The Cortland Democrat, Friday, June 22, 1900.
CORTLAND IN 1892.
CLOSE OF OUR HISTORICAL RECORDS.
Cortland Makes Great Strides in 1892—Central School Building Begun—Its Sewer System Under Way—Court Room Rebuilt and Refurnished—Death of David R. Hannum—Many Other Events of Interest.
In no single year have so many public and private enterprises been projected in Cortland as in 1892. First and foremost was the inauguration of the present sewer system. The first meeting to consider the matter was on the evening of April 30, when a large body of representative citizens assembled to discuss the subject. I. H. Palmer presided, and after recounting the necessities of the village in the way of sewers, he called upon Prof. C.C. Brown of Union college for a report. Prof. Brown had been in Cortland several days taking measurements, and he gave an estimate of the cost and the proper method of construction. He stated that the main sewer should run through Port Watson-st., starting from the Messenger House corner, which he stated was thirty-eight feet above low water mark in the river. Other experts present agreed with Prof. Brown. The meeting voted with practical unanimity to advise the board of trustees to secure the construction of a system of sewers for the village. Favorable action was later taken by the authorities, and the present excellent system is the result. The first sewer commissioners were Judge S. S. Knox, C. F. Wickwire, Frank H. Cobb, Chas. W. Collins and Hugh Duffey, and so faithfully have the gentlemen performed their duties that the same five commissioners were continued in office until the village became a city, and they now compose the honorable board of public works, a title sounding more dignified to the ear, and they are clothed with more power than when they were simply commissioners. Honors surely come to those who wait.
THE CENTRAL SCHOOL BUILDING.
On the evening of March 21 the board of education took decisive action towards the erection of the present beautiful Central school building. The school facilities were inadequate for the needs of the village, and several sites were considered, the board finally selecting the lot on Railroad-st., owned by Hon. L. J. Fitzgerald, where the original wagon works of Fitzgerald & Kinne were located. For this lot Mr. Fitzgerald was paid $7,500, and to give proper width a strip was also secured from A. F. Tanner for the sum of $2,000. The contract for erecting the building was let in June to Messrs. J. D. Keeler & Co. for $21,415.
COURT ROOM REBUILT.
In April, 1893, Judge Forbes decided that something must be done towards providing more suitable quarters for holding courts in Cortland county, and he appointed a committee composed of Hon. O. U. Kellogg, John Courtney, Jr. and Benj. T. Wright to confer with the supervisors. Several conferences were held, the result of which was that in July the committee and supervisors decided that the old court room should be rebuilt and refurnished, the cost being estimated at $5,000.
FIRES.
Several fires occurred in Cortland during the year, only one of which was very disastrous. About 10 o'clock on the night of January 17 what was known as the Lyman block, on the corner of Main-st. and Groton-ave., was discovered on fire, and despite the efforts of the firemen the building was destroyed. It was owned by J. Melvin Samson, and occupied by John H. Day as a grocery store; H. H. Pomeroy dry goods and millinery; Mrs. Darby, hair goods, and Geo. I. Pruden, photographer. Each of these parties lost quite heavily, though many goods were removed from the building. The block was not rebuilt until 1896, [Sampson block] being occupied at present by D. E. Shepard.
On the night of October 30 the Cortland steam laundry was nearly destroyed by fire.
HANDSOME CORTLAND DEMOCRATS.
The Syracuse Courier of June 1 contained the following happy allusion to a band of Cortland Democrats who attended the state convention in that city: "Cortland sent an enthusiastic delegation to the convention. And they were all 'Cleveland boomers' of the first water. It is universally remarked, moreover, that it was the handsomest delegation that came to Syracuse. Among them were the following: George C. Hubbard, Thos. F. Grady, F. M. Hazard, Otis C. Smith, J. Hub Wallace, John Ireland, Burdett Howard, James R. Schermerhorn, Dr. A. D. Reed, Wm. E. Bennett, Chas. E. Van Brocklin, C. Fred Thompson, Burdett Richardson, Lester Cooper, George Cooper, Oliver Delavan, James D. Sherwood, Arthur Holt, Patrick Burns, John Courtney, Jr. One of their number, Otis C. Smith, went back with a commission in his pocket as delegate to Chicago. The delegation is in charge of Hon. John Courtney, Jr., who is whooper-up-in-chief and champion hustler of Cortland."
MARRIAGES.
January 6, by Rev. Edward Taylor, James A. Wood and Miss Maude E. Potter. February 25, Willis Pierce and Miss Kate Daley. March 30, by Rev. J. L. Robertson, George H. Kennedy and Miss Anna M. Bushby. April 13, by Rev. C. E Hamilton, M. H. McGraw and Miss Luella Mintonye. July 6, by Rev. Edward Taylor, Wm. G. McKinney and Miss Lottie Van Hoesen. July 13, by Rev. J. A. Pudney, Nahum Perry of Taylor and Miss Lora E. Robbins. August 25, by Rev. C. E. Hamilton, Walter Angell and Miss Hattie L. Kinney. November 3, by Rev. W. B. Clark, Wm. T. Bushby and Miss Minnie H. Brownell.
DEATH OF DAVID H. HANNUM.
David H. Hannum of Homer, who is generally credited with being the original "David Harum," died January 1, aged 68 years. During the war and for some years after Mr. Hannum was engaged in selling patent rights, and at one time was worth several thousand dollars, which he invested in a farm on the hill two miles west of Homer. Farming did not turn out to be his forte and a few years later his creditors became so importunate that he lost nearly if not quite all his property.
MATTERS POLITICAL.
In 1892 one of those quadrennial presidential strifes [sic] occurred which agitate this country every four years, the opposing candidates being Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison. The contest was a vigorous one, perhaps more so than usual, and the result was the election of Mr. Cleveland by a large majority.
The delegates to the state convention from Cortland county were R. F. Randall, A. J. McSweeney and I. H. Palmer.
At the February town meetings the Republicans succeeded in capturing the board of supervisors, electing ten of the fifteen in the county. The successful Democrats were Dr. H. D. Hunt of Preble, Henry Kelley of Solon, Dr. J. C. Nelson of Truxton, Wm. A. Holton of Virgil and Wilson Greene of Willet.
At the charter election in March Chas. H. Price defeated G. W. Bradford for president of the village by the vote of 764 to 655.
The Prohibition county ticket was as follows: Member of assembly, Alonzo W. Gates; justice of sessions, J. H. Jacobs; coroner, Dr. Sheldon Hinman.
The Republican county convention was held September 14, with F. E Price as chairman, and N. J. Baldwin and A. K. Bennett secretaries. The following ticket was chosen: Member of assembly, Jas. H. Tripp; justice of sessions, Lewis S. Barber.
On the 23d of September the Democrats met in convention with Dr. H. T. Dana as chairman, and H. C. Higgins and W. J. Corcoran secretaries. Arthur B. Nelson was nominated for member of assembly, Theron O. Brown for justice of sessions, and Dr. H. D. Hunt for coroner.
The gentlemen in control of the Democratic county committee were Hugh Duffey chairman, A. J. McSweeney secretary, and B. F. Taylor treasurer. During the campaign the Democratic club organized a marching company, with James A. Wood as captain.
SUICIDES.
Three cases of suicide occurred in Cortland during the year, the first being Alfred Seamans, who killed himself in the county jail by cutting his throat with a razor. He had been charged with criminal assault upon his step-daughter, and was in jail awaiting the disposition of his case by the grand jury. The coroner's jury to investigate the affair was composed of Geo. J. Mager, foreman; E. F. Jennings, I. W. Brown, Henry Bates, E. D. Mallery, T. F. Grady and C. F. Thompson.
On the 20th of July Edward E. Colligan in a fit of despondency committed suicide by cutting his throat with a razor.
The third case was that of Fred Pratt, who hung himself in Randall's woods one day in October.
ABOUT THE FIREMEN.
Frank J. Burns was foreman of Emerald Hose company, Geo. H. Kennedy of Orris Hose, and H. M. Dunbar of Water Witch.
Orris Hose company held a fair beginning April 19, which proved very successful, among the donations being a check for $50 from Hon. J. J. Belden of Syracuse. On the opening night Dorr C. Smith acted as master of ceremonies, introducing E. E. Mellon, who delivered an address. Later in the evening a minstrel performance was given by local talent, Bert W. Rood taking the role of interlocutor, with Bert Sager end Dr. G. A. Tompkins as end men. Each made a decided hit.
The present Hitchcock hose rooms were finished and dedicated April 13. Speeches were made by Judge J. E. Eggleston, Chief John F. Dowd, H. L. Gleason and Geo. L. Warren for the Protectives; A. J. Barber for Water Witch; Edward Fitzgerald for Emeralds, Geo. H. Kennedy and Dorr C. Smith for Orris.
Water Witch Steamer and Hose company united with the 45th Separate company in holding a fair in the armory, beginning May 16, which netted each organization a handsome sum.
Orris Hose company gave a reception at their rooms on the evening of June 14, the guests being received by Mr. and Mrs. Geo. H. Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. C. Fred Thompson and Mr. and Mrs. Dorr C. Smith.
Hitchcock Hose company held a picnic at Floral Trout park June 25.
Excelsior Hook & Ladder company celebrated the first settlement of Cortland county at Floral Trout park June 23, 24 and 25.
The Orris and Emerald Hose companies ran a joint excursion to Maple Bay August 31.
The Hitchcock Hose company and the 45th Separate company held a fair at the armory beginning October 24.
The election of fire department officers for 1893, held late in December, resulted as follows: Chief, N. J. Peck; first assistant, Frank J. Burns; secretary G. I. Pruden; treasurer, C. P. Walrad.
HISTORY OF THE FURNITURE TRADE.
The purchase on March 22 by Messrs. Beard & Peck of the furniture business of Edgcomb & Ballard, recalls the history of the furniture trade in Cortland. In 1834, nearly seventy years ago, John McFarland first opened a business of this nature and conducted it alone until 1855, when he admitted Col. J. C. Carmichael to partnership, which continued until 1866, when Col. Carmichael bought his partner's interest. In 1882 he sold an interest to A. W. Edgcomb, and in 1883 he disposed of his remaining interest to S. M. Ballard. These two gentlemen enjoyed a successful trade until 1892, when they sold out to Beard & Peck as above stated, the latter gentlemen having then been in the same business for several years.
SAD DEATH OF MRS. G. S. VAN HOSEN.
On the 21st of July Mrs. G. S. Van Hoesen and a Miss Smith were out riding and when near what is known as Cold Brook they stopped and Miss Smith alighted for the purpose of gathering some wild flowers by the roadside. The horse became frightened and jumped to one side throwing Mrs. Van Hoesen out, and as the horse ran away she was dragged by the reins several rods. When her companion reached her she was insensible, and was at once taken to a house near by [sic], where she died the same night.
THE FITZ—KEATING AFFAIR.
Many of our readers still remember the bunco game by which George Fitts, a farmer of McLean, was swindled out of about $6,000. This occurred in 1891, and early in the present year, 1892, he caused the arrest of one Wm. C. Keating of Schenectady, charging him with being the man who defrauded him. The matter hung fire until November, when Keating was discharged, another man having been arrested and identified as being the swindler. Keating later sued Fitts for false arrest and imprisonment, and the case was on the calendar of the supreme court for five or six years thereafter.
ORDERED TO BUFFALO.
Late in the summer of 1892 a serious strike occurred in Buffalo as the result of labor troubles, which became so serious that Gov. Flower felt it necessary to call out a portion of the state militia. On the 17th of August the 45th Separate company of Cortland received orders to proceed at once to Buffalo, and its promptness in responding was the subject of much favorable comment. Fortunately the boys came into no serious collision with the strikers, and on the 27th of the same month they returned home, receiving a very flattering ovation when they reached Cortland.
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| Cortland Hospital on North Main Street. |
A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING.
When Sheriff Miller entered upon his duties January 1 he appointed Adam Hilsinger of Marathon as his under sheriff.
At the January term of supreme court the suit of Ellen J. Ballard, executrix. against the Hitchcock Manufacturing company to recover damages for the death of her husband at the time of the boiler explosion at Elm-st., was tried for the third time, resulting in a verdict for $3,000. On the first trial she was given $4,000, and on the second trial $2,000.
At a meeting of the town board of Cortlandville held in January, Walter H Angell and Eli J. Colegrove were appointed constables.
A most successfully conducted kirmiss was held in the Opera House, beginning January 26.
On the evening of February 2 Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Brewer gave a reception in the new building of the Cortland Harness & Carriage Goods company, as a sort of christening of the plant. Supper was served and dancing indulged in until a late hour.
Messrs. Warren, Tanner & Co. became settled in their present quarters in the Hopkins block in February, 1892.
The milk depot in the north end of the city was built in the spring of 1892 by J. B. Haug.
The Cortland Daily Standard first made its appearance March 8.
Daniel J. Sperry, a former veteran hotel keeper in Cortland, died in Syracuse March 5.
A. S. Brown, then of the firm of Brown & Morse grocers, sold his interest in March to J. D. Green.
The Cortland Hospital association was incorporated in April with the following incorporators: Julia E. Hyatt, Helen S. Clark, Mary E. Doud, Jerome Fitzgerald, Sara Place, Ella Buck, Sabra Pruden, M. Whiteson, Alice Ettling, Florence A. Cobb, Lavina Duffey, Eva Watkins, Louisa M. Hunter and Isabel M. Thompson.
April 23 a colored man named Merritt N. Thompson, who worked in a barber shop, attempted to board a passing coal train on the Lackawanna road, slipped and fell under the cars and was killed.
On Memorial day, 1892, Comrade [familiar term among civil war veterans—CC ed.] Mark Brownell delivered the address at the monument, and it was such an excellent one that it was given in full in the newspapers of that day. The address at the cemetery was given by Rev. H. A. Cordo.
Prof. J. E. Banta, who will go to Binghamton this year, first came to Cortland from Kansas in 1892, having been chosen professor of Latin and Greek in the Normal school.
In the latter part of June Fred Cowan, who lived on a farm northeast of the village, lost seven cows within two or three days. An examination of one of the animals disclosed arsenic in the stomach.
Wheel thieves stole bicycles from C. H. V. Elliott and Fred I. Graham in August.
Wm. Randall, who had been a prominent man in Cortland, died in Norwich August 22.
Rev. W. H. Pound of Wakeman, O., accepted a call to the pastorate of the Congregational church, beginning his labors November 1.
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| Major Louis Irving Seymour. |
LOUIS I. SEYMOUR.
KILLED IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR.
A Former Whitney Point Young Man Meets Death at the Hands or the Boers—A Remarkably Successful Career Suddenly Terminated—No Particulars Yet Received.
On Friday last a cablegram was received from Cape Town, South Africa, by Hon. John S. Seymour of New York, conveying to him and other friends in this country, the sad intelligence that on the previous day, June 14, Louis I. Seymour had been killed in battle at Zand River, S. A. Later dispatches through the London war office have confirmed the first cablegram, and give expression to the deep regret that is felt, both in England and the Transvaal, in consequence of the tragic death of the "American engineer," as he was often designated.
Major Seymour was in command of a corps of about 1,400 engineers, known in the British army as the "Railway Pioneer Regiment." This corps was organized by Major Seymour in December last, and went into camp on New Year's day. The regiment was composed in large part of acquaintances and fellow engineers and workmen of Mr. Seymour, formerly connected with the mines at Johannesburg and Kimberly, and who were greatly devoted to their commanding officer. They were fully equipped and drilled, and could fight as well as do difficult engineering work, as their experiences of the last few weeks clearly demonstrated. British army rules preclude other than British subjects holding a colonel's commission, hence that office was technically held by another, and Seymour commissioned a major, thus being in command of that part of the corps doing duty at the front. From various sources it has been learned that this corps has done invaluable service to the British army, in the capacity of bridge building and other engineering work. Major Seymour designed, and ably assisted by his "pioneers" constructed aerial bridges for Generals Roberts and Kitchener as they advanced through the Free State northward to the Transvaal. When they came to a river across which the bridge had been destroyed, they would erect in a single night, while the soldiers rested, a wire cable bridge across which they would run cars capable of carrying ten tons weight at a load, and with such rapidity that immense amounts of supplies would be passed across the river in a very limited time.
The most important bridge erected by the corps was the Deviation bridge at Norvals Pont, across which heavily loaded trains were run. Upon the completion of this structure none of the railway engineers dare at first run a train upon it, but Major Seymour promptly took charge of a locomotive, running it with a heavily loaded train across the river in safety. He knew the bridge would hold. He returned and again crossed with another train, thus convincing the tramway engineers that the bridge was all right.
Louis I. Seymour was born in Whitney Point, Broome county, and was in his 42nd year. When school life terminated he commenced work in his chosen profession with the Dickson Steel works or Scranton, Pa. By that company he was sent to Venezuela to install a quantity of heavy mining machinery in the El Callas mines. He was engaged in this work in South America for about two years. On his return to the States he was married to Miss A. Kate Perry, eldest daughter of Dr. Frederick Perry of Lisle, who survives him and is now in Cape Town, S. A.
Soon after marriage be went to Lawrence, Mass., to superintend the putting in of new engines, etc., in one of the large mills there. From Lawrence he went to Plymouth, Mass., as the engineer of the Cordage works, remaining something over a year. He then received an offer from the DeBeers Co. of Kimberly, S. A., to become the chief engineer of the DeBeers Consolidated Diamond mines, which position he accepted at a salary of $10,000 per annum, with transportation from and back to this country. He retained this position three years, when he resigned it and came to London, Eng., as the managing director of the Fraye & Chalmers Engine works. The De Beers Co., however, retained him as their consulting engineer. He remained here two and one half years, then returned to South Africa again, accepting the position of expert mechanical and mining engineer of the celebrated Rand mines at Johannesburg, which position he held up to the time of his death.
At the breaking out of hostilities between England and the Transvaal, the mines were taken possession of by the Boer government. In a personal interview with Mr. Seymour, President Kruger sought to retain his services in operating the mines, but as a matter of course Seymour would have none of it, and as soon as he, as one of the committee of safety had succeeded in getting the Utlander population of Johannesburg down to Cape Town, followed also, being one of the last to leave the city. The formation of the Pioneer corps soon followed.
It is almost needless to add that Louis I. Seymour was an enthusiast in his profession, having won at an early age a front rank in it, and a name and fame known by all men of like profession throughout the civilized world. Coupled with this unusual success was an exceptionally modest and unassuming demeanor that made friends for him of all who came in contact with him, whether of high or low degree.
He was noble-hearted and generous, how noble-hearted and generous those who knew him intimately only could possibly know. As one who did thus know him, socially and in home life, we would add this tribute to his memory, knowing full well that many others who have been blessed with his rare companionship will fully concur that he was, in truth, one of the uncrowned kings of earth.
He is survived by his wife, two brothers—Hon. John S. Seymour and Frederick Seymour, Esq., of New York—and two sisters—Miss Stella Seymour and Mrs. W. O. Newcomb of Jersey City, N. J.
HERE AND THERE.
The last [New York State] legislature enacted a law amending the poor law in relation to veterans, by providing absolutely that they shall be relieved at their homes and the striking out the provision in the old act, which provides that they may be sent to the poor house if a G A. R. post commander or quartermaster so directs.
The hay crop this year will be a light one on account of the small rainfall last month. As a result many farmers are sowing corn to be cut green for fodder. Happy is the man who has a large quantity of last year's hay left over. If he does not need it for feeding his own cattle the chances are that he will be able to sell it for double the price he could have got for it last summer.
Regular meeting of the Cortlandville grange this evening.
Grant Weeks is serving a thirty days' sentence in jail for fast driving in the city.
J. H. Gunn opened a bakery and fancy grocery store in the Squires block this week.
Postmaster A. S. Brown is bound to have a rural free mail delivery if the people want it.
A meeting of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will be held this evening, and it is important that every member be present [including leprechauns—CC ed.].
Fred V. Bennett has been appointed [bicycle] sidepath commissioner for Cortland county in place of Edward W. Hyatt.
Miss Ella Vosburg of Palatine Bridge has been engaged as teacher of drawing in the Cortland public schools at a salary of $500.
The Cortland Normal athletic team went to Oneonta last Saturday and won nearly all the honors from the team at that place.
Young Mott Rood, son of the redoubtable Giles, is serving a thirty days sentence in the county jail because of two much thirst for fire water.
The concerts given by the Cortland Conservatory of Music this week have been largely attended, and the entertainments have been exceedingly fine.
J. B. Buell was obliged to have the second finger of his left hand amputated Monday on account of a cancer. Dr. F. D. Reese performed the operation.
Thirty years ago there was not a pair of black stockings on sale in any of the dry goods stores. Nothing but white and flesh color were worn at that period.
Rev. U. S. Milburn will lecture at the Universalist church this evening at 8 o'clock upon "Self Culture." The lecture is especially for young people. Admission ten cents.
E. M. Stanton of DeRuyter is riding in a new top buggy with solid rubber tires, purchased of Keator & Wells, Cortland. It is a handsome and easy riding carriage.—DeRuyter Gleaner.
Supt. Mills G. Frisbie of Cortland county was last week re-elected treasurer of the state association of superintendents of the poor, held at Rome. Old Cortland gets there quite frequently.
Thirty years ago farmers arrived in town at an early hour in the morning, completed their trading and returned home to put in three-fourths of a day's work. They linger longer now, as a rule.
Thirty years ago men bundled up their necks with worsted tippets four yards long| every time they went out doors during cold weather. A tippet would be a curiosity to the present generation.
When it comes to a genuine hearty good time the Haymakers of Cortland fill the bill to perfection. The dance under their supervision last Friday evening was a decided success in every particular.
Just complaint is made of the hydrant at the corner of Church and Railroad-sts. which is allowed to leak water continually, making a wet crosswalk, water standing there to the annoyance of pedestrians.
According to the idea of working out the road tax every man is a born roadmaker. According to the way some of them loaf the day out it appears that they do not take much interest in their calling.
At this stage of the game it is not likely that Cortland will celebrate the Fourth. The time would have been auspicious for celebrating the day of independence and our entrance into cityhood, but it is too late now to make proper arrangements.
The cry from peachdom this year is given in a different key from former seasons, a fruit expert saying that there will be peaches to burn and peaches to feed to live stock. If any one hasn't money with which to buy peaches, dealers will give them to him for carrying them away. The peach crop will be nearly the largest of the century and the fruit will be the finest in many years.
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