CENSORSHIP

   If some influential people within our media, social media and educational institutions are defending censorship in 2022, let the battle resume. "Misinformation" management is censorship, no matter how it is spun. Wake up, America.

CORTLAND IN 1879, COUNTY COURT, MRS. DAVERN'S NEW DEPARTMENT, AND CORTLAND IS A CITY

 

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, March 23, 1900.

CORTLAND IN 1879.

INTERESTING LOCAL EVENTS OF THAT YEAR.

A Year of Little Excitement—Bell Donated to Baptist Church—Several Runaways—Walking Matches—Politics in Cortland—Minor Events.

   In studying files of newspapers for 1879 we find that the year was an unusually quiet one in and about Cortland, no startling events being recorded during the entire twelve months. In June of that year the members of the Baptist church, whose edifice was erected a year or two previous, were happily surprised by the announcement that Mrs. Russell Hubbard and her son George had decided to donate a bell to the society. Emmet A. Fish, G. W. Bradford and E. P. Slafter were appointed to make the selection, and the bell, costing about $800, still rings out the invitation to attend service at that church. Shortly afterwards Mrs. Hubbard and her son were given a most happy surprise by the members of the church, who entered their house and passed an evening of enjoyment. Mrs. Hubbard was given a silver tea set of six pieces, suitably inscribed, and an elegant bound copy of Shakespeare's works.

MARRIAGES.

   The marriage of the following people, still well known in this county, took place in 1879: Feb. 26, by Rev. George Bayless, Dell Sprague and Miss Hattie Tanner; May 13, by Rev. Asa Brooks, Ed. L. Adams and Miss Ella V. Courtney, both of Marathon; May 28, at McGrawville, by Rev. S. N. Westcott, John C. Seagar and Miss Hattie Warren; September 10, by Rev. J. A. Robinson, John D. Benton and Miss Arlone A. Babcock; October 22, by Rev. S. N. Westcott, Frank P. Saunders and Miss Hattie L. Peck; November 26, at McGrawville, by Rev. Geo. Bayless, Frank W. Higgins (now doctor) and Miss Kittie M. Smith.

POLITICAL MATTERS.

   At the February town meetings the towns of Cincinnatus, Cortlandville, Harford, Scott, Solon, Taylor and Truxton returned the same supervisors as in 1878, published last week, and the remaining towns elected the following: Cuyler, J. W. Patrick, R.; Freetown, J. H. Seeber, R.; Homer, Wm. O. Bunn, R.; Lapeer, W. E. Hunt, Greenback; Marathon, Geo.A. Hulbert, D.; Preble, J. D. F. Woolston, R.; Virgil, W. P. Mynard, D.; Willet, Wilson Greene, D.

   At the village election in Cortland held March 18, the following officers were chosen: President, R. Bruce Smith; trustees, G. W. Bradford, Jonathan L. Watrous; assessor, Samuel Freeman; treasurer, Fitz Boynton: collector, Daniel L. Baker

   The delegates from Cortland county to the Republican state convention were W. O. Bunn, A. P. Smith, R. H. Duell and W. J. Mantanye.

   Delegates to the Democratic state convention were C. L. Hathaway, Theodore Cornwell and A. N. Ney. To the senatorial convention, R. W. Bourne, James Steele, F. M. Benjamin, John Courtney, Jr., James Dougherty.

   The Republican county ticket was as follows: Member of assembly, S. A. Childs; Sheriff, G. S. Van Hoesen; county clerk, Howard J. Harrington; district attorney, B. A. Benedict; superintendent of poor, Silas Blanchard; justice of sessions, C. P. McVean.

   The Democrats placed the following ticket in nomination: Member of assembly, F. T. Van Hoesen : sheriff, Delos Bauder; county clerk, R. W. Bourne; district attorney, Ira L. Little; superintendent of poor, Stephen D. Perkins; justice of sessions, Valentine Jipson.

   The Greenback and Labor party nominated the following: Member of assembly, Chas. C. Burlingame; sheriff, W. E. Stockwell; superintendent of poor, W. W. Winter.

   The Cortland DEMOCRAT of October 31 contained the following allusion to a Republican meeting held the week previous: "Judge A. P. Smith, S. A. Childs, Howard J. Harrington and Joe Eggleston went to East Virgil Wednesday evening. Smith and Eggleston were to speak, and Childs and Harrington were simply on exhibition as candidates. The Republicans of East Virgil, with an eye single to the eternal fitness of things nailed a strip of lath against the side of the wall behind the speaker's desk and upon this hastily constructed seat the party from Cortland were forced to sit for two mortal hours. It proved to be long enough and wide enough and strong enough for the purpose for which it was intended.''

   The entire Republican ticket was elected.

RUNAWAYS.

   One day in August the vehicle in which Otis C. Smith and D. F. Wallace were riding from Homer collided with a wagon, and Mr. Smith was thrown out. The horse turned and ran back to Homer and was killed by running against a whiffletree to another wagon.

   S. M. Benjamin was injured in a runaway September 13, his left shoulder being broken.

   As C. S. Bull and his mother were driving from Glen Haven early in November their team ran away in the town of Scott, both being thrown out, one of Mrs. Bull's ribs being broken.

WALKING MATCHES.

   A walking match was held in Taylor hall, beginning at 7:14 o'clock on the evening of October 23 and continuing until 9:40 the following morning. There were fourteen contestants, among them being Stephen Corby of Cortland, and Albert Gillen of South Cortland. Dan Burns of Elmira won first money, making 118 miles and 17 laps. Corby won second, 104 miles and 17 laps.

   Another 50-hour match was held beginning December 17, with ten contestants, three of them being local residents, viz.: Henry Corby of Cortland, Stephen Corby of Cortland and Frank Carley of Solon. Stephen Corby won first, 168 miles, and Henry Corby second, 157 miles and 19 laps.

BRIEF MENTIONS.

   Mark Brownell, then of McGrawville, accepted a lucrative appointment at Albany in January.

   The Cortland Standard office was moved early in the year to Mahan's building in Court-st.

   The Binghamton Republican of January 16 contained the following of interest to Cortland dairymen: "Between eleven and twelve tons of butter came down from Cortland on the S. & B. railroad yesterday. It was in transit by express to New York, and filled the express car and part of a baggage car. Dairy interests in that section must be looking up, and they make an A-1 article in Cortland county."

   The Cortland Wagon company was incorporated in January, 1879, with the following officers: President L. J. Fitzgerald; vice-president and superintendant Hugh Duffey; treasurer W. D. Tisdale; secretary M. D. Welch.

   John Courtney, Jr., began the practice of law by himself in February.

   On the 2nd of February Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bates celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of their marriage. Their house was filled with friends, and addresses were made by Rev. Mr. Izer, Prof. Hoose and Judge Smith. The Odd Fellows' band furnished music.

   Peter Van Bergen of Cortland was appointed a keeper in Sing Sing prison in February.

   In March dairy butter sold for from 10 to 14 cents, and new butter at 12 to 18 cents.

   The double track on the D., L. & W. road from Chenango Forks to Binghamton was built in 1879.

   In April Wesley Hooker returned to Cortland to reside.

   Geo. S. Lester of Binghamton came to Cortland in April and opened a confectionery and variety store in West Court-st.

   On the second of May Chas. H. Price bought the interest of C. S. Bull in the firm of Schermerhorn & Co., and H. A. Jarvis also became associated with the firm.

   A young man named Edward Kennedy, while viewing the parade of Sells Bros.' circus June 5, fell from the second story window in Fireman's hall, and died four hours later with a fractured skull.

   During June the Cortland Wagon company shipped from $1,500 to $2,000 worth of wagons daily.

   Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Doubleday celebrated their wooden [sic] wedding June 17, a large number of friends being present. The bridal cake made by Mrs. Doubleday for her wedding five years previous, was cut and pronounced remarkably toothsome.

   Thomas Keator, president of the First National bank, died June 25.

   James H. Turner came to Cortland from Poughkeepsie the latter part of July.

   J. Seymour Bull and David Eugene Smith went to Europe during the summer.

   June 17, Rev. A. J. Hutton was installed as pastor of the Presbyterian church.

   The year 1879 was a great year for circuses in Cortland. Van Amburgh's being here May 21, Sells Bros. June 5, and Coup's June 21.

   Burglars entered the home of Harrison Wells, Port Watson-st., on the night of October 4. Mrs. Wells was awakened and gave the alarm, but the burglars escaped with a gold watch.

   A man named Edgar F. Brown committed suicide late in the year at the residence of W. H. Shankland, by shooting himself.

   Otis C. Smith bought of O. U. Kellogg the house now occupied by him in West Court-st.

   L. M. Loope killed a buffalo in December, the meat being sold at Thompson's market.

 

Attorney Edwin Duffey.

County Court.

   The March term of county court, which convened Monday morning, Judge J. E. Eggleston presiding, has been devoid of interest, owing to the inability of District Attorney Duffey to prepare the prosecution of several criminal cases, because of the protracted trial of John Truck.

   George Lane, indicted for bigamy, pleaded guilty by his attorney E. W. Hyatt, and was sentenced to Auburn state prison for one year at hard labor.

   Ida May Hopkins, also indicted for bigamy, was given a sentence of six months in Onondaga penitentiary, her attorney, C. V. Coon making a plea for clemency.

   Several cases were put over the term, and the celebrated case of Tobias L. Rose against Harrison Wells, to recover $116 for cabbages was tried, being given to the jury Wednesday forenoon. That body was unable to agree until 2 o'clock yesterday morning, having deliberated fifteen hours. The verdict was in favor of plaintiff in the sum of $75.

   Attorney D. W. Van Hoesen for the defendant made a motion to set aside the verdict upon the ground that it was against the evidence and contrary to law. This was denied, and Mr. Van Hoesen then moved a new trial upon the minutes and upon the ground above stated. Attorney I. H. Palmer for the plaintiff insisted that a motion should be made upon the case and exceptions, but Judge Eggleston decided to entertain the motion upon the minutes.

   The case has been tried four times and has become famous throughout Cortland county.

   The court at 9:45 adjourned sin die.

 

Samuel N. Holden.

CORTLAND IS A CITY.

GOV. ROOSEVELT SIGNED THE BILL FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

The Common Council Organizes—A. E. BUCK Aldermen From Third Ward—Wm. G. McKinney From the Fifth Ward—Everybody is Happy. Mayor—Samuel N. Holden, Rep.

ALDERMEN.

   First ward—Edwin M. Yager, Rep.

   Second ward—C. Fred Thompson. Dem.

   Third ward—Addison E. Buck, Rep.

   Fourth ward—Elbert D. Wood, Rep.

   Fifth ward—Wm. G. McKinney, Dem.

   Sixth ward—Vernon Skeele, Dem.

   These are the gentlemen who will manage the public affairs of Cortland during the first nine months of its existence as a city, each of whom has proven his capabilities by successfully conducting business enterprises in Cortland, and as a natural sequence the common council will give the people of the city a wise, economical administration conducted upon business principles.

   Cortland became a city at 6 o clock on the afternoon of Friday, March 10, when Gov. Roosevelt affixed his signature to the bill which wiped the village of Cortland out of existence, it is hoped for all time to come, and created a city which bids fair to maintain a healthy growth in population, In influence, in commercial prosperity and in manufacturing industries.

   The governor gave a hearing upon the bill at noon of Friday, Mayor Holden, Alderman Thompson, D. W. Van Hoesen, Henry S. Bliss and others appearing in favor, and Rev O. A. Houghton and Attorney B. T. Wright in opposition to the charter. The unanimity with which the bill passed both branches of the legislature, and the heavy majority given in Cortland last week in favor of the city charter ticket evidently impressed Gov. Roosevelt that the people wanted the new charter, for at 6 o'clock of the same day he signed the bill.

   In compliance with the provisions of the city charter the mayor and four aldermen met Monday evening for the purpose of organizing the common council. A large number of citizens were present, deeply interested in the initial proceedings of the alderman.

   Soon after calling the board to order, Mayor Holden named Addison E.  Buck for alderman from the Third ward. On motion of Mr. Thompson the appointment of Mr. Buck was unanimously confirmed and he was declared elected. Mr. Holden then nominated Wm. G. McKinney as alderman from the Fifth ward. Upon a motion to confirm, Messrs. Thompson and Skeele voted aye, and Messrs. Wood and Yager voted nay. Mayor Holden broke the tie by voting aye.

   This was the only business that could be transacted at that meeting, and an adjournment was taken to last evening, when a city chamberlain and a commissioner of charities will be appointed. Other appointments under the city charter will follow as soon as proper selections can be made.

 

NEW DEPARTMENT.

Mrs. J. T. Davern & Co. to Confine Their Trade to Millinery.

   For that past eighteen years Mrs. J. T. Davern & Co. have conducted the millinery business in Cortland, and no establishment of that nature has more thoroughly enjoyed the confidence of the public during these many years than Mrs. Davern & Co. This good will and lucrative trade has been won and maintained by the thorough business methods employed by the firm, by strictly honorable dealing, by keeping all the latest and popular styles, employing experienced trimmers, and selling their goods at prices satisfactory to the buyers. This has been the system employed by the firm during the many years in which it has catered to the wants of the public, and the result may be seen in the very large trade enjoyed by Mrs. J. T. Davern & Co. at the present time.

   Some of their patrons may regret to learn that they contemplate making a departure by confining their trade entirely to millinery, and disposing of their stock of hosiery, ladies' underwear, yarns and the many notions, to make room for millinery entire. This will give ample room for the display of goods just received from New York, and which will be arranged for a public display on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of next week, March 29, 30 and 31.

   To close out the side issues mentioned above, all goods in those lines will be disposed of at a sacrifice, as it is necessary that they be cleared out at once. This will be an opportunity which the ladies of Cortland and surrounding towns will be quick to take advantage of.

   The stock of millinery goods just received and soon to be placed upon exhibition and sale is one of the largest ever opened in Cortland, comprising every style of bonnet and hat placed upon the market in New York and other business centers. The work room will remain in charge of Misses Dings and Bogan, who have been with the firm the past year and whose artistic ability is not excelled in Central New York. They will be ably assisted by Miss Nichols, who has had large experience in this line. Mrs. Davern will confine her attention to the salesroom, assisted by Miss Julia Lane and other salesladies who have been with the firm recently.

   Let every lady reader of the DEMOCRAT remember the opening days, March 29, 30 and 31, and also the fact that all goods other than millinery must be disposed of at once, at prices which bring them within bargain lines.

 

HERE AND THERE.

   Since the close of the Truck trial the occupation of many Cortland citizens is gone.

   The last pound of tobacco taken from Cortland by John Truck was bought of Chas. D. Sanders Monday morning.

   Attention is called to the advertisement of Maxon & Starin, who offer a superior quality of phosphate for sale.

   A. W. Jones has moved his barber shop from No. 8 North-Main-st., to rooms over C. F. Brown's drug store.

   The Loyal Circle of King's Daughters will meet with Mrs. Morgan Wright, 93 Elm-st., this afternoon at 3 o'clock.

   A new time-table went into operation on the Erie & Central New York railroad last Sunday, the changes being few.

   John E. [Kentfeid] of 75 Clinton-ave. is building a handsome night lunch wagon for use at Fulton, where he has secured a privilege.

   When the beautiful snow commences to go, we'll have plenty of slush for a week or so. And such a small amount of slush would fill the bill.

   F. D. Smith is at the head of the school board and F. E. Smith has charge of the schools. They are a pair of Smiths replete with capabilities.

   It is Judge Davis now, and right well does Rowland L. wear the judicial ermine. Some day we shall expect to see him on the supreme court bench.

   The marriage of Mr. Alton Eugene Darby and Miss Mabel Lillian Graves will take place at the First Baptist church at noon, Wednesday, April 4.

   Eugene Graham has bought a lot on Clinton-ave., adjoining F. P. Saunders' premises, and expects in the near future to erect a handsome residence.

   Wm. O'Brien, who has operated a chair in W. D. Tuttle's barber shop for the past year, has bought the establishment and retains Mr. Tuttle as an assistant.

   McEvoy Bros, will move their furniture and undertaking rooms to the Wells block in Clinton-ave. about April 1. They will discontinue the boot and shoe business.

   Physicians state that a sudden jump out of bed gives an irregular motion to the pulse and is liable to produce heart disease. The people of Cortland are [dying] from heart disease.

   A bill has passed the assembly exempting newspaper men from jury duty. Now if the powers that be will pass a law exempting newspaper men from taxation, all will be well.

   The regular meeting of the Cortlandville grange this evening will be in charge of the ladies entire. A large delegation from McGrawville grange is expected to make a fraternal visit.

   The town board of Cortlandville will meet next week Saturday, March 31, at the office of Thos. H. Dowd to audit bills and transact other business incidental to separation between town and city.

   Three trustees of the First M. E. church were elected at the recent annual meeting, A. Leroy Cole and R. Bruce Smith to succeed themselves, and Isaac Edgcomb in place of Prosper Palmer, deceased.

   The locomotive on the early train going north on the D., L. & W. road has for the past week [been] using soft coal as an experiment. One can observe quite a difference in the smoke, if not in the rapidity of the train.

   The Ladies' Whist club of Greenbush and Port Watson-sts. are this season enjoying a repetition of last winter's entertainments, the latest being a turkey supper given to the club Monday evening by Mrs. C. H. V. Elliott and Mrs. O. K. George. On this occasion the husbands were invited and they enjoyed the evening immensely. The entire affair was one of thorough enjoyment to all.

   When Crier Van Hoesen opened court yesterday morning there were present, Judge Eggleston, two attorneys, a court attendant, one reporter and one spectator. Evidently murder trials are of more interest to the people than cabbage suits.

   District Attorney Duffey has had an experience that very few public prosecutors in rural counties meet with, and that is the directing and management of two murder trials in one term of three years. Both cases were tried with an ability which place Mr. Duffey in the front rank as an attorney.

   Mr. Harvey Yager, father of Alderman Edwin M. Yager and of George P. Yager of Cortland, died at 4: 30 o'clock yesterday morning at his home in Virgil, aged 72 years. The funeral will be held at his late residence to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock, burial in Cortland.

   The enumerators for the census to be taken in June will be required to wear a U. S. badge, made of German silver, like a policeman's shield, bearing the words, "United States Census, 1900." Several true-blue Cortland Republicans are anxiously awaiting the call to don the badge.

CORTLAND IN 1878, BASEBALL IN CORTLAND, AND TOMPKINS COUNTY TREASURER INGERSOLL OUT ON BAIL

 

Judge A. P. Smith.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, March 16, 1900.

CORTLAND IN 1878.

INTERESTING LOCAL EVENTS OF THAT YEAR.

Impeachment Proceedings Begun Against Judge A. P. Smith—The Charges Dismissed by Gov. Robinson—Many Fires in Cortland—Democratic Member of Assembly Elected—Brief Mentions.

   A source of much anxiety in Cortland during 1878 was the numerous fires occurring in the village, nearly all of which seemed to be of an incendiary origin. On the 5th of February the entire plant of the Cortland Jewett Milk Pan manufactory in Owego-st., near the tracks of the U., I. & E. railroad was destroyed, entailing a loss of $5,000 over the insurance. February 23 a barn belonging to Sackett L. Wright, located in Mill-st., (now Clinton-st.,) was burned. On the 13th of April H. F. Benton met with a very serious loss his planing mill located near the D., L. & W. depot being burned. His loss was estimated at $12,000. Mr. Benton, with his accustomed energy, began immediately to rebuild, and on May 20 he had steam up in a new plant and was ready for business. April 29 the Cortland foundry and machine shop caught fire, the loss being placed at $5,000. In May a building occupied by the Cortland Wagon company, east of the railroad tracks, was burned. July 5, Mrs. Severance's millinery store in Orchard-st. was consumed, together with the entire stock of millinery and household goods. The loss was estimated at $3,000.

IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS.

   Early in 1878 charges of malfeasance in office were preferred against Judge A. P. Smith and impeachment proceedings were begun. This furnished Cortland people with plenty of food for conversation during the summer and the newspapers warmed up to the subject in first-class style. The Homer Republican, at that time owned and edited by Wm. O. Bunn, championed the cause of Judge Smith, the two Cortland papers being in favor of impeachment. The committee to present the charges before Gov. Lucius Robinson was composed of Riley Champlin, B. T. Wright and I. H. Palmer. Twenty-eight charges against the judge were prepared, and included extortion, bribery, receiving illegal fees, and various offenses. Although Gov. Robinson was a Democrat and Judge Smith was a radical Republican, the charges were dismissed by the governor late in the fall, but not until the matter had been pretty thoroughly ventilated by the press and people.

SUDDEN DEATH OF DR. STREET.

   Rev. Dr. Thomas Street, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Cortland, died very suddenly on the cars between Syracuse and Oswego on the 17th of October. Dr. Street had been to Onondaga Valley to perform the marriage ceremony between Edward H. Brewer and Miss Ainslie the day previous, and in company with Rev. O. H. Seymour took passage at Syracuse for Oswego. Both gentlemen occupied the same seat, and just after the train left Fulton Dr. 8treet died instantly. H. F. Benton was in Oswego on that day, and he took charge of the remains and brought them to Cortland. On the Sunday following, memorial services were held in every church in the village.

Attorney O. U. Kellogg.

FIREMANIC NEWS.

   The officers of the Cortland fire department for 1878 were as follows: Chief, I. H. Palmer; first assistant, C. Fred Thompson; second assistant, C. E. Ingalls; secretary, Howard J. Harrington; treasurer, Otis C. Smith.

   Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co.: Foreman, H. L. Gleason; first assistant, W. P. Robinson; second assistant, John Phelps; secretary, Frank S. Bosworth; treasurer, John V. Loucks; property clerk, Irving B. Fairchilds.

   Water Witch Engine Co.: Foreman, A. G. Newton; first assistant, John Finn; second assistant, Joseph Dalton; secretary, John Livingston; treasurer, George Lathe.

   Water Witch Hose Co.: Foreman, F. E. Plumb; assistant, C. S. Strowbridge; secretary, C. F. Brown; treasurer, O. C. Smith; pipemen, Thomas Mulligan, R. D. Buckingham, J. H. Wallace, F. B. Sperry.

   One evening in June, 1878, the members of Orris Hose company, which was named after Hon. O. U. Kellogg, in company with the board of engineers and the Odd Fellows band, went down to the home of Mr. Kellogg, the members of Orris company wearing their new uniforms, where a most delightful evening was spent. Refreshments were served, and during the evening Frank E. Plumb, in behalf of the company, presented Mr. Kellogg with a handsome gold badge with "Compliments of Orris Hose" engraved upon it.

POLITICAL MATTERS.

   A working man and Greenback party club was organized in Cortland in February with the following officers: President, Fred P. McFeely; vice-president, Chas. W. Carter; recording secretary, James P. Hotchkiss; corresponding secretary, John Dolphin; treasurer, Edmund Atwell; executive committee, E. D. Mallery, H. T. Shirley, M. F. Cleary, J. M. Smith. J. S. Barber, Geo. Nottingham, F. B. Wharton, H. A. Randall, Wm. W. Winters.

   At the annual February town meetings the Republicans elected eight supervisors, the Democrats six, and the Greenback party one. The Republicans chosen were as follows: Cortland, Delos McGraw; Cuyler, H. D. Waters; Freetown, Jacob Seeber; Harford, S. H. Steele; Homer, S. McBarber; Marathon, Patrick Mallery; Scott, E. D. Crosley; Solon, I. J. Walker. The towns which elected Democratic supervisors were as follows: Cincinnatus, H. M. Kingman; Preble, Albert E. Carr; Taylor, J. L. Cotton; Truxton, Dr. J. C. Nelson; Virgil, R. M. Price; Willet, Willson Greene. Lapeer elected Jerome Squires, who had united his fortunes with the Greenback Labor party

   At the annual charter election in March Cortland village elected John S. Barber president, L. J. Fitzgerald and A. Mahan trustees.

   The Republican county ticket in 1878 was as follows: Member of assembly, Wm. A. Bentley; county treasurer, Rob't Bushby; justice of sessions, Theron N. Hollister; coroner, H. Hendrick.

   Greenback Labor ticket: Member of assembly, Geo. H. Arnold; county treasurer, E. D. Harris; justice of sessions, Wm. E. Hunt; coroner, A. D. Reed.

   Democratic county ticket: Member of assembly, Geo. H. Arnold; county treasurer, George Murray; justice of sessions, Joel Call; coroner, A. D. Reed.

   At the annual election in November Geo. H. Arnold was chosen member of assembly by the narrow margin of 13 majority. The remainder of the Republican ticket was elected.

MARRIAGES.

   In May, Chas. H. Danes and Miss May Brown, both of Homer. July 25, Wm. J. Perkins and Miss May E. Howe. October 2, Eli J. Colegrove and Miss Anna J. Rorapaugh. October 16, Edward H. Brewer and Miss Edna A. Ainslie. October 3, Chas. H. Price and Miss Gertie L. Beard. December 31, R. Fred Brooks and Miss Frank L. Harter. October 30, Judson L. Marritt and Miss Elia M. Gridley.

BRIEF MENTIONS.

   Early in January B. T. Wright and John W. Suggett formed a law partnership.

   A very successful evening school was conducted in Cortland, and among the teachers were Mrs. Frank Place, C. P. Walrad, Miss S. E. Collins, Miss Mary Knapp and Frank Pierce.

   During the fore part of the year Wesley Hooker, who had previously sold out his newspaper interests in Cortland, conducted the Dispatch at Erie. Pa.

   A distressing accident occurred in Connecticut in January, by which a Groton house was thrown into mourning. Two sisters named Mary E. and Hattie A. McCarger, living in Groton, were engaged in teaching at Hartford, and while on a train near that place a bridge collapsed. Both were instantly killed.

   A farmers' club was organized February 14 in Cortland, with the following officers: President, A. D. Blodgett; vice-president, D. H. Hitchcock; secretary, T. Mason Loring; treasurer, A. P. Rowley.

   John D. Benton, who had only a few years previous been sheriff of Cortland county, and whose home was in this village, left February 22 for Dakota, where he has since resided.

   On March 13 the Cortland County Poultry and Pet Stock association was organized with the following officers, nearly all of whom are still living in the village: President, A. Sager; first vice-president, L. D. C. Hopkins; second vice-president, W. E. Powers; third vice-president, Myron Wooster; secretary, J. H. Hull; treasurer, Ed. Keator.

   The Cortland DEMOCRAT of an April issue is quoted from as follows: "We are informed that Caleb Hitchcock of Cincinnatus has purchased the old Methodist church edifice on Elm-st., also the cobble stone building situated nearly opposite, and intends to convert the same into a large carriage manufactory." That was the foundation of the Hitchcock [carriage] shops which have since became famous.

   On Sunday, April 1, over one hundred converts were baptized in the Presbyterian church.

   I. H. Palmer and Howard Huntington formed a law partnership.

   H. T. Bushnell, the present clerk of Cortland county, moved from Harford to Towanda in September, 1878.

   Andrew Rood, who resided on North Main-st., committed suicide July 3. He went to the barn after arising in the morning and shot himself with a pistol.

   A sad accident occurred July 20, by which George Roome lost his life. As the express wagon started from the D., L. & W. depot young Roome, who was 20 years old, boarded the wagon for a ride. As the driver turned into H. F. Benton's driveway at the lumber yard, Roome fell off the wagon. He was about town afterwards, but died the next day, the spinal cord being injured and he also suffered with concussion of the brain.

   Cortland came near losing Prof. (now Dr.) S. J. Sornberger during the summer of 1878. He accepted a position as principal of the High school at Port Jervis, and just before time for him to enter upon his duties he received a flattering offer to become a teacher in the Cortland Normal. He went to Port Jervis, accompanied by a companion whom he knew to be well qualified to take charge of the school at that place, was released and his friend engaged in his stead, and Prof. Sornberger returned to Cortland to begin several years' service in the Normal.

   T. H. Wickwire erected a fine dwelling house in Church st. in the summer of 1878.

   Jas. A. Nixon was appointed post-master at Cortland in July, and took possession of the office August 1.

   Early in July John Ryan of Virgil was arrested on the charge of criminal assault upon his adopted daughter. On the 13th he committed suicide in the jail, having cut his throat from ear to ear.

   A little son of Albert Steadman at Homer fell into a cistern and was drowned.

   Eudorus C. Kinney of Truxton, a very competent teacher at the present time, was the successful candidate in a competitive examination for a free scholarship at Cornell university, held August 24.

   Wm. Riley opened a grocery store in Cortland in August.

   The First National bank of Homer was organized in the fall of 1S78, the officers chosen being as follows: President, Geo. N. Copeland; vice-president George Murray; cashier, Wm. H. Crane.

   M. E. conference appointments made in September were as follows: Cortland, G. W. Izer; Homer, Silas Ball; Cincinnatus, A. C. Smith;  McGrawville, P. H. Wiles; Preble, M. Z. Haskins; Virgil, James Gutsell; Scott, A. D. Smith.

   During the fall of 1878 Cortland contributed over $700 for the yellow fever sufferers in the South,$126 being raised Rev. B. F. McLoghlin at a collection taken at St Mary's church.

   Wm. D. Tuttle was the Republican candidate for school commissioner in the First District.

   On the 24th of September a serious [horse carriage] runaway occurred in Port Watson-st., in which Miss Sarah Kinney and Miss Jennie Thompson were seriously injured.

   George Hoffman, who lived near Tully, died September 30, and the circumstances of his death were so suspicious that an investigation followed, disclosing the fact that his tea had been poisoned. His wife and son were arrested soon afterwards, the son stating that he put arsenic in his tea at the request of his mother. The wife was discharged and the son was held for the action of the grand jury.

   On October 3 a woman was run over by the noon train on the Syracuse & Binghamton road between Cortland and Homer and instantly killed.

   A large and nearly new barn belonging to N. R. Brown, at Solon, was burned, together with ninety tons of hay.

   Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Cleary celebrated the 25th anniversary of their marriage October 18.

   The Cortland Wagon company erected one of the large buildings now used as its manufactory, 208 feet long and 42 feet wide.

   A. D. Wallace returned December 16 from Brazil, and was met at the depot by Orris Hose company, escorted to the Cortland House and entertained at supper.

 

Base Ball in Cortland.

   That the Cortland Base Ball Association will give our people an opportunity to witness exciting games the coming season is very evident, the selection of officers of the organization and the choice of players being a guarantee of a successful season. The board of directors have chosen the following officers:

   President—Daniel J. Reilly.

   Vice president—Joseph M. Smith.

   Secretary—W. A. Wallace.

   Treasurer—T. J. Murray.

   Executive Committee—M. T. Roche, Bert Bosworth, Edward Ringer, Wm. F. Maher and Thomas Kane.

   Cortland at present has several men signed for the season, while others are expected to return contracts in a few days. The players signed are Mullin and Gannon, who played with the team last year; Townsend, Quinn, McCormick, Veil and Sullivan. The first three players are quite well known. Quinn, who is signed as catcher, comes to the team with an enviable record. Two years ago he played in the Western league, and last year he was the star catcher of the New England league, leading the catchers of the league in fielding, and batting an average of 346. McCormick, who played in the Atlantic league last year till it dissolved, has been secured to hold third base. He played in the Western league two years ago and is considered a fast ball player. Veil has been signed to pitch, and it is believed that he will continue the good work he did in several independent clubs of the southern tier last year. Connie Mack of Milwaukee, who recommended Conray to Cortland last year, this year sends Sullivan to fill the position of short-stop. Peter O'Brien of last year's Binghamton team will cover second base [for] Cortland, and he will be a valuable addition.

 

Ingersoll Out on $10,000 Bail.

   ITHACA, March 11.—Late this afternoon Charles Ingersoll, ex-County Treasurer, was released from custody on $10,000 bail, which was the amount fixed by County Judge Almy. The bond was signed by Clarence Wyckoff, president of the Cornell Heights Land Company, and by Mrs. Edith L. Morgan and was approved by Judge Almy.

   Sheriff Seamon, who brought Ingersoll back from Kansas, related the following facts of his discovery and capture: When Ingersoll first left Ithaca he went to Pennsylvania and from their directly west and at no time was in New York or Buffalo, as was reported. Upon his arrival in Iowa he engaged board and lodging at a boarding house, where his fellow boarders noticed his strange and troubled condition. On frequent occasions he was discovered weeping. This aroused their suspicions, which might not have led to his arrest had he not carelessly left a letter in his room from his son, and one from one of his sisters in this city, which his companions took the liberty to read. In the one from his son it was mentioned that a reward had been offered by the supervisors of this county. The one from his sister expressed a hope that he would soon be a free man. This confirmed his companions' suspicions, and they made their discoveries known to the sheriff, who proceeded to the boarding house, made the arrest and notified the authorities in this county.

 

Damage Suit.

   C. Lee Saltsman of Virgil has commenced an action in supreme court through his attorney, Lester Mallory of Dryden, against Thomas R. Space for damages for gaining the affections of his wife. Trial to be held in Cortland county. Geo. E. Monroe of Dryden is attorney for Mr. Space. Mr. Saltsman seems very downhearted at the loss of his wife.

 

HERE AND THERE.

   Coal dealers have looked happy since winter came on.

   Farmers' Institutes are numerous in Central New York.

   And here it goes; there are to be appointed eleven additional game protectors—protects pockets of the party heelers potentially.

   A correspondent of the New York Farmer claims more hens are kept in the town of Groton than in any other in the state. In a radius of one mile more than 4,000 hens are kept for egg production, which average a dollar a year each, clean profit.

   Talking about profit in poultry, an exchange tells of a farmer who gave his daughter two chickens and promised to feed the increase for four years provided she took care of them. She has $64 in the bank, 200 chickens that he is buying feed for, and it looks as if she would own the farm at the end of four years.

   J. O. Reid, landlord of the Moravia House, formerly of Cortland, lost a valuable horse Sunday, Mr. Reid had been out exercising the animal and when he returned to the barn he noticed the horse did not appear well. Dr. Doyle was summoned and pronounced the trouble to be muco interitis and apoplexy of the large bowels, the most serious disease among horses. The animal lived but a few minutes. The horse was a half brother of Patchen.

   Baseball players and managers are talking of introducing a system of signals to be used in the future by the baseball umpire for the purpose of conveying his decisions to the spectators at games who occupy seats out of hearing of his voice. All fans at one time or another have suffered some inconvenience because they could not make out the nature of decisions at a distance from the home plate, and the manner in which many of them are taking up the discussion shows that they want a more satisfactory arrangement. It has been proposed to make a complete code of signals to be used by all league umpires. If the plan is put into practice the code will be printed upon the backs of all league score cards and the umpires will be compelled to use it. It has been suggested that the extending of the umpire's right arm above his head shall indicate that he has called a strike and that the rising of his left arm means that a ball has been called.

   Rev. Robert Yost of St. Louis, Mo., will preach in the Congregational church on Sunday, morning and evening.

   We are under obligations to the Theta Phi fraternity of the Homer academy for an invitation to their second annual banquet which will be at the Sautelle house this evening.

   We have had, so far, more sleighing in March than in all the rest of the winter months together.

   If this heavy body of snow goes off with a rush it will require Noah and his boat to save some of us.

   A teachers' institute has been appointed for both commissioner districts of Cortland county, to be held April 9 to 14 at the Normal school, Cortland, Prof. Irving B. Smith, A. M., conductor.

   The regular monthly meeting of the Political Equality club of Cortland will be held at the home of Dr. Lydia Strowbridge, Monday, March 19, at 2:30 P. M. All members and friends are urged to be present, as business of importance is to be transacted.

   Thos. N. Leach of the Lackawanna depot restaurant has always possessed a faculty of making his hens lay, breaking his neighbors records nearly every year. During the month of February his 22 hens supplied him with 346 eggs without coaxing, and he thinks that with careful nursing he could have run the total up to 500. His hens are of the Second ward Democratic variety.

   With this issue the DEMOCRAT begins its thirty-seventh volume, and all will admit that it still continues to be the brightest and best newspaper published in Cortland.

   The chances favor big floods the coming spring. If mild weather should set in and the snow and ice go off in a hurry, much damage will be done in many places from high water. The icy covering of the ground will prevent the earth from absorbing as much water as usual, and it will therefore have to run off rapidly into the creeks and rivers, and unless occasional frosts set in to check the flow, will certainly cause trouble.

   Village politics nowadays are rather tame compared with the good old days ten or twelve years ago when no nominations were required and the election of "woodchuck" tickets were as a rule, rather than the exception. Caucuses and conventions were generally held but a few days before a corporation election, and each party provided its own tickets, which were very simple affairs compared with the elaborate official ballots now used. Sometimes there would be a dozen split tickets in the field, and many of them were often made the night before election. The blanket ballot discourages the splitting of tickets, because most voters are afraid that if they begin splitting, they will spoil their ballot and it will be thrown out.