 |
| Best copy of newspaper half-cut image, Hotel Ingalls, Willet, N. Y. |
The Cortland Democrat, Friday, January 4, 1901.
CORTLAND'S HISTORY.
SEVERAL ANCIENT LOCAL NEWSPAPERS FOUND.
The Cortland Republican of 1821—Homer Republican of 1821—Cortland Advocate of 1834—Cortland Democrat of 1844, 1847, 1852—Cortland Co. Republican of 1858—Cortland Gazette of 1860.
During the past week we have become possessed of several Cortland and Homer newspapers dating from 1821 to 1860, the earlier issues being of course too ancient for the memory of any one now living in this locality, and yet they are rather interesting from an historical point of view.
1821.
David Campbell published what was known as the Cortland Republican in 1821, and the issue before us is dated March 7 of that year. The editor seems to have avoided all local news, as nothing appears in its columns relating to Cortland or Homer, except in the form of an advertisement in regard to building a new M. E. church in Cortland by the Homer society which, as it is, presumably relates to the formation of the present First M. E. church, we give entire:
"The undersigned, trustees of the M. E. church of the town of Homer, contemplate building a church in Cortland village, about 44 by 60 feet, with a steeple, and to be finished in a neat and elegant style, according to the newest and most approved fashion; provided funds can be raised by subscription and the sale of slips to the amount of $2,500.
"The trustees will sell at auction, on the first Monday in May next, the entire slips; and such sums as any purchaser may have previously subscribed will be taken in payment at said sale.
"The church to be built under the superintendence of the trustees, together with Samuel Nelson, Chas. W. Lynde and Roswell Randall, with the latter of whom a plan is left for inspection.
"The trustees appeal to the liberality of a christian and generous public, and ask assistance from all who feel a disposition or are in a situation to aid in so laudable an undertaking. And when the sum of $2,500 shall have been raised, as aforesaid, the trustees and committee will immediately contract for building the house.
"The trustees assure the public that the house shall be free for preachers of all christian denominations, at all times, except upon Sabbath days, or when occupied by the preacher of said society."
The advertisement is signed by John Stillman, John Hubbard and Isaac Bassett as trustees.
Noah R. Smith was sheriff at that time, and Oliver Wiswell judge of common pleas.
Several pieces of property were advertised for sale by W. & R. Randall.
Nearly the entire paper was filled with state political news.
The next paper is the Western Courier, published at Homer by Roberts & Hull. This bears date March 6, 1821, and its columns are filled with notices of mortgage foreclosure sales, leading one to believe that the times were "tight," as the term is now used.
At the annual town meeting in Homer, held just previous to the issue of the Courier, the following officers were elected:
Supervisor—Martin Keep.
Town Clerk—Adin Webb.
Assessors—Levi Bowen, Nathan Stone, John Merrill.
Highway Commissioners—Eleazer May, David Coye, Nathan Blodget.
School Commissioners—Edward C. Reed, Samuel Hoar, Jesse Ives.
Overseers of Poor—Wm. Lucas, Asa Bennet.
Commissioners of Gospel and School Lots—Asa Bennet, Samuel Griggs, Rufus Boies.
In glancing over the market quotations we find prices as follows: Butter, 18c, cheese, 6c, flour, $4.50, corn, 54c, oats, 31c, hams, 11c, lard, 10c, pork, 8c, whiskey, 30c.
The firm of Calvin, Walker & Co. at Homer did considerable advertising for the sale of dry goods and groceries.
1834.
We jump now to 1834 to a copy of the Cortland Advocate of date January 30, 1834. Henry S. Randall was editor and proprietor, and the only local references in the entire paper are in a few advertisements.
The Eagle tavern was conducted by Messrs. Scouten & Pierce, which was the headquarters for the various stage lines running from Syracuse, Owego, Norwich, Albany and Utica.
1844.
The Cortland, Democrat of July 24, 1844, bears the name of S. Haight as editor and proprietor, and besides a story it contains only business announcements and foreign news. In looking over the business cards we find a few names which will doubtless be recognized by several present readers of the Democrat. H. P. Goodrich sold dry goods and groceries; Horatio Ballard was district attorney, and W. H. Shankland was an attorney whose name is familiar to many still living; the Eagle hotel was managed by A. H. Bradley, the Center hotel by E. Stinson, and the Cortland house by B. Dimock; H. Brewer conducted a harness shop.
1847.
A copy of the Democrat of date January 27, 1847, comes next, the editor and publisher being S. Haight. About the only local news in that issue was two marriages—William Brown to Miss Louisa, daughter of Zera Tanner, at South Cortland, and E. F. Gould to Miss Ann E. Honeywell.
1852.
The Democrat of November 11, 1852, was published by H. G. Crouch & Co. This issue contained an article upon the village academy which contained the following pointed reference to the lack of interest taken by the citizens of the village of Cortland:
"For a long time past it has been evident that our academy might be in a flourishing condition. Many students have applied for admission and have been accepted, and as many have failed to attend. Why this failure? Simply because there are no boarding places to be found. Parents of scholars traverse the whole village over and fail to get admission for their children into families as boarders. All seem to wrap themselves in indifference, and the applicant turns away disappointed, and seeks some other place and school upon which to bestow his patronage."
The presidential election was held just previous to the issue of the paper, Gen. Franklin Pierce having been elected by a majority of 178,000 on popular vote, and 260 on the electoral vote. New York state gave him 22,000 majority.
In Cortland county for member of assembly Ashbel Patterson received 2,022 votes, Hiram J. Messenger 1,494 and John Miller 1,490.
For county clerk Rufus A. Reed was elected over Judah Pierce by a majority of 453. Frederick Ives was chosen sheriff over Alexis Rexford by only 66 majority.
1858.
Our next paper in the list is the Cortland County Republican of December 9, 1858 with Joseph R. Dixon editor. The issue before us is filled almost entirely with reports of the proceedings of the board of supervisors, the following gentlemen composing the board:
Cincinnatus, Dayton Kingman.
Cortlandville, Deloss McGraw.
Freetown, John A. McVean.
Homer, Giles Chittenden.
Harford, James J. Freer.
Lapeer, Dann C. Squires.
Marathon, Alanson Carley.
Preble, James Baldwin.
Scott, Samuel A. Childs.
Solon, David I. Brownell.
Taylor, Sheldon Warner.
Truxton, Lewis Sears.
Virgil, Nathan Spencer.
Willet, John S. Dyer
Giles Chittenden was elected chairman and Joseph Atwater clerk.
1860.
The Cortland Gazette of date July 5, 1860, published by Chas. P. Cole, is the last paper in the list. Local news is given scant recognition in its columns, the only matter of prominence being a lengthy report of a Fourth of July celebration at Marathon the day previous.
At that time there was no telegraph line along the railroad and the Gazette announced that the matter was being agitated in the following paragraph:
"We are glad to learn that a movement is on foot for constructing a telegraph line from Syracuse to Binghamton. The railroad has created a large amount of business along the line and many wholesale merchants and grocers are deeply interested in the enterprise. The citizens of Homer, Cortland, Marathon, Lisle, Whitney's Point, and doubtless other places will aid liberally in building the line. The road is in admirable condition, gaining in its receipts constantly, and the company would do all in its power to secure the line."
.jpg)
OBITUARY.
The Heavy Hand of Death Severely Laid on Cortland.
Robert Purvis, whose death occurred December 28 at his home, 19 Union-st., was a gentleman whose entire life, with the exception of very early childhood, was spent in Cortland county, his father being a sturdy Scotchman who came to the town of Harford in 1830, when Robert was but five years old. In 1881 Mr. Purvis married a daughter of the late Nathaniel Bouton of Marathon.
Mr. Purvis was a farmer in every sense of the word. He loved the occupation, and his well-kept farms in Harford are models of thrift, and proof that a master mind was in control. He was a gentleman of sterling honesty and no man in the county has been more highly esteemed than Mr. Purvis.
He moved to Cortland in 1887, but he frequently went to Harford to attend to his farming interests in the town.
The funeral was held on Monday, Rev. O. A. Houghton officiating.
A. Leroy Cole.
Mr. A. Leroy Cole died Monday night at his home, 146 Main-st. at the age of 72 years. He was born near South Cortland, and has always resided in this locality, having at one time been engaged in business in Cortland, and for twenty-nine years he managed the W. R. Randall farm.
Mr. Cole was a member of the First M. E. church and was a very liberal contributor to its needs. He leaves a wife and one son, William R. Cole, to mourn his death.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Lawson McKee.
Mr. Lawson McKee, an esteemed citizen and valuable member of the Homer-ave. M. E. church, died December 29.
Wallace F. Gardner.
In the death of Wallace F. Gardner, which occurred at the hospital Dec. 27, Hitchcock Hose company loses a member who has taken great interest in that organization, and had for the past year been its efficient president.
THE POLICE MUDDLE.
Justice Sewell Decides Against Deposed Policemen Without Prejudice.
So far as litigation is concerned the Cortland police muddle stands just where it did December 4, when an application was made before Justice Sewell for a writ of certiorari to review the proceedings of the mayor and common council.
Saturday evening the decision of Justice Sewell was received, and as was generally expected the application for a writ was denied, but without prejudice, as to any one or all of the relators. The decision being without prejudice gives Messrs. Parker, Nix and Corcoran the privilege of renewing the application. Their attorney, Hon. H. A. Dickinson, is absent in Albany and it is not known what action will be taken, but it is not probable that legal proceedings are as yet ended.
Annual Meeting.
Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the stockholders of the Champion Milk Cooler Co. will be held at the office of the company, Squires-st., Cortland, N. Y., on the 16th day of January, 1901, at 10 o'clock a. m., for the purpose of electing 3 directors for the ensuing year and 2 inspectors of election to serve at the next annual meeting and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before said meeting.
Cortland, N. Y., January 2, 1901.
H. L. HARTWELL, Secretary.
NEW TELEPHONES.
HOME TELEPHONE SYSTEM NOW A REALITY.
Fifty Telephones Have Been Cut In and There Will Be Two Hundred and Fifty Before February 1—Communication to Be Had Soon With the Entire State—A Perfect System.
The lines of the Cortland Home Telephone Company are fast nearing completion. Monday the work of "cutting in" phones to the switch board was begun and now some fifty are in working order.
One of the chief beauties of the new service will be that but one individual is on a line, except in the case of country phones where a party line will be made upon request. Another feature is the distinctness with which all conversations can be heard, and the entire absence of the old familiar humming on the wire.
To attempt a description of the mechanical detail would occupy columns. It is sufficient to say that the system is the best in every way that money can procure, and that it is put up in a substantial manner is amply proven by a glance at the poles. cables and anchor wires to be seen on our streets. The interior arrangement is just as complete and one feature that will be of particular benefit to patrons is that the instant there is trouble on a line the fact is manifest at ''central," and not only that, but it is located exactly at the cable box nearest and your phone will be in working order again, even before you knew it was in trouble. However, the chances for trouble are very small.
The Home company now has contracts calling for over two hundred and fifty phones and they expect to have at least two hundred in operation by February 1. There will be no charge for any till that time, and not then unless two hundred are in operation. The list of subscribers now includes all our business places and factories with one or two exceptions, and residence applications are fast coming in.
The line to the county farm is complete and several farmers along it are also connected.
The poles are set to Onativia on the [railroad] line to Syracuse and will soon be completed and wires up the whole distance. Cortland will then have direct connection not only to Syracuse, but to a hundred towns north and east of that city over independent lines. Next spring the work will be carried west to Ithaca, and south to Binghamton and the connections possible in those cities will open up another large territory for our communication. The local switch board as installed has accommodation for four hundred phones and the cable capacity entering the central office is for eight hundred and twenty-five.
The very reasonable rates charged, $24 for a business place and $12 for residence, a year, bid fair to soon use the entire present switchboard capacity. Serve your own convenience and patronize a home industry by having a phone placed in your residence. Farmers can subscribe as well as those in the city.
THE NEW REGIME.
New City and County Appointments with the New Year.
The first meeting of the new common council was held Tuesday evening with every member present. Mayor Brown named the following appointments, which were promptly continued by the council, except the nominees for school commissioners, which are not required to be confirmed:
City Clerk—Fred Hatch.
Board of Health—W. A. Stockwell, Dr. E. M. Santee, John Tuthill, Henry L. Bliss, George G. Chatterton, Dr. C. D. VerNooy.
City Physician—Dr. Paul T. Carpenter.
Board of Education—C. L. Kinney, A. F. Stilson. F. P. Hakes, three years; F. D. Smith, A. W. Edgcomb, W. H. Newton, two years; Geo. J. Mager, W. J. Greenman, E. Keator, one year.
Alderman Yager was selected as acting mayor in the absence of Mayor Brown.
These city appointments are possibly as good as a distinctively city government could warrant. The hands of the politicians are clearly evident. In the appointment of the school board Mayor Brown placed himself behind the assumption that the members of the board hitherto elected by the people were the men to be appointed at this time. The addition to that number are men of character and standing in the community, and although we say this, we regret that the mayor could not have found some Democrat with character, ability and intelligence enough to warrant appointment.
The Democrat will be eager to note all success in our new city government, and will be free to criticize and condemn all violation of the provisions of our city charter and related general laws. Some surprise has been expressed that members of the police board were not appointed at the last meeting. The reason may be brought to light at some future day. At any rate, let us be patient and forbear from criticizing the subjects of idle rumor. City officials, as far as elected or appointed: we wish you joy, success and prosperity. We wish peace in all your works, and may yon grow in strength and honor in the eyes of your fellow citizens.
Sheriff Overton, who assumed the reins of government at the court house on Tuesday, made the following appointments of deputy sheriffs: C. W. Harrington of Harford, John Miller of Cortland, George Thompson of Homer, Ira J. Barber of Scott and Hilton Ryan of Virgil.
County Clerk Otis D. Patrick is a gentleman whom Cortland will generously welcome to the county seat, as he is a gentleman of ability, and judging from the November election returns, of popularity as well. He very naturally appointed S. K. Jones as his deputy, as the latter gentleman is thoroughly familiar with every detail of the office, and he also for the present has Howard J. Harrington as an assistant. Mr. Harrington was a former attaché of the clerk's office, and knows the ins and outs to perfection.
Alton B. Parker.
DINED WITH CHIEF JUDGE PARKER.
Pleasant Experience of a Young Couple of Kingston.
A strange stroke of fate gave two young people of Kingston, N. Y., an unusually pleasant and agreeable experience on Christmas day, and an excellent dinner, spiced with the most hospitable good cheer, as a culmination of the day's experience.
Chief Judge Alton B. Parker, who is well known in Cortland, his boyhood home, was on his way over to the depot of the West Shore Railroad, after having attended services at the Holy Cross Church, to meet Senator David B. Hill on the flyer that should reach there at 1 o'clock. The senator was to be the guest of Judge Parker at Rosemont at dinner and the train had orders to stop there and let them off.
On his way to the depot the Judge was joined by a young couple, who had attended service at the Holy Cross.
The young man is an enthusiastic Democrat and an ardent admirer of Senator Hill. Learning that the senator was to be on that train, he inquired:
"Hattie, wouldn't you like to meet Senator Hill?"
"Indeed, I would," replied the young lady.
Inasmuch as it was but a few minutes before the train was due, they concluded to wait. However, something had happened, and the flyer did not arrive on time, but was about half an hour late. The three boarded the train and were soon exchanging hearty greetings with the senator. Expecting that the train, as usual, would remain five minutes, everybody believed there was ample time to exchange a word or two. but the trainmen did not care to lose too much Christmas time on the road. Suddenly came the cry "All aboard!" together with the movement of the train. The young couple made a rush for the platform and were met by several men, who were as much in a hurry to get on as the friends were to get off. By the time the steps were clear, Broadway had been crossed and the speed of the train was so great that it would have been suicidal to have attempted to alight.
"Stop the train!" frantically appealed the young man, ''I want to get off."
"Can't do it," stoically replied the trainman, "contrary to orders. We will let you off at Esopus, where we have orders to stop."
Judge Parker and Senator Hill both took in the situation with the greatest good humor and soon the young people were laughing as heartily as they over the incident.
"Never mind," said the Judge, as he beamed with good nature, "you will be welcomed at Rosemont, a Christmas dinner is as good in one place as another, and you shall be my guests for the day."
And so it happened that the young couple formed part of the jolly Christmas company at hospitable Rosemont, and none enjoyed themselves more, not even Master Parker Hall, the Judge's little grandson, who was one of the honored guests.
Lost.
A small red hound, white on toes and breast.
A. M. SCHERMERHORN, 62 Tompkins-st., Cortland. [Paid ad.]
HERE AND THERE.
The thermometer crawled down a half inch or more below the zero mark yesterday.
The sleighing might be better, but it is better than no sleighing at all.
The managers of the charity ball cleared $250 for the hospital fund.
J. B. Sliter, deputy factory inspector of the state of New York, has been making an official visit to manufacturing and mechanical establishments in Cortland the past week.
The Lackawanna management has ordered sixty new engines, which are being built by three firms. Fourteen of them will be switch engines and the rest passenger and freight.
Franklin Pierce, a former resident of Homer, but for some years past of New York, has been appointed assistant district attorney of the latter city at a salary of $7,500 a year.
The annual meeting of the First Baptist church and society will be held next Monday afternoon. Five trustees are to be elected, three for regular term and two to fill vacancies.
Thus far the experience of living in the Twentieth century does not seem much different from the old Nineteenth century style. But then the new regime hasn't got into working order yet.
Rev. Mr. Mason, a young man from Rochester Theological seminary, preached in the First Baptist church last Sabbath forenoon. Mr. Mason is preparing himself for missionary work.
Two of the three large wrecking cranes ordered by the Lackawanna have already been assigned to their divisions. One is stationed at Hoboken, one at Scranton and the third will be sent to Buffalo. They are capable of lifting fifty tons.
Uniformed employes of the Lackawanna will soon have new caps with new insignia. In place of "D., L. & W." heretofore used, the words "Lackawanna Railroad" will have a gilded insignia for agents, while that of the other employes will be of silver.
W. Chapin Squires of Buffalo has become manager of the business office at the Cortland House. Mr. Squires is a most agreeable gentleman, and Cortland people will heartily welcome him to our city.
Mills G. Frisbie, for the past three years superintendent of the poor of Cortland comity, has bought the mill property at Cuyler of Whitmarsh Bros., and will take possession February 1. Mr. Frisbie will move to Cuyler about March 1 and take charge of the mill himself, having leased his farm in Scott to Clarence Patchen of Homer. We are sincerely glad that Mr. Frisbie will continue to be within hailing distance of Cortland.
Attorney C. V. Coon, whose home is in this city but who has practiced law with his office at Homer for the past two years, has decided to hang out his shingle at the county seat, having leased a suite of offices over Graham's drug store and moved his law books and office to that location. Mr. Coon is a shrewd, painstaking, conservative attorney, and has thus far been very successful in his practice. If any of our readers will venture into litigation, Mr. Coon will be glad to receive a retainer.
Seven candidates took the civil service examination for the position of patrolman on the Cortland police force last Friday.
E. B. Richardson has bought E. C. Palmer's interest in the City Cycle store on Railroad-st. and will conduct the same, with J. A. Farrell as manager.
No comments:
Post a Comment