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| North Harford Railroad Depot. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, June 23, 1899.
HARFORD.
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 Harford comprises the southwestern quarter of the original military township of Virgil, No. 244 of the military tract, and is now the extreme southwestern town in the county. The town was organized May 2, 1845; consequently much of the early history of the town is identified with that of Virgil, from which it was taken.
The surface of the town is a broken upland rising to the height of from 500 to 700 feet above the intervening valleys and from 1,500 to 1,700 feet above tide water. The Owego hills in the central part constitute the most elevated portion. These hills are steep and rugged and most of the summits are still covered with a heavy growth of timber. The town is intersected by numerous small streams of clear cold water, fed in all cases by springs from the neighboring hillsides. The largest of these streams is Owego creek, which runs southward through the central part of the town.
The soil is a sandy, gravelly loam, highly productive and particularly adapted to dairying and potato raising.
Harford is, with one exception, the smallest town in the county, its acreage being only 570 more than that of Preble which is the smallest. The town of Harford contains 14,612 acres. The settlement and improvement of Harford was somewhat tardy and although the valleys are now under a high state of cultivation, large tracts of timber can still be found upon the adjoining hills. Early in 1800 the forests abounded in wild game; bears, wolves, deer and elk were frequently seen, lurking about the ravines or upon the summit of some lofty hill.
FIRST SETTLER.
Dorastus DeWolf was the first settler of the town, locating on a farm west of the present village on the bill. This farm was for many years known as the Norton L. Brown property. He subsequently moved into a small frame house which stood on the road north of the village near the Corners.
Putnam DeWolf, a brother of Dorastus, settled not long afterward near his brother. Josiah Brown was one of the early settlers of Harford, coming in from Chenango county during the war of 1812. He settled a little north of Harford village on the farm where Homer Brown now resides. Morris Brown came with his father Josiah and married Matilda Holden, daughter of Benjamin Holden, who settled in the town at about the same time as Mr. Brown.
EARLY HOLDEN SETTLERS.
Benjamin Holden was a native of Norridgwock, Me., and came to Cortland county in 1813. His son, Walter Holden, was then a lad ten years of age. Benjamin Holden located upon a farm a mile southwest of Harford village. Walter Holden soon became one of the prominent men of the town and was largely interested in its welfare.
FIRST POST OFFICE.
The first post office in Harford was established in 1826, under the name of "Worthington." This was subsequently changed to Harford. Theodore Hart was the first postmaster. Samuel Nelson had charge of the office for many years, but in just what years cannot be determined. He was succeeded by L. C. Ball, N. G. Wilcox, Jno. Wavle, Jno. C. Jones and the office was taken in June, 1874, by Samuel N. Holden, now president of the village of Cortland. Wheeler & Chapley now have the office.
JACOB HEMINGWAY.
Jacob Hemingway came to Harford some time previous to 1815 and lived where the old Exchange hotel, which he built in 1820, now stands. For many years he remained as proprietor of this hotel which now stands as a land mark. Although showing the ravishes of time it is still a comfortable hotel and until within a year has been occupied by I. W. Banker as a public house. Connected with the hotel is the store occupied by J. C. Edmonds which was probably erected about the same time as the hotel. Col. Hemingway also built the Congregational conference room which was for many years used as a place of public worship. Some years since the room was abandoned for religious service and now forms a part of the building used by J. C. Edmonds as a meat market.
JOSIAH HART.
Josiah Hurt, father of Josiah Hart of Cortland, came to Harford some years previous to 1815 and was a long resident of Harford. He built the old red house which was located upon the farm known as the Alanson Burlingame place.
LEMUEL BARNES.
Lemuel Barnes, about 1815, came to Harford and located on the Slaterville road about a mile west of the village. He was grandfather of George and Eli Barnes. George still resides upon the old homestead; Eli has for many years been a resident of Cortland and resides at 43 Park-st.
Barney Norwood and George Cooley located in Harford some time previous to the year 1815.
CALVIN TOTMAN.
Calvin Totman settled on what is still known as Chicken Point, and for some time kept a small store, probably the first in the town. It is said by some of the older residents that Totman sold goods in a small building on the site of the present village, for a short time previous to going to Chicken Point; however, data upon this subject is very meager.
Levi Moore settled in the town at a very early date and for some time conducted a tavern.
Enoch Allen and Charles Graves each conducted a public house in the town of Harford previous to l815. Allen subsequently shot himself in his own house.
NATHAN HEATON.
Nathan Heaton settled on the site of Harford Mills some years previous to 1815 and built the grist mill at that place about the year 1820.
Warren Hart and Richard Collins came to Harford and located at about the same time.
COL. HEMINGWAY.
At an early date Colonel Hemingway built a saw mill at Chicken Point and Tisdale Jones built another a little farther up the stream. Josiah Hart built a third one still farther up the stream. These mills were all in operation as early as 1844. They are now all abandoned. Another saw mill was built near the grist mill at Harford Mills shout 1820, but by whom we cannot ascertain.
SAMUEL CROSBY.
Samuel Crosby settled in Harford about 1814, and in 1820 built a distillery upon the farm now known as the Beard farm. Another early distillery was erected upon the present site of the cheese factory. This was operated by Aaron Benedict. An ashery stood near it which was managed by Theodore Hart.
Israel Graves and David Crosby located before 1815. Graves lived at Chicken Point and Crosby upon the farm now owned by Robert Purvis of Cortland.
JOHN STRAIGHT.
John Straight came to Harford some time before 1815 and soon became the most extensive land owner in the town. History says that "he at one time owned three square miles of land," but became a too steady a patron of the distillery and finally lost all of his property.
GORDON BURLINGAME.
Gordon Burlingame was among the prominent early settlers of the town of Harford and for many years owned the beautiful farm now the property of Allen W. Tyler, just south of Harford village. The brick house upon this farm was built by Mr. Burlingame in 1828, the brick being made upon the farm. There were several brick yards in town at this time, which fact accounts in part for the number of substantial brick houses in town.
ALLEN W. TYLER.
Allen W. Tyler was a grandson of Gordon Burlingame, his father, Jeremiah Tyler, having married a daughter of Mr. Burlingame.
LORENZO TOTMAN.
Lorenzo Totman, a brother of Calvin Totman, settled in Harford early in 1800. He took up a tract about four miles east on the road leading to Marathon. His father formerly lived upon this farm and must have been one of the earliest settlers.
DAVID ALLEN.
David Allen was in town before 1815 and built one of the first grist mills. The mill was located about half a mile east of Harford Mills.
STEPHEN CROSS.
Stephen Cross settled in the town of Harford about 1812. He came from Chenango county, He also erected a substantial brick house.
GUY BARNES.
Guy Barnes was an early resident and formerly lived upon the Slaterville road. Spencer Seamon now owns the farm and has the same under a careful state of cultivation.
JOHN MOSS.
John Moss was another early settler in this vicinity.
About the year 1814 came Nathan Heaton, Theodore E. Hart and Levi Moore, and Seth Stevens came about 1812, while the Graves family and Crosbys came about 1814.
BENJAMIN HOLDEN.
Benjamin Holden, a native of Maine, came to Harford in 1816 and located on land now owned by Milo Day. His daughter, Betsey B., became the wife of Dexter Brown, who was a son of Josiah Brown, one of the early settlers.
DEXTER BROWN.
Dexter Brown was born in Harford in 1816; was married in 1839, and removed to Marathon in 1876. Until that time he resided constantly on the farm where he was born, and which he owned until his death which occurred a few years ago at Marathon. His father, Josiah Brown, died in 1860 at the advanced age of ninety-one years.
HENRY BALLARD.
Henry Ballard, one of the prominent settlers of the town, died at the unusual age of 100 years.
EBENEZER BURGESS.
Ebenezer Burgess came from the state of Maine with the Brown family in 1813, and located on lands long owned by Henry Wavle. At this time Mr. Burgess purchased the apple and pear trees which are still standing upon that farm.
ASEL SEXTON.
Asel Sexton, father of Hanson Sexton, settled in 1814 on the premises long occupied by Miss Moon in Harford village. Ranson was born in 1813, and located in Harford Mills about 1860.
LANSING HAY.
The late Lansing Hay settled in Harford in December, 1826, locating on the farm for many years occupied by Henry Boyce. He was then twenty years of age. One of his daughters became the wife of H. C. Gray of Harford Mills. Another became the wife of Ranson Jennings. His son, L. E. Hay, has for many years conducted a general merchandise store in Harford and still enjoys a large trade among his fellow townsman.
CALLED TO THE FRONT.
When the call for troops came in 1860, fifty brave boys responded to their country's call and marched to the front. Some returned to again resume the active duties of life while others were buried on southern soil.
LAKE ONTARIO, AUBURN & NEW YORK RAILROAD.
Previous to the year 1852 Harford was isolated from the outside world on account of the absence of a railroad. In the year 1852, a company was organized under the name of the Lake Ontario, Auburn and New York Railroad company with a capital stock of $1,500,000 A route running from Fair Haven on the north to Pugsley's station on the south was established and much of the right of way was secured. About $875,000 was spent on the grading, when the company collapsed.
In 1858 another company was organized and $450,000 was spent in grading between the lake and Weedsport. Operations on the enterprise were suspended with the breaking out of the Rebellion, but in 1865 the company was reorganized and the route changed to its present course. The road was completed and trains began running in 1869. The passage of the first train over this road was hailed with great joy, and hundreds of people at the various stations along the line were assembled to see the flying, snorting monster pass by. Business in the town of Harford at once increased. Mills were pushed to their utmost extent to convert the surrounding forests into lumber. Hundreds of men were furnished employment and business in all lines was greatly revived.
SOUTHERN CENTRAL HOUSE.
At this time the hotel accommodations at Harford and Harford Mills was somewhat limited and, to supply the pressing need, a company of 22 citizens of Harford erected the Southern Central House, a large three-story structure, at a cost of more than $12,000. For a short time this house did a large business, under the management of Chas. B. Ellis, which has since gradually fallen off. Several landlords have during the last 25 years sought their fortunes in this house, but nearly all have met discouragement within its walls. At the present time a small portion of the building is used as a barber shop and occasionally a traveller is cared for by Theodore Harding, who conducts it.
UNION CHURCH.
The old union church was erected in the year 1835 by all the Christians in the vicinity, the Universalists being prominently identified in the work. It is stated by the historian that the people of that section turned out en masse to the raising and that the whiskey jug (so common in those early days) was freely passed. It is also said that the late Lansing Hay mounted the top timber of the spire after the frame had been raised and swinging the jug aloft christened the building "The Union Church of Virgil Flats." The structure has since been rebuilt and passed into the hands of the Presbyterians. It is now the property of the Congregational society. This society is, however, weak and at present has no settled pastor.
METHODIST CHURCH.
The Methodist church was built about the year 1858 and was rebuilt in 1882. This church is in a nourishing condition and is under the care of Rev. Mr. Flora, who is a cultured and conscientious gentleman.
EARLY PHYSICIANS.
Among the early physicians of Harford we have learned of the following: Drs. Fox, Owen, Terry, Houghtaling, Davis, Shipman, Ellis, Knapp and Allen.
STEAM SAW MILL.
A steam saw mill was built in 1867 by A. D. and I. D. Hemingway. They conducted the mill for several years and then sold the same to H. W. Bradley, who for many years was an extensive dealer in lumber. Mr. Bradley is now a resident of Syracuse and president of the Kelsey Furnace company of that city.
PRESENT TOWN OFFICERS.
The officers of the town of Harford at the present time are as follows:
Supervisor—John A Wavle.
Town Clerk—L. F. Wilcox.
Justices—Jas. H. Hinds. Chas. Brink, Dan Shapley, Asa Strong, Milo S. Day.
Assessors—Sidney Lobdell, Sherman Morse, Martin Kells.
Highway Commissioner—Chas. Stowe.
Overseer of Poor—Jerome Miller.
Collector—Edwin Adams.
Constables—Dudley Allen, Sylvester Brown. Edwin Huson. Edwin Perry.
J. C. EDMONDS.
Among the older residents of the town we
speak with special pride of J. C. Edmonds. Mr. Edmonds was born in Stillwater,
Saratoga county, in 1842. At the age of 4 years, he removed with his parents to
Onondaga county. His early education was stained in the common schools of
Onondaga and Cortland counties. In 1877 Mr. Edmonds opened a meat market in
Harford and conducts the same at the present time. In 1879 he added a full line
of groceries and opened a store in the north part of the Exchange hotel. Ten
years later he added dry goods and general hardware and to-day carries a very
large and complete stock of general merchandise. Mr. Edmonds is agent for the
Wiard plows, Syracuse chilled plows, and Buffalo barrows. By honest dealing and
careful attention to business Mr. Edmonds has established a large and
profitable trade. Mr. Edmonds is an acknowledged Democrat and has held various
offices in his town. He has served as constable, town clerk, commissioner of
highways and has represented his town upon the board of supervisors for three
years. Personally Mr. Edmonds is a genial gentleman and is highly respected by
all who know him.
SAMUEL N. HOLDEN.
Samuel N. Holden, a son of Walter Holden, was born in Harford in 1843. He was educated in the schools of his native town during early life and assisted his father upon the farm. In 1862, when 18 years of age, young Holden enlisted in Company E, 157th Regiment, New York Volunteers, under Colonel Carmichael. He served with great bravery during the war, participating in the historic battles of Gettysburg, Chancellorsville and the siege before Charleston. He was also one of a few who were privileged to attend the services incident upon the re-raising of the Union flag upon Fort Sumter, after it had been lowered by the Confederate army under General Anderson. The American forces were under command of General Gilmore. General Sherman's army was also within the city at the time. After returning from the war, Mr. Holden at once engaged in business in Harford under the firm name of Holden & Tyler. This partnership was continued one year when Mr. L. C. Ball purchased the interest of Mr. Tyler and for four years the firm was known as Holden & Ball. Mr. Ball then retired and Mr. Holden conducted the business alone for two years. He then associated himself with Theron Johnson, now member of assembly from Tompkins county. For five years the firm was known as Holden & Johnson. Mr. Johnson then sold his interest to H. T. Bushnell, who continued as Mr. Holden's partner for three years, when Mr. Holden sold his interest to Mr. Bushnell and removed to Cortland, where he purchased the coal business of W. C. May. The business was then in its infancy and Mr. Holden at once erected a large dump and a store house about one-half mile west of the place occupied by Mr. May. Mr. Holden has been a very prosperous business man and is highly respected by all who know him.
Several amusing anecdotes are related of him when a resident of Harford. When a boy eight years of age people were wont to allow their cows to run at large in the roads. One old cow belonging to a man in the village was very much inclined to spend much of her time in the garden of Mr. Holden, young Samuel's father. As the sweet apple tree was located in this garden, these depredations were looked upon by the youth as especially out of order and he remarked one day to his father "that some one ought to shoot that old cow." His father paid no attention to this remark. Some days afterwards, however, the cow came again and was discovered gorging herself upon Samuel's choicest sweet apples. His father was away, so young Holden hurried to the house and seizing the gun he went into the garden and at first shot killed the cow. Another anecdote is related by County Clerk H. T. Bushnell, who was for several years a partner of Mr. Holden. It appears that a resident of Harford at one time owed Mr. Holden a sum of money and as security gave him a chattel mortgage on a cow. The debt was not paid, and after a time, Mr. Holden told the debtor that he must have the money or the cow. Much to his surprise, he was told by the penitent debtor that he (Mr. Holden) had had the cow. He said "no," but what was his surprise to be told that the quarter of beef which he had bought the winter before was a part of his own cow.
WHEELER & SHAPLEY.
This firm has but recently commenced business in Harford, having been for three years engaged in the general merchandise business in Hunt's Corners. Mr. Geo. S. Wheeler, the senior member of the firm, was born in Chenango county in 1849. He was educated at the schools of his native town, and at the close of his school life engaged in farming until 1892 when he purchased the store at Hunt's Corners. Here he associated with him his son-in-law, Fred Shapley. The firm did a prosperous business in Hunt's Corners but, desirous of enlarging their field for work, they purchased the large stock of goods of John C. Jones and took possession June 1st. For some time Mr. Wheeler has held the office of postmaster at Hunt's Corners and the firm are now the acting postmasters in Harford. It is probable that Mr. Shapley will be appointed postmaster within a short time in place of John C. Jones, who has now retired from business. They carry a large line of groceries, both staple and fancy, also dry goods and shelf hardware. They are agents for a variety of farm implements. They are both gentlemen of genial appearance and will, no doubt, do a large business in Harford.
I. W. BANKER.
I. W. Banker, the present proprietor of the new hotel in Harford, has for forty years been a resident of the town. Formerly he conducted hotels at Fair Haven and Auburn. In 1889 Mr. Banker rented the Exchange hotel in Harford and until March, 1898, conducted a first-class house. Early in the year 1898 he commenced the erection of his present commodious and beautiful house. In March, 1898, he took possession of the same and opened the house to the public. The new hotel is situated just east of the Lehigh Valley railroad, commanding a fine view of the surrounding town. The house is finely furnished throughout. The cuisine, under the immediate care of Mrs. Banker, is as good as can be found in any hotel in Cortland county.
H. T. BUSHNELL.
H. T. Bushnell, the present efficient county clerk of Cortland county, was born in Ohio in 1843 and came to Harford and engaged in the mercantile business with Samuel N. Holden in 1872. Mr. Bushnell was for many years a prominent resident of the town of Harford. He at various times held the office of constable, notary public, town clerk and supervisor. Some years ago Mr. Bushnell was elected county clerk and discharged the duties of the office to the satisfaction of all. At the close of his term he was employed as deputy county clerk and continued as such until the last county election when he was again elected as county clerk, which office he now holds. Mr. Bushnell is an expert accountant and upon matters of history connected with this county his opinion is beyond question.
J. A. WAVLE.
J. A. Wavle, the present supervisor of the town, is a young man of remarkable ability and exceedingly popular. He is engaged in the feed business in Harford and also conducts a meat market in the village.
MILO S. DAY.
Milo S. Day has for many years been one of the representative men of the town. He is at present one of the justices of the town. He conducts a feed and flour store just east of I. W. Banker's hotel.
J. H. BROWN.
J. H. Brown, who for several years has represented his town as supervisor, has been a life-long resident of the town of Harford and for many years was actively engaged in business. He now lives retired in a pleasant home in Harford village.
T. G. WILCOX.
T. G. Wilcox resides in a luxurious home in Harford. Mr. Wilcox was born in Smithville, Chenango county, in 1842. Thirty years ago Mr. Wilcox removed to Harford and purchased the nucleus of the farm which he now owns. At various times he has added to this farm until finally he owns what was formerly three farms. Under its supervision elegant buildings have been erected, a barn which he recently built costing him $2,500. He recently purchased the S. N. Holden residence in the village and now lives retired, enjoying the result of years of toil. Mr. Wilcox is a strong Democrat and prominent in his town. He has at various times held offices of trust in his town. His son, Ed Wilcox, now works the farm which is under a high state of cultivation. The beautiful fields which now greet the eye look in strange contrast with the bushy and unseemly appearance which it bore thirty years ago.
BLACKSMITHS.
Two blacksmiths, Ogden Allan and Edward Huson, reside in the town, and are both doing a flourishing business.
HENRY HAWLEY.
Henry Hawley has for several years held the responsible position of station agent at Harford and has given universal satisfaction.
LOUIS F. WILCOX.
Louis F. Wilcox, who is now the clerk of the town of Harford, is one of the representative young men of the town, and for five years was employed as clerk for J. C. Edmonds. At present he is not actively engaged in any business but is open for a profitable business engagement.
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| Robert Purvis. |
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| Robert Purvis bio extract, Grip's Historical Souvenir of Cortland. |
ROBERT PURVIS.
Robert Purvis, who how is numbered among Cortland's oldest and most highly respected citizens, was for many years a resident of Harford. He still owns large landed interests in Harford and Dryden, and frequently visits his old home. By careful management he has become wealthy.
MILK STATION.
A largo milk station is operated at Harford and large quantities of milk are daily shipped to Philadelphia. A cheese factory is also owned and conducted by Mr. Bloomer of New York City. 1,800,000 pounds of milk are annually manufactured into cheese and shipped to various parts of the United States.
PROMINENT FARMERS.
Among the prominent farmers of Harford we desire to make special mention of Adna Beard, Chas. Stowe, Homer J. Brown, Chas. Stinnard, Luther Holden, Spencer Seamans, Wm. R. Joiner, A. W. Tyler, T. G. Wilcox, James Wavle, G. F. Weller, G. A. Wavle, Thos. Stinnard, J. H. Brown, Chas. Edwards, Loren W. Rood.
Thus hurriedly we have endeavored to recall some of the early recollections of the town of Harford and also to speak of those who have contributed to the present prosperity of Harford. It is the hope of the DEMOCRAT that the coming 100 years may bring as many beneficial changes to the town of Harford as have taken place during the past century and that the rising generation may find incentive for greater zeal.
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| Firemen's Hall, Main Street, Cortland, N. Y., 1899. |
CORTLAND FIREMEN.
RELIABLE HISTORY OF THE C. F. D. DATING BACK TO 1854.
Water Witch Company Organized Forty-nine Years Ago—Roll of Original Members—Many interesting Matters Taken From the Records.
Cortland firemen have a record for bravery and efficiency that extends from one end of the state to the other, and no better compliment could be paid them than the remark made by an insurance adjuster soon after the burning of a portion of the foundry three or four weeks ago to the effect that but very few volunteer departments could have done more efficient work in the saving of adjacent property than was done on that occasion. That, however, was only one of the many valiant fights made by the brave boys of this village, who without hope of pay or reward risk their lives to save the property of their fellow men.
The history of the Cortland fire department is an interesting one, and extends back nearly half a century. Finding a strong sentiment existing in the village in favor of the publication in the DEMOCRAT of all facts relating to the department, a representative of this paper has compiled from the records and from information gleaned from the oldest residents a correct historical sketch of the Water Witch company, the first organization ever formed in Cortland as a protection against fire, and what is very remarkable is the fact that the same company under the same name is to-day in existence and is composed of active, competent men who know how to combat the fire fiend, and their knowledge is backed by willing hands. This sketch will be followed by carefully prepared articles on the Hook and Ladder, Orris, Emerald and Hitchcock hose companies.
On the 5th of June, 1854, the board of trustees held a meeting and appointed members of a fire company which was about to be organized. But few residents of the town at the present day will recognize familiar names in the list as published below, nearly all of the original members having passed away. S. M. Benjamin, however, is still active for a man of his years and he delights in relating reminiscences of the days when he "ran with the machine." The following composed the membership of the company: J. C. Jarvis, I. M. Seamans, E. Gurley, D. F. Hotchkiss, G. Cuyler, R. Rounds, E. F. Gould, T. Cornwell, J. B. Fairchild, D. Fish, N. Lyman, A. Sweet, E. Gatley, D. Mallory, G. Rexford, E. Van Schaick, C. S. Crouch, W. Rooks, J. A. Graham, R. H. Derby, H. B. Stephens, H. House, G. Bradford, E. Merritt, J. Murray, R. H. Lee, C. L. Todd, J. B. Horton, S. M. Benjamin, C. Jones, W. Yager, H. Buell, H. G. Crouch, H. Bates, W. Alvord, J. T. Bates, E. Johnson, H. Medes, Abram V. Bass, H. A. Jarvis, J. C. Pomeroy, J. Knowlton, J. McCumber, W. Powers, J. Wiles, H. Danes, D. Smith, Chas. Taylor, H. A. Sweet.
On the 14th of June the members of the company met and decided to call the organization the "Water Witch" fire company and the following officers were elected: Foreman, Edwin F. Gould; first assistant, Emilus Gurley; second assistant, J. C. Jarvis; secretary, Glen Cuyler; treasurer, Henry Bates. The dress was to consist of Scotch plaid shirts, with russet leather belt and black pants,
The discipline seems to have been very strict, for on the 15th of July five members were expelled for non-attendance. At this date the Water Witch hose company was organized, but it did not exist long. Shortly after this time a hand engine was bought, and the records say that on November 16, 1854. "the engine Water Witch arrived and the event was signalized by the ringing of bells. The engine was taken up by the carding mill and worked, and the next day it was worked again, throwing a stream of water easy thirty feet over the dome of the Cortland House."
In the records for January 11 the secretary says: "The machine was to have been taken out for trial, but on account of the freezingness and inclemency of the weather we concluded not to make ourselves or the engine visible, and so we didn't."
The engine was at first kept in a barn, but shortly after the organization of the company a small wooden building was erected on the present site of Firemen's hall and this was the headquarters of the company. The old machine is still in existence and is stored in a barn in Groton-ave. The engine house was dedicated on the 9th of January, 1856, and Hon. R. H. Duell was chosen to make an address. The Homer fire company was invited, a band secured and the dedication was an event of great moment for Cortland.
The first fire to which the company was called was May 22, 1855, at a dwelling house owned by James Freeman, corner of Greenbush and Railroad-sts. The records say that "after about a half hour's work, the fire was extinguished, greatly to the credit of the company." During the first five or six years such men as John W. Strowbridge, John T. Barnes, Aaron Sager, L. D. Garrison, W. D. Tisdale, Isaac Edgcomb, Depuy Mallory and C. E. Rowley joined the company. The officers elected December 5, 1860, were: Foreman, J. W. Strowbridge; first assistant, A. G. Bennett; second assistant, Henry Meades; secretary, Aaron Sager; treasurer, L. D. Garrison.
On the 3d of January, 1862, the Eagle hotel was burned, and the company did valiant work in saving adjoining property.
During the civil war the Cortland firemen showed their patriotism by either enlisting or by contributions to those who joined the army. It would be interesting if a list of the firemen who enlisted could be obtained, but the secretary's records mention the names only of J. W. Strowbridge, Miner H. Knapp, Chas. Gilbert, Deloss Jones, J. W. Benjamin and A. J. Lyman. The company generously gave $49 to each enlisted man, and C. Parley Cole added $5 to this amount.
On May 5, 1864, the firemen were called out by a fire at the shop of Win. O. Barnard, but found it extinguished, and the secretary wrote, "they showed their good will and were permitted to throw water on the roof awhile and retire without further molestation."
Early in the morning of October 19, 1866, W. O. Barnard's butter tub and pail factory was burned, entailing a loss of $10,000. When the Water Witch boys arrived at the scene the building was too far gone to save, but adjoining property was prevented from burning.
September 17, 1867, was a great day in Cortland, and the Water Witch company bore its share of the honors. On that day the corner stone of the Normal school building was laid, and the day was celebrated by a procession and other means of rejoicing. S. M. Benjamin was foreman of the company, which formed a prominent feature of the parade, marching through the principal streets before listening to the exercises in Court-st.
About 11 o'clock of the night of January 25, 1869, the fire laddies were called out on a singular errand. Annie Stevenson, daughter of Thomas Stevenson, was missing, and the fire bell was rung to call out the firemen to assist in the search. The chief engineer formed the company into squads and assigned a street for each squad to search and arouse the people for more help. Search was kept up all night, but without success, and when the morning train from the south arrived, Miss Stevenson alighted from it. She had gone off in a fit of somnambulism or temporary insanity and wandered down to State Bridge on the railroad track. She was there taken care of and sent home on the train.
The record for September 24, 1869, says: "Last night the fire hell was rung by a couple of young follows who were out on a spree. They were caught and summarily dealt with, which we think will prevent the recurrence. George Welch and a son of Elder Crippen, the Methodist minister, were the fellows that did it."
October 1, 1869, was a great day for the department, the event being the holding of a tournament. Visiting companies were present from Groton and Marathon, and in the forenoon a parade was formed, marching through the principal streets. At half past one in the afternoon the trial took place at a brook on Adams-st., under the following regulations: Only 30 men allowed on the brakes; the trial to be through 100 feet of hose; three quarter inch nozzle or larger to be used; each company entitled to two trials. The result of the trial was extremely gratifying to Cortland, and was as follows: Groton threw a stream 189 feet 4 inches; Marathon 203 feet 1 inch; Cortland 208 feet 4 inches. The foreman of the home company was A. H. Healy, and at the close of the trial the president of the village presented a trumpet to the foreman. The Marathon boys evidently took their defeat at heart, as they later in the day declined the escort of the Cortland company, and within a few days they challenged the Cortland company to another trial. The challenge was promptly accepted, but no record of the contest can be found.
Under date of February 21, 1870, we find in the secretary's book the report of an explosion at the Normal school building. The record is as follows: "About 10 o'clock this morning we were called out by the ringing of the fire bell. The alarm was caused by the explosion of one of the boilers at the Normal school in a small building just back of the school, used to warm the building. Henry Danes, the engineer at the school, was working on top of the boiler at the time of the explosion, and he was thrown about 210 feet, being found lying on his back in a yard in Greenbush-st., dead."
At the annual meeting held December 7, 1870, Charles E. Gilbert was elected foreman and C. E. Ingalls secretary. At that time the prominent members of the Water Witch company were J. C. Carmichael, John W. Strowbridge, Aaron Sager, H. A. Randall, Henry Bates, S. A. Fairchild, L. D. Garrison, Emilus Gurley, Byron Mudge, John D. Schermerhorn, A. L. Cole, Martin Edgcomb. G. W. Bradford, S. M. Benjamin, P. C. Mudge, J. P. Peck, Geo. L. Warren, Lewis B. Webb, Isaac Edgcomb, C. E. Ingalls, C. E. Rowley.
The entire history of the Water Witch company is an honorable one, and its members are just as zealous in their good works at the present time as they were in 1854. The present officers are as follows: Foreman, F. G. Christenat; first assistant, Willard Gilbert; second assistant, Fay Millen; secretary, A. S. Smith; treasurer. A. J. Barber.
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