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| Cortland County Judge A. P. Smith. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, January 26, 1900.
CORTLAND IN 1871.
A CAREFULLY COMPILED RECORD OF INTERESTING EVENTS OF THAT YEAR.
[These historical and reminiscent sketches of Cortland events began with the year 1868, and will cover a period of a quarter century, one year's events appearing in each issue. The entire series will form a valuable record and be very interesting reading.]
No startling events occurred in Cortland during the year 1871, the people having apparently lapped into a state of "innocuous desuetude," devoting themselves to a life of industry and happiness. During that year several manufacturing establishments which are now the pride and joy of the village were struggling for an existence, especially the Cortland Wagon company, the firm being composed of L. J. Fitzgerald and Mr. Kinne, and they conducted their works in a shop located about where the Central school building now stands. It was not many years after that time when Mr. Fitzgerald organized the present company which has became famous all over the world.
BRUTAL ASSAULT IN TRUXTON.
In the early part of the year 1871 the two worst criminals in the county jail were there for assault and battery with intent to kill an old man named Bassett, living in Truxton. Mr. Bassett was an old man, and he and his wife had a particular dread of the poorhouse, having previously been inmates of that institution, and they were content rather than become its inmates again, to live in the woods in an old sugar house, with no door except a single board to cover an aperture of sufficient size for entrance and exit, no windows, no bed, except brush upon which blankets were thrown, the floor of the dwelling being the bare ground. Mr. Bassett was deaf and dumb, and was unable to rise from the bed. The two ruffians made a raid upon this home and its inmates, dragged the old man from his bed of brush, breaking his arm in two places, pounding him until he became senseless, and then deliberately outraged his wife. Much indignation was felt in Truxton, and the two men when arrested barely escaped lynching.
VILLAGE BY-LAWS.
The village trustees adopted two ordinances that must have created considerable interest, one relating to dogs and the other to velocipedes. Here they are:
Resolved, that the running of velocipedes be and is hereby prohibited on any sidewalk [of] the corporation of the village of Cortland, under a penalty of $5 for each offense
Resolved, that all dogs found within the corporate limits of the village of Cortland after the 12th of September, without being properly muzzled, shall be killed by the street commissioner of said village.
POLITICAL MATTERS.
The supervisors elected in the several towns in the county in February, 1871, were as follows: Cincinnatus, Henry M. Kingman, Dem., 85 majority; Cortlandville, Deloss McGraw, Rep.; Cuyler, Alex. Dunce, Rep.; Freetown, Hiram Hall, Rep.; Harford, S. H. Steele, Rep., 30 majority; Homer, Manley Hobart, Rep., 100 majority; Lapeer, D. C. Squires, Rep.; Marathon, H. Clark Carley, Rep., 16 majority; Preble, M. Van Hoesen. Dem., 43 majority; Scott, Cyrus Kellogg, Rep.; Solon, John Wheeler, Dem.; Taylor, Irving W. Phelps, Rep.; Truxton, W. S. Maycumber, Rep.; Virgil, S. M. Byram, Rep , 3 majority; Willet, Ogden Burlingame, Rep.
At the charter election at Homer the following officers were chosen: Trustees, Alpheus Stone, Augustus W. Kingbury, Amory W. Hobart, Oliver Glover and David H. Hannum; clerk, H. Hoyt; treasurer, S. McBarber; police constable, Wm. H. Cobb.
Cortland village elected the following officers: President, John S. Barber; trustees, Arnold Stafford, W. D. Tisdale; assessor, Isaac M. Seaman; treasurer, B. B. Woodworth; collector, Bela P. Hitchcock. The temperance people placed a ticket in nomination as follows: President, Stephen Brewer; trustees, Daniel Van Hoesen, Levi Howe; assessor, Isaac M. Seaman; treasurer, Jas. S. Squires; collector, Bela P. Hitchcock.
A Republican county convention was held Sept. 23, and P. H. McGraw, C. O. Newton and S. Patrick were chosen delegates to the state convention.
The Republican nominating convention was held Sept. 30 and the following ticket was placed in nomination Member of assembly, D. C. Squires; county judge, A. P. Smith; Justice of sessions, Stephen B. Hunter; coroners, Dr. W. M. Bradford, Dr. J. W. Hughes.
The Democrats sent as delegates from Cortland county to the state convention, Henry S. Randall; to the senatorial convention, Jay B. Boughton. Oliver Porter, M. Van Hoesen, W. S. Baker. At the latter convention Oliver Porter was nominated for state senator from this district, which at that time comprised Onondaga and Cortland counties.
The Democratic county ticket was as follows: Member of assembly, Judson C. Nelson; county judge, John S. Barber; justice of sessions, R W. Bourne coroners, Daniel W. Burdick, Seneca Beebe.
At the November election the Republicans elected their ticket, Judge A. P. Smith receiving a majority of 1502, and D. C. Squires for member of assembly 1,577.
COURT PROCEEDINGS.
In January an interesting trial came up in court, Cordelia Warren, wife of George Warren, being charged with stealing bonds from C. O. Newton of Homer. M. M. Waters appeared for the prosecution, and Mrs. Warren was defended by Messrs. Warren, Miner & Porter. The jury brought in a verdict of acquittal.
In county court, March 20, Chas. Barron, who had previously been indicted for riot on the occasion of tarring and feathering Mrs. Bly the July previous, the particulars of which were given in the record of 1870 published last week, was tried, the case exciting great interest. The defendant proved an alibi to the satisfaction of the jury and he was acquitted. Attorneys Lewis Bouton and Riley Champlin conducted the prosecution, Mr. Champlin summing up the case, and L. E. Warren and W. N. Burr appeared for the defendant.
OFFICERS ELECTED.
January 1, Cortland Co. Agricultural society: President, H. Dennison; vice-president, W. R Hibbard; secretary, J. D. Schermerhorn; treasurer, S. McClellan Barber; executive committee, A. D. Blodgett, C. C. Taylor, J. C. Carmichael, C. O. Newton, Lyman Hibbard.
April 3, Cortland Y. M. C. A.: President, H. C. Smith; vice-president, Prof. T. B. Stowell; recording secretary, J. D. Frederick; corresponding secretary, A. F. Tanner; treasurer, C. W. Collins; directors, E. A. Fish, Frank Place, W. H. Crane, H. F. Benton.
INTERESTING EVENTS BRIEFLY TOLD.
On the 4th of January "Brick" Pomeroy, who at that time enjoyed national fame as the editor of the famous Pomeroy's Democrat, lectured in Taylor hall, Cortland, for the benefit of Water Witch fire company. Previous to the lecture Mr. Pomeroy held a public reception at Sperry's hotel.
January 12, Riley Champlin was married to Miss Anna Dolan.
In January Wilbur J. Baker was appointed postmaster at Harford Mills.
Three students from the county attended the medical department of Hobart college during the year, two of whom are practitioners. The students were H. D. Hunt and F. S. Hall of Preble, and M. L. Halbert of Cincinnatus.
On February 1 Isaac W. Brown bought a stock of drugs and medicines of Abner L. Smith, and in April George H. Arnold of Homer formed a partnership with Mr. Brown.
Some of the village expenses for the year ending March 1, 1871, were as follows: Streets and crosswalks, $1,984.04; gas for streets, and lighting, $529.50; fire department, $519.53.
Coal was an expensive luxury in those days, the price during March of that year being $11 a ton.
Chas. W Stoker, who had for four or five years previous to 1871 served as clerk for Jas. S. Squires, formed a partnership with C. D. Rouse for the sale of groceries and provisions. Mr. Stoker still conducts a popular store in the same line.
At the spring elections several towns, among them being Groton and Dryden, voted against license.
Geo. S. Thompson resigned the position of superintendent of the Syracuse & Binghamton railroad, and was succeeded by P. Elmendorf Sloan, son of President Sam Sloan, and who proved to be very incompetent and unpopular.
R. W. Tripp of Cortland bought the Mansion House at Homer in April.
David H. Hannum, who is credited with being the original "David Harum," foreclosed a mortgage against Barton H. Roark and John Grainer.
Notaries public were appointed for Cortland as follows: Riley Champlin, John S. Barber, B. B. Woodworth, Jay H. Bouton, B. B. Jones, Chas. H. Thomas and Edwin P. Slafter.
R. D. Cornwell was appointed street commissioner in April.
The clerk of the village received the munificent salary of $30.
Adam Draiss and Chas. O'Leary opened a shoe shop in the Samson block.
It was in 1871 that Adolphus Frost built his famous greenhouse in Tompkins-st. Mr. Frost and his son still conducts the business.
Two passenger trains each way handled all the traffic over the Syracuse & Binghamton railroad, trains passing Cortland as follows: Going south, 10:00 in the forenoon and 4:55 in the afternoon. Going north, 10:00 in the forenoon and 8:18 in the afternoon.
A time table issued in April ignored Blodgett Mills and Little York entirely, trains making no stop at either station. This action on the part of young Elmendorf Sloan aroused considerable indignation at Blodgett Mills, and some of the citizens resorted to novel means to bring him to terms. About a half mile of the track north of the station was covered with a liberal coat of tar, and it is said that the train stopped from necessity.
On the 16th of February a dramatic entertainment was given in Taylor hall under the auspices of Grover post, G. A. R., among the characters in the drama "The Spirit of 76, or the Coming Woman," being Col. Frank Place.
Two fires occurred at Blodgett Mills during the year, one on March 11 burning a store on the east side of the river belonging to John Tanner, and the other June 3, when a house belonging to Rufus Smith was destroyed.
Early in the summer a freight train on the Syracuse & Binghamton railroad ran off the track just north of the Cortland depot, fourteen cars being thrown from the track and badly damaged. It was necessary to transfer passengers around the wreck.
On the 2nd of May, 1871, large snow banks were reported in the town of Virgil.
The M. E. conference appointments for that year were as follows: Cortlandville, J. T. Crippen; McGrawville, H. Harris; Homer, A. N. Darrow; East Homer, H. B. Smith; Virgil, S. A. Luce.
On July 20 the Vesta lodge rooms in Cortland were dedicated, Past Grand Master Barnes of New York officiating.
Barnum's circus exhibited in this village Sept. 11.
The renowned temperance lecturer, John B. Gough, appeared before a Cortland audience December 14, under the auspices of the Y. M. C. A.
Probably many Cortland people still remember a character known as "Yankee" Griswold, who wore a watch on the front side of a tall hat. Late in the year a walking match was arranged between Mr. Griswold and C. Temple Forrester of New Jersey, the distance being five miles. Although Griswold was 50 years old, he won the match in 53 minutes.
WILLET, N. Y.
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 Willet lies in the southeast corner of Cortland county and comprises 15,839,19[0] acres. It is pleasantly situated upon the Otselic river, the main tributary of the renowned Tioughnioga. The surface of the town is broken, a narrow valley extending north and south along the river, while numerous small streams, stealing along through rocky gorges, intersect the fertile fields and mingle with the romantic Otselic. In the north-western part of the town a small body of water, known as "Bloody pond," is situated. This body of water derived its name from the fact that the appearance of the water is of a reddish hue, and in some places a decided resemblance to blood is observed. In the extreme eastern portion of the town is found the picturesque Cincinnatus lake, a beautiful sheet of water about one mile long and three-fourths mile wide.
FROM WHOM NAMED.
The town of Willet was named in honor of Col. Marinus Willet, who acquired honorable fame at the siege of Fort Stanwix, now Rome, N. Y., during the trying days of 1777. It will be remembered by students of United States history that Col. Willet, while second in command of the United States forces during the Revolutionary war made a gallant attack upon the forces of Sir John Johnson, capturing their stores and provisions. Col. Willet drew lot 88 of the original township of Cincinnatus and when the town was formed on April 21, 1818, the honor of the name was given to him.
FIRST SETTLER.
Ebenezer Crittenden was the first settler in what is now known as the town of Willet. He had previously married at Binghamton, and in 1797, in a small boat, himself, wife and child slowly worked their way up the Otselic river. Their progress was necessarily slow, the only propelling machinery in those days being the paddle and push pole, and after a long and tedious journey he finally reached a point near where the village of Willet now stands, and at once set about to build a shelter for his wife and little one; with his axe he cut some crotches and with poles formed a tent. This was covered with bed clothes. This was his dwelling until he could build a log house. The body of the house was made entirely of poles and covered with shingles which he split out with his axe and fastened to the frame work by means of wooden pegs. There was no grist mill accessible, so with true Yankee ingenuity he built him a small one by digging a hole in a large stump and erecting a spring pole. From this rudely improvised mill came forth the material from which short cakes were made. The bolting process of the present day, which removes so much of the health giving properties from the corn and wheat, was not known in those days. Game was abundant, and with his gun Mr. Crittenden secured meat for his family, while the water of the Otselic furnished a health giving drink.
OTHER EARLY SETTLERS.
Benjamin Wilson came to Willet from Oxford in 1806. John Fisher came from England in 1806 or '7, Jonathan Gazley from Dutchess county and Thomas Leech from Madison county. Jabez Johnson came from Vermont during the same year and Phineas Sargent, whose origin is unknown, came in the same year. Ebenezer Andrews and Benj. T. Green came in 1808. In 1809 a large addition to the population of Willet was made, among the settlers during that year being Joseph Merritt from Westchester, N. Y., Solomon Smith, Daniel Roberts from Madison county, John Covert from Windham, Greene county, William Greene from Kent county, R. I., Ira Burlingame from Oxford, Chenango county, Altitius Burlingame from Kent county, R. I. and Edward Nickerson from Cape Cod. In 1810 came Arnold Thomas from North Kingston, Washington county, R. I. Solomon Dodge came from Oxford, N. Y., in 1811. In the year 1816 Samuel Dyer came from North Kingston, R I., John and Peter Eaton from Cherry Valley, N. Y., and Samuel and Abraham Canfield from Orange county, N. Y.
FIRST EVENTS.
In the year 1812 the grim angel of death first entered the settlement of Willet and claimed as its victim the wife of Solomon Smith. The first birth in the town of Willet was a child of Ebenezer Crittenden. The first marriage was that of Solomon Smith, which occurred in 1813. The first grist and saw mill in town was built by Benjamin Wilson in 1807 or '8. These mills were built upon the Otselic river in the northern part of the town. In 1808 John Fisher built a saw mill upon the Otselic river, near the southern part of the town and where the mill of Geo. Salisbury now stands. The same year Jabez Johnson built a small mill at the outlet of Bloody pond. Benjamin Wilson erected a clothing mill near his saw mill in 1808, and for many years did a large business in the manufacture of homespun cloth, which at that time furnished the entire clothing outfit of the sturdy settlers. The first store in Willet was opened by John S. Dyer. In 1808 Mr. Wilson opened a public house in Willet and two or three years later he erected a blacksmith shop. The first school house was built in 1814 and a successful school at once organized. Thus for twenty-one years it will be seen that steady accessions had been made to the population of the settlement of Willet and in 1818 the legislature organized the town and endowed it with all the rights and privileges of its sister towns.
FIRST TOWN MEETING.
The first town meeting was held at the house of Benjamin Wilson in 1819. Altitius Burlingame officiated as moderator, and William Throop as justice of the peace. The following persons were elected as official servants of the town: Supervisor, Wm. Throop; town clerk, Samuel Dyer; assessors, W. Throop, John Eaton and Benjamin Greene; collector, Joseph Nickerson; overseers of poor. Altitius Burlingame and Henry Sawdy; commissioners of highways, Benjamin T. Greene, John Briggs, and John Eaton; commissioners of schools. John Briggs, Benjamin T. Greene and Abner Wilbur; constables, Joseph Nickerson, John Campbell; commissioners of lands, Benjamin T. Greene, Altitius Burlingame and Peter Eaton; inspectors of common schools, W. Throop, Orlando Salisbury, John Corbett, Anson T. Burt, Bicknell Freeman and Samuel Dyer; sealer of weights and measures, Altitius Burlingame. Wilson Greene built a saw mill in 1S61 on the outlet of Bloody pond, which was operated until 1878, when it was abandoned.
Daniel Edwards now owns and operates a mill on the same stream a little farther up. Mr. Edwards is one of the oldest residents of the town now living.
DROWNED.
In the year 1818 Arnold Thomas and his wife were drowned in the Otselic river at a point known as the ox-bow. Mrs. Thomas was an estimable woman and a sister of Altitius Burlingame. They were endeavoring to cross the river on a rudely constructed raft for the purpose of attending a prayer meeting, when the raft suddenly upset and the entire party, consisting of Miss Hannah Corpse, Nelly Miller, Mr. Burlingame and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas [sic]. Mr. Burlingame fortunately was an excellent swimmer and succeeded in saving both of the young ladies. The bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were afterwards recovered and still repose in one grave upon the farm formerly owned by Altitius Burlingame, now the property of George Barnes.
JOHN S. DYER.
In 1834 John S. Dyer, a son of Samuel S. Dyer, built a store in Willet, a second one in 1837, and a third one in 1848. He also built a public house or Inn which was several years ago burned.
FIRST POSTMASTER.
Samuel Dyer was the first postmaster of the town, receiving his appointment in 1823.
ISHMAEL GARDNER.
Ishmael Gardner was for many years numbered among the prominent farmers of Willet and resided just outside of the limits. Several years ago he met a sudden death by a kick from a horse. His sons, Ernest and John, now conduct the farm.
CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS.
As early as 1815 or '16 the Methodists organized a class and appointed a class leader. They, however, at this time had no church edifice and services were held at the homes of the citizens. The Baptists organized a society in 1821 and the Congregationalists in 1852.
POPULATION.
The population of Willet in 1820 was 437; 1825, 508; 1830, 804; 1835, 723; 1845, 921; 1850, 923; 1855, 925. The population has slowly but steadily increased except for a few years previous to 1835 and probably now numbers nearly 1200 souls.
WAR VETERANS.
When the war between the North and the South broke out Willet quickly responded with her full quota of men, and the required number was raised as follows: Call of Oct. 17, 1863, Freeman T. Willard, Silas Adams, Valentine Babcock, Oscar Seymour, John Potter, John E. Vosburg, Frank Winter, Joseph Quick, Daniel Farmane, Charles L. Tarbox, Lyman Joyner, Patrick Condon and Edward Condon. The bounty paid at this time was $300. Call of July, 1864, bounty $1000. Robert Wilson, Charles R. Brown, Theodore H. Fitch, William Gritman, Abram S. Holland, Wm. Jones, Everett Johnson, Geo. M. Kinney, Uriah Loomis, Geo. Loomis, Ephriam Loomis, Charles Robinson, Geo. H. Slack, William A. Smith, Fredrick Skillman, Wm. Taylor, Myron Wooster, John Winchel, Roderick Wilbur, Thomas Torry, James Ostrander and O. F. Pickney. Call of Dec. 19, 1864, bounty $600. S. Wetmore, William J. Hedge and William Martin.
SUPERVISORS.
The following is a complete list of those who have served the town of Willet in the capacity of supervisor since the formation of the town: William Troop 1818-19-20; Samuel Dyer, 1821-2-3-4-5; George Isaacs, 1826; Samuel Canfield, 1827; Nathaniel Shepard, 1828; Abner Wilbur, 1829-30; George Isaacs, 1831; Peter Eaton, 1832; John Briggs, 1833; John S. Dyer, 1834 to 1840; John Isaacs, 1840; William A. Coe, 1841-2; Benjamin T. Greene, 1843; Joseph P. West, 1844; Joseph Greene, 1845-6; Stephen Adams, 1847; Silas Courtney, 1848; Lewis Mooney, 1849; Silas Courtney, 1850-1; John S. Dyer, 1852-3; Burrill Greene, 1854; John S. Dyer, 1855; John Miller, 1856; John S. Dyer, 1857-8; William R. Coles, 1859; John D. Greene, 1860; Benjamin S. Coe, 1861-2; John S. Dyer, 1863; Benjamin S. Coe, 1864-5; Owen C. Hall, 1866-7; Elisha Nichols, 1868-9-70; Ogden Burlingame, 1871-2; Charles D. Brown, 1873; Samuel C. Dyer, 1874-5; Ogden Burlingame, 1876; Wilson Greene, 1877-87; C. P. McVean, 1888; Wilson Greene, 1889 to 1893; R. Walworth Bourne, 1894; Jefferson Greene. 1894-5-6-7; John D. Coe, 1898; Adelbert E. Ingersoll, 1899-1900.
IMPROVEMENTS.
Under the hands of those study settlers previously mentioned in this article much of the native wildness of that locality has been removed, and where dense forests stood in 1818 now fertile farms abound. Comfortable houses have in most cases taken the place of the rude log cabins which had been so hastily constructed by the early settlers.
GENERAL BUSINESS.
Thus briefly have we endeavored to give our readers a few of the facts connected with the early settlement and growth of Willet and we now pass to speak more particularly of those who to-day manage the affairs of this flourishing town. The business of the town consists of four general stores, the large and well stocked hardware store, one shoe store, one furniture factory, planing mill and general wood repair shop, four saw mills, one shingle mill, and two creameries, two blacksmith shops and two hotels.
TOWN OFFICERS.
The officers of the town at present are: Supervisor, A. E. Ingersoll; justices Geo. D. Landers, Frank Smith, Jos. L. Hawley, Earl Bourne; town clerk, S. C. Dyer; assessors, Wayne Valentine, W. S. Sternberg, Emmet Delevan; highway commissioner, Luman Jones; collector, M. C. Flint; overseer of poor, Thomas Johnson.
BURRILL GREENE.
Among the highly respected and aged residents of Willet we mention with much pleasure Burrill Greene, who was born in Willet over seventy years ago. His father, Benjamin T. Greene, was one of the early settlers of the town, having located southwest of Willet on what is known as the west road. He owned a large tract of land up on the river bottom which extended far upon the hills to the west. At his death a large property reverted to his four children, Burrill, Giles, Wilson and Harriet. The farm of Mr. Greene comprises nearly 600 acres of land and is highly productive. Mr. Greene is a wool-dyed Democrat and has represented his town as supervisor and in several minor positions.
WILLSON GREENE.
Willson Greene was born in Willet in 1828 and has resided there continuously since that time. Mr. Greene owns 500 acres of land. The homestead farm situated upon the hill is one of the most productive farms in that section. The buildings are large and well adapted to the wants of his tenants. The farm where Mr. Greene now resides upon the river road is one of the most desirable in Cortland county. The buildings are all of recent construction and cost Mr. Greene upwards of $10,000. He has three children Maurice Greene, who is an extensive produce dealer of Marathon, Ella, who is now the wife of Fred Meacham of Willet, and Allie, who is now completing a course at the Cortland Normal school. Mr. Greene is a man of sound judgment and his advice is frequently sought upon financial matters.
E. J. DYER.
E. J. Dyer, one of the substantial citizens of Willet, was the oldest son of John S. Dyer, one of the first settlers of Willet. Mr. Dyer was born in 1828 and has been a continuous resident of Willet since that time. For some years he was employed in the store of his father and in 1851 commenced business for himself, which he still conducts. Mr. Dyer has been frequently honored by his townsmen with various offices of trust. For eight consecutive years he held the office of justice of the peace, and for two years he was town clerk. He was appointed postmaster during the presidency of Grover Cleveland, and held the office until the appointment of the present incumbent, Mr. C. J. Harris, in 1898. During the last two years Mr. Dyer's health has been somewhat impaired and he has been ably assisted in the store by J. B. Harris, one of the prominent young men of the town. He carries a full line of dry goods, groceries, shelf goods, feeds and provisions, and enjoys a prosperous trade with the people of his own and surrounding towns.
S. C. DYER.
S. C. Dyer, a brother of E. J. Dyer, was born in Willet in 1838 and is known throughout Central New York as a talented musician, having for many years been the leader of Dyer's orchestra. He was for several years associated with his father in the mercantile business and in 1882 opened a store which he still conducts. During 1874-75 he represented his town upon the board of supervisors, and for twenty years has held the office of town clerk. Previous to this position he was assessor for ten or twelve years. He also carries a general assortment of goods usually found in a country store.
HENRY O. GREENE.
Among the older residents of the town we mention with pleasure Henry O. Greene, who for many years has owned and conduced a general furniture and wood shop in what is known as Georgetown, a small hamlet about one mile east of Willet village. Mr. Greene is assisted in the business by his son, Adelbert Greene, who has for several years been one of the representative young business men of Willet. His son enjoys the distinction of being deputy sheriff for the town of Willet, this appointment having been given him by Sheriff A. E. Brainard.
JOHN GREENE.
John Greene, a brother of Henry O. Greene, is a prosperous farmer residing in the eastern part of the town and is numbered among the oldest inhabitants of Willet.
CHAS. P. MCVEAN.
Among the business men of Willet who have recently passed away, we wish to mention Chas. P. McVean, whose death a few months ago is still fresh in the minds of DEMOCRAT readers. For many years Mr. McVean was engaged in the mercantile business in Willet, and the business still continues under the care of Wm. Burnap. Mr. McVean was also quite an extensive farmer, owning a fine tract of land upon the river bottom about two miles north-west of Willet village. Mr. McVean was frequently honored by positions of trust and at one time represented his town upon the board of supervisors.
DAVID WILES.
David Wiles was also engaged in business in Willet for a long time and a few years ago passed away, leaving one son, Frank M. Wiles, who at present conducts a barber shop at Cincinnatus, Mr. Wiles, during the active years of his life, did a large business and was highly respected by all who came in contact with him.
AUGUSTUS BURLINGAME.
Augustus Burlingame was for many years one of the wealthy men of Willet, who recently passed away. His son, Charles Burlingame, now owns one of the finest farms in the town. It is located about one half mile north of the village. He is a prominent Republican and one of the representative men of his party.
Mr. John D. Schermerhorn, who now resides on North Church-st., Cortland, and Mrs. Geo. Carter of Marathon were daughters of Augustus Burlingame, and claim Willet as their birthplace.
C. J. HARRIS.
C. J. Harris, the present postmaster of the town, was born in Cortland in 1839. His early education was obtained in the Cortlandvllle academy, and after reaching years of maturity he removed to a farm on the extreme eastern part of the town of Willet. In 1862, Mr. Harris enlisted in Co. K, 157th Regiment N. Y Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He actively participated in most of the historic battles of the war and fortunately escaped without injury. At the close of the war Mr. Harris returned to his farm, where he resided until about twelve years ago, when he moved into a pleasant home at Georgetown, a suburb of Willet. He now owns and conducts a shingle mill. This mill was formerly a tannery and for many years owned and conducted by Ira Day. Forty years ago the business of tanning was extensively carried on in this mill. In November, 1898, Mr. Harris was appointed postmaster of Willet, Mr. Harris and wife are highly respected by all who know them. He is a staunch Republican and has for several years served as one of the justices of the town.
EATON HILL.
Eaton Hill is a name which is applied to a very productive portion of the town lying about three miles distant from the village of Willet. It derived its name from John and Peter Eaton, who came from Cherry Valley, N. Y., in 1816, and located on Eaton Hill. Many of their descendants still reside upon this hill and are well to do and highly respected citizens.
ROBERT TENNANT.
Robert Tennant came to Willet at an early day and settled upon Eaton Hill. He became the father of ten children, Alsina, Thomas, Elizabeth, Deliverance, Julia Ann, Robert, Mary, Mason, Lovantia, and Elijah. Of these only Lovantia and Elijah are now living. Lovantia is the wife of Henry O. Greene and resides at Georgetown in the town of Willet. Elijah still resides upon Eaton Hill and is a well to do and respected citizen. His sons, A. O. Tennant, now in the employ of Henry Hubbard of Cortland, and E. M. Tennant, own valuable farms adjoining the farm of their father. The farm of A. O. Tennant is now worked by H. L. Covey, a son of Loran Covey.
LORAN COVEY.
Loran Covey has been for upwards of forty years a resident of Eaton Hill and now owns two of the finest farms in that locality. He also is a highly respected citizen of Willet.
MILES E. BURLINGAME.
Miles E. Burlingame, ex-district attorney of Cortland county, was born November 8, 1838, and was a son of Westcott and Melinda (Eaton) Burlingame. Westcott Burlingame was one of the pioneer settlers of Willet and came into possession of a large tract of land upon the death of his father. This land was situated just south of the present village and almost within its limits. After completing his school education Miles studied law in the office of McDowell & Edwards at Lisle. He afterwards attended the Albany Law school, from which institution he graduated May 20, 1870. He at once began the practice of his profession at Willet. For several years he was justice of the peace and in 1894 was elected district attorney of Cortland county, which office he filled to the complete satisfaction of the tax-payers of the county. He became the father of three children, Elmer E., Elnora and Roby C. Burlingame. Elmer still resides in Albany and is a prominent attorney of that city. Elnora died at the age of five years and Roby C. died in 1897, at the age of 21 years. Of the many lovely traits of character which surrounded Roby, the writer of this article wishes to attest, as he was at one time principal of the school at Willet when she was a student, and her good character, attention to her school duties and willing obedience were marked characteristics. She was suddenly stricken with paralysis while attending church and in a brief space of time she was called away, leaving a large number of sorrowing relatives and friends.
OGDEN BURLINGAME.
Ogden Burlingame, a brother of Miles, was born in Willet in 1840 and was educated at the schools of his native town. At the death of his father, which occurred in 1891, he came into possession of the original Burlingame homestead, where he still resides. In politics he is a staunch Republican and has several times represented his town upon the board of Supervisors. His farm, consisting of 171 1/2 acres, is one of the most productive in the town of Willet.
JOSEPH L. HAWLEY.
Joseph L. Hawley was born in Marathon in 1847. His early education was obtained at the Marathon academy and Union school. In the spring of 1868 he came to Willet and entered the employ of Geo. T. McMinn, who then conducted a general harness and repair shop. Here he remained for six years, when he purchased the business of Mr. McMinn and has since conducted the same. Besides his harness trade Mr. Hawley does a large business in boot and shoe repairing. Mr. Hawley is a prominent Democrat and has held the office of town clerk nine years during his residence in Willet. He is now serving his second term as justice of the peace. He is largely interested in the well-fare of his adopted town and has for many years served as trustee of the school. Mr. Hawley is the father of three children, two sons and one daughter, all of whom have reached the age of [maturity]. Steady and industrious, Mr. Hawley has built up a prosperous business which extends throughout his own and surrounding towns.
CHURCHES.
Two churches, the Methodist and Baptist, have long been organized in Willet. The Methodist society was organized in 1815, and although small in number is in a prosperous condition. Their church has during the past year been undergoing extensive repairs, under the hands of that skillful mechanic, Albert Greene. The interior has been materially changed and new carpets and fittings put in. The pastor is Rev. J. B. Wilson, who also has charge of the church at Texas Valley. The Baptist church was organized in 1821 and still continues in a prosperous condition. The pastor is Rev. E. E. Cartwright, who also supplies the church at German, Chenango county.
SCHOOL.
One of the best schools in Cortland county is located at Willet. The building is of recent design and was built about fifteen years ago. On the ground floor are located the study rooms and upon the second floor is a large and convenient hall in which public school exercises and general entertainments are held. The teachers at present are Ford H. Herrick, principal, and Maggie Reagan, assistant.
RILEY COLE.
Riley Cole, one of the best informed residents of Willet, now resides upon his farm near the Smithville line. He has for many years been one of the representative men of his town. Sometime in 1869 or 70 Mr. Cole was named as one of the railroad commissioners of the town of Willet and labored faithfully to secure the building of the Cortland and Norwich railroad. In this, however, Mr. Cole was disappointed as the road has never been built. The building of the Erie and Central New York road touching at Willet station, has in a measure lent satisfaction to the residents of Willet, but they still cherish the idea of a railroad through their town, with an outlet at Greene or some other railroad point nearby.
LAVILLO ALLEN.
Mr. Lavillo Allen, in company with his father J. P. Allen, came to Willet several years ago and purchased a small farm about one mile north of Willet on the road to Cincinnatus. Here the son opened a stone quarry and during the years which have passed has prepared and sold many thousand dollars worth of building and sidewalk stone. Some of the finest stones seen in this state are taken from this quarry. Mr. Allen is a professional stone cutter and all orders for stone engraving receive prompt attention.
THOMAS BARRY.
In the western part of the town of Willet is a section known as Barry Hollow. It derived its name from Thomas Barry, who at an early day came from Ireland and located. Many of his descendants now reside in this valley, and are numbered among the prosperous farmers of the town of Willet.
THE REAGANS.
Several families of Reagans are prosperous residents of Barry Hollow and are thoroughly identified with the business prosperity of their adopted town.
DENNIS FOLEY.
One of the finest farms in the Hollow is owned by Dennis Foley. The buildings are of recent construction and the farm under a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Foley is an active Democrat and can ever be found working for the interests of his party.
R. WALWORTH BOURNE.
Among the prominent and educated men of Willet we wish to mention R. Walworth Bourne. Mr. Bourne is a farmer and resides about two miles east of the village of Willet. For several years Mr. Bourne represented his town upon the board of supervisors and in 1883 was elected county clerk, which position he held until 1887. Some five years ago, through the instrumentality of Daniel Lamont, Mr. Bourne was appointed as receiver of the Redwood (Dakota) Nations bank. Since closing up the business of the defunct bank Mr. Bourne has devoted himself to the duties of his farm. In politics Mr. Bourne is understood to be a gold Democrat and very pronounced in his opinions.
CHAS. D. BAKER.
Chas. D. Baker was born in Triangle in 1859, and his early life was spent upon a farm. In 1896, Mr. Baker came to Willet and engaged in the boot and shoe business. He carries a full line of ladies' and gents' footwear and sells them as low as consistent with goods. Mr. Baker is deputy postmaster and has personal supervision of the office, the postmaster, Mr. Harris, not desiring to give personal attention to the work. Mr. Baker also carries a fine line of stationery and general school supplies.
ALBERT A. BOLT.
Albert A. Bolt was born in Greene in 1864, where his early life was spent. For three years previous to 1897, Mr. Bolt was in the mercantile business in German, and enjoyed a prosperous business. He then moved to Willet and opened a store in the building formerly occupied by David Wiles. He carries a large stock of dry goods, groceries, feeds and provisions.
CHAS. INGALLS.
Chas. Ingalls and daughter, Mrs. Jefferson Greene, own and conduct the only hotel in Willet village. The house is new and finely furnished and should command a large trade.
LAKE VIEW HOUSE.
In the extreme eastern part of the town and upon the banks of the picturesque Cincinnatus lake is situated the Lake View house and spacious dance hall adjoining. This is the property of Chas. Rowe of Cortland, and is conducted by C. N. Rowe of Willett. Mr. Rowe owns and for many years personally conducted a fertile farm midway between Willet und Upper Lisle. Mr. Rowe assumed control of the Lake View house, April 18, 1899, and intends to remain during the year 1900. This hotel is a favorite summer resort and the health giving opportunities of the place cannot be over estimated. Frequent dances are held which are usually well patronized. The fishing at this lake is good and fishing parties are frequent.
COTTAGES.
The following parties have erected substantial cottages upon the banks of the lake across from the hotel: Dr. McBirney of Willet, Elmer Skillman, Horace Rhoades, Jesse Rockwell of Smithville Flats. Another is owned by a company of Marathon people. On the north side of the lake are located the cottages of James Cue and Cushman Hoag of Smithville Flats, and Charles Harris of Willet. A small steamer plies about the lake to add to the enjoyment of pleasure parties.
CHAS. D. FINN.
An extensive planing mill and wagon repair shop is owned and conducted by Chas. D. Finn, who for many years has been a highly respected citizen of Willet.
BLACKSMITH SHOPS.
The two blacksmith shops of the town are run by Silas LeRoy and Floyd Ensign.
A. E. INGERSOLL.
A. E. Ingersoll has for many years been a resident of Willet and for some years conducted a market upon South-st. He is a man of excellent judgment and highly respected by all who know him. At the last election he was selected to represent the town upon the board of supervisors, and in that capacity has made an enviable record. At present he resides in a pleasant home in Willet village and is engaged in speculation in various directions.
DR. MCBIRNEY.
Dr. McBirney, the only physician in the town, has been for many years a practitioner and has, from his long service among the people of Willet and surrounding towns, built up a large and profitable business. He was for many years one of the county board of pension examiners and is well known throughout the county. In politics the Doctor is a strong Democrat, and has held various offices within the gift of his townsmen. He owns a fine cottage on Cincinnatus lake, where during the summer months he delights to stay and enjoy a much needed and well deserved rest.
CORRY EATON.
Corry Eaton is a native of the town of Willet and is a descendant of Peter Eaton, one of the early settlers of the town. He owns a productive farm on Eaton Hill, and now resides in a pleasant home on West Main-st. He is largely interested in the purchase and sale of live stock.
JOHN D. COE.
John D. Coe, ex-supervisor of the town, is a wealthy and influential farmer and owns two farms just south of Willet village. Mr. Coe is a strong Democrat and has always been identified with any good work which had for its object the improvement of Willet or the success of his party.
GEO. D. LANDERS.
Geo. D. Landers, a well known and extensive land owner and justice of the peace, resides in the southern part of the town and near the Broome county line. He is the son of Garry Landers, who for many years was considered one of the wealthiest men in the town. Upwards of 600 acres of valuable land is comprised in the several farms which Mr. Landers now owns. The farm buildings are of modern construction and everything presents an air of prosperity, Mr. Landers also owns a large creamery and cheese factory at Upper Lisle about one mile distant.
AGED RESIDENTS.
Among the older residents of Willet should be mentioned, John P. Beckwith, John Hopkins and Riley Crittenden. These gentlemen have all passed the allotted three score years and ten, but are still hale and hearty and recall the early history of Willet with wonderful accuracy.
WALTER FORSHEE.
Walter Forshee has been for many years a resident of the town. He conducts a general hardware store and repairing in all its branches. For many years Mr. Forshee was the postmaster of Willet and conducted the office to the entire satisfaction of the people of the town. In politics Mr. Forshee is a staunch Democrat and stands prominent in his party. By careful attention to business Mr. Forshee has acquired a comfortable amount of this world's goods and now enjoys the fruits of his early labors.
PROMINENT FARMERS.
In this brief article it will be impossible for the writer to speak particularly of all the successful farmers who at this time contribute to the prosperity of Willet. On the west road leading down the river are situated the fertile farms of John S. Jones, Marvin Babcock, Andrew Babcock, John Carswell, M. C. Flint, Ariel Jones, Isaac Jones, Chas. Saules, Geo. Salisbury (who also [conducts] an extensive saw mill) and A. and G. Talbut.
On the road leading south from Willet in the direction of Upper Lisle are the farms of Linus Meacham. Frank Miller, Wm. Perkins, Morell Hibbard, Geo. Palmer, Benj. Loomis, Samuel Williams and Isaac Meacham, Westley Main, Ira West and Samuel Barnes.
North of the village are situated the farms of Fredrick Mooney. Frank Main and Chas. Burlingame, the latter of whom special mention has been made.
North-west of the village and upon or near the road leading to Texas Valley are the farms of Ernest and John Gardiner, John M. Delevan, Wilbur J. Delevan. Albert C. Greene, Deloss Conrad, Horace Tiffnay, Thomas Flahavan, Franklin Strough and Geo. Strough.
FRANKLIN STROUGH.
Franklin Strough has been a resident of Willet since 1833 and has a very pleasant and valuable farm.
THOMAS FLAHAVAN.
Thomas Flahavan came to Willet 23 years ago and has earned for himself a comfortable home just south of Bloody pond.
JEFFERSON GREENE.
Jefferson Greene, son of Burrill Greene, is one of the prominent young business men of the town at the present time and has for several years represented his town upon the Board of Supervisors. He is a true Democrat and devotes his attention to the success of his party.
THE GREAT FLOOD.
On June 12, 1880, the village of Willet suffered severely from a freshet. The large dam located on Eaton hill was unable to hold the large amount of water which came from a cloud burst, and the mad waters rushed down the steep incline until the village was reached. Buildings were torn down, shops and stores thrown from the foundations and general havoc raised. The terror-stricken residents fled to positions of safety until the water had subsided.
In point of wealth Willet stands foremost among the towns of the county, and her citizens are numbered among the most intelligent and industrious residents. Any worthy project finds ready supporters among the people of Willet.
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