the amount of tax paid by those still living in Cortland is given: H. P. Goodrich $50.00, James S. Squires $56.60, Henry F. Benton $48.00, Emmett A. Fish $47.55, Alex. Mahan $49.65, Samuel Keator $45.95, L. D. Garrison $32.90, G. W. Bradford $5.40, S. M. Benjamin $26.00, Frank Place $30.60, Aaron Sager $10.00, James Tanner $7.30, C. P. Walrad $20.15, D. F. Wallace $17.95, George L. Warren $5.40.
Politics were as exciting in those days as they have been for the past two years, and the Democrats seem to have been partially successful. At the Republican county convention held in 1870 there were six candidates for district attorney, and the first ballot showed the following preferences: W. J. Mantanye 38, Lewis Bouton 17, W. H. Warren 13, H. Hoyt 11, I. H. Palmer 6, B. T. Wright 3. Mr. Mantanye seems to have been in the lead, but a combination was evidently formed against him, for after several ballots Mr. Bouton won out by the vote of 44 to 42. At this convention N. H. Haynes was nominated for sheriff, and Erving Taintor for member of assembly.
The Democratic convention, held a few days later, nominated Henry S. Randall for member of assembly, John D. Benton for sheriff, and Riley Champlin for district attorney. The contest was waged with vigor, several political meetings being held, and when the votes were counted it was found that the Democrats had captured two of the most important offices, Mr.Randall for member of assembly having 397 majority, and John D. Benton receiving 351 majority for sheriff
In business circles we note that Alex. Mahan and D. F. Wallace formed a partnership in 1870 for the sale of musical instruments and stationery, bookbinding, etc. Robt. B. Smith and Wm, H. Myers joined fortunes in the sale of groceries, and W. A. Smith and Grove E. Jarvis opened a boot and shoe store. L. J. Fitzgerald, who is now the head of one of the largest wagon manufactories in the country, formed a partnership with O. C. Gee and opened a carriage shop in West Court st., claiming in an advertisement that they had in course of construction over forty wagons. Attorneys B. A. Benedict and Charles S. Thomas also formed a partnership on April 1 of that year. M. Michelson, still a resident of Cortland, was in the jewelry business.
Late in the fall of 1870 Cortland people had the pleasure of hearing two prominent men lecture in Taylor hall, Horace Greeley and "Brick'' Pomeroy. Mr. Greeley visited the Normal school on the morning following his lecture.
The directors of the Bank of Cortland during the summer bought of John Malmberg a lot 20 by 100 feet in Main-st., paying $2,550 therefor. C. F. Wickwire & Co. conducted a hardware store. H. P. Goodrich built his fine house in Tompkins-st. in that year.
Much interest was taken in the building of the railroad from Ithaca to Cortland, and the local papers had much to say of the enterprise.
In the list of fire department officers in 1870 several familiar names are seen, the chief engineer of the department being J. C. Carmichael; first assistant, S. M. Benjamin; second assistant, Henry Shirley; secretary, R. E. Hill; treasurer, L. D. Garrison.
Thomas Howard, who is quasi-manager of the ball team this season, was proprietor of a livery in 1870, and it is said he did a big business, too.
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| Creamery, Otisco, N. Y. |
OTISCO.
A History of the Town and Its Early Settlers, and Mention of Many Who are to-day Prominent as Business Men or Residents.
Twenty miles northwest of Cortland and fifteen miles southwest of Syracuse lies the town of Otisco. The town is five miles long and four miles wide and was formed in 1806 from parts of Pompey, Marcellus and Tully. The surface is a rolling upland, gently sloping to the lake upon the west and rising to a considerable height upon the east. Standing upon "Bear Mountain" at the eastern extremity of the town the visitor can look for many miles down the Tully valley and in the distance can discern the slumbering village of Cardiff near which that successful fake known as the Cardiff giant was first sprung on the public. For many years this stone image representing the petrified body of a man was exhibited about the country and thousands of people looked with curiosity upon the wonder, and not until years later was it learned that this so-called petrified body was the work of an artist who had carefully carved it from common rock. David Hannum, formerly a resident of Homer, and now the hero of the book entitled David Harrum, was largely interested in this enterprise.
Standing upon Bear Mountain one can also see the stately towers which are reared at frequent intervals marking the presence of profitable salt wells.
FIRST SETTLERS.
The first settler in the town of Otisco was Chauncey Rust who came from Massachusetts about 1800. Among other settlers who came at about the same time were Charles J. Merriman from Connecticut, Otis Baker from Massachusetts, Josiah Clark, Lumond Gaylord, Benjamin and Amos Coroles, Daniel Bennett, Elias and Jared Thayer, Henry Elethrop, Samuel, Ebenezer and Luther French, Jared and Noah Parsons, Rufus Clapp and others, all from New England. The first tavern in town was kept by Benoni Merriman in a log house near Otisco center in 1804. Merriman was followed by Michael Johnson. Jesse Swan kept the first store in town, followed by Josiah Everett.
The inhabitants at this early day were obliged to travel to Albany to market their products, and the nearest mills where grinding was done were located at Jamesville and Manlius. A grist mill was erected in Otisco by Esquire Merriman in 1806, and about the same year saw mills were built by him and others in various parts of the town. The first frame house in the town was built by Elias Thayer and the second by Oliver Tuttle. A post office was established in 1814, and Dr. Luther French was named as the first postmaster.
In 1804 a public school was opened in a log building near the present prosperous village of Otisco. The first physician to permanently locate in Otisco was Dr. Jonathan Judd. He was followed by Dr. Luther French in 1818. Among the early clergymen of Otisco were Rev. Geo. Colton, Rev. William J. Wilcox, Rev. Chas. Johnson and Rev. Richard S. Corning. At a very early date two churches, Congregational and Reformed Methodist, were built, and nourishing congregations were soon secured. The old Congregational church was raised in 1815 and until 1893 was used for public worship. It had a seating capacity of one thousand people. The frame work was of oak, many of the timbers being 12x14 inches in size. When tearing this building down these timbers were found to be in perfect preservation. The new church is a model of workmanship, and well adapted to the needs of the people. The pastor of this church, Rev. William Dada, is highly respected by his parishioners. The Reformed Methodist church was formerly located about one mile south of Otisco Center, but when the new church was built in 1897, it was decided to build within the village limits. This church is also well built and finely adapted to the wants of the congregation. The pastor, Rev. Grant Munson, was formerly a resident of Cortland and Homer. In 1889 a very large and beautiful Catholic church was erected. The congregation is a large one, members in many cases coming a distance of fifteen miles to attend service. The church is under the care of Rev. John McLoghlin.
FIRST TOWN MEETING.
The first town meeting in the town of Otisco was held at the house of Daniel Bennett April 1, 1806, and resulted in the election of Judah Hopkins, supervisor; Joseph Baker, town clerk and Noah Parsons, Lemon Gaylord and Josephus Baker, assessors.
POPULATION.
The population of Otisco is not as large as it was in 1860. The census then showed 1,850 people. In 1875 there were only 1,550 and in 1890 about 1,260. Thus can be seen the fact that the inhabitants of the country town are constantly seeking the busy thoroughfares of the city. The smaller farms are being absorbed by the larger land owners. Many houses about the different towns of Cortland and Onondaga are for this reason at present unoccupied.
SCHOOL.
The school in Otisco is well patronized and is now being very successfully taught by Miss Ada Bussey.
JOSEPH HILL.
Among the prominent men of Otisco we speak of Joseph Hill, who was born in England in 1818 and came to America in 1838. From New York city the trip to Syracuse was made on the Eric canal. Upon his arrival in Syracuse Mr. Hill worked in a small blacksmith shop, which then stood where the Larned building now stands. In 1844 Mr. Hill went to Chicago, which at this time boasted a population of 4,000 souls. Mr. Hill soon returned to Syracuse and at once located in Otisco and in company with his sons, Henry J. Hill and George Hill, manufactured the first wheel rake known in this section. It was known as the Whitcomb. Six hundred of these rakes were manufactured. Mr. Hill has several times represented his town as supervisor and town clerk, and although now at the advanced age of 86 years, is still hale and hearty and within a year has shod a horse in his shop.
HENRY J. HILL.
Henry J. Hill was born in Tully valley in 1836, and came to Otisco in 1844. For twelve years Mr. Hill worked, in company with his father, in the blacksmithing business. Horse shoeing and wagon work was extensively done. In 1871 Mr. Hill opened a shop for himself and located nearly across the street from his father's shop. He is an excellent workman and has built up a very profitable business. In politics Mr. Hill is a strong Democrat and is prominent in his county. He has held the office of collector of his town three years, constable five years and town clerk twenty years. He still holds the office of town clerk. Mr. Hill is a man of wide experience, a great reader and fully abreast of the time. In all that pertains to good citizenship and the welfare of his town he is especially active. Mr. Hill is the father of three children, two daughters, Mrs. C. V. Coon of Cortland, and Mrs. H. H. Hurlbut of Otisco, and one son, E. J. Hill of Otisco.
MICHAEL LEAMY.
Michael Leamy, one of the representative men of the town of Otisco, was born in Ireland Nov. 16, 1844, and came to America in 1882. Ho came at once to Otisco, where he has since resided. Mr. Leamy is a very prosperous farmer and resides about one mile north of Otisco village. Mr. Leamy has held various offices in this town and county. He was for two years a justice of sessions and enjoys the distinction of having once overruled the judge. For 15 years Mr. Leamy has held the office of justice of the peace. In politics Mr. Leamy is a Republican and stands high in his town and county. He is the father of three sons and two daughters, Bert Leamy of Cortland being one of his sons.
GEORGE W. HILL.
George W. Hill, a son of Joseph Hill, was born in Lafayette in 1839 and came to Otisco in 1844. For some years Mr. Hill together with his father and brother, conducted a general blacksmith shop, but since 1871 has carried on the business with his father. Mr. Hill is a prominent Democrat and has held the office of justice of the peace since 1872.
OTISCO CREAMERY CO.
The Otisco Creamery company was organized a few years ago with a capital of $4,000, with Lester E. Judson as secretary and treasurer. The company has been very successful, and at the general exhibit of dairy goods held at Governeur in 1898 was awarded first premium on butter. The business, under the careful management of Mr. Judson, has been steadily increasing, new farmers are coming in and the prospects for the season of 1899 are very flattering.
LESTER E. JUDSON.
Lester E. Judson was born in New Woodstock, Madison county, March 20, 1840. His early education was obtained at the schools of his native town, one of his schoolmates at that time in New Woodstock being H. M. Kellogg, a substantial business man of Cortland. Mr. Judson came to Otisco in 1863 and was employed as a clerk for six years, when he purchased the stock and has since conducted the business. He has by honest dealing built up an immense trade among the surrounding farmers. He employs five clerks who daily go out in all directions and take orders; they then return and in the afternoon the delivery is made. Mr. Judson was a member of Co. F, 76th Regiment, under Captain Barnard. He was wounded at the second battle of Bull Run and was discharged in 1863. Mr. Judson has served his town as supervisor, but usually declines political honors, preferring rather to attend personally to his large mercantile business.
BYRON L. POMEROY.
Byron L. Pomeroy was born in Otisco, March 21, 1840, and is a son of Stephen and Lucy Pomeroy. Stephen Pomeroy was a prominent man and by trade a miller. He built two largo grist mills during his life time. He was also a surveyor and was largely interested in farming. For some time Mr. Pomeroy was colonel of a large and well drilled military company. He died Sept. 9, 1866. The early training of Byron Pomeroy in a large measure fitted him for the successful business career which has followed. His early education was obtained in the schools of his native town and at the age of fifteen he enlisted in Co. E, 193rd regiment, N. Y. Volunteers, and served with fidelity and bravery until the close of the war. In 1881 Mr. Pomeroy took possession of the hotel at Otisco, but did not purchase the building until 1883. Here he conducted the hotel business for several years until the hotel burned. The present large and beautiful house was then erected, a commodious, two story building, substantially built and finely furnished throughout. The menu is excellent and is prepared under the immediate supervision of Mrs. Byron Pomeroy, ably assisted by Mrs. Hugh Pomeroy, the accomplished wife of Hugh Pomeroy, who is a son of the proprietor. Gay Pomeroy is also interested in the care of the house. Byron Pomeroy is a man of wide experience and can recall the history of Otisco during his life time with wonderful exactness. As a landlord he is exceedingly popular, and traveling men are made to feel at home in his presence. This hotel is a favorite resort for summer boarders, for here they can enjoy the pure fresh air and an occasional fishing trip to the lake three miles distant. A good livery is also attached. Mr. Pomeroy is also engaged in the sale of all kinds of farm machinery.
FRANK RYAN.
Among the prominent young business men of Otisco we wish to speak of Frank Ryan, who is largely interested with his father in-law, Lester Judson, in the Otisco store. Mr. Ryan is a genial gentleman and has won many friends by the uniform and careful attention to the wants of his customers.
TOWN OFFICERS.
The town officers are at present as follows: Supervisor, W. C. Long; town clerk, Henry J. Hill; assessors, Willis J. Clark, J. A. Edinger, Michael Cummings; justices of peace, Geo. W. Hill, Michael Leamy, John A. Lucid, Henry Kinney; highway commissioner, H. H. Hurlbut; collector, Elmer Hotchkiss; overseer of poor, Arthur Morse; constables, E. J. Hill, Charles Breed, Dennis Larkin, Elmer Hotchkiss, Addison Newman.
DR. F. G. SMITH.
F. G. Smith has very comfortable dental parlors on Main-st. His work has given universal satisfaction and he receives his full share of the work in that locality.
SIMEON POPLE.
A well equipped saw and planing mill is owned and conducted by Simeon Pople, who has been a resident of the town of Otisco for twenty years or more. Boxes of all descriptions are manufactured, and turning is done in any desired style, either in wood or iron.
DR. W. W. MUNSON.
The physical ailments of the people of Otisco and a large surrounding country are looked after by Dr. W. W. Munson, who has been the physician there for some fourteen years. His practice is large and his presence is pleasing, alike to those in sickness and in health.
PROMINENT FARMERS.
Some of the prominent farmers residing in the town of Otisco are Irving Bardwell, Chas. P. Edinger, Henry L. Cole, Wm. Hurlbut, Phillip Harter, John N. Smith, Henry Dowding, George R. King, James Jackson, John Hoffman, Hershell Case, John and Walter Burt, Edward Larkin, Jacob Schafer, Jacob A. Edinger, Jacob E. Edinger, Samuel N. Cowles, Emmett Card, Charles Hotchkiss, Marcus and Elmer Hotchkiss.
OTISCO LAKE.
Otisco lake bounds the town on the west. It was called by the Indians Otshah. The lake is seven miles long and from one to two miles wide. Cultivated fields extend to the water's edge upon the eastern shore, while on the western shore the descent is more abrupt and is covered for the most part by a heavy growth of timber.
LIMESTONE.
In the northern part of the town, on the road leading from Onondaga Valley to Otisco, is one of the most extensive deposits of "horn rocks" known in New York state. They are adulterated brown limestone and are the remains of molusca deposited at some unknown period. In this locality geologists can find ample material for examination and study. The people are largely engaged in dairying and grain raising and many of them have become wealthy. A more extended description of the lake and its surroundings will be given next week in our article on Amber and vicinity.
HERE AND THERE.
Keep off the [bicycle] sidepath unless you have a badge on your wheel.
Old maids' conventions are becoming popular in this state. Cortland isn't in it! There is only one old maid within the village limits.
Mrs. H. Anderson, who has conducted a boarding house in Cortland for several years, has given up the business on account of ill health.
The Prohibitionists of Cortland, Onondaga and Cayuga counties have employed W. F. Mulvihill of Syracuse as a district organizer for the period of one year. He is to give his entire time to party work in these three counties.
Women will be obliged to confess during the taking of the coming twelfth census. The new law says that women who refuse to tell their age or indulge in any inaccurate statements thereof shall, on conviction, be fined $100, as shall all other persons refusing to reply to questions or making false statements. The census taker should be sworn to secrecy.
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