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| S. S. Knox. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, June 1, 1900.
CORTLAND IN 1889.
INTERESTING LOCAL EVENTS OF THAT YEAR.
Thomas Keary Killed by Cars—Rob't W. Griswold Shoots Dennis O'Shea at Preble—Exciting Political Contest over County Judge—Minor Events.
Looking over the records and files of newspapers published in 1889 we find that the year was another of those extremely quiet seasons, if we may except the political campaign lasting two or three months, when the friends of Judge Eggleston and Judge Knox put up a strong fight for their respective candidates for county judge. That the contest was close between these popular gentlemen is shown in the fact that a change of only seventy votes in the entire county would have changed the result, Judge Eggleston winning by 138 majority. R. T. Peck was elected member of assembly over Wm. W. Wright of Preble, the Democratic candidate.
The gentlemen having charge of the Democratic campaign were Hugh Duffey, chairman; B. F. Taylor, treasurer; D. W. Van Hoesen, secretary.
At the annual town meetings in February the Democrats succeeded in electing only five supervisors in the entire county, as follows: T. E. Dye from Cincinnatus, a gentleman who is now proprietor of the cold storage on Elm-st. and a thorough Democrat still; A. H. Van Hoesen, Preble; Henry Kelley, Solon; W. A. Holton, Virgil; Wilson Greene, Willet.
The contest at the charter election in March was very close on president, Irving H. Palmer, the Democratic candidate, receiving 719 votes, while Frank H. Cobb, his Republican opponent, had 718. The remainder of the Republican ticket was elected as follows: Trustees, Chas. T. Peck, Chas. H. Mann; assessor, Lewis V. Smith; collector, Geo. T. Latimer; school commissioners, W. D. Tuttle, L. D. C. Hopkins, Wm. Dunlap.
THE GRISWOLD-O'SHEA TRAGEDY.
The shooting of Dennis O'Shea at Preble September 24 by Robert W. Griswold was an event still fresh in the memory of a large share of the DEMOCRAT readers. Griswold was a watch repairer and at one time had a shop in Cortland. He was a very eccentric man, one noticeable peculiarity being the wearing of a watch in the front of a tall hat, probably with a view of advertising his business. During 1889 he made his home with his son Robert, who owned an adjoining farm. O'Shea's cows occasionally broke through the line fence and wandered upon Griswold's farm, which seemed to anger the father more than it did the son, and on the morning of September 24, as Robert Griswold, Sr., and O'Shea were on their way to turn back some of the latter's cows which had again broken down the fence, they became engaged in an altercation, and Griswold shot O'Shea, the latter dying the same day. Griswold remained in the county jail some time, and was afterward sent to an insane asylum, where he died a few years later.
CHURCH MATTERS.
Early in the year 1889 the Presbyterian church and society began the preliminary work of budding the present handsome edifice, corner of Church and Railroad-sts. A committee composed of H. F. Benton, T. H. Wickwire, Chas. W. Collins, M. H. McGraw. D. F. Wallace, A. F. Tanner, Fitz Boynton, A. D. Kingsbury and S. M. Ballard was appointed to solicit subscriptions, hoping to raise $30,000. Within three or four weeks the committee reported a promised fund of $30,480, and with this assurance a committee was chosen to supervise the work, this committee being composed of C. P. Walrad, W. S. Copeland, D. F. Wallace, C. F. Wickwire, T. H. Wickwire, S. M. Ballard, C. E. Selover and John McFarlin. The contract for building the church was let to L. R. Hopkins for $40,000 and it was to be completed April 1, 1890. On the 24th of July the corner stone of the new edifice was laid, Rev. Dr. Nichols of Binghamton delivering the address.
The bell med by the church was the gift of Wm. Blair of Chicago, as a memorial for his mother, Mrs. Hannah F. Blair, who was a former member of the church. The bell cost $1,000.
On the 3d of February Rev. Ure Mitchell preached his first sermon as pastor of the Universalist church. During the summer the church was remodeled throughout and rededicated August 21.
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| A. J. Barber. |
AMONG THE FIREMEN.
The officers of Orris Hose company were: Foreman, H. T. Hollister; first assistant, A. F. Stilson; second assistant, Geo. H. Kennedy; secretary, B. W. Rood; treasurer, O. K. George.
A. J. McSweeney was foreman of Emerald Hose company, Dan Reilly first assistant, James A. Dowd second assistant, and John F. Dowd treasurer.
A. J. Barber was foreman of Water Witch Steamer and Hose company.
The Hitchcock Hose company building was erected in April.
Emeralds held a fair beginning May 19 and lasting a week. On the opening night speeches were made by I. H. Palmer, R. T. Peck, Wm. H. Clark, John Courtney, Jr., J. F. Maybury, J. E. Eggleston, G. I. Pruden and Lieutenant Gov. E F. Jones of Binghamton. During the fair Orris Hose company presented a silver ice pitcher and goblet to the Emeralds. A large number of prizes were awarded, among them being a silk hat to Harrison Wells, a cake basket to Geo. McKean and a rug to J. T. Davern.
A game of ball was played July 20 between Emeralds and Hitchcocks, the former winning by the score of 22 to 17.
FIRE.
The fire record of 1889 was not a very serious one in Cortland, the most expensive blaze occurring on the morning of February 18, when the Cortland Door & Window Screen company's shops were burned. Mr. Ellis, the night watchman, was seriously injured at the fire.
March 18, the Cortland Desk company suffered a loss of between $6,000 and $8,000 by a fire.
A barn owned by B. A. Benedict in Fitz-ave. was burned the latter part of March.
MARRIAGES.
Among the marriages in 1889 we find the following: March 20, by Rev. W. H. Latimer, E. E. Price and Miss Rose J. Kinney. In Solon, April 17, by Rev. J. A. Robinson, Herbert K. Bosworth and Miss Elizabeth K. Holmes.
INTERESTING BUT BRIEF.
When Sheriff Borthwick entered upon his duties January 1 he made the following appointments of deputies: R. C. Duell and Aaron B. Gardner, Cortlandville; Eli J. Colegrove, Cuyler; W. W. Parker, Harford; Aaron R. Overton, Virgil.
Howard J. Harrington was appointed deputy by County Clerk H. T. Bushnell.
Early in January Jay Hopkins retired from the firm of Hopkins Bros.
Cornelius Brown, who was injured in the cyclone which struck Barnum's tent in 1884, died January 21, 1889. It was claimed that he never fully recovered from the injuries received at that time
Eileen J. Ballard, whose husband was killed by the explosion at the Hitchcock Manufacturing company's shops May 30, 1887, secured a verdict against the company of $4,000, but the case was appealed by the defendant and at the General Term in January, 1889, a new trial was granted.
Hugh O'Neill, whose wagon shops in Railroad-st. were burned on the night of February 14, 1884, was convicted of arson and sent to Auburn prison for a term of five years
In the month of March C. Fred Thompson bought out Hopkins Bros., and opened a grocery store in the Grand Central block, where he is now located.
J. B. Kellogg and S. E. Curtis formed a partnership- and opened a dry goods store April 1. The firm dissolved a year or two ago on account of the illness of Mr. Curtis.
Dr. S. J. Sornberger made a trip to Honduras in the interest of the San-Rafael Mining and Milling company, returning to Cortland in March.
At a reorganization of the board of trade March 27, the following officers were elected: President, C. W. Stoker, directors, A. Sager, H. F. Benton, H. M. Kellogg, F. H. Cobb, Chas. F. Brown and S. M. Ballard.
A large number of postmasters were appointed in Cortland county during 1889, among them being the following: Cortland, S. M. Ballard; Cincinnatus, N. J. Baldwin; McGrawville, Chas. A Jones; Cuyler, C. N. Knapp; Messengerville, John O. Seaman; Preble, John J. Outt; Union Valley, Mrs. N. L. Brooks; Willet, C. P. McVean; Truxton, Otis D. Patrick.
In the historical events of 1888, given last week, a swindle upon Ollie Ingraham was chronicled, and we now find that in 1889 the 8windier was arrested in Ohio.
An organization known as the American Building and Loan association was formed March 22 with the following officers: President, Dr. J. H. Hoose, vice-president, A. Sager; secretary, J. D. F. Woolston; treasurer, Fitz Boynton; attorney. D. C. Smith; directors, P. Sugarman, Geo. C. Hubbard, Theo. Stevenson, F. H. Cobb and A. L. Chaplin.
H. H. Pomeroy opened a dry goods store in the Grand Central block April 1.
Early in the season A. D. & W. A. Wallace formed a partnership for the management of Hotel Brunswick.
On the 30th of March John Calvert, aged 82 years, died at his home at South Cortland, and two days later Mrs. Calvert died.
L. L. Buck and W. B. Bentley purchased the large three-story building, 110 Elm-st., April 1, of Theo. Stevenson and opened it as a hotel, being the same now known as the East Cortland House.
During the month of April C. C. Darby was appointed railway postal clerk, a position he has held up to the present time.
S. N. Holden and J. C. Seager formed a partnership for the sale of lumber near the E., C. & N. railroad. Shortly after, they bought the coal business of W. C. May at the depot of that road.
Thomas Keary, an employee of the E., C. & N. railroad, was killed April 30 while coupling cars, his head being caught between the bumpers.
Messrs. Glann & Clark formed their partnership in the shoe business in the spring of 1889.
The horsemen of Cortland organized a riding club May 20, with such men as Dr. J. H. Hoose, Judge S. S. Knox, Judge A. P. Smith, Daniel E. Smith, Webster Young, C. Fred Thompson, C. F. Wickwire, E. F. Jennings, Rob't Bushby, Dr. F. W. Higgins, Dr. J. M. Milne, Jas. R. Schermerhorn, F. J. Peck, Geo. S. Sands, Eugene Powers, Mason Ingalls and many others as members.
Isaac Hall of Freetown committed suicide May 28 by hanging. He had been insane for some time.
During the month of June S. W. Sherwood purchased the interest of his brother in the grocery and crockery business, and thereafter conducted it alone.
On the 17th of June a very amusing occurrence took place, through the forgetfulness of a member of the legal fraternity. Wm. P. Randall drove up to the fair grounds to witness the circuit races, and soon after his arrival a young lawyer of the village offered to take charge of his horse, so that Mr. Randall could sit in the grandstand and enjoy himself. Mr. Randall promptly accepted the kind offer and passed the time very pleasantly during the races. When they were concluded he was unable to find the horse or the lawyer, and presuming that the latter had driven down town, Mr. Randal came home in a street car, and was somewhat surprised not to find the horse in the barn. He, however, had the utmost confidence in the lawyer and gave himself no uneasiness in the matter. Tue sequel is the amusing part of the transaction: The lawyer, it seems, had hitched the horse on the fair grounds and in the excitement he forgot all about the animal until after he retired. Along towards midnight he bethought him of the trust committed to his charge and hastily arose, went to Mr. Randall's barn to set if the animal had been returned, and finding that it had not, he aroused another lawyer and the two went up to the grounds, where they found the horse just where it had been left. It is presumed the forgetful lawyer was frequently reminded of the transaction.
The new village charter, prepared in 1889, provided for the office of police justice at a salary of $1,000, and though the election was not to take place until the following March, candidates bobbed up on all sides as early as July of the previous year.
Frank J. Peck was first elected cashier of the National bank August 6, to succeed C. E. Selover, resigned.
E. G. Galloup's store at McLean was entered by burglars on the night of August 13. and about $500 in cash and goods taken.
Work on the present DEMOCRAT building was begun in the fall of 1889, and completed January 1 following.
Delos Bauder leased the Cortland House to Lyman P. Rogers of Rochester in August for a term of six years and six months.
September 21, Daniel McBrearty, a night watchman at the E., C. & N. car shops, was killed by being struck by an engine.
The law firm of Smith & Dickinson was formed in October.
George McKean, proprietor of the Court-st. restaurant, conducted a barber shop in those days, and we are told that he could handle a razor with a skill rarely excelled.
The Arnold House, now the Kremlin, was sold October 8 on mortgage foreclosure to Wickwire Bros, and Harrison Wells for $9,900.
E. A. McGraw first opened his wagon making and repairing shop in South Main-st. in October.
On the 14th of October Frank Buell, a porter at the Cortland House, let it be known that he wanted to visit his best girl and he prevailed upon Will McAuliffe to loan him a better suit than he possessed himself. He also tried to borrow a gold watch and chain from M. T. Roche, but the latter declined to make the loan. Buell did not return the next morning, but telegraphed that he was in Binghamton and that he would return on the forenoon train. It was surmised that the telegram was sent as a blind, as Sheriff Borthwick hastened to that city but was unable to find his man.
Chas. H. Warren of Gloversville bought a lease of the Dexter House and took possession November 1.
In November A. J. Goddard bought of S. M. Ballard the lot upon which his hotel now stands.
The Monitor, the Prohibition organ of Cortland county, suspended publication in November.
Hon B. F. Lee was elected chairman of the board of supervisors, and Thos. Davidson of Freetown clerk.
City Teachers.
The following is a complete list of the teachers engaged for the city schools next year [1900-1901]:
Central School —L. May McCulloch, Fannie M. Galusha, Ada J. Wallace, Mary E. Williams, Anna May Knapp, Anna Flanagan, Clara A. Perry, Lena R. Conable, Ella C. Garrity, Ella M. Van Hoesen.
Owego Street School—Anna M. Sharp, Harriet L. Kelley, Edith Turner, Anna G. Butler.
Schermerhorn Street School—Anna Chidsey George, May C. Van Gorden, Grace Mead, Clara H. Benedict. Kindergarten, E. Louise Adams.
Pomeroy Street School—Mary Louise Fairchild, Lulu M. Forest, Olive H. Parker, Mary E. Woodbury.
Special Teacher in Music—Elizabeth Turner.
African M. E. Conference.
The semi-centennial Western New York annual conference, African M. E. Zion church will be held in the A. M. E. church, Binghamton, June 22 to July 2. This will be an event of unusual interest, as it will be the fiftieth annual session of the conference, and many distinguished bishops and clergymen will be present. Among the subjects to be discussed at the semi-centennial will be a paper on "Our Young People's Societies of the Conference," by Miss Berenice Persons of Cortland, who is also the local committee for Cortland. Special rates of fare will be given from this city, and on Sunday July 1, an excursion will be run from Syracuse to Binghamton to accommodate all who wish to attend the conference on that day. The Cortland church is small in membership, and for this reason it asks contributions from any who may feel so disposed, as it is necessary to meet all conference claims at this meeting.
Fire at Preble, N. Y.
(From Our Regular Correspondent.)
About 10:30 o'clock Monday evening the citizens of Preble were again aroused from their slumbers by the ringing of the church bells. Miss Jennie Ercanbrack, daughter of our landlord, who had not yet retired, discovered that the meat market was on fire. This is a small wooden building located between the hotel and the old Kinner block, and it was entirely destroyed, with most of its contents. The building was owned and occupied by Geo. Masters, who had left the market only a half hour previous, turning out the lamp before leaving for his home. The old high barn six feet in the rear was many times on fire, and had it not been for the heroic work of the men on the roof, together with force pumps and the bucket brigade, the barn and the whole Kinner block through to Richard Squires residence would have been burned, as a strong south-east wind worked against the men who were trying to save the property, and it is remarkable that the fire was confined to this one building.
The loss is about $250, covered by insurance. The hotel was slightly damaged by heat, and also the store occupied by Isaac Van Buskirk. The household goods of Harry Green and Wm. Dennis, tenants in the Kinner block, were nearly all removed, receiving slight damage.
THEY'RE NOT SO DRY.
Moravia People Seem to be Decidedly up to Snuff.
The people in the no-license town of Moravia [New York State] apparently do not intend to go dry this summer. Since the temperance people carried the day at the polls, a marked increase has been noticed in the express business in Moravia. Packages arrive daily from Cincinnati and other towns outside of the State, which the knowing say are consignments of strong waters. There is some ground for this suspicion as, since the town declared in favor of temperance, Moravia has been flooded with circulars sent out by "original package" men in Cincinnati and Chicago. It appears that there are concerns in those cities who make it a business of looking up the no-license towns in the country, and then solicit the trade of the natives.
It is also said that the bottlers in Moravia are doing a flourishing business in the sale of bottled ale and lager. One of the bottlers a few days ago got out a circular informing the public that he was prepared to sell not less than two cases of beer or ale to all parties desiring to purchase. The Raines law did not apply to the wholesaling in quantities of five gallons or over, he informed his customers. As two cases of beer contain forty-eight pints, or six gallons, he had a perfect right to sell as he proposed by complying with the internal revenue laws.
There are many lawyers who contend that the bottler is wrong and that, while no provision is made in the Raines law for the sale of malt or spirituous liquors in quantities of more than five gallons, yet the intent of the law is to force compliance with the expressed will of the people.
A number of clubs have been organized in Moravia among the convivially inclined for the purchase or the bottler's goods. The members each chip in their pro rata of the cost of the two cases of beer or ale, and then divide up the bottles among themselves.—Auburn cor. Syracuse Evening Herald.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.
The Raines Law Meal.
The Raines law meal is exciting some interest locally, because a Binghamton jury recently decided that a sandwich constituted a meal and that liquor sold with a sandwich on Sunday does not amount to violation of the law. The Raines law is a wonderful statute anyway, and the facilities for its evasion that go with it are far from being few. The prohibition of the sale of liquor on Sunday is suspended by the law when the liquor is furnished with a meal, and the man who wishes to quench his Sabbatical thirst orders some food to appease his hunger and to legalize the drink transaction at the same time. The lexicographers agree that a meal is the portion of food that is taken to satisfy the appetite, and a sandwich can easily meet the requirements. It happens often that a look at the sandwich is more than satisfying, but invariable perfection in sandwiches is not to be expected.
As a piece of Republican political mechanism the Raines law is a good thing. It does its share toward keeping Republican extravagance out of the tax rate, and it gives the state machine a good deal of power in the different localities of the state. There is considerable patronage in it, too, and altogether the Republican leaders have found it to be a most satisfactory solution of the liquor problem, for them. As to the moral side of it—but that's another matter. A law that provides twelve millions of revenue a year is too busy to look after the public morals.
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| Edwin Duffey. |
The County Convention.
The work of the Democrats in county convention Tuesday afternoon was well done. When such men as Dr. J. M. Milne, Seth Hobart, Dr. Benj. Kinyon, R. W. Bourne. James Dougherty, Edwin Duffey, Benj. F. Taylor, E. W. Hyatt, C. E. Rowley, E. B. Maybury, F. M. Hazard, John O'Donnell, Nahum Perry, L. D. Finn and hosts of other Democrat workers stand shoulder to shoulder in perfect unison, the party may congratulate itself upon the happy situation of affairs throughout Cortland county, and believe with Dr. Milne, the efficient chairman of the county committee, that substantial gains will be made in November next over the vote of four years ago.
The delegates chosen to represent Cortland county at the state convention, to be held in New York next Tuesday, Dr. J. M. Milne, Edward W. Hyatt and Dr. Benj. Kinyon, are gentlemen in whom the voters have confidence, because of their ability, their influence, their integrity and their sterling Democracy. That they will faithfully represent the party which has thus honored them is unquestioned.
The resolutions, which are given in full in another column, arraign the Republican party for its "imperialistic and plutocratic policy," for its "recreance [sic] to the principles of free institutions," for its "reckless extravagance and wanton waste of public resources," and for "being the creator of trusts."
Without a dissenting vote the convention "pledged its fealty anew to the grand principles of Democracy as exemplified in our peerless leader William J. Bryan," who is "recognized as the natural foe of trusts, the antagonist of imperialism, the enemy of militarism, the friend of the masses, and a candidate without fear or reproach."
HERE AND THERE.
One of the most profitable crops for the farmer to grow this season is that of broom corn. This commodity has been growing scarcer for years and can only be bought at present from the large growers in the west who are making a business of it. The crop is easily planted and cared for, and always finds a ready market at home. Why don't some of our speculative farmers turn their attention to this rare chance of making money?
The new coroner law allows such officers the following fees: Mileage to the place of inquest and return, 10 cents per mile; viewing body, $5; service of subpoena, 10 cents per mile traveled; swearing each witness, fifteen cents; drawing decision, $1; copying decision for record, per folio, 35 cents, but such officer shall receive pay for one copy only; for making and transmitting statements to the board of supervisors, each division, 50 cents; for warrant of commitment, $1.
Potato bugs are behind the times this season.
Cortlandville grange held a special meeting last evening.
Look out for silver dollars dated 1887. The country is said to be flooded with counterfeits that only experts can detect.
The large number of cement sidewalks being laid this season is an indication that the city of Cortland is prosperous and flourishing.
When the Cortland correspondents of the Syracuse newspapers undertake to prophecy in Democratic politics they are about as reliable as Eli Perkins. Eli takes pride in boasting that he was never known to tell the truth.
The Warran-Scharff Paving company objects to the awarding of the contract for paving Groton-ave. to the Warner-Quinlan company, notwithstanding the bid of the latter company was the lowest. The matter seems to be hung up for a few days.
W. S. Buchanan, who resides with his son west of the brick school-house, is quite ill, and his condition is such as to cause anxiety upon the part of his many friends. Mr. Buchanan has for some time served as treasurer of Cortlandville grange.
There will be a big benefit for the Cortland hospital at Cortland park this afternoon and evening. A supper will be served and at its conclusion there will be dancing to the music of Daniels orchestra, supper 25c., or a ticket for $2 a couple, which includes supper and dancing.
Dr. S. J. Sornberger has recently purchased one of the new Holtz Static X Ray machines, for use in his office in the Democrat building. By the aid of this wonderful apparatus the doctor is able to locate foreign substances in the human body, which in many cases will prove of great value to patient and physician alike. Dr. Sornberger is an up-to-date physician in every respect.
The agricultural editor off the DEMOCRAT rises to inquire why it is that for several years past we see no potato seed "balls," as in times past. Thirty or forty years ago, and perhaps up to a much later period, the vines bore these seed receptacles profusely but latterly, while the potatoes blossom just as freely, no seed balls are seen. Can anyone explain the reason of this?
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