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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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