/. / BINOHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AND THE FACTORS IN ITS HISTORY 800- 1900 WILLIAM S. LAWYER EDITOR CENTURY MEMORIAL PUBLISHING CO. 1900 ^oy^ THE S USQ UEHA NNA . BY LEON MEAD. O, beautiful stream, hinu calm is thy flowing. Through grass-waving valley and dense, silent wood; On thy /lan/cs %vhat gay summer blossoms are growing- Those banks where so often, enchanted, I've stood. Fair Sus(juehan?ta.' Rare Susquehanna! Pride of the country where courses thy flood. O, famous old river, how graceful thy witiding. Like a serpent of silver oil molten and bright; Reflecting the sun in thy bosom and blinding The eye that dares gaze at so potent a light. Fair Susqtic/ianna! Rare Sttsguehanfta! Thou art as lovely and queenly as 7iighf. O, Jubilant stream! how fleet is thy motion. So happy and free in thy race to the South; Smiling the more as thou nearest the ocean. And having a look of delight at thy mouth. Fair Susquehanna! Rare Susquehattna! Ne'er captured or held in gaunt thraldom of drought. O, radiant river, with soft moonlight varnished, 'I'liy murmuring music I hear in the dell; May never thy fresh, lambent ripples be tarnished, But dance on unsullied thro' the falloiu and fell. J' air Susque/ianna! Rare Susquehanna! Eifipre^,; oj iVaters, by thee thay 2 dwell. PREFACE The formation of state and town organizations of Sons of the Ameri- can Revolution, Colonial Dames, local historical associations in almost every hamlet throughout the Union, and the late efforts made by Har- vard University faculty to collect and preserve biographical data per- taining to their professors and instructors, all tend to show the uni- versal interest taken in such matters by leaders of public opinion. I make no apology, therefore, for the part I have taken in the publica- tion of this work. It was needed, and that it is the most complete record of Binghamton and Broome county yet published, I have every confidence. Neither is there egotism in this belief, for the work has been such a stupendous undertaking that the assistance of many able contributors has been secured, who have searched all available written records, both in the capitol at Albany, and those in public and private libraries here and elsewhere, and who have also faithfully sought out facts from the older citizens. My work has been largely that of revising and condensing the mass of material thus brought together; a heavy task, and yet a light one. Those who are ever pleased (and who is not?) to know the past history of their homes; that this street or highway was once a noted Indian trail, that an old legend tells of wonderful happenings among the natives on play-grounds they loved as children, that a noted chief of the red men once held high carnival on the same spot where he first saw the light of day; IV I'REFACE. readers who take delight in such facts will understand what a pleasure it has been to superintend the work, and yet can readily see how difficult to free it from all errors, — for errors undoubtedly exist. Those who would have given us dates — those who came on life's stage at the dawn of the century — have gone to their reward. Would that we could turn the dial back and stand face to face with the rugged, common sense men, who constituted the first settlers of this vicinity, and hear from their lips the story of distinguishing events, which would stand out like bold landmarks indicating the line of march through many trials to final success. The Pioneers are asleep! Their influence only survives them. By their pluck in overcoming obstacles; by their untiring industry; by their economy and thrift, they laid foundations deep and wide for their children to build upon. The men whose memory we desire to perpetuate were free from the ambition and love of gain which seem to be the mainsprings of this generation. With them the ownership of a home was the height of their hope and aim. When the preparation of this volume was begun, at the first step it was found that the general public (without whose co-operation the undertaking would have been futile) looked askance at the enterprise. Many prejudices had to be overcome because of the shortcomings of pievious publications ■ purporting to be historic. Other matters of which it is needless to speak stood in the way. But " a good tale will bear telling twice," especially when improved in the manner of the telling. The gathering of this tale has been attempted many times, with varying success in the manner of production. The reason for failure in some past works was carelessness. Not so in this work, for it represents eighteen months of tireless application to the task. PREFACE. ' V The writers of this latest " Binghamton " have labored under disad- vantages, which have been overcome by painstaking effort and research that do not become apparent to the reader in the perusal of the volume. Much of the matter has been obtained under circumstances of difficulty, owing to the fact that nearly all the traditions are fast disappearing. " The rude forefathers of the hamlet " have long been in their silent, narrow beds. Their children's children remember nothing of the trials and hardships of their ancestors, nor of the events of the early days of the land which gave them birth. To those who have helped in the preparation of this work, I wish to give due credit. It being impossible to mention all who have given facts never before recorded, facts which were the more valued for that reason, or to personally thank those who have aided the several con- tributors, I will content myself with naming a few who have specially assisted in lightening this labor of love: Lewis C. Aldrich, John P. E Clark, Edward K. Clark, George B. Curtiss, Israel T. Deyo, John J. Doo- little, Dr. George F. Hand, Walter M. Hand, Major Charles H Hitch- cock, Dr. David Post Jackson, Julius P. Morgan, Dr. John Gay Orton, Clinton F. Paige, Dr. Frederick W. Putnam, Dan S. Richards, and Peter D. Van Vradenburg. Bespeaking a kindly and charitable reception to this volume over which I have devoted so much thought and care, I leave it as my con- tribution to the Historical Literature of this community. W. S. Lawyer. BiNGHAMTON, MaY 1, 1900, CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Our Country — Early European Discoveries and Explorations— Champlain In- vades Iroquois Territory — The First Battle— The French in Canada, the Puritans in New England and the Dutch in New York— Rival Powers— Over- throw of the Dutch — French and English Rivalries — The Iroquois Confed- eracy — Its Origin, Its League and Its Conquests — The Tuscaroras United with the Five Nations — Occupy the Valley of the Susquehanna 1 CHAPTER n. French Influence Among the Indians — English Jealousy Aroused — Missionary Laborers in the Province — Beginning of the French and English Wars — The Final Struggle for Supremacy — Overthrow of the French Power in America — The Mohawks and Tuscaroras Fight under Col. William Johnson — Return to the Former Habitations 8 CHAPTER HI. Before the Revolution — Johnson's Influence Among the Indians — Causes Lead- ing to the War — The Johnsons Depart for Canada— The Continental Con- gress— Outbreak of the War— British Make Allies of the Iroquois— Employ Them to Attack American Settlements— Brief Allusion to Events of the Period — The Susquehanna Valley Becomes a Frequent Route of Travel — Sullivan's Campaign— Gen. Clinton Invades the Valley— Indian Villages Destroyed — Ochenang on the Site of the City, and Otsiningo, on the Che- nango, Destroyed - -- H CHAPTER IV. Reminiscences of the Revolution, with a Roll of Honor Showing the Names of Patriots of that War Who Afterward Settled in Broome County- The Memo- rial to Congress Praying that Pensions be Granted to Soldiers of Militia and State Troops 22 viii CONTENTS. CHAPTER V. The Land Titles — Charters by the Crown — Conflicting Claims of Massachusetts and New York — The Hartford Convention — The Boston Purchase — Bing- ham's Patent — Brief Sketch of William Bingham, in whose Honor Bingham- 1 on was Named — The Castle Reservation — --- 32 CHAPTER VI. Earliest Settlers in the Vicinity of Binghamton — Rise and Downfall of Chenango Village .- - -- - CHAPTER VII. COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL HISTORY— CIVIL LIST. 45 CHAPTER VIII. REMINISCENCES OF EARLY LIFE AND SETTLEMENT IN BINGHAM- TON CA CHAPTER IX. SETTLEMENT CONTINUED— EARLY BUSINESS MEN. _ .. 112 CHAPTER X. VILLAGE ORGANIZATION AND MUNICIPAL HISTORY 126 CHAPTER XI. CITY BUILDINGS AND DEPARTMENTSOFMUNICIPALGOVERNMENT iri5 CHAPTER XII. THE BINGHAMTON FIRE DEPARTMENT... . ..178 CHAPTER XIII. EDUCATIONAL... 214 CONTENTS. ix CHAPTER XIV. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS one CHAPTER XV. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS _ 291 CHAPTER XVI. BANKING INSTITUTIONS . . 300 CHAPTER XVII. THEBENCH AND BAR . .. 314 CHAPTER XVIII. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION .38.5 CHAPTER XIX. THE BINGHAMTON PRESS 446 .CHAPTER XX. INDUSTRIAL BINGHAMTON -^ 4.^8 CHAPTER XXI. SOCIETIES— SECRET, SOCIAL AND BENEVOLENT,, .-. 497 CHAPTER XXII. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. --- 518 CHAPTER XXIII. CEMETERIES 553 X CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXIV. THE WAR OF 1861-65 ^^^ CHAPTER XXV. THE SPANIvSH-AMERIC.-\N WAR— THE HISTORY OF COMPANY H. FIRST N. Y. VOL. INF.. 1898 -- 598 CHAPTER XXVI. THE TOWN OF UNION. AND ITS INCORPORATED VILLAGES, UNION AND LESTERSHIRE 613 CHAT^TER XXVII. THE TOWN OF CHENAN(iO --- 668 CHAPTER XXVIII. THETOWNOF LISLE. 676 CHAPTER XXIX. TH E T( ) WN OF P,INGH AMTON. 690 CHAPTER XXX. THE TOWN OF NANTICOKE. ... 693 CHAPTER XXXI. THE TOWN OFCOLESVILLE 698 CHAPTER XXXII. THE TOWN OF MAINE 710 CHAPTER XXXIII. THE TOWN OF VESTAL 717 CONTENTS. xi CHAPTER XXXIV. THE TOWN OF WINDSOR 73.5 CHAPTER XXXV. THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE 743 CHAPTER XXXVI. THE TOWN OF BARKER. 768 CHAPTER XXXVII. THE TOWN OF FENTON __ .761 CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE TOWN OF SAN FORD 777 CHAPTER XXXIX. THE TOWN OFCONKLIN.- 796 CHAPTER XL. THE TOWN OF KIRKWOOD 804 CHAPTER XLI. THE TOWN OF DICKINSON - 813 CHAPTER XLII. ECCLESIASTICAL 816 PART 11. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY 823 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY 946 INDEX . ,-. - -- ---1021 PORTRAITS. Arms. Taylor L -..facing 330 Balcom, Ransom ....facing 323 Bartlett, Isaac L... facing 106 Bartlett. James H facing 828 Bennett, Abel facing 305 Bingham, William facing 37 Brigham, Elijah W.._ . facing 666 Chapman, Orlow W ...facing 346 Crary, Horace H. facing 836 Curtiss, George B. ..facing 368 Day, Frank A facinglOlO Dickinson, Daniel S facing 336 Doubleday, Dr. Arami facing 405 Downs, Francis W. . - . facing 367 Dunham, Thomas L ...facing 952 Dunn, George W facing 882 Faatz, William G facing 948 Ford, Rodney A facing 832 Green, George E facing 892 Grummond, Fred W. ■ facing 938 Hall, Samuel H. P facing 109 Hand, Stephen I). , M. D facing 414 Hill, William H ..facing 956 Hitchcock, Charles H 608 Hodge, Hial, Dr., .. ...facing 939 Hotchkiss, Giles W facing 342 Jenison, Lewis facingl018 Johnson, C. Fred.. facing 968 Johnson, George F facing 886 Jones, Edward F facing 841 Lentz, William F facing 854 Lincoln, George D. facing 964 Magoris, A. Eugene, M. D. facing 434 Martin, Celora E facing 324 Millard, Stephen C facing 362 Moon, George Q facing 908 O'Connor, Edmund .. .. facing 348 Orton, Dr. John Gay facing 419 O.sborn, William R facing 934 Perry, Isaac G .facing 916 Richards. Dan S facing 356 Schulte. John ..facingl0l6 Scott, Marcus W facing 848 Seymour, Lewis.. facing 345 Squires, Merritt S facing 665 Swift, John H. ...facingl014 Talbott, Page W facing 904 Wells, John Stuart ._ facing 844 White, Le Roy S '...".."!.!!..'.. .facing 960 Wilson, Dr. William H facing 970 CONTENTS. IVIAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS. Bevier Street School 244 Binghamton — 1840 137 Binghamton— A View of Court street from the Chenango bridge to the Court House, drawn June 4, 18 10, by George Park, esq. 129 Binghamton in 1856— View east of the Court House ... 115 Binghamton in 1856 — View showing corner of Court and Chenango streets and buildings northwest 116 Binghamton in 1856 — Brigham Hall in the foreground 118 Binghamton in 1856 — Showing buildmgs on the north side of Court street be- tween State street and the Weed building... 119 Binghamton in 1856 — Showing Congdon's marble shop, Way's hotel and other buildings 120 Binghamton Academy 227 Binghamton City Hospital .• facing 160 Cafferty House, the. . 491 Central Fire Station— 1899 206 Central High School 250 Chenango street in 1856 302 Court House, Second' County 48 Court House, Third County 51 Court House, 1897-98 53 Court House Square. 1889 52 Exchange Hotel, the 493 Faatz Brush and Felting Works .- 665 Fairview School - 246 Firemen's Hall— 1857-95 - 157 Granite Block, the original... 489 Jarvis Street School - 248 Laurel Avenue School 243 Lestershire Fire Station, Municipal Building and Club House 654 Lewis House, the — - - 494 Map of Bingham's Patent 37 Map of Village of Binghamton in 1808 127 Map of Binghamton in 1825 131 Map of Binghamton in 1838 134 Map of Chenango Point in 1797 126 Municipal Building - --- 159 Oak Street School - 234 Peterson's Inn - 492 Rossville School - *47 St. John's Avenue School 249 BINGHAMTON, Its Settlement, Growth and Development. CHAPTER I. Our Country — Early European Discoveries and Explorations — Champlain Invades Iroquois Territory — The First Battle — The French in Canada, the Puritans in New England and the Dutch in New York — Rival Powers — Overthrow of the Dutch — French and English Rivalries — The Iroquois Confederacy — Its Origin, Its League and Its Conquests — The Tuscaroras United with the Five Nations — Occupy the Val- ley of the Susquehanna. In 1492, Christopher Columbus, a Genoese, sailing under the flag- of Spain, landed on the shores of the American continent. This event has always been mentioned in history as the discovery of America, yet the first Europeans to visit the western hemisphere were Scandina- vians, who colonized Iceland in A. D. 875, Greenland in 983, and about the year 1000 had cruised southward as far as the Massachusetts coast. Following close upon the discoveries of Columbus and other early ex- plorers, various foreign powers fitted out fleets and commissioned navi- gators to establish colonies in the vast and then unknown country. These events, however, will be briefly treated and only those will be mentioned which had at least an indirect bearing upon our subject. In 1508 Auburt discovered the St. Lawrence river; and in 1524 Fran- cis I, king of France, sent Jean Verrazzani on a voyage of exploration to the new world. He entered a harbor supposed to have been that of New York, and it is believed that his crew were the first Europeans to land on the soil of what is now this state. This Gallic explorer sailed along the Atlantic coast about 2100 miles, cruising as far north as Lab- rador, and giving to the whole region the name of " New France" — a name by which the French possessions in America were afterward known during the dominion of that power, In 1534 the same king sent 1 2 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Jacques Cartier to the country. He made two voyages and ascended the St. Lawrence as far as Montreal. The next year he again visited the region with a fleet which brought a number of the French nobility. This party determined upon the colonization of the country, but after passing a severe winter on the Isle of Orleans, and suffering much from the rigors of the climate, they abandoned the scheme and returned to France. Here we may properly remark that as a beginning of the long list of needless and shameful betrayals and treacheries to which the often too confiding natives were subjected by early European explorers, Cartier inveigled into his vessel the Indian chief Donnegana and bore him and several others into hopeless captivity and final death. The real discoverer and founder of a permanent colony in New France was Samuel de Champlain, who in 1608 planted a settlement at Quebec. This intrepid explorer joined with the Canadian Indians and invaded the country southward, where he discovered the lake which now bears his name, and where he met in hostile conflict the Mohawks of the Iroquois confederacy. In the battle which followed the Mohawks lost two of their chiefs, both of whom fell at the hands of Champlain himself. Thus was signalized the first hostile meeting between the white man and the Indian, Low as the latter may have been m the scale of intelligence and humanity, and terrible as were many of the subsequent deeds of the Iroquois, it cannot be denied that their early treatment by the whites could foster in the savage heart any other than feelings of bitterest hatred. "I had put four balls into my arquebus," said the wily Frenchman, and the "Iroquois were greatly astonished at seeing two of their men killed so instantaneously." This event, however, was but a single early testimony of how little mercy the Iroquois were thenceforth to receive from their northern enemies and the pale-faced race which was eventually to drive them from their domain. " It was an age, however, in which might was appealed to more frequently than in later years, and it is in the light of the prevailing custom of the old world in Champlain's time that we must view his ready hostility to the Indian." A few weeks after the battle between Champlain and the Indians, Henry Hudson, a navigator in the service of the Dutch East India com- pany, anchored his ship (the Half-moon) at the mouth of the river which now bears his name. This event took place September 5, 1609. Hudson met the natives and was hospitably received by them, but be- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 3 fore his departure he furnished them freely with intoxicating hquors, from which followed results more disastrous and baneful than those in- flicted by Champlain with his murderous weapon. Hudson ascended the river to a point less than a hundred miles from that reached by Champlain, then returned to Europe, and, through in- formation he had gained, soon afterward established a Dutch colony (for which a charter was granted in 1614) naming the region "New Netherlands." In 1621 the Dutch West India company was formed and took possession of the Netherlands, and five years later the terri- tory was made a province of Holland. Meanwhile, in 1607, the English made their first permanent settle- ment at Jamestown, Virginia, and in 1620 planted the historic colony at Plymouth Rock. These two colonies became the successful rivals of all others in that strife which eventually made them masters of the country, but that strong power and dominion was itself overthrown in the results of the Revolutionary war, more than a century and a half after the New England colony was established. Thus it is seen that on the discoveries and colonizations noted in pre- ceding paragraphs, three European powers based claims to at least a part of the territory of the state of New York : first, England, by rea- son of the discoveries of John Cabot, who sailed under commission from Henry VII, and in 1497 reached the coast of Labrador, and also those of his son Sebastian, who in the next year explored the Atlantic coast from Newfoundland to Florida, claiming thereby a territory eleven de- grees in width and extending indefinitely westward; second, France, from the discoveries of Verrazzani, claimed a portion of the Atlantic coast, and also under the title of " New France " an almost boundless region westward; third, Holland, based on Hudson's discoveries a claim to the entire country from Cape Cod to the southern shore of Delaware bay. The Dutch became the temporary occupants of the region, but their dominion was of brief duration . The miserable and ill-considered pol- icy of Governor Kieft provoked the Indians to hostilities, and disorder reigned throughout the colony for a period of ten years, and until Peter Stuyvesant succeeded to the governorship. His firm and equitable policy restored quiet among the natives, but his control of affairs con- tinued only from 1647 to 1665, when the Dutch dominion in the Neth- erlands was overthrown. On March 12, 1664, Charles II, of England, granted by letters pat- 4 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, ent to his brother James, Duke of York and Albany, all the territory from the River St. Croix to the Kennebec in Maine, together with all the land from the west bank of Connecticut river to the east shore of Delaware bay. The duke at once sent a squadron to secure his gift, and on September 8, following, the Dutch surrendered, Gov. Stuyve- sant being impelled to such action by the colonists, who preferred peace with the same privileges accorded to English settlers rather than a long and probably fruitless contest with a stronger power. The English changed the name of New Amsterdam to New York. Thus ended the Dutch dominion in America, but their colonists did not withdraw from the territory after the surrender. Many of them were thrifty and became prosperous by trading guns and rum to the Indians in exchange for furs, thus establishing friendly relations with the natives and supplying them with doubly dangerous weapons. This peaceful relation was established mainly under Gov. Stuyvesant's rule, and was continued after the English accession, but at the same time strife and jealously between the English and French was engendered and rapidly increased in intensity through many years. The English settlements were of a more permanent character than those of their rivals, and moreover, they succeeded in forming an alliance with the Iroquois, thus gaining a steady advantage over the French, whose treat- ment of the Mohawks through Champlain had not been forgotten. The alliance between the English and the Iroquois was maintained for more than a century, continumg throughout the Revolution (except one or two of the nations who were friendly to the Americans), but the results of that struggle did not have the effect to deprive them of their terri- tory without compensation. After the termination of the Dutch rule in the Netherlands, the ter- ritory comprising this state was held by three powers — two foreign and one native — the French, the English and the famous Iroquois confed- eracy, the latter better known as the " Five Nations " of Indians. The main possessions of the French were in the Canadas, but through the zeal of the Jesuit missionaries their outposts were extended south and west of the St. Lawrence, and some attempts at colonization (with par- tial success) had been made. Early French accounts indicate occa- sional visits by missionaries to the Indian occupants of the Susquehanna valley, but the peculiar situation of the region, lying between the pos- sessions of the Iroquois and their old enemies, the Lenni Lenapes, ren- dered this an unsafe place of abode even by the red man previous to about the middle of the seventeenth century. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 5 The occupied possessions of the English at the time indicated in the preceding paragraph were chiefly in the eastern part of what is now this state and also in New England and Virginia. With steady and sure advances this people were gradually nearing the French. At this time, and for many years afterward, the French and English were con- flicting powers, struggling for the mastery on both sides of the Atlan- tic; and with each succeeding outbreak of war in the mother countries there were renewed hostilities between their American colonies. But directly between the French and English possessions lay the territory of the Iroquois, The French called them "Iroquois;" the Dutch named them " Maquas, " while to the English colonists they were known as " Mingoes." Among themselves, however, the men of the confed- eracy were known as " He-do-no-sau-nee," which means literally "they form a cabin," thus in an expressive manner describing the close union existing among them. The Iroquois were also frequently called " The People of the Long House ;" but by whatever names they may have been known, they were a confederation of savages whose peculiar and last- ing organization, prowess on the field of battle, loyalty to friends, bar- barous revenge upon enemies, stoical indifference to torture, together with eloquence of speech in councils, made them the wonder of all civ- ilized nations, and evoked from Volney their denomination as " the Romans of the New World." The origin of this famous confederacy has always been clouded in obscurity, and few indeed of our most noted Indianologists agree as to the source whence they came. Iroquois tradition ascribes the founding of the league to an Onondaga chieftain named Tadodahoh, but such traditions are of very little value in fact. Our best and closest students of Indian history assert that the league was formed during the early part of the fifteenth century (about the year 1416), and was thereafter maintained almost wholly intact imtil the outbreak of the war of the Revolution. In 1712 the Tuscaroras, who had been at war with the Powhattans and whites in the south, were driven from their territory and found refuge with the Five Nations. This, according to well au- thenticated history, was only the payment of a debt of gratitude by the Iroquois, they having been given substantial aid by the Tuscaroras when the Iroquois were waging war against their enemies, the Lenni Lenapes. When the Tuscaroras were received into the confederacy the Five Nations became the Six Nations, and the added people were assigned 6 BIXGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, to territory south of the Oneidas and Onondagas, and therefore became inhabitants of the vSusquehanna valley. In common with all others of the Indian race, the Tuscaroras established villages at convenient points in their country and soon took tribal names suited to the locality in which they lived. In the beautiful valley of the Susquehanna river, after the acquisition referred to, there dwelt the Shawnees, the Susque- hannas, the Nanticokes and the Neshaminies, the greater part of whom were descended from the Tuscaroras, with others from the related tribes of the confederacy, and a few from the conquered Delawares of Penn- sylvania. The name Tuscarora was preserved in this locality, but dur- ing the later years of the confederacy it had lost much of its individual strength. Reliable chroniclers of Pennsylvania history state that the Susque- hannas and the Nanticokes were of Delaware and Lenni Lenape origin while so good an authority as the late Judge Charles P. Avery, one of Tioga county's most accurate historians, informs us that the Susque- hannas and Nanticokes were of original Iroquois origin. The war between the Iroquois and the Delawares was one of the most memorable conflicts ever waged among the savages of America. The feud dated back, according to Indian tradition, more than one hundred years previous to the formation of the Iroquois confederacy, but it was not until about the middle of the seventeenth century that the conflict began in earnest; and it was continued until the Iroquois had conquered and subjugated the Delawares, who occupied the regions of Pennsylvania and the south; until every opposing tribe and race in America was overthrown and made to acknowledge the supremacy and authority of the conquerors. Indeed, after the conquest of the Delawares, the Iro- quois were the acknowledged owners of the territory occupied by the former, and the treaty between the Penn proprietary and the Delawares could not be consummated until the consent of the victors had been se- cured. History informs us that this memorable conflict took place between 1640 and 1055, and that the subjugation was both complete and perma- nent. For many years previous to that time the nations had been at enmity and battles of a minor character were frequent. As is well known, the main possessions of the Iroquois lay across the state of New York (or the territory afterward comprising the state), the Mohawks farthest east, then following the Oneidas, the Onondagas, the Cayugas and the Senecas, in the order named, the latter (the most fierce and GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 1 warlike of the nations) occupying and guarding the western extremity of the Long House. The Delawares, who were descended from the Lenni Lenapes, were scattered throughout the territory of the (afterward) state of Pennsyl- vania, occupying chiefly the regions bordering on the larger rivers. They, like the Iroquois, took names from the localities in which were their principal villages, and as their seat of government, on the advent of the whites into the region, was on the Delaware river the whole na- tion took the general name of Delawares. The valley of the Susquehanna river from Tioga Point (Athens, Pa.) to Ingaren (a small Tuscarora village on the site of Great Bend) and Onoquaga (Ouquaga) constituted the frontier territory for both the Iro- quois and the Delawares previous to the conquest referred to, and was not regularly or permanently inhabited by the Indians of either nation. Indeed, this was disputable and debatable ground, and its occupancy, unless by a superior force, would subject the one people to an attack from the other. Therefore it was the existing condition of enmity that virtually deprived our valley of any interesting Indian history previous to the conquest of the Delawares by the Iroquois; and while the region was afterward a common hunting and fishing ground for both victors and vanquished, there was no permanent Indian occupation of the val- ley until it was assigned to the Tuscaroras in 1712. According to Will- iam Fiske Warner, whose contributions to Indian history in the Sus- quehanna valley are of great value, the seat of government of the Tus- caroras was at Tioga Point (variously known in the Indian tongue as Teyaogen and Teiohogen, meaning " the gate ") where the Six Nations afterward established a guard for the purpose of ascertaining the char- acter of all persons who crossed over into their country. Zeisberger, the Moravian missionary, passed through the valley in 1750, and found a guard at that point, but in 1778 Col. Hartley destroyed the village and drove the occupants from the region. This subject, however, will be treated more at length in a later chapter. BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, CHAPTER II. French Influence Among the Indians — English Jealousy Aroused — Missionary La- borers in the Province — Beginning of the French and English Wars — The Final Struggle for Supremacy — Overthrow of the French Power in America — The Mo- hawks and Tuscaroras Fight Under Col. William Johnson — Return to Their Former Habitations. Notwithstanding the unquestioned superiority of both the French and the English over the Iroquois, neither power at first showed a dis- position to conquer and drive them from their land.s. In their zeal to actually possess and occupy all the territory claimed under the name of New France, the first half century of their dominion in America witnessed remarkable inroads upon the territory of the Senecas and Cayugas by the French. The task of planting Christianity among the savages was assigned to the Jesuits, a name derived from the Society of Jesus, founded in 1539 by Ignatius Loyola; and while their primary object was to spread the gospel among the Indians, their scarcely less important purpose was to extend the dominion of France. The first Jesuit missionary is said to have come into the province as early as 1625, and within the next twelve years the number had grown to more than fifteen. They increased rapidly and extended their influence throughout the tribes of the confederacy, even to the Mohawks at the eastern end of the Long House, but their progress during the second half century was accomplished as much by force of arms as by moral and Christian influences. In the meantime the Moravian missionaries had established them- selves a few miles below Wyalusing, in what is now Bradford county, Pennsylvania, from which point they engaged in the commendable work of attempting to Christianize the Indian occupants of the Susque- hanna valley. They labored faithfully, but were at last forced to ad- mit that their efforts as a whole were unsatisfactory and discouraging. The same is also true of all later attempts to establish Christianity and education among the Indians, and while yielding perhaps sufficient re- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 9 suits to justify their prosecution, all endeavors in this direction constantly met with discouraging obstacles. No strong controlling influence for good was ever obtained among the savages of this province previous to the time of Sir William Johnson, and even then it is a question whether they were not more moved by the power of purchase than love of right. However, the Jesuit fathers did succeed in obtaining a strong foot- hold among the natives, which had the effect to so arouse English jeal- ousy that in 1700 the provincial authorities of New York passed an act which, were it strictly enforced, inflicted the death penalty on every Jesuit priest who should thenceforth come voluntarily into the province. But this measure had not the full desired effect although by it many of the priests abandoned the field, and French influence among all but the Senecas gradually declined. Of course all these events took place previous to the permanent oc- cupation of the Susquehanna valley by the Six Nations, hence we have no record of Jesuit missionary labors in this vicinity, although French accounts indicate a knowledge of the region through information gained from their priestly emissaries. The names of the more conspicuous Jesuits are well known in early New York history, but need no repeti- tion here. They left the province within ten years after the overthrow of French power in America, and were followed by such noble Christian workers as Henry Barclay, John Ogilvie, Talbot, Ziesberger, Spencer, Timothy Woodbridge, Rev. Gideon Hawley, Eleazer Wheelock, Rev. Samuel Kirkland, Bishop Hobart, Eleazer Williams, Dan Barnes (Methodist) and others of perhaps less distinction. The advent of the European nations was the forerunner of the down- fall of the Iroquois confederacy. In the same manner the rivalries and jealousies and wars between the English and French led to the ultimate overthrow of foreign power in America and the founding of the govern- ment of the United States. English and French contentions in Amer- ica began soon after the end of the Dutch dominion, and were con- tinued for a period of nearly one hundred years, with brief intermissions of peace which were devoted to active preparations for renewed hostil- ities. During the same period the French themselves had frequently be- come involved in wars with the Iroquois, and the latter were finally driven to seek a friendly alliance with the English. The French in- vasion of 1693, and that of three years later, cost the confederacy half 10 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, its warriors. About the same time (1690) a convention of English col- onists determined to subjugate Canada, and for several years war was waged with varying results when the treaty of Ryswick (1G97) put an end to hostilities, but left unsettled the status of the Iroquois who had been friendly to the English. The treaty provided that each nation should return to the territory occupied at the beginning of the hostilities, which would have brought Montreal within English territory as the Iroquois, who were allies of the English, had captured that post and were also in possession by conquest of the shores of the St. Lawrence river. This situation led to another wrangle between the rival powers as the French claimed undisputed authority over the territory by virtue of a treaty of peace and purchase accomplished by De la Barre. Thus the two powers disagreed for a long series of years over the country which but a short time before was the undisputed domain of the Iroquois. During the early years of the seventeenth century out- breaks between the contending nations were frequent, but not until 1744 was begun the final struggle for supremacy in America. The Iroquois would not take part in this strife until 1746, and were greatly disappointed at its sudden termination by the treaty of Aixla-Chapelle in 1748, they having compromised themselves with their old enemies, the Indian allies of the French in Canada. During the eight years of nominal peace which followed the treaty referred to, the authorities of New York had made every endeavor to effect a permanent alliance with the Iroquois, and through the influ- ence of Sir William Johnson several of the tribes were rallied under the British standard. In 1756, after two years of open hostilities, the powers were again at war. The Mohawks, and a portion of the Tusca- roras of the Susquehanna valley, fought under Sir William Johnson, but the Senecas were friendly to the French, though unwilling to battle against their brethren of the Long House. The other tribes of the confederacy maintained a strict neutrality. The events of this final struggle for supremacy in America are not necessary to our narrative, as none of the conflicts were waged in the Susquehanna valley, and our Tuscarora savages who fought under Johnson performed their deeds of valor in localities remote from this. The French were at first victorious, but after William Pitt entered the councils of George II, England renewed the contest with greater spirit than before, and from the fall of Fort Duquesne to the final achieve- ments of 1760, history shows an almost unbroken series of British vie- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. U tories. With the capitulation of Fort Niagara French dominion over any portion of the province of New York was ended, and in the treaty of peace in February, 1763, between England and France, Canada was ceded to the former power. Thus ended the French dominion in America. The Mohawks re- turned to the ever willing protection and support offered by Sir William, while nearly all the Tuscaroras sought their former habitation along the Susquehanna, resuming their occupations of hunting and fishing, and in a crude way making some attempt at cultivating the soil. They had now become accustomed to the manners of the whites, but there was little in their later life to indicate that they ever profited by white associations. Throughout the succeeding ten or fifteen years they were the peaceful occupants of the valley, but with the outbreak of the Rev- olution many of them were arrayed on the side of the king, and as allies of a falling power were made to suffer the punishment inflicted by Clinton's destroying forces during the summer campaign of 1779. CHAPTER III. Before the Revolution — Johnson's Influence Among the Indians — Causes Leading to the War — The Johnsons Depart for Canada— The Continental Congress— Out- break of the War — British Make AlUes of the Iroquois— Employ Them to Attack American Settlements— Brief Allusion to Events of the Period— The vSusquehanna Valley Becomes a Frequent Route of Travel — Sullivan's Campaign— Gen. Clinton Invades the Valley — Indian Villages Destroyed — Ochenang on the Site of the City, and Otsiningo, on the Chenango, Destroyed. At the outbreak of the Revolution there had been a little more than three score years of continuous Indian occupancy of the Susquehanna valley. During the latter part of the French and English wars, this region was the occasional thoroughfare of travel between the eastern and western extremities of the Long House of the Iroquois, as the tribes which maintained neutrality during that period were inclined to keep as far as possible from the actual scenes of strife, hence followed the southern trail leading up the Susquehanna to the Chenango, and thence crossed over north and east to the country of the Mohawks. During the war of the Revolution the condition of Indian affairs was 12 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, materially chancred, and all the tribes of the Six Nations, except the Oneidas and a few of the Onondagas and Tuscaroras, allied themselves to the cause of the king. At this time, or during the years immedi- ately preceding the war, the influence of Sir William Johnson with the Iroquois was paramount, and had the baronet lived it is firmly believed he would have espoused the cause of the colonists as against the mother country, as his every speech and manner clearly indicated such a pur- pose. But upon his death (July 11, 1774) the baronial estate, together with much of his former influence over the Iroquois (but never Sir William's popularity with the confederacy) descended to his son. Sir John Johnson, while the office of superintendent of Indian affairs, which the baronet had also held, was given to Colonel Guy Johnson (nephew of Sir William), assisted by Col. Daniel Claus. These vmworthy suc- cessors proved to be the most contemptible and scheming tories in all the country, and through the designing and merciless instigation of Sir John and his associates were perpetrated some of the most inhuman and dastardly outrages of the Revolution. He set the Indians upon our frontier settlements, and it is believed the horrible affairs at Wyo- ming and Cherry Valley were the results of his instigation. Early in the war the Johnson contingent, followed by the tories, Mohawks and others, fled from the province and took up a residence in Canada, from whence the attacks upon the American frontier were planned. However, before pi-oceeding to this part of our narrative a brief allusion to the causes leading to the war for American independence is proper. The political situation in the province of New York, and throughout all the colonies, at the outbreak of the Revolution was both unique and interesting, since it included influences politically antagonistic, while socially there was no feeling of animosity among the pioneers. The settlements founded by Sir William Johnson in the Mohawk valley were entirely under his control during his lifetime, and the militia was sub- ject to his command. His death and the accession of his son to author- ity caused a marked change in political events, and one which created a division of sentiment and in many instances a rupture in friendship. Upon Sir John's departure for Canada that unworthy son took with him the Mohawk warriors, a large number of tory settlers who were in the valley, and as well a considerable body of Scotch Highlanders who were previously located north of Johnson Hall. This evacuation removed from the province one of its most obnoxious disturbing factors, but one which was the source of much trouble in later years. The magnificent GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 13 Johnson estate, one of the finest in the country, was seized and sold for public benefit under the law authorizing the confiscation of tory lands. These events, while perhaps having no direct bearing on the subject of life in the Susquehanna valley, are nevertheless interesting from the fact that the vicinity of Johnson Hall was the source from which ema- nated all measures having an influence over the western and southern regions of the province at that time, and were, moreover, in a measure instrumental in effecting the settlement and development of the more remote localities of the state within a very few years after the close of the war. The foregoing observations naturally lead to an examination of the prevailing causes of the war and of the political division above men- tioned; and also occasions a review of events of the period. It is first proper to state that while the tory element was numerous the patriots were strongly in the majority. The policy and practice of taxing the colonies by the mother country really began almost as far back as the overthrow of the Dutch power, for it seems to have been the king's determination to make them self- supporting without any burden whatever upon the home government. The burden of the debt was of course very heavy upon Great Britain, but it had been chiefly created by the wars in which she had engaged on her own side of the Atlantic. The portion, however, incurred by wars on this side she proposed to be paid by the colonies alone, not- withstanding the vast increase of her domain by the acquisition. But the time at length arrived when submission to the measures proposed could no longer be endured. The colonies themselves were heavily burdened with expenses of the late French wars, yet almost before the smoke of battle cleared away the ministry began devising means to tax them without asking their consent. In 1764 a proposition was sub- mitted to the House of Commons for raising revenue in the colonies by the sale of stamps, and a bill to that effect was passed in March, 1765. It was bitterly denounced in the colonies, especially in New York, and the Sons of Liberty were organized to oppose it. So great was the popular indignation that parliament finally repealed the act, but in its place were enacted other oppressive laws, one of which required the col- onies to pay for the support of the British soldiery in New York city; and when the province refused to comply with the provisions of the act, parliament, in retaliation, annulled its legislative powers. In 1767 another bill imposed a duty on tea, glass, lead, paper and painter's 14 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, colors imported into the colonies, which so aroused the indignation of the colonists that organizations were created to oppose the measures. One of these was the famous " Boston Tea Party," among whom were a few determined New Englanders who afterward became settlers in the old town of Chenango. Excited by the bold defiance by the Yan- kees, the ministry again retaliated by closing the port of Boston — an outrage which awoke national indignation and was the occasion of pub- lic meetings in all the colonies, resulting in the assembling of the con- tinental congress. The continental congress was convened at Philadelphia in Septem- ber, 1774, and having adopted a declaration of rights, it added a peti- tion to the king and an appeal to the people of Great Britain and Can- ada. The New York assembly, however, did not sanction the proceed- ing, and instead addressed a remonstrance to parliament, which was treated with disdain. Thus varying interests and emotions actuated the policy of the colonial assemblies until submission and argument were no longer of avail, and the battle of Lexington in April, 1775, an- nounced the beginning of the struggle for independence. Following close upon the first hostile meeting came the daring exploits of Allen and Arnold at Ticonderoga and on Lake Champlain, but it was some time before Tryon county, which then included this region, was made the scene of war and strife. The policy of the Americans had been to secure simply the neutral- ity of the Indians, but their success was practically limited to the Oneidas, while the British made undisguised efforts to unite them in close alliance with the royal cause. One of their officers exclaimed : "We must let loose the savages upon the frontier of these scoundrels to inspire terror and make them submit." Joseph Brant, the Mohawk chief, who had been educated by Sir William Johnson and who had been taken to England and shown marked favor by the government, was empowered to lead all who would follow him against the frontier settlements; and faithfully did he execute his terrible trust. Lord Chatham, however, hurled his bitterest invective against this inhuman- ity, and when in 1777 it was advocated in parliament in such words as these: " It is perfectly justifiable to use all the means that God and nature have put into our hands," he indignantly exclaimed: " I know not what idea that lord may entertain of God and nature, but I know that such abominable principles are equally abhorrent to religion and humanity." But Chatham's appeal was in vain, and the secretary of GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 15 war (Germain) gave instructions to employ the Indians in fighting the Americans. A council had been held in Montreal by the chiefs and warriors of the Six Nations, the Johnsons, Butlers and Brant and others taking part, swearing fealty to the king. This was the first act in the long catalogue of slaughter and devastation that followed. So far as the Susquehanna valley was concerned, the earlier years of the war furnished little of interest. The chief point of operations by Brant and his Indian and tory followers was on the Canadian border, but he also had an occasional headquarters at De-u-na dillo (Unadilla)'. From the latter place he frequently sent out untiring scouting parties, and also more formidable forces composed of English regularsl'rangersl tories and Indians, keeping in a state of constant alarm the settlements along the Mohawk, the Delaware, some of the tributaries of the Hud- son, and as well various localities in the valley of the Susquehanna. On July 2, 1778, a party of Indians made a descent upon the settle- ment of Cobleskill, and two days later occurred the terrible affair at Wyoming. The latter event has always been referred to in history as "The Massacre." According to the facts no quarter was given during the conflict, and the tories and Senecas pursued and killed all they could, but those who reached the fort and afterward surrendered were not harmed, nor were any of the non-combatants. It was a battle, not a massacre. Soon after Wyoming the settlement of Andrustown, six miles from German Flats, was plundered by Brant and his warriors, and in November of the same year Brant and Butler, with 200 tories and 500 Indians, fell upon the settlement at Cherry Valley, plundered the dwellings and ruthlessly slaughtered the inhabitants. During the period of these and other outrages, the Susquehanna val- ley became a frequent thoroughfare of travel for the marauding parties of Indians and tories in passing between the western part of the state and the Mohawk country. Referring to this subject, Judge Avery's narrative says: " The old mode of communication between the valley of the Mohawk and Upper Canada, well known to the natives and used by them, namely: up the headquarters of that river to Wood creek, thence to Oneida lake and Oswego river, was rendered unsafe for them by the erection of Fort Schuyler. To reach within striking distance of his old home upon the Mohawk, Brant was forced to adopt another route, through the valley of the Susquehanna. Coming from the Brit- ish possessions on Lake Ontario, he landed his forces at Irondequoit bay, near the mouth of the Genesee ; thence up that river to the mouth 16 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, of one of its tributaries ; thence up the tributary to a point near the headwaters of the Conhocton; thence down that stream to Painted Post; thence down the Tioga (or Chemung, as otherwise called) through Elmira (Skwe-dowa) to Tioga Point (now Athens, Penna. ), his south- ern headquarters; thence up the Susquehanna through Owego (Ah- wa-ga), Binghamton (O che-nang) and Ouquaga (Onuh-huh-quan-geh) to Unadilla (De-u-na-dillo), his northern headquarters." " Between Unadilla and Tioga Point," continues Judge Avery's nar- rative, "free communication was maintained by the Iroquois through- out the war, interrupted only for a brief interval in the summer of 1779 by the appearance of a well appointed American force under General Clinton. Well beaten trails on both sides of the river, of considerable width, were the avenues of communication used by the natives, and over them bands of warriors passed and repassed without hindrance, ex- cept the one just alluded to. By the same trail our pioneer settlers soon after the close of the war made their way into the valley. They were found wide enough for the use of pack horses and cattle, and proved in after years upon careful survey the most direct and feasible routes from the east and north part of the state." "From Tioga Point to Unadilla our valley was their [the Indians] stronghold and war path, unvisited by the colonists throughout our memorable struggle, except as captives, or as officers or soldiers of our army of invasion. Here they drilled in martial exercise, trained themselves to warlike feats, and prepared for those deadly incursions into the frontier settlements, and for those more formidable engage- ments where disciplined valor breasted their wild charge. To this val- ley they returned, as to a fastness, with their captives and steaming trophies." In May, 1778, the Indians made an attack upon Wysockton and cap- tured many prisoners, all of whom were taken to Tioga Point and de livered up to the British officer in command. Here they w^ere kept un- til after the attack upon Wyoming, when all the prisoners (including Mrs. Jane Whitaker, who also was a captive), together with the Indians and other forces, came up to Owego and thence up the Susquehanna to Bainbridge and Unadilla. They remained in this vicinity about two weeks, and the captives had the privilege of a fireplace for the purpose of cooking. At Bainbridge two British soldiers deserted and attempted to make their way to Tioga Point, but were pursued and overtaken in the present town of Nichols, where they were shot down without cere- mony. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 1? As has been fully narrated in preceding paragraphs, the Indian dep- redations of 1778 at last determined congress upon a specially equipped expedition, the object of which was not only to punish the Indians in retaliation for their cruelties, but also to drive thera from the region. In 1778 Col. Hartley was sent to destroy the Indian encampment and village at Tioga Point, but still more severe punishment awaited them in the following year. The command of the expedition of 1779 was in- trusted to General Sullivan, and in the orders issued to him General Washington said: " The immediate objects are the total destruction of the hostile tribes of the Six Nations, and the devastation of their set- tlements, and the capture of as many prisoners of every age and sex as possible," Sullivan was also directed to " to 1 ly waste all the settle- ments around so that all the country may not only be overrun but de- stroyed." Later events showed how faithfully Sullivan performed the duty committed to him. Washington had said to him to push "the Indians to the greatest practicable distance from our settlements and our frontiers; to throw them wholly on the British enemy," and also "to put it out of their power to derive the smallest succor from their settlements " in case they should attempt to return to them during that season. Sullivan's campaign contemplated the formation of two considerable forces of Americans, the southern branch of which was to proceed across the state of Pennsylvania to Tioga Point (the common rendez- vous), while the other was to be organized under General Clinton in the eastern Mohawk valley and thence proceed to the headwaters of the Susquehanna river; thence down that stream to Tioga Point and there unite with Sullivan's army and devastate the country of the Sen- ecas in the western part of the state. Of the two forces Sullivan's moved with greater dispatch and arrived at the rendezvous far in advance of Clinton's men. The latter organized at Schenectady and thence moved up the Mohawk to Fort Plain, from the latter place marching to the outlet of the Otsego lake. In making this part of his journey Clinton was compelled to open a road, and at the outlet of the lake he con- ceived the idea of constructing a dam to raise the waters that the army might be floated down the river with greater speed. In doing this his movements were somewhat delayed, therefore when Sullivan arrived at Tioga Point he sent a sergeant and eight men up the Susquehanna to inform Clinton of his whereabouts and the appointed rendezvous. In this party were Job Stiles, William Weston and John Rush, the last 2 18 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, two of whom afterward became residents of Broome county and were among its substantial pioneers. The party came up the Susquehanna to the Chenango, thence up the latter to the Forks, from which point they made their way east and north across the country to Otsego lake. On returning they came with Clinton's men as far as where this city now stands, and thence followed the nearest route to Tioga Point. Although considerably delayed in his movements, Clinton at last started down the river on the swollen waters. On August 22 he ar- rived at Fort Sullivan, having in the meantime devastated the Indian country throughout the upper Susquehanna valley. On Thursday, March 12, his men destroyed Albout (also called Aleout, and Ouleout), a Scotch tory settlement on the river five miles above Unadilla. Next Conihunto, fourteen miles below Unadilla, was laid waste, while near Unadilla (the village itself having been destroyed by Col. William But- ler in 1778) the army burned the only grist and saw mill then in the Susquehanna valley. On the 14th the troops destroyed the Indian town of Onoquaga (Ouquaga), which was described by Lieut. Beatty as one of " the neatest Indian towns on the Susquehanna, being built on both sides of the river, with good log houses, with chimneys, and with glass windows." The village also had a church and burying ground and a large number of apple trees. In the same locality was found the ruins of an old fort, being one probably built for the Indians in 1756 by Sir William Johnson. (Rev. Gideon Hawley was a missionary here at a very early day. ) On August 17 the troops marched down to one of the Tuscarora vil- lages which had been burned the previous fall by Col. Butler. Here the men forded the river and found a small village called Shawhiangto, containing about ten or twelve houses, all of which were burned. This settlement was within the present town of Windsor. On the same day the army crossed over the barren mountainous country to the south and came to the Indian village of Ingaren, about on the site of Great Bend, where was found a few scattered houses and large fields of growing corn, potatoes and other vegetables. Here also was discovered a crude tanning establishment, with several hides in the tan pits, and near by the decayed body of a man, presumably a white from the fact that a Scotch hat was found near the spot. On the next day the march was resumed, and as the army was now approaching the site whereon stands the city of Binghamton, the writer has recourse to the journal of Lieut. Erkuries Beatty, one of Clinton's GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 19 as officers, who kept a diary of each day's events. This is important bearing upon the early history of the region, as undoubtedly this was the first considerable body of men ever within the limits of the city; and it is a well-known fact that through the information gained on this memorable expedition the first settlers were induced to come to the vicinity. The journal referred to reads (literally) as follows: " Wensday 18— Marched from Ingaren 7 oclock through a very fine rich country very well timbered but poorly watered, scarce any. Ar- rived at Chenango river at 4 oclock where we forded it about 4 feet deep & almost as wide as the Susquehanna but not so deep. As soon as we got over we halted and Major Parr with 100 men went up the river to destroy the Chinango town which lay 4 miles up the river, but when we came there we found the town was burnt which consisted of about 20 houses. It seems when the Indians evacuated last winter they destroyed it, therefore we returned and found the army encamped 2 mile below the Chinango river. Marched to day 22 miles and burnt several Indian houses on the road. This evening came up the river two runners who informed us that General Poor with 1,000 men was within nine miles of us coming to meet us and that Genl. Sullivan lay at the mouth of Tyoga and that he had sent part of hi^ army up to Sha- mong [Chemung]," etc. The foregoing quotation from Lieut. Beatty's narrative is taken ver- batim, as the same is recorded in the published account of Sullivan's historic campaign. Another interesting narrative is found in the jour- nal of Lieut. William McKendry, who was quartermaster in Col. Alden's Sixth Mass. Regiment. From Lieut. McKendry's diary we make ex- tracts as follows: "August 18 — Embarked at 7 o'clock a. m. proceeded one mile and burnt one house right side of the river. Went a little further and burnt two more. Arrived half a mile below Cheningo creek and turned back to said creek and encamped. The general detached a party of men to go up said creek and destroy Cheningo town, which was done. Two men from Gen'l. Poor arrived to Genl. Clinton and informs that Genl. Poor will be within eight miles from this camp this night to escort Genl. Clinton's troops to Genl. Sullivan." This narrative seems to confirm the statement of John Rush, who was with the army, that a camp was established temporarily on the site of what is now the city. It is hardly to be presumed that Gen. Clinton kept his men in a compact body, for such was not the case. The main 20 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, force was held practically to the valley of the Susquehanna, and detach- ments were sent to such points as contained Indian houses or growing- crops. Lieut. Rudolphus Van Hovenburgh was an officer in Lieut.-Col. Weis- senfel's 4th New York Regiment, and kept a journal of each day's move- ments. In reference to the events taking place in this immediate vicinity the officer said: " Tuscarora, August 18, Wednesday.— We decamped and marched at 6 in the morning as far as Shenengo, which is about 16 miles, and encamped about 4 miles below the Shenengo where it emp- ties itself into the Sisquehannah river." And further: " Shenango, August 19, Thursday. — We decamped and proceeded on our march at G in the morning as far as Chuckenugh [then an Indian town called Chugnutt, but in the locality now known as Choconut] where we met with a detachment from Sullivan's army under the command of Gen- eral Poor." Chugnutt just mentioned was an important Indian town of about fifty or sixty houses, nearly all of which were on the south side of the river, at the mouth of Big Choconut creek, on the site of the present village of Vestal. The Indian village was burned by Gen. Poor's detachment, the main body of which, however, was camped on the north side of the river near the present village of Union. At this place Clinton's force joined Poor's and then proceeded to Ahwaga upon the devastating ex- pedition into the Seneca country. The first and in fact the only serious battle between Sullivan's army and the Indians was that fought at Newtown (Elmira) on August 31, 1779, where the enemy was found not only in force but strongly intrenched behind breastworks, while their position was surrounded with fallen timber to obstruct the move- ments of the attacking army. Notwithstanding this Sullivan assaulted the works with such vigjr that the Indians and tories were driven from their position and fled precipitately in the direction of Fort Niagara, a British stronghold. The conquering army then marched hastily to the head of Seneca lake, thence down both sides thereof, burning and destroying as they went, but meeting with no serious opposition from the thoroughly disheartened Indians. The villages were found almost entirely deserted, but all the habitations were burned, growing crops and fruit trees were destroyed, and the country was laid waste. The British soldiers who had opposed Sullivan at Newtown, together with their tory allies and Brant's murderous horde of savages betook them- selves to the protection of Niagara, from which point the Indians could GROWTH AND DEVELOPiMENT. 21 not again be prevailed upon to repossess their former villages during the remaining years of the war. The results of the campaign to the Americans were important and valuable. In all forty-one villages and hamlets were burned, thirteen of which were of considerable size, while it was estimated that 150,000 bushels of corn were destroyed, besides large quantities of other grain, crops, vegetables and fruit orchards. To the Indians this blow was a more serious matter than the destruction of their villages in earlier times, as contact with the whites had taught them to adopt more per- manent domestic habits, and had learned them to depend more on ag- riculture and less on the chase. They had not only cornfields, but gar- dens, orchards, and sometimes comfortable houses. By this time they had adopted many of the customs of civilized life, though without re- linquishing any of their primitive pleasures, such as tomahawking pris- oners and scalping the dead. Although Clinton's men were supposed to have destroyed every ves- tige of the Indian habitations and crops in this vicinity, the earliest pioneers found on Chenango Point, and on the site of the old village up the Chenango, scattered evidences of the former occupation. So far as published records throw any light upon the subject, it is believed the Indian settlement of Ochenang was situated on the point of land be- tween the rivers, and was probably well up toward Susquehanna street (as afterward laid out), as the land on the extremity of the point was low and subject to inundation from the rivers. The village referred to as Otseningo was located on the west bank of the Chenango, a short distance above the point where Mt. Prospect extends farthest east toward the river. The Indians had abandoned and partly destroyed the village before the arrival of Major Parr's detachment. In this chapter we have been thus particular and treated in detail re- garding the events which took place in this immediate locality from the fact that past accounts have been somewhat conflicting. As has been stated, on the city site the destroying army found a few scattered Indian habitations, and while Judge Avery mentions the locality by the Indian name of Ochenang, neither of the officers whose journals have been consulted appears to have dignified the place with a name. The main body of Clinton's army soon passed on down the river and en- camped on the north bank, about where the highway leading to Union crosses the Erie tracks (where in later years a hamlet settlement was started), while the detachment sent to destroy Otseningo made a tem- porary encampment on what is now the city site. 22 BIXGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Returning from this important digression, let us briefly refer to the closing events of the war in other localities, which had gone forward with varying fortunes. The Johnsons and Walter Butler from their safe retreat in Canada kept the Indians busy with marauding depreda- tions on the American frontier, but the scenes of Wyoming and Cherry valley were not repeated, as the campaign of 1779 had broken the strength of the confederacy and the Six Nations were no longer a pow- erful factor in the British interest. In 1781 Corawallis surrendered, after which there were no active hostilities, although peace was not formally declared between the United States and Great Britain until 1783. CHAPTER IV. Reminiscences of the Revolution, with a Roll of Honor Showing the Names of Patriots of that War who afterward Settled in Broome County — The Memorial to Congress Praying that Pensions be Granted to Soldiers of the Militia and State Troops. The war of the Revolution was the first and most interesting event in connection with early history in the Susquehanna valley, and partic- ularly the region now called Broome county. Daring the war the de- sirability and fertility of the land in this locality became known to the hardy New Englander, and after the return of peace he was not slow to avail himself of the opportunity to exchange life among the rough and rugged hills of New England for the rich and level lands of the Susquehanna and Chenango valleys. Clinton's army opened the way for civilization and development, and it is believed the Massachusetts commissioners had definite knowl- edge of this locality when they selected the lands between Owego creek and the Chenango river as the balance of their tract after securing the pre-emptive right to the magnificent Genesee country. In General Sullivan's conquering army were soldiers from several states, but the men forming Clinton's division were chiefly from eastern New York and New England; and within two years after the Hartford convention, and almost before the Indian titles to land in this vicinity had been extinguished, we find the hardy pioneers seeking homes in GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 23 this new and undeveloped region. Among them were many patriots of the Revohition, and it is said that one of their number was the first pioneer who settled in this part of the valley. James McMaster located on the site of Owego village in 1784. He had served in Clinton's army, and through his representations, aided by the influence of Amos Draper, Capt. Joseph Leonard, the recognized pioneer in the vicinity, was in- duced to come to the locality. He too had seen service in the war then recently ended, and was a man noted for bravery and strong actions. During the early years of Broome county history, many old survivors of the Revolution came and settled in the valley, and so far as the most patient inquiry has been rewarded their total number was about 250 men. Through the persevering efforts of the historian of Tuscarora Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution,' the names of these settlers have been secured and thus preserved for the use of future generations. The reproduction of their names forms our first " Roll of Honor," and while the purpose of this volume is to treat only of Bing- hamton and its immediate vicinity, the writer cannot forbear to furnish the entii^e list regardless of location of the patriot settler. It is sometimes difficult to believe that 250 survivors of the Revolu- tion came and made homes for themselves and their families in the region we now call Broome county, yet such appears to have been the case; and as the preceding pages have been devoted to a resume of the events of that memorable struggle, the present connection seems appro- priate in which to record the names of the participants who afterward lived in the county. The descendants of many of them are still living in the vicinity, and from them reliable data of their ancestors is ob- 1 Tuscarora Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized in Binghamton, October 12, 1895, and was chartered October 30, of the same year. The charter members were Kate Moss Ely, Helen D. Orton, Augusta B. Childs, Minnie E. Wood- bridge, Mary A. Mason, Mary Thurston Campbell, Ella E. Woodbridge. Susan Doubleday Crafts, Frances O. Doubleday, Caroline Shoemaker Phelps, Adele C. Boyd, Sarah B. Graver, Nellie M. Grow, Minnie Shepard Matthews, Cornelia Pope Crafts, Bessie V. H. Dickinson, Lucy Ely, Catherine R. Ely, Lottie E. Morris, Olive Newell, Frances Kinney, Louise R. Woodruff, Annie Mason, Belle Armstrong Mason and May O Barnes. The first officers were Kate Moss Ely, regent ; Helen D. Orton, vice-regent ; Mary A. Mason, secretary; Augusta E. Childs, registrar ; Minnie E. Woodbridge, treasurer ; Mary Thurston Campbell, historian. Tuscarora Chapter now numbers 96 members. The office of regent has been filled in succession by Mrs. Kate Moss Ely, Miss Susan Doubleday Crafts, Mrs. Kate M, Bartlett and Mrs Cora Thompson Farnham. The present officers are Cora Thompson Farnham, regent; Caroline Shoemaker Phelps, Sarah Bates Craver, Mrs. Elmer E. Ensign and Mrs. Anna Cornelia Gregg, vice-regents ; Mrs. Orlando J. Rowe, chaplain ; Mrs. Mary Northrup, registrar ; Mrs. Minnie Shepard Matthews, historian ; Miss Cornelia Pope Crafts, treasurer ; Frances Cruger Ford, recording secretary ; Mrs. Annie Mason, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. Kate yi. Bartlett, Lillian Gould, Mrs. Harriet Bedford Leighton and Mrs Emilie Trowbridge, board of managers. M BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, tained, but in a majority of cases the information is meagre, hence the name only of the person is given. Among these patriots were some of the strongest characters in early Tioga and Broome county history; men who molded and influenced the social and political course of the community in later years, and whose names are worthy to be recorded in history. Others among them were perhaps equally worthy but who were quiet, unassuming artisans and agriculturalists, whose lives lay along a different path and drew no attention to themselves. But, so far as known, all were earn- est, upright pioneers who as soldiers opened the way for civilization and settlement, and who came to reap the benefits of life in a locality as promising as any in the southern part of the state. The roll of Revolutionary soldiers follows, and may be considered reasonably accurate. Capt. Joseph Leonard, born 1751, died 1842; was in battles of Bunker Hill, Wyoming and others. For further notice see later pages. Abel De Forest, a noted character in early village history, and father of the late Capt. William De Forest. This surname is preserved in our present De Forest street, on the north side of which still stands the old pioneer's dwelling, and in which, if tradition be coiTect, many notables were entertained in early times. Abel De Forest was one of Andre's guards, and gained much prominence during the war. Sergt. Elias Pratt, born 1743, died 1834: enl. 1777 and served one year, when he was dis. for disabilities; served in Capt. Christopher Ely's 1st Regt. of Conn, troops. Sergt. Pratt was the grandfather of the late Hallam, George, Frank and William H. Pratt. Sergt. Jesse Hinds, born in Greenwich, IMass. , died 1842; served in Mass. militia; was taken prisoner and recaptured; enlisted again in 1779 in Capt. Dan Shay's company; came to Binghamton in 1818. Gains Morgan, father of Maj. Augustus Morgan, and grandfather of Tracy R., Julius P., and the late Frederick A. Morgan. Of his military service little is known. He came here from Connecticut when an old man. William Stuart, born 1759, died 1831; abandoned school and entered the colonial army at the age of 16 ; served seven years and was in many important battles, including the surrender of Cornwallis; attached to the staff of the commander-in-chief; original member of the "Society of the Cincinnati " ; married a daughter of James Clinton ; further men- tion in later chapter. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 25 Capt. John Sawtell, pioneer on the farm now owned by Luke Dick- son, where he kept tavern and entertained Talleyrand when the latter passed through Chenango Point; served at Bunker Hill, and was one of the famous " Boston Tea Party." Lieut. Selah Squires, born 1754, died 1837; enlisted as volunteer in Apr., 1775, in Conn, troops; enlisted 1776 and served three months. Lieut. Squires learned the trade of hatter with Lewis Keeler, and in 1804 started a hat shop at the southeast corner of Court and Washing- ton streets. He was a notable character in early village history, and some of his descendants still live in the city. Andrew Hauver (also spelled Hawver), born 1754, died 1816; served three years; moved to Chenango in 18 IG. Some of his descendants have attained prominence m various walks of life. Col. William Rose, enlisted three times and served with credit through- out the war, gaining the title of colonel. He came to Chenango in 1786; was the first school teacher in the vicinity, and a man of much note in the county. Ebenezer Tracy served three years in a company of Mass. Infantry. At death he was buried in Lisle. He was probably related to Thomas Tracy, a pioneer in Vestal and grandfather of Gen. B. F. Tracy, of New York. Aaron Forbes, enlisted 1780 in Col. Harris' regiment of Mass. troops. William Harris, enlisted 1775 in Capt. Harridan's company of Mass. line troops; was at Bunker Hill, White Plains, Ticonderoga, Lake George, Burgoyne's surrender; served five years. Azel Crandall, born 1755 in Westerly, R. L ; enlisted 1775 and served at King's Bridge, New London and elsewhere under Gen. Tarbox; moved to Chenango in 1822. David Hurlbut, enlisted and served three years in Conn, state line. He was the ancestor of the Hurlbut families well known in later village history. James Osborn, born 1760, in Ridgefield, Conn., died J 853; enlisted 1775 in Mass. state troops, and in 1777 in Col. Smith's Mass. regiment; served 13 months; settled in Chenango in 1840. Moses Barlow, born in Norwalk, Conn, in 1750, died 1834; enlisted 1776 in Gen. Van Nest's brigade, and in 1778 in Col. Humphrey's reg- iment and Gen. Clinton's brigade; later served with Gen. Ten Brock's brigade; settled in Chenango in 1816. Henry Palmer, born in Pond Ridge, N. Y., in 1763, and enl. at 16 26 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, years of age in the State Coast Guards; enl. 1780 in Col. Wisenfeldt's Regt. and served as a minuteman in the militia; came to the vicinity of Chenang-o Bridge in 1810, and was the ancestor of one of the promi- nent Palmer families in Chenango. Robert Meeker, born in Conn, in 1752, died 1835; enl. 1775 and served three months in Col. Van Ness' regiment of state troops; re enl. 1777 at Fort Edward in Gen. Schuyler's command and served through- out the war; came to Chenango in 1807 and settled on the farm next to Gen, Whitney's. Sergt. Amos Beecher, born in Conn, in 1763, died 1832; was a vol- unteer in Col. Willis's state troops; also served in Col. Webb's com- mand and helped build the fort at Dorchester Heights; was also in the naval service. Timothy Cross, born 17G0, in Conn., served as private three months; was at Ticonderoga, and in Gen. Stark's regiment at battle of Benning- ton; was also at Stillwater (Saratoga) and afterward in Gen. Poor's regiment, regular army; settled in Chenango in 1819. David Mathewson, enl. 1781 in 3d Conn. line. Smith A. Scofield, served in Conn, state line regt. ; was the ancestor of the Scofield families living north of Binghamton. Asa W. Durkee, New Hampshire state line. William Walker, Penna. state line. Gen. William Whitney, who was among the early settlers north of the city site, was a soldier of prominence during the Revolution, but data of his career is meagre. He was an original member of the " So- ciety of the Cincinnati." Henry Brewer, teamster; enl. 1775, served six years. John Swan, enl. 1781 in Mass. state troops. Moses Ashley, commonly referred to as General Ashley; a man of much note in early local history, and believed to have been a soldier of prominence during the war. There were also Capt. Raymond, Col. David Pixley (a conspicuous figure in early Owego history), John S. Smith and Charles Stone, all of whom, with those previously mentioned, are recorded in the archives of the Daughters of the Revolution as having some time lived in the town of Chenango as originally created. James Britton, born Kingston, N. Y., 17G3, entered the army in 1776, and later on served in the N. Y. militia; died 18o3; settled in Vestal in 1802. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 27 Abraham Winans, served as private throughout the war Davis Truesdell, served in Col. Delavan's cavalry, and also in other branches of the army; settled in Vestal in 1801. Jacob Skillman, private, settled in Union in 1800, and was the ances- tor of a prominent family in the town. John Wilson, private in N. Y. troops; settled in Union in 1839. Solomon Robbins, private in N. Y. troops; settled in Union in 1821. Isaac Potts, private in N. Y. troops. James Brown, jr., private in Mass. line. Penenas Pomeroy, served in Mass. line. Adjutant-General Joshua Mercereau, one of the distinguished officers of the Revolution, and the friend and associate of Washington. Gen. Mercereau is believed to have settled first on the Vestal ''side of the river and afterward moved to Union. He was a prominent figure in local affairs and from him have descended some of the best families of the county. John Mercereau, brother of General Mercereau, came to Vestal in 1792 but soon removed to the site of Union village, in which locality some of his descendants have ever since lived. For further mention of General and John Mercereau see chapter relating to Union. John Durfee, enl. in Conn, state troops and was sent to Rhode Isl- and, where he saw both land and naval service. John Wilson, also a patriot, settled in Union, but of his career noth- ing is now known. James Roberts, enl. as substitute in 1776 in Conn line troops. William Matthewson, who settled in Triangle in 1807, and who died in 1835, had an honorable Revolutionary record. Ashbel Osborn, who settled in Colesville in 1807, and whose name is well preserved in the town, was a teamster in the service. Joel Curtis, of Colesville, was a private. Edmund Kattell, of Colesville, was a Rhode Island soldier, and set- tled in this county in 1820; died 1833. From this surname we have the little hamlet called Kattellville, and also several prominent families in that part of the county. The late Alonzo and Judge Edward A. Kattell were descended from this Revolutionary pioneer. Thomas Eldridge, who settled on the river in Vestal in 1793, was an officer of militia and of marines during the service, and also served on a privateer and French frigate. Of the remaining Revolutionary soldiers who found homes in this 28 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, county, few were located in the vicinity of what is now the city, there- fore we may record their names briefly and collectively, and without regard to the particular service of each unless of an unusually promi- nent character. In addition to those before mentioned may be recalled the names of Thomas Greene, of Triangle; John Wheeler and William Wood, of Lisle; Joel Garnsey, of Windsor, of the 4th Regt. of Conn, troops; Roswell Higley settled in Windsor in 1792, and served at Montreal and Quebec; Elijah Gaylord, who settled in the county in 1829; Benj. John- son, Triangle, settled 1810; Sergt. Nathaniel Cole, of Colesville; Rogers (whose christian name was either John or Simeon), Barker; Jedediah Blanchard, Lisle; Moses Lyon, Sanford; Elias Bevier, Conk- lin, settled 1815; Joshua Baker, settled in Colesville 1812; Paul Atwell, said to have come to Windsor in 1780; Samuel Stow, settled in Wind- sor 1793 (grandfather of Nelson and George W. Stow); Martin In- gram, Maine ; William Weston, who was one of the bearers of dispatches from Sullivan to Clinton in 1879, one of the first white men to trav- erse the vSusquehanna valley, was a fifer in Gen. Poor's troops and later a soldier, a pioneer and for many years a resident of Vestal; Capt. Luther Mason, born in Litchfield, Conn., and served with troops of that state (settled in Windsor, died in 1843; was the ancestor of Mary A. Mason, well known in local, social and literary circles); Ma- lachi Loveland, Windsor, served as ensign; David Manning, Lisle; John Stewart, Windsor; Joseph Stoddard, Lisle, great-grandfather of Mrs. George Whitney; John Rush, Vestal, one of Poor's brigade and one of the dispatch bearers who came through the valley in 1779, and with his companions was on the site of Binghamton before the war was ended. (Patriot Rush is recalled as a man of unusual stature and of excellent mental qualities. He was one of Washington's body guard, and served in many of the most important battles of the war; was guard over Andre, and one of the men appointed to escort Lord Corn- wallis into the American camp after his surrender; John Rush, of the war of 1812, was son of the Revolutionary Rush, and La Fayette Rush is the son of John, jr.); Jedediah Seward, Maine, settled in 1786, was under Washington's command; John Thomas, Conklin, private in Mass. troops; John Conklin, Conklin, was present as guard at execution of Andre; John Ramsey, Lisle, Conn, line; Orange Johnson, Lisle, Mass. line; John Wasson, Colesville, Conn, line; Joseph Hess, Windsor, black- smith; Jonas Underwood, Windsor, Mass. line; Ambrose Barnes and GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 29 Benj. Parker, Lisle; Thaddeus Thompson, Lisle, Mem. Soc. of the Cin- cinnati; Davis Hulbert, Lisle; Capt. Horatio Ross, Union (Ovvego); Samuel Phipps, Lisle; Richard Walling, Owego; Garret Cronk, Lisle,' Anson Camp, Campville; Silas Walton, Lisle; James Roberts, drummer,' a pioneer of Hooper; Jasper Edwards, Lisle, set. 1793; Jos. Cleveland,' Hooper, set. 1812; Seth Edson, Colesville; Benj. Warner, Windsor,' set. 1801; Elmore Russell, Windsor, set. 1800; Aaron Benedict, Lisle| set. 1808, died 1836; Samuel Hinman, Triangle; James Knox, Coles- ville; Nathaniel Rogers, Triangle; Chris. Coates, Barker; Thomas Crawford, town unknown; "Tom," the Indian scout, who gave splen- did service during the war. The rolls of the society also contain many names of soldiers whose place of residence was not known. Among them were Daniel Culvert, Charles Ripley, Benj. Parker, John Parker, Isaac Potts, Winthrop Roe (Union), Perley Rogers, George Ramsey, Keene Robinson, Josiah Swift, Silas Seward (McClure Settlement), Jonas Underwood (Sanford), James Watson, James Wheeler, Silas Walton, Anthony West, Stephen Sey- mour, David Chamberlain, Samuel Ingraham, Elias Bayless, Simeon Gould, John Gee, Caleb Gleason, Joseph Handy, Reuben Holbrook, Joseph Heath, Seth Hamlin (North Sanford), Wm. Harris, Wm. John- son, Edward and Orange Johnson, Reuben Legg, John McMullin, Gardner Knowlton, Eli Nichols, George Notewire, Joseph Pike, David Potter, Paddock Pierce, Sylvanus Finch, Abner Rockwell, John Wilkin- son, Orringh vStoddard (the last four of Union), Joshua Wilson, Wm. Wood, Jos. Howland, Isaac Livermore, John Allen, Azel Bentley, Cald- well Cook, Oldham Coates, Elijah Dewey, Elisha Dickinson, Jonathan Hervey, Samuel Greenly, Elnathan Gload, John Goodale, John Nash, Caleb Nourse, Henry Newton, Cornelius McClease, and Titus Paige. There were also Solomon Frost, Eri Kent, John Bartis, Israel i\lden, Nathaniel Burlingame and Joshua Knowlton of Windsor; Samuel Badger, of Colesville; Solomon Armstrong, of Barker; John Andrus, of Kirkwood; Benj. Lawrence, of Conklin; Asaph Morse, of Nanticoke. Nearly all of these old patriots of the war for American independence were in modest circumstances, some of them very poor, while few in- deed of the number could afford any of the luxuries of life as then en- joyed. They came to the region, as did other pioneers, hoping to ben- efit their condition and provide comfortable homes for their families. Their land was purchased at reasonable prices, and they at once set about its cultivation and development. As it was with the survivor of 30 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, the Revolution so it was with his neighbor who did not take part in that struggle, but it so happened at that time that the patriots had cause to exclaim against an existing condition. Under a law of congress passed March 18, 1818, pensions were pro- vided to be paid to those soldiers of the Revolution who had served in the regular or United States army, and they alone were entitled to its benefits, to the exclusion of the militia or state troops, whose service in many cases was fully as meritorious and hazardous as that of their more favored fellows. The injustice or at least the discriminating provisions of the act were so manifest that the whole body of troops, both regulars and militiamen, were loud in their denunciation of them, yet more than twelve years passed before congress remedied the wrong. In 1830 and 1831 the militia troops of the country sent petitions to congress, pray- ing that they too be admitted to the benefits of the pension act; and in pursuance of the prevailing sentiment of the period, the surviving sol- diers of the Revolution then living in the town of Chenango, with a few from other towns, but representing the body of survivors in the county, regardless of the branch of service with which they were con- nected, assembled in mass meeting at Binghamton on June 7, 1832, and adopted a memorial to be presented to congress. The petition was duly prepared, read and adopted, and ordered sent to congress. It was signed by the 47 delegates present, and was as follows : "To the Honorable, the Congress of the United States of America in Senate and House of Representatives assembled. "The memorial of the undersigned, inhabitants of the county of Broome, in the State of New York, sheweth: That your memorialists enlisted and were actively engaged as soldiers and artificers and at- tached to that portion of the army known as state troops, in the war of the Revolution ; that they have received in fact no compensation for their services either from the government of the United States, or from the state, in the militia on which man}' of your memorialists served; that some of your memorialists can show the scars of honorable wounds re- ceived in the service of their country against the common enemy, and that they are fast approaching the termination of life, broken down by infirmities, oppressed by poverty, and their only hope of relief is in this, their earnest appeal to the justice of this country. " Your memorialists therefore pray that some provision may be made by an act of your honorable body, to relieve their necessities in their declining years, and thus smoothe the passage to that humble grave GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 31 which they are fast approaching:; and your memorialists will ever pray." "May 8, 1831." As previously stated, the memorial was signed by forty-seven of the petitioners, chiefly those who are mentioned as having lived in the town of Chenango, as then constituted. Memorials of a similar character were forwarded to congress from various portions of this state, and from other states, and the result was an act passed June 7, 1832, extending the benefits of the pension laws to all soldiers of the Revolutionary war whose service was in the organ- ized militia of state troops. Immediately after the passage of the act another meeting of surviv- ors was held at the " Binghamton Hotel," at which time Col. William Rose was chosen chairman, and John Rodgers, of Barker, secretary. At this time a series of resolutions were adopted, one of which was as follows: "Resolved, That our representatives in congress who have been instrumental in procuring the passage of the act of June 7, 1832, granting pay and pensions to the surviving soldiers of the Revolution, have and are justly entitled to our thanks." The second resolution provided that George Park be appointed at- torney to act for and secure to the survivors the pensions authorized in the act above referred to. At that time and for many years afterward George Park was one of the prominent characters in village history. He was perhaps best known as " Squire " Park by reason of his connection in one capacity and another with the administration of law. Squire Park's reminis- cences of early life in the village would form one of the most interest- ing chapters in local history, for his especial delight was to sit with the pioneers and draw from them in his pleasant manner the best of their recollections of old times. His maps and manuscripts were preserved throughout his life, but after his death they were unfortunately regard- ed as of little value, hence were scattered and lost. It was Squire Park who drew and prepared the outline map of Binghamton in 1810, which has been reproduced in almost every work treating of early life in this most interesting locality. He came to the village in 1810 and was a continuous resident to the time of his death, about twenty years ago. (See Bench and Bar chapter for further notice). Of the old Revolutionary survivors who once formed a considerable element of population in Chenango, not one now remains to tell again 32 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, the Story of life either in the army or the ahnost equally eventful period of pioneership in the region. They are all gone, and while their de- scendants are still numerous in the county, the records of the Daugh- ters of the Revolution show but two members who were daughters in fact of those patriotic ancestors. Like the original, the second genera- tion has now almost entirely passed away. CHAPTER V. The Land Titles— Charters by the Crown — Conflicting Claims of Massachusetts and New York — The Hartford Convention — The Boston Purchase — Bingham's Pat- ent — Brief Sketch of William Bingham, in whose Honor Binghamton was Named — The Castle Reservation. The treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States es- tablished the boundary line of their respective possessions along the center of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence and Niagara rivers, and Lake Erie, but regardless of this the British held forts on the American side, maintained garrisons and frequently attempted to incite the Senecas to make war on the Americans. The treaty made no provision whatever for the Indian allies of Great Britain. Theirs had been an alliance with a falling power, and the savages could expect no consideration at the hands of the victorious Americans. They had neither the means nor the capacity to measure the cost or consequences of war. The United States, and also this state, treated them with great consideration and with much moderation, although they had twice violated their pledges and engaged m war against the colonies. They were nevertheless ad- mitted to the benefits of peace and were recognized as the owners of all the land in the state over which they had roamed previous to the Revolution. The "line of property," as it has been called, ran along the eastern boundary of Broome and Chenango counties and thence northeast to a point seven miles west of Fort Stanwix (Rome). This line was established at a council held at Fort Stanwix in 17G8, between American commissioners, headed by Sir William Johnson, and the sachems and chiefs of the vSix Nations. All the lands of the state east of the line were to be regarded as a part of the English territory, while GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 33 the Indians held the country west of the hne. At a treaty held at Fort Herkimer in 1785 the Onondagas and Tuscaroras sold to the state all the land between the Unadilla and Chenango riv^ers, but the Tuscaroras received no portion of the proceeds. In this purchase the state acquired from the Indians eleven full townships of land and parts of four others in the present counties of Broome, Chenango and Tioga. In 1788 the Oneidas ceded all their remaining lands to the state, except certain reservations in Oneida and Madison counties. In the same year the Onondagas sold to the state all their lands, except a hundred mile res- ervation. The earlier cessions of land above referred to were indirectly the out- growth of an existing controversy between the states of Massachusetts and New York regarding their respective boundary lines. This dispute had an important bearing on the question of land titles in Broome county, and therefore deserves attention in this connection. As has been stated in a preceding chapter, in 1606 James I, of Eng- land, granted a charter to certain residents of Plymouth which carried title to all the territory between the 40th and 48th parallels of latitude, and extended from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The Plymouth Council was incorporated in 1620 and was authorized to make any transfer of the land held under the charter of 1606. The so-called Massachusetts Bay grant was made in 1608, and was confirmed m 1629. The Con- necticut charter was made in 1630, and was confirmed by Charles II in 1662. In 1664 the same king granted by letters patent to his brother James all the territory from the St. Croix to the Kennebec in Maine, and from the west bank of Connecticut river to the east side of Dela- ware bay. This was the grant mentioned in a previous chapter, the immediate result of which was the overthrow of the Dutch dominion in the Netherlands. It created for the benefit of the duke a proprietary government similar to that under which Pennsylvania was granted to and settled by William Penn. But in 1685 the Duke of York succeeded to the throne, and his charter thereupon merged in the crown. There- after New York was governed as a royal province instead of a propri- etary, which fact in a measure accounts for the loyalty to the crown of all its governors previous to the Revolution. Tryon was the meanest and torylike of the lot, and it was through his inimical conduct that New York furnished so many tories to the British arms during the war. From what has been stated in preceding paragraphs it must be seen that the charters for the eastern companies and that for New York 3 34 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, were conflicting, and that the grant to the Duke of York overlapped that of the Plymouth company. Previous to the Revolution settle- ments had not extended far in the western country, and as America was then composed of struggling colonies no attention was given by them to their boundaries ; but after state governments had been estab- lished, and the perpetuity of the United States was assured, the states began looking carefully to the extent of their respective possessions. The result was a dispute concerning the ownership of, and jurisdiction over, this state, and for a time the controvesy was carried on with much warmth. Finally the federal government called for a cession of the territory on both sides with an intention to settle the matter amica- bly between the contestants; but in the meantime commissioners rep- resenting the states met at Hartford, Conn. (Dec. 16, 1786), and com- promised the dispute. According'to the determination of the commis- sioners, New York retained sovereignty and jurisdiction over all the territory of the state, while to Massachusetts was ceded the right of pre-emption of the soil (that is, right of first purchase from the native Indians) of substantially all the tertitory west of a line drawn due north from the 82d milestone on the Pennsylvania north line extending north through Seneca lake to great Sodus Bay, in Lake Ontario. New York also ceded to Massachusetts the pre-emptive right to 230,400 acres of land lying between Owego creek and the Chenango river. The south boundary of this tract extended due east and west between the mouth of the Owego creek and a point about a mile above the mouth of the Chenango. The line in fact began about 500 feet north of the north line of Prospect street and thence extended west across the north- east corner of Spring Forest cemetery and the Seymour farm to Les- tershire, entering the river just west of the mouth of Little Choconut creek. The lands (now in Vestal) whereon pioneers Daniel and Sam- uel Seymour settled were included in the purchase, but about a quar- ter of a mile west of the mouth of Patterson's creek the line recrossed the Susquehanna and thence continued due west to Owego creek. Thus it is seen that a small part of what is now Vestal is on the Bos- ton Ten Towns tract, but a comparatively small part of our city is within the purchase. The towns of Maine, Nanticoke, Lisle, Triangle, Baker, are within the tract, as also are parts of Chenango and Union. The village of Union, with a small extent of territory northward, is a part of the tract originally granted to Hooper, Wilson and Bingham, which is referred to in a later paragraph. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 35 The Boston Purchase, as it is generally known, has an interesting history. In 1787 230,000 acres of it were purchased by eleven resi- dents of Berkshire county, Mass., at a cost of twelve and one-half cents per acre, and subject to whatever title the Indians might have. The original grantees subsequently admitted others to their association un- til the number became sixty, but for convenience the conveyance was made to "Samuel Brown and his associates." When Brown came to the region to treat with the Indians for their title he found two white settlers in the valley, through whom he met with considerable trouble. These men were Amos Draper and James McMaster, the former of whom came into the valley in 1783 and established himself as a trader at Chugnutt, the site of the old Indian town at the mouth of the Choco- nut, near the present village of Vestal. By trading with the Indians Draper had gained their confidence and was a power among them. James McMaster was a soldier in Clinton's army, and the expedition of 1779 impressed him with a desire to dwell in the Susquehanna val- ley. In 1784 he came on a prospecting tour, and at Chugnutt fell in with Draper. The two formed a firm friendship, and at the same time so ingratiated themselves in the Indian affection that the trusting natives were persuaded to make McMaster a concession of land on Owego creek. The latter at once began improving his tract, for he was both farmer and frontiersman, while Draper was only a trader and tempo- rary occupant. When Samuel Brown sought to purchase the Indian title he found McMaster comfortably located on the site of Owego, and warned him off. This, however, did not avail and when the worthy proprietor at- tempted to arrange a treaty with the Indians the latter would not be persuaded to meet him until a generous concession of land was promised to McMaster as "original occupant," first settler, and a great friend to the red man. McMaster selected and secured a half-township of land (extending three miles up the Susquehanna and six miles up Owego creek), including the site whereon now stands the village of Owego, after which the Indians consented to a treaty. The first meet- ing was held in 1787, on the west bank of the Chenango river, about three miles above the city. Nothing was then accomplished on account of McMaster's objections above mentioned, but at a subsequent treaty held at Ochenang (the city site) the Indians were induced to sign away their domain. The foregoing statements relative to treaties are somewhat at vari- 36 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, ance with the narrative contained in the "Annals of Binghamton," and are taken chiefly from Judge Avery's admirable sketches of early times in the Susquehanna valley. In the Annals, Mr. Wilkinson says the commissioners sent by the company to treat with the Indians were Eli- jah Brown, Gen. Orringh Stoddard, Gen. Moses Ashley, Capt. Ray- mond and Col David Pixley, and that the first meeting with the natives was held on the east side of the Chenango, two or three miles above the city, in the early part of the winter of 1786; but that nothing was then accomplished, and that at an adjourned treaty held at the "Forks of the Chenango," the transaction was completed. It is also said that be- tween 300 and 400 Indians were present at the occasion. The question as to where the treaty was held, or what was then ac- complished, is not of special importance to our narrative, but both ver- sions are given that all the facts may be known. However, it is cer- tainly gratifying to be able to state that at least one treaty was held on the site of our city, therefore we are inclined to give much credence to Judge Avery's account. Bingham's Patent. — Among the several tracts of land which con- tribute to the area of the city, that commonly known in published records as Bingham's patent is of first importance, for through the direct proprietorship of William Bingham, who owned the tract, a set- tlement was founded, a half-shire was established, a county seat was located, and eventually a thriving village was built up. We have no direct authority for the statement that Mr. Bingham ever visited his purchase here, but he unquestionably did so, for he was one of the shrewd and successful business men of the country, owning and de- veloping lands in various localities, and while he could not give close attention to each tract he nevertheless exercised constant supervision over all of them. He was especially fortunate in selecting Joshua Whitney as his agent in this locality, for through the management of the latter the settlement was removed from up the river to the "Point," and development was begun and carried on with much vigor. The greater part of the city stands on Bingham's patent. The tract has ever been known by the name just used, yet it is a question whether as a matter of strict accuracy such a designation is proper, notwith- standing the fact that all public official records recognize and sanction the name. On June 27, 1786, a land patent was granted by the state to Robert Lettis Hooper, James Wilson and William Bingham for a tract of land containing 30,630 acres, lying on both sides of the Sus- WILLIAM BINGHAM. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 37 quehanna river, and including parts at least of the present towns of Union, Vestal, Binghamton, Conklin and Kirkvvood. On February 11, 1790, the proprietors partitioned their lands among themselves, and the deed from Hooper and Wilson to Bingham bears that date. In this di- vision the western part of the tract fell to Mr. Wilson, and afterward ■: K. r,r,: «;• ■ - / -■■ - ^1l ■" .'/ /■ i ^y'^'««»l Map of Bingham's Patent. took the name of " Wilson's patent," although Hooper probably held an interest with him for a time. The Bingham tract lay on the eastern end of the entire purchase, and, as has been stated, included nearly all the land whereon our city now stands. South of the Bingham tract, and including portions of the present fifth and sixth wards, is one of the Sidney tracts, which was patented to Robert Morris, Dec. 13, 1787. The north part of the city, east of the Chenango river, forms a small portion of the commonly called Clinton & Melcher Tract, which was patented to James Clinton and Isaac Melcher, March 19, 1787. William Bingham, in allusion to whom our city is named, was an Englishman by birth and a man of much note in business and mercan- tile life in Philadelphia. He was an early American colonist, and cei- tain accounts state that he served with credit in the American army during the Revolution, and earned a commission in the service. How- ever, of this part of his life our information is limited. Mr. Bingham 38 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, was educated for the legal profession, but on coming to America he saw promise of greater success in mercantile pursuits, therefore estab- lished himself as an importing and domestic merchant in Philadelphia. He was successful and accumulated a fortune, and after the close of the Revolution, in common with nearly all the men of means in his time, could not resist the temptation to invest largely in lands in various parts of the country. Here, too, he was abundantly successful, and from the Bingham tract alone it is believed he reaped a fortune. He was a generous proprietor and made excellent provision for the future growth of the village founded under his ownership. In this locality Mr. Bingham's agent and active manager was Gen, Joshua Whitney, a choice which later events showed to have been the best for local interests that could have been made. At that time Che- nango Point was a half-shire town of Tioga county, and Mr. Bingham promised to donate for the site of a court house and other public build- ings a favorably situated tract of land. This, however, was not con- summated during his lifetime, and not until after Chenango Point had become the county seat of Broome county was this done by his repre- sentatives. Mr. Bingham died Jan. 30, 1804, his will naming Alexan- der Baring, Henry Baring, Thomas Mayne Willing, Robert Gilmor and Charles Willing Hare as his executors. After Mr. Bingham's death Gen. Whitney continued to act for the estate until all the lands were disposed of, the executors making con- veyances according to the direction of the agent. But it appears that only two of the executors joined in the conveyances, while the others delegated authority by letters of attorney to their energetic fellows to act for them. This was said to have been unlawful, on the ground that executors could not delegate authority in such cases to their asso- ciates, and at one time it was thought that many of the land titles in the village would fail, or rest only on the insecure foundation of " title by adverse possession"; but with certain enabling acts of the legisla- ture, together with commonly recognized validity of the titles, the question was of no more than temporary discussion, and it is now con- ceded that the foundation of land titles in the city is as firm and valid as in any part of the state. In treating of land titles and the acquisition of Indian rights to prop- erty an interesting incident is recalled in connection with the treaty made by Samuel Brown and the natives relative to the Boston Pur- chase. It appears that the Indians were accustomed to get ingloriously GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 39 drunk every night, but during the day invariably kept sober; nor could they be persuaded to negotiate their lands while at all under the influ- ence of intoxicants. It is not claimed, however, that the commission- ers of the Boston proprietary furnished liquor to the Indians in order to influence their action or make their own task more easy. In the treaty it is said that the Indians reserved the right to hunt and fish on the ceded tract for a term of seven years, and also reserved a half mile square of land for their use at the mouth of Castle creek. Reliable accounts state that the Indians occupied the tract during the full term of their reserved privileges, and some of them remained in the vicinity many years afterward. As late as 1830 parties of red men were fre- quently seen prowling about the village outskirts causing much fright among the children of the settlers. CHAPTER VI. Earliest Settlers in the Vicinity of Binghamton — Rise and Downfall of Chenango Village. All the writers of cotemporary history accord the honor of having been the pioneer settler in the vicinity of Binghamton to Captain Jo- seph Leonard, a patriot of the Revolution, who became acquainted with the region through the representations of Clinton's men, but who was induced to make the settlement through the influence of Amos Draper, the Indian trader of Chugnutt. The details of Capt. Leonard's journey up the Susquehanna from Pennsylvania in 1787 are not neces- sary to our narrative, and it is sufficient to state that the pioneer was accompanied by his wife and hired man, the latter propelling the boat up the river while Leonard made the trip by land, riding or driving his team of horses. On arriving at the mouth of the Chenango, Leon- ard made his way up that stream about three miles, and disembarked his goods at a favorable site on the rich flat land that stretches away in almost every direction in the vicinity of and just above the present county farm. In this locality, but somewhat lower down, was subsequently estab- lished a hamlet called Nimmonsburg, but afterward known by the 40 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLP:MENT, undignified name of " Goosetovvn. " According to Capt. Leonard's reminiscences of his journey, when he reached the west bank of the Chenango, and had passed up the stream nearly a mile he found a man named James L3'on occupying a temporary cabin just south of the pres- ent Ferry street bridge and about where stood Col. Paige's potash works of half a century and more ago; but as to the character of Lyon's set- tlement, of the length of his residence in the community, the writer has only obscure light. He lived here for a time, however, and kept a ferry across the Chenango, about where the Ferry street bridge is built. Lyon was a squatter on Bingham's patent, and with others joined in a petition to be quieted in his possessions, but it is really unfortunate that so little is known of the pioneer in fact of the city site. In Capt. Leonard's family was a son, Amos, who is said to have been the first white child born in this county. He lived on the old farm to the time of his death, just previous to 1870. Soon after his arrival Capt. Leonard, in company with Amos Draper, brought the Indians together in council near the Leonard cabin, and there secured from them a concession or lease for a term of 99 years, which was proposed to carry title to a square mile of land in the locality of the settlement. The lessees agreed to pay an annual rental of one barrel of corn. At the time it was a common practice in this state for companies and individuals to negotiate long leases with the natives, and on one occasion an enterprising company of capitalists secured a lease of all the Indian lands in the state for a term of 999 years. The sale of Indian lands to companies and individuals had been previously forbid- den by law, and the long term lease practice was only an evasion. But none of these transactions was confirmed by the state, hence the title of the lessees failed. So it was with the Leonard and Draper lease, but supposing it to be valid. Col. William Rose and his brother, who settled just above Leonard within a month after the latter came, purchased Draper's interest in the lease bargain. The land thus acquired included the sites whereon Leonard and Rose made their improvements. Col. Rose's brother soon removed to Lisle and thence to Pennsylvania, but the other proprietors held to their lands and lived and died on them. After the failure of the title by lease they either bought from the Bos- ton Ten Towns proprietary for consideration, or were quieted in their possession by Samuel Brown. Notwithstanding the records, the latter course is believed to have been followed. In 1787 the little settlement up the Chenango was increased by the GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 41 arrival of Joshua and General William Whitney and Henry Green, all of whom with their families came from Hillsdale, Columbia county, and settled on the west bank of the river, about two miles from its mouth, in a locality which was lon^ afterward known as Whitney's Flats. About this time the proprietors of the various tracts or patents had completed their preliminary surveys and opened their lands for sale, and the result was a rapidly increasing tide of settlers, many of whom made purchases and began improvements. Capt. John Sawtell located on the east side of the Chenango, on land now owned by Luke Dickson, while just north of the city limits, Samuel Harding made an improve- ment. One Butler, whose Christian name is not recalled, located on the river bank just below Leonard. In the same year also was made another settlement on the city site by Solomon Moore and Jesse Thayer, the former at the lower end of what is now Washington street, near what was afterward known as "The Point," and Thayer on the west side of the Chenango, at the foot of Front street. In the same year a settlement was made on the south side of the Susquehanna, on what for many years has been known as the Eldridge tract, by Peter and Thomas Ingersoll, but how long they remained, or what eventually be- came of them, is not known. The name figured but little in early vil- lage annals and soon became lost in the general growth of the hamlet. The surname Moore has ever since been known in local history, and has always stood for undoubted integrity and worth. Solomon Moore, the pioneer of the family, settled on Chenango Point, about on the clearing formerly of the old Indian village of Ochenang, near the lower end of what is now Washington street, in 1787. After one year he removed to the Genesee country, remaining a year, when he returned and purchased land in Union. His title failed through some deception practiced on him, after which, on April 7, 1801, he purchased of Joshua Whitney as agent for William Bingham a 90 acre tract of land on the south side of the Susquehanna, where his later life was passed, as also was the life of his son John Moore, who succeeded him in own- ership. After John Moore's death the farm was divided, and is now owned, in part at least, by Charles F. and John P. Moore and Lewis Baird. One of the very earlie'st occupants of land in this part of the Che- nango valley, according to reliable chronicles of early life in the region, was one Cole, whose place of habitation was north of Capt. Leonard's and Col. Rose's. Cole, whose Christian name seems not to have been 43 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, worthy of preservation, lived practically among the Indians, and kept aloof as much as possible from the whites. If local tradition be true Cole was a renegade white man, an Englishman by birth, who cast his lot with the British and Indians during the Revolution, and is said to have led the latter in the attack upon the frontier settlements at Min- nisink and W3^oming, where charges of almost inhuman cruelties were laid against him. Soon after the war Cole sought a home in some ob- scure place where his only companions were red men. But he could not always conceal his abode and identity, and on one occasion two strangers came up the river from Minnisink for the avowed purpose of avenging the murder of their parents by Cole. They met with Col. Rose and Joshua Whitney, to whom they told their story, but were persuaded from their purpose by these worthy settlers, who represented to the strangers that Cole was then living peaceably in the valley, and that he had a family who were entirely respectable. Another similar character in the young community was one Thomas Hill, commonly called "Tom Hill," who was charged with complicity in the vVyoming affair, and who was said to have married the noted Queen Esther. During his lifetime, Hill informed Squire Park that he lived with the queen about two years, but that they never were mar- ried. Referring still further to the subject of early settlement in the local- ity, we may state that in 1788 Samuel Harding located on the after- ward known Sturges Cary place in the north part of the city, and while still others may have come during the same year past records give no information concerning them. In the next year Daniel Hudson (after- ward Judge Hudson) settled between Leonard and Rose, and about the same time Jonathan Fitch came from Wyoming and settled on the stream which afterward took his name. Major Fitch had been a mer- chant, and also sheriff, in his former county in Pennsylvania, and in the new community was a man of considerable importance. He was the first elected member of assembly from Tioga county (which then in-' eluded this county) in 1792. Another early comer was Elder Howe, a Baptist preacher, who first visited the settlement in 1789, and through whose efforts the scattered inhabitants were first drawn together in religious worship, and through whose almost unaided labors an informal church society was formed. Elder Howe located near the foot of Mt. Prospect, within the present limits of the city, and there his little primitive meetinghouse was built. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 43 As a matter of historic interest it may be stated that the society was continued until about 1800, and was the first of its kind in this locality and one of the first in southern or western New York. In 1798 a Dutch Reformed society was formed at the little hamlet further up the river through the zeal of Rev. Mr. Finney, but this, too, had only a brief existence. Chenango Village. — Through the several settlements mentioned in preceding paragraphs the hamlet up the Chenango became established, but it is hardly probable that pioneers Leonard, Rose and Whitney had in mind the fouading of a village at that time. The location was per- haps the mo.st desirable, as through the Chenango valley west of the river led one of the principal trails between the lower Susquehanna valley and the interior portions of the state, and was the common thor- oughfare of travel for prospectors and immigrants visiting the region, as well as for the Indians before them. Tioga on the west was settled chiefly by New Englanders and others from New York and New Jersey, and the valleys of the Chenango and Susquehanna were the main ave- nues of travel through the region whether the pioneers traveled by land or water. The country north of us was settled about the same time, and many of its pioneers were from the regions of Pennsylvania and New Jersey; and in the same manner the old Indian trails and the water courses were the only convenient routes of travel thereto. Indeed after the question of land titles was fully settled, and the proprietors of the various patents had opened their lands for sale, the enterprising agent of each tract was active in his endeavors to induce purchasers to visit the region, and much rivalry sprung up between them. As a result the locality was constantly flooded with prospectors, speculators and settlers. Looking back an hundred years, it seems almost incredible that the primitive Indian trails which threaded the valleys of our rivers were the common and in fact the only avenues of travel into the region, or that they were almost constantly swarmed with a stream of sturdy men in quest of favorable sites and cheap lands, but such was the fact. It is small wonder therefore that pioneer Sawtell opened his first tavern near the place where the trail crossed the Chenango and "forked" to the north and east; and it is clear that a hamlet settlement on the op posite side of the river must follow when the principal trails up the river led past the Whitney, Leonard and Rose places, and every sur- rounding condition pointed to the necessity of a temporary restmg place 44 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, for the weary wayfarer. In the course of a few years the trails lost much of their original character, as the frequent passage of horse and ox teams necessitated cutting out and widening the roads to permit easy travel for wagons and carts. These things, with the continuous tide of travel up and down the valley, led to the founding of the old village; but at best it was hardly more than a mere hamlet of about a dozen houses. It began to take form about 1791 or '92, after Elder Howe had succeeded in erecting the primitive meeting house, and after Col. Rose had built a little log school house nearby. About this time Lewis Keeler came from Norwalk, Conn., and opened a public house and also made hats; Daniel Cruger founded a newspaper to proclaim the advantages of the locality through- out the land, but he remained only a short time and removed to Bath under the tempting offers of the agent of the Pultney estate. To add to early interests, two settlers named Lee and Webster started a distil- lery; Drs. Bartholomew and Forbes came to practice their profession, while settlers Delano and Monroe opened a stock of goods for trade. Soon afterward Jacob McKinney came up the river and began general merchandising. The interests thus mentioned gave the hamlet an ap- pearance of some importance, and with the few other settlers engaged in developing the land the locality was the scene of considerable activity. Col. Isaac Sayres and Selah Squires were at this time residents of the settlement, and the latter was afterward a citizen and one of the founders of Chenango Point. During the closing years of the last century Chenango village held a position of prominence among the new settlements of the region, and came to be known by the name just mentioned. This prominence was only temporary, and when in 1800 Joshua Whitney became agent for the sale of lands on Bingham's patent, he had no difficulty in drawing the business interests, with much of the population, to the new locality. Thereafter Chenango village lapsed into a sleepy hamlet in a fertile agricultural region. A tavern and perhaps one or two other interests were maintained there for a time, but at a later period the settlement took the name of Nimmonsburg, in allusion to one of its prominent families, but afterward, in derision, became known as "Goosetown"; but now, either as hamlet or village, it exists only as a memory. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 46 CHAPTER VII. COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL HISTORY— CIVIL LIST. In the chapters immediately preceding mention is made of the settle- ment of the region comprising the city and its vicinity, with not more than incidental allusion to either the county or the village. It is therefore proper that succeeding chapters be devoted specially to the civil and political organization of the districts mentioned, together with a description of the various county and city public properties, which have in themselves formed an important element of history in the lat- ter jurisdiction and have been strong contributing factors in its gen- eral growth and prosperity. When Clinton's army first visited this part of the Susquehanna val- ley in the summer of 1779 there was no civilized occupancy of the region, hence there was no need for the attempted exercise of civil authority in the locality. At that time all that part of the state which lay west of the Delaware river and a line extending thence north through Schoharie county and along the east border of Montgomery, Fulton and Hamilton counties (as now existing) and thence direct to Canada, comprised a single county by the name of Tryon; so created, set off and organized from Albany county by an act of the provincial legislature passed in 1772. The new jurisdiction was named in honor of William Tryon, who was then governor of the province of New York, and through the influence of Sir William Johnson the seat of justice was established and the county buildings were erected at Johnstown. During the Revolutionary war the conduct of Gov. Tryon was so offen- sive to the Americans that in 1784 the name of the county was changed to Montgomery, and so called in allusion to Richard Montgomery, a patriotic American general who fell before the walls of Quebec. In 1788 the boundaries of the counties then existing in the state were ac- curately defined and Montgomery county was made to include all the territory of the state west of Ulster, Albany, Washington and Clinton counties. The first reduction in the territory of the mother county was made 46 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, in 1789, when Ontario county was set off. On February 16, 1791, old Montgomery was again reduced by the creation of four new counties, and Hamilton, Herkimer, Otsego and Tioga counties were brought into existence. Under the act Tioga county included substantially all the territory between the pre-emption line on the west (the present west boundary of Chemung county) and the Delaware river on the east, and extended north from the Pennsylvania line to include a part of the military tract. The first reduction in the territory of Tioga county was made in 1798, when Chenango county was created; second in 1806, when Broome county was set off ; third, in 1822, when Tompkins county was erected; and fourth, in 1836, when Chemung took from Tioga its entire western district. From what has been stated the reader will learn that all settlement and development in the region of Binghamton previous to 1806 was accom- plished while the territory formed a part of Tioga county. In preced- ing chapters frequent mention is made of the towns of Union and Che- nango. They were original subdivisions of Tioga county, and were created with the latter, February 16, 1791. Union, within its original boundaries, included all the land between Owego creek and the Che- nango river, together with all lands south of the Susquehanna river be- tween the streams first mentioned. Chenango included nearly all the eastern portion of Tioga county which lay east of Chenango river, and has contributed its territory to the subsequently created towns of Wind- sor (1807), Conklin (1824), Binghamton (1855), and Port Crane, now Fenton (1855). The village and city of Binghamton includes portions of the original towns of Union and Chenango. Its settlement was be- gun in Chenango, and as the hamlet increased in population and com- mercial importance development west of the Chenango was a natural result. In the same manner that part of the city which lies south of the Susquehanna, while originally a part of Chenango, was taken into the corporate limits of the town of Binghamton, the latter having been created from the former in 1855, as has been stated. Court Houses. — After Tioga county had been created by the Legisla- ture there immediately sprung up in its sparsely settled territory a strong desire to possess the county buildings, and considerable rivalry and a little bad feeling was the result. The inhabitants of the extreme western part of the county were at once clamorous for the coveted des- ignation, and in their little settlement called New Town Point (now Elmira) they set to work and built a log court house and jail. (In this GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 47 connection the writer cannot resist the temptation to remark, paren- thetically, that the same earnest interest which impelled the few inhab- itants of New Town Point to generously erect a court house and jail more than a century ago has characterized each succeeding generation of their descendants to the present time. In some respects Elmiraand Binghamton have been rival cities, but it must be conceded that the people of the Queen City have ever been devotedly loyal to home inter- ests and home progress.) In 1792 the legislature passed an act authorizing the supervisors to levy a tax of 300 pounds for the purpose of erecting a court house and jail, and appointed three commissioners to superintend the construc- tion of the same. The act directed, however, that the buildings be erected east of Nanticoke creek, at a point to be fixed by the justices and supervisors. In the meantime courts were ordered to be held at the house of pioneer Nehemiah Spaulding (situated east of Nanticoke creek). The dwelling house of pioneer Spaulding was at that time reasonably near the center of the inhabited portion of the county, and the erection of the county buildings in that vicinity was of course proper; but before the justices and supervisors had fixed upon a loca- tion the enterprising inhabitants of New Town Point had completed their county buildings, and even secured an act of the legislature (January 14, 1793) designating their settlement as the seat of justice of the county until other legislative provision should be made. At the same time the legislature directed that courts be held alternately at New Town Point and at the house of Joshua Whitney, at Chenango, in the town of Union. This disposition of the courts was maintained until 1801, when (March 31) the legislature authorized the division of the county into jury dis- tricts and directed that circuits be thereafter held at the house of Joshua Whitney, at Chenango Point, in the town of Chenango. Under this act courts in this district were held in General Whitney's dwelling, which then stood very near the northwest corner of Court and Water streets, and were so continued until the erection of the first court house on the site of the present Perry building, at the corner of Court and Chenango streets. The first court house in Binghamton was built in 1802, when this region formed a part of Tioga county, and when the village was known as Chenango Point. The court house was a small structure, 24 x 36 feet in size, with a log jail attachment, the latter having only two cells for 48 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, the confinement of prisoners. The jailer occupied rooms on the first floor and courts were held on the floor above. In the course of a few years, and soon after Broome county was set oiT from Tioga, the building was moved across to the square and placed on land previously promised by siwi ■ ! inreif STiB eiBii \ttst; i For a short time Abraham De Witt occupied a portion of the second floor rooms as a place of residence, and his son, Charles K. De Witt, enjoys the pleasant distinction of having been the only child born in the building. The event took place July 6, 1868. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 159 The resolution was objected to and "went over under the rule," but was called up on May 6, at which time matters had assumed a different form. It was then resolved to submit to the taxpayers a proposition to raise $125,000 for a city hall, and a further sum of $25,000 for a fire station on another site. Municipal Building. This question was determined at a special election held May 28, 1895, when 725 votes were cast for and 182 against the city hall project, and 687 for and 208 against the fire station. For the purposes of the latter building the council, by resolution passed August 19, 1895, purchased the Corbett and Gray property on Chenango street, paying therefor $10,000. On November 4 the plans prepared by architect A. W. Rey- nolds were adopted, and on November 25 the contract for construction was awarded to Alexander B. Carman, the consideration being $11,605. The building was completed in due time, and has since been occupied 160 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, by Crystal and Mechanics' hose companies, the steamers "City of Bing- hamton " and " Bennett," and also as department headquarters. On March 4, 1896, the common council ordered a special election to be held on March 24, at which time the taxpayers were asked to vote an appropriation of $20,500 for the purchase of an additional fifty- three front feet of land adjoining the firemen's hall site on the north. The result was 471 votes for and 469 against the measure. The city there- upon acquired of Frances M. Brown the premises so long occupied in earlier years by Barzilla Marvin and his successor, Dr. Titus L. Brown. Ample grounds being thus provided, the council advertised for plans for a large and elegant municipal building, and referred the question of selection to a special committee. After the latter had reported, con- struction bids were invited, and on April 7, 1897, the contract for erec- tion was awarded to James Stewart & Co. of Buffalo. The corner stone of the building was laid with Masonic ceremony on July 5, 1897, and during the latter part of 1898 the work was pronounced complete. The municipal building cost $121,549. It is of stone, and from an architectural point of view is one of the most attractive structures in this part of the State. The City Hospital — Previous to the early part of 1887 the city was without a public hospital for the care of sick and injured persons, and the only institution which offered any relief whatever for such cases was the hospital department of the House of the Good Shepherd, the accomodations of which were limited, while the house itself was a purely denominational institution. In the early part of January, 1887, a number of interested citizens held a meeting in the parlors of Hotel Bennett for the purpose of test- ing public sentiment in relation to the hospital question, and also to effect a partial organization in case a favorable opinion of the project was found to prevail. Dr. Orton was chosen chairman, and Fred Westcott secretary of the meeting. Opinions were freely exchanged and a resolution was unanimously adopted in favor of organizing a hos- pital association. Radcliffe B. Lockwood, Harvey Westcott and James W. Manier were appointed to suggest the names of nine trustees for the proposed association (the number was afterward increased to fifteen trustees), but Mr. Wescott and Mr. Manier were constantly en- gaged with other pressing business affairs, hence much of the prelimi- nary work of organizing and perfecting the association naturally fell upon Mr. Lockwood, who was a retired business man. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. IGl On January 24, 1887, the " Bing-hamton City Hospital " was duly in- corporated by articles of association filed in the Broome county clerk's office. The incorporators named were Radcliflfe B. Lockwood, J. Warren Merchant, Harvey Westcott, James K. Welden and James W. Manier. The trustees for the first year were John Anderson, Horace H. Crary, George Graver, Stoddard Hammond, jr., Edward F. Jones, J. Warren Merchant, Edmund O'Connor, George L. Parker, Julius E. Rogers, James K. Welden, Radcliffe B. Lockwood, James W. Manier, Harvey Westcott, John G. Orton and Charles B. Richards. As stated in the articles of association, the object of the organization was to "establish and maintain a charitable hospital for the medicinal and surgical treatment of human diseases, and such other charitable work as may be incidental thereto." The organization being thus effected, the association became perma- nent at the meeting of January 29, 1887, when officers were elected as follows: President, Edward F. Jones; vice-president, Harvey West- cott; secretary, Radcliffe B. Lockwood; treasurer, Stoddard Ham- mond, jr. In February, 1887, Cyrus Strong donated to the association the sum of $1,000 on condition that the trustees transfer to him any contingent interest the association might have in the House of the Good Shepherd home and hospital. This action in fact released the home from any obligation to maintain a hospital for city or emergency cases and made it more distinctively a denominational institution. In January, 1888, the association leased the Lowell Harding resi- dence and property for hospital occupancy, and soon after the institu- tion was opened for the reception of patients. The trustees also made a contract of purchase for eighty front feet of the Harding lands, with the intention to erect a modern hospital building, but all their plans were not fully carried out. In fact, the necessity of a general city hos- pital under municipal control had by this time become apparent. The common council voted an annual appropriation for hospital mainte- nance, which, with the proceeds of a series of entertainments, and con- tributions from generous citizens, enabled the trustees to carry on their admirable work. The association enterprise was an entire success, yet the need of a strictly city institution was constantly increasing. This feeling became fully evident in 1892, when the trustees proposed to raise by popular subscription the sum of $25,000 for the erection of a suitable hospital building. 103 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Much of the success of the association during the seven years of its corporate management was due to the persevering efforts of the board of lady managers, appointed in March, 1888, the personnel of which, originally, was as follows: Mrs. A. D. Armstrong, Mrs. M. L. Barnes, Mrs. H. W. Chubbuck, Mrs. Asher Coates, Mrs. H. H. Crary, Mrs. George Dwyer, Mrs. Dr. L. D. Farnham, Mrs. F. A. Hoag, Mrs. G. W. Lester, Mrs. Daniel Lyons, Mrs. J. W. Merchant, Mrs. C. D. Middle- brook, Mrs. Joseph Schnell, Mrs. Gilman L. Sessions and Mrs. Harvey Westcott. The officiary of the board of trustees under the association manage- ment was as follows: Edward F. Jones, president; Harvey Westcott, vice-president; Radcliffe B. Lockwood, secretary, and Stoddard Ham- mond, jr., treasurer, all elected January 29, 1887. On February 12, 1887, General Jones resigned and Harvey Westcott was chosen presi- dent in his stead. At the same time James W. Manier was elected vice president, vice Westcott; Almerin Johnson succeeded John Ander- son as trustee. Mr. Manier subsequently resigned and James M. Stone succeeded him as trustee. On January 7, 1888, Mr. Westcott was elected president ; Horace H. Crary, vice-president; Radcliffe B. Lock- wood, secretary, and Stoddard Hammond, jr., treasurer. In Novem- ber, 1889, the officers elected were Harvey Westcott, president; Horace H. Crary, vice president; George L. Parker, secretary, and Stoddard Hammond, jr., treasurer. In November, 1890, Mr. Crary was elected president; Julius E. Rogers, vice-president; George L. Parker, secre- tary, and Stoddard Hammond, jr., treasurer. In November, 1891, Julius E. Rogers was elected president; Robert J. Bates, vice-presi- dent; George L. Parker, secretary, and Mr. Hammond, treasurer. In November, 1892, '93 and '94 the officers of 1891 were re-elected. At a meeting of the common council held April 23, 1894, Mayor Green called attention to the necessity of immediate steps toward the erection of a city hospital, although the initial movement in that direc- tion had been taken in the preceding year. Soon afterward, the ques- tion having been favorably discussed both in official and general circles, the council determined to act, and advertised for sites for the proposed hospital buildings. Many were offered and considerable feeling was manifested in the matter. The most favorable proposal was that of Burton M. Babcock, who offered several lots on Mitchell avenue, with a Park avenue front, for $5,000. This offer was accepted August 3, 1804, all preliminaries having been settled, and the necessar}' appropri- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 163 ation of money having been sanctioned by the taxpayers, in June, 1895, the council awarded the contract for constructing the buildings, the work being apportioned to several builders. Our present city hospital is the result of this action, although in later years several important additions and changes have been made to the structure. Under "an ordinance providing for the control and management of anon-sectarian city hospital," passed April 3, 1893, the affairs of the institution were vested in a board of managers, of six members, citi- zens, electors and taxpayers, appointees of the mayor, chosen equally from the two principal political parties of the state, and to hold office six years after the expiration of the terms of the members of the first board. The first appointees were James K. Welden, for one year; Francis W. Downs, two years; Julius E. Rogers, three years; Robert J. Bates, four years; Charles M. Stone, five years; and William S. Lawyer, six years. The subsequent changes in the personnel of the board have been about as follows: Mr. Welden died January 13, 1895, and on March 12, following, Charles F. Sisson was appointed his successor. Judge Downs' term expired May 8, 1895, and James Sullivan was appointed to suc- ceed him. Mr. Bates resigned November 21, 1895, and Robert H. Rose was appointed to the vacancy. In 1896 Mr. Rogers was reappointed. In September, 1897, managers Rogers and Stone resigned, and William H. Cannon and W. R. Turner were appointed to succeed them. On January 18, 1898, Mr. Turner resigned and H. Chester Larrabee was chosen in his stead. In May, 1899, Manager William S. Lawyer was reappointed. Under the regulations of the board the mayor is entitled to preside at all meetings. The by-laws adopted April 13, 1896, provided for a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer of the board, but by subsequent change the officers are a president, secretary and treasurer. Previous to 1896 the officers were the chairman and secretary. Mr. Rogers was the first chairman and Mr. Welden the first secretary of the board. Mr. Stone became secretary after Mr. Welden's death, and served in that capacity until his resignation in September, 1897. In 1896 Mr. Rogers was chosen vice-president, Mr. Stone secretary and Robert H. Rose treasurer. These officers were re-elected in 1897. In March, 1898, Mr. Sisson was elected vice-president, William S. Lawyer^ secretary, and Robert H. Ro.se, treasurer. The officiary of the board, as established in March, 1899, is as follows: Charles F. Sisson, presi- dent; William S. Lawyer, secretary; H. Chester Larrabee, treasurer. 164 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, A board of lady visitors was established under the by-laws of April, 13, 1896, and was constituted as follows: Mrs. Joseph Schnell, Mrs. Oilman L. Sessions, Mrs. William H. Wilkinson, Mrs. C. F. McCormack, Mrs. Stoddard Hammond, jr., Mrs. George M. Harris, Mrs. Horace H. Crary, Mrs. A. D. Armstrong, Mrs. M. L. Barnes, Mrs. P. L. Brintnall, Mrs. N. H. Bump, Mrs. John P. Moore and Mrs. J. M. Far- rington. In later years the personnel of the board has been somewhat changed. City Water Works — -Previous to the construction of a modern system of water works in 1867 and the years immediately following, Bingham- ton was inadequately provided with means for contending against fires, while domestic wants were supplied from wells of varying depths scattered throughout the village. These were generally dug on private property and designed for family use, though from six to ten or more houses were frequently furnished with water from a single well. Occasionally several public spirited citizens would unite in digging a well for the public benefit, the same being located in the near vicinity of their dwellings or places of business; and it frequently happened that the well was located near the center of the highway, after the es- tablished custom of all country villages. In the early history of the village several wells of the latter descrip- tion were constructed, one of the most conspicuous of which was "Peterson's well," located on Main street, near the corner of Front street. It was named in allusion to Samuel Peteison, whose tavern stood on the nearby corner and was the common resorting place for all the villagers west of the Chenango river. vStill further down Main street was the " Stocking well," which also was dug in the middle of the road near the residence of Solon Stocking, after whom it was called. Near the corner of Court and Washington streets, and just outside the present curb line in front of the City National bank building, was a well built by Dr. Elihu Ely and other owners of land in that vicinity. This well supplied all the stores and residents in that neigh- borhood for many years, and was finally covered with stones and earth after street lines and grades were established. On Water street, a few rods north of Court street, was once the well known " Tompkins well." Another was at the foot of Carroll street, and was a famous well in "Millville" for a long time. Still another was at the foot of Varick street, and was in service until about twenty years ago. Private family wells were numerous throughout the village, but no GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 166 attempt will be made to recall any except those which happened to be so located as to attract public attention. Not every owner could afford the expense of digging, stoning up and curbing a well on his own land, hence the custom of several families using water from the same well, the well having been dug at the cost of all with the understanding that the water should be common to all. But the old well standing on the knoll near the Broome County bank was strictly private property, yet it supplied water to all the business places and families near the corner of Court and Chenango streets. The same was equally true of the " Bartlett well," on Washington street between the Hamilton Collier dwelling and Robert wS. Bartlett's dwelling. This was one of the much used wells of the village, and, to quote the words of an old resident, "its waters were seldom quiet." James Prendergast's store stands very near the site of the Bartlett well. On Collier street, on land now occupied by the Barrett building, was the "Brown well," from which the academy pupils, occupants of firemen's hall and a score of other buildings obtained their daily supply of water. An old well also existed on the Court House grounds, east of the Court House, from which the jail supply was obtained for many years. A board of health of perhaps, somewhat informal character was es- tablished in the village soon after 1850, and it was the custom and duty of that body to look to the surroundings of the public and private wells and see that the water was free from impure matter. Rodney A. Ford, Job N. Congdon and Dr. George Burr were among the earliest mem- bers of the village board of health. At length, however, the population had so increased that the public welfare and safety demanded more modern means of supplying the vil- lage with water for domestic and manufacturing purposes, as well as providing more efficient means of extinguishing fires than was afforded by pumping water from the rivers, the canal, Brandywine creek or any of the several cisterns which the trustees had caused to be con- structed in various remote and unprotected localites. This subject first attracted serious attention about 1855, and two years later steps were taken, though more than ten years passed before the desired improvement was secured. On April 13, 1857, the legislature passed an act to incorporate the Bijighamton Water Works company. The prime movers and incorpo- rators in the enterprise were James Eldredge, George Park, Charles Eldredge, Levi M. Rexford, Thomas Jackson and Phineas B. Tomp- 166 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, kins, who were authorized to perfect the company organization with $100,000 capital, and also to construct and maintain a system of water supply for the village. The company began its preliminary work with a fair prospect of success, but for some now unknown reason the project was soon afterward abandoned. On February 18, 18G0, the act of 1857 was amended by the legisla- ture, and John A. Collier, Sherman D. Phelps, Daniel S. Dickinson, William R. Osborn, Hazard Lewis and Samuel H. P. Hall were de- clared to be a body corporate by the name of " The Binghamton Water Works company," with a capital of $50,000. This company, like its predecessor, was authorized to acquire and hold real estate, construct reservoirs or other source of water supply, lay pipes through the public streets of the village, and to do all acts necessary to establish a com- plete water works system. The second company encountered the same obstacles as did the first, and still other embarrassments due to the political situation just pre- ceding the war of 1861-65, hence proceedings under the enabling act were so long delayed that the incorporators took no further steps to- ward the construction of the works. Then for a period of seven years more the people of the village continued in the primitive ways of early times. In 1866 the subject was revived, but in another form, as the village authorities proposed to construct the water works as a corporate meas- ure and maintain it as such. However, before definite action was taken the village became a city, and when on April 25, 1867, the board of water commissioners then created became a distinct municipal body, vested with the authority necessary to construct the system at the pub- lic expense, and in payment therefor to issue bonds on the credit of the city to the extent of $100,000. The first board of water commissioners comprised William P. Pope, Edward F. Jones, J. Stuart Wells, Sabin McKinney and Frederick Lewis, and under their direction the work of construction was begun. On the permanent organization of the board Mr. Pope was elected president, Frederick Lewis, treasurer, and Julius P. Morgan, clerk. The Holly pumping system of machinery was adopted, upon which the board secured a tract of land between Brandywine creek and the rail- road bridge, on the river front. Here the necessary buildings and pumping station were erected, and two large storage and supply wells were constructed. These wells are still in use although the subsequent GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 167 growth of the city necessitated additional sources of water supply in other and still larger wells, with an intake pipe extending into and up the wSusquehanna a considerable distance, thus securing an abundant supply of pure water beyond the possibility of pollution from city sewage. The original work of erecting buildings and settling machinery and of laying main pipes through the city streets occupied the attention of the commissioners during the year 1867 and the early part of 1868. In the latter year water was first pumped into the mains for general dis- tribution. The system was an admirable one for the time, but at length the cement pipes began to show weakness under fire pressure, and were afterward required to be replaced with pipes wholly of iron. The work of relaying of course covered a period of several years, and not until about 1890 was the last of the old cement piping taken from the streets. During the thirty and more years of operation of our water works system, frequent changes, enlargements and additions in all its depart- ments have been made by the commissioners, but each step has been one of progression and increased capacity, keeping even pace with the growth of the city in other directions. The commissioners, too, have been selected from the best business men of the city and, fortunately, partisan politics has rarely been a factor in the choice. Unlike any other auxiliary department of city government, the members of the board are elected by the people, annually in June, and in the event of vacancy the remaining members have power to frll the place by ap- pointment. • After the completion of the original works the revenues derived from water rates were not equal to the annual expenditures and payments of interest and principal on the bonds, and it was not in fact until after 1887 that the department became self sustaining. Again, the rapid growth of the city necessitated the constant extension of the service to distant localities, with a consequent outlay of money in carrying out the work. On the morning of March 10, 1874, the pumping station was seriously damaged by the explosion of one of the large boilers. In this disaster engineer David J. Smith was instantly killed, and fireman William J. Courtney and John Malane were seriously injured. To re- build the boiler house and replace the boiler cost the city nearly $12,000. A few weeks after the accident all the commissioners resigned, and 168 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. on the first Monday in June following an entire new board was elected, as follows: Harper Dusenbury (for 5 years), John Evans (4 years), James B. Weed (3 years), John Anderson (2 years), Abel Bennett (1 year). The new board organized June 8, 1874, by the election of Harper Dusenbury, president, James B. Weed, treasurer, and Thomas A. Sedgwick, superintendent and clerk. From that time to the present the affairs of the board have been managed prudently and upon safe business principles, and no serious event has since disturbed the councils of the commissioners. As occa- sion has required, with but a sing'le exception, the taxpayers have promptly consented to all the bonding measures suggested by the board, and full harmony has always characterized the relations of the people and the commissioners. Unfortunately, during the first fifteen years of existence of this branch of city government, the records of the board were not well kept, hence much information which might be of interest in this connection cannot be furnished; but beginning with the current year 1885, the minutes of proceedings have been fully recorded and an annual report has been published. These reports disclose that in the years 1885-87 the city made annual appropriations for maintenance and extension of the water works system as follows: In 1885, $14,170; in 1886, $14,065; in 1887, $12,460. The city has a present total of 66 miles 345 feet of street main pipe, 921 valves, 662 general and 13 private fire hydrants. The total num- ber of taps (presumably meaning water takers) is between 6,000 and 7,0Q0. About 480 water meters are in use. The amount of water bonds outstanding is $163,000. The following table shows the aggregate receipts and expenditures of the board of water commissioners from 1885 to 1899. The table is interesting in that it illustrates the growth both of the water works department and the city : Receipts. Expenditures. 1885 ."...$41,477.23 $58,292.11 1886 46,663.58 60,785.92 1887 ..54,725.86 . 66,190.81 1888 61,582.98 62,726.68 1889.. 66-,106.67 57,895.26 1890 70,713.59 91,622.66 1891... 73.237.17 73,969.88 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 169 Receipts. Expenditures. 1892 80,119.26 64,184.77 1893 77,276.54 63,127.20 1894 81,044.90 58,648.31 1895 87,455.74 54,939.88 189G 90,908.04 86,030.26 1897 92,108.50 101,494.07 1898 92,013.13 73,644.52 Water Co3ninissioiie7's (with date of election or appointment). — Wm. P. Pope, Edward F. Jones, J. Stuart Wells, Sabin McKinney, Frederick Lewis, designated April 25, 1867, under the act creating the commis- sion ; William E. Taylor, appointed June 24, 1867, vice Jones, resigned; William E. Taylor, 1870; J. Stuart Wells, 1871; Frederick Lewis, 1872; Wm. P. Pope, 1873; Simeon C. Hitchcock, appointed October, 1873. vice Wells, resigned; Harper Dusenbury, John Evans, James B. Weed, John Anderson, Abel Bennett, new board elected June 1, 1874; Abel Bennett, 1875; John Anderson, 1876; James B. Weed, 1877; John Evans, 1878; Harper Dusenbury, 1879; Abel Bennett, 1880; John Anderson, 1881; James B. Weed, 1882; Duncan R. Grant, 1883; George W.Lester, 1884; Jefferson Kingman, 1885; John Anderson, 1886; James B. Weed, 1887; Duncan R. Grant, 1888; George W. Lester, 1889; John Bayless, ap- pointed January 2, 1890, vice Weed, resigned; Jefferson Kingman, 1890; William Shanley, appointed September 16, 1890, vice Lester, resigned; John Anderson, 1891; Stoddard Hammond, appointed Nov. 21,1891, vice Anderson resigned; John Bayless, 1892; Stoddard Hammond, 1892; Duncan R. Grant, 1893; Moses Stoppard, 1894; Jefferson Kingman, 1895; Stoddard Hammond, 1896; John Bayless, 1897; Duncan R. Grant, 1898. Presidents of the board— William P. Pope, June 12, 1867-June, 1874; Harper Dusenbury, 1874-84; John Anderson, 1884-91; Duncan R. Grant, Nov. 21, 1891-99. Treasurers — Frederick L«wis, June 12, 1867-June, 1874; James B. Weed, June 8, 1874-Jan. 2, 1890; John Bayless, Jan. 2, 1890-99. Secretaries— Julius P. Morgan, June 12, 1867-Sept. 23, 1868; Thomas A. Sedgwick, Sept. 23, 1868-July 30, 1874; Albert A. Rose, July 30, 1874-Sept. 15, 1875; Chauncey L. Saunders, Sept. 15, 1875-June 4, 1883; Perry P. Rogers, June 4, 1883-March 3, 1884; Horace E. Allen, March 3, 1884-died Nov. 4, 1891; John Anderson, Nov. 21, 1891-99. Superintendents— Thomas A. Sedgwick, July 25, 1868-April 12, 1875; Darwin Felter, April 12, 1875-99. 170 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, The personnel of the present board of water commissioners, with the office staff, is as follows: Commissioners, Duncan R. Grant (president), John Bayless (treasurer), Jefferson Kingman, Moses Stoppard, Stod- dard Hammond; John Anderson, secretary; Darwin Felter, superin- tendent; John D. Davidson and Michael F. Dillon, inspectors. TJie Police Board — The board of police commissioners as established by act of the legislature passed April 3, 1881, and now existing, had the effect to entirely remove that important branch of municipal government from the uncertain control of political factions and to place it in charge of a non-partisan body of men whose chief aim has been to increase the efficiency of the police force. Previous to the creation of the board the common council held the power to regulate the force, and each political change in city government was followed by a corresponding change in the police department, with all its attend- ing inconveniences and complications. Under the act referred to the mayor was authorized to appoint four police commissioners to consti- tute the board, the first appointees to hold office one, two, three and four years, as lot should determine. Later appointments were made for a term of four years, beginning February 1. The mayor is an ex- ofificio member of the board. In 1867 the first city police force comprised chief James Flynn and five policemen. In 1881 Charles D. Rogers was elected chief, C. Bur- dette Able, assistant chief, and at the same time nine policemen were appointed to comprise the force. That there has been substantial im- provements and enlargements in later years is shown in the fact that the present force includes a chief and two assistants, two roundsmen, twenty-nine patrolmen and a detective. In 1867 an annual appropria- tion of $5,000 was ample for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the department; the charter now authorizes $30,000 for the same purpose. The personnel of the board of police commissioners from 1881 to the present time has been as follows: Commissioners — Tracy G. Rich, appointed Feb., 1881, for one year; reappointed 1882 and 1886; service expired Feb., 1890. J. Stuart Wells, appointed Feb., 1881, for two years; re-appointed 1883; resigned Feb. 12, 1883. George W. Dunn, appointed Feb., 1881, for three years; re-appointed 1884; resigned Feb. 28, 1885. Lewis S. Abbott, appointed Feb., 1881, for four years. Edward F. Jones, Feb. 15, 1883. Jas. F. Carl, appointed Feb. 14, 1884; re-appointed 1885 and 1889. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 171 Peter K. Burhans, appointed Feb. 38, 1885; re-appointed 1888. Patrick J. McTighe, appointed April, 1885; reappointed 1887. Frank B. Newell, appointed 1890; re-appointed 1894; resigned Feb., 1895. John B. Simpson, appointed Feb., 1881. Erasmus C. Delavan, appointed 1892; resigned July 24, 1893. Patrick J. McTighe, appointed Feb, 1893; re-appointed 1897. Jonas M. Kilmer, appointed July 24, 1893; re-appointed 189G. Nehemiah L. Osborn, appointed 1895; died May 26, 1898. Charles R. Williams, appointed 1895. Thomas B. Crary, appointed 1898. George W. Welden, appointed June 4, 1898; re-ap- pointed 1899. The present commissioners are Jonas M. Kilmer, term expires 1900; P. J. McTighe, term expires 1901; Thomas B. Crary, term expires 1902; George W. Welden, term expires 1903. Secretary.— Charles W. Gennet, appointed Feb. 14, 1881, and served continuously to the present time. Police Attorneys.— (Under act of Feb. 9, 1884,) Millard Fillmore Brown, appointed March 3, 1884; A. De Witt Wales, appointed May 6, 1889; Rollin W. Meeker, appointed Feb. 4, 1895; James T. Rogers, appointed May G, 1895; Albert Hotchkiss, appointed March 7, 1898. Chiefs of Police. — James Flynn, 1867; Barzilla Kent, 1868; James Flynn, 1869-75; Thomas Johnson, 1876-77; Jesse Germond, 1878-79; James Flynn, 1880; Charles D. Rogers, 1881-88; Charles Meade, 1889- 98; William Moore, 1899. Board of Health. — In the early history of the village the trustees occasionally made informal provision to improve the sanitary condition of the property and buildings in the immediate business centers, and while authorized by laws then existing to enforce stringent measures in that direction their action seldom went beyond a request to remove such nuisances as were positively dangerous to public health. As early as 1852 the board appointed John Congdon and Rodney A. Ford as health officers, and in the next year Dr. George Burr was added to their number. The appointments to this office, however, were not regularly made, nor was there a regularly constituted board of health previous to the charter of 1867. Under the charter the council was authorized to appoint two of its members as a "committee on public health," which appointees, with the mayor and city clerk, was the constituted board of health of the city. The appointment of a health officer was also authorized by the charter, and upon the physician thus designated generally devolved the 172 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, entire duties of the board, as the mayor and clerk gave the subject little if any attention, while the council committee only heard complaints and requests and then referred them to the health officer. The board pos- sessed all necessary power to act yet seldom enforced the strict provis- ions of the law. In 1882, in pursuance of an act of the legislature, a regularly consti- tuted board of health was established in the city, and was vested with more arbitrary powers than was possessed by any auxiliary department of local government. Its authority was and still is supreme, and gen- erally final in that it is seldom resisted. Men of determined character, who believe in the fearless enforcement of unpleasant duties, are best fitted for service as health commissioners. Fortunately for Bingham- ton, the members comprising the board have possessed the essential qualities for the faithful performance of their duty, and the result of their efforts is seen in the admirable sanitary condition of the city at the present time. The board as now constituted was created in 1882, and comprises six members, with the mayor ex-officio, the latter being its presiding offi- cer. The appointees of the board are a health officer, secretary and registrar of vital statistics, sanitary inspector, bacteriologist and at- torney. Originally the board appointed only a health officer, who also performed the duties of secretary, but as the business of the depart- ment increased with the growth of the city other officers were made necessary. The succession of members of the board of health since 1882 has been as follows: Commissioners.'' — Thomas J. Clark, Alvah Bloomer, Edwin Taylor, George A. Bishop, S. W. Crandall and Dan S. Burr, original members appointed 1882; Jas. F. Carl, September, 1882; Charles C. Edwards, 1883; J. Frank Rice, Homer B. Boss, 1881; Theodore B. Schenck, 1885; Hiram Barnum, Charles B. Richards, Stephen B. Brass, 1886 ; James H. Barnes, 1887; D. Post Jackson, Albert Hatten, 1889; Orrin P. Mason, 1891 ; N. Love, 1892; D. A. Davis, George B. Curtiss,Timothy Good and Lyman Clock, 1893; E. E. Snyder, 1895; Edward E. Powell, 1896; Christopher P. Pratt and Leslie M. Wilson, 1897; T. B. Van Alstyne and John Ehresman, 1898. The present board comprises Timothy Good, C. P. Pratt, T. B. Schenck, Leslie M. Wilson, T. B. Van Alstyne and John Ehresman, IlealtJi Officers.— V>. Post Jackson, 1809-72; Henry Oliver Ely, 1873- • The year of appointment onl}- is given. The regular term begins in May. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 17:3 75; C. D. Spencer, ISTO; Dan S. Burr, 1877-71); Joseph H. Chittenden, 1880; D. Post Jackson, 1881; C. D, Spencer, 1882-85; Wm. F. Race' 1886-88; Dan S. Burr, 1889-98; I. Adelbert Hix, 1898-99. Secrttaries and Registrars. — Dan S. Burr, pro tern., 1882; C. D Spen- cer, 1882-86; W. F. Race, 1886-89; Dan S. Burr, 1889-95, Caroline Davis, 1895; William H. Abbott, Aug. 1, 1896-99. Sanitary Inspector. — Orrin R. Mason, appointed Feb. 27, 1893. Attorney. — Charles H. Hitchcock, appointed 1895. City Bacteriologist. — Mrs. E. H. M. Fancher. The Street Commission. — Previous to the charter revision of 1888 the affairs, control and management of the public streets of the city was vested exclusively in the common council and the committee on streets walks and bridges. In the year mentioned the legislature passed an act establishing a bi-partisan board of street commissioners, comprising four members (appointees of the mayor), who should hold ofBce four years. The first board, however, was to determine the term of office of its members by let. In accordance with the act, Mayor Morgan appointed George A. Kent, James Prendergast, Benjamin De Voe and Philo H. Lee to comprise the first board. The board was organized June 10, 1888, and from that time the control of the streets has been under its charge. The mayor is ex-officio president of the board, but has no vote in its councils except in case of a tie. The board appoints the superintendent of streets and also its own clerk. Previous to May 1, 1893, the city clerk acted as clerk of the board, but on that day Reu- ben H. Waters was appointed to the position. The present clerk, W. Paul Mosher, was appointed September 22, 1896. The superintendents of streets since the board was established have been Ely O. Everts and Cicero H. Montrose, whose appointments are noted in the city civil list. The board of street commissioners has been in existence ten years, but while none of its original members are now in office only seven new appointmments have been made by the mayor. The succession of members, with the year in which new appointments have been made, has been as follows: George A. Kent, James Prendergast, Benjamin De Voe, Philo H. Lee, 1888; Elbert A. Beman, August, 1888; vice Kent lesigned; Lewis Baird, 1890; George H. Barlow, 1891; William Mosher, 1893; Charles Wales 1896; Edward E. Powell, Jan., 1898, vice Wales resigned ; William E. Carpenter, 1899. 174 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, ROSS PARK. "The Lookout" ' at Night. by leon mead. The wilding splendors of the year I find asserted bravely here ; And through the hemlock boughs afar, Burns brilliantly the Northern Star; And yonder moon's bright amber sheen Gives all the leaves a tav/ny green. Fit place is this to think and rest. On " Lookout's" open, level crest. The city's lights are spread below, Like ghosts of fallen stars they glow ; And where the two fair rivers meet The scene with beauty is replete. And to the East, with feudal guile, Looms up a spacious granite pile ; Oh, do the wild eyes there behold The God-made grandeur manifold. That reaches out on every hand, — The witching, valley-dimpled land? Hid is Chenango's placid face In Susquehanna's close embrace; And onward thence unto the sea Is lost her own identity. Previous to the year 1875 the city of Binghamton had no public park or other similar place of resort except the limited enjoyment de- rived from the ample grounds surrounding the court house. The sub- ject of a park had been frequently discussed by the people and the press, yet no encouraging effort was 'made in that direction until Erastus Ross made a generous gift of land in 1875. The deed by which this splendid property was conveyed to the city was dated July 28, 1875, and although the tract included about 100 acres of land no consideration whatever was asked by the donor. It was indeed a generous gift and was doubly welcome from the fact that it was wholly unexpected; still, the act was only the reflex of Mr. Ross' liberal spirit. He had long been a resident of Binghamton and in the course of his business career had accumulated a fortune. The park tract was formally accepted by the common council August I " The Lookout " is one of tlie most delightful localities in the park. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 170 9, 1875, but before that time the public had accepted the gift with abundant expressions of appreciation and gratitude. The informal opening was celebrated by a picnic and demonstration which was at- tended by thousands of our people. The council, too, soon took action and designated a commission comprising Edward F. Jones, William B. Edwards, Byron Marks, John Anderson, Tracy R. Morgan, Job. N. Congdon and Edwin G. Halbert, under whose direction the lands were surveyed, mapped and laid out as a public resort both for pleasure and rest. The commission above mentioned was the inception of our present board of park commissioners, although nearly three years passed before the latter was created by the legislature. The board organized by elect- ing General Jones chairman, Judge Edwards as treasurer, and Byron Marks as secretary. The prelimiary surveys and improvements were made under the direction of Charles A. Beach. Thus was Ross Park established. The council made small apprcjpri- ations for improvements during the early years of the commi.ssion, but the expense of performing the first work was really borne by individual subscribers to a general fund. At the opening picnic more than $1,000 was raised in this way, and in the years following still greater sums of money were contributed in the same manner. After the commission was established the work of improvement was carried on from year to year, and as the popularity of the resort increased with the city's growth the council gradually enlarged the annual appropriations for the use of the commissioners. The park to-day shows the result of more than twenty years development, yet with annual appropriations varj'ing from $2,500 to $3,250 little more than maintenance of present improvements can be accomplished. The office of park commissioner was created by the legislature in an act passed May 23, 18T8, and under its provisions the mayor was authorized to appoint seven citizens to constitute the board of "park commissioners of the city of Binghamton." On June 1, 1878, Mayor Butler designated William B. Edwards, Tracy R. Morgan, Job N. Cong- don, Edwin G. Halbert, Matthew Hays, Byron Marks and John Ander- son as the first board. The latter was almost identical with that which existed under the common council. General Jones of the first board resigned in April, 1876, and Matthew Hays was appointed in his place. The officiary of the old board was also maintained during the year, Judge Edwards being chairman and treasurer, and Byron Marks secre tary. 17C BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, After the permanent organization the board at once began the work of improving the park tract and otherwise making it an attractive and safe resort for all persons, and particularly for women and children. How well the task was accomplished is attested in the widespread pop- ularity of Ross park at the present time. However, much of this for- tunate condition of things is due to the efforts of the Park Amusement company, an adjunct of the Binghamton Railroad company. The city charter authorizes an annual expenditure of $5,000 for park purposes, but the greatest amount yet placed at the disposal of the com- missioners was $3,250. On April 15, 1897, the authority of the com- mission was extended over all lands thereafter acquired for park pur- poses, hence the fund must be divided according to the demands made by the added tracts. The act creating the park board provided for the appointment of commissioners by the common council, but gave to the board the right to appoint incumbents when the council failed to do so. The records show that the appointees have been more frequently designated by the commissioners than by the council. The park commissioners,' from 1875 to present time, have been asfol lows; Edward F. Jones, William B. Edwards, Byron Marks, John An derson, Tracy R. Morgan, Job N, Congdon and Edwin G. Halbert, ap pointed July 26, 1875; Matthew Hays, May 29, 1876; Wm. B. Edwards Tracy R. Morgan, Job N. Congdon, E. G. Halbert, Matthew Hays Byron Marks and John Anderson, appointed June 1, 1878; Alonzo Evarts, Duncan R. Grant and Truman I. Lacy, 1883; Burton M. Bab cock, 1886; Reuben H. Butler, 1887; George E. Green and Marillo L Hollister, 1889 ; Alvah Bloomer, Fred. E. Ross and Eli S. Meeker, 1890 Allen Banks and Michael McMahon, 1891; Arthur S. Bartlett, 1896. Presidents— Edward F. Jones, 1875-76; Wm. B. Edwards, 1876-85 Truman I. Lacy, 1885-92; Byron Marks, 1892-93; Truman L Lacy, 1893-94; John Anderson, 1894-95; Michael McMahon, 1896-98; Arthur S. Bartlett, 1898-99. Vice-presidents — ^Byron Marks, 1891; Truman L Lacy, 1892; John Anderson, 1893; Eli S. Meeker, 1894; T. I. Lacy, 1895-96; Arthur S. Bartlett, 1897; Eli S. Meeker, 1898-99. Secretaries— Byron Marks, 1875-85; William B. Edwards, 1885-90; Marillo L. Hollister, 1890-99. ' The succession furnished shows the year of appointment of the original commissioners, and also the year in which new members came into the board. Many incumbents served several years and the date of their reappointment is not deemed necessary to this chapter. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 177 Treasurers— William B. Edwards, 1875-79; Tracy R. Morgan, 1879- 83; Byron Marks, 1883-85; Duncan R. Grant, 1885-88; Reuben H. But- ler, 1888-90; Fred. E. Ross, 1890-95; John Anderson, 1895-99. vSuperintendentb' — Henry Sherman, 1884; Nelson Cohoon, 1885; Henry Sherman, 1887; Frank S. Smith, 1892-99. Examining' and Supervising Board of Plumbers and Plumbing. — This branch of city government was established under chapter 602 of the laws of 1892, by which the mayor was authorized to appoint two mas- ter plumbers, one journeyman plumber, the city eng'ineer and one mem- ber of the board of health to constitute the examining and supervising board of plumbers and plumbing for the city. In accordance with the provisions of the act on August 4, 1892, Mayor Curran appointed Mar- tin S. Bramble and David J. Malane, master plumbers; Virgil Hadley, journeyman plumber; Elisha S. Monroe, city engineer, and Theodore B. Schenck, of the city board of health, to comprise the first board. Since that time the composition of the board has changed but little. On May 6, 1895, Orrin R. Mason, sanitary inspector for the board of health, replaced Mr. Schenck as ex-officio member of the plumbing board. In 1894 L. A. Galpin, master plumber, was appointed by Mayor Green to succeed Mr. Bramble, whose term had expired. On January 7, 1895, Frank Kelley, journeyman plumber, was appointed to succeed Mr. Had- ley. In the same year D. J. Malane, master plumber, was reappointed. In September, 1897, Mr. Kelley resigned and John N. Schnepper, jour- neyman plumber, was chosen in his place by Mayor Green. In De- cember following Mr. Hadley was appointed to succeed Schnepper. In 1898 Mr. Malane was again appointed. On July 1, 1899, Mr. Hadley resigned and was succeeded by John F. Hurley, journeyman plumber. The board in 1899 is comprised as follows: L. A. Galpin, master plumber, president; D. J. Malane, master plumber; J. F. Hurley, jour- neyman plumber; S. E. Monroe, city engineer; Orrin R, Mason, sani- tary inspector. John J. Irving has been clerk of the board since July, 1893. The presidents of the board, in succession, have been D. J . Malane, Theodore B. Schenck, L. A. Galpin, D. J. Malane, L. A. Galpin. Civil Service Commission. — Previous to 1884 the civil service rules of * The office was originally known as superintendent of work and was filled during the pleas- ure of the board. Captain Smith was the first regularly appointed superintendent of the park. 12 178 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, the state applied only to cities having more than 50,000 inhabitants, but under chapter 410 of the laws of that year all cities of the state were brought under the provisions of the act. Soon after the act became a law Mayor Thayer appointed William F. Van Cleve, Dr. D. S. Burr and Frank Stewart members of the local civil service commission. The duties of the office were not then oner- ous, as only policemen were subject to the civil service rules, but in later years the rules were extended to include within their scope nearly all employees under the several departments of city government. With each succeeding political change in the mayoralty a new or par- tially new board was created, but it appears that the incumbents of the office did not keep a reliable record of proceedings, hence the complete succession of commissioners cannot be furnished in this connection. Under Mayor Green's term of office few changes were made and the affairs of the commission were conducted in a business-like manner. David M. Johnson, Clark Z. Otis and Jacob M. Kenwood then com- prised the commission, with Mr, Otis acting as clerk a part of the time. These commissioners resigned in January, 1899, and were succeeded by Charles E. Smith, Adelbert J. Schlager and Hiram Goldsmith, ap- pointees of Mayor De Witt. Mr. Smith declined to serve and Harry C. Walker was appointed in his place, and was made president of the board. Eldon R. Carver was a former clerk of the commission. CHAPTER XII. THE BINGHAMTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. The first attempt to organize a fire department in Binghamton was in 1834, under the act of the legislature incorporating the village, although the act of 1813, conferring limited corporate powers on the inhabitants of the village, authorized the formation of a fire company of not more than twenty-five members. It is understood that under the original act no steps were taken in the matter of providing appa- ratus or means of extinguishing fires other than the ordinary precau- tions of the citizens in keeping in convenient places primitive leather buckets. The act of May 3, 1834, authorized the trustees to establish and or- ganize one or more fire and hook and ladder companies of not more than GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 179 sixteen members each, who, "when attached to any engine, " were exempt from military duty, except in case of insurrection or in- vasion. The trustees were also authorized to remove firemen and appoint others in their places; to prescribe the powers and duties of the companies in preventing and extinguishing fires; to compel every male inhabitant to keep two water buckets of a size and kind described in the general by-laws governing the village; to construct cisterns and reservoirs for the use of the village in case of fire. Section 2 of the ordinance passed June 18, 1834, directed that "every householder or occupant of any store, shop, room or building in the village shall procure, by the first day of September next, and keep two leather buckets, holding not less than two gallons each, to be used in case of fire;" but by ordinance adopted August 11, the time in which to procure the buckets was extended to October 1, the number of buck- ets was reduced to one, and they were to be furnished by owners of buildings instead of occupants. By an ordinance adopted June 30, 1834, the trustees appointed these persons as members of hook and ladder company No. 1 : George E. Isbell, George F. Bragg, Locy Halstead, Levi M. Rexford, Jesse Orcutt, E. B. Freeman, John M. Brownson, Walter Rood. James A. Smith, Avery W. Dewey, Elisha S. Avery, Horatio Smead, Alfred J. Evans, Hector Kneeland, Rulandus B. Hinman and William H. Pratt. At the same time and under the same ordinance the trustees ap- pointed the following members of hook and ladder company No. 2: Joseph K. Rugg, Cyrus Butler, Horatio Evans, Henry W. Shipman, James Munsell, James Jones, Vincent St. John, Ephraim F. Matthews, Jared N. Root, Roger W. Hinds. David Lanterman, Jolvn D. Smith, Ross W. Esterbrook, Henry Mather, Vincent Whitney and Edward W. Kellogg. The members of the companies thus appointed were directed to meet at the house of Orcutt & Freeman (the old hotel on Water street, which is still standing) on August 18, and proceed to elect by ballot, in each company, a captain, foreman, clerk and three auditors, who should hold office until the next annual election. It was also provided that every member who refused to attend the election should be sub- ject to a fine of $2; and every officer who declined to accept the posi- tion to which he should be chosen should be subject to a fine of $5. The trustees by their ordinances prescribed the duties of all officers of the department, and clothed the auditors with judicial powers to hear excuses for non-attendance or neglect of duty at fires, and in case 180 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, they found the "delinquent to be culpable," to report him to the trus- tees that he be fined according to the ordinances, not exceeding one dollar for each offense. The duties of firemen were also particularly defined, and they were subject to call from the captain for "exercise," at such times as he thought proper. The ordinances were signed by Daniel S. Dickinson, village president, and Erasmus D. Robinson, clerk. At the time of organizing the fire companies referred to in preceding paragraphs, the trustees directed Stephen Weed and George Park to procure a supply of hooks, ladders and axes, and also to cause the erec- tion of a suitable ladder house in some convenient place. Under this authority the committee employed Tompkins & Avery to construct eleven ladders, for which they paid $30.90. They also caused a ladder house to be built on the northeast corner of the court house square. The work was undoubtedly done by Stephen Weed, who at the time was a builder and contractor. The building was a primitive structure, being an open shed with rack arranged under the roof for storing the ladders. Every villager had access to the house and in the course of a short time nearly all the apparatus was taken away by whoever had need for its use. This practice was the source of much annoyance to the trustees, the records disclosing the frequent appointment of com- mittees to look up the ladders and have them returned to their proper places. The trustees also provided a long wagon to serve the purpose of a truck, which was kept in the ladder house, but it appears to have shared the fate of the other apparatus, for when the companies had need of it only the "hind wheels" remained. Such was the character and composition of the fire department of Binghamton as established in 1834. A glance at the list of firemen who comprised the first fire companies will disclose the names of many of the foremost men of the village at that time, who were prominently as- sociated with its early and most interesting history. Not one member of either of the old companies now lives, but in the city at the present time may be found scores of the descendants of those whose names are recorded on the honorable roll. It is the purpose of this chapter to bring to the reader's attention the names of as many as possible of the members of the village fire department during the earlier years of its existence, and thus preserve for future generations not only their names as firemen, but also as men who took an unselfish interest in the growth and welfare of the village, the safety of its inhabitants and the protection of its property. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 181 It appears, however, that notwithstanding the promptness of the trustees in organizing the first fire companies, the latter were not par- ticularly efficient in the performance of their duties. The real founder of a fire company in the village was Thomas Parker, a mason by trade, who took an active part in early affairs. He formed a hook and ladder company and was its first foreman, and was also instrumental in the erection of the ladder house on the square, on the site afterward occu- pied by Cataract engine company's building. From the village records it appears that the first fire wardens were appointed by the trustees at their first meeting in 1834, and were Myron Merrill, George T. Ray, Levi Dimmick, Gary Murdock and Isaac Leavenworth, representing the five wards in the order mentioned. The wardens in 1835 were Myron Merrill, David Lanterman, Levi Dimmick, Gary Murdock and Edward Kellogg. On June 25, 1836, a petition signed by ninety one citizens, whose names are not found on the records, requested the trustees to raise $600 for the purchase of a fire engine ; and at the same time a petition signed by William H. Pratt and fifteen other citizens (whose names, vmfortunately, are not preserved) requested the board to organize '■'Naiad Fire Company." Nothing was done at the time in response to the petitions, but on July 12, the board resolved to raise $800 by tax to purchase an engine and other apparatus for the village, and directed Joseph K. Rugg to secure them. Under this authority Ghief Rugg purchased a small "Button engine," which was used by the firemen for some time, and was afterwards manned by the members of Gataract No. 2 until it became unserviceable and was abandoned. A little later, Henry M. GoUier, who succeeded Rugg as chief, bought another Button engine and organized original " Water Witch " company. The latter company used the engine until Mr. Button came on to get his money, upon which the trustees paid for the machine, and turned it over to Phoenix No. 1. • Water Witch Fire Company, the original company so called, was or- ganized in pursuance of a resolution of the trustees in July, 1836, under the name of " Binghamton Fire company," and comprised the follow- ing members: William H. Pratt, Henry M. Gollier, James Eldredge, George Gongdon, James Smead, A. W. Martin, Peter Glow, Isaac L. Bart- lett, Galeb Roberts, James Bigler, William Bigler, John Scoville, Isaac Bishop, Thomas Johnson, J. P. Sutton and D. Horton. After the com- pany went into service and was accepted by the trustees, it became known as Water Witch No. 3. Henry M. Gollier in fact fathered the 182 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, ' organization and bought the engine, but after the trustees assumed the obligation and paid for the machine, it was temporarily kept in a va- cant building owned by John A. Collier standing on the site of the Ross block, at the corner of State and Court streets.' Under Chief Rexford the engine was turned over to Phoenix No. 1, which was then com- manded by Foreman Abraham De Witt. The latter company used the engine until the trustees procured a new one, after which the old ma- chine was placed in charge of Rescue No. 3, a company organized on the west side of the Chenango river, occupying quarters on the east side of Front street, a few rods south of the corner of Main street. On January 10, 1837, trustees Lanterman and Congdon were ap- pointed a committee to ascertain the cost of a site for an engine house, and in due time reported that a lot could be purchased from John D. Smith for $250. On March 15 the trustees resolved to buy the Smith lot " on the west side of Exchange street, commencing at the southwest corner of John Bartholomew's lot, thence running south 20 feet, and thence west to the public land." The purchase secured to the village the land at the northeast corner of the Court House square, where Cat- aract and Fountain companies were afterward located, and about where also stood the old ladder house, of which mention has been made. Previous to this time an engine house had been built (probably by private subscription and the exertions of the firemen) on the east side of Collier street, about opposite the present municipal building. It stood on the square on a tract of land formerly used as a sand bank and gravel bed. The constant removal of the earth had made the spot comparatively level, and the site was quite convenient for the purpose of an engine house. After the village purchased the Smith lot the building on the sand bank was moved to the new location, and was raised to two stories in height, thus making it a presentable and ser- viceable structure. It was occupied by Cataract No. 2, and adjoining it on the east was the building soon afterward erected for and occupied by Fountain Fire company, now Fountain Chemical Engine No. 4 Fire company, the only one of the many organizations of its kind which has ' Sometime during the forties Water Witch No. 3 lost its identity as a fire company. In fact it was not until several months after the company was formed that the trustees formally accepted its service. Under the department reorganization in February, 1843, the approved members of Water Witch No. 3 were Henry M. Collier, W. H. Patterson, Samuel Hogg, jr.. Stephen Baxter, E. L. Wentz, Solomon Aldrich, David W. Gage, Samuel Hogg, sen., Matthias Chitterling, E. S. Hart, Matthew Hogan, D. L. Ronk, Wm. Hanlon, C. L. Campbell, Nick. Carman, jr., John El- dredge, John B. Scoville, S. D. Heard, John Boyle, Maurice Byrne, John H. Smith, B. W. Morse, A. R. Sprout, A. Stiles, A. H. Seaman, James Felter, Reuben Delano, J. M. Walker, J. G. Ervine, A. Bennett, Thos. Ireland and John Lewis. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 183 had an unbroken record from pioneer fire department days to tlie pres- ent time. On June 6, 1837, the trustees purchased from Wm. Piatt & Co a new engine and apparatus, paying therefor $1,032. This purchase secured the engine which was given in charge of Cataract No. 2, and also a two wheeled tender strong enough to carry 200 feet of hose. Phoenix Fire Company was organized by the trustees August 1, 1837, with the following members: Charles L. Robinson, James H. Halsted, Evan M. Johnson, John H. H. Park, Albert C. Morgan, Russel B. Tripp, Charles Rogers, Jacob Morris, jr., John McNiel, Thomas G. Halsted, Frederick A. Morgan, Charles Tupper, Charles Cole, William Castle, George Dyer and William H. Abbott. On April 9, 1838, upon petition of the citizens, the trustees directed Barzilla Marvin to purchase not. more than thirty feet of hose for the use of No. 1. Mr. Marvin carried out his instructions by employing Thomas Allen to make the hose. It was much smaller than the hose now used, and was made to fit the capacity of the engine. The seams were sewed, and not riveted, but the work was well done and " Uncle Tommy's" hose gave good service for several years longer than the average similar product of the present day is warranted to wear. The company adopted a constitution and became formally organized under the ordinances of the village, November 28, 1842. At that time the members who signed the constitution were Charles B. Stow, Thomas Ryder, Luther Sawtell, Asa K. Starkweather, William L.Woolsey, John P.Worthing, Morgan S. Lewis, Abraham De Witt, Thomas Totten.Wm. Mahar, G. S. Ronk, James Calph, Benj. S. Phillips, Joshua Hamblin, Wm. C. Capron, C. H. Tupper, Albert C. Morgan, Samuel Johnson, Hugh Crow, Job N. Congdon, C. L. Robinson, Jacob Shear, John S. Wells, Samuel Weed, John H. H. Park, N. Gary, Mordecai Corsaw, Joshua H. Whitney, Vincent Graves, Benj. Ingraham, Lewis S. Abbott, Isaac Aldrich. The roll was again revised in February, 1843, and the names of John A. Wells, C. H. Tupper, Henry Eldredge, Frederick Lewis, Hobart El- dredge, Andrew Titus and Charles De Witt were added to the member- ship. In August following Tracy R. Morgan, Robert Meacham, George W. Moore, Richard Squires, "Jack" Keyes, William F. Colwell, Joel E. Bancroft, John Sullivan and Phillip Stever were approved by the trustees and members. Subsequent reorganizations of the company were effected June 19, 1857 (when Junius F. Tozer was foreman ; James 184 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Hazeley, assistant foreman; Robert H. McCune, 2d assistant; Z. Hen- derer, treasurer, and Albert C. Morgan, clerk) and June 19, 1860. Phoenix Fire company had no permanent quarters for storing its apparatus previous to 1841, in which year the trustees resolved to build an engine house for its use. It was proposed to erect the building on the lot with the school Jiouse on the corner of Franklin (now Washing- ton) and Hawley streets, but after the sills were laid Daniel S, Dickin- son, who lived on the adjoining lot (where now stands the Dairy Asso- ciation building) strongly objected to an engine house so near his dwelling, and coupled the protest with the information that the lot was conveyed for the sole purpose of a school; whereupon the firemen and carpenters carried the timbers to a vacant lot on the east side of Frank- lin street, where now stands a building owned by Harvey Westcott. On this lot was built the engine house of Phoenix Fire company, better known as "old No. 1." Here the company maintained its headquar- ters for nearly ten years, using the coffee mill until the trustees con- sented to purchase a new and improved apparatus. In 1850 the village leased a lot on Collier street, where now stands the municipal building, to which location Solomon Aldrich moved the engine house from Frank- lin street during the summer of that year. In November following, through trustee Rodney A. Ford, the village purchased the Collier street lot, paying therefor the sum of $300. The year 1842 was memorable in the history of this veteran fire- fighting organization. The company had long felt the need of a new and modern engine, as the sweeping fires of 1838 and '39 had demon- strated the inefficiency of the primitive machines then owned by the village. Still the trustees were not disposed to invest in additional apparatus as they believed the village finances hardly justified the out- lay. But the company and its friends were persistent, and determined to bring the subject to the attention of the board with a petition so formidable that the trustees would not decline to act. To this end a petition was signed by all the officers and members of the company, and at the same time several other petitions were circulated through- out the village, all praying the trustees to grant the company's request, on the main ground that the organization was too efficient to be allowed to disband for want of proper apparatus. The several petitions of the occasion are herewith reproduced, as an interesting reminiscence of village history, showing not only the names of members of the company at the time, but as well the names of nearly all the voting population of the village. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 185 The petitions were as follows : " To the Honorable the President and Board of Trustees of the Vil- lage of Bingham ton; greeting: "Your petitioners, the foreman and members of the Phoenix fire company, respectfully represent that the engine now under the control of your petitioners has by long use become so worn and broken as to be of very little utility; and that notwithstanding the demands upon the company for repairs have been constant and tedious, they have found it impossible to keep it in order or render it effective. " The prayer of your petitioners is therefore that a new and more efficient engine, with suction and leading hose, be purchased for their use with such other aid to be granted as by your honorable body shall be deemed necessary. "Praying your early attention to this our petition, we subscribe Ourselves "Your Honors' humble petitioners. "William H. Abbott, foreman; Charles F. Marsh, assistant fore- man; Henry S. Smith, clerk; Albert C. Morgan, Morgan S. Lewis, John H. H. Park, Thomas Ryder, Abraham DeWitt, William Woolsey, Thomas Woolsey, Vincent Graves, John Calph, Hugh Crow, Enos N. Rexford, Benj. Phillips, Thomas J, Landers, William Capron, John Lown, G. W. Abbott, Samuel E. Weed. Failing Harder, William Mahar, Job N. Congdon, Thomas Totten, Jacob Shear, Luther Saw- tell, C. H. Tupper, B. Ingraham, Charles De Witt." The cititizens' petition was as follows: "The undersigned, citizens of Binghamton, second the petition here- with presented by the individuals forming the Phoenix Fire Company, and would urge to the president and trustees of said village, that said com- pany have surmounted many difficulties, and have, with an inferior and imperfect machine, as yet sustained their character, as firemen; and regarding the remarkable prevalency oi fires in this village for the two or" three preceding years, we cannot dispense with the services of so well a disciplined company." Petition No. i: "Vincent Whitney, Samuel Smith, Masoa Whiting, jr., John B. Ogden, James Squires, jr., J. N. Root, James Squires, B. T. Cooke, Thomas Johnson, Thomas G. Waterman, E. F. Matthews, L S. Mat- thews Myron Merrill, Elijah Sturtevant, jr., Levi B. Sturtevant, Jas. Brooks H. M. Baldwin, J. S. Hawley, Chauncey Morgan, Rial Arm- strong ' Gabriel Armstrong, P. B. Brooks, P. Mills, Frederick Stone, 186 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, John Harder, Vincent St. John, Franklin Morse, Lewis St. John, James TerwilHger, Benjamin Morse, R. C. Chase, Wm. C. Johnson, William Bennett, Jos. Corby, Robert Woodruff, Franklin Whitney, Amos Patterson, Eli W. Watrous, Hazard Lewis." Petition No. 2: "Isaac L. Bartlett, Robert Bartlett, Oliver C. Bradford, Edward C. Coffin, L W. Ov^erhiser, Matthias Chitterling-, Joel Butler, Jacob B. Hyzer, John Dolph, James Price, Hiram Birdsall, C. J. Orton, John R. Dickinson, Barzilla Marvin. Wm. Gilmore, Wm. H. Waterman, Thomas Evans, S. D. Hand, Henry Hull, Thomas Ryder, D. Lanterman, Alfred J. Evans, R S. Eaton, AmosG. Hull, Robert Eldredge, Wm. D. Jones, Chas. Rogers, Daniel Fuller, William M. Ely, James A. Weed, Elias Hawley, Rodney A. Ford, G. Munsell, Edwin Eldridge, H. Collins, A. Camp- bell, B. G. Watkins, Ezra M. Mclntyre, John G. Stearns, Henry Chis- mon, Joseph Chambers, Peter Miller, Giles Orcutt, Jesse Orcutt, J. E. Titus, Tracy R. Morgan, A. Doubleday, jr., G. E. Isbell, E. H. Prince, Levi Dimmick, Solomon Orcult, Orson Cone, David L Parks, Stephen Weed, Hiram Whiting, Aaron Williams, J. I. Lawyer, B. J. Kipp, E. Butler, J. H. Smith, Edwin T. Evans, L. M. Rexford, Giles W. Hotch- kiss, Solon Stocking, Richard Mather, Jeremiah Campbell, W. H. Denison, W. B. Booth, Joel Fuller, Ira Corby, S. R. Leach, J. E. Clark, Mason Whiting, Zenas Pratt, David T. Ronk, Christopher Eldredge, Joel Butler, Thomas Allen." Petition No. j: "Matthew Hogan, H. W. Shipman, H. H. Bevier, Chas. N. Abbott. Allen Austin, Wm. M. De Long, G. Nash, T. F. Fairchild, Thomas De Witt, John Garow, Guy White, Reuben Starkweather, Daniel Landers, Horace White, Joseph B. Bennett, John Congdon, Benj. Green, Edward C. Kattel, H. Johnson, Z. Wilber, John Capron, M. H. Weed, Milton Ed- wards, S. A. Newton, Joseph A. Wooster, William L. Carpenter, Mar- cus Stow, Samuel Calvin, A. L. Heard, W. Clark, Hiram Crissy, Joseph Rutherford, Andrew Morehouse, Noah Badgley, Martin F. Root, Thom- as Prendergast, Asahel Fairchild, Gould Stratton, J. Denslow, J. B. Ab- bott, James Eldredge, Wm. B. Doubleday, Thomas O'Hara, Elmer W. Brigham, David W. Guy, S. Simpson, Otis M. Capron, Smith Park." Petition No. ^ : "Waring S. Weed, J. C. Hubbard, William L. Ford, Cornelius De Witt, William P. Pope, C. P. Tucker, Henry Mather, Paul Turner, jr., James M. Matthewson, Eli Bowker, Israel Adams, John Bowker, Na- than Starkweather, Joseph Durkee, James Worthing, Daniel Shear, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 187 Amos D. Stockwell, Hiram Deming, Joel Sawyer, T. L. Sleeper, Wm. S, Benedict, Jewett Johnson, Anthony Holmes, Samuel Brigham.'ches- ter Rood, James Remmele, William Slosson, E. D. Robinson, J. Tripp, A. C. Canoll, L. R. Cook, John E. Sampson, A. Woolsey, C.'p. Cooke,' Albert B. Root, George Park, Wm. Seymour, Samuel Weed, H.Tuckeri Nelson Bowker, L. N. Safford, Jonathan Ogden, Harley Stilson, Arch- ibald Campbell, William Hanlon." Petition No. 5 .■ "John G. Ervine, F. S. Van Bergen, John A. Bogart, Thomas S. Washburn, Edwin Congdon, Ezra Congdon, John Hill, Wm.W. Jones, Charles Sprout, D. C. McAllaster, Gilson Keyes, Allen Perkins, Philip Tripp, E. C. Bennett, M. F. Tupper, Henry Miller, Nicholas Carman, jr., Lyman S. Wright, Thomas H. Parker, John Bartholmew, James Angell, Azariah C. Angell, Abel W. Jackson, J. R. Harris, William Bigler, Calvin Capron, R. C. Negus, John P. Totten." The petitions above mentioned of course secured the desired end, although the purchase of the engine was delayed for some time. When it at length arrived it was found more than equal in capacity to the combined fire-destroying power of both old engines, hence with the new acquisition Phoenix No. 1 became the pride of the department and the admiration of the entire village. Indeed, No. 1 was always a pop- ular company; the length and strength of the petition fully proved the fact. The company afterward enjoyed a long and successful career, and when it finally passed out of existence as an organization of the village fire department few indeed .of the old names were found on the roll of active members. The construction of the city water works worked the dissolution of No. 1, and whatever then remained of the company formed the nucleus of Mechanic's Hose company of the pres- ent day. In truth it may be said that the successor company may well be proud of its honorable ancestry. Cataract Fire Company No. 2 was approved by the trustees under the village ordinances, February 2->, 1840, although the company was in fact organized July 6, 1836, as was indicated by the date mark painted on the end of the box of the old "goose-neck" engine with which the members performed such excellent service. The original members of No. 2, as shown by the proceedings of the village trustees, were Henry M. Collier, J. D. Duygan, E. S. Hart, George P. Monell, Charles McKinney, J. E. Tilus, H. C. Nash, Jacob Morris, L. N. Safford, M. M. McDonald, Thomas Johnson, Joseph De Witt, William Bigler, Robert Eldredge, A. W. Martin, Samuel Brown, 188 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. jr., James Jackson, John E. Sampson, Charles N. Abbott and John Lewis. Subsequent additions were made to the membership as follows: April 12, 1841, Orlando Baldwin, Alfred Meeker, Richard Oliver, Nel- son Twining, Henry Houghtailing, Marshall Curtis, John Bartholmew and Daniel Hall; June 25, 1841, Joel Simpson, William S. Benedict, Robert C. Whitmore, Charles G. Hart, William M. Ford, Nelson Bowker, Paul Turner, F. S. Van Bergen, Crary Congdon, Eri Park, James Madison and James K. Walker; January 17, 1843, Philip Tripp, James Eldredge, Jesse W. Clark, Edwin C. Coffin, Edwin Congdon, Azariah C. Angel], Charles J. Orton, R. C. Chase, E. C. Burnett, William E. Abbott, Morris Shehan, Wm. F. Caldwell, John Campbell, Jackson G. Brookins, Zephaniah Wilbur and William H. Abbott. In February, 1843, the trustees reorganized the fire department, at which time the personnel of Cataract No. 2 was as follows: A. W. Martin, J. M. Matthewson, Wm. L. Ford, W. S. Benedict, William E, Abbott, Chas. N. Abbott, Philip Tripp, James Eldredge Waring S. Weed, J. N. Twining, Edward C. Coffin, J. L. Campbell, J. W. Clark, Orlando Baldwin, Thomas Johnson, Ezra C. Bennett, Zeph. Wilbur, N. C. Congdon, D, S. Hall, Jeremiah Clark, Chas. J. Orton, Robt. C. Whitmore, Jackson G. Brookins, John Bartholmew, Wm. H. Abbott, A. C. Angell, F. S. Van Bergen, Edwin Congdon, James Dunn, Wm. T. Caldwell and Marshall Curtis. Cataract No. 2 was one of the worthy organizations of the village during the period of its existence. Its headquarters were in the engine house originally built on the gravel bed lot on the east side of Collier street (opposite the present municipal building), the same being re- moved in 1837 to the lot purchased of John D. Smith at the southeast corner of the court house square. In the same year the village pur- chased an engine and two-wheeled tender for the company, the engine being of the "goose-neck " type, and fairly serviceable for its time. Notwithstanding the auspicious conditions under which No. 2 came into existence, its later history was attended with many vicissitudes, and through some disturbing causes was practically dissolved. The organization was revived, however, under Chief Fred. A. Morgan, and was again placed upon a substantial basis; and for a time known, ac- cording to the memory of Abraham De Witt, as Never sink Engine Co. No. 2. This was in February, 1855, at which time a company under that name was approved by the village trustees. About the same time the county acquired title to the lands on which the engine house was GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 189 built, and s^on afterward the structure was removed to the lawn south of Cyrus Strong's residence, where now stands Chas. A. Weed & Co.'s building. In the course of a few months the company went out of ex- istence and the engine house was removed to Oak street and rebuilt for dwelling purposes; and for a number of years the old name "Cataract Engine Co. No. 2" was plainly visible on one side of the building. Fountain Fire Company was organized and accepted under the ordi- nances of the board of trustees, October 15, 1842, agreeable to a peti- tion presented to that body by a number of active young men of the village who asked to be incorporated into a company to attend fires with buckets. The records show that on the date mentioned the trustees resolved that " the following named persons be appointed members of a bucket company in this village, viz.: Julius P. Morgan, J. B. Casterline, Hiram Wentz, F. V. L. Squires, Phineas B. Tompkins, O. C. Pooler, F. Burrell, G. S. Hovey, J. Farrel. D. Ross, John T. Whitmore, Thos. D. Downs, Thomas Woolsey, C. A. Shipman, A. C. Hovey, W.W. Pea- body, M. Denslow, Merritt Andrews, Solomon F, Gary, Alfred Merrill, J. H. Doubleday, W. J. Lytle and Darwin Stocking; whose duty it shall be to attend fires in the village; to be united to the fire department of the same; subject to the same laws, rules and regulations, and entitled to the same privileges as other fire companies, and are hereby styled Fountain Fire Co. No. ./. " The constitution of the company was adopted at the same time, and provided for the election of a foreman, assistant foreman, clerk and treasurer; prescribed the duties of officers, and authorized a member- ship of 32 persons, whose duty was to proceed immediately to the bucket house in case of alarm, and thence to the scene of fire. The officers were declared to be a judicial board. The members were re- quired to meet on the first Monday in each month, in uniform, for "discipline." A committee was provided, whose duty was to examine the buckets and see that the bucket house was kept clean. Fines were established for neglect of duty, and ranged from twelve and one-half to twenty-five cents. The first officers of the company were Julius P. Morgan, foreman; Jesse B. Casterline, assistant foreman; Hiram Wentz, clerk; F.V. L. Squires, treasurer. On June 17, 1843, the membership was increased by the addition of W. Barton, M. Mosier, G. Capron, L. Harvey, I. W. Weed, J. Corby, J. D. O. Mills, Joshua Hamblin, D. Prendergast, J. W. Hatch, Charles Meigs and E. Fanning. On April 19, 1843, under the revised ordinances, the company was received into the department, and the members who subscribed to the 190 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, ordinances were duly approved by the trustees; and thus having been incorporated as a part of the village fire department, the company was given the name of "Fountain Fire Co. No. 4." On March 19, 1846, Lewis S. Abbott was appointed by the trustees to confer with the chief engineer in relation to placing " the hose in charge of Fountain Fire Co ," and was directed to report to the board at its next meeting. The report, however, does not appear on the records, but the early history of the company discloses that in September of that year the bucket system was siibstantially abandoned and the company took charge of the hose, and thenceforth became known and recognized as Fountain Hose Co. No. 4.. The name was more commonly rendered " Fountain Hose No. 4," and was continued without interruption until December 13, 1882, when articles of incorporation were adopted under the name and style of '' Fount am Hose No. 4 Fire Company.'' By the acquisition of the chemical engine common custom informally changed the name to " Fountain Chemical Co.," but the old designations of " Fountain Fours," "Four Hose" and " Fountain Hose" have ever been used in distinguishing the oldest surviving organization of the village fire de- partment. An unbroken record of fifty-seven years of service in the Bingham- ton fire department is found in the history of the company, and during that time wonderful indeed have been the changes wrought. When first formed the company had neither quarters nor apparatus, but through the favor of Phoenix No. 1 the bucket boys (for nearly all of them were then boys) were permitted to occupy the engine companj^'s rooms on Franklin street. Later on they removed to rooms in Solon Stocking's building on the south side of Court street, between Water street and the bridge. However, on June 30, 1845, the trustees deter- mined to erect a building for the use of the hook and ladder and bucket companies on the Court House square, and accordingly, on August 26, Joseph B. Abbott, James Munsell and Nathan Tucker, representing the village, made a contract with Solomon Aldrich to perform the work at the agreed price of $235. In the fall of that year Protection Hook and Ladder Co. and Fountain Bucket Co. occupied their first regular quarters. The former soon passed out of existence, after which Foun- tains occupied the building until it was removed from the square. The next permanent quarters were in Firemen's hall, the company being assigned the north room in that building, with parlors on the second floor. These apartments were for a time shared with old Phoenix No. 1, thus repaying a debt of gratitude incurred in former years. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 191 While quartered in Firemen's hall much of the most interesting his- tory of the company was made, and during that time it acquired the reputation which placed it at the head of the city fire department. In later years the company lost none of its old-time popularity, and while remarkable changes have been witnessed during the period, the stand- ard of efficiency has been constantly advanced. Fountain's members never imitated the example of another company, nor did they in any sense set themselves up as the rivals of another, but, on the contrary, have ever been the originators of advanced departmental reforms. During its nearly three score years of continuous existence, Fountain Hose evolved from a bucket brigade to a chemical engine company, with apparatus of the most modern and approved type. The first ma- chine was a little long wagon with poles and hooks along either side, and on the latter the leather buckets were hung. It was a crude affair but sufficient for its time and in full keeping with the other apparatus of the department. The first hose carriage, or cart, was built by "Joe" Pine, and was then considered a remarkable production, being " double geared," and handsomely painted and ornamented by the artistic hands of James Halsted. The beauty of the carriage, coupled with the popu- larity of the company, gave the latter a certain enviable reputation throughout the state, and so swelled the ranks with members that the organization of another company from Fountain Hose became desirable. Accordingly, in 1856, a number of members withdrew and for-ned Excelsior Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1. Two years later Fountain's membership was again reduced in the same manner to form the effi- cient organization known as Lawyer Hose Co. No, 1, now known as Crystal Hose, for many years one of the most active and enterprising companies of the city fire department. Thus it happened that two of the best companies in the department, both of which have had a con- tinuous growth for a period of more than forty years, were direct out- growth of old Fountain Hose Co. No. 4. In 1863 Henry Per Lee designed the splendid parade carriage which gave Fountain Hose far more than a statewide acquaintance and popu- larity among volunteer fire organizations. The carriage was a marvel of beauty and workmanship, and won praises from the people and press of New York and Philadelphia, as well as all the interior cities and large villages of the regions of New York and Pennsylvania which were visited by the company on festive occasions. Fountain's grand gift entertainment was held in Firemen's hall in 1871, and netted the com- pany a profit of $2,000. In September following was made the famous 192 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, excursion to Albany, Newburg and New York, and in September, 1876, occurred the crowning triumph in the company's popularity in the trip to Philadelphia, in company with Linta Hose, of Towanda, Penna., on the occasion of the Centennial Exposition. In October, 1882, the silver parade carriage was sold to Emerald Hose of Cortland. On December 11 of the same year articles of asso- ciation were adopted. Under this proceeding the company was incorpo- rated under the name of "Fountain Hose No. 4 Fire Company," thus preserving as nearly as possible the old designation by the village trustees in 184:6 The object of the incorporation was the purchase of real estate and the erection of a building for fire department business. The capital stock was $20,000, in shares of $50 each. The corporators were James H. Bartlett, Alexander S. Patten, James H. Arnot, Henry T. Alden, Charles H. Presby, Michael Hanrahan, Fred. W. Welch, James W. Lyon, William H. Watson, Marillo L. Hollister and Theo- dore P. Calkin. The trustees for the first year were Messrs. Bartlett, Pat- fen, Hanrahan, Lyon, Arnot, Alden and Calkin. The three-story brick building (with the lot on which it stands), No. 163 Water street, was purchased in 1883, and was ready for occupancy in August, 1884. The first horse hose carriage was purchased in 1884. This of course was an innovation in the city fire department, but was a successful ven- ture, and the example was afterward followed by the other companies, except Alert No. 2, with whom the idea originated. The result was an increased fire protection for the entire city. However, in 1889 an- other advance step was taken when a committee of the company visited several large cities with a view to purchasing a modern chemical engine. The committee comprised Alexander S. Patten, James W. Lyon, Henry A. Slosson and Charles E. Abbott, and as a result of their investiga- tions the company purchased of vS. F. Haywood & Co , of New York, a "Champion " chemical engine, paying therefor $2,000. The new ap- paratus was given its first trial May 30, 1889. Thus has Fountain Fire company progressed step by step from the primitive bucket brigade of more than half a century ago to the present ownership of the most approved device for extinguishing fires. In 1842 Foreman Morgan's bucket boys proved themselves worthy of recogni- tion by the village trustees in the faithful performance of duty at fires, and in the same manner in subsequent years the succeeding members' of the company have given even better service to the growing city. Throughout the period of its history the rolls of the company show a total membership of more than 600 persons, from among whom have GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 193 been chosen to places of responsibility in political affairs in the city, county and state, some of the best and most worthy incumbents of pub- lic office. Protection Hook and Ladder Company is first mentioned in the pro- ceedings of the village trustees in June, 1842, although the organization is believed to have been formed previous to that time. Thomas H. Parker was its foreman, organizer and guiding spirit, and developed a degree of efficiency that gave his company a special prominence in the early fire department. Moreover, the members of the company were among the most active young men of the village at the time. The apparatus comprised the hooks, ladders, axes and other equipment mentioned on a preceding page, and were kept in the ladder house which has also been described. But it appears that the fire-fighting implements under the company's control were so frequently taken from the ladder house by citizens that the efficiency of the organization was seriously impaired. Hence the company had only a brief existence. Under the constitution adopted in January, 1843, the officers and members of Protection H. & L. Co. were Thomas H. Parker, foreman; Dr. S. D. Hand, 1st assistant; Benjamin N. Loomis, 2d assistant; Will- iam P. Pope, treasurer; William H. Butcher, clerk, and members, Amos G. Hull, Daniel L. Brainard, John B. Ogden, Henry W. Shipman, Samuel Weed, Moses Dutcher, James Angell, David Parker, Francis M. Pratt, B. G. Watkins, Franklin Morse, J. R. Waterhouse, Silas A. New- ton, Charles McKinney, Martin F. Root and L. N. Safiford. In Feb- ruary following there was added to the roll the names of Theron Bur- nett, William Cooper, Thomas Prendergast, O. C. Pooler, Noah Badg- ley, E. H. Benjamin, H. Hotchkiss and Charles Abrams. In March, of the year mentioned, the chief engineer was directed to procure a hook and ladder wagon, at a cost not to exceed $75, and also a supply of rope for the use of Protection company. This was done, but, like the other apparatus, the truck was subject to the depredations of the villagers, and when a fire occurred only one set of wheels and an axle could be found in the ladder house. At the longest, the company's existence was not more than six or seven years. Rescue Engine Company No.j was organized in 1850, and was chiefly composed of residents west of the Chenango river. At first Rescue was undoubtedly an independent company and did not report its mem- bership to the trustees as was the custom of the period if village assist- ance was desired. By reason of this condition the original roll of mem- 13 194 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, bers has not been preserved. The first mention of the company in the records appears m the proceedings of August 7, 1854, when, having complied with the ordinances, the trustees approved of the election of John S. Wells, foreman; B W. Morse, first assistant; J. K. Hamblin, second assistant; R. C. Whitney, secretary; Stephen Houck, treasurer; and Charles Gale, pipeman. When first organized the company was allowed the use of the old goose-neck engine, previously in charge of No. 1, but at that time the engine was practically worn out and of little service to No. 3, who were the chosen guardians of property on the ' 'Canada" side of the river ; but notwithstanding the possible inferiority of their apparatus the com- pany v/as well organized and officered, and included in its membership many substantial young men of the First ward. The members leased a building on the east side of Front street, a few rods south of Alain street, which was arranged for temporary occupancy, but after the company had been reorganized the village purchased of Benjamin F. Sisson a lot adjoining his residence on the north. Negotiations to this end had been pending for a few months but the serious illness of Mr. Sisson about that time was the occasion of some delay. The engine house was built in 1863, but on May 11, 1866, the taxpayers voted $1,000 for a new building. Some time elapsed, however, before the en- gine house was finally completed. The site is now occupied by the comfortable quarters of Alert Hose No. 2, the latter being the almost direct outgrowth of and successor to Rescue No. 3. On April 10, 1855, at a special election the taxpayers voted to appro- priate $1,000 to purchase new apparatus for No. 3, and soon afterward a Button engine of good capacity was secured. Thus equipped, the company took a prominent place in the fire department, but in 1859, owing to some unfortunate misunderstanding, the men refused to obey an order of Chief De Witt while on duty at a fire, upon which that vigilant officer locked the engine house doors and relieved the company from further service to the village. On May 10 a reorganization was effected under the sanction of the trustees and at the request of many citizens of the First ward. The new officers were John S. Wells, fore- man; Lewis S. Abbott, first assistant; Charles Gale, second assistant; H. S. Hitchcock, secretary and treasurer. Including officers, the com- pany numbered forty members. After the reorganization No. 3 gave the village excellent service until the completion of the water works, when its usefulness was practi- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 195 cally destroyed by the superior capacity of the city pumping machinery. Soon afterward the company was dissolved, and was succeeded by Ford Hose Co., the latter having come into existence in 18G8. On August 1, 1869, the company was reorganized under the name of Alert Hose Co. No. 2. — This company for a period of thirty years has been one of the active and progressive elements of the city fire depart- ment, and through the watchfulness and energy of its members has secured its full share of "first waters." The first hose cart was built by M. McMahon, and was considered one of the best in the city at that time. In 1882 the company was the first to introduce a horse hose cart, and two years later appeared with two splendid grey horses, the fleetest team in the department for several years. To add still further to its fairly earned laurels, the company in 1886 purchased a combined hose cart and chemical engine, and thus took first rank in department circles. The chemical apparatus was afterward removed from the cart (an un- doubted mistake on the part of the city) and since that time Alerts have done effective service as a hose company alone. A grand gift enter- tainment in 1885 netted the company $1,800, which was largely used in fitting up and furnishing the company quarters. The present members number about eighty men, and the company is regarded as one of the mainstays of the city fire department. During the period of its history Alert Hose No. 2 has furnished the department a full quota of its most capable oflficers. Independent Engine Co. No. 5, was organized March 3, 1853, and, as indicated by the name, was independent of the control and authority of the village trustees. At the time there was need of just such a com- pany in Binghamton, and the constituent members of No. 5 possessed the requisite spirit to effect an organization and purchase apparatus without aid from the corporate exchequer. The first engine, which was purchased by Abraham De Witt, was paid for almost wholly by the members, the fund therefor being increased by generous citizens of the village. On February 3, 1855, the company was recognized by the trustees, and on May 12 following was placed under control of the chief engineer. At the same time the board appropriated $200 for the company's expenses for the current year. The original members of the company were Abraham De Witt, Will- iam H. Stilwell, H. B. Clark, Ansel K. Martin, Matthew Allen, John Bally, C. W. Tracy, H. F. Sterling, R. D. Curtis, J. N. Martin, M. L. Murphy, N. B. Ellis, B. A. De Witt, J. L. Buck, Washington S. Hard- 196 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, ing, H. P. Bates, J. F. Gary, T. G. Negus, E. R. Jones, James Van Gor- den, G. Bissell, William Quaif, Samuel S. Mantz, T. Holbert, George Jacoby, Oliver W. Loomis, John Rennie, Thomas Welch, Martin Ger- man, J. C. Purple, C. A. Vliet, J. L. Purple, H. P. Gilbert, Hiram San- ders, F. Weyant, E. D. Tracy, William De Witt, Seymour S. Horton, C. St. John, Robert Bartholomew, John S. Hinds, R. Chase, C. S. Bur- rows, W. W. Harvey, Benj. De Voe, Jacob C. Robie, B. S. Campbell, Charles Coles, James L. Finch, Thomas Eastwood, M. H. Ganun, S. J. Hall, Arnold Newcomb, Edward Taylor, D. Sullivan, Wm. P. Minor, Isaac W. Sleight, O. S. Tracy, C. H. Williams. The first officers were Abraham De Witt, foreman; William H. Stil- well, 1st assistant; H. B. Clark, 2d assistant; Ansel K. Martin, 1st pipeman; Matthew Allen, 2d pipeman; John Bally, secretary; C. W, Tracy, financial secretary; H. F. Sterling, treasurer; R. D. Curtis, steward. About 1860, after two unsuccessful attempts by private corporative companies to establish a water works system in the village, and after a like futile endeavor by the village trustees, the business men and mem- bers of the fire department presented the question of procuring a steam fire engine. Such apparatus was then regarded a public necessity, but the trustees were slow to act. The proposition was finally presented at a meeting of the board held May 16, 1862, but was voted down. On June 13 following the measure was revived and all the trustees voted for an appropriation of $1,000 for the purpose mentioned. But before the board had taken further action in the matter, in the summer of 1862, Independent Engine Co. No. 5 purchased a steamer, and on Au- gust 7 of that year the trustees voted $1,600 toward reimbursing the company's expenditure. In the meantime, on April 3, 1858, the legislature passed " an act to incorporate Independent Engine Co. No. 5, of Binghamton, N. Y.," by which Job N. Congdon, William H. Stilwell, Evan R. Jones, Benjamin De Voe, Tracy R. Morgan, Abraham De Witt, Henry B. Clark, Sey- mour S. Horton, Henry W. Horton, William H. Close, C. G. Williams and their associates were declared to be a body corporate, capable of holding property to the amount of $10,000; were authorized to make and establish b5^-laws, rules and regulations; to appoint not to exceed 75 firemen as members of the company, and to have the care and man- agement of a fire engine. Independent No. 5 was the first company in the department to secure GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 197 an act of incorporation, and was also the first to purchase a steamer for the greater protection of property against loss by fire. The active his- tory of the company covered a period of less than 20 years, yet during that time it developed a degree of efficiency equal to that of any similar organization in the state. Its first hand engine was purchased by Abra- ham DeWitt and was of good capacity, but was soon exchanged for another of more improved type. Still later, in 1863, came the first steamer, which was eventually sold about the time the water works was established, after which the company for a time manned the new steam- er "City of Binghamton." The latter, however, was too heavy to be drawn about the unpaved streets with the force of men usually found on the "drag," and the subsequent provision of the council for the use of a team for that purpose so seriously impaired the service of the com- pany that disbandment was a natural result. However, the social com- pany organization was maintained until about 1880. During the entire period of its history the active and honorary rolls of the company showed a total membership of 467, of which number nearly one-half are now dead. American Engine Co. No. 6 was organized by the trustees April 14, 1855, in response to a petition signed by many residents of the Third and Fourth wards. The organization was duly perfected but the com- pany never had any apparatus and -frequently failed to report for duty at fires. For this cause it was disbanded January 28, 1859. Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. No. i was organized chiefly from mem- bers of Fountain Hose Co. No. 4, and in answer to a demand for an efficient hook and ladder company in the village. To this end on Janu- ary 26, 1856, an application was presented to the trustees by more than twenty young men who sought to be incorporated under the village ordinances and received into the department under the name first men- tioned. The petition was signed by N. A. Newton, Erastus R. Camp- bell, H. E. Norton, L. H. Clussman, Henry Per Lee, James B. Bodle, R. B. Whitney, Len. Clearwater, Hiram Sanders, Charles D. Rogers, H. W. Miner, Harris G. Rodgers, C. Rodgers, Daniel Wheeler, Sherman Harris, Henry C. Jackson, H. Clay Preston, Charles W. Sears, Hiram C. Rodgers, Albert Phyfe, George' H. Cooke, D. J. H. Chubbuck and Chauncey B. Waterman. The proposition to form a truck company in the village was received with general favor and the request of the applicants was immediately granted. On March 6, 1856, at a special election held for the purpose, 198 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. an appropriation was voted for the purchase of apparatus and supplies for the new company, after which a duly appointed committee secured a good, light, serviceable "Sickles" truck, with all the necessary lad- ders, hooks, axes and buckets usual to the complete equipment of a modern hook and ladder company. Thus was brought into existence one of the most eflficient and relia- ble companies of the village fire department, and one which has had a continuous and progressive history to the present time. ExceLsior Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, more frequently referred to as the "Truck," has always been noted for the substantial character of its membership and also for the general conservatism of its policy. It never made an application to the trustees or the council without more than a reason- able cause, while much of the unimportant equipment was provided at the company's expense. But notwithstanding its controlling policy, the company was never justly charged with lack of enterprise or progress- ive spirit, for it has ever been fully up to the standard of the depart- ment; and its present condition indicates that all measures of improve- ment have received proper consideration. The original truck which the company used so many years was pur- chased at an expense of $475 and in 1856 was regarded as a wonderful apparatus, especially when compared with the crude equipment of old Protection Hook & Ladder Co. of still earlier years. The improved truck was designed for hand use, and a dozen boys on the drag would frequently make lively work for the man on the tiller. Occasionally on annual parade the apparatus was drawn by a team, thus lending greater dignity to the event. After the village became a city team use was regularly employed and the previously much sought office of " til- lerman " became hazardous in attempting to keep pace with the running horses. However, the old truck was a valuable apparatus and is still retained in the department for use in emergency. The present apparatus is a Hayes truck of the improved order, and was purchased in 1891 at a cost ot $3,250. Three horses are used in handling it. In 1890 the fire commissioners purchased a lot of land on the west side of Water street, on which in the following year the council caused the erection of a comfortable brick building for the use of the company. On March 11, 1881, Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 was regu- larly incorporated, and thereby acquired the right to purchase and hold real estate and other property. Lawyer Hose Co. No. i. This company was organized during the GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 199 summer of 1858, and was comprised of former members of Fountain Hose with a less number of interested young men of the village who realized the necessity of a new hose company in the department. The preliminaries being settled, application was made to the trustees for admission to the department. On August 17 the matter was considered by the board and the request was granted. At that time the officers and members of the company were as follows: William S. Lawyer, foreman; E. De Silva, assistant foreman; Laurel L. Olmsted, secre- tary; J. H. Kellogg, treasurer; Milton S. Lewis, J. Sherman Ogden and Charles Pierce, trustees, and Benjamin DeVoe, Wm. H. Nash, George L. Lawyer, D. D. Gregory, Asa D. Gates, Judson M. Spauld- ing and L. B. Freeman. As the name indicates, Lawyer Hose was so called in allusion to William S. Lawyer, one of the organizers and the first foremen of the company, and who had previously held the office of foreman of Foun- tain No. 4. After being equipped with a good duty cart. Lawyer Hose entered upon a career of usefulness which soon gained for it an enviable stand- ing in the department. Its numerical strength was perhaps not so great as some other companies, yet in general efficiency and prompt attention to duty it was the equal of any. Indeed, it was said that the organization of No. 1 had a stimulating effect upon the entire depart- ment, and elevated the standard of the latter to a degree of efficiency not previously known. From the time of organization to the latter part of 1865 the history of Lawyer Hose was a record of continued success, but in the year mentioned, on account of disturbing elements in the company, a re- organization was necessary. The causes of discontent having been removed, the old-time service was restored and continued throughout the remaining years of the company's existence under its original name ; and the record thus established was one of the chief inheritances of its immediate successor. Crystal Hose Co. No. i was a continuation of Lawyer Hose, the name having been changed July 14, 1869. The membership then, as pre- viously, comprised many active young men of the city, and in later years the organization enlarged upon the foundation so substantially laid by its predecessor. Crystal Hose is n^w thirty years old, and throughout that period it has ranked among the best fire companies in the department. Its first apparatus was a skeleton duty cart, while on 200 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, public occasions the men appeared in neat regulation uniforms, draw- ing an attractive "Crab " parade carriage; but not being fully content with the latter, about 1870 the company purchased a handsome Crystal carriage at a cost of $2,500. It was elaborately rebuilt in 1870, at an additional cost of $2,500, and when completed was regarded as one of the most beautiful devices of its kind in the country. About 1888, after the fire department had passed the exhibition period and become a strictly business organization, the carriage was sold to Werner Hose Co., of Kingston, N. Y. Crystals first appeared with a horse on the duty cart about 1885, but about five years later a second horse was added, thus keeping even pace with the growth of the city, the department, and the company's constant aim to furnish the best possible service in a purely volunteer organization. In 1892 the police commissioners engaged the services of Crystal Hose as a patrol wagon, in payment for which $600 is annually added to the company treasury. A glance at the membership rolls of Lawyer and Crystal Hose Cos. discloses the names of some of the foremost business and professional men of Binghamton. The aim and ambition of both organizations was accomplished, and the village and subsequent city hav^e profited there- by. The department, too, has secured some of its best officials from the ranks of Lawyer and Crystal Hose Cos. Otseningo Hose Co. No. j was organized by the trustees August 19, 1858, in answer to a petition for a hose company to be attached to Res- cue Engine Co., and to be stationed west of the Chenango river. The company, however, had only a brief existence. Among its earliest members were Almond Taylor, A. H. Allard, G. W. Stone, Levi R. Johnson, John Van Wagoner, Schuyler Holland, Robert C. Whitney and John Herrick. From 1858 to the establishment of the water system no attempt was made to organize anothsr fire company in the village. During this period the department was sufficient for the business interests and pop- ulation and was in all respects a well equipped and efficient body. In 1862 Chief Fred. A. Morgan made an exhaustive report to the board of of trustees, and was so thorough in his review that the communication was deemed worthy of publication in pamphlet form. From the report we make liberal extracts that the reader may know something of the character and quality of the fire department at that time. "The department consists of a chief, two assistant engineers, two GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 201 first-class hose carriages, two first-class jumpers and one first-class hook and ladder truck, all in good order, except Engine No. 1." " There is now in the basement of Firemen's hall two old engines and two old jumpers, which are perfectly useless to this corporation, and I would recommend that your honorable body take No. 1 engine, which is greatly out of repair, together with the old engines and jumpers, and negotiate with some engine builder for a new engine for No. I's com- pany, as the men are greatly discouraged and it is with the greatest difificulty that they can be kept together." " Your honorable body should bear in mind that the corporation owns but one effective engine — No. 3. No. 5 is owned by the company, and is hired from year to year, and they could at any time take the engine out of service, which would leave us in rather bad condition as regards engines. Lawyer Hose owns its own carriage and jumper, and receives for services $50 per annum besides running expenses. Fountain Hose Co, owns its own jumper, but the corporation owns the carriage, and I would recommend that the company receive the same compensation as other companies as it does all its duty with the jumper." "The expenses for the year are as follows: Phoenix Engine Co., $10.39; Excelsior H. & L. Co., $13.59; W. S. Lawyer Hose Co. No. 1, $56.90; Rescue Engine Co. No. 3, $51.28; Fountain Hose Co. No. 4, $9.84; Independent Engine Co. No. 5, services, $200; total, $342. General bill for hose repairs, $26.50. Total expense, $368.50." The report continues: " We have now three cisterns, located as fol- lows: One in the First ward, corner of Oak and North streets; two in the Fourth ward, one at the corner of Coart and Carroll, and the other at the corner of Pine and Fayette streets. All are in good order. There has been built in the past year two run-ways to the river, one in the First ward near the residence of D. D. Denton (now Fred. M. Weed's), and the other in the Fifth ward, near Hawley street, which, with the cisterns, are of great convenience to the department." The chief, in describing the several companies of the department, comments as follows: Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, located in Firemen's hall, truck and apparatus in good order; house in good condition; number of men, 45; officers, H. G. Rodgers, foreman, D. L. Brownson, assistant, T. T. Mersereau, secretary, H. W. Miner, treasurer. Phoenix Engine Co. No. 1, located in Firemen's hall; engine greatly out of repair; house in good condition; number of men, 62; officers, 202 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, R. H. McCune, foreman, S. A. Smith, 1st assistant, F. Holmes, 2d assistant. W. S. Lawyer Hose Co. No. 1, located in Firemen's hall; carriage and jumper in good order; house in good condition; number of men, 57; carry 1,000 feet of hose; officers, George L. Lawyer, foreman, George C. Hemingway, assistant, George R. Munsell, secretary, Benj. De Voe, treasurer. Rescue Engine Co. No. 3, located No. 72 Front street; engine in good order; house in very bad condition; should be rebuilt; number of men, 52; officers, Robert Barnes, foreman, Chas. Dilly, 1st assistant, Henry Youngs, 2d assistant, A. W. Carl, secretary, W. J. Rennie, treasurer. Fountain Hose Co. No. 4, located in Firemen's hall; carriage and jumper in good order; house in good condition; number of men, 53; carry 1,000 feet of hose; officers, James H. Bartlett, foreman, Chas. Gale, assistant, Chas. H. Smith, secretary, H. De Hart, treasurer. Independent Engine Co. No. 5, located in Firemen's hall ; house in good order; engine and apparatus in good condition; number of men, 74; officers. Job N. Congdon, foreman, S. S. Horton, 1st assistant,. W. H. Close, 2d assistant, H . C. Perkins, recording secretary, J. R. Water- house, financial secretary, T. R. Morgan, treasurer. The incorporation of the city in 1867, and the introduction of a pump- ing system of water works in the same year, led to a complete revolu- tion of the fire department. The old brake hand engines of former years at once lost their usefulYiess, and even the utility of the steamer was for the time impaired. With the reorganization which followed soon after the events noted the old apparatus was consigned to store rooms and other obscure places, but a part of it was eventually sold to junk dealers and others. The old engines, which were used succes- sively by Water Witch, Phoenix No. 1 and Rescue No. 3, with the equally primitive goose neck which brought fame to Cataract No. 2, were disposed of in the manner indicated, while the more modern ma- chines of the village department gave later service to companies in other places. Our present city department has few remaining relics of its earliest period. If it were possible that the coffee mill or the goose necks could again appear on our public streets the most interested spectators in the crowds around them would be men now past the three-score period of life. To them the scene would have a rejuvenat- ing effect in suggesting days long gone by, when they once ran with the machine. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 203 The real surviving companies of the reorganization of 1867-68 were Fountain and Lawyer Hose and Excelsior H. & L. companies, neither of which lost its identity in the changes then effected. Mechanic's Hose was the outgrowth of old Phoenix No. 1. Alert Hose was the successor of Rescue No. 3, but the duty performed by each was of a character unlike that of their predecessors. The later hose companies, Independent No. 5, Rockbottom No. 6, and Protection No. 7 were orig- inal formations and were designed to furnish more complete protec- tion to property in outlying districts. At a little later period the steamer "City of Binghamton " again came into use, and as the city itself increased in size and business im- portance still another steam engine became a necessity. Then, about 1885, the city purchased the ' ' Bennett, " a good steamer of the La France type. In January, 1899, the efficiency of the department was still fur- ther increased by the purchase of another and more powerful La France steamer. Our prosperous city makes a fair provision for the maintenance of its fire department, but the spirit of liberality came only after long years of waiting on the part of the companies ; and it was difficult to impress upon the official mind the real need of a well compensated department, or that the purely volunteer services of the firemen were of any money value. The village trustees made occasional small contributions to the engine companies in return for their services, yet the first board of aldermen could hardly understand why Fountain and Lawyer Hose Cos. should make a request for expense money, or that either had made more than a nominal outlay in its own behalf. This matter was before the council in 1868, upon the petition of the companies referred to. On the part of Fountains, it was shown that the expenditures from 1862 to 1867 on account of hose carriage and other equipment was $4,308.37, and that during the time the village had paid the company only $250. The expenses of Lawyer Hose from 1865 to 1867 were $1,723.65, while the amount received from the trustees was $100. The petitions mentioned were well supported by substantial argu- ments and so impressed the council that a special election was ordered held on May 25, 1868, to determine whether $5,000 should be raised by special tax for fire department purposes. The proposition was carried by a good majority, and soon afterward the council voted to pay Foun- tain and Lawyer Hose Cos. $200 per annum for their services. The same compensation was also paid to other companies as they were 204 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT. formed, but this was the beginning of the compensation system in the department. About the same time the council was authorized to raise in the city budget the sum of $1,000 for department purposes. The amount comfortably maintained the companies at the time, but as the city has subsequently increased in area, and population, so, too, have the appropriations been enlarged to a present authorized total of $30,000 for the use of the commissioners. The council, however, does not al- low the board the full amount. The creation of the city and the construction of the water works at about the same time placed the council in a position of uncertainty as to the actual requirements of the fire department. The hand engines were no longer of use, and the question for determination was as to the number of hose companies necessary for the ample protection of prop- erty. The matter was decided in the course of a year or two, when three new companies were formed. These were Ford Hose (now Alert No. 2), successor to Rescue Engine Co. No. 3, of which mention has been made; Protection No. 3, and Independent No. 5. About the same time, as has been stated on a preceding page. Phoenix Engine Co. No. 1 became Mechanic's Engine Co. No. 1, but soon afterward chang- ed both name and character and became Mechanic's Ho.se Co. No. 6. The mention of these companies naturally suggest some allusion to each of them, and also to the only other and more recent company. Rock- bottom Hose Co. No. 7. Mechanic s Engine Co. No. i is first mentioned in the council pro- ceedings of May 4, 1868. The company was the outgrowth of the old Phoenix No. 1, but a few months after the water works was completed the engine was replaced with a hose cart, upon which the organization became known as Mechanic's Hose Co. No. 6. The company was in- corporated Dec. 18, 1883. For a period of thirty years this has been one of the hardest working companies of the department; a purely business organization from which much was expected and from which much has been received. Its duty has been honestly and faithfully performed, and when other companies purchased horses, Mechanic's did the same. It now occupies quarters in the central station and is ever ready for action. Protection Hose Co. No. j was organized February 26, 1869, and was received into the department by the common council May 8, following, with direction to the chief engineer to place with the company " any apparatus not now in use, and to furnish as much hose as can be spared GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 205 by the department." Thus Protection Hose had an humble beginning-, but its value to the city was soon apparent and the citizens of the north side assisted in the purchase of a suitable duty cart. The horse hose cart came at a later date. The company now numbers 75 members, and comprises a highly efficient body of men. Independent Hose Co. No. 5 was received into the department in 1869, and was quartered in the east end of the Gaylord block, on South Main street, (now Vestal avenue). Later on it occupied rooms in the Dilly shop, but in 1881 the city built a brick building at the south end of the Washington street bridge. The present commodious quarters were erected in 1897-98. Number 5 is one of the mainstays of the fire de- partment, and the especial guardian of the Fifth ward. Its horse hose cart was purchased in 1896; the second horse was added in 1898. The company was incorporated March 16, 1886. Its present member- ship is 45 men ; and as determined a lot of workers as ever faced a fire. Rockbottom Hose Co. No. 7 was organized in 1875, and was comprised chiefly of young men residing in the locality known as " Millville. " Their territory was a manufacturing district in which an outbreak of fire demanded immediate attention. The company was formed for such emergencies and subsequent events showed the efficiency of the organ- ization. After several years occupancy of a little frame building on Carroll street, the city erected comfortable quarters for the company on Whitney street, near Carroll, from which point No. 7 covers its orig- inal territory and is also within convenient reach of the business center of the city. The company was incorporated March 23, 1885, and soon afterward appeared with a substantial horse hose cart. The Binghamton fire department at the present time comprises Crystal Hose Co. No. 1, quartered at the Fire Station; Alert Hose Co. No. 2, on Front street; Protection Hose Co. No. 3, on State and Chenango streets; Fountain Hose No. 4 Fire Co. (chemical), on Water street; Independent Hose Co., No. 5, on De Russey street; Mechanic's Hose Co. No. 6, at the Fire Station; Rockbottom Hose Co. No. 7, on Sherman Place; Excelsior Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, on Water street; and also the steamers " City of Binghamton," "Bennett," and the recently acquired La France engine as yet unnamed. The latter is held in readiness for immediate use, and the others in reserve. The affairs of the department are managed by the board of fire com- missioners, comprising William F. Lentz, James W. Lyon, Alvin D. Fancher and Irving W. Butler. In action the department is under 20G BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, command of Chief Engineer Charles N. Hogg, who is constantly on duty. The first assistant engineer is James Eldridge, and the second, A. H. Lyon. In 1898 the commissioners provided a horse, wagon and driver for the chief, and a horse for first assistant. The department comprises an aggregate of more than 500 men. Central Fire Station — 1899. Collectively, and in the personal character of the members compris- ing its several companies, the Binghamton fire department holds a posi- tion in the front rank of the volunteer firemen of the country, and compared with similar organizations in cities of equal size with ours, in equipment, efficiency and disicipline the Binghamton department stands at the head. Discipline was one of the organic laws embodied in the ordinances regulating the fire department of the village as es- tablished in 1834, and the trustees went so far as to impose a fine upon every person elected to office in the department and who refused to serve. Company members were subject to like penalties for non- attendance at fires or other neglect of duty as firemen. The lesson of GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 207 obedience was well learned during the early history of the department, and the spirit and letter of the principle have been cardinal features of each successive period of advancement in this branch of city govern- ment from 1834 to 1900. The results of this early forethought and provision are manifest in each annual review; and the superiority of the local department was never more strikingly demonstrated than in the grand pageant of fire companies in the city in August, 1898. On that occasion no less than eight local companies appeared in full uni- form and marched and maneuvered according to approved military tactics. In at least one other respect has our fire department enjoyed a special prominence, and that in the excellent personal character of the individual members comprising the several companies. This, too, ap- pears to have been an inherent trait handed down from the original generation of village firemen. A casual glance at the rolls of members comprising the fire department from 1834 to 1843 will disclose the names of men who afterwards filled high places in business, professional and political life, and who were men of high moral charcter. Indeed, the original hook and ladder companies were chosen from the best men in the place, and as the department afterward increased with the village population the best element of society found a place in the company ranks. This same commendable spirit has prevailed throughout all subsequent years, and to-day the personnel of the companies compris- ing our enlarged department numbers hundreds of men of mental and moral worth . In organizing the first fire department of the village the trustees authorized the men to elect their own company officers, and while no special provision appears to have been made for the higher officers the trustees reserved that authority to themselves. Under the revised ordinances the companies held an annual election of department officers, but the period was not without its disturbances, and the office of chief engineer was occasionally required to be filled by the trustees through some disagreement among the firemen. The village records indicate such a condition in 1842, when the board recommended the appoint- ment of Peter Miller as chief, and Tracy R. Morgan as assistant engi- neer. A few months afterward both resigned and the trustees appointed Major Augustus Morgan as chief, with power to select his own assistant. However, after the ordinances relating to the department were more fully revised, and especially after the companies had adopted constitu- 208 BINGHAxMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, tions for their own government, the positions of chief and assistant engineer were regularly filled at an annual election. Unfortunately, the early department officers kept no records; at least, none are now in ex- istence. The village records, so far as they relate to fire department elections, are incomplete. Previous to 1852 there was neither depart- ment clerk nor treasurer, the only officers being the chief and his assistant. Under the charter of 1851 the offices of second assistant chief, clerk and treasurer were authorized to be filled at the annual department election. From 1852 to 1888 all department officers were elected by the companies, but in the year last mentioned the legisla ture revised the city charter and established a board of fire commission- ers. Since that time the department officers have been appointed by the board and have no fixed term of office. The act establishing the board provided for the appointment of four commissioners, two from each of the principal political parties of the state; and according to its provisions, on June 30, 1888, the mayor, Tracy R. Morgan, designated William F. Lentz commissioner for four years, WilHam S. Lawyer for three years, Jerome De Witt for two years, and Frank Stewart for one year. Subsequent appointments have been made for a term of four years. The mayor is ex- officio a member of the board, but has no vote in the councils of the board unless in case of tie. The first commission began its duties July 10, 1888, and since that time the afEairs and control of the firemen and fire department have been under its management. The act was certainly a wise provision of law, and has had the effect to entirely eliminate all discordant ele- ments from the department. Previous to the enactment of 1888 the annual department election occasionally partook of the unwholesome semblance of a heated political contest and unfriendly rivalries some- times followed. Now all is changed and under the present system perfect harmony prevails, and the greatest degree of efficiency is at- tained. The first board of commissioners comprised four veteran fire- men, each of whom possessed the entire confidence both of the depart- ment and the people. Subsequent appointees have likewise been chosen with reference to their capacity and worth, and their labors have elevated this branch of city government to a standing hardly hoped for by the most zealous advocates of the commissioner system. The per- sonnel of the commision will be found on a later page of this chapter. The fire department was incorporated under an act of the legislature GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 209 passed April 33, 1869, providing that "all such persons as now are or hereafter may be engineers of the fire department of the city of Bing- hamton, or members of any company recognized by the common council, are hereby constituted a body corporate and politic, by the name of ' The Fire Department of the City of Binghamton.' " Under the act the department was authorized to purchase and hold real estate not exceeding in value the sum of $10,000, but its principal object was to accumulate a fund for the relief of indigent members who were in- jured in the actual performance of their duties as firemen, or such other persons as had become entitled to and received their certificates of ex- emption as firemen, and also for the relief of families of the aforesaid persons. Otherwise the fund was made available for the purchase of a firemen's burial lot in Spring Forest cemetery, and the erection there- on of a suitable monument; also for the endowment of a firemen's bed in the city hospital, and an annual expenditure of $300 on the occasion of the firemen's parade. The trustees of the incorporated department comprise the chief and the assistant engineers, the department clerk and the treasurer and the foremen of the several companies. The chief engineer is ex-officio pres- ident of the board of trustees, and the clerk and treasurer of the de- partment, perform their respective duties in connection with the cor- porate body. The firemen's burial lot in Spring Forest cemetery was purchased August 33, 1869, and contains 3,738 square feet of land. The splendid monument was erected in 1873. The department fund aggregates about $15,000. It is derived chiefly from the authorized as- sessments levied on non-state fire insurance companies doing business in the city. Having thus referred at length to the origin, growth and develop- ment of the Binghamton fire department, it is proper in closing this chapter to furnish a list of the department officers. However, as has been stated, the early records relating to this subject are both defective and incomplete, from which fact the years of service of several of the officers cannot be given. FIRE DEPARTMENT CIVIL LIST. Chief Engineers. — Joseph K. Rugg, Henry M. Collier, Peter Miller, appointed May 18, 1843, resigned Aug. 4, 1843; Maj, Augustus Mor- gan, appointed Aug. 4, 1843; Tracy R. Morgan, 1843; Levi Dimmick, 1844; Levi M. Rexford, 1845; George Bartlett, declined to serve; 14 210 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Frederick A. Morgan, 1848; Jacob Morris, 1851-55; Frederick A. Mor- gan, 1856-58; Abraham De Witt, 1859-60; Frederick A Morgan, 186'l-64; William S. Lawyer, 1865-66; Erastus R. Campbell, 1867-72; Edward A. Roberts, 1873; Harlan G. Blanding, 1874; Stephen B. Brass, 1875; James W. Lyon, 1876; William F. Lentz, 1877-78 ; Jerome DeWitt, 1879-80; Albert W. Lockwood, 1881; Frank W. Lovelace, 1882; Dan S. Burr, 1883; Loren S. Harding, 1884-85; John F. Morris- sey, 1886; Frank Stewart, 1887; Fred. W. Welch, 1888; Frank B. Newell, 1889-90; Irving W. Butler, 1891; Charles N. Hogg, 1892-(now chief). First Assistant Engineers. — Tracy R. Morgan, 1842; John D. Day, 1843; Tracy R. Morgan, 1844; Abraham DeWitt, 1848; Job N. Cong- don, 1851-52; Ashbel Fred. Stone, 1853;Ashbel F. Stone, 1854; Wm. E. Abbott, 1855; J. Stuart Weils, 1856; Abraham DeWitt, 1857-58; H. Clay Preston, 1859; Hiram C. Rodgers, 1860-61; Evan R. Jones, 1862; Benj. DeVoe, 1863; Lewis S. Abbott, 1864; Isaiah S. Dunham, 1865; Erastus R. Campbell, 1866; David L. Brownson, 1867; Henry F. Steb- bins, 1868; Robert Crozier, 1869-71; Stephen B. Drass, 1872; Horace E. Allen, 1873; Stephen B. Drass, 1874; James W. Lyon, 1875; William F. Lentz, 1876; Irving W. Butler, 1877; Jerome DeWitt, 1878; Samuel J. Bennett, 1879-80; Frank W. Lovelace, 1881; Dan S. Burr, 1882; Loren S. Harding, 1883; John F. Morrissey, 1884; Frank Stewart, 1885; Thos. F. Baker, 1886; Paul A. Malles, 1887; Thomas F. Lynch, 1888; John J. Farrell, 1889; M. F. Whalen, 1890; Charles N. Hogg, 1891; James Eldridge, 1892. Second Assistant Engineers. — Abraham De Witt, special election March 7, 1856; Lewis S. Abbott, 1857; H. Clay Preston, 1858; Erastus R. Campbell, 1859; Myron A. Holmes, 1860; Evan R. Jones, 1861; Lewis S. Abbott, 1862; Elijah F. Bloomer, 1863; Charles Gale, 1864; Jordan Lockwood, 1865; John A. McNamara, 1866 ; Henry F. Stebbins, 1867; Frederick Severson, 1868; Fred. A. Holmes, 1869; Charles Per- kins, 1870; Lee Dawson, 1871; Wm. H. Van vSlyck, 1872; Harlan G. Blanding, 1873; James W. Lyon, 1874; Dan S. Burr, 1875; Irving W. Butler, 1876; Jerome DeWitt, 1877; Samuel J. Bennett, 1878; James Van Emburg, 1879; Albert W. Lockwood, 1880; Dan S. Burr, 1881; Loren S. Harding, 1882; John Morrissey, 1883; Samuel W. Avery, 1884; Fred. W. Welch, 1885; Paul A. Malles, 1886; Wm. H. Gohring, 1887; Martin F. Whalen, 1888; James W. Aldrich, 1889; Thomas Christian, 1890; Jas. Eldridge, 1891; A. H. Lyon, 1892. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 211 (r/^r/^.f.— Vincent Graves. 1852-61 ; Abraham DeWitt, 1861-63; J. W. Williams, 1864; Abraham DeWitt, 1865-80; George H. Foster, 1881; Owen J. Coughlin, 1882; Thomas C. Baker, 1883; Charles A. Everett, 1884; S. D. Reynolds, 1885; J. M. Kenwood, 1886; Thomas Lynch, 1887; Fred. Michelbach, 1888-97; Henry C. Maxwell, 1898. Treasurers.— 1:x2lcy R. Morgan, 1852; J. T. Brodt, 1853; Fred. A. Morgan, 1854-55; James S. Gary, 1856-58; Fred. A. Morgan, 1859; George L. Lawyer, 1860; H. Clay Preston, 1861-66; Lewis S. Abbott, 1867; John A. McNamara, 1868; Lewis S. Abbott, 1869-76; Alexander S. Patten, 1870-98; William W. Sisson, 1898. Fire Commissioners. — William F. Lentz (four years), William S, Lawyer (three years), Jerome De Witt (two years), Frank Stewart (one year), appointed June 30, 1888; Frank Stewart, 1889; Jerome DeWitt, 1890, resigned May 26, 1890, and James W. Lyon appointed to the vacancy; Joseph Gilbert, 1891; William F. Lentz, 1892; Frank Stew- art, 1893, resigned February 21. and Alvin D. Fancher appointed ; James W. Lyon, 1894; Joseph Gilbert, 1895; William F. Lentz, 1896; Alvin D. Fancher, 1897; James W. Lyon, 1898; Irving W. Butler, 1899. The Simpson Medal. — The idea of awarding a gold medal to members of the fire department originated in 1889, with one of Binghamton's public-spirited citizens — John B. Simpson — an ex-fireman and retired manufacturer. The purpose of the medal is to show proper apprecia- tion of valor on the part of an active fireman on duty. The award is not made indiscriminately, and only for acts of pure, unselfish heroism, and is left to the discretion of the commissioners. One medal annual- ly is awarded if the commissioners decide that an act worthy of the gift has been performed. The prize was first splendidly won by George Allen, of Crystal No. 1, March 24, 1893. EXEMPT FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION. This notable organization of veteran firemen was brought into exist- ence June 10, 1860, under the provision of law which declared that "any fireman who shall have served five years in any recognized fire company, and who shall have received an honorable discharge, shall be exempt from military duty, or serving as juror in any courts of this state, or from paying a poll tax." On the day mentioned in the preceding paragraph a number of exempt firemen of Binghamton held a meeting and perfected an organization^ adopted a constitution and by-laws, and elected officers for the ensuing 213 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, year. Among other things, the laws of the association provided for duty at fires, when the members devoted themselves to saving and pro- tecting property, preventing the operations of thieving and mischievous persons, forming lines about burning buildings and keeping idlers from interfering with the work of firemen, and also generally performing police .and patrol duty on such occasions. On January 26, 1866, the association organized what was known as Exempts Fire company, which was recognized by the trustees. The officers were Frederick A. Morgan, foreman; Erastus R. Campbell, first assistant; Charles Gale, second assistant; OHver A. Cary, secre- tary, and Hiram Sanders, treasurer. The company had twenty-nine members besides officers. It was a famous veterans' organization, auxiliary to the association, and was of great service both to the village and the department until May 11, 1868, when it was dissolved. The Exempt Firemen's association also had its fraternal and benevo- lent sides, and on numerous occasions gave relief to sick and indigent members, and also to others who were not of their number but who were worthy of help. The members were, and still are, distinguished by a badge, a neat device appropriately inscribed and bearing on its face the symbolic letters of the association. Few indeed of these badges are now in existence, but wherever found are regarded as em- blems of faithful service and an honor to the wearer. Early in its history the association inaugurated the custom of an annual chowder party, a purely festal occasion for both veteran and active fire- men and their friends. Later on and beginning in 1872 an annual clambake was established. These were highly popular events and were well patronized by the laity of the department and business men of the city. The affairs of the association have always been conducted on business principles, yet during its history there have been times when the inter- est waned, or when adverse circumstances compelled a temporary suspension of meetings; but the association never at any time ceased to exist. One of these lapses occurred in 1865-66, another in 1868-72, and a third in 1894-97. Reorganizations were effected in 1873 and 1898. The present members number 114 exempt firemen. The entire roll of membership from the founding of the association includes more than 400 names. The succession of officers since 1860, so far as the records disclose, have been as' follows: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 213 Presidents.— ?rQ^. A. Morgan, 1860; Abraham De Witt, 1861-67; Job N. Congdon, 1873; J. Frank Rice, 1874; Benjamin De Voe, 1875; George L. Lawyer, 1876; Duncan R. Grant, 1877; Henry A. Slosson. 1878; Charles D. Rogers, 1879; Charles Gale, 1880; James H. Bartlett, 1881; S. Foster Black, 1882; James W. Lyon, 1883; W. S. Harding, 1884; John A. McNamara, 1885; A.J. Champagne, 1886; Benj. De Voe, 1887; Henry T. Alden, 1888; Henry A. Slosson, 1889; Frank H. Stephens, 1890-91; Charles D. Rogers, 1892; Charles Gale, 1892-97; Alfred Allen, 1898. Vice-Presidents.—)!. Clay Preston, 1860; Morgan S. Lewis, 1861 Evaiider Spaulding, 1862-67; Benj. DeVoe, 1873; Daniel Lyons, 1874 Charles D. Rogers, 1875; Charles Gale, 1876; Ed. A. Roberts, 1877 Stephen B. Drass, 1878; Wm. F. Lentz, 1879; James H. Bartlett, 1880 S. Foster Black, 1881; James W. Lyon, 1882; Henry A. Slosson, 1883 Seymour S. Horton, 1884; A. J. Champagne, 1885; A. S. Patten, 1886 Henry T. Alden, 1887; Wm. E. Patten, 1888; Louis Kolb, 1889; W. J Stone, 1890-91; George L. Lawyer, 1892; Abraham DeWitt, 1893-97 B. H. Reynolds, 1898. Secretaries. — Benj. De Voe, 1860; George H. Cooke, 1861; Solomon F. Gary, 1862; Laurel L. Olmsted, 1863; Fred. A. Morgan, 1864-65; Oliver A. Gary, 1867; Geo. L. Lawyer, 1873-75; Henry A. Slosson, 1876-77; Geo. L. Lawyer, 1878-81; Wm. H. Mosher, 1882; Geo. L. Lawyer, 1883-88; James M. BuUis, 1889-91; Henry A. Slosson, 1892- 97; James M. Bullis, 1898. Treasurers. — Daniel Lyons, 1860; Erastus R. Campbell, 1861; S. F. Gary, 1862; Lewis S. Abbott, 1863-64; Fred. A. Morgan, 1867; Jno. A. McNamara, 1873-76; Fred. A. Morgan, 1877; S. F. Gary, 1878; Jno. A. McNamara, 1879; Fred. A. Morgan, 1880-85; Henry A. Slos- son, 1886-87; Abraham DeWitt, 1888-92; Job N. Congdon, 1893-97; W. S. Harding, 1898. 214 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, CHAPTER XIII. EDUCATIONAL. The educational system of the village and city of Binghamton has shown a slow, conservative and uniform growth from the early years of the present century, and during that period has developed from the primitive germ into an organism as complete as modern methods can produce. School houses and books now offer to the poorest student the lights and opportunities of knowledge which royalty could not command one and two centuries ago. The highest institutions of learning of a hundred years ago did not afford the opportunity of education equal to that of our present central high school. In the early years of the century the schools in existence were organized in conformity with the State laws, but such mention naturally suggests a brief inquiry into the origin and subsequent growth of our common school system. The King's college in New York city was incorporated in 1754, and was endowed by a lottery and grants of land. At the outbreak of the Revolution it was the only incorporated institution of learning in the colony. In 1784 its name was changed to Columbia college, and in connection with it an extensive scheme of education was devised, in which the college was the center of the system, with branches in dif- ferent parts of the state. The whole was to be under control of a board of " Regents of the University," the latter to consist of the prin- cipal state officers and one member chosen from each religious denom- ination. The board was subsequently increased by the addition of 33 others, 20 of whom resided in New York city. But the whole scheme was found to be impracticable, hence by the act of April 13, 1787, it was superseded by a system which has continued without essential change to the present time. The regents of the university were constituted by the act, and com- prised the governor, lieut. -governor and 19 other persons therein named. The board was given power to incorporate colleges and academies, pro- viding the annual revenue of the latter did not exceed the value of " four thousand bushels of wheat." The latter provision was subse- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 215 quently modified. In 1842 the secretary of state, and in 1854 the superintendent of public instruction, were made ex-ofificio members of the board. The regents inspect the academies of the state, prescribe rules for making their returns, apportion moneys annually distributed among them, and report to the legislature the statistical returns of col- leges and academies, with such recommendations as they deem proper. The members of the board hold their offices for life, unless vacated by resignation, removal from the state, neglect to attend one meeting of the board each year, or accept some office inconsistent with their mem- bership. One or two of the early academic institutions of the village were incorporated by the regents of the university, while our academic school has always been under their control. The office of superintendent of public instruction was created by act of the legislature, March 30, 1854. This officer has general superin- tendence of the public free schools of the state; apportions the public moneys appropriated by the state for the support of schools; gives ad- vice and direction upon questions arising under the school laws; hears and determines appeals involving school controversies, and is charged with general control and management of teachers' institutes. The of- fice is also vested with various other powers not necessary to be men- tioned in this chapter. Previous to the Revolution no general system of education was estab- lished in the state, and all the schools which had been founded were of a private character or the result of special legislation. The necessity of common schools had not then been recognized and education was principally confined to the wealthier classes. In 1787 Gov. Clinton called the attention of the legislature to the subject of education and a law was thereupon passed creating the board of regents. Two years later an act appropriated certain portions of the public lands for gospel and school purposes. In 1793 the regents suggested the establishment of a general system of common schools, and in 1795 the governor strongly advocated the same measure. On April 9, 1795, the legisla- ture passed an act for the purpose of encouraging schools in the several cities and towns of this state, in which the children of inhabitants should be instructed in the English language, or be taught English grammar, arithmetic, mathematics and such other branches of knowl- edge as were most useful and necessary to a good English education. Under the act the sum of $50,000 was to be appropriated annually for five years for the support of common schools. Boards of supervisors 21C BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, were required to raise by tax one- half as much money as they received from the state. Each town was to elect from three to seven commis- sioners to take charge of its schools, examine teachers and apportion the moneys among the several districts. The beneficial result of this system, imperfect as it was, was appar- ent, and in 179S no less than 1,352 schools were organized under its provisions. Further legislative measures were adopted to increase the funds and improve the system, one of which was an act (in 1799) authorizing the raising of $100,000 by four lotteries, seven-eighths of which amount was for the benefit of common schools. In 1801 another like sum was raised by lottery, one-half of which was devoted to the schools. In 1800 the assembly appropriated $50,000 for the support of schools, but the measure was defeated in the senate. During the several years following 1800, the successive governors urged the legis- lature to enact new laws for the encouragement of common schools, yet nothing substantial was accomplished until 1811, when five commis- sioners were appointed to report a complete system of organization. The commissioners reported February 14, 1812, and accompanied their plan with a proposed bill. The former was accepted by the legislature, and the bill became a law. Under the act Gideon Hawley' was ap- pointed superintendent and held the office from 1813 to 1821. The system proved successful, and the changes of subsequent years had the effect to still further improve the condition of the public schools. In 1821 the office of state superintendent was abolished and its duties de- volved upon the secretary of state. In 1835 a law was passed providing for a teachers' department in eight academies, one in each senatorial district. In 1838 the district library system was established, and in 1841 the office of deputy superintendent was created. In 1843 the office of town inspectors of schools was abolished, and that of town superintendent was substituted. On May 7, 1844, an act was passed to ' In 1813 Gideon Hawlcy notified the clerk of Kroome county that the amount of school money apportioned to the county for that year was $423,85. In 1817 the commissioners of common schools of the town of Chenanj^o were Mason Whiting and Oliver Ely. In 1818 the commissioners were Mason Whiting, Horace Williston and Zenas Pratt. In 1830 the town contained twenty entire and two partial districts. The number of children of school age— between five and fifteen years- then in the town was 611 ; number of children attending school, 650; amount of public money apportioned to the town, $180.19. The commissioners in 1820 were Mason Whiting, Oliver Ely and John McKinney ; in 1823, Ammi Doubleday and Thomas G. Waterman ; in 1824. Col. Oliver Ely and Myron Merrill ; 1825, Isaac Tompkins and Augustus Morgan; 1820, Myron JMerrill and William Wentz ; 1827. Mason Whiting, ( )livcr Ely and Augustus Morgan. In 1820 A. C. Flagg, statu super- intendent, apportioned to Broome county $'.)5it.l7. In that year the county's population was l.%s!i;? ; tlie town of Chenango had 7,282 inhabitants, and received $172.10of the public school funds. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 217 establish a State Normal school, and accordingly such an institution was opened at Albany in December of the same year. The establishment of a State Normal school for the professional edu- cation of teachers had been strongly advocated by distinguished friends of the measure for several years, and the grand results accomplished during the early period of its operation led to still other institutions of the same character in different parts of the state. The legislature v\^as constantly besieged with applications looking to that end, and the vil- lage of Binghamton was not without aspirations in the same direction. The proposition was before the village trustees in 1866, when Dr. John G. Orton, Benjamin N. Loomis, William W. Elliott, Cyrus Strong and John B. Bowen were appointed a committee to visit Albany and present the subject to the legislative committee. The request, though strong- ly urged, was not granted. In 1847 the office of county superintendent of common schools was abolished, although the measure was strongly opposed by many of the best friends of education in the state. In the same year teachers' in- stitutes, which had previously existed as voluntary associations, were legally established. They have ever since been maintained and have been productive of great benefit to teachers in the district schools. On March 25, 1849, the legislature passed an act to establish free schools throughout the state. Under the act the old rate bill was abol- ished and the expense of the schools above the state appropriation was made a tax upon the districts. The act was submitted to the people and was sustained by a majority of 3 to 1. The system, however, proved impracticable, in consequence of the lack of uniformity in com- plying with the tax laws, and demands for its repeal poured upon the legislature from all parts of the state. In 1850 the law was again sub- mitted to the people and was again sustained. However in 1851 the free school act was repealed and the rate bill system was restored. Union free schools were authorized under the act of 1853, and with their full organization and operation under the liberal provisions of the law the old tuition academic system soon passed out of existence. The creation of the new system was a complete recognition of the free school principle and was an important step in the progress of education in the state. While the department of schools was a subordinate branch of the department of state it was impossible to give to the former that character and efficiency necessary to the best interests of the schools in general ; but in 1854 the office of superintendent of public instruc- 218 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, tion was created, thus restoring the original system of general super- vision. With the welcome change every branch of education felt a new impulse and constantly improved and developed from that to the pres- ent time. The compulsory education act is one of the most important recent measures, and its effect has been to greatly reduce the ratio of illiteracy and juvenile crime in the state. The office of school commissioner was created in 185G, and by the same act the office of town superintendent was abolished. This sub- stantially restored the county superintendency system, the abolition of which in 1847 was so disastrous to the interests of education. Soon after 18iO provision was made for the maintenance of separate schools for the education of colored children in districts where the association of the whites and negroes was offensive to the people. Such a school was opened in Binghamton about 1845, and was continued several years. In 1861, when the village districts were consolidated a separ- ate school was organized for colored pupils, and was maintained until after Mr. Lincoln's emancipation proclamation of 1868. This subject, however, will be further mentioned on a later page. The early village schools were established in conformity with the laws of the state and chiefly under the act of 1812, to which reference has been made. Tradition says the first school in the vicinity was that owned by Col. William Rose in a little cheerless log house that stood near the Dutch Reformed church at the foot of Mount Prospect. This was as early as 1790 or '91, but the school was soon abandoned in favor of another in the Bevier locality east of the Chenango. This, too, had only a temporary existence, and was soon succeeded by a new school on the west side of the river, in the Squires neighborhood, as near as can now be ascertained. These were the original schools of Bingham- ton, and were opened and supported wholly at private expense. The first teachers were generally men having families, and there was little inclination at the time to place a school under the charge of a young woman. Following Col. Rose, who is remembered as one of the pioneers of the valley, the later teachers in the locality mentioned were a son of General Patterson, a Mr. Fay, Mr. Cook and a Mr. Sleighter, whose Chris 'ian names are lost with the lapse of years. All, however, taught school previous to 1800. So far as any known record discloses there was no regularly organized school in the village previous to the act of February 14, 1812, but in the next year the territory comprised a part of at least two school dis- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 219 tricts, and possibly others. Unfortunately, the old town records of Chenango are lost, and data relating to early schools are meagre and unsatisfactory. It is known that soon after 1813, districts Nos. 3 and 12 were organized and included much of the village tract, the former east and the latter west of the Chenango. On November 23, 1813, Joshua Whitney conveyed to the freeholders of school district No, 3, of the town of Chenango, lot No. 57 in the vil- lage tract of Binghamton, for the purpose of a public school, " and for no other purpose," as the deed recites. Under this conveyance the dis- trict became possessed of the lot at the southeast corner of Washington and Hawley streets, as now known, although at the time Hawley street was nothing more than a lane leading from Water street to vSquires' tannery. The lot originally contained one acre and 27 rods of land, but in opening Hawley street in 1828 one-fourth of an acre was taken for that thoroughfare. Although the land was acquired in 1813, the school house was not built on the lot until many years afterward. One of the earliest schools in this locality was kept in the now called Seymour building, on the northeast corner of Hawley and Washington streets. It was maintain- ed several years, and among its earliest teachers were Pamelia Wentz and Miss Waterhouse. The exact date of erection of the building on the lot donated by General Whitney is unknown. It was for many years a familiar landmark in the village and the survivor of all the old school buildings. It was of brick, one story high, and within its walls many of our now older men and women acquired their early education. In later years the school house was frequently mentioned as Mrs. Mantz' school, that estimable woman having taught the children of the district many terms. The building was in service until 1879, when it was replaced with the large structure known in board of education cir- cles as school No. 2. The present Oak street school is the direct outgrowth of old district No. 12 of the town of Chenango, the latter having been organized in 1813. The trustees' records from 1818 to 1842 are in posses.sion of Charles B. Johnson, son of Thomas Johnson, the latter one of the old district clerks. Of the several districts including portions of the city territory, this was the only one of which any reliable record can now be found. It discloses many interesting facts, both of school and village history, and in a way furnishes information concerning the early resi- dents of the district. The territory of the district included all that part 220 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. of the city west of the Chenango river and a considerable area beyond its limits. Through information gathered from the best sources it appears that the first school house in district No. 12 was built on a lot on the west side of Front street, about on the site now occupied by the Abbott resi- dence. On July 11, 1814, Daniel Le Roy conveyed this lot to " Seeley Squier," David D. Whitmarsh and Daniel Le Roy as trustees of school district No. 12, of the town of Chenango, the consideration mentioned in the deed being the nominal sum of one dollar, and an interest in the "promotion of literature," which was felt by the worthy grantor. The deed also mentioned the fact that a school house was then standing on the lot, from which it is assumed that the building must have been erected as early as 1813, and possibly before that year. ~ A school was maintained in this location at least fifteen years. The building was two stories high, and in the upper story was the Masonic lodge room. Waring S. Weed and Maria (Tupper) Canoll distinctly remember the old building, having attended the school. Both also remember certain Masonic figures painted on the stair walls, all of which made a dis- quieting effect on the youthful mind during the anti-Masonic period. In 1834 the legislature passed an act authorizing the district trustees to sell the property on Front street and use the proceeds to purchase another site for a school. Accordingly, Vincent Whitney. Samuel Smith and Samuel S. Hill, as trustees, conveyed the land to John A. Collier, and in exchange therefor received a deed from Mr. Collier for seventy-seven square rods of land in lot No. 32 of the village plot. This lot was at the corner of Oak and North streets, as now known, although at the time Oak street was merely a lane leading north from Main street, and was known by the undignified name of " Pig Alley." At a district meeting held in 1818 the inhabitants voted to employ a Mr. Ketchum as teacher and to allow him $2.50 for each pupil taught seventy-two days, the worthy pedagogue, however, being required to collect his own school bills, board himself and furnish fuel for the school house. At this time John McKinney was district clerk and kept the records. In 1839 the district was changed to No. 4, and was much less in area than formerly.' In the year last mentioned, accord- ' In 1834 William M. Waterman deeded to the trustees of district No. 17, of Chenango, and No. 31, of Union, a lot of land on the north side of the "main road leading from Binghamton to Owego," and west of the " Berkshire road." The school house was built soon afterward, and was torn down only a few years ago. It was a brick building, one story high. This old school is easily remembered as standing on the north side of Main street in the western part of the city. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 221 ing to the report of the trustees (Peter Mills, Pelatiah B. Brooks and Jason R. Orton), the number of children of school age — between five and sixteen years — in the district was 111, of whom eighty-six attended school. They were the children or lived in the families of the house- holders mentioned in the report. The names of the heads of families are reproduced here for the purposes of our record and also that the reader may know who were residents of the district at the time. The figure following each name indicates the number of children of school age then in the family. The list was as follows: Gabriel Armstrong, 4; Myron Merrill, 2; J. Boughton, 1; S. Smith, 3; P. B. Brooks, 1; Thomas G. Waterman, 2; V. Whitney, 2; J. Whit- more, 2; F. Whiting, 6; E. White, 6; J. S. Hawley, 3; R. Morris, 2; O. Waterhouse 3; W. Whitney, 3; A. Root, 1 ; C. C. Baldwin, 2; Wm. Wentz, 4; Francis Berrian, 2; B. Morse, 3; L. Terwilliger, 1; S. A. Newton, 2; Patterson, 4; T. Weyant, 2; M. Wells, 2; C. J. Orton, 1; Solon Stocking, 4; Peter Mills, 2; T. O'Hara, 3; Samuel Peterson, 1; John Stone, 1 ; J. R. Orton, 2; W. C. Johnson, 1; Ephraim F. Mat- thews, 1; -Samnel H. P. Hall, 3; G. Campbell, 6; G. Newell, 3; Lewis Seymour, 3; L. Hardy, 4; J. Sexton, 3; G. Nash, 3; J. B. Mcintosh, 2; J. Rose, 4; Hugh Murray, 1. Nothing is found in the record to indicate the year in which the first school was built on the Oak street site, although present opinion in- clines to the belief that it was done very soon after the exchange of property was effected. The schools in districts Nos. 3 and 12 were in existence and were well attended when the village was incorporated in 1834, and were, with perhaps a single exception, the only public schools ' within its limits. At the time mentioned the inhabitants numbered about 1,500 and quite a settlement had been made in the Whitney neighborhood, as the eastern part of the village was called. Whether a new district was created for this portion of the town is not known, but as early as 1826 or 1827 a little log school house stood near the southeast corner of Court and Liberty streets. The lands south of the Susque- hanna were then sparsely settled, but as early as 1825 a school house was built on the Moore farm. It is still standing and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. About the same time a school house was built in the Scutt settlement. It stood about on the line of Hotchkiss street as afterward laid out and perhaps twenty rods southwest from the ' A doubt exists as to whether the Millville school was then in fact built. 222 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, old Montrose turnpike. The Scutt neighborhood included all the region surrounding the present Ross Park. A school was maintained in this locality until the park was taken into the city, upon which the country district merged into the city school system. In the upper portion of the Sixth ward was the once known Ransom school, the ultimate outgrowth of which was the Tompkinsville school, and still later the Alfred Street school. However, when the territory south of the river was comparatively well settled the district built a more centrally located school house on Mary street, which soon took the name of the Brighamville school, the present New Street school being its successor. In the same manner as indicated in preceding paragraphs, the con- stant growth of the city and the extension of its corporate limits have taken from the town of Binghamton much of its territory and merged its schools into those of the city. Among the more important of these districts was that in the Bevier settlement, where a school of some kind has been maintained for about a century. Another was the Pierce Creek school, which was absorbed by the city system only a few years ago. Still others were in the west, northwest and extreme eastern por- tions of the city, all of which in turn have been superseded by the admirable schools maintained by the board of education. The schools mentioned on preceding pages as having been in exist- ence during the period from 1813 to 1861, were established and main- tained in accordance with the district school system of the state. They were generally known as common schools, and afforded only the rudi- ments of an education. They were supported in part by the limited appropriation of the state for school purposes, and in part by the tax levied by each district for school maintenance. The aggregate of the funds was variable, and rare indeed were the occasions on which the freeholders voted a liberal sum for school support. They considered themselves too poor to afford the expense, and as a consequence the education of the children was seriously neglected. In early times the teacher was paid a certain small amount for each pupil taught and, as in district No. 12, the pedagogue was generally required to board him- self, collect his own school bills and provide fuel for use during the winter months. At best the system was imperfect, the teachers as a rule were not well qualified for their work, and school teaching was a makeshift rather than a profession. There was no fixed standard of capacity previous to the inauguration of the institutes, hence the facili- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 223 ties for acquiring even a fair education in the common schools were exceedingly limited. The select and academic schools were intended to remedy the defects in the district system, and accomplished their pur- pose to a certain extent, yet through that medium the opportunities for an education were practically confined to the children whose parents could afford to pay for the privilege. Furthermore, during the period of their existence, select and academic schools were chiefly confined to villages and cities. The period of private and select schools in Binghamton began soon after 1820 and continued until the Union Free system was inaugurated. One of the earliest private schools in the village was opened in a building which stood about on the site of the Chenango House on Water street. It was taught by one Hovey for a time and also by J. B. Wilkinson, author of the Annals of Binghamton. Mr. Wilkinson after- ward taught in a dwelling house at the corner of Hawley and Collier streets, opposite Bartlett's mill. He was a noted teacher in his time, and was a peculiar, though accurate writer of local history. Among the other select schools was that taught by Nancy Bowers, at the cor- ner of Chenango and Henry streets, and another by Nancy Keyes, at the corner of Washington and Hawley streets. Other early teachers in the village were Emeline De Witt, Eunice Brigham, Mary Jane and Pamelia Peterson, Frances and Sophia Tully, Adeline, Frances and Mary Marvin, Carlos J. Tucker, John H. H. Park, Calista Starkweather, Lydia A. Dunn (on Oak street north of Maiden Lane), Eveline E. Stockwell, Miss L. A. Sciple, Hannah Sciple, Virena M. Austin, Delaphine vStocking and Sarah Baird. Margaret J. Lawyer was princi- pal in the Oak Street school in 1844-45. Soon after 1830 an academic high school was opened at the corner of Chenango and Lewis streets, in the house in which Rev. Peter Lock- wood afterward lived and died. The teachers here were the Misses White, ladies of refinement and education, who conducted a Catholic school of high order, and one which attracted attention and attendance from nearly all the large cities in the state. A special teacher in French was one of the distinguishing features of the school. Although generally advertised and known as an academic school, the institution was not in- corporated. It was in successful operation several years in the location on Chenango street, and was then removed to the (now) Barlow residence site on Front street, where it was continued for a time. This school was the nucleus of St. Joseph's parochial school, the latter one of the largest and best educational institutions of its kind in this part of the state. 224 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, After the removal of the academic hig-h school from the Lock wood corner, Emily and Mary Hill conducted a private school in the build- ing about one year. They had thirteen pupils, three of whom were young ladies; the others were children. The Binghamton Female seminary was another popular select school of the village for a period of several years, and was opened soon after 1830 in a house said to have been erected for the purpose by Rev. Peter Lockwood, at the southwest corner of Chenango and Lewis streets, on the site of the present Moon building. The school was under the charge of Mrs. Jared N. Root. The institution passed out of existence about 1840. About the same time Mr. Lockwood conducted a boys' school in a house on the north side of Lewis street, west of the corner of Chenango street. Among his pupils may be recalled the names of Rev. Wm. T. Doubleday, George D. Marsh, John M. Uoubleday, and also the sons of Edward Tompkins, General Waterman and Mr. Lockwood. The once famous " Harmony Retreat seminary " was opened in the village in November, 1842, by Mary and Eliza Marsh, daughters of Norman Marsh. The school was admirably conducted and found favor with the people. Soon after 1850 Hannah Marsh was added to the corps of teachers, and in 1851 Fanny Marsh began work in the same capacity. In the latter year a building was erected especially for school purposes, and from that time to 1861 the seminary was one of the most noted schools for young ladies in this part of the state. Dur- ing the period of its history the total enrollment numbered more than 500 pupils, among whom were the daughters of many of the most prom- inent and wealthy residents of the village, with a good patronage from other places. The old "attendance rolls contain the names of hundreds of young women who afterward married with our best business and professional men. The seminary building stood on Chenango street, very near the site of the North Presbyterian church. About 1862 the board of education urged a union of the seminary with the free schools of the village, but this was not accomplished. The Binghamton Female seminary was another popular school for young ladies, and was conducted on the liberal basis that characterized Harmony Retreat seminary. It was opened in August, 1848, as a boarding and day school for young ladies, under the supervision of Ruth S. Ingalls, preceptress, in the house formerly occupied by Mr. Charles G. Hart, on Front street, about where now stands the resi- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 235 dence of William W. Sisson. Miss Ingalls was a graduate at the Oneida Conference seminary, of Cazenovia, and was a woman of culture and refinem-ent as well as a teacher of excellent capacity. The musical de- partment was under the immediate charge of Mrs. J. C. Robie, who is still well remembered by many of our citizens. The institution also furnished an excellent course of study in French and the classics. The seminary was well patronized by the people of Binghamton and drew a fair attendance from other places. It was successfully conduct- ed for a period of about 20 years, and only declined with the accession of the academic department of the Union Free schools. In its course of study and general management the Binghamton Female seminary was the fair competitor of the Harmony Retreat seminary on Chenango street, yet there was no rivalry between them. Another young ladies' school of more than passing note was Miss Barton's seminary in the Orton block, on Henry street. It was opened in 1857 and was contiuued until about 1870. In the same connection may be mentioned the young ladies' school opened in 1861 in the old Brandywine hotel building (now the Lady Jane Grey school) by Susan Kent Cook, the daughter of Rev. J. B. Cook. Miss Cook was unquestionably one of the most refined and cul- tured teachers ever in Binghamton, although for some cause the school was not a financial success. In the east Miss Cook was a favor- ite pupil of the distinguished Agassiz, and after leaving Binghamton she filled a high position in the Packer Collegiate institute, of Brooklyn. Miss Cook's French teacher was Madame Peugos, a woman of finely cultured literary talents. Among the many other private and select schools' which at one time and another had an existence in the village, mention may be made of the larger and more prominent. In 1841 John J. Millen, A. M., was principal of what was then known as the Binghamton Academical school. It was a boys' school and had only a brief existence. Benja- min N. Loomis, afterwards Judge Loomis, was an early successful teacher in the village. De Witt C. Vosbury was another early teacher in this class of schools, and was regarded as one of the most competent school masters of his time. It is understood that his work here began in the district schools, after which he taught independent of trustee 1 At one time in the early history of the village an academic school was opened on Wash- ington street, very near the present residence of Dr. Moore. In allusion to this fact the thorough- fare was originally called Academy street. Rev. Wm. T. Doubleday has an indistinct recollec- tion of this old school. 15 226 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, supervision. About 1859 or '60 he opened the " Eclectic," in a build- ing formerly occupied for hotel purposes, which stood on the lot where- on is now the Mandeville residence on Court street. The school was liberally patronized by the people in the eastern part of the village. George Bartlett, who is best remembered as a leading member of the county bar, once taught a boys' school in Binghamton. For a time Miss Bowers conducted a select school at the corner of Chenango and Henry streets, where the Johnson building now stands. Later on Miss Park taught in the same place and had a larger school than her prede- cessor. At the west end of the Chenango bridge, about in the rear of the site now occupied by the West building, Adaline Mcintosh taught a private school for children. It was continued several years. About the same time (1850) Mrs. Backus taught a small school in a room on Front street. Mrs. Stevens had a school for children on upper Court street. Mrs. Mantz taught in the same locality and also in her dwell- ing on Stuyvesant street. She was one of the most capable teachers for children in the village and possessed the fortunate faculty of con- trolling her pupils without recourse to the " switch." She also taught many years in the public schools, and her work always gave good re- sults. Miss Pamelia Peterson was another old teacher in village days, and kept a little school in her house at the corner of Court and Fayette streets. Still another school worthy of mention was that taught by Mrs. Shipman, on Hawley street. These schools were in existence previous to 1860, and some of them at least fifteen or twenty years earlier. They were easily established, the chief requirements being a few desks and benches, a blackboard and perhaps a good rule or a stout switch. Parents furnished the books, and occasionally two or more authors' editions of arithmetic, spelling-books and readers would be found in the school room. This made no difference as the teacher was prepared for any emergency, and as long as the tuition bills were promptly paid a rudimentary edu- cation was always assured. But at length the village emerged from its primitive condition and assumed a position of importance among the municipalities of the region ; and with its gradual growth in population and business interests the old institutions were swept aside and were replaced with others more modern, advanced and complete. So it was with the private and select schools. They filled a place for a time, and while a few of them, as we have noted, were of excellent standing, the majority were of a GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 227 transient character and quickly vanished before the improved methods of the district schools, and particularly of the free school system. The Binghamton Academy ^sls undoubtedly the most substantial of the early educational institutions of the village, and continued in exist- ence in its original form for a period of twenty years. The founders evidently did not avail themselves of a special act of the legislature, Binghamton Academy. neither were they incorporated by articles of association. However, during the years 1841 and 1843 they perfected an organization and erected a large three-story brick academy building on the site now oc- cupied by the county clerk's office. The school was opened June 1, 1842, and was incorporated under the regents of the university on August 23, following. The founders and controlling spirits of the m- stitution were Daniel S. Dickinson, John Clapp, Myron Merrill, Sam- ^ 328 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, uel H. P. Hall, Oliver Ely, Elias Hawley, Christopher Eldredge, Barzilla Marvin, and the Revs. E. Andrews, D. D. Gregory, S. W. Bush, T. A. Stanton and Robert Baird. These worthy and public-spirited citizens comprised the board of trustees, and through their enterprise the academy was brought into active operation. The trustees did not acquire title to the land on which the academy was erected but were tenants by sufferance of the supervisors of the county. They expended several thousand dollars in erecting the building and improving its surroundings, yet within the next twenty years the supervisors called upon them to vacate the prem- ises. This somewhat peremptory demand was refused and litigation followed. In 1861 the trustees transferred the academic interests in the institution to the then recently established village board of educa- tion, but the suit was prosecuted to judgment. The trustees appealed to the General Term, and the judgment of the lower court was affirmed. Then the academy was doomed to destruction, but through the courtesy of the supervisors, the board of education was permitted to occupy the building until a new location could be found. The academy was formally opened June 1, 1842, under the principal- ship of Prof. S. H. Wilson, with Mrs. Wilson in charge of the female department. According to the trustees' advertisement, the institution offered a thorough English and classical course of study, at tuition rates varying from $3 per term of fifteen weeks in the primary department to $5 per term in the department devoted to Latin and Greek, natural, mental and moral philosophy, chemistry, botany, mathematics, astron- omy and rhetoric. In addition to the regular course of study the academy faculty offered a special class for the instruction of pupils who intended to make teaching a profession. Prof. Wilson is remembered as a thorough and capable teacher, and soon gave the institution a standing of prominence among the academic schools of the state. Just how long he retained his position is not now known, but in 1846 Prof. E. M. RoUo was principal and William A. Niles assistant. The other teachers at the time were Miss M. A. Hinckley, preceptress, and Mary A. McCrea, assistant ; N. S. Davis, lecturer on chemistry and physiology; Mrs. J. C. Robie, teacher of music. Myron Merrill was then the president and Barzilla Marvin secretary of the board of trustees. In 1847 Prof. Rollo was still principal, with the following assistants : Levi Tenny, teacher of languages; Hannah Hinckley, preceptress; GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. ^29 Juliet Gardner, teacher of primary department, and Mrs. Robie, teacher of piano and music. The almost entire absence of reliable records deprives us of much in- teresting information concerning this once famous institution, but from the repeated expressions of old pupils' the fact is well known that the school was well patronized and well supported; yet for some cause as a financial venture it was not specially profitable to the stockholders. It was regularly and continuously maintained and offered better opportu- nities for a thorough education than any institution of its class in the south part of the state. Soon after 1850 the trustees of the several dis- tricts comprising the village increased the facilities of their respective schools, and thereby naturally drew many pupils from the academj'. It is said that between 1845 and 1850 the rolls frequently showed as many as 250 pupils in attendance; ten years later the number had de- creased from thirty to forty per cent. In 1856 and 1857 Frederick S. Lyon was principal. He was followed by De Witt C. Vosbury, the veteran teacher, who was in turn succeeded by Rodman Lewis, he be- ing the last principal under the trustees' management. On October 6, 18G1, the board of education of the union free schools of the village ac- cepted a proposition of the academy trustees and transferred the school to the jurisdiction of the then newly created system. Soon after this time the people were seriously discussing the question of a high school, but sentiment was divided on the subject of location. The sites most strongly favored were the Castle lot on Court street and the Wells property on Main street. To determine this question, and the equally important proposition to bond the village to the extent of nearly $45,p00 for both site and building, a special election was held in 1866. The advocates of the Main street site were successful at the polls but the bonding proposition was defeated; and with the result the whole scheme failed. In 1867 the academy pupils occupied temporary quarters in Brigham Hall, and in the same year the old building on the square was razed to the ground. For about three years the academic pupils also occupied the east wing of the Pine street school building, ' In the possession of Charles S. Hall the writer found the academy catalogue for the year ending December 3, 184(3. At that time the trustees were Myron Merrill, president; John Clapp, secretary ; John C. Moore, treasurer, and Gilbert Tompkins, Christopher Eldredge, Elias Hawley, Silas West, Hazard Lewis, Samuel H. P. Hall. Vincent Whitney, Levi Dimmick, Wm. M. Patter- son, Benjamin N. Loomis, Jason R. Orton and Barzilla Marvin. Among the pupils then attend- ing the academy were William A. and Joseph J. Bartlett, Butler Bixby, Pelatiah Brooks, James S. Gary, Cyrus S. Clapp, Luke Dickson, Walton Dwight, Wm. B. and Theodore P. Stow, Wm. J. Waterman, James L. Weed and Wm. W. Wentz. 230 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, but before the final completion of the B. C. H. S. building they were temporarily quartered in Firemen's hall. TJie Susquehanna Seminary was founded in 1854 by the Wyoming conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, with the intention to make it a purely denominational institution. This was a somewhat hazardous undertaking at the time, but regardless of the doubts ex- pressed in many quarters, the promoters of the enterprise erected the large and attractive seminary building which still stands fronting on Chestnut street. The structure is 161 feet long and four stories high. It was opened for school purposes in the year mentioned and began its career with a gratifying attendance; but notwithstanding its early suc- cess the end of the seventh year found the institution hopelessly incum- bered with debt. In 1858 the school was closed, after which the build- ing was unoccupied several years. In 1867 it was repaired and refitted at the expense of the state, with the intention of occupying it as an in- stitution for the blind. This, however, was not done, and soon after- ward the property passed into the hands of a Mr. Place, a man of means, influence and commendable ambition, who designed founding an institution under the name of Place college, for the advanced educa- tion of young ladies. A part of Mr. Place's plans were carried out, but the hoped-for success and permanency of the institution were not real- ized. After a fair attempt at 'establishing a successful school Mr. Place was obliged to close the doors, soon after v/hich the building passed into the control of the board of managers of the Susquehanna Valley home. The location was vacated for the present home property in 1871. In 1872 Dean vSmith purchased the seminary property and founded Dean college, an institution devoted to the education of young ladies. Mr. Smith himself was the head of the school and was assisted by his wife and daughters as teachers. As a corps of instructors the mem- bers of the family were exceedingly well equipped for their work, but the institution failed to secure a permanent foothold, owing undoubt- edly to the constantly increasing efficiency of the city schools, and espe- cially to the high standing then attained by the Central High school. Mr. Smith became heavily involved in debt, but struggled nobly against adversity until his death, in 1877. Rev. Robert A. Patterson, who mar- ried with the daughter of Mr. Smith, next assumed charge of the college and continued it with indifferent success until 1880, when the building was vacated and closed. The property soon afterward passed into the control of the trustees of St. Mary's Catholic orphan asylum. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 231 THE UNION FREE SCHOOLS. By chapter 322 of the laws of 1861, passed April 19, it was provided that the several wards of the village of Binghamton should form one school district, to be known as the " Union School District of the Vil- lage of Binghamton ; " and further, that said district should constitute five subdivisions to be called " commissioner districts, " each of which was to remain separate and distinct for the purposes and to the extent mentioned in the act. The First ward was declared to be the first com- missioner district; the 2d and 3d wards the second district; the 4th ward the third district; the 5th ward the fourth district; and the 6th ward the fifth district. The act designated Daniel S. Dickinson as commissioner for district No. 1; Horace S. Griswold for No. 2; Hallam E. Pratt for No. 3; Joel Fuller for No. 4, and William S. Beard for No. 5. It was also provided that within fifteen days after the passage of the act the board of trustees should appoint four persons to act as school commissioners in behalf of the union district thereby established. The district commissioners previously mentioned, with the appointees of the village trustees, were declared to be a body corporate by the name of the " Board of Educa- tion of the Village of Binghamton. " A subsequent section of the act provided that on the second Tuesday in October, 1861, there should be elected one commissioner in each commissioner district (resident therein) to fill the places of the persons above designated as commissioners; and that on the Monday preceding the second Tuesday in October, the village trustees should appoint four persons to be commissioners in place of those appointed within fifteen days after the act went into effect. "Annually thereafter, on the sec- ond Tuesday in October," said the act, "there shall be elected five commissioners for the commissioner districts, and two commissioners shall be appointed by the trustees for the union district, to fill the places of those whose terms shall next expire." The act also provided that the commissioners elected in the several districts should hold office for one year from the second Tuesday in October. The commissioners appointed by the board of trustees were divided into two classes, and were directed to meet and determine by lot which of their number should serve for one year and which for two years. The trustees were authorized to fill any vacancies in the board of education. 232 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, This somewhat peculiarly constituted board was authorized to elect a president, secretary and librarian, and the village trustees w^ere like- wise authorized to raise by tax such sums of money as the board of education should certify to be necessary for the maintenance of the public schools. The board of education was also authorized to estab- lish such and so many schools in the union district (including the com- mon schools then existing, and also including one academic high school) as they might deem expedient. The board was directed to report to the school commissioners of the Western district of the county, between the 1st and 15th days of October annually, the number of school houses and a description of all common schools within the union district; also the number of children taught, and the amount of money received by the treasurer of the village during the preceding year. "Whenever in the opinion of the board," said the act, "it shall be advisable to establish a high school or academy in connection with the union school system, the said board of education shall report an esti- mate of the cost thereof to the village trustees, upon which the ques- tion shall be submitted to the taxpayers for determination." The trustees of Binghamton academy were authorized to transfer to the board of education all their title and interest in real and personal prop- erty for the purposes of an academic or high school in connection with the general free school system contemplated by the act. The title to all school property was declared to be vested in the village. The sev- eral members of the board of education were declared to be trustees of the library. The board was also authorized to cause a separate school for colored children to be taught in the union district, and also author- ized, whenever deemed expedient, to appoint a superintendent of public schools. The act of April 19, 1861, was amended by an act passed April 25, 1864. Under the latter the term of office of all commissioners ap- pointed by the village trustees was to end on the first Tuesday in October following, and on the third Tuesday in vSeptember the inhab- itants were directed to elect one commissioner in each district in the same manner that district commissioners were elected. The district commissioners then serving were continued in office until October 1, 1865, but annually thereafter on the third Tuesday in September their successors were to be elected. Each commissioner was to hold office two years. On April 32, 1861, in accordance with the act establishing the GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 233 union school district, the village trustees appointed Myron Merrill, Dr. George Burr, Benjamin N. Loomis and William Sprague as commis- sioners to represent the union district; and they, with the district com- missioners designated in the original act, constituted the first board of education. It is doubtful if ever in the history of the village or city a stronger body of men has been chosen to represent any department of local government. The composition and arrangement of the board was both novel and interesting. The elective commissioners were chosen as the immediate representatives of the several districts, while the ap- pointive commissioners were intended to represent the union district generally. To fully appreciate this unusual situation some knowledge of the then existing conditions is necessary. At that time the village comprised parts of six school districts, each of which was under control of one, two or three trustees elected in the district. The districts were not in any manner connected with each other, and it frequently happened that two or three sets of text books were in use in schools within the village limits. Families living in one district would provide their children with a set of books used in the school, but on removing to another district, as frequently happened, an entirely different set of books would be found in use. This condition led to much confusion, as parents could not afford to purchase the works of all authors. At one time representatives of the several districts at- tempted to remedy the existing evil and adopt a uniform set of text books for all the village schools. The matter, however, was not satis- factorily settled, and the old nuisance was maintained until the adop- tion of the union system. When the consolidation was effected there were certain outstanding debts and other matters of importance to be settled between the school districts previously existing and the board of education. The elected commissioners in each of the commissioner districts were presumed to represent to a certain extent the interests of the district from which each was chosen, and in the same manner the commissioners appointed by the village trustees were supposed to represent the union district in the councils of the board of education. It nowhere appears that any dispute arose regarding the adjustment of accounts, and entire har- mony characterized the proceedings of the board. The school property that came under control of the board of educa- tion by virtue of the act of 1861 may be briefly described in this con- nection; and incidentally many interesting facts of history may be mentioned. 234 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, School No. /, corner of Oak and North streets. — This is the property mentioned in a preceding- paragraph as having been conveyed to the trustees of district No. 12 by Mr. Collier in 1834. A small school house was standing on the lot in 1861. Subsequent material additions were made to the building in 1867, at a cost of $2,000, and again 1886 (a three-story brick addition), at a cost of $10,123. School Nos. 2 and j, corner of Washington and Hawley streets. — The date of erection of the one-story brick building on the lot given by General Whitney to the trustees of school district No. 3 in 1813, is not now known. In arranging the numbers in 1861 this school was desig- nated as Nos. 2 and 3, from the fact that the building was the only Oak Street School. school house in wards two and three. Later on the "3" was discon- tinued and was given to the Robinson Street school. In 1879 the old building on the Washington street lot was removed, and in its place was erected the present large three-story structure, at a cost of $12,374. From 1880 to 1889 the offices of the board of education and superin- tendent of schools were in the Washington street building, but in the year last mentioned were removed to the municipal building on Collier street. The city school library is also kept in school house No. 2. School No. ./, corner of Pine and Fayette streets.— The first school house in this district (No. 3, of the town of Chenango,) stood on Pine GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 235 Street, about three lots west of the corner of Fayette. On December 4 1851, trustees Tracy R. Morgan, William E. Abbott and Samuel w'. Rogers bought of Stephen Hoag the northeast corner lot, and in 1852 erected a one-story brick school house. D. C. Vosbury was the first principal of the school, and was followed by W. W. Elliott and Milo B. Eldredge, in the order mentioned. Colonel Eldredge was the last prin- cipal under the old district system. Thomas J. Clark was sole trustee of the district in 1859-60, and through his efforts the school was made self-sustaining without the collection of a single rate bill. In this re- spect district No. 3 stood alone in the' village. Under the board of education a considerable addition was made to the building in 1867. Subsequent additions were made in 1870, at a cost of $13,510, and again in 1897, at a cost of $4,936. School No. 5, corner of Carroll and Whitney streets. — The original school house in the so called Millville district stood on a rear lot on the south side of Susquehanna street, a little east of Exchange street. A lane led to the school house from Susquehanna street, and continued to the river bank. In 1833 Henry Beckman sold to Bildad Gleason, Justus Wentz and Ansel Andrus, as trustees of school district No. 29, of the town of Chenango, the land on which the school house was built. The building was erected in 1834, and Delilah Wentz, daughter of William Wentz, was one of the first teachers in that location. About 1840 the building was removed to a lot on Whitney street, about on the site of the box factory. In 1851 Uriah M. Stowers sold to the trustees of the district (then No. 2) a lot at the southeast corner of Carroll and Whit- ney streets, and on this site a new school house was built in 1851 or 1852. It was a large two-story frame building and one of the best school houses in the village at that time. Charlotte Burghardt (now wife of John E. Wentz) taught school in the old building on Whitney street, and was the first teacher in the new school on the corner. John P. Worthing and William M. Crosby were later teachers there. After the village schools came under the supervision of the board of educa- tion the lands surrounding the school lot were enlarged by purchases from Collins Brown, Daniel L. Brainard and Martin Stone. With one of these purchases the board acquired a dwelling which was fitted up for temporary school purposes. Both buildings were removed in 1871, and were replaced with a large brick school house, which cost $17,400. A material addition was made to the building in 1897, at a cost of $4,387. 336 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT. School No. 6, New street. — One of the first school houses on the city tract south of the Susquehanna river was that on the Moore farm, to which reference has been made. It was used as a school until about the time the village boundaries were extended south of the river, when by reason of the increasing settlement in the locality commonly called " Brighamville " (in allusion to Elmer W. Brigham and his extensive brick-yard, which occupied nearly all the lands between De Russey and Mary streets, south of Vestal avenue) a more centrally located school became necessary. In 1853 Joseph Beard, Elmer W. Brigham and Chester Rood, trustees of school district No. 29, of Chenango, purchased from Henry Coolidge a lot on the east side of Mary street, on which lot a school house was built during that year. It was a little frame building, sufficient perhaps for the time, but soon became too small for the rapidly increasing population of the district. The building was oc- cupied under the union school system until 1867, when the board of education purchased from Epenetus Piatt the present school lot on New street. In the same year the board appropriated $3,000 for the erection of a school house 27x42 feet in size, two stories high, in all re- spects similar to that previously built for the Robinson street school. Considerable additions to the New street building were made in 1878, at a cost of $2,870; in 1887, at a cost of $7,000, and in 1891, at a cost of $2,189. School A^o. 7, Alfred street. — One of the earliest school houses in this part of the town of Chenango was that built about 1822 on a part of the lot where now stands Columbus Stevens' residence. It was a log building and was used about fifteen years, when a frame school house was built near Pierce creek. The latter came into possession of the city a few years ago. It appears that the center of population in this part of the town was farther west than the Pierce Creek school. There- fore in 1859 trustees Samuel J. Olmsted, John W. Burnett and Abram R. Coles purchased from Horatio Evans a lot on Alfred street. In the same year Columbus Stevens built a one-story brick school house on the lot. Two years later the school was transferred to the union sys- tem of the village. In 1873 the board purchased an additional lot from Mr. Evans, and in 1875 the school building was enlarged, at an expense of $3,740. Later additions were made in 1889, at a cost of $5,194, and in 1892, at a cost of $5,490. The preceding brief description of district school property gives the reader an idea of the physical character of the schools of the village GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 237 when the old system merged into the new in 1861. The only other school which is not particularly described was that maintained for the benefit of colored children. It was generally located in the vicinity of Whitney street between Carroll and Fayette streets, a neighborhood usually called " Guinea Hill." This school was not regularly supplied with a teacher, and of course was not under the supervision of district trustees. The only allusion to the colored school found in any village record previous to 1861 is in the proceedings of the village trustees. On May 7, 1847, Edward C. Kattel and Erasmus D. Robinson were ap- pointed a committee to obtain from the state the sum of money to which the village was entitled under the provisions of the act then re- cently passed for the support of schools for colored children. In 1861 the board of education made more adequate provision for the colored school, as will be seen by reference to later pages of this chapter. The personnel of the board of education in 1861 is given on a preced- ing page. The first meeting of the board was held April 23, at the law office of Judge Griswold. Benjamin N. Loomis was chosen chairman, and Hallam E. Pratt, secretary. Daniel S. Dickinson was elected president of the board, and continued in the office until October follow- ing, although much of the time he was out of the village in connection with his active political career, which at that time was at its zenith. One of the first proceedings of the board was to serve formal notice on the trustees of the various school districts in the village, demanding possession of the school property by the first of May following. At this meeting Hallam E. Pratt was directed to confer with the Young Men's Library association concerning the purchase of their library. This was accomplished and the library was placed in charge of W. W. Elliott. From this small beginning our present city school library has grown. On May 22 the board estimated the probable expense of the schools for the following year at $7,469.75, of which amount $4,500 was for teachers' wages. The amount was duly certified to the village trustees, and by that body was approved and ordered raised in the next tax. The trustees generally respected the judgment of the board of education in estimating the amount of money necessary for the schools, which fact may be proclaimed to their credit; but in later years the common coun- cil frequently took upon itself the authority to cut down the annual estimate certified as necessary for school maintenance. This practice frequently led to embarrassments and retarded the progress of educa- tion in the city. I 238 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, The first corps of teachers in the union schools was as follows: No. 1, Oak street, Helen A. Shove, primary; Delaphine Stocking, junior. Nos. 2 and 3, Washington street, J. A. Caster, primary; Elizabeth vS. Armstrong, junior. No. 4, Pine street, Adeline N. Marvin, primary; Eliza S. Bascom, junior; J. F. McCollister, senior. No. 5, Millville, H. A. Lockwood, primary; J. A. Robinson, junior; Clara A. Ingersoll, senior. No. 6, Brighamville, Fanny J. Sparks, primary and junior. No. 7, Tompkinsville, Sarah J. Thompson, primary and junior. Academic School, A. H. Lewis and Mina S. Bascom, teachers. The fact that Prof. Lewis and Miss Bascom were appointed teachers in the academic school indicates a determination on the part of the board to establish such a department previous to the actual transfer of the Binghamton academy. The appointment of teachers above noted was made May 22, 1861, and the proposition of the academy trustees to the board of education was made July 1, following. The proposition was accepted August 6, and the transfer was made soon afterward. On June 12 the board adopted a code of by-laws and, among other things, made provision for the appointment of a president, superintend- ent of schools, secretary and librarian ; also for the regular classifica- tion of pupils in grades; also for a "university " or partial course for pupils whose age or circumstances prevented a regular course of study ; also for a teachers' class, in which instruction was to be given "in the science of teaching." Under the by-laws the schools were regularly designated as primary, junior, senior and academic. School No. J, Robinson street. — On September 20, 1861, a petition signed by thirty-nine residents of that part of the village lying north of the railroad asking for a separate school in that vicinity, was pre- sented to the board. In answer to the petition the board sought to have the Harmony Retreat seminary (which was then under charge of the Misses Marsh) transferred to the jurisdiction of the union system; but as the seminary was maintained in a building in which the Misses Marsh held title only during the lifetime of the widow of Norman Marsh, the arrangement was not made. On December 2 following, the board rented a building on Pearne street and at once prepared it for temporary school purposes. It was soon afterwards opened as school No. 3, upon which the " 3 " was dropped from the previous designa- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 239 tion of the Washington Street school. In 1867 the board purchased two lots on Robinson street, and leased a third lot with an option of purchase. On this land a two-story brick building, 27 x 42 feet in size, was at once erected, at a cost of $2,500. Subsequent additions were made to the building in 1873, at a cost of $3,485; in 1888, at a cost of $2,800, and in 1898, at a cost of $4,885. School No. 8, Hawley street. — In November, 1861, the board rented from William E. Abbott a small dwelling house on Hawley street, be- tween Jay and Fayette streets, which was fitted up as a school for colored children. The school was afterward maintained under the supervision of the board until about 1872 or 1873, when its pupils were assigned to the several regular schools of the city. In 1879 a petition signed by many colored citizens was presented to the board, asking that the school on Hawley street be discontinued, and the children be permitted to attend the general schools. The request, however, was refused, as the majority of the white population was not then fully prepared to abolish the "color line." The "colored school," as it was called, stood on the site of Abraham De Witt's residence. In May, 1862, the board passed a resolution by which the sum of $40 per month was to be paid for the support of "the school on Le Roy street." This of course was St. James' parochial school, a purely sec- tarian institution, yet one of the best schools in the village at that time. The resolution provided for payment during the pleasure of the board, and the event was the occasion of much comment and some ad- verse criticism in educational circles. The board itself wrestled with the subject several days, but finally the resolution was adopted. Just how long the payments were continued is not now clear, but the appro- priations soon ceased. David H. Cruttenden was appointed superintendent of schools April 23, 1861. This certainly was a most fortunate selection, as Prof. Cruttenden possessed the essential qualities of teacher, organizer and disciplinarian. He came a stranger to the village, and found the schools in a state of utter disorganization, but in the course of a few months order followed chaos and a systematic course of operation was established. The superintendent himself was a man of excellent edu- cation, and although a part of his time was devoted to teaching, he almost daily visited the schools and kept the machinery of the new system in regular operation. Prof. Cruttenden was the author of sev- eral text works on educational subjects, among them being Cruttenden's 1 240 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, arithmetic and Cruttenden's language, both of which were used in our schools with good results. He was also a superior teacher of the classics, and in chemistry he appeared especially strong. As a disciplin- arian his superior was never connected with our public school system, and a single glance from under those long, bushy eyebrows was suffi- cient to subdue the most refractory pupil without recourse to the whip. Still, if occasion demanded Prof. Cruttenden could apply the beech rod with decidedly impressive effect. In 18G4 the superintendent resigned, being impelled to that course by broken health and a desire to resume institute work in which he had previously engaged. He had a natural taste for agricultural pursuits, and that, too, influenced his action in retiring from our public schools. Henry T. Funnell succeeded to the superintendency in February, 1864. He was formerly principal of the Millville school; a slight, nervous and impulsive man, possessed of good educational capacity, yet was better at the head of a school than of a system . George Jackson succeeded Mr. Funnell as superintendent in October, 186G, and served in that capacity until April, 1867. When Prof. Jack- son came to Binghamton the union school system was well established, and during his term little else was sought to be accomplished than to keep the machinery in economical operation. This policy met with the approval of several members of the board and also of an influential minority of the taxpayers. However, it was not through any fault in Prof. Jackson that local educational facilities were not increased during his term, but rather the fault of a certain element of our taxpaying population. Prof. Jackson was the opposite of Prof. Funnell in per- sonal characteristics, and is remembered as a quiet and conservative officer, an instructor rather than organizer, and possessing all the dis- tinguishing traits of the thorough Cazenovia seminarian. He was suc- ceeded in April, 1867, by Norman F. Wright. Under the superintendents mentioned in the preceding paragraphs the first six years of history of our public schools passed without re- markable incident. It was found a somewhat difficult task to convert the people of the village to the new methods and to abandon the old fixed ideas of school economy. The annual appropriations for school purposes contemplated only the payment of teachers salaries and other incidental expenses of maintenance without more than $1,000 annually for sites, buildings and repairs. The village trustees approved of the estimates submitted by the board of education, but when a proposition GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 241 to build was presented the taxpayers made a vigorous protest. At length Thomas J. Clark was elected member of the board, and at once set to work to secure a large building fund. He prepared an amend- ment to the school act, and placed the proposed bill in the hands of Orlow W. Chapman, who was then in the senate. Mr. Chapman de- clared that the people would never sanction the measure, whereupon Mr. Clark reinforced the proposition with the written approval of about 250 of the largest taxpayers. The amendment was then secured, and the board of education was allowed $10,000 for building and extension purposes instead of $1,000 as in previous years. Then began a new era in our school history, and from that time the cause of education was advanced beyond the fondest expectations of its most zealous ad- vocates. The benefits derived from the increased appropriations for sites and buildings were clearly shown in the report of the committee on build- ings, sites and repairs, (Thomas J. Clark, Jabez F. Rice and Frederick Lewis) from which the following is an extract, viz. : " The additions made during the year (1867) will comfortably accommodate about 450 pupils. This is partly neutralized by the demolition of the academy and the change in the Fifth ward. The number of pupils in the city, as shown by the enumeration taken in October last, is 3,076. The entire school buildings belonging to the city will seat, on the ' packing ' principle necessarily adopted, from 1,300 to 1,400 pupils. To account for the extraordinary disparity between the number of pupils and the school accommodations it is only necessary to recollect that for nearly fifteen years up to the current year no additions have been made to the school property, while the business and population of the city have more than doubled." In this connection it is also interesting to note the number of pupils on the rolls in the several districts as shown by the superintendent's report for the week ending February 21, 1868, viz. : In the Central school, 93; district No. 1, 253; district No. 2, 126; district No. 3, 99; district No. 4, 283; district No. 5, 349; district No. 6, 86; district No. 7, 35; district No. 8, colored school, 59. For a period of about fifteen years following 1868 the attendance at the public schools increased proportionately with the general growth of the city, yet during that time no special effort was made to increase the number of schools (except the erection of the Central High school building), or to extend the system beyond the limits then existing. IG 242 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, However, during- the p^iod mentioned many and material additions were made to the school buildings, thus mcreasing their seating capac- ity several fold. In 1870 an application was made to the board by the managers of the Susquehanna Valley Home, asking that the school connected with that institution be taken under the city system. This was afterward done, and while the Home school derives benefits from the general city system, the board of education is not charged with the expenses of maintenance. This school will be further mentioned in connection with the history of the Home. In 1874 the board made a careful estimate of the value of school property within its jurisdiction, as follows : Binghamton Central High school, $07,205.10; No. 1, Oak Street, $18,155; No. 2, Washington Street, $7,985; No. 3, Robinson Street, $15,058; No. 4, Pine Street, $31,464; No. 5, Carroll Street, $30,537; No. 6, Brighamville, $7,906; No. 7, Tompkinsville, $2,475. Total valuation, $211,545.10. The original compulsory education act was passed by the legislature May 11, 1874, yet there was no determined effort to enforce its provis- ion previous to 1882; and then the attempt was so weak that the law was of no special benefit so far as it related to our city schools. The act of May 12, 1894, proved far more beneficial, as the enforced appointment of a truant officer furnished the means of informing the board of violations and evasions of the law. However, it is not deemed important to this chapter to refer at length to the provisions of the compulsory act, or to the proceedings of the board in enforcing the law in this city, other than to mention the fact that in 1894 a truant school was opened in the Large building on Oak street. School No. p, Clinton street. — In 1884' the board purchased the land on which the school house in this district was built. Previous to the year mentioned that portion of the city north of the railroad on the west side of the Chenango river had no public school, and the creation of a new district was a necessity. The school building was erected in 1884, and cost $6,737. It was the first of the thoroughly modern school buildings of the city. School No. 10, Laurel Avenue. — The land on which this splendid modern building is erected was purchased from Horatio R. Clarke, George Gary and Edward S. Gary, June 1, 1889, for the sum of $2,100. (Marcus W. Scott and wife also quit-claimed to the city their interest • The land was purchased of William H. Van Vorst. The deed was dated lune 2, 1S84 ; con- sideration, $1,800. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 243 in certain lots in Gary Place by deed dated June 17, 1889.) The school house was built during the same year, and cost $13,679. It is a large three-story brick structure, modern in design and construction and an ornament both to the district and the city. 244 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, School No. II, Bevier Street. — In this immediate locality, in which pioneer Bevier settled more than a himdred years ago, a log school- house was built previous to the beginning of the century; and from GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 245 that to the present time a school has generally been maintained in the vicinity. A district was formed in this part of Chenango soon after 1813, and continued under the old system until it was absorbed by the city. On August 1, 1890, H. L. Smith, sole trustee of district No. 3, town of Binghamton, conveyed the Bevier street school property to the city, the consideration expressed in the deed being $73. 32. The area of the plot was increased by the purchase of adjoining lots, and the property is now one of the best for school purposes in the city. The present building, a large commodious two-story brick structure, was erected in 1890, at a cost of $16,726.90. School No. 8, Helen Street. — This was one of the school properties which came to the city with the extension of the limits in 1890.' The land was conveyed to the trustees of joint district No. 2, of the towns of Binghamton and Union, by Dr. John G. Orton, by deed dated De- cember 14, 1878, and for nominal consideration. A small two-story brick and frame school house was built on the land, and was occupied for district purposes until 1890, when it was taken into the city. In ad- justing accounts the city paid the town $3,750 for the property. In renumbering the schools in 1890 the Helen street property became No. 8, which number had previously designated one of the Oak street de- partments. The lands occupied by present No. 8 school were conveyed to the city August 1, 1890, by Albert H. Bixby, sole trustee of district No. 2. School No. 12, Fairvieiv. — This property, which is still owned by the city, though at present unoccupied, was conveyed to the grantee by Harlow H. Bisbee, sole trustee of school district No. 8, of the town of Binghamton. The school house is a small brick building. The land was deeded to the trustees of the district by Emory Truesdell in 1873, but was not suited to the purposes of the board of education where- upon, on July 1, 1892, a tract of land on Robinson street was purchased from Charles B. Piatt, at a cost of $3,000. The present large brick ' By an amendment to the charter passed April 4, 1890, the boundaries of the city were ex- tended to include all the remaining portion of the town of Binghamton which lay north of the Susquehanna except the town of Dickinson, and as well a considerable area south of the river. At the same time the wards were increased to thirteen in number, and were made to comprise seven school commissioner districts. Under the extension of the limits the city acquired, in whole or in part, several previously existing town of Binghamton districts. The east end or Pierce Creek school was one of these properties, and was deeded to the city July 21, 1890, by Cal- vm B. Preston, sole trustee of district No. 13; consideration $1,000. The Pierce Creek school house was not used by the board, the town district having been merged in the Alfred street or No. 7 city district. 246 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, school house was erected on this land in 1893, and cost $7,797. An ad- dition in 1897 cost $6,337. School No. ij, Rossvil/c.~Vov several years previous to the erection GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 247 of the present Rossville school building a primary school was conducted in the Meeker block on Park avenue. On July 21, 1890, the board pur- ^ chased from Burton M. Babcock a large lot of land on Pennsylvania 248 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, avenue, extending east to Park avenue; [consideration, $1,500, The school house was built in 1896, and cost $8,433. It is a large two-story and basement brick building, and is well supplied with modern i provements. m- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 249 School No. 14, Jarvis street. — The land on which this school build- ing stands was conveyed to the city by deed from Charles M. Jarvis, dated August 3, 1894; consideration $3,300. The building was erected 250 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, the 'same year, and cost $11,377. The Kindergarten addition was built in 1898, and cost $346.50. School No. /J, Si. John Avenue. — In April, 1894, the board of educa- tion purchased on contract the land on which school house No. 15 is built. The deed was executed about August 1, 1895, by William E. Bray and Austin wS. Bump; consideration $2,000. The school building, a large two-story and basement brick structure, was erected in 1896, at a cost of $15,958. Central High School. BINGHAMTON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL. The Binghamton Central High school, concededly the highest de- partment of the city educational system, and one of the most worthy mstitutions of its character in the state, had its inception in the action GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 251 of the board of education in August, 1861, when the Binghamton acad- emy was formally transferred to the board by the trustees of the latter corporation. Indeed, the union free school act of April 19, 1861, con- templated a high or academic school in connection with the general system of the village, yet almost ten years passed before the endeavors of the friends and advocates of the measure were fully rewarded. The first step in this direction was the transfer of the academy on the Court House square, but while the course of study in that building was of an approved character within the regulations prescribed by the regents' de- partment, the best and fullest results were not attained until the erec- tion of the Central High school building; ample in its accommodations and complete in its appointments for a full classical preparatory course.' Students graduated at the Binghamton Central High school now enter any of our colleges and universities without an intermediate preparatory course, while those who do not aspire to a college course are well equipped for all the ordinary positions of business, social and profes- sional life when they are awarded a graduate's diploma. Soon after the transfer of the academy to the board of education it became evident that a new central school must be provided, and to that end the authorities began preparations. For a few years the subject was one of discussion only, but on April 20, 1866, in pursuance of leg- islative authority granted therefor, the taxpayers voted on a proposition to appropriate $43,395 for the construction of a large academic building. The measure, unfortunately, was defeated at the polls by a vote of 315 against and 157 for the special tax. Three years afterward, under the act of April 14, 1869, the taxpayers not only approved of a similar proposition, but voted $75,000 for a high school building. Commis- sioners Elijah F, Bloomer, Dr. John G. Orton and William E. Knight were directed to secure plans and specifications for a suitable modern building, and November of the same year (1869) the Prendergast lot on Main street was purchased. Other lands were acquired from J. Stuart Wells and other adjoining owners, thus providing ample grounds for the proposed building. The Way property was purchased at a Liter date, and extended the school lands to the open alley leading from Oak street to the " Large " building. On June 28, 1870, the contract for erecting the high school building was awarded to William Hanlon, for the sum of $63,000. The contract, however, was soon afterward transferred to William H. Stillwell, by whom the structure was in fact built during the years 1871-72. The 252 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT. completed building-, including furnishings, cost $100,000. It is a large three-storied brick structure, with mansard roof, attractive from an architectural point of view, yet devoid of elaboration in that respect. It was sufficient for the time, and in its proportions contemplated a con- siderable growth in the city without crowding its capacity; now it is outgrown, and an additional building to comfortably seat the high school pupils must soon be provided by the board of education.' The first principal of the B. C. H. S. was Prof. Edward S. Frisbee," who was appointed to that position January 4, 1872. This mention, however, suggests the propriety of the succession of principals from the time the academy was founded under the board of education in 18G1. The succession is as follows: Principals .—T>Q.v\di H. Cruttenden, April 23, 1861-February 1, 1864; Henry T. Funnell, February 8, 1864-66; George Jackson, October 1866- 67; Norman F. Wright, April 29, 1867-January 4, 1869;' George Jack- son, appointed March 7, 1870; O. B. Bruce, appointed acting principal April 6, 1870; Edward S. Frisbee, January 4, 1872-resigned August 30, 1875; R. B. Clarke, 1875-76; Charles A. Fowler, appointed August 28, 1876; Eliot R. Payson, appointed July 11, 1879-resigned August 3, 1891; Charles O. Dewey, August 22, 1891-93; Albert Leonard, 1893- 98; Samuel G. Landon, 1898—. From all that is stated on preceding pages it is evident that "pro- gress " has been the constant watchward of the board of education in Binghamton from the beginning of the union free school system in 1861 to the present time. Looking back over this period of almost forty years, the person most familiar with our public schools cannot but be surprised at the wonderful changes which have taken place and the improvements which have been made. The first superintendent of schools had at best an insecure foundation upon which to build the su- ' The completion of Uie high school building in 1872 marked the beginning of a new era in the educational system of the city. It was the determination of the board of education to organize the high school on a plan of sufficient scope and thoroughness to meet the wants of those who sought a comprehensive education, but who did not contemplate a college course. For those who did intend to enter college a classical course of study was offered which was second to no pre- paratory school either in this state or New England. 2 In carrying out the determination to establish a high school of superior grade, the board of education wisely selected Prof. E. S. Frisbee as principal of the institution. Prof. Frisbee's power of organization, accurate scholarship and his wonderful skill in imparting knowledge made the school, during the four years of his principalship, one of the be.st preparatory schools in the state. ' The high school principals previous to 1869 were also superintendents of schools, (ieorge Jackson, appointed March 7, 1870. was the first regular principal of the high school. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 253 perstructiire of the permanent system. True, the inhabitants of the several school districts consented to the change from the old method to the new, but they did little else, and whatever was conceded to the new system was given reluctantly. It was a submission to the will of the majority, and nothing more; but when a proposition was presented contemplating the erection of the new and larger school buildings the strength of an influential minority for a time prevailed against the will of the majority. At length, however, the work of reconstruction was begun, and while the immediate requirements of the school population were satisfied, the work of building up and enlarging the general sys- tem has continued to the present day; and that work is not yet finished notwithstanding the fact that during the last thirty-five years more than half a million dollars have been spent in repairing and building public schools. In 1861 the village contained about 6,000 inhabitants, and the school rolls showed 850 pupils. In the next year the census showed 1,862 children of school age (between 5 and 18 years) living in the village. The subsequent increase may be noted about as follows: 1863, 2,663; 1867, 3,076; 1874, 4,529; 1880, 4,837; 1885, 5,964; 1890, 9,347. In 1870 the number of children in the city between the ages of 4 and 18 years was 7,338.' The era of progress in fact began with the year 1867, and the great- est strides in advancement in the history of education in Binghamton have been made since the village became a city. During these years the growth of the city itself has indeed been remarkable, and with each advance movement in other departments of municipal government the officials charged with the duty of guarding the educational standard have held a prominent position in the front rank. The first board of education certified to the village trustees that $7,469.95 would be required for school support during the following year. Of this sum $4,500 was for teachers' wages alone. In 1863 the board asked for and received $7,298. In 1867 the sum of $17,000 was granted for school maintenance. In 1870 the amount had increased to $29,000; in 1875 to $31,000; in 1880 to $35,200; in 1885 to $44,567; in 1890 to $86,645, including an extension fund of $34,000; in 1895 to $90,000; and in 1898 to $116,955. > The enumeration of 1897 was regulai-, yet undoubtedly incorrect. In previous years the census was made under the immediate supervision of the superintendent of schools, and a con- stant increase in number of children of school age was noticeable. In 1897, however, the work was done under political direction, and without competent supervision. The result should have been an increased rather than decreased school population. 254 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, As these annual appropriations increased with the growth of the city, so, correspondingly, was there an increase in the state moneys recei\^ed by the board. For several years $3,000 were apportioned to the city schools. In 1872 the amount was $(J,829.42; in 1875 was $8,529.25; in 1880, $10,020,40; 1885, $11,248.47; 1890, $14,423.09; 1895, $21,007.48; anJ in 1899, $25,227.50. The board is entitled to receive from the common council for school purposes four andone-half times the amount apportioned to the city by the state, and such further sum as the liber- ality of the council may suggest, but not exceeding six times the amount of state moneys received. It may be stated, however, as an historical fact that the council has never exceeded the authorized limit. As has been mentioned in a preceding paragraph, the board of educa- tion during the first few years of its existence, comprised both elective and appointive members. In 1864 the appointed branch of the board was abolished and all the members were thereafter elected by the peo- ple until 1897. During this period the school laws affecting the city were frequently amended and the number of commissioners was in- creased or diminished as occasion required. This subject, however, is not deemed important to the chapter, as the appended list of com- missioners shows the years in which the several changes were made. By an act of the legislature passed May 22, 1897, school commissioner elections were abolished, and in place thereof an appointive system was established, the creative power being vested in the mayor. The proposed change was bitterly opposed by many of the most earnest friends of the schools, while others, equally zealous in promoting the cause of education, warmly advocated the change. Despite the oppo- sition, the measure became a law; and now, that all the feeling en- gendered by the innovation has subsided, it is doubtful if the majority of the people would prefer a return to the old custom. The personnel of the board of education from 1861 to 1899 is shown in the following succession of school commissioners. The succession of presidents of the board, superintendents of schools and other otBcers connected therewith is also furnished for future use and reference. School Commissioners, i86i. — Daniel S. Dickinson, Horace S. Gris- wold, Hallam E. Pratt, Joel Fuller, William S. Beard, designated by the act of April 19, 1861, as district commissioners; Myron Merrill, George Burr, Benjamin N. Loomis and William Sprague, appointed April 22 by the village trustees as commissioners of the union district. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 255 1861, October Election. — Rodney A. Ford, Frederick Lewis, William E. Abbott, Sabin McKinney and Silas G. Pierce, elected district com- missioners; H. Clay Preston, Tracy R. Morgan (for two years), Benjamin N. Loomis, Lewis S. Abbott (for one year) appointed by trustees. 1862.— J. Stuart Wells, Edwin E. Jackson, H. Clay Preston, Nelson J. Hopkins, Frederick Lewis, Harry Lyon and Silas G. Pierce, elected commissioners; William P. Pope and Harris G. Rodgers, appointed by trustees. 1863. — J. Stuart Wells, Edwin E. Jackson, Frederick Lewis, William P. Pope, Sabin McKinney and Silas G. Pierce, elected commissioners: H. Clay Preston and Clinton F. Paige, appointed by trustees. 1864. — J. Stuart Wells, Edwin E. Jackson, Frederick Lewis, William P. Pope, Sabin McKinney, Silas G. Pierce, Horace N. Lester, Hallam E. Pratt, Stephen D. Hand. 1865.— Moses T. Morgan, H. Clay Preston, Tracy R. Morgan (re- signed May 27, 1867, and Sabin McKinney appointed), Josiah V. Sim- mons, Erastus R. Fish. 1866.— William W. Elliott, H. Clay Preston, Thomas J. Clark, J. Frank Rice, John Evans. 1867.— Moses T. Winton, Frederick Lewis, Sabin McKinney, Daniel Munson, Josiah V. Simmons. 1868.— William E, Knight, John G. Orton, Thomas J. Clark, Elijah F. Bloomer, Hallam Eldredge (resigned Dec. 6, 1869, and H. A. Bis- bee appointed). 1869.— Moses T. Winton, Frederick Lewis, Franklin A. Darkee, Daniel Munson, Josiah V. Simmons. 1870.— William E. Knight, John G. Orton, Thomas J. Clark, Elijah F. Bloomer, Hiram A. Bisbee. 1871. — Harris G. Rodgers, Laurel L. Olmsted, Franklin A. Diirkee, Rev. D. W. Bristol, Daniel Lyons. 1872.— Joseph P. Noyes, T. Edson Porter, Thomas J. Clark, Benajah S. Curran, Rollin B. Truesdell. 1873. — Harris G. Rodgers, Laurel L. Olmsted, Ralph vS. Darrow, William H. Wilkinson, Daniel Lyons. 1874. — Joseph P. Noyes, William Stewart, Thomas J. Clark, James F. Carl, Egbert M. Gaige. 1875. — Harris G. Rodgers, Mason W. Bosworth, Ralph S. Darrow, Harry Lyon, Daniel Lyons. 258 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, 1876 — William E. Knight, William Stewart, Thomas J. Clark, James F. Carl, John H. Jessup. 1877. — Gilbert M. Furman, J. Frank Rice, George Whitney, Joseph H. Chittenden, Daniel Lyons. 1878. — Charles S. Hall, Simeon H. McCall, Marcus W. Scott, James F. Carl, John H. Jessup. 1879. — Dan S. Richards, William P. Morgan, George Whitney, Joseph H. Chittenden, Albert Hatten. 1880. — Charles S. Hall, Simeon H. McCall, Hiram Barnum, James F. Carl, RoUin B. Truesdell. 1881. — Silas W. Crandall, Robert Morris, George A. Kent, Joseph H. Chittenden (long term. Fourth ward), Henry P. Clark (short term. Fourth ward), Daniel Lyons. 1882. — James H. Graham, Herbert E. vSmith, Hiram Barnum (long term), Dan S. Burr (short term), Henry P. Clark, Frederick W. Put- nam. 1883. — Frank H. vStephens, John B. Van Name, Dan S. Burr, Joseph H. Chittenden, Daniel Lyons, Moses Stoppard (long term), Horace E. Allen (short term). 1884. — George A. Bishop, William M. Ely, Hiram Barnum, Henry P. Clark, Robert V. Bogart, Horace E. Allen. 1885. — Henry A. Smith, Charles F. Terhune, Dan S. Burr, Charles E. Mann, (died February 16, 1886, and David H. Carver appointed), Albert Hatten, William J. Stone. 1886. — George A. Bishop, William M. Ely, Hiram Barnum, Henry P. Clark, Robert V. Bogart, Horace E. Allen. 1887.— Henry A. Smith, Homer B. Boss, Dan S. Burr, David H. Carver, Daniel Lyons, Moses Stoppard. 1888.— George A. Bishop, William M. Ely, Robert V. Bogart, S. Douglas Smith, Hiram Barnum. 188!). — Henry A. Smith, Moses Stoppard, Homer B. Boss, Daniel Lyons, David H. Carver, Dan S. Burr. 1890. — George A. Bishop, Pliny A. Russell, James E. Barber, Homer B. Boss, Theodore B. Schenck, Hiram Barnum (long term), Harvey F. Beardsley (short term), George Whitney. 1891. — Lyman H. Hills, Charles W. Gennet, Daniel Lyons, Julius E. Rogers, William M. Shapley, Harvey F. Beardsley. 1892. — George A. Bishop, Albert H. Bixby, James E. Barber, Homer B. Boss, Theodore B. Schenck, William H. Cannon, George M. Ely. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 257 1893._Frank E. Slater, Charles W. Smith, Daniel Lyons, Julius E. Roo-ers, William M. Shapley, Harvey F. Beardsley. 1^94 -Alfred J. Inloes, Albert H. Bixby, Robert V. Bogart, Homer B Boss Theodore B. Schenck, William H. Cannon, Charles J. Cook. 'iSOo -William G. Trowbridge, Charles W. Smith, Walter Mosher, Tulius E. Rogers, William M. Shapley, D. P. Bailey. ^ 1896 -Dr F E. Slater (short term), William F. Van Cleve (long term) Ur. Frank P. Hough, Robert V. Bogart, Homer B. Boss, Edward M Tierney, Marcus W. Scott, Charles J. Cook. 1897 -Appointed by the mayor, September 23: S. Mills Ely, term to expire February 1, 1899; Edward C. Smith, term to expire February 1 1900- Charles A. Weed, term to expire February 1, 1901; Charles W. Gennet! term to expire February 1, 1902; Julius E. Rogers, term to ex- pire February 1, 1903; Charles M. Stone, term to expire February 1, ^^^898.— Marcus W. Scott, appointed September 30, by Mayor De 1899 — M R F. McCarthy, appointed January, by Mayor De Witt. Presidents of the 5^ar^. -Daniel S. Dickinson, April 23-October 22, 1861- Tracy R Morgan, October 22, 1861-66; Frederick Lewis, 1866,- resigned October 5, 1869; Thomas J. Claik, October 5, 1869-75; Harris G. Rodgers, 1875-77; Thomas J. Clark, 1877-78; Daniel Lyons, 1878-79- George Whitney, 1879-80; James F. Carl, 1880-81; Joseph H. Chittenden 1881-82; Hiram Barnum, 1882-84; Joseph H. Chittenden, 1884-85; Albert Hatten, 1885-87; Henry P. Clark, 1887-88; David H. Carver, 1888-89; George A. Bishop, 1889-90; David H. Carver 1890- 91; Hiram Barnum, 1891-92; Daniel Lyons, 1892-93; George A. Bishop, 1893-94; Julius E. Rogers, 1894-99. -ioqiqai Superintendents of Schools.-^2.v\^ H. Cruttenden, April 23, 1861- February 1, 1864; Henry T. Funnell, February 8, 1864-October, 1866; George Jackson, October 1866-67; Norman F. Wright, April 29 1867- January 4, 1869; George L. Farnham,^ January 21, 1869-October 26, 1875- R B. Clarke, October 26, 1875-July 13, 1876; O. B. Bruce, July 20, 1876-December 17, 1877; M. L. Hawley, March 18, 1878-81; J. H. 1 " To Prof. Farnham, more than to any other man, belongs the credit for the ^^^^^^l^^^^ lent condition of our public schools. He laid the foundations broad and deep. He r-ogmzed the fact that the most important period of a child's training is m the primary «<=hool. He -aug urated a system of primary education which was looked upon m those days as a ^ev«lution educational methods; but it is a system which stood the test of more than a quarter o a ce^turj and to-day is looked upon with approval by practical educators, "-(Extracts from I. T. Deyo s alumni banquet address, June 21, 1897). 17 258 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT. Hoose. May 16, 1881-May 1, 1882; George L. Farnham, June 5-July 3, 1882; Marcus W. Scott, August 7, 1882-June 19, 1886; Rufus H.Halsey, July 20, 1896-January 28, 1899; Darwin L. Bardwell, March 1, 1899. Secretaries of the Board. — Eleazer Osborn was appointed secretary October 26, 1875, and served until July 17, 1876; was re-appointed temporary secretary December 17, 1877, and served a short time. Arthur E. Knox served a short term beginning May 1, 1882. Dr. Alfred J. Inloes was appointed permanent secretary, December 2, 1895, and is still in office. Attendance Officers. — Martin L. Hall, December 19, 1894-February 23, 1895; Albert Rorapaugh, February 22-April 1, 1895; Martin L. Hall, April 1-16, 1895; Stephen D. Wilbur, September 2, 1895. Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds. — Robert V. Bogart, Sep- tember 5, 1898. The Catholic Schools. — In a preceding portion of this chapter mention is made of the academic high school for young ladies conducted by the Misses White at the northwest corner of Chenango and Lewis streets; and of the subsequent removal of that school to the residence of Edward White on Front street (now the property of George H. Barlow.) The period of operation of the academic school was between 1830 and 1845. In 18-47 Father James F. Hourigan was appointed missionary priest for the counties of Broome, Chenango and Delaware, with a residence at Binghamton; and within three years from the date of his appointment the worthy priest had started a little parochial school in a story and a- half frame building which stood adjoining St. John's church edifice on the west. The school was placed in charge of Miss Ellen White (formerly of the Academic High school) and Miss Dodge, the latter a sister of General Dodge. This was the beginning of St. James' school, with hardly more than half a dozen children in attendance ; but it was well founded and under excellent management, therefore increased in strength and usefulness with the growth of the village and subsequent city. Indeed, St. James' school is one of the oldest educational institu- tions of Binghamton, and has enjoyed uninterrupted existence for more than half a century. The original school building was a frame structure and stood on the church lot between the present convent building and St. Patrick's edi- fice, and was removed to make room for the latter. It now stands on the lot next west of the corner of Oak street, on the south side of Le Roy street, and is occupied for dwelling purposes. When St. John's GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 259 church edifice was removed from its original site to the Oak street lot the school was transferred to that building, and has since been main- tained there. In 1851 the number of pupils in St. James' school was 160. The teachers at that time are believed to have been Miss Ellen White and her sister and Miss Dodge, but the task proved too great for their strength, and at the end of about two years they were obliged to retire from the work. Then came the much esteemed Dennis J. Dowden, a former resident on Long Island, who took charge of the girls' depart- ment, while Mr. Stoughton conducted the boys' school. The latter was succeeded by John Guilfoyle, one of the most competent teachers connected with any school in our village history. He taught several years, until the convent was opened, when Mr. Dowden took charge of the boys' department. Mr. Dowden was connected with St. James' school until his death in 1878, and was followed by Mr. Lannon, who remained only a few weeks, and was in turn succeeded by Cornelius F. McCormick. St. Joseph's convent building was erected in 1860 by J. Stuart Wells, and on completion was at once opened as a parochial school of advanced grade in connection with St. Patrick's parish. It was, and still is, under charge of the sisters of St. Joseph, and for many years has been recog- nized as one of the leading educational institutions of the village and city. In 1862 the village board of education passed a resolution appro- priating $40 per month for the support of the school, but the action aroused such bitter discussion among the people that the payments were discontinued. St. Joseph's was afterward taken under the super- vision of the regents of the university, and thus shares in the public school funds. It has ever been maintained as a high class academic school, and draws a large attendance from the protestant element of the city. The Lady Jane Grey School. — In 1882 Mrs. Jane Grey Hyde, widow of Henry Mygatt Hyde, came to Binghamton and opened "Mrs. Hyde's home school for girls " in the old and historic building originally known as the " Brandy wine Inn," but later the residence of Rufus K. Amory. From the beginning the school proved a success and was liberally pat- ronized by the best people in the city. In 1887 the name of the insti- tution was changed to " Lady Jane Grey School," and was made a boarding and day school for young ladies. At the same time the build- ing was substantially remodeled and suitably arranged for boarding 260 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, school occupancy. The teachers' corps, then as now, was under the principal direction of Mrs. Hyde and her daughters, Mary Rebecca Hyde and Jane Brewster Hyde. In this school, as in the other high class educational institutions of the city, the past ten years have witnessed many changes of im- provements. During that period it has grown and developed into one of the most popular and exclusive schools for mental and social train- ing in southern New York. When formally opened in 1887, Mrs. Hyde and daughters comprised the corps of teachers ; now ten assistant teachers are employed. Between 40 and 50 pupils are in regular at- tendance. The number of boarding pupils is limited to 20. In 1898 the "cottage " building was fitted for the purposes of a gymnasium and girls' apartments. Barlow School of Industrial Arts. — On April 15, 1889, the regents of the university granted a charter to the Barlow School of Industrial Arts. The incorporators named in the articles of association, which were recorded in Broome county clerk's office, October 31, 1889, were Edward F. Jones, Eliot R. Payson, Charles M. Dickinson, Charles W. McCall, David Murray, Harris G. Rodgers, William G. Phelps, George C. Bayless, George A. Kent, Frederick E. Ross and Clinton Ross. The founder, in fact, of this worthy institution was Allen Barlow, who is remembered by nearly all of our citizens as a man of conserva- tive habits, of upright and correct life and ever mindful of the physical and mental welfare of the youth of the city. -Through honest and per- sistent effort in business life, and his well known and frugal manner of living, Mr. Barlow accumulated a comfortable fortune. His wife pos- sessed a temperament much like that of her husband, and together in perfect harmony they trod life's path to its inevitable end. Allen Barlow was a native of Greene county, N. Y., and was born September 17, 1810. His early education was acquired in the common schools of his native county, and also in a select academic school at Andover, Mass., from which he was graduated. He fully appreciated the importance of an early education and the difficulties sometimes en- countered- in acquiring it, for his own schooling was paid for with money he himself had earned. At the age of 17 he began teaching district school, and as he became more trained in the work he took charge of schools of higher grade. After several years he gave up teaching and began work as a clerk in a store at Lexington Heights, and two years later purchased an interest in the business. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 261 In September, 1838, Mr. Barlow married with Lucina Denton Blakes- lee, daughter of Col. Enoch Blakeslee. After marriage, having saved his earnings of former years, Mr. Barlow began looking for a place of permanent settlement, and determined to build a house at Prattsville, which he did almost wholly with his own hands. He was thus self taught in carpentry and proved an excellent mechanic. In the spring of 1849 he went to San Francisco and remained in the gold fields about four years, during the time being constantly employed either as carpen- ter, merchant, contractor or mining operator; but at whatever avocation he was always industrious and earnest. In 1853 Mr. Barlow returned to the east and lived for a time in Greene county, but in 1854 he came to Binghamton and purchased the Sayles house on Court street, at the corner of Cox, now Chapman street, where he afterward lived and died. In 1857 he became partner with Levi M. Rexford in a drug business, but soon afterward purchased the entire stock. After selling the business Mr. Barlow was not engaged in active work until about the time of the outbreak of the war, when he was appointed U. S. gauger. He held this office, except from 1872 to 1878, until 1884, when he resigned. In connection with his official duties, which did not occupy all his time, Mr. Barlow made all kinds of stencil plate and stamp work. These little industries occupied his mind during the latter period of his life, and yielded sufficient profit to maintain himself and wife. Allen Barlow died August 23, 1894, his wife died in February, 1895. He was a firm believer in mechanical industry as well as in education in the schools. He was a close student and careful reader, and more than twenty years ago concieved the idea of founding an institution in which young persons of both sexes might receive training in mechan- ical and household arts in connection with their education in the public schools. To this end he laid his plans and to their consummation he devoted his fortune, the results of raore than half a century of earnest, persevering effort. The incorporation of the Barlow school in April, 1889, was effected at the suggestion and request of Mr. Barlow himself, and in May fol- lowing the action of the regents, he and his wife executed deeds of con- veyance to the school of all their property, real and personal, in the city of Binghamton, of the estimated value of $75,000. In return, and to carry out the agreement with Mr. Barlow, the trustees of the school conveyed to him a life estate in the property deeded to them. Pro- 262 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, vision was also made for a life interest in the residence property at the corner of Court and Chapman streets, and an annuity of $300, for the benefit of Mrs. Barlow in case she survived her husband. Mr. Barlow lived five years after the transfer of his property to the school, and during- that time, under appointment by the trustees, he acted as super- intending agent ; and it was not in fact until after the death of both the donor and his wife that definite measures were adopted by the trustees in the matter establishing the school. The property acquired by the trustees under the deeds from Mr. Bar- low comprised the three-story brick store building at No. 142 Washing-- ton street; the three-story brick block at Nos. 218-220 Court street, with buildings in rear on the Rutherford street front; the house and lot No. 232 Court street; the home property. No. 234 Court street; the house and lot No. 12 Summit street (originally Cox but now Chapman street), and also personal property of the nominal value of $15,000, The trustees sold the residence, No. 234 Court street, and with the avails thereof purchased the commonly called large block, situate in rear of the high school building; and later on they also purchased the Stryker residence on Oak street, which adjoined the former purchase on the west. The trustees have faithfully complied with every requirement and condition of their charter, and, as the articles suggested, have accom- plished a union of the Barlow school with the general system of the board of education. The latter, in 1895-96, erected a large building on the High school lot for the purposes of the industrial school, and soon after its completion the building was occupied for its intended vise. The board of education pays for all supplies used in the school, while the trustees of the Barlow school pay the salaries of its corps of instruc- tors. It is the ultimate aim and purpose of the trustees of the Barlow school to convert all their real estate into money and with the fund thereby created to erect a large and specially appointed building in which a complete course of instruction in the mechanical and house- hold arts shall be furnished to pupils in that department, and have the control of the institution vested in the city board of education. At the organization of the board of trustees in May, 1889, Harris G. Rodgers was elected president, David Murray, secretary, and Frederick E. Ross, treasurer. On the death of Mr. Rodgers, Charles M. Dickin- son was elected to fill the vacancy, and still holds the position. Mr. Murray resigned the secretaryship on his removal from the city, upon GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 263 which Clinton Ross was appointed to fill the vacancy. He resigned April 1, 1895, and was succeeded by George C. Bayless, the present secretary, upon whom has fallen much of the hard work of the board. He was, in fact, the trustee of Mrs. Barlow during her lifetime, and was also the trusted friend and adviser of Mr. Barlow previous to his death. Had his counsel been more closely followed, the assets of the trustees might have been much larger than at present. Frederick E. Ross resigned the office of treasurer April 1, 1895, and was succeeded by William G. Phelps, the present custodian of the funds. The personnel of the board of trustees, as established in 1889, has changed by the death of Mr. Rodgers, the resignation and removal from the city of David Murray and Eliot R. Payson, and the resignation of Frederick E. and Clinton Ross. To fill vacancies George F. Lyon, Charles A. Weed and Daniel Lyons have been appointed trustees. There are two vacancies in the board at the present time. LIBRARIES. Tlie Binghamton Library Society, the pioneer institution of its kind in the village, was incorporated March 10, 1812, and was the result of a meeting of citizens held at the house of Marshall Lewis for the "pur- pose of establishing a public library in the town of Chenango." The sum of forty pounds was then subscribed as a book fund, but of its use and the period of operation of the society there is no present record. Not one of the founders of the society is now living, and no present resi- dent of the city has any recollection of its existence. Yet such an insti- tution did exist, and was organized at the time mentioned, Dr. Tracy Robinson being chairman of the meeting. The first trustees were Dr. Tracy Robinson, Mason Whiting, Joshua Whitney, Archibald Somer- ville, Charles Stone, Chester Lusk, William Chamberlain, William Stuart and Daniel Le Roy. The Binghamton Library, the second society of its kind in the village, was incorporated March 11, 1826, by several prominent citizens who expressed themselves in articles of association as follows: "We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do hereby signify our content and desire to associate for the purpose of procuring and erecting a public library in the village of Binghamton, town of Chenango, county of Broome." The originators and trustees of this praiseworthy enterprise were Nathaniel Huse, Arthur Gray, Charles Howard, Ammi Doubleday, Jere- miah Campbell, James Munsell, Tracy Robinson, Daniel Evans, James 264 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Squires, Gilbert Tompkins, Mason Whiting, George E. Isbell, George Park, Lewis Squires, Thomas Evans, Silas West, Samuel Smith, James S. Hawley, Erasmus D. Robinson, Locy Halsted, Hazard Lewis, Myron Merrill, Julius Page, Richard Mather, James McKinney, Maver- ick Pratt, Joshua Whitney and Christopher Eldredge. It is understood that the Binghamton library was maintained with a moderate degree of success for a period of about twenty years, when it passed out of existence. The written record, if indeed any were kept, cannot now be found. The Young Men's Association succeeded the society last mentioned, but all records of its organization and subsequent history have been lost. It is believed to have been formed about 1850. It was continued until 1861, when its collection of books was purchased by the board of education and used to form the nucleus of the union free school library of later years. The records show that $105 were paid by the board to the association trustees, and that the sale was made on condition that a free library be afterward maintained by the purchaser. This condi- tion certainly has been complied with according to its full intent, and the city school library, as it is commonly known, now contains a large and valuable collection of books. By persons well informed on the subject it is said that the library at the present time is one of the best of its special kind in the state. The number of volumes exceeds 12,000. Since 1861 the library has been under control of the board of education, its affairs being managed by a committee of that body. Since 1881 Mrs. Josephine W. Clonney has held the position of librarian, and through her careful attention to the details of the office the library has been brought to its present standard of excellence. Tlie Binghamton Library Association, the largest and most thoroughly appointed literary society ever organized in this city, and one which has been of the greatest public benefit among the several organizations of its character in local history, was incorporated in 1874, with chartei members as follows: Celora E. Martin, U. H. Patterson, Henry A. Smith, Edwin G. Halbert, Joseph M. Johnson, J. Monroe Lyons, George M. Harris, Stephen C. Millard, George F. Lyon, Charles H. Amsbry, James H. Barnes, A. De Witt Wales, Theo. F. McDonald, Philo H. Lee, Arthur L. Tremain, Homer B. Boss, Alonzo Stryker, L. D. V. Smith, David L. Brownson, Cyrus J. Brownell, Henry P. Brush, Asa R. Tweedy, Frederick A. Benson, Harlan G. Blanding, Pliny A. Russell, David H. Ogden, S. Mills Ely, W. Gus Chittenden, Alonzo C. Matthews and William B. Edwards. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 265 According to the provisions of the constitution of the association, full membership was secured upon the consent of the organization and the payment of a membership fee of $25. This entitled the member to all the privileges of the association without further expense. The library books were accessible to non-members upon payment of an annual fee of two dollars. An annual lecture course was one of the leading fea- tures of the association's history, and was continued with gratifying success several years. At length, however, the expenses for rent and maintenance, together with the increasing popularity of the union school library, suggested to the association the propriety of making some disposition of its property. This was done by a transfer of asso- ciation stock to members of the Young Men's Christian Association, and by this means the latter became possessed of several thousand well selected library volumes of books. The transfer was made in 1889, since which time only occasional meetings have been held. The organ- ization, however, has never lost its identity. The present acting offi- cers are the president, David H. Carver, the secretary, Homer B. Boss, and the treasurer, James W. Manier. In his will the late Colonel Walton Dwight bequeathed to the Bing- hamton Library association the sum of $7,500, of which amount the sum of $2,500 was to be immediately available for the extension of the library, while the balance of $5,000 was to be invested for the benefit of the association. Through some defect in the bequeathing clause the association did not acquire the $5,000 above mentioned, but it did re- cieve $2,500, which has been partially used for the purchase of books. The first officers of the association were Celora E. Martin, president; William B. Edwards, vice-president; Homer B. Boss, recording secre- tary; W. Gus Chittenden, corresponding secretary; U. H. Patterson, financial secretary; Alonzo C. Matthews, treasurer. From 1874 to 1899 the presidents of the association have been as fol- lows: Celora E. Martin, 1874-75; William B. Edwards, 1876-77; Stephen C. Millard, 1878-79; Asa R. Tweedy, 1880-85; David H. Car- ver, 1886-99. The secretaries have been Homer B. Boss, 1874-76; George M. Harris, 1877-79; Russell B. Merriam, 1880; M. H. Mills, 1881; Homer B. Boss, 1882; Hartwell Morse, 1883; M. H. Mills, 1884- 85; Eleazer Osborn, 1886-89; Homer B. Boss, 1890-99. 266 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT. CHAPTER XIV. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. Early Roads and Turnpikes. — Binghamton, and in fact any munici- pality or town, owes much of its progress and development to its in- ternal improvements. The first settlers who came into this region followed the old and well-defined Indian trails up and down the valleys of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers, but to permit the free pas- sage of wagons and ox carts these primitive thoroughfares were cleared of their accumulation of fallen timber, and were widened to about six or eight feet. If the road happened to be obstructed by trees of large size the hardy pioneer would cut his way around them. The road most frequently used in reaching this village settlement followed down the north side of the Susquehanna to a point just below the dry bridge across Brandywine creek, and then turned northwestward in an almost direct line to Lyon's Ferry, near the present Ferry street bridge. When the site of the settlement was removed from Chenango village to Chenango Point, soon after 1800, a new road was opened from the angle near the Brandywine creek to the ferry at the twin elms, or substan- tially on the route of Court street. Another trail and subsequent road much used by travelers into the region was that on which the old State road to Catskill was afterward laid out, reaching across the country from the upper Susquehanna valley to the old road on the east bank of the Che- nango near Sawtell's tavern stand. At this point a ferry carried travelers across the river to the main road leading from Chenango Forks to Owego, the latter road being laid substantially on the route of Prospect street, as now known. At the foot of Mount Prospect, near the river, the road forked and a branch led down the west side of the Chenango nearly on the line of Front street to the river road, and thence to Owego on the north side of the Susquehanna. Indeed, the street called River- side Drive is one of the oldest thoroughfares in the city and at one time in its history it was in part built as a corduroy road. From Lyon's Ferry, on the west side of the Chenango, a branch road led northwest to the highway skirting Prospect hill on the north. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 267 The foregoing outline furnishes an idea of the situation of the high- ways leading into the village about one hundred years ago, but it was not until Chenango Point was designated as the seat of justice of the newly created county of Broome that turnpike companies were organ- ized and began their operation, thus opening more convenient means of travel into the region. These old toll roads, however, are considered of little consequence in our history, so completely has their importance been dwarfed by more modern means of travel. Still, as incidental to the subject of internal improvements some brief allusion to them is appropriate. The Unadilla Turnpike company was one of the first incorporations of its character, and was authorized to open and maintain a toll road from Cuyler's store, in the town of Otego, to Chenango Point, term- inating near the house of Joshua Whitney. The company was incor- porated in April, 1806. In April of the next year the Salina and Chenango Turnpike company was incorporated, among its promoters in this locality being Chauncey Hyde and Daniel Hudson. This road opened for settlement the country bordering on both sides of the Che- nango River, and afforded direct communication with Salina, or Syra- cuse, as now known, passing through the towns of Onondaga, Tully, Homer, Virgil, Cincinnatus, Lisle and Chenango to Chenango Point. In the same year the Otsego and Broome Turnpike company was in- corporated and opened for travel and settlement of the country in the sections north of the city. The Great Bend and Bath Turnpike company was incorporated March 11, 1808, and that turnpike became one of the most popular routes of travel through the Susquehanna valley. General Whitney was one of the incorporators and chief promoters of the road. - This was probably the highway intended to have been built by the Great Bend and Union Turnpike company, which was incorporated but did not begin opera- tions under its charter. When the road was in fact built the work was done under the direction of General Whitney, Squire Whiting, Judge Woodruff, Judge McKinney and Daniel Le Roy, who were authorized to open a sufficient highway beginning at the terminus of the Cohocton and Great Bend road, thence running on the north side of the Susque- hanna to the bridge across the Chenango (at the foot of Court street), and thence to the bridge across the Choconut in the town of Union. Court and Main streets within the city limits are on the line of this old road. 268 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. The Chenango Turnpike company was incorporated June 15, 1812, and was authorized to construct and maintain a toll road beginning at the twenty-eighth milestone on the Pennsylvania line, and running thence by the most direct and practicable route to the house of John G. Christopher, on the Susquehanna river, opposite the village of Chenan- "■o Point. The commissioners to receive subscriptions to the capital stock of the company were Horace Williston, Judge Woodruff and Tracy Robinson. This was the old Montrose turnpike route, as after- wards known, and followed in part on the line of Pennsylvania and Park avenues, thence up the hill west of the park. The Hawleyton turnpike was of much later construction, and united with the Montrose road about twetity-five rods south of the present Rossville school house. In connection with the Chenango turnpike road, on June 19, 1812, the town highway commissioners were directed to lay out Water street to the full width of sixty feet from Court street to the Susquehanna river. A ferry was put in operation at the foot of Water street where travel was maintained across the river just east of the Christopher property (now known as the Eldredge estate) until after the erection of the White bridge in 1826. It was sometimes known as Waterhouse's Ferry, and was kept up until Mr. Waterhouse lost his property, when it was discontinued. Among the other turnpike companies whose lines of road were de- signed to open avenues of travel into the village during the early years of its history, were the Chenango and Onondaga Turnpike company, in- corporated April 17, 1816, for the construction of a toll road from the town of Fabius to Chenango Point. Also the Windsor and Bingham- ton Turnpike company, whose road led from Windsor village through Cole's Settlement to- this village. It was incorporated March 31, 1821, and was authorized to be laid out by Chester Patterson, Thomas Blakes- lee andOzias Marsh. The Broome and Tioga Turnpike road company was incorporated in 1825, by Dr. Robinson, Otis Lincoln and John Speed, jr. The Binghamton and Harpersville company was incorpo- rated in May,1834, and Joseph S. Bosworth, Judge Chamberlain, Henry Squires, Nathaniel Cole and James Blakeslee were authorized to re- ceive stock subscriptions. The route of this road was from this village to the house of Mr. Squires in Conklin, and thence to Harpersville, in the town of Colesville. These were a few of the many turnpike companies incorporated for the purpose of constructing and operating toll roads in this county, and were intended for the ultimate benefit of GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 269 the region through which they were severally laid out, as well as for the pecuniary profit of their promoters. Mail and Stage Coaching. — The first and principal object of the turnpike roads above mentioned was the expectation of profit on the part of their respective proprietors. Still other roads were projected but were not built, but all these endeavors were directly beneficial to local interests. As early as 1816 or '17 to firm of Teter & Huntington put a mail coach on the road between Newburgh and Owego, Teter himself being the driver and traveling with a two horse team the en- tire distance, making one trip each way weekly. In 1818 a company was formed to operate a mail and passenger stage line over the same route, but extended the latter from Owego to Ithaca, and made tri- weekly trips. In 1820, Dr. Tracy Robinson and Major Augustus Mor- gan succeeded to the company's interest in the line and inaugurated a system of travel and transportation which was maintained until the con- struction of railroads made the business unprofitable. This, perhaps, was Major Morgan's most conspicuous service in connection with the early history of Binghamton. ' He was partner for a time with Dr. Robinson but soom became sole proprietor. The firm ran the first regular stage coach through this village about 1823. Among the prin- cipal lines in which Major Morgan was interested was that from New- burgh to Binghamton and thence to Ithaca. Another was from Jersey City to Owego, and still anothej from Catskill to Geneva. All were for years operated by the firm of A. Morgan & Co., with this village as general headquarters. At the terminal points connections were estab- lished and passengers and mails were thereby carried to distant parts of the state. In several of the connecting lines Major Morgan had an in- terest, though this village was the chief seat of his operations. Among his old-time partners, besides Dr. Robinson, were Isaac Tompkins, Sidney T. Robinson, and perhaps others whose names are not re- called. As early as 1818 or '19, a two-horse wagon began carrying passen- gers between this village and Oxford, under the proprietorship of one Willoughby, making weekly trips. After a year or two the number of trips was doubled and George Munsell became owner of the line, doing his own driving. In 1825 he put a four-horse mail and passenger coach on the line and extended his route to Utica, but the easier means of travel afforded by the Chenango canal eventually drove him out of business. In 1828 John McPherson put a two-horse stage on the Mont- 370 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, rose turnpike, making weekly trips and thus opening communication with northern Pennsylvania. Daniel Searle afterward became owner of this line. The Montrose stage line was maintained until about twenty-five years ago, when the D., L. & W. Railroad and its connec- tions superseded the slower means of travel. One of the most interesting periods in the early history of our village was that usually termed stage coaching days. When the system was at its best the daily arrival and departure of the stages was an occasion of great moment among the villagers, while the ever active agents and speculators were constantly on hand to extol the qualities of the land held by them for sale. Our streets were nightly thronged with stran- gers and frequently the capacity of the village taverns was overtaxed. The old Binghamton hotel, at the corner of Court and Water streets, Peterson's tavern, at the corner of Main and Front streets, and the Broome County house (afterward the Phoenix and still later the Ex- change hotel) were almost daily crowded with guests, business men and village hangers-on; and around the barns and in the streets stage coaches and vehicles of every description added to the thriving appear- ance of the place. The first serious blow to the staging industry in this locality was the construction of the Chenango canal, and the finish- ing stroke followed when the principal lines of steam railroads were opened for traffic. In this connection it is interesting to recall the names of some of the more prominent stage coach drivers who traveled through the village and made headquarters at the taverns of the place. They were " Jack " Finch, " Dave " Bartle (who drove on the Binghamton, Corbettsville and Montrose line, and was a general favorite along the whole route), James Peterson (colored), John B. Bowen (who in later years was one of our most respected citizens), Erastus R. Campbell (afterward a busi- ness man in the city, for years chief of the fire department, and whose familiar figure is daily seen on our public streets), "Hank " Wolverton, Isaac Wilber, Ira Jennings, Milton Tousley, James Ager, Lemuel Win- ton, John Lampkins, Emory Truesdell (on the Montrose line), Asa and Merritt Truesdell, James Rockenstyre, Andrew Carter, "Jake" Hogan, Hubert Hogan, David Wormer and Harry Nash. River Navigation. — Many of our first settlers came into the region by way of the Susquehanna, Tioughnioga and Chenango rivers, using, chiefly, flat-bottomed or Durham boats, arks, and occasionally a log or bark canoe. This means of travel at the time was both necessary and GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 271 convenient. Previous to 1815 but few dams had been built across the larger streams of the county, hence travel by water was an established custom of early days. In April, 1813, the legislature passed an act by which the Susquehanna river within this state was declared to be a public highway. At the same time the construction of dams for lumbering and milling purposes was authorized, but few were built in this immediate locality until several years afterward. All attempts to navigate the rivers of this county with either sail or steam craft, except for pleasure purposes, have met with many dis- couraging obstacles and very limited success. The movement began and had its origin in Owego previous to 1825, when it was proposed to navigate the waters of the Susquehanna from that village to the in- terior of Pennsylvania. The efforts in this direction were honest and commendable, and for a time were rewarded with partial success, but the series of rifts, rapids and bars between Owego and Binghamton precluded the possibility of commercial intercourse without a greater expense than the probable results would justify. In 1825 the Delaware and Susquehanna Navigation company was incorporated, and had for its object the navigation of the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers in this State. John A. Collier and Chester Patterson were interested in the company, yet neither they nor their associates were able to establish successful river navigation. Still later, in April, 1855, the Bingham- ton, Owego and Slack Water Navigation company was incorporated. In this enterprise we find the names of James S. Hawley and Dr. Edwin Eldridge, of this village, with many other prominent men of Tioga county. It was the intention of the company to construct necessary dams, locks, gates and other erections for the purpose of making and maintaining slack water navigation from the southern terminus of the Chenango canal to the Pennsylvania line in the town of Barton, Tioga county. The company, however, never carried out its plans, and all like attempts to navigate our rivers for general commercial purposes have met with unfortunate results. The southern terminus of the Chenango canal, just mentioned, was at the extreme point of land at the angle formed by the junction of the Chenango with the Susquehanna river, west of the lower end of Washington street. THE CHENANGO CANAL. The construction of a canal through the central portion of this State, connecting the Hudson River with Lake Erie, had a greater stimulating 272 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, effect upon the settlement and development of the region through which it passed than all other efforts in that direction, and resulted in numerous applications to the legislature for like thoroughfares for the benefit of other localities. The Erie canal was begun at Rome, July 4, 1817, and was finished in October, 1835. Its original cost was $7,143,- 789.86. The Chenango canal was authorized by an act of the legislature, passed February 23, 1833. The work of construction was begun the same year and was finished in 1837, at a total cost of $1,737,703. From Utica, the northern terminus, to the summit of the greatest elevation on its line, a series of seventy-six locks gave a rise of 706 feet; thence the canal de- scended 303 feet by thirty-eight locks to the southern terminus at the junction of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers in Binghamton. The feed supply was obtained from the elevated water bodies of southern Madison county, and were Madison brook. Woodman's pond, Leland's pond, Bradley's brook, Hatch's lake and Eaton brook reservoir. The length of the canal was ninety-seven miles, and of its feeders, thirteen and three-fourths miles. The greatest altitude above tide water was at Bouckville, the elevation being 1,128 feet. The old canal is now a thing of the past, but during the period of its existence it was one of the most important factors of our village history, and in a hundred ways it contributed to municipal growth and prosperity. The section between Chenango Forks and Binghamton was the last to be finished, and the earth excavated from the channel through our then village was used to fill Court street between the canal bridge and Water street. On May 6, 1837, a canal boat arrived in Binghamton, having made a trip from Crooked Lake (now Lake Keuka) via Crooked Lake canal, Seneca Lake, and the Seneca, Erie and Chenango canals to this village. On this memorable occasion, according to the published account in the Broome County Republican at the time, there was "considerable rejoicing and some powder burnt." Indeed, the celebration was continued sev- eral days, for never before in our history had such a gigantic enterprise been carried to a successful end. The first boat to leave this port was that fitted out by Deacon Wat- tles, a worthy resident of the town of Chenango, who was about to take his departure for the West. His craft was built on the Chenango river, above the village, and thence, with a cargo of household goods, the good deacon and his family floated down the river to the outlet lock, where his boat entered the canal. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 273 From the time of the completion of the canal to the time when the New York and Erie railroad was opened for traffic the former was the principal avenue of commercial intercourse with the markets of the East and West. Previous to that time all importations for domestic use were transported from the commercial centers overland by team and wagons, but when the canal opened the old custom was discontin- ued. One of the first families to reach the village by the new route was that of Samuel H. P. Hall, on whose arrival the opening celebra- tion was still in progress. Hardly a vestige of the old canal is now visible within the city limits, except the ill- defined outline east and north of the Chenango street crossing. Its general course through the city was on the line of State street, which is laid out on the " filled-in " canal bed. From Susque- hanna street to Chenango street. State street is on the exact line of the canal. As has been stated, a stone lock was constructed on the point where the canal discharged into the river. The next lock was about in rear of the brewery property on Collier street, on the south side of Evans' basin. Another was about opposite or a little above the West- cott building on State street. Still farther up was the well known "upper level," the most popular skating place in the village. This stretch extended from the lock mentioned to the famous " one-horse grocery," which stood just south of the Bevier street crossing. The lower level, in common parlance among boys of the period, was between Court street and the lock on the south side of Evans' basin. The basin itself was a favored spot for the pastimes of youth, and also a busy lo- cality during the boating season, from May to December. It extended from the west curb line of State street east along the south line of Hawley street to about the west wall of Bartlett & Co.'s main building; thence south between these lines to the brewery property. Its main use was for turning and loading boats, and otherwise it served many and valuable purposes, not the least of which was a skating ground for the academy pupils in particular and the whole townsfolk in general. The Evans' warehouse and lime-kiln were on the east side of the basin; the brewery and a lumber yard on the south; Hull's spoke and hub factory and one or two other industries on the west ; the Collier mill and the foundery on the north, besides lesser business interests scat- tered over the locality. The basin above Henry street was of less size, yet was in the center of an equally busy locality during the boating season and particularly 18 274 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, SO previous to the burning of the Weed & Ayers steam mill and ad- joining buildings. Later on several minor industries were maintained in the vicinity, one of the largest of which was the Mather lime-kiln, where a poor old darkey, whom we all knew only as " Jeff," was burned to death. But on these scenes we cannot dwell, notwithstanding the many interesting reminiscences which are associated with the history of the old Chenango canal. It was a noted thoroughfare for trade and traffic during the period of its operation and was perhaps productive of as much good in our village as any of its early institutions. While the rivers were important auxiliaries during the lumbering and rafting period, the canal at the same time acquired a certain prominence in that industry. The Susquehanna carried both lumber and logs to markets along the river while the canal boats transported manufac- tured lumber to both eastern and western markets. In 1840 Christo- pher Eldredge, General Waterman, Col. Lewis, John D. Smith and Lewis Seymour shipped four million feet of lumber to market over the canal route alone, while like outputs were in the same manner mar- keted during the years when that industry was at its height. The pioneer of the general shipping and forwarding business on the canal in this village was Charles McKinney, who, by his energy and thrift, accumulated a fortune. In 1851 he began shipping coal and for years carried on a large business. His example was followed by other enter- prising men, and for at least twenty-five years Binghamton was a ship- ping point of much importance on the canal. These interests, how- ever, will be further mentioned in the chapter devoted to industrial pursuits. On April 18, 1838, the legislature passed an act to extend the Che- nango canal from its terminus at Binghamton to the state line near Tioga Point, at the terminus of the North Branch canal of Pennsylvania. More than twenty-five years elapsed, however, before anything was done in the matter of extension, and then under new legislation. The next act authorizing an extension was passed April 15, 1864, and ap- propriated $500,000 for the work. Further appropriations were made as follows: $200,000 in 1869; $200,000 in 1870; $175,000 in 1871 and $120,000 in 1872. In all, nearly $1,250,000 were appropriated — and wasted — in this fruitless undertaking. The scheme contemplated a change in the route of the canal through this city by following the gen- eral course of the Brandywine creek from a point above Chenango street to the mouth of the creek at the Susquehanna river. It was not proposed GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 275 to immediately abandon that portion of the canal which passed through the business part of the city. The waters of the Susquehanna were to be made more sluggish and deep by raising the Rockbottom dam, while at the south end of the dam the extension on the south side of the river was to begin. The river itself was to serve the double purpose of a canal and feeder for the extension, and for this purpose the dam was raised about two feet. This work was done in the summer of 1871, but not one boat was ever run into the canal south of the river. The mere act of raising the dam would presumably increase the water power capacity of the mills on the north side of the river, but a contrary result was asserted. Riparian owners also claimed,' and were awarded, ex- cessive damages, whereas in fact little if any real injury resulted from raising the dam. In due time the canal extension was substantially completed, the ap- propriations were exhausted, and our city was benefited by the project only to the extent that business interests were temporarily advanced by the increased trade enjoyed by our merchants. Land owners, through whose premises the extension was constructed, were compensated ac- cording to the damages suffered by each, but ultimately they were again possessed of their lands under acts of the legislature abandoning the canal. While the work of canal construction was in progress existing railroad companies were constantly extending their lines, and new corporations at the same time were adding to the number of roads crossing the state in every possible directiou. The completion of the Utica & Chenango Valley road worked the downfall of the Chenango canal so far as the latter was a factor in the carrying trade between this city and. the New York Central road which almost paralleled the Erie canal. By the canal route from three to four days were required to complete a freight boat trip from this city to Utica, while by rail, at about the same ex- pense, the distance could be covered in as many hours. The more rapid means of travel and transportation proved preferable to business men throughout the state, hence in 1872 the Chenango canal was aban- doned; and that before the extension to Owego was fully completed. The village of Binghamton was indeed a place of busy activity during the boating season away back in the forties and fifties, when the canal had no competitor in the carrying trade except the New York and Erie railroad, and it seemed wrong to close this well traveled thoroughfare which had served our business interests so well. Throughout the 276 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, length of the village, from the Point to the Chenango street bridge, the canal banks on both sides were busy places and many of our best indus- tries prospered under the fortunate conditions then existing; the incon- veniences were few while the benefits were many. Originally, on the principal east and west streets, Court, Henry and Hawley, the canal was crossed on bridges elevated several feet above grade in order that canal boats and horses might pass under them, but between 1865 and 1869 the legislature authorized the removal of the raised structures and the erection of modern swing bridges. The bridge on Court street was of iron, and was built in 1870, to the full width of the street. By an act of the legislature, passed May 20, 1872, the city was author- ized to use (after September) for a public street that portion of the canal between the south line of Susquehanna street and the north line of Prospect avenue; and by an act passed June 4, 1878, the use of the entire canal within the city limits was authorized for street purposes. The Chenango canal was permanently closed in 1875. During the period of its operation the collectors at Binghamton were as follows: Erasmus D. Robinson, appointed Feb. 22, 1837, and ' reappointed March 13, 1838; William Cook, March 14, 1839, Feb. 25, 1840 and Feb. 10. 1841; Giles Orcutt, March 10, 1842, and March 20, 1843; Joseph Congdon, March 1, 1844, and Feb. 18, 1845; William E. Abbott, Feb. 13, 1846, and April 19, 1847; Henry W. Shipman, Feb. 8, 1848, Feb. 9, 1849, Feb. 20, 1850, and Feb. 5, 1851; John H. Smith, Feb. 5, 1852, and Feb. 19, 1853; Hamden K. Pratt, Jan. 20, 1854, and Feb. 21, 1855; Patrick H. Drake, Jan. 22, 1856, and Feb. 29, 1857; Charles Davis, March 8, 1858, and March 3, 1859; Benjamin De Voe, March 8, 1860, March 14, 1861, Feb. 5, 1862, Feb. 4, 1863, Jan. 27, 1864, Feb. 25, 1865, Jan. 23, 1866, and Feb. 6, 1867; Ezra F. Davis, March 17, 1868; Ed- ward H. Freeman, March 10, 1869; Fred M. Abbott, March 25, 1870; George L. Lawyer, Jan. 27, 1871; Elias Conklin, Jan. 24, 1872, and Jan. 21, 1873; James O'Brien, Jan. 29, 1874, and Feb. 4, 1875. RAILROADS. The first effective act to incorporate a railroad company whose line of road was intended to pass through the village of Binghamton was passed by the legislature April 24, 1832, when the New York and Erie railroad company was chartered. General Whitney, Christopher Eldredge and James McKinney were among the leading spirits of the enterprise in this locality. The preliminary surveys were made in 1832 by De Witt Clin- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 271- ton, jr., but in 1834 the route was resurveyed by Benjamin Wright, as sisted by James Seymour and Charles Ellett, under orders from the governor. In 1835 the company was reorganized, and in 1836 the comptroller was directed to issue $3,000,000 of state stock to aid in con- structing the road. Work on the eastern division was soon afterward begun, yet more than thirteen years elapsed before the anxious, hopeful citizens of Binghamton were assured that the enterprise was a complete success in the arrival of the first train of cars. The road was com- pleted to Binghamton December 28, 1848, and to Owego, June 1, 1849. In the meantime, however, a number of our prominent citizens, doubtful of the success of the original enterprise and filled with a desire to aid in the laudable attempt to have a railroad in actual operation in this locality, on April 29, 1833, secured an act of incorporation of the Binghamton and Susquehanna Railroad company, with a capital of $150,000, and with authority to build and operate aline of railroad from this village to the Pennsylvania state line, at or near the village of Susquehanna. Daniel S. Dickinson, Stephen Weed and Dr. Ammi Doubleday were prominently connected with the undertaking. Noth- ing, however, resulted from this endeavor and it remained for the older company to accomplish whatever was done in that direction. The New York and Erie railroad was completed to Dunkirk and opened for traffic in 1851, nearly twenty years after the route was first surveyed. Under its several names and various reorganizations the road has been in continuous operation for a period of almost half a century, and many indeed have been the benefits therefrom to our business interests. When the road was opened the village popula- tion was hardly more than 4,000 inhabitants, yet within the next ten years the number was almost doubled. Direct connection with New York city on the east, and Buffalo on the west, greatly in- creased the value of property in the vicinity of Binghamton and gave great impetus to all interests. The appearance of the first locomotive was greeted with a large assemblage of people, and the event was hardly less important than the canal opening of ten years before. The enthusiasm shown on this memorable occasion was proper, for all that Binghamton was and is from a commercial point of view, has been due to its several lines of railroad. On April 24, 1878, the property and franchises of the Erie Railway company, by which name it was then known, were sold under fore- closure proceedings. The purchasing agents acted for the New York, 278 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Lake Erie and Western Railroad company, which was chartered April 27, 1878. The Syracuse, Cortland and Bingham ton Railroad company (now known as the Syracuse, Binghamton and New York), was incorpo- rated May 21, 1836, with a capital stock of $500,000, and with authority to build and maintain a railroad between Syracuse and Binghamton by way of the village of Cortland. Daniel S. Dickinson, General Water- man and Joseph S. Bosworth were prominently identified with the early history of the company, and were also among the commissioners ap- pointed to receive subscriptions to the capital stock. Nothing was accomplished under the original charter and the company finally passed out of existence. The next attempt to organize a company to build and maintain a railroad between Syracuse and Binghamton was made in 1851, when a charter was granted to the Syracuse and Binghamton Railroad company of date July 2. In 1852 an act of the legislature authorized the village of Binghamton to purchase the company's bonds, and Ammi Double- day, Rodney A. Ford, Hazard Lewis, Daniel S. Dickinsoi and Samuel H. P. Hall were appointed "commissioners of the railroad fund of Binghamton;" to have entire charge of the negotiations and purchase of the bonds above mentioned. The work of building the road was be- gun in 1852, and was finished in 1854. The road was opened for traffic on October 18, of the year last mentioned. On October 13, 1856, the road was sold under foreclosure proceedings, and on reorganization the name was changed to Syracuse and Southern Railroad company. On April 30, 1857, the name was again changed and became Syracuse, Binghamton and New York Railroad company, as now known. The company's stock was purchased by the owners of the D., L. & W. road, and in 1863 the S., B. & N. Y. became a part of the Lackawanna system. The Albany and Susquehanna Railroad company was chartered by an act of the legislature passed April 2, 1851, with authority to construct and operate a railroad between Albany and Binghamton. The prelimi- nary surveys were made in the early part of 1853 and in September following the work of construction was begun. Owing, however, to many opposing obstacles and discouragements it was not until September 1863, that the road was completed to Schoharie Junction. It was opened asfarasBainbridgein July, 1867, and to Binghamton, January 14, 1869. The city purchased $50,000 worth of stock in the road, and only GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 279 through the strenuous efforts of our more public spirited citizens were we given direct communication with the state capital by rail. In later years the corporation controlling the road experienced many vicissi- tudes, and owing to many and conflicting processes of law, mismanage- ment and malfeasance in office, the opposing factions became involved in a bitter struggle ; and only through the determined action of the 44th Regiment of militia (a city and county organization) was violence and bloodshed averted and quiet restored. On February 20, 1870, the road was leased to the Delaware and Hudson Canal company for a term of 150 years. The Utica, Chenango and Susquehanna Valley Railroad company dates its history from January 11, 1866, when a charter was granted to a company under that name and with authority to build and operate a line of railroad from Utica to Binghamton. Previous to that time, however, and about 1850 the Utica and Binghamton Railroad company was chartered for that purpose, but its work was never completed. It was followed by the Chenango Valley Railroad company, which was in- corporated April 22, 1863, with authority to build a road from Water- ville to Binghamton. Still it remained for the Utica, Chenango and Susquehanna Valley company to complete the work undertaken by its predecessors. This was done in 1872. On April 9, 1870, before com- pletion, the road was leased to the D., L. & W. R. R. company, by whom it is now operated. The Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad company, whose trunk line of railway is one of the most important avenues of travel across the state, is a foreign corporation, having been chartered and organized under the laws of Pennsylvania. The western terminus of the company's road is at the state line about fifteen miles east of this city. In 1870 the Valley Railroad company, whose line extends from this city to the western terminus of the D., L. & W., was opened for traffic; but previous to the formal opening, on April 15, 1869, the road was leased to the D., L. & W. company and is now operated as part of its main line. The New York, Lackawanna and Western Railroad company was chartered August 24, 1880, for the purpose of building a line of rail- road from the western terminus of the Valley R. R. company's road at Binghamton to the city of Buffalo. In other words, the purpose of the new road was to furnish the D., L. & W. company with a through line from New York city to Buffalo, and thence to the west; and fortunate 280 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. indeed it was for this city that the enterprise was carried to a success- ful end. The Lackawanna system has been an important factor in the progressive history of our city during the period of its operation. Sixty miles of the road were completed and opened in 1881, and in the follow- ing year the entire line was put in operation. The N. Y. , L. & W. road was leased to the D., L. & W. company October 2, 1882. STREET RAILROADS. Few cities in the country can boast of a more complete or efficient system of electric street railways than Binghamton, yet we have only to look back less than ten years to the time when the several separate lines in operation were using horses and mules as a motive power, and making slow speed indeed in comparison with the rapid service furnish- ed by our modern system. This complete revolution has come chiefly since 1890, and represents weeks and months of tireless energy, with many sleepless nights to those who were most actively engaged in the enterprise. If it were possible that General Whitney, Mason Whiting, Dr. Ely or any other of the more prominent ©f our pioneers could now visit the city and observe the wonderful changes that have taken place since their time, it is doubtful if any of them could find words to ade- quately express his thoughts; and if they could stand for a single hour on any of our principal business streets and witness the frequent rapid passage of the electric cars, not one of the worthy pioneers would recognize this city as the scene of their former residence and service when Binghamton had hardly enough dwellings to be dignified with the name of village. How interesting it would be if Major Morgan, found- er and proprietor of the line of stages which made Binghamton famous three-quarters of a century ago, could make a trip to Union on the B., L. & U. cars, passing over substantially the route followed by his stage drivers in journeying to Owego. If we of the present day are frequent- ly amazed at the wonderful advancement of our city during the last score of years, how could we intelligently comprehend the feelings and expressions of the pioneers if they could return and witness the changes which have been wrought since their time? Binghamton enjoys the distinction of having been the first city in the state to adopt electricity as a motive power on its street car lines. In March, 1887, the Washington street, State Asylum and Park line was equipped with Van Depoele motor cars, and was successfully operated. None of the old style motors are still in use, although nearly all the GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 281 cars are now supplied with more powerful and modern appliances. In 1890 three lines of street railroad were operated with electricity. Three more were added to the number in 1892, three in 1893, one in 1894, one in 1895, and two in 1896. However, let us look briefly at the origin of our street car system, and then trace its subsequent growth and enlargement. The Binghamton and Port Dickinson Railroad company, the first in- stitution of its kind in the city, was chartered by act of the legislature, passed May 6, 1868, and was authorized to build and operate a line of street railway through Court and Main streets from the Kirkwood town line on the east to the Union line on the west, with a branch road from the corner of Court and Chenango streets north through the latter street to Port Dickinson. The original intention of the promoters of the road was not fully carried out, and the line was at first built from west end through Main, Court and Chenango streets to Port Dickinson, and a little later was extended to the Union town line,* or to Lestershire as now known. The main line was put in operation in 1873. On June 25, 1893, electricity replaced horse power on this line. The incorporators of the B. & P. D. R. R. company were Sherman D. Phelps, John E. Sampson, Harvey Westcott, George W. Stow, Benja- min De Voe, Norman A. Phelps, Barna R. Johnson, Erastus Ross, J. Stuart Wells, Ransom Balcom, Giles W. Hotchkiss, Nelson Stow and Charles McKinney. The first directors were Judge Phelps, president; Barna R. Johnson, vice-president; Benjamin De Voe, secretary ; Tracy R. Morgan, treasurer, and Norman A. Phelps, J. Stuart Wells, Erastus Ross, Harvey Westcott, Charles McKinney, Lewis Seymour, William Ogden, Alexander E. Andrews and David L. Brownson. This road was consolidated with the B. S. R. R. Co., August 11, 1892, under the name of Binghamton Railroad company. The Washington Street and State Asylum Railroad company was in- corporated October 21, 1871, with $40,000 capital, and was authorized to build and operate a street railroad from the south end of Washington street, near the covered bridge (as then known), to the New York State Inebriate asylum, in the town of Binghamton, a distance of 3.54 miles. The first directors were Darius S. Ayers, William R. Osborne, Freder- ick Lewis, Charles O. Root, James B. Weed, George Whitney, Warren N. Bennett, Thomas W. Whitney, Joseph E. Ely, George W. Stow, De Witt C. McGraw, Melvin C. Rockwell and Emory Truesdell. The road was operated as a separate line until 1887, when it was consoli- 282 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT. dated with the Park Avenue road, and was afterward operated by the Washington Street, State Asylum and Park Avenue railroad company. The Park Avenue Railroad company was incorporated June 7, 1881, with $10,000 capital, and with authority to build and operate a street railroad from the southern terminus of the W. S. & S. A. road through De Russey and South Main (now Vestal avenue) streets and Park avenue to the entrance to Ross park. The first directors were Erastus Ross, Alonzo C. Matthews, Delancey M. Halbert, David L. Brownson, William Trebby, jr., Matthew Hays, Burton M. Babcock, Edward A. Matthews, Frederick E. Ross, Eli S. Meeker, Duncan R. Grant, John Evans and Isaiah S. Matthews. The road was operated in conjunction with the State Asylum road until August 20, 1887, when they were con- solidated under the name of Washington Street, State Asylum and Park railroad. The first directors of the consolidated company were Samuel M. Nash, president; George Whitney, vice-president; Ira J. Meagley, secretary; Fred E. Ross, treasurer, and Burton M. Babcock, George F. O'Neil and B. H. Nelson. Superintendent, Henry Wilcox. The City Railway company was incorporated February 26, 1883, with $30,000 capital, and was authorized to build and operate a line of street railroad fro.n the corner of Court and Washington streets, through Washington, Ferry, Front and Clinton streets, to the Berkshire road, a distance of three miles. The incorporators were Erastus Ross, Alonzo C. Matthews, F. E. Ross, Rozelle H. Meagley, William Trebby, jr., Dan S. Richards, Frank S. Beard. Joseph P. Noyes, Edward A. Mat- thews, Charles A.Whitney, Matthew Hays, George A. Kent and Charles Davis. This road was the result of the individual enterprise of Rozelle H. Meagley, and therefore became known as the " Meagley road." It was at the time a hazardous undertaking and called for a considerable outlay of money, and also the exhibition of much public-spiritednesson the part of the incorporators; but the road was carried into successful operation and had the effect of developing and bringing into market a large territory in the northwestern portion of the city. This company built the Spring Forest Cemetery line in 1884, and in October, 1889, extended the road from its western terminus through Glenwood avenue to Prospect street. The Binghamton Central Railroad company was incorporated Febru- ary 26, 1883, with $35,000 capital, and with authority to build and main- tain a street railroad from the intersection of Pearneand Liberty streets to State street across Chenango street ; thence through State to Susque- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 383 hanna street; thence to Carroll street; thence to South street; thence to the Rockbottom bridge; thence to Liberty street; thence to Henry street; thence to Division street; thence to Lewis street; thence to State street. The articles of incorporation also contemplated a short branch line of road on Susquehanna street between State and Washington streets. This road, had it been built in accordance with the original intention of its promoters would have been what once was called the " Belt line," but the plans were changed after the company was organ- ized. It now forms part of several lines of the general system of the Consolidated company. The incorporators of the B. C. R. R. Co. were Charles O. Root, George L. Crandall, Alonzo Everts, Charles M. Stone, S. Mills Ely, James B. Weed, Luke Doolittle, Harmon J. Kneeland, Charles J. Bartlett, Watson A. Heath, Nelson Stow, Charles Warner and John Linnahan. The officers were George L. Crandall, president; Nelson Stow, vice-president; Charles O. Root, secretary, and Harmon J. Kneeland, treasurer. This company built the Orphans' Home line of road in 1885. The Binghamton Street Railroad company was incorporated February 15, 1890, and was a consolidation of the W. S., S. A. & P., the B. C. and the City Railroad companies under the name first mentioned, with an authorized capital of $1,600,000. The first directors were Jerome B. Landfield, G. Tracy Rogers, Gustave Stickley, George Whitney, Theo- dore S. Rogers, John P. E. Clark and Charles O. Root. The first officers were Jerome B. Landfield, president; Gustave Stickley, vice- president; Charles O. Root, secretary; G. Tracy Rogers, treasurer and general manager, and John P. E. Clark, superintendent. With this consolidation and reorganization of company interests the street rail- roads of the city were placed on a thoroughly substantial basis for the first time in their history. The new directors and officers were men of energy and determination, and were fully equal to the task of building up a general system, increasing its carrying capacity and its general service to the public. Mr. Landfield, the president, was a man of means and of excellent business qualifications, and was a fortunately chosen leader in the new enterprise. With Mr. Rogers as general manager, and Mr. Clark, as superintendent, new, young and determined spirit was infused into the company, and under their prudent and energetic action success was assured almost from the beginning. In the light of subsequent events, after our citizens have had the opportunity to ob- serve the business management of the road by these young men for a 284 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. period of ten years, the statement just made cannot truthfully be con- tradicted. Both Mr. Rogers and Mr. Clark have taken a prominent place among the successful street railroad men of the state and of the country. The personnel of the board of directors above mentioned was practically maintained throughout the period of existence of the Bing- hamton Street Railroad company. In August, 1890, an extension of the lines controlled by the B. S. R. R, company was authorized and in pursuance thereof it was proposed to build another road to Port Dickinson, utilizing the old Chenango canal bed for that purpose; also to build a new line through Henry, Eldredge and Beman streets, as well as State street. The project was not fully carried out, yet enough was done to add to the efficiency of the lines then in operation and increase the value of the general system. The Binghamton Railroad company, the corporation now owning and operating all the several lines of street railroads in the city, was the re- sult of the consolidation of the Binghamton and Port Dickinson Railroad company with the Binghamton Street Railroad company, which was effected August 11, 1892. The first directors were G. Tracy Rogers, president; John Evans. 1st vice-president; Jerome B. Landfield, 2d vice-president; Charles O. Root, secretary; John B. Rogers, treasurer; John P. E. Clark, general manager, and Charles J. Knapp. Fred. E. Ross, George Whitney and Theodore S. Rogers. On March 31, 1894, the Court street and East End Railroad company and the West Side Railway company were consolidated with the Bing- hamton Railroad company. The certificate of consolidation and incor- poration was filed in the office of the secretary of state, at Albany, May 1, 1894, which being done, all the lines of street railroad in the city were united under one management. The directors at that time were Jerome B. Landfield, G. Tracy Rogers, John Evans, Charles J. Knapp, F. E. Ross, George Whitney, Theo. S. Rogers, and John P. E. Clark, of Binghamton, and Arthur Beves, of New York city. The officers were G. Tracy Rogers, president; John Evans, 1st vice president; Jerome B. Landfield, 2d vice-president; Charles O. Root, secretary; John B. Rogers, treasurer; John P. E. Clark, general manager; Samuel E. Monroe, engineer. Mr, Landfield succeeded to the 1st vice-presi- dency October 4, 1895, and on the same day Joseph M. Johnson was chosen secretary in place of Charles O. Root. The Court street and East End Railroad company, of which mention GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 285 is made in the preceding- paragraph, was incorporated March 23, 1886, with a capital of $25,000, for the purpose of building and operating a street railway from the intersection of Hawley and Washington streets, thence through Hawley, Collier and Court Streets to a point where the road leading from the Asylum building touches Court street. The directors of the company were Charles M. Stone, Oilman L. Sessions, Dudley T. Finch, George L. Crandall, James B. Arnold, William G. Phelps and Benajah S. Curran. The road was in fact built by Mr. Stone and Mr. Phelps. It was operated under the company's man- agement until March 31, 1894, when it was consolidated with the system owned by the B. R, Co. The West Side Street Railway company was incorporated September 24, 1887, with $25,00) capital, and was authorized to build and main- tain a line of street railroad from the intersection of Main and Oak streets, through Oak and Le Roy streets, to the western city boundary. The first directors were J. Edward Shapley, Samuel M. Nash, George F. O'Neil, William J. Welsh, Rozelle H. Meagley, Frederick E. Ross and Michael McMahon. On March 31, 1894, this road was consolidated with the general system managed by the B. R. Co., as is mentioned in a preceding paragraph. The Binghamton, Lestershire and Union Railroad company was in- corporated October 19, 1894, for the purpose of building and operating a line of street railroad from the village of Lestershire to the village of Union, a distance of six miles. The incorporators were Jerome B. Landfield, John Evans, John P, E. Clark, George Whitney, John B. Rogers, Frederick E. Ross, Charles J. Knapp, Theodore S. Rogers, G. Tracy Rogers, Harry C. Ross, Edmund O'Connor, George W. Dunn, Francis W. Downs, Joseph M. Johnson, George E. Green, Cyrus Strong, William H. Male, J. S. Suydam, C. A. Baldwin, H . C. Evans and James B. McEwan. The first directors were Jerome B. Landfield, president; John Evans, vice president; Joseph M. Johnson, secretary; John B. Rogers, treasurer; John P. E. Clark, manager and superin- tendent, and George Whitney, F. E. Ross, Charles J. Knapp and Arthur S. Beves. Upon the death of John Evans, G. Tracy Rogers was elected vice-president of the company; other than that there has not been any material change in the officiary. The present directors are Jerome B. Landfield, G. Tracy Rogers, John P. E. Clark, Joseph M. Johnson, F. E. Ross, Theo. S. Rogers, George E. Green, John B. Rogers and Chas. J. Knapp. 286 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, As is well known, the city railroad lines previous to 1887 were oper- ated with horse power. In the year mentioned electricity was first used in this city as a motive power for propelling street cars, was afterward discontinued and subsequently restored. In this connec- tion it may be of interest to note the date when the various horse lines were replaced with electric motors: Park and Asylum and Pearne street lines, March, 1890; Orphans' Home, August 16, 1890; Spring Forest and Glenwood, October 13, 1893; North Chenango, December 10, 1892; Lestershire, March 3, 1893; Le Roy street. May 27, 1893; Port Dickinson, June 25, 1893; Broad Avenue, July 14, 1894; Bing- hamton, Lestershire and Union, November 20, 1895; Front street, October 10, 1896; Floral avenue, December 14, 1896. BRIDGES. In 1808, by an act of the legislature the Susquehanna Bridge com- pany, a body corporate, chartered and organized for the purpose of building and maintaining a toll bridge across the Susquehanna at " Okquago," was authorized to build a similar structure across the Chenango river at Chenango Point, and to operate and maintain the same under the name of the Chenango Bridge company. As a matter of fact the " Nevisink " turnpike road company was the governing spirit of this enterprise. In the year mentioned the company proposed to extend its turnpike from Kingston to the east branch of the Dela- ware river, thereto connect with a branch road from the "Cookhouse" to Chenango Point. It is understood that the Susquehanna Bridge company was comprised of stockholders in the turnpike company, hence they also were the incorporators of the original Chenango Bridge com- pany and the principal owners of its stock. The bridge was built in 1808 by Marshall Lewis and Lewis Thurston under the direction and at the apparent expense of Lucas Elmendorf, of Kingston, who, it is understood, in fact represented the turnpike company. The bridge was 600 feet long, including substantial frame approaches at either end of the structure proper. On the eastern side of the river the approach ex- tended nearly half way to Water street and in some places was consider- ably elevated above the buildings along the street. The entire struc- ture is said to have cost $6,000. In the course of twelve or fifteen years the personnel of the company was materially changed, and residents of Binghamton became owners of the stock. In 1825 a second bridge was built on the site of the older GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 287 Structure, the work being done by Hazard Lewis under the supervision of General Whitney, This bridge was carried away by the extraordi- nary freshet of March 16-17, 1865, and at the same time the bridge owned by the Binghamton Bridge company was also swept away. Sometime during the night of March 16 the waters of the Chenango became so swollen that the east half of the upper bridge was carried from its piers, and in floating down the river it struck and destroyed half of the Che- nango bridge. On the morning of the 17th the west half of each bridge was ruined in the same manner. Soon after the destruction of these bridges the action entitled " the Chenango Bridge company agst. Paige, et als." (the defendants repre- senting the Lewis estate interest in the Binghamton Bridge company) was begun in the supreme court, the plaintiffs claiming damage for the loss of their bridge and tolls by reason of the defendants' unlawful acts in erecting a toll bridge within two miles of plaintifiEs' bridge and main- taining the same in contravention of plaintiffs' exclusive rights under its charter. The case dragged its weary course along through the state courts and into the United States supreme coart before final determina- tion; but in the meantime commissioners representing the town of Binghamton had acquired the property of the Chenango Bridge com- pany. On March 25, 1865, the legislature passed an act designating Jared D. Sessions, J. Stuart Wells and Francis T. Newell commissioners to negotiate fo'r and purchase in behalf of the town of Binghamton all the lands, privileges and franchises of the Chenango Bridge company and the Binghamton Bridge company for the purpose of establishing free bridges across the Chenango in the village. The commissioners acted with commendable promptness and soon secured the property of the Chenango Bridge company, but not of the Binghamton Bridge com- pany, whose representatives were struggling under the adverse judg- ment of the state courts. In the same year (1865) the commissioners above mentioned caused a substantial full street width frame bridge to be built across the Chenango, connecting Court and Main streets, at a total cost of $38,000. The structure was built after plans prepared by Isaac G. Perry. It stood the wear of time and constant use until 1889, when it was replaced with the present full-deck iron bridge which was built by the Berlin Bridge company, at a total cost of $75,875. The town of Binghamton was not required to pay any part of the cost of this bridge, having been specially released from such liability by an act of the leg- islature passed April 26, 1886. 288 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, The Binghamton Bridge company, of which frequent mention is made in preceding paragraphs, and which was the innocent cause of years of bitter and expensive litigation, was incorporated April 5, 1855, with $10,000 capital, and with authority to construct and for a period of forty years maintain a toll bridge across the Chenango river, at a point not less than eighty rods above the Chenango bridge, and south of the New York and Erie Railroad bridge. The act designated Daniel S. Dickinson, Erasmus D. Robinson, Edward C. Kattell, Henry Mather and Morgan S. Lewis commissioners to receive subscriptions to the stock. Hazard Lewis was the principal promoter of the company, and the builder of the bridge under a contract with the company. He was one of the original directors, and was president of the company from 1858 to the time of his death, July 2, 1863. The bridge was built in 1855, and stood until carried away by the disastrous flood of March, 1865. Then, for a period of six years the residents of the upper part of the First ward, as well as all others who had occasion to visit that locality from the east side of the river, were compelled to cross the Court street bridge or hazard the uncertainties of an inconvenient ferry. However, when Colonel Walton Dwight began his splendid work of building up Dickinson's brook meadow loca- tion, he, with a few other public-spirited citizens, set out to secure a new bridge on the site of the former structure. The result was in the erection of a bow-string girder suspension bridge, 360 feet long in a single span, at a total cost of $28,000. It was built in 1871 and gave excellent service until about 1896, when it was condemned as unsafe. The present Ferry street bridge was built by the city in 1897, and cost $49,339.48. It is a four span, iron structure, 353.50 feet long, of full street width, with asphalt driveway and walks. The white bridge across the Susquehanna river, connecting Water street with the Montrose turnpike, was a historic structure in early vil- lage history. On April 21, 1825, an act of the legislature authorized Christopher Eldredge and John A. Collier, their heirs and assigns, to build and maintain at their own expense a toll bridge, not less than eighteen feet wide, near the termination of Second street (Washington street was once known as Second street). The act forbade the con- struction of any other bridge, or the maintenance of a ferry, across the Susquehanna within three miles of the proposed structure. In accord- ance with the authority conferred by the act the first bridge was built by Hazard Lewis, under the direction of proprietors Eldredge and Col- lier, the work being done in 1825-26. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 289 After about three years of successful management the owners of the bridge determined to organize a stock company, and to that end pro- cured an act of the legislature, passed January 31, 1829, by which the Susquehanna Bridge company of the village of Binghamton was duly incorporated. The incorporators were Christopher Eldredge, John A. Collier, Elihu Ely, Hazard Lewis, Gilbert Tompkins, Myron Merrill, ■Lewis St. John, Martin Hawley and Julius Page. In the spring of 1843 the south half of the white bridge was carried away by an ice flood, but the loss was not seriously felt by the stock- holders as the structure was old and somewhat weakened by constant use. It was at once replaced with the famous old covered bridge, the latter having been built for the company by Robert Carman, at a con- siderable financial loss to the builder. The bridge was about 700 feet long. An act of the legislature passed April 15, 1869, designated Hurd F. Brownson and John W. Cutler, of the town of Binghamton, and J. Stuart Wells, of the city, commissioners to negotiate the purchase of the property, rights and franchise of the Susquehanna Bridge company and also of the Rockbottom Bridge company. They were authorized to pay not more than $13,000 for the former and not more than $5,000 for the latter property. Under this authority the title to both bridges became vested in the city, but the act of 1886 released the town of Binghamton from future expense on account of either structure. In 1882 the old bridge was declared to be unsafe, and the roof was removed to lighten the weight upon its timbers, but notwithstanding that, it soon gave way to a new and more substantial structure. The present Washington street bridge was authorized by an act of the legislature, passed April 20, 1886, by which George A. Thayer, Dudley T. Finch and Burton M. Babcock were appointed commissioners to pro- cure plans and cause the erection of a bridge connecting Washington and De Russey streets, at a cost not exceeding $33,000. The bridge was built in 1886, by the Berlin Bridge company. It is of iron, 495 feet long, and cost $38,077.87. The Rockbottom Bridge company was originally incorporated April 1, 1853, with $10,000 capital, and with authority to construct and main- tain a toll bridge across the Susquehanna river between the Fifth and Sixth wards of the village. William D. Morris, Capt. Marinus Pierce, Cyrus Strong, jr., and Horatio Evans were appointed commissioners to receive stock subscriptions. The company organized in pursuance of 19 290 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, the act mentioned, but afterwards became insolvent and dissolved. It was succeeded by a new company under the same name, the latter be- ing created by an act of the legislature passed April 21, 1862. The new incorporators were Col. Joseph B. Abbott, Horatio Evans, Eli Pratt, Allen Perkins and Benjamin N. Loomis, who purchased the property and franchise of the defunct concern, and also purchased the Tompkins bridge at the head of Court street, the latter by its competition having proved the financial ruin of the old Rockbottom company. The avail- able timbers of the upper bridge were used to strengthen the lower structure, and as a toll bridge the latter was maintained until the pas- sage of the free bridge act of April 15, 1869. This act authorized the payment of $5,000 for the company's interest in the property, thus indicating that the bridge was not specially valuable. The present Rockbottom bridge was built by the city in 1874, the work being done by the King Iron Bridge and Manufacturing com- pany, of Cleveland, Ohio. It is 550 feet long, and cost $35,193.97. The East Court street bridge was built in 1856 by Edward Tompkins in pursuance of an act of the legislature authorizing its construction. Mr. Tompkins was the owner of a large tract of land in the eastern portion of the village south of the Susquehanna and the erection of a bridge across the river at the mouth of the Brandywine creek was a part of his grand scheme of development, although tolls were regularly exacted from all who had occasion to cross the bridge. But it appears that Mr. Tompkins had not the means to carry out his project, and his affairs eventually passed into the hands of Barzilla Marvin for settle- ment with creditors. About 1864 the bridge was sold to the Rockbot- tom Bridge company, by whom it was taken down. Although the inhabitants of Tompkins ville suffered many inconven- iences through the removal of the " Tompkins Bridge," as it was call- ed, no effort was made to secure another structure until the latter part of 1898-9, when the taxpayers generously voted an appropriation for a new bridge. In 1899 a contract for construction was made between the city and the Groton Bridge company for the erection of the present Tompkins street bridge on the site of the old Tompkins bridge. The- cost of the new structure, which is in course of erection, is to be $34,978.30. The Binghamton Foot Bridge company was incorporated April 1, 1865. Under the act authority was granted to William Stuart and Augustus L. Harding to build for the company a foot bridge across the Susque- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 291 hanna at the foot of Exchange street. Nothing, however, was accom- plished by the company under its charter, neither was anything done by the Central Bridge company, which was incorporated April 18, 1866, for the purpose of constructing a drive bridge at the same point. In 1874 a party of public spirited citizens raised $2,500 by subscription, and with that sum of money a reasonably secure foot bridge was built at the point mentioned. Soon afterward the structure was blown down by a severe wind, but it was soon rebuilt, and was used until 1880 when its was carried away by the spring ice freshet. The present Exchange street foot bridge was erected in 1882, at a cost of $4,500. It has four spans and a total length of 387 feet. The Pierce Creek bridge was built by the city in 1893, and cost $3, 588. 88. Its length is 55. 75 feet. The De Forest street bridge was built by the city in 1897, and cost $25,238.73. It has two spans and a length of 392 feet. CHAPTER XV. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. The Inebriate Asylum. — The first application to the legislature for a charter for the Inebriate Asylum was made in 1852, and was renewed in 1853, both at the regular and an extra session. The charter was final- ly granted in 1854, with amendments in 1855, '57, '59, '61, '64, '65 and '66. In 1867, Dr. Willard Parker, president of the board of trustees, conveyed the property to the state. The original name of the institution under the charter of 1854 was the " United States Inebriate Asylum," but by the amendment of 1857 the name was changed to " The New York State Inebriate Asylum," by which it was afterward known throughout the period of its history. The institution was founded by Dr. Jonathan Edward Turner, with the assistance of Dr. Thomas Jefferson Gardner. According to the scheme of the founder, the asylum was to be established and maintained by a fund created by voluntary subscriptions from all parts of the United States; each subscriber to receive one share of stock for each ten dollars contributed, and to have a voice in electing a board of 293 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, trustees, the latter to have direct control of the institution and property. The first board of trustees was organized May 15, 1854, when John D. Wright was elected president, Newell A. Prince, registrar, and J. Edward Turner, treasurer. At the same time the trustees issued an appeal to the public, asking for contributions to the stock, and in this way the original building fund was created. The committee on location, comprising Chancellor Walworth, Ex-Governor Hunt, Judge Balcom and Dr. Turner, at a meeting held in New York city. May 19, 1858, decided to accept the offer made by the village of Binghamton of 252 acres of land on the east boundary of the corporation. The excavation for the foundation of the main building was begun June 17, 1858, the masonry on July 15, and the corner stone was laid on Friday, Septem- ber 24, of the same year. This event was perhaps the most important occasion in the history of the institution, and was performed with full Masonic ceremony by John L. Lewis, jr., grand master of the state of New York. The other participants on the occasion were Rev. Dr. Beach, prayer; Benjamin F. Butler, president of the corporation, address; John W. Francis, M. D., LL. D., address; Rev. Henry Bellows, D. D., address; Daniel S. Dickinson, address; Edward Everett, remarks; Alfred B. Street, poem; Newell A. Prince, benediction. The asylum building was erected after plans prepared by Isaac G. Perry, then an architect of New York city, but afterward of Bingham- ton. At the outset some doubt was expressed by the trustees as to the advisability of entrusting a work of such importance and magnitude to so young an architect as Mr. Perry was at that time; but Drs. Turner and Gardner, whose influence with the trustees was supreme, knew the capacity and quality of the young architect, while in the board itself Mr. Perry had several warm friends. That his work was well done was fully shown in the fact that the original plan was never modified in any respect during the work of construction ; and to-day, after a lapse of more than forty years, the main structure is still as firm and secure on its foundation as when first built. The building was a marvel of beauty in its time and now is one of the most attractive edifices in the state. It was designed after the castellated gothic style of archi- tecture, with towers, turrets and buttresses heavily embattled at the top. The work of construction was pressed with such energy that patients GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 298 were received for treatment in 1860, but in the meantime the funds in the hands of the trustees were nearly exhausted, while contributions to the stock came very slow. Therefore, in their emergency the trustees had recourse to the legislature in an application for an appropriation. This at first met with disapproval, but finally an act was passed appro- priating for the benefit of the institution ten per cent, of all excise moneys received by the state. In this way the state became directly connected with the asylum. Indeed, the original charter provided that in case the institution should cease to be occupied for its intended pur- pose, and should be closed, the charter should thereupon forfeit to the state. In the course of time dissensions worked themselves into the councils of the trustees and bitter feelings arose between the majority of the board and the founder. The culmination of trouble was reached in 1867, when the asylum was declared closed and the president of the board. Dr. Willard Parker, conveyed the entire property to the state for the consideration of one dollar. Litigation followed and the ques- tions involved were contested in the courts several years, with final judgment for the state. In 1879, by an act of the legislature, the New York State Inebriate Asylum was changed into an asylum for the insane. Dr. Turner, the founder and controlling spirit of the institution, was removed from his office in 1866. Four times during the period of its history the institution suffered loss by fire: First, in 1863, when the carpenter shop and machinery were burned, with 250,030 feet of cherry lumber, fifty cherry bedsteads and as many wardrobes; second, in the same year, when a fire destroyed the inside blinds and a quantity of cherry lumber; third, in 1864, when the north wing of the main build- ing was burned, for which the insurance companies paid a loss of $81-, 000; fourth, in 1869, when the rear buildings were destroyed. Dr. Turner was charged with having willfully set fire to the buildings on the occasion last mentioned, and was indicted for arson. He was tried in Binghamton, and was promptly acquitted. The presidents of the board of trustees of the New York State Ine- briate asylum during the period of its history were as follows : John D. Wright, 1854-57; Benjamin F. Butler, 1857-59; Reuben H. Wal- worth, 1859-60; John W. Francis, 1860, one month; Dr. Valentine Mott, 1861-65; Dr. Williard Parker, 1866-67. The Susquehanna Valley Home for Orphan and Indigent Children.^ — ' Taken largely from a historical sketch prepared by Mrs. C. D. Middlebrook. 294 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, It is altogether fitting that the Susquehanna Valley Home crowns the fairest eminence in the eastern portion of our city, for there are light and hope for the future in its very existence. All Binghamton has pride in its work and well-being, and is so familiar with its life-saving mission that it gives quick response to any appeal to meet its neces- sities. It is the oldest of our city charities, and to Dr. John G. Orton is ac- credited the thought which developed into plans and but waited its op- portunity to create a home for destitute and orphan children who were then herded together with adult paupers in all our poor houses. The opportunity came in 1869, when Wheeler H. Bristol, then state treas- urer, learned that a sum of money which the state had at one time ap- propriated for the education of indigent children had not been drawn by the several counties to which it had been allotted, and had therefore lapsed into the state treasury. A successful effort was made to secure the money for the maintenance of indigent children, and the Susque- hanna Valley Home was no longer a thought, but a fact. For two years it was housed in the building then known as Place college (originally Susquehanna seminary) but now known as St. Mary's Roman Catholic Orphan asylum. Dr. Orton was chosen president of the first board of managers, and Mrs. Henry Mather, president of the women's assistant board, which was organized the same year. Associated with Dr. Orton were the following persons: Abel Bennett, William R. Osborn, William E. Taylor, William M. Ely, Dr. Franklin T. Maybury, J. Stuart Wells, Benjamin N. Loomis, Charles McKinney, Moses T. Morgan and Charles A. Whitney. These persons comprised the first board of managers. In 1871 the present site, including forty-five acres of land, which had previously been a private residence, was purchased by the managers for the sum of $19,000, they becoming personally responsible for the payment. However, in the course of a few years the managers found themselves burdened with a heavy debt, in consequence of which their noble charity was threatened with possible dissolution. In this emer- gency our member of assembly — George Sherwood — by the most per- sistent and almost unaided effort secured an appropriation of $15,000 from the state with which to pay the indebtedness. From that time (1874-75) the finances of the institution have been prudently managed and the home has ever been prosperous. Meanwhile, however, a work has been accomplished by the assistant managers, of which the public GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 2d5 knows little, but which is worthy of mention. In 1873 they raised $1,500 to meet pressing indebtedness and pay current expenses; and during- the period of their connection with the home they have contrib- uted for various purposes an aggregate of more than $7,000. The board of assistant managers comprises ladies from this city, and also from Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Steuben, Sullivan and Tioga counties. Their officers are Mrs. Charles D. Middlebrook, president; Mrs. George M. Harris and Mrs. Charles M. Stone, vice presidents; Mrs. Le Roy D. Farnham, treasurer; Mrs. Charles C. Eastman, record- ing secretary ; Mrs. William G. Phelps, corresponding secretary. Children are admitted to the home by the authorities of the several counties, each jurisdiction paying for maintenance at the rate of $1.75 per week for each child. This sum provides board, clothes and educa- tion. The present number of inmates is 130. The buildings comprise the home proper and school, the chapel and the hospital. In addition to the charter members of the board of managers, whose names are mentioned in a preceding paragraph, the office of manager has also been held by Jeremiah Dean, Joseph E. Ely and Robert J. Bates, all of whom are now dead. The present board of managers is constituted as follows: Joseph P. Noyes, president; J. Stuart Wells, vice-president; Alonzo C. Matthews, treasurer; Charles A. Wilkinson, secretary, and Dr. John G. Orton, Erastus C. Delavan, William H. Stilwell, William J. Welsh, George Sherwood. Newton W. Edson, superintendent; Mrs. Eunice Edson, matron; Dr. Joseph H. Chittenden, physician. The office of president has been filled by Dr. John G. Orton, Abel Bennett and Joseph P. Noyes. The superintendents, in succession, have been Samuel Lee, August, 1869-June, 1871; A. C. Van Epps, June, 1871-May, 1872; Almond R. Payne, May, 1872-May, 1873; Sam- uel J. Northrup, May, 1873-May, 1878; A. H. La Monte, May, 1878- May, 1888; Newton W. Edson, May, 1888-1900. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum was incorporated March 6, 1878, under the general statute, and was designed to protect, care for and educate popr and destitute children of both sexes under eighteen years of age, committed by overseers of the poor or by parents or guardians. The purposes of this commendable charity have been fully carried out, and it is now regarded as one of the most worthy institu- tions in the southern tier. For a time the trustees rented the water cure property on Mount Prospect, but soon afterward purchased from 296 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Abel Bennett the Susquehanna seminary building and grounds, in- cluding about ten acres of land, for all of which was paid the sum of $23,000. The purchase was made in 1881. The building was re- modeled to suit its new occupancy. St. Mary's Home, as it is commonly known, is conducted on the plan of management of the Susquehanna Valley Home, and receives a like compensation of $1.75 per week for each child sent to it. The business affairs are in charge of a board of trustees, while the immediate care of the children is entrusted to the Sisters of St. Joseph. The late vener- able Father Hourigan, pastor of St. Patrick's church, was chiefly in- strumental in founding the institution and establishing its business affairs on a safe basis. The incorporators of the Home association were William S. Smith, Matthew Hays, Carlos Cortesy, Dennis J. Sullivan, Timothy Good, Rev. Nicholas J. Quinn, James Prendergast, John A. McNamara and Dennis J. Dowden. Mr, McNamara for several years held the office of president of the board, after which the bishop of the diocese assumed charge and placed the management more directly under the sisters of St. Joseph. The business affairs, however, of the Home are conducted by a board of trustees or managers, the personnel of the present board being as follows: Rev. John J. McDonald, president; Rev. Nicholas J. Quinn, vice-president; Dr. Edward Mulheron, secretary; Francis W. Downs, treasurer, and George F. O'Neil, William Shanley and Matthew Hays. The Chapel and House of tlie Good Shepherd was incorporated Janu- ary 25, 1870, the object of its founders being to establish and maintain in Binghamton a free chapel for religious worship according to the prin- ciples and forms of the Episcopal Church, and also to found and main- tain a charitable home or refuge and shelter for infirm persons, or per- sons in destitute circumstances by orphanage or old age; including the temporary cradling of infants and small children while their mothers were at their daily work. The incorporators were Mrs. Helen S. Wright, Rev. William A. Hitchcock, Rev. Walter Ayrault, Rev. Amos B. Beach, William R. Osborne and Frederick Lewis. The incorporators, except Mrs. Wright, comprised the first board of trustees. As is well known throughout the city, the House of the Good Shepherd was founded chiefly through the liberality of Mrs. Wright, and the buildings were largely erected and furnished through her gifts. Mrs. Wright is the widow of the late Thomas D. Wright and the daughter of the late John A. Collier. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 297 The House of the Good Shepherd is one of the worthy charities of the city and is under the immediate fostering care of the Protestant Epis- copal churches of Binghamton. The original buildings have been en- larged to meet the growth of the work of the trustees and the conse- quent increasing application for admission to the home. The Hospital of the Good Shepherd was incorporated and founded in connection with the work of the House of the Good Shepherd, but on the organization of the Binghamton City Hospital association this fea- ture of the institution was partially abolished. The House hospital was incorporated January 31, 1885, by Rev. R. G. Quennell, Rev. G. Livingston Bishop, Moses Stoppard, John C. Robinson, Clark Z. Otis, John Anderson, Erastus C. Delavan and Daniel Lyons. The hospital, like its allied institution, the House of the Good Shepherd, has always been supported as one of the dependencies of the Protestant Episcopal churches of the city. The present trustees of the House of the Good Shepherd are as fol- lows: Rev. R. G. Quennell, Rev. S. D. Day, Rev. J. H. La Roche, John Anderson and Daniel Lyons. The lady managers are Mrs. Charles S. Case, president; Mrs. J. St. John Cronin, secretary; Mrs. J. Fuller, treasurer, and Mrs. John Ray Clarke, Mrs. Gilbert C. Walker, Mrs. Charles F. Moore, Mrs. Lewis Baird, Mrs. Fred. H. Westcott and Mrs. E. A. Clark. Matron, Mrs. Henry Heady. The Home for Aged Women was incorporated July 6, 1891, " to fur- nish relief and a home for aged women." The incorporators were Dr. John G. Orton, Charles A. Wilkinson, Asa R. Tweedy, Horace H. Crary, Tracy G. Rich, S. Mills Ely, L. M. Bowers, G. S. Humphrey, John J. McElroy, James M. Stone, Edwin Taylor, Charles A. Whitney, John A. Porter, Dr. E. E. Snyder, William M. McLean, Henry A. Smith, J. Stuart Wells, J. L. Lusk, William E. Taylor, William J. Welsh, George E. Hall, Mrs. Olive S. Newell, Mrs. T. L. Bayless, Mrs. Helen R. Land- field, Mrs. Permelia Corby, Mrs. M. Rogers, Mrs. Mary V. Holmes, Mrs. K. E. Johnson, Mrs. Horace H. Crary, Mrs. Stephen C. Millard, Mrs. Fannie M. Kinney, Mrs. James M. Stone, Dr. Emily H. Wells, Mary H. Ely and Hannah Hammond. The Home has been liberally supported by the charitable residents of Binghamton, and particularly by the ladies of the city. Mrs. Mary A. Johnson, widow of the late Col. James W. Johnson, gave to the trustees the Home property on Fairview avenue, which cost about $6,000. Mrs. Polly Burr Crary, widow of the late Horace H. Crary, in her will be- 298 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, queathed to the institution the sum of $5,000, which, with previous gifts of money, has established a comfortable fund for home maintenance. No person less than sixty years, of age is eligible to the benefits of the home, and each applicant for admission must provide at least $300 for support. The present number of inmates is fourteen, which number fills the building to its total capacity. During its history the matrons of the home have been Mrs. Charles O. Watrous, Mrs. Luzerne Gates and Mrs. John A. Hunt. The present officers of the board of managers are Mrs. Julius S. Corbett, president; Mrs. S. Mills Ely, first vice president; Mrs. S. C. Millard, second vice- president; Mrs. Fannie M. Kinney, secretary; Mrs. Charles E. Mann, treasurer; Mrs. Jerome B. Landfield, auditor. BingJiamton State Hospital. — By an act of the legislature passed May 13, 1879, the New York State Inebriate asylum was abolished and all its property and privileges were declared to belong to the State, to be en- trusted to the care and management of the Binghamton asylum for the chronic insane, the latter being established by the act. Pro- vision also was made for the appointment of nine citizens of the State to constitute a board of trustees of the insane asylum, the appointees to hold office two, four and six years, according to the three classes into which they were divided. In later years, however, the number of trustees was changed, and under the act of 1896 the trustees were called managers, and the number was reduced to seven. The original board of trustees, appointees of the governor, was charged with the duty of remodeling the entire interior of the asylum building and repairing the same for its new occupancy. This work was not completed until the latter part of 1881, and was only accomplished after an outlay of many thousands of dollars. The building was opened for patients in the latter part of October, in the year mentioned, but in the course of a few years it became necessary to erect a new building on the grounds adjoining the asylum building proper for the accommo- dation of the increased number of inmates. In still later years other buildings were required, hence the auxiliary structures known respect- ively as the north, south, east and west buildings were erected. When opened in October, 1881, one patient was at first sent to the asylum; the present number of inmates exceeds 1,250. In 1881 the asylum farm tract included 225 acres of land; the present farm is 1,060 acres in extent. In 1890 the legislature changed the name from Binghamtom Asylum for chronic insane to Binghamton State Hospital. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 299 In 1879 the trustees appointed Dr. Carlos McDonald superintendent and physician of the asylum, but no patients were received during his incumbency of the office. On June 1, 1880, Dr. Theodore Spencer Armstrong was appointed superintendent and served in that capacity to the time of his death, December 28, 1891. His successor. Dr. Charles Gray Wagner, the present superintendent of the hospital, was appointed February 8, 1892. In 1882 the trustees appointed Dr. Charles C. Eastman first assistant physician. He is still serving in that position. The first steward was Harlan G. Blanding, appointed in 1879. In 1881 Major Edwin Evans was appointed to the position and is still in office. The presidents of the board of trustees (the office is now known as chairman of the board of managers) have been as follows: Rodney A. Ford, 1879-80; Col. George W. Dunn, 1881; Tracy R. Morgan, 1882-94; Alexander Cumming, 1895-96; John B. Stanbrough, 1897-99. The secretaries have been William S. Smith, 1879-80; Harris G. Rodgers, 1881-95; John Anderson, 1895-97; Kate Moss Ely, 1897 (re- signed); George C. Bayless, 1897-1900. The office of treasurer was filled by Jerome DeWitt from 1879 to 1894, when he resigned and was succeeded by John Rankin, the present treasurer. Edmund O'Connor was appointed counsel to the board of managers in 1896, and served until his death, July 15, 1898, when he was suc- ceeded by George B. Curtiss, the present counsel. In noting the personnel of the board of trustees it is not deemed necessary to repeat the names of incumbents with each succeeding year, but rather to furnish the names of the original board, and then note the year of appointment of later incumbents of the office. In 1879 the trustees were Rodney A. Ford, William S. Smith, F. O. Cable, G. Prince, William E. Knight, S. D. Halliday, Alvin Devereaux, Erastus Ross and E. D. Van Sly ck. In 1880, no change; 1881, George W. Dunn, Harris G. Rodgers, Edmund O'Connor, George Truman, James Stewart and Tracy R. Morgan; 1882, Alexander Cumming, Charles Davis, John Rankin; 1883-85, no change; 1886, Dr. J. Franklin Barnes, vice Ford; 1887-91, no change; 1892, D. B. Cushman, Stephen W. Leach, John B. Stanbrough, Francis W. Downs; 1893, no change; 1894, George H. Barlow, vice Rankin; 1895, Charles M. Dickinson, Burton M. Babcock, John Anderson; 1896, no change; 1897, Mrs. Kate M. Ely, I 300 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Henry L. Armstrong, A. J. French, Anna L. Piatt (resigned and James Forsyth appointed); 1898, George C. Bayless; 1899, Theodore Gere, vice Forsyth, resigned. CHAPTER XVI. BANKING INSTITUTIONS. Previous to the organization of the old Broome County bank all bank- ing business of the village of Binghamton and its vicinity was done through the merchants who controlled the largest trade. Soon after 1830 several business men and capitalists became convinced that a prudently managed banking house would not only add to the commer- cial importance of the village, but also would be of great convenience to all interests and prove to be a profitable investment. Accordingly, on April 18, 1831, an act of the legislature incorporated the Broome County bank, with $100,000 capital, and authority to increase the amount to $150,000. The association was formally organized June 13, 1831, when the stockholders elected the following board of directors: Cyrus Strong, Cary Murdock, Daniel Evans, Samuel Smith, Myron Merrill, Peter Robinson, Jesse Orcutt, Lewis vSt. John, Virgil Whitney, Thomas G. Waterman, Christopher Eldredge, John A. Collier and Joshua Whitney. Each of these directors was directly and prominently identified with the early history of the village in many ways. (Not one of the number is now living, but descendants of all save one or two are known in city business circles, one of them being the head of the strongest financial institution in the city.) The directors above men- tioned organized by electing Myron Merrill, president, and Cary Mur- dock, cashier. The Broome County bank was opened in the early summer in 1832 and from that time on it did a large and successful business without change in its corporate character until it resolved into a national bank. Mr. Merrill was president until June 13, 1853, when he was succeeded by Cyrus Strong (the latter being grandfather to the present president of the Strong State bank). In 1865 Mr. Strong died, and was suc- ceeded in the presidency by his son, Cyrus, the late Colonel Strong, in allusion to whom the Strong State bank takes its name. He was presi- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 301 dent of the Broome County bank under its original charter, and also after the institution was reorganized under the name of National Broome County bank. He remained in office until about 1889 or 1890 and was succeeded by the late David L. Brownson, who was president of the bank when its doors were closed by the bank examiner in Janu- ary, 1895. Cary Murdock was cashier of the old bank from 1833 to 1841, when, on April 23, he was succeeded by Tracy R, Morgan. Thereafter and for a period of fifty-five years. Colonel Morgan was known in local financial circles, and in his official capacity transacted the business of the bank under its original charter of 1831, under the free state bank charter of 1855, and also under its national banking charter of 1865. He was the cashier and active managing officer of the bank at the time of the disastrous failure of January, 1895. On January 1, 1855, the bank was reorganized as a free state bank, and retained that distinctive character until August 9, 1865, when it was converted into a national bank, agreeable to the provisions of a general enabling act of the legislature. The name of the new institu- tion was the National Broome County bank. The directors and officers of the state bank were continued in office under the reorganized con- dition. The history of the old Broome County bank, and also of its successor banks, is thus briefly narrated. It was the pioneer institution of its char- acter in the village and was always regarded as one of the sound finan- cial institutions of this part of the state. The banking house stood on an elevated site at the corner of Court and Chenango streets, where is now the Phelps building. It was erected in 1833 and was taken down in 1871. (To properly recall the old structure the reader must have known Binghamton thirty years ago, and it may be assumed that at least half of our present population never saw the old building that once orna- mented the village. The accompanying view of Chenango street in 1856 affords an interesting study. The building in the foreground is the bank, standing on an elevation of about ten feet above Court street. North of the bank the old Congregational, Presbyterian and Baptist churches are shown in the order mentioned. The building now owned by Smith, Kinney & Co. stands on the Congregational church site. The edifice was eventually converted into a theatre, and was known as the Academy of Music. It burned in the wintor of 1883-83. The view also shows many other buildings which arouse the interest of our older I 302 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, citizens, hence the reader will pardon this digression from the proper subject of this chapter.) The Binghamton bank, an associate financial institution with a capi- tal of $100,000, was chartered December 26, 1838, and began business in the early part of the following year. Its directors were John La Grange, president, Calvin L. Cole, cashier, Dwight Danforth and CHENANGO STREET IN 1856. View taken from the Court House. The Broome County Bank is seen in the foreground. Samuel Brown. It was organized for the laudable purpose of doing a general banking business, but at that time the commercial interests of the village were not sufficient to profitably support two banks, and the lesser must of necessity go to the wall. The new concern struggled against adversity until about 1842 and then closed its doors. The fail- ure was not disastrous and only the stockholders suffered losses. The bank began business in rooms in the Binghamton hotel, on the corner of Court and Water streets, but soon afterward removed to the north side of Court street, just east of Water street. In local business circles GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 303 the bank was commonly known as the " Red Dog bank," its currency having a bright red back, with a picture of a large mastiff in the center. The Bank of Binghamton was organized under the laws of the state, July 29, 1852, with a capital of $150,000 (increased September 6, 1853, to $200,000). The first board of directors comprised Dr. Ammi Double- day, John A. Collier, Edward Tompkins, William R. Osborne, Charles McKinney, Charles W. Sanford, Judson Smith, Cyrenus H. Crosby, Benjamin F. Sisson, Joseph B. Abbott, Waring S. Weed, Hazard Lewis and John E. Sampson. The first officers were Dr. Doubleday, president; Charles W. Sanford, vice-president, and WilHam R. Osborne, cashier. It would have been difficult at any time during our early village his- tory to gather in a single corporation a stronger body of men than the above board of directors. They came from all branches of professional and business life and were men of the highest integrity and moral worth. Only one of them— Waring S. Weed— now survives, but all were once prominent factors in Binghamton history. The history of the Bank of Binghamton covered a period of thir- teen years, throughout which was shown a record of complete success. The original officers were continued in their respective positions until the institution was converted into a national bank, and were then re- elected. The bank began business on the north side of Court street (now No. 31), and thence removed to the corner of Court and Washing- ton streets, j'anuary 1, 1856. On May 4, 1885, the directors made a contract with J. Stuart Wells for the erection of the four story building on the site mentioned, and during the remaining months of the year the structure was completed. It cost $10, 500. Early in the summer of 1865 the stockholders determined to reorganize under the provisions of the national banking act and the City National bank was the result. The City National Bank of Binghamton, No. 1,189, was organized July 1, 1865, with a capital of $200,000, the stock of the old bank being exchanged for that of the new. The old board of directors was re- elected'and continued in office, and was as follows : Dr. Ammi Double- day, William R. Osborne, John E. Sampson, Lewis S. White, William E. Taylor, Benjamin F. Sisson, Horace S. Griswold and Joseph B. Abbott. The officers, president, vice-president and cashier, were the same as previous to reorganization. Dr. Doubleday retained the pres- idency until his death, July 23, 1867, and in January, 1868, Charles W. Sanford was elected to fill the vacancy. On January 8, 1878, Mr. San- 304 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, ford declined a re-election, upon which William R. Osborne succeeded to the presidency and served to January 10, 1893, when he resigned. He was followed by Harris G. Rodgers (who was made additional vice- president March 25, 1882), who was president at the time of his death, May 2, 1895. John B. Van Name, the present president of the bank, was elected May 17, 1895. Mr. Sanford was vice-president of the Bank of Binghamton and of the National bank, from 1852 to 1868, when he was succeeded by Judge Griswold. The latter died in 1870, and in January, 1871, William E. Taylor was elected to the vacancy. On the accession of Col. Rodgers to the presidency Charles F. Sisson was elected vice-president, and is still in office. Mr. Osborne was cashier of the Bank of Binghamton from 1852 to 1865, and of the City National bank from its organization to January 8, 1878, when he was made president. On the day last mentioned Hart- well Morse (a descendant of one of the oldest and most respected pioneer families of the historic town of Eaton, Madison county) was ap- pointed cashier, and still serves in that capacity. Much of the success which has characterized the career of this bank has been due to Mr. Morse's untiring efforts. He began work as clerk in the Bank of Binghamton in 18G4, hence is one of the oldest banking officials in the city. As shown by the report of its condition at the close of business June 30, 1899, the aggregate amount of assets of the bank was $746,789.95; surplus, $40,000; undivided profits, $4,555.65; deposit account, $400,- 000. The present directors and officers of the bank are as follows: John B. Van Name, president; Charles F. Sisson, vice-president; Hartwell Morse, cashier; Edward P. McKinney, John Bajdess, Robert E. Hooper, William W. Sisson, Walter Morse and Charles M. Stone. The First National Bank of Binghamton, No. 202, was organized in September, 1863, and began business in January, 1864, with a capital of $100,000 (afterward increased to $200,000). The first directors and officers were Abel Bennett, president; Elias Hawley, Charles McKinney, Moses T. Morgan, Locy Halsted, Ransom Balcom and Jared D. Ses- sions, none of whom are now living. The first cashier was George Pratt. Mr. Bennett resigned the presidency of the bank. May 5, 1884, and was succeeded in office by Francis T. Newell. Mr. Newell died April 27, 1898, and on January 1, 1899, Waring S. Weed was elected his successor. At the same time Frank B. Newell was elected vice- ABEL BENNETT. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 305 president to succeed Mr. Weed. The late George Pratt was cashier of the bank from the time of its organization to January, 1884, when he resigned and was succeeded by John Manier, The latter resigned July 1, 1895, and was succeeded by Addison J. Parsons, the present cashier of the bank. In banking circles Mr. Parsons is regarded as one of the brightest and most capable young financiers in the city. The First National is the oldest banking house of its character in the city, and, as is indicated by its number, it is one of the oldest in the state. During the period of its existence probably as much business has been transacted over its counters as in any similar institution in the city. It has always stood high in the public confidence, and its man- aging officers have been selected from the best material of the board of directors. The first president, Abel Bennett, during the long pe- riod of his residence in Binghamton was looked upon as our first citizen. He came here about 1850, and from that time to his death he was active both in the public and his personal welfare. He was the first mayor of the city, and was selected for that office by the people rather than by his own political party. In 1869, with others, he founded the Susquehanna Valley Home. He built Hotel Bennett in 1877. He in- vested largely in city real estate and erected several substantial busi- ness blocks and fine residences. Mr. Bennett died June 11, 1889. Francis T. Newell was a fit successor to Mr. Bennett in the presi- dency of the bank. He came to Binghamton from Morrisville half a century ago and for many years was engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was one of our most respected citizens. Waring S. Weed, the present president, is a native of Binghamton, and a lifelong resident of the village and the city. He has been in active business for sixty years, and is one of our most substantial men. George Pratt, the first cashier, was born here and was the son of pioneer Zenas Pratt. The late Hallam E., William H. and Frederick Pratt were brothers of George Pratt. At the close of business on June 30, 1899, the First National bank had a deposit account of more than $800,000, a surplus and profit ac- count of $74,148.74, and total assets amounting to more than $1,189,000. The present directors and officers of the bank are as follows : War- ing S. Weed, president; Frank B. Newell, vice-president; Addison J. Parsons, cashier; Stephen C. Millard, George F, O'Neil, Julius E. Rogers and Arthur S. Bartlett. The Susquehanna Valley bank — more frequently known throughout 20 806 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT. the period of its history as the Phelps bank — was incorporated under the laws of the state, January 1, 1854, with a capital of $100,000. The first board of directors was elected November 25, 1854, and comprised Sherman D. Phelps, Giles W. Hotchkiss, James Munsell, Hazard Lewis, William M. Ely, William E. Taylor, Charles McKinney, Henry S. Hitchcock, Augustus Morgan, Henry Mather, S. T. Scranton, Martin Stone and Barzilla Marvin. The first officers were Sherman D. Phelps, president, and R. W. R. Freeman, cashier. Mr. Freeman was a capa- ble officer, yet throughout the period of his life Judge Phelps — as he was best known — was the controlling factor in the affairs of the bank, and under his masterly management it stood at the head of the banking institutions of the city. Judge Phelps died November 13, 1878, having spent the best part of his business life in Binghamton. He was a Lincoln presidential elector in 1860, and mayor of this city in 1872. The Phelps mansion on Court street is one of the most costly residences ever built in the city, while the Phelps bank building, erected in 1871, is now one of the most pre- tentious business structures in this part of the state. Judge Phelps was identified with several large business enterprises, notably the Bing- hamton Gas company, of which he was president and chief owner. Egbert A. Clark succeeded to the presidency of the bank in January, 1879, and served to June 2, 1884. He was not an old resident of Bing- hamton but spent the greater part of his business life in other localities, where, as a tanner, he acquired a fortune. In this city he was identi- fied with various enterprises, among which was the wholesale grocery house of Marks & Clark. Mr. Clark devoted little of his time to busi- ness affairs, entrusting their management to those with whom he was associated. He is remembered as a generous and public-spirited citi- zen. James W. Manier, present president of the bank, was chosen to that office June 2, 1884. He was acting cashier from June, 1865, to June, 1867, and cashier from June, 1867 to 1884. The cashiers of the bank have been as follows: R. W. R. Freeman, April 6, 1855-1856; George Pratt, June 2, 1856-Dec., 1863; Henry W. Ibbotson, acting, Dec, 1863-June, 1864; James W, Manier, acting, June, 1865-June, 1867, and cashier, 1867-June 2, 1884; Arthur Griffin, assistant, Dec, 17, 1881-June 2, 1884, and cashier from the latter date to the present time. The present officers and directors of the bank are James W. Manier, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 307 president; Sigmund J. Hirschmann and James B.Weed, vice-presidents; Arthur Griffin, cashier; Frances A. Phelps, Oilman L. Sessions, Robert W. Manier, Charles M. Stone, Z. Bennett Phelps, George A. Kent, William G. Phelps, David H. Carver and James M. Stone. The Merchants National bank of Binghamton was organized March 9, 1874, with $100,000 capital, and with directors and officers as follows: Erastus Ross, president; Wra. H. Wilkinson, vice-president; Allen Perkins, Benjamin N. Loomis, Harvey Westcott, George Craver, Ly- man Pollard, Joseph B. Chaffee, Osborne E. Bump, Rufus K. Amory, Henry W. Chubbuck, Charles Davis and Allen Barlow. Cashier, George Burr. The bank began business at the corner of Court street and Commer- cial avenue, and soon won its way into the public confidence. Its busi- ness was large and under the cashiership of Mr. Burr its affairs were admirably conducted. At one time it had the largest list of depositors of any city bank. On May 24, 1891, the national charter was surren- dered, and the bank was reorganized under the state laws, and thence- forth became known as the Merchants bank. At that time the board of directors comprised Erastus Ross, president; Dan S. Richards, 1st vice-president; Charles Davis, 2d vice-president; Frederick E. Ross, cashier; Clinton Ross, assistant cashier; Allen Barlow, Wm. H. Wil- kinson, George Craver, C. G. Armstjong, B. H. Nelson and George J. Babcock. On January. 21, 1895, after a period of twenty years of business exist- ence, the doors of the Merchants bank were closed by the banking de- partment of the state. On January 25, Col. George W. Dunn was ap- pointed receiver and the affairs of the bank are now in process of liquidation. The Binghamton Trust company was incorporated under the laws of the state, September 8, 1890, with a capital of $400,000 (decreased in June, 1897, to $300,000). The first board of trustees and managers comprised Charles J. Knapp, Horace H. Crary, Jerome B. Landfield, Stoddard Hammond, jr., Cyrus Strong, jr., J. Stuart Wells, Adelbert J. Schlager, John B. Simpson, Frank Gould, William E. Taylor, G. Tracy Rogers, William J. Welsh, Henry S. Jarvis, Maurice Birdsall and Peter K. Burhans. The first officers were Charles J. Knapp, president; Horace H. Crary, vice-president; Cyrus Strong, jr., treasurer; Stoddard Hammond, jr., secretary; Wm. J. Welsh, attorney, and George H.Ford, cashier. On July 1, 1898, Mr. Landfield was elected vice-president in 308 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, place of Mr. Crary, deceased. In 1891 Mr. Landfield was made treas- urer in place of Mr. Strong, and in 1893 Mr. Schlager was elected to the position. In the fall of 1891 Jacob Wiser succeeded George H . Ford as cashier, the latter resigning the position on account of ill health. The Binghamton Trust company, though in operation less than ten years, is known as one of the largest and most successful banking in- stitutions in the southern tier. Its affairs have been carefully and prudently managed, yet wise liberality has always characterized the action of its officials. As shown by the report of the condition of the company at the close of business June 30, 1899, the total resources were more than $2,199,000; deposits, above $1,720, 000; accrued interest, $17,900, and surplus assets, $161,226.78. The present trustees and officers are Charles J. Knapp, president; Jerome B. Landfield, vice-president: A. J. Schlager, treasurer; Stod- dard Hammond, secretary; Jacob Wiser, cashier; F. Percy Knapp, as- sistant cashier; William J. Welsh, attorney, and Fred F. Hammond, Thomas B. Crary, John S. Wells, John B. Simpson, Frank Gould, G. Tracy Rogers, Maurice Birdsall and Jerome B. Landfield, jr. The Strong State bank was the outgrowth of a private banking house established in April, 1892, by Cyrus Strong and Cyrus Strong, jr., both of whom were well known in city business circles as men of means and unquestioned integrity. The disastrous failures of January, 1895, which wrecked the National Broome County bank, the Chenango Valley Sav- ings bank, the Merchants bank, and also the private banking house of Erastus Ross & Sons, is still fresh in the mind of the reader and a de- tailed narrative of events of that unfortunate occasion, with all its at- tending results, is not necessary to this chapter. The loss of three commercial banks and one savings bank was a serious blow to all in- terests, and the establishment of a new bank of undoubted solidity at once became a necessity. In the emergency, the firm of Strong & Strong determined to organize a state bank, and the Strong State bank was the result. The organization was effected March 5, 1895, the capi- tal being $100,000. The directors were Cornelius H. Ackerman, Fred. Bennett, George H . Barlow, George W. Dunn, Charles C. Jackson, Frederic W. Jenkins, Charles E. Lee, Charles D. Matthews, Arthur S. Miner, Patrick J. McTighe, Michael McMahon, Edward L. Rose, Cyrus Strong, Cyrus Strong, jr., and James W. Sturtevant. The first officers were Cyrus Strong, jr., president; George W. Dunn and Edward L. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 309 Rose, vice-presidents; Cyrus M. Strong, assistant cashier. On August 3, 1896, Mr. Rose was appointed cashier, and Mr. Sturtevant was elected vice-president in his stead. In 1898 Mr. Rose resigned the cashiership and Cyrus M. Strong was appointed in his place; and at the same time Charles F. Gale was appointed assistant cashier. Other than is mentioned there has been little subsequent change in the offi- ciary of the bank. The Strong bank, as commonly known, has been in operation less than five years, yet during that time it has assumed a position of com- manding importance among the financial institutions of southern New York. It has a present surplus of $50,000, an undivided profit account of $19,000, and during its history has paid dividends to the amount of $20,000. This record has never been equalled by any other bank of the same age in the city. The present directors are Cyrus Strong, presi- dent; George W. Dunn, 1st vice-president; James W. Sturtevant, 2d vice-president; Cyrus M. Strong, cashier; Cornelius H. Ackerman, Frederic W. Jenkins, Fred. Bennett, F. E. Taft, C. F, Hotchkiss, Charles C. Jackson, Patrick J. McTighe, Charles D. Matthews and M. J . Corbett. Charles F. Gale, assistant cashier. The People's bank was incorporated and began business June 1, 1895 (capital, $100,000), occupying quarters formerly used by Erastus Ross & Sons. The first directors, as indicated by the articles of association, were William H. Wilkinson, Alonzo Roberson, Harvey Westcott, Will- iam E. Taylor, Harlow E. Bundy, John Hull, jr., Charles A. Weed, George M. Harris, Robert R. Griswold, Edward F. Leighton, Walter J. Moon, Clark W. Greene, Chauncey B. Waterman, Henry G. Jackson and Wellington W. Williams. The first officers, who still retain their respective positions (except Vice-President Roberson, who died in 1899) were William H. Wilkinson, president; Alonzo Roberson, vice- president; George W. Ostrander, cashier; Carver, Deyo & Jenkins, at- torneys. The present directors are Wm. H. Wilkin.son, Harvey Westcott, Charles A. Weed, George M. Harris, Fred. W. Grummon, Robert R. Griswold, Edward F. Leighton, Walter J. Moon, C. W. Greene, C. B. Waterman, Austin W. Clinton, Henry G. Jackson, W. W. Williams and Tracy G. Rich. The bank ha^, enjoyed a steady and healthful growth, and with ample capital and an efficient board of directors is assured of future success in all lines of legitimate banking. The private banking house of B. H. Nelson & Son began business at 310 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, the northeast corner of Chenango and Eldridge streets, January 7, 1890. The bank is distinctively an institution of the busy north side, and is owned and managed by one who has done much toward building up that important portion of the city. The private banking house of Erastus Ross & Sons was established in June, 1890. The firm did a large business several years, but specu- lations outside of legitimate banking led to its ultimate downfall in January, 1895. Savings Banks. — The first attempt to organize a savings bank in Bingharaton was made in the early part of 1848, when, on April 11, an act of the legislature incorporated the '* Binghamton Savings Insti- tution," and named as trustees and incorporators John Clapp, Franklin Whitney, Edward White, Silas West, Levi Dimmick, Elias Hawley, Augustus Morgan, Myron Merrill, Gilbert Tompkins, Christopher Eldredge, Charles W. Sanford, Samuel H. P, Hall, Uriah M. Stowers, Hamilton Collier and Vincent Whitney. For some now unknown rea- son the bank was never organized in accordance with the provisions of the act, and it was almost twenty years later that the village in fact had a savings bank. The Chenango Valley Savings bank was incorporated April 14, 1855, with trustees as follows: Benjamin N. Loomis, John J. Youmans, Ransom Balcom, Elijah Castle, Judson Smith, Richard Mather, Simon C. Hitchcock, Isaac L. Bartlett, Lewis Seymour, Albert Way, Samuel J. Olmsted, Francis T. Newell, Hallam E. Pratt, Charles McKinney, Augustus Morgan, Sherman D. Phelps, Giles W. Hotchkiss and Martin Stone. These trustees represented the most substantial element of our village population at the time, but not one of their number is now liv- ing. Mr. Newell outlived his associates, but he himself died in 1898. But notwithstanding the acknowledged capacity of the board of trustees certain complications had the effect to delay the formal organization for some time, and before that result was in fact accomplished five of the original members withdrew. They were John J. Youmans, Elijah Castle, Judson Smith, Samuel J. Olmsted and Francis T. Newell. Al- bert Way died September 34, 1863. The vacancies were filled by Tracy R. Morgan, Hiram M. Myer, Henry Mather, Joseph E. Ely, George Pratt and W. N. Wilson. The permanent organization was effected April 20, 1867, by the elec- tion of Simon C. Hitchcock, president; Augustus Morgan and Benja- min N. Loomis, vice-presidents, and Sherman D, Phelps, treasurer. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 311 The bank was then opened for business and within a year was estab- lished on a firm basis. The officers were men of undoubted integrity, hence depositors unhesitatingly opened accounts. The history of the bank under its original charter covered a period of almost thirty years; a period of gratifying success both to the depositors and the manage- ment. In the early part of 1895, however, the institution failed and its doors were closed by the banking department of the state on Janu- ary 24. It is not deemed advisable to refer at length to the causes leading to the failure, or to the losses of depositors, or to the generally disturbed condition existing in business circles in the city during the period. The event is passed, the bank is reorganized under new man-: agement and public confidence is again restored. Mr. Hitchcock was president of the bank until May 13, 1868, when he was succeeded by Judge Phelps, who served to the time of his death, November 13, 1878, after which the office had no incumbent, its duties being performed by Judge Loomis, the surviving vice-president. Ma- jor Morgan, an original vice-president, died September 26, 1868, and Richard Mather was elected in his stead. He died in office May 1, 1870. Tracy R. Morgan was elected treasurer upon the elevation of Judge Phelps to the presidency. Colonel Morgan was one of the oldest bankers in the city, having become an officer of the Broome County bank in 1841. As years passed the old trustees of the savings bank were re- placed with others, and the affairs of business gradually came more and more under Colonel Morgan's immediate control. At the time of the failure in 1895 he was almost in sole charge of the bank, and he alone knew of the character of the investments and the disposition of the funds. This policy was an undoubted mistake on the part of the trustees, yet it was a most natural error as the treasurer enjoyed the confidence of every business man in the city; and even now, in the light of all subsequent revelations, the present writer is not prepared to state that that confidence was wholly misplaced. Disaster came and thou- sands of persons suffered losses. Public excitement ran high and many bitter feelings were engendered. Prosecutions and indictments fol- lowed, but the end has not yet been reached. The affairs of the de- funct concern are unsettled, but the bitter passion of the period has subsided. The bank is under entirely new management. From Janu- ary 24 to April 25, 1895, the officials of the state banking department remained in charge of the bank. In the meantime the old board of trustees (Benjamin N. Loomis, Job N. Congdon, James W. Manier, 312 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Solomon F. Gary, George W. Dunn, Arthur S. Miner, Gyrus Strong, W. N. Wilson, David L. Brownson, James Prendergast, Joseph M. Johnson, Wallace B. Hallock and Tracy R. Morgan) resigned, and under an order of the supreme court on the date last mentioned the bank was reopened by a new board of trustees, comprised as follows: George A. Kent, James W. Manier, George W. Dunn, Charles E. Lee, Michael McMahon, William G. Phelps, Asa R. Tweedy, Henry Marean, James Prendergast, George C. Bayless, James W. Sturtevant, Arthur vS. Miner and Edward L. Rose. The new management began business with deposits amounting to $141,711.02, or about seventy-eight per cent, of the first dividend paid to the depositors of the defunct bank. The first officers of the reorganized bank were George A. Kent, presi- dent; John Manier, treasurer; Henry Marean, secretary, Mr. Kent is still president, Mr. Manier resigned January 10, 1899, and was suc- ceeded by Mr. Marean. The present vice-presidents are James W. Manier and James W. Sturtevant. The board of trustees is comprised of Arthur S. Bartlett, C. F. Hotchkiss, George A. Kent, James W. Manier, John Manier, Henry Marean, Michael McMahon, William G. Phelps, Julius E. Rogers, James W. Sturtevant, Asa R. Tweedy and George F. O'Neil. The bank now has 6,889 depositors. The Binghamton Savings Bank^ concededly one of the most substan- tial institutions of its kind in this part of the state, was incorporated April 18, 1867, with the following board of trustees: Frederick Lewis, Horaces. Griswold, Cyrus Strong, Oliver C. Crocker, William E. Taylor, Harris G. Rodgers, Charles W. Sanford, Erasmus D. Robinson, Will- iam P. Pope, Abel Bennett, Lewis Seymour, Henry Mather and Horace N. Lester. The permanent organization was April 34, 18G7, by the election of Horace S. Griswold, president; Wm. P. Pope and Frederick Lewis, vice-presidents; Harris G. Rodgers, treasurer, and Erasmus D. Robinson, secretary. Not one of the original officers or trustees is now living, but the in- stitution which they founded still survives, and has grown in popularity, usefulness and strength from its inception to the present time. The bank began business in the Ely building on Washington street, where it remained until 1870, when it was removed to the First National bank building. In 1879 it occupied more comfortable quarters in the McNamara building at the corner of Court and Collier streets. In 1899 the trustees purchased the land next north of the municipal build- ing, and erected thereon a five story structure for its own use. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 313 The business career of the Bingham ton Savings bank needs no special mention in this chapter, as it has been a constant record of growth and prosperity from its inception to the present time, and now it is more firmly intrenched in the public confidence than at any previous time in its history. Its assets, as shown by the sixty-fifth semi-annual state- ment of July 1, 1899, aggregate $2,429,669.02. The total deposits are $2,322,450.43, representing 9,914 separate accounts. The present sur- plus, at par value of the securities, is $107,218.59; at market value the surplus is $162,509.96. An interesting element of history in connection with this bank is the succession of its trustees and officers, an accurate record of which has been kept by Mr. Gennet, who has been in the service of the bank, in one connection or another, since 1868. The succession of trustees has been as follows: Horaces. Griswold, died Aug. 9, 1870; Frederick Lewis, resigned Mar. 4, 1873; Cyrus Strong, died Sept. 21, 189(3; Oliver C. Crocker, re- signed June 2, 1874; Wm. E. Taylor, office declared vacant Mar. 4, 1884; Harris G. Rodgers, died May 2, 1895; Charles W. Sanford, died July 30, 1883; Erasmus D. Robinson, died Oct. 10, 1890; Wm. P. Pope, died Dec. 22, 1879; Abel Bennett, resigned Jan. 20, 1874; Lewis Seymour, died Jan. 4, 1873; Henry Mather, died May 1, 1870; Dr. John G. Orton, elected Oct. 4, 1870; Oilman L. Sessions, elected May G, 1873; James B. Weed, elected Jan. 23, 1873; Darius S. Ayers, elected Jan. 20, 1874, served to June 3, 1879; William S. Smith, elected March 3, 1874, died May 12, 1889; Orlow W. Chapman, elected Feb. 3, 1880, died Jan. 19, 1890; Wm. B. Edwards, elected Aug. 5, 1879, died Nov. 23, 1893; Charles M. Stone, elected Nov. 1883; James K. Welden, elected May 6, 1884, died July 14, 1895; Edward C. Smith, elected Oct. 1, 1889; SigmundJ. Hirschmann, elected July 1, 1890; John Bayless, elected Jan. 20, 1891; George M. Harris, elected Feb. 24, 1894; Edward P. McKinney, elected Feb. 24, 1894; Charles W. Gennet, elected March 5, 1895; Charles F. Sisson, elected July 2, 1895; Charles A. Weed, elected Nov. 3, 1896. The presidents, with their terms of office, have been as follows: Horace S. Griswold, elected April 24, 1867, died Aug. 9, 1870; Fred- erick Lewis, elected Jan. 3, 1871, resigned March 4, 1873; Charles W. Sanford, elected March 4, 1873, died July 30, 1883; Harper Dusenbury, elected Jan. 28, 1884, died Nov. 19, 1893; William H.Wilkinson, pres- ent president, elected Dec. 5, 1893. 314 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT. The vice-presidents has been as follows: William P. Pope, April 24, 1867-Jan. 6, 1874; Frederick Lewis, April 24, 1867-Jan. 3, 1871; Wm. E. Taylor, Jan. 3, 1871-Jan. 6, 1880; Harper Dusenbury, Jan 6, 1874- Jan. 28, 1884; Horace N. Lester, Jan. 6, 1880-died Oct. 2, 1882; Wm. B. Edwards, Jan. 23, 1883-Nov. 23, 1893; Wm. H. Wilkinson, Jan. 28, 1884-Dec. 5, 1893; Dr. John G. Orton, Dec. 5, 1893; Oilman L. Ses- sions, Dec. 5, 1893. The secretaries have been as follows: Erasmus D. Robinson, April 24, 1867-Oct. 10, 1890; Charles M. Stone, Jan. 20, 1891. The treasurers have been as follows: Harris G. Rodgers, April 24, 1867-May 2, 1895; Charles W. Gennet, May 7, 1895. The tellers have been as follows; Charles W. Gennet, June 1, 1868- May 7, 1895; Asbury C. Deyo, May 7, 1895. The trustees of the bank are William H. Wilkinson, Edward C. Smith, Sigmund J. Hirschmann, Edward P. McKinney, George M. Harris, Charles F. Sisson, Dr. John G. Orton, Oilman L. Sessions, James B. Weed, Charles M. Stone, John Bayless, Charles A. Weed and Charles W. Gennet. The officers are William H. Wilkinson, president; Dr. John O. Orton and Oilman L. Sessions, vice-presidents: Charles W. Gennet, treasurer; Charles M, Stone, secretary; Asbury C. Deyo, teller. CHAPTER XVn. THE BENCH AND BAR. The sentiment is frequently expressed that the judicial system of the state of New York is largely copied or derived from the common law of England, and slightly from the civil law of the continent. In many respects this is true and resemblances may be traced therein, but a close study of the laws and judicial practice of this state will reveal the fact that they are an original growth and differ materially from the older systems of Europe. This difference is strikingly manifested in the simple act of entitling a criminal writ. In this state it is " the People versus the Criminal;" in England it is " Rex versus the Criminal." In the genius of the one the requirement is an independent judiciary re- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 315 sponsible directly to the people only; in the other it is a court subser- vient to a king. In the early history of the colony of New York the governor was in effect the maker, enforcer and interpreter of the laws, the chief judge of the court of last resort, while his councillors were generally his obedient followers. The execution of the English and colonial statutes rested with him, as also did the exercise of the royal authority in the province ; and it was not until the adoption of the first constitution that he ceased to contend for these prerogatives. By the constitution of 1777 the governor was entirely stripped of the judicial power he exer- cised under the colonial rule, and that power was vested in the lieuten- ant-governor and the senate, also in the chancellor and justices of the Supreme court — the former to be elected by the people and the latter appointed by the council. This was the first radical separation of the judicial and legislative powers and the advancement of the judiciary to the position of a co-ordinate department of government, subject only to the limitation consequent upon the appointment of its members by the council; but even this mild restriction was soon felt to be incompat- ible, though it was not until the adoption of the constitution of 1846 that the last connecting link between the purely political and judicial branches of state government was finally abolished. From this time the judiciary became more directly representative of the people. The development of the idea of the responsibility of the courts to the people, from the time when all its members were at the beck and nod of an irresponsible master, to the time when all the judges are voted for di- rectly by the people, has indeed been remarkable. Let us look briefly at the present arrangement and powers of the courts of the state, and then at the elements from which they have grown. The whole scheme involves the idea, first, of a determination of the the facts and law by a trial court, then a review of the law and facts by a higher court, and ultimately of the law by a court of last resort. To accomplish the purposes of the scheme there has been devised and established, first, the present Court of Appeals, the ultimate tribunal of the state, perfected in its present form by the conventions of 1867 and 1868. When first organized under the constitution of 1846, the court comprised eight judges, four of whom were elected by the people and the remainder chosen from the justices of the Supreme court hav- ing the shortest time to serve. As reorganized in 1870, and now ex- isting, the court consists of a chief judge and six associate judges, who 316 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. hold office for a term of fourteen years. The legislature has provided how and when the decisions of inferior tribunals may be reviewed in the Court of Appeals, and under the revised constitution of 1894 the legislature is authorized to still further restrict the jurisdiction of the court, and the right of appeal thereto. Upon the reorganization of the court in 1869 its work was far in arrears, and the law commonly known as the judiciary act provided for a commission of appeals to aid the Court of Appeals; and still later there was organized a second division of the Court of Appeals to assist in the disposition of the business of the general court. The several limitations placed upon the Court of Appeals by the constitution of 1894 are in part designed to relieve it from future similar embarrassments. Second in rank and jurisdiction stands the Supreme court, which was created originally in 1691, and comprised a chief justice and four assist- ant justices to be appointed by the governor, and empowered to try all issues, civil, criminal or mixed. Appeals lay to the governor and coun- cil. The judges made an annual circuit of the state, under a commis- sion which gave them Nisi Prius, Oyer and Terminer and jail delivery powers. Under the first constitution the court was reorganized, and all proceedings were directed to be entitled in the name of the people. The constitution of 1821 made many changes in the character and methods of this court; the judges were reduced to three and were ap- pointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate, to hold office during good behavior, or until 60 years of age. By the constitution of 1846 the Supreme court was abolished and a new court of the same name, having general jurisdiction in law and equity, was established in its place. Its members comprised 33 justices elected by the people. The judiciary act of 1847 provided that General Terms be held at least once each year in counties having more than 40,000 inhabitants, and in other counties once in two years; and at least two special terms and two circuits were to be held yearly in each county, except Hamilton. The court was authorized to name the time and places for holding its terms, and also those of the Oyer and Terminer, the latter then being a part of the Circuit court, and held by a justice, the county judge and two justices of sessions. After 1882 the Oyer and Terminer consisted of a single justice of the Suprem-e court; but by the sweeping changes made by the constitution of 1894, Circuit courts and courts of Oyer and Terminer were abolished, and their jurisdiction vested in the Supreme court. Provision was also made for an Appellate division of this court, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 317 to consist of seven justices in the first, and five in each of the other three judicial departments into which the state was divided. The Ap- pellate division is invested with the jurisdiction previously exercised by the Supreme court at General Term, and such other power as the legis- lature is authorized to confer. From the justices of the Supreme court the governor designates those who shall constitute the Appellate Divis- ion, and also the presiding justice thereof; the latter to act during his term of office, and the others for a term of five years. The judiciary article of the constitution of 1846 was amended in 1869, and the legislature was authorized to provide for the organization of General Terms, consisting of a presiding justice and not more than three associates; but by the law of 1870 the then organization of Gen- eral Terms was abrogated, and the state was divided into four depart- ments, with provision for General Terms in each. By the same act the governor was directed to designate from the justices of the Supreme court a presiding justice and two associates to constitute a General Term in each department. A constitutional amendment was adopted in 1882, and the legislature in 1883 divided the state into five judicial de- partments, and provided for the election of twelve additional justices, to hold office from the first day of June, 1884. The constitution of 1894 provided for the election of twelve more justices of the Supreme court. The old Court of Chancery of this state was an heirloom of the colo- nial period, and had its origin in the Court of Assizes, the latter being vested with equity powers under the dake's laws. The court was established February 16, 1683, and went out of existence by limitation in 1698; was revived by ordinance in 1701, suspended in 1703, and re- established in 1704. At first the court was unpopular, both the assem- bly and colonists opposing it with the argument that the crown had no authority to establish a court of equity in the province. Under the constitution of 1777 the court was reorganized, and in 1778 masters and examiners were designated by the Council of Appointment, while registrars and clerks were appointed by the chancellor; and the latter also licensed all solicitors and counsellors of the court. Under the con- stitution of 1831 the chancellor was appointed by the governor, and held office during good behavior or until sixty years of age. The constitution of 1846 abolished the Court of Chancery and vested its powers and duties in the Supreme court. By an act of the legislature passed in 1848 and entitled "The Code of Procedure," all distinction 318 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, between actions at law and suits in equity was abolished, so far as method of procedure was concerned, and one uniform practice was adopted. In June, 1877, the legislature enacted the "Code of Civil Procedure," to take the place of the code of 1848; by this act many minor changes were made in the practice of the court. These are, in brief, the changes through which the Supreme court has passed in its growth from the prerogative of an irresponsible mas- ter to one of the most independent and enlightened instrumentalities for the protection and attainment of rights of citizens of which any state or nation, ancient and modern, can rightfully boast. So well is this fact understood by the people that by far the greater amount of business which might be done in inferior courts at less expense is actu- ally taken to this court for settlement. Next in rank to the Supreme court is the County court, held in each county in the state at such times and places as its judges may direct. This court had its origin in the English Court of Sessions, and like it, had at one time only criminal jurisdiction; but in 1691 it was given both civil and criminal powers in cases of trial by jury. By the act of 1691, and the decree of 1699, the civil jurisdiction of the court was con- ferred on the Common Pleas; but by the radical changes made by the constitution of 1846, provision was made for a County court in each county of the state, except New York, to be held by an officer desig- nated the "County Judge," having such jurisdiction as the legislature should prescribe. County courts have been given jurisdiction in vari- ous classes of actions, and have also been invested with equity powers in the foreclosure of mortgages, the sale of infants' real estate, and to partition lands, admeasure dower and care for the persons and estates of lunatics and habitual drunkards. The judiciary act of 1869 continued the existing jurisdiction in all actions in which the defendant lived in the county, and the damages claimed did not exceed $1,000. The con- stitution of 1894 likewise continued the court, and increased its power by extending the amount of damages claimable to $2,000. Like the Supreme court, the County court has its civil and criminal sides. In criminal matters the county judge was formerly assisted by two justices of sessions, elected by the people from among the justices of the peace of the county. In the criminal branch of this court, known as " the Sessions," all minor offences were disposed of, and all indict- ments, except for murder, could be sent to it from the Oyer and Term- iner for trial. The constitution of 1894 abolished the Court of Sessions, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 319 except in the county of New York, and vested its powers in the County court. By the codes of 1848 and 1877 the procedure and practice in this court were made to conform as nearly as possible to the practice of the Supreme court. This was done with the evident design to attract litigation into the minor courts and thus relieve the Supreme court ; but in this attempt there has been a failure, as litigants much prefer the shield and broader powers of the higher court. Under the code county judges perform the duties of a justice of the Supreme court at chambers. The County court has appellate jurisdiction over actions arising in Just- ices' courts and Courts of special sessions. The old court of Common Pleas of New York, the oldest tribunal of the state, which survived the changes of two constitutional revisions, was another heirloom of the colonial period, and was established origin- ally under the charter of 1686, for the counties of New York and Albany, and was made general to the province by the act of 1691. Under the first constitution the number of judges was various, there being as many as twelve in some counties, but the act of 1818 limited the judges to five in each county, including the first judge. The constitution of 1821 continued the court, and its judges held office five years under appoint- ment by the governor and senate. The court, except in the county of New York, was abolished by the constitution of 1846. Surrogate's courts, one of which exists in each county of the state, are now courts of record, having a seal, and their especial jurisdiction is the care and settlement of estates of infants and of deceased persons. The derivation of the powers and practice of these courts is from the Ecclesiastical court of England, also in part through the Colonial Coun- cil which existed during the rule of the Dutch, and exercised its au- thority in accordance with Dutch Roman law, the custom of Aasdom, the Court of Burgomasters and Scheppens, the Orphan Masters, the Mayor's, the Prerogative and the Probate courts. Under the colony the Prerogative court controlled all matters relating to the probate of wills and settlement of estates, but in 1692, by an act then passed, all probates and granting of letters of administration were to be under the hand of the governor or his delegate, and two freeholders were appointed in each town to care for the estates of persons dying intestate. Under the Duke's laws this duty had been performed by the constables, over- seers and justices of each town. In 1778 the governor was divested of all these powers, except the appointment of surrogate, and they were conferred on the judge of the Court of Probate. Under the first con- 320 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, stitution surrogates were appointed by the Council of Appointment, but under the second by the governor with the approval of the senate. The constitution of 1846 provided that the county judge should perform the duties of surrogate in counties of less than 40,000 inhabitants. By the code of civil procedure, surrogates are clothed with all the necessary powers to carry out the equitable and incidental requirements of their office. In its present form, and sitting weekly, this court affords a cheap and expeditious medium for the care and settlement of estates and the guardianship of infants. The only remaining courts which are common to the whole state are the Special Sessions, held by justices of the peace for the trial of minor offences, and Justices' courts with limited civil jurisdiction. Previous to the constitution of 1821 (modified in 1828) justices were appointed, but since that time have been elected. The office and its duties are descended from the English office of the same name, but are much less important, and under the laws of this state are purely creatures of the statute. The office is of little importance in the administration of law, and with the loss of its old-time power has lost much of its former dig- nity. This brief survey of the courts of the state, which omits only those that are purely local in character, gives some idea of the machinery provided for the use of the members of the bench and bar at the time of the creation of Broome county in 1806. The organization of the courts in Broome county was accomplished with little difficulty and no ceremony. Indeed, when the county was set off from Tioga our people were well accustomed to courts and other proceedings in law. In 1703 courts were held at the house of Joshua Whitney in the little hamlet called Chenango village, which was located in the town of Union, on the west side of the river, and less than half a mile north of the present northern boundary of the city. At that time Abraham Miller was first judge of Tioga county; James McMaster was sheriff, and Thomas Nicholson was clerk of the court. Once in each year these worthies and their successors in office held a term of the Common Pleas and General Sessions of the peace at the house of the elder Joshua Whitney until 1801, when the legislature authorized courts to be held at the house of Joshua Whitney (son of Joshua, of Chenango village) in the town of Chenango. The house of Joshua Whitney, or General Whitney, as afterward known, stood very near the intersection of Court and Water streets. Courts were held GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 331 there until the erection of the first court house, which stood about on the site of the present Perry building; and continued to be held there until after Broome county had become a separate jurisdiction. As a matter of history the statement may be made that Tioga became a two- shire county in 1792. Separate jury districts were formally established in 1801, and were continued until after Broome county had been set off. In May, 1806, Broome county was created, and at the same time the legislature authorized two sessions of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the peace to be held therein; and also, under the laws then existing, authorized at least one term of the Supreme or Cir- cuit court to be held at the same place. The first judicial officers of the county were Gen. John Patterson, of Lisle, first judge; and James Stoddard, of Lisle, Amos Patterson, of Union, and Daniel Hudson, of Chenango, associate judges. In the following year, 1807, George Harpur and Mason Wattles, both of Windsor, were added to the num- ber of associate judges. In May, 1809, Daniel Hudson succeeded to the first judgeship, while James Stoddard and Amos Patterson were appointed associates, John Brown, of Berkshire, being added to the latter number in October of that year. Stephen Mack, of Owego, became first judge, and Jacob McKinney, of Chenango Point, one of the associate judges, in 1810. In 1812 the names of William Chamberlain, Tracy Robinson, Samuel Rexford, Asa Beach, Chester Lusk, Joseph Waldo, Mason Wattles, George Harpur, William Camp and Daniel Le Roy appear as associates to Judge Mack. John R. Drake succeeded to the office of first judge in April, 1815, and continued in that position until 1823. During his term the associ- ate judges were Briant Stoddard, of Union, Jonathan Lewis, of Lisle, Mason Wattles and David Williams, all of whom were reappointed in 1815; William Stuart and Anson Camp in 1817; Thomas Blakeslee, David Williams and Jonathan Lewis in 1821, and David Barstow in 1822. In 1823 the Court of Common Pleas was reorganized under the pro- visions of the constitution of 1821, and Dr. Tracy Robinson was ap- pointed first judge, with Nathaniel Bos worth, Briant Stoddard, Thomas Blakeslee and David Barstow as associates. In 1827 these judges were reappointed, with the exception of Oliver Stiles in the place of Judge Bosworth. In 1832 General Waterman succeeded Judge Stiles. William Seymour was appointed first judge in 1833 and served till 21 322 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. the abolition of the Common Pleas court under the constitution of 1846. Among the associate judges who served during his term of office were Dr. Robinson, Briant Stoddard (who succeeded Dr. Robinson in 1834), George Wheeler, Grover Buel and John Allen. All were reappointed in 1838. The first term of the Supreme or Circuit court in this county was held in May, 1807, Judge Daniel D, Tompkins, presiding, and Amos Patter- son, Mason Wattles and George Harpur, associates. The first case tried was that of James Jackson and James Caldwell vs. John Hollen- beck. The jury comprised Lewis Squires, Jesse Wilmot, Benj. Gibbs, Solomon Moore, Elias Morse, Daniel Clark, William Collins, Alvah Leonard, Reuben Stephens, Stephen Piatt, Joshua Adams and Samuel Crocker. In May, 1808, another term of the court was held at the court house, with Justice Smith Thompson on the bench. So long as this court was in existence under the first and second constitutions Broome county furnished no presiding justice. The first incumbent of the office, resident in the county, was Ransom Balcom, whose first term began January 1, 1856. THE BENCH. Ransom Balcolm was a native of Chenango county, and was born in 1818. His early life was spent in Oxford, where he acquired a good education in the famous old Oxford academy. He read law in the same village and was duly admitted to practice. In 1847 he was elected to the assembly from Chenango county, and was generally recognized as one of the leading young lawyers in that region. Soon after 1850 he came to Binghamton to practice, and became junior partner in the law firm of Hotchkiss, Seymour & Balcom. In the Republican convention of 1855 Mr. Balcom was the successful candidate for the office of justice of the Supreme court, and was elected in November following. His term began January 1, 1856, and continued eight years. In 1863 he was re-elected for a like term, and in 1871 was elected for a term of fourteen years. He served until May, 1877, when failing health com- pelled his retirement from the bench, but relief from the cares and responsibilities of office had not the desired effect. The judge had be- come broken and worn out during the long period of his judicial career and he died on January 6, 1879. In January, 1863, as one of the justices of the Supreme court having the shortest time to serve, Judge Balcom sat on the bench of the Court of Appeals. RANSOM BALCOM. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 323 Judge Balcom is Still kindly remembered by our older members of the bar, and was undoubtedly one of the most agreeable trial justices on the circuit in this district, and one for whom the entire bar enter- tained the highest regard. While on the circuit he never lacked the championship of the profession, for after adjournment his rooms were always filled with the brightest lights of the bar, and among all, the judge himself was one of the readiest wits. His popularity through- out'the sixth district was well shown in the following remark made by Judge Martin at a meeting of the bar of this county after Judge Bal- com\ death: " Perhaps I have had a better opportunity for the last year and a half to learn the feelings of the members of the profession throughout the district than any other person here; and the feeling has been but a single one— one of respect, one of sympathy for him who has passed away. I have never, since I have been upon the bench, gone into a single county in this judicial district where there have not been tender inquiries after him who was prostrated by disease. This indicated an attachment and respect which I have seldom seen in re- gard to any living person." Celora E. Martin, present associate judge of the Court of Appeals, was born in Newport, Herkimer county, August 23, 1834. His father, Ellis Martin, was a farmer in Newport, and was the son of Aaron Mar- tin, a Rhode Islander by birth and a pioneer in Herkimer county, N. Y. Judge Martin (we prefer to speak of him as judge, even m alludmgto the events of his early life, as all the bar and all the people of Broome county know him best as Judge Martin) acquired his early education in the district schools, a select school in Newport, and in the academies at Fairfield and Holland Patent. He then read law in the office of John C Harris of Newport, and in July, 1856, was admitted to practice. In the next year he opened an office in the village of Whitney's Point, where he lived and practiced eleven years. In 1867 he became partner with Orlow W. Chapman, but retained his office in Whitney's Point until 1868, when he removed to Binghamton. As a member of the law firm of Chapman & Martin, the judge is best remembered by the bar, for in that relation his true legal capacity was developed and brought into full play in the extensive and varied prac- tice in which the firm engaged. The writer well recalls the period of years between 1870 and 1880 when the number of cases on the calendar often exceeded two hundred, and the firm name of Chapman & Martin 324 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, appeared on one side or the other of at least one-third of them. It is no idle compliment to say that this firm stood at the head of the bar, not only in the county but in southern New York. Mr. Chapman was the orator, and as an advocate at the bar was the peer of any lawyer in the region, while Judge Martin devoted himself particularly to the prep- aration of cases for trial and also to the examination of witnesses in court. He could, and on frequent occasions did, present a legal argu- ment to the court or an address to the jury, both with telling effect, but his especial forte was in the actual preparation and trial of causes rather than their argument. He was, moreover, one of the most careful students of the county bar, and never went half prepared into the trial of a case; or if in any emergency that preparation was not complete, the other side never discovered the defect. Dnring the period of his practice in Binghamton, Judge Martin was naturally somewhat drawn into the arena of politics, and in one of the most heated presidential campaigns in the history of the country he was chairman of the county committee. Yet he never, during all that period, sought public office, but often refused it. However in May, 1877, he was appointed by Governor Robinson as successor to Judge Balcom, who had recently retired from the bench by reason of impaired health. In November following he was the nominee of both the Re- publican and Democratic parties for the Supreme court judgeship, hence was unanimously elected at the polls. He was re elected in November 1891. On November 23, 1887, he was taken from the Circuit and ap- pointed to the General Term of the fourth department, and served as one of its justices until that court was abolished by the constitution of 1894. In November, 1895, he was elected associate judge of the Court of Appeals. In this elevation to the bench of the highest court in the state, Judge Martin has reached the goal of his legal ambition. On the circuit he was known as one of the most efficient and rapid trial judges in the state; on the General Term bench his legal powers were more clearly apparent, and many times the writer has heard leading lawyers declare that if they could get "an opinion from Judge Martin the judgment was pretty sure to stand with the Court of Appeals." In his present position Judge Martin is at his best; in almost daily association with the leading legal minds of the state, where men of his erudition and attainments find full scope for all their powers, he thus can aid in the honest and able administration of law. CELORA E. MARTIN. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 325 On September 33, 1857, Celora E. Martin married with Aimanza R. Barney, daughter of Jonathan and Nancy Barney, of Newport, N. Y. Three children were born of this marriage, viz. : Mary L., wife of Isaac T. Stoddard; Fannie A., wife of F. Newell Gilbert; and Nellie T., wife of George C. McMurty. Mrs. Martin died December 12, 1898. George F. Lyon, present justice of the Supreme court, was born in the town of Barker, July 13, 1849. His father was Harry Lyon, for for many years a merchant and respected citizen of Binghamton. His mother was Pamelia (Livermore) Lyon. About 1859 the family re- moved from Barker to the then village of Binghamton. George spent his youth on a farm and attended a district school. He finished his early education in the union schools and Binghamton academy, gradu- ating from the latter in 1867. He entered Hamilton college in 1868, and was graduated in 1872; studied law with Chapman & Martin; was admitted to practice in 1875, and became partner with his former legal tutors, January 1, 1876. On the accession of Judge Martin to the bench in 1877 the law firm of Chapman & Lyon was formed, and was con- tinued until the death of the senior partner in 1890. After Mr. Chap- man's death Mr. Lyon continued practice alone until his elevation to the bench of the Supreme court, January 1, 1896. He was the nominee both of his own — the Republican — and of the Democratic party, hence his election was practically without opposition. Previous to his election to the Supreme court judgeship. Judge Lyon was a prominent factor in Broome county Republican politics, and was chairman of the county committee of his party from 1884 to 1895. In 1894 he was a member of the New York State Constitutional conven- tion. From 1888 to 1899 he was president of the Broome County Bar association. On April 9, 1884, George F. Lyon married with Elizabeth R. Mather, daughter of Henry and Frances Mather, and granddaugh- ter of Mason Whiting, the latter one of Binghamton's pioneer residents and lawyers. William Seymour was the first educated lawyer to fill the office of first judge of the Common Pleas. His predecessors on the bench have been mentioned, and were chosen from among the foremost men of the county. While they were not "learned in the law " they were never- theless efficient officers and dispensed law and justice with the same good judgment as their more learned successors. Mr. Seymour first came to Binghamton in 1802 and acquired his legal education in the office of Daniel Le Roy. He was licensed to practice in 1806, at the 326 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, first term of court held after the erection of Broome county. He soon afterward settled in Windsor village, where he practiced until 1833, when he succeeded to the bench. From 1812 to 1828 he was a justice of the peace in Windsor, and was generally known as " Squire Sey- mour." He is recalled as a good judicial officer, and a man much re- spected in the county. He stood high in political circles, and in 1834 was elected to congress. Of his life after retiring from the bench little is known. As has been stated, he was the first lawyer to act as first judge of the Common Pleas, and was also the last of the judges of that court, the latter having passed out of existence in 1846. Edward C. Kattell, the first incumbent of the office of county judge under the constitution of 1846, was born at Kattellville in 1817, and was a lifelong resident of this county. He was the son of Elias Kat- tell, the latter a settler in the county in 1796, but formerly a Vermonter. Edward was the youngest of three children of Elias Kattell, the others being Alonzo and Jane (wife of Dr. Royal R. Carr) Kattell. He was educated in the common schools and in New York city, and when his legal studies were completed he was known as one of the most scholarly young lawyers at the bar. He read law with William M. Patterson and was admitted to practice about 1840. Six years later he was elected county judge, as the candidate of the Whig party. Judge Kattell served on the bench of the County court from June, 1846, to January 1, 1852. He was one of the most popular members of the old bar, for he possessed the fortunate quality of being always pleasant and companionable, with a strong vein of humor in his nature. In politics he was originally a Whig, and was one of the organizers of the Republican party in the county. During the war of 1861-65, Judge Kattell was provost marshal of this district, and spent much of his time at the headquarters in Owego. He did not afterward engage actively in law practice, but in 1867, in company with Colonel Wells, Era.stus Evans, William R. Osborne and others, he founded the Binghamton Oil Refining company. He was president of that corporation until his death, August 29, 1882. Judge Kattell's wife was Abigail Toby, of Wareham, Mass. John R. Dickinson succeeded to the bench of the County court, Janu- ary 1, 1851. He was a native of Chenango county, and came to Bing- hamton in 1831. He read law in the office of his brother, Daniel S. Dickinson, and was admitted to practice in the Supreme court, and also the Court of Chancery, in 1838. He was surrogate from 1844 to 1847, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 32-7 and county judge from 1851 to 1855. Judge Dickinson was one of the prominent lawyers of Bingliamton for many years, but neither in the profession nor political life did he attain the distinguished prominence enjoyed by his elder brother. Horace S. Griswold, countyjudge and surrogate from January 1, 1856, to the time of his death, August 9, 1870, was one of the most popular members of the old bar and one of the most capable incumbents of the bench of the County court. He was born in Huntington, Pa., October 24, 1813, and at the age of sixteen years came to Binghamton to attend school; he remained one year. In 1832 his father. Dr. Griswold, re- moved to Broome county and settled on the west side of the Chenango, about three miles above the village, on what for many years afterward was known as the "Griswold farm." In the spring of 1837 the family moved to the village. Horace was a student at the Cazenovia seminary from 1833 to 1836, and prepared to enter Hamilton college, but the death of his mother changed his plans. He then read medicine under his father's direction, with an intention to enter the medical profession, but in 1837 he began a course of law study with Joseph K. Rugg, and was admitted to the bar in 1840; later on he was admitted to practice in the United State courts. Judge Griswold — he was best known by that title — at once took a prominent position at the county bar. He pos- sessed fortunate traits of character and seemed especially fitted by na- ture for his chosen profession. As a lawyer he was successful and se- cured a large and lucrative practice, and throughout his entire career he had the respect, confidence and esteem both of his clients and the bar in general. During the thirty years of his professional life his part- ners, in succession, were Joseph K.Rugg, Solomon Judd and George A. Northrup. In November, 1855, he was elected to the bench of the County court, and was re-elected three times. In his official capacity Judge Griswold is best remembered by the bar, by whom it is said he was a superior judicial officer and was seldom mistaken as to the exist- ence or form of any rule of law. He delighted in imparting knowl- edge, and there was no mind so dull as to fail to comprehend his state- ments and illustrations of legal principles. Withal, he was a model citizen, a devoted husband and father and an honor to his profession. At the time of his death Judge Griswold was president of the Bingham- ton Savings bank, vice-president of the City National bank and a trus- tee of the Inebriate Asylum. In 1869 he was elected school commis- sioner of the second ward. 328 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Benjamin Newberry Loomis, county judge by appointment from August 18, 1870 to January 1, 1871, was born September 15, 1810, in East Windsor, Conn. He was the son of Nathaniel and Anna (Williams) Loomis and with his parents settled in Pawlet, Vermont, in 1814. He was educated in the Vermont common schools and select high school for teachers, and graduated from the latter at the age of twenty years. Still later he was a student of Latin and modern lan- guages and the sciences at Granville, after which he devoted himself to teaching in various schools in Saratoga county, N. Y., and to still further study in the old Fairfield academy. His education was com- pleted at Cazenovia, from which village he came, in 1835, to Bingham - ton and taught school, and also read law with Joseph K. Rugg and Daniel S. Dickinson. At Albany, in October, 1838, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme court, and soon afterward was licensed to chancery practice in New York city, by Chancellor Walworth. He at once opened an office in Binghamton and was appointed master and ex- aminer in chancery, continuing in that office until it was abolished by the constitution of 1846. In 1844 he was elected justice of the peace, serving twelve years, and thus acquired the title of "Squire" Loomis. In 1870 he was appointed county judge to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge Grisvvold, and served until January 1, following. He was the nominee of his party for the office in the fall of 1870, but at that time a Democratic candidate in Broome county could not hope for success at the polls. At the time of his death in 1898, Judge Loomis was the senior mem- ber of the bar of Broome county and was one of the most highly es- teemed citizens of Binghamton. His allegiance to Democracy was un- yielding, yet he was always conservative in the expression of his polit- ical opinions. He was appointed acting village attorney in 1842; was elected village president in 1858; mayor of the city in 1873; was a Til- den presidential elector in 1876; was one of the organizers of the Che- nango Valley Savings bank, and its vice-president until his death. Judge Loomis had a large office practice, giving special attention to the care of estates, and the investment of money under trusteeship. He had little inclination for the trial of contested cases in court but devoted himself to work in the office. In October, 1837, Benjamin N. Loomis married with Sarah, daughter of Howell Gardiner, of Saratoga county. The children of this marriage were Benjamin F. Loomis, now attorney of the Central-Hudson Rail- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 329 road company; Horace Loomis, a civil engineer connected with the public works department of New York city; Edward H. Loomis, of the Central- Hudson freight department; Charles W. Loomis, of the Bing- ham ton bar; and Mary A., Clara M. and Nellie G. Loomis. William B. Edwards was county judge and surrogate of Broome county from January 1, 1871, to January 1, 1888, a period of eighteen years, and with the single exception of Judge Kattell, was the onl}^ in- cumbent of the office who was a native of the county. Judge Edwards was born in Lisle, February 13, 1829, and was of New England stock, being a descendant of Rev. Jonathan Edwards, a noted metaphysician, author of " Freedom of the Will," and at the time of his death, presi- dent of Princeton college. Edward Edwards, grandfather of William B. Edwards, was the pioneer of the family in what is now this county, having settled here in 1795. The judge spent his early life in Lisle, and was edvicated in the schools of that town and in the Binghamton academy. He finished his school course in Portland academy in 1850, and then began teaching. He read law with Alexander McDowell, was admitted to practice in 1853, and at once became partner with his legal tutor, under the firm style of McDowell & Edwards. The prac- tice of this firm was both at Lisle and the county seat. The partner- ship was maintained until Judge Edwards' election to the bench of the County court in the fall of 1870. Judge Edwards served on the bench three full terms of six years each, and is remembered as possessing a good understanding of law. He was therefore an efficient and capable judicial officer. He had little sympathy for unrepentant criminals, yet dealt leniently when a hope of reformation was probable. Throughout the long period of his ser- vice. Judge Edwards' relations with the legal profession of the county were always pleasant and he was much respected both by the bar and people. After leaving the bench he resumed practice in the city, giv- ing special attention to work in connection with the Surrogate's court. He lived prudently and was of industrious, frugal habits, hence accumu- lated a fair property, but trusting too much to the representations of others, he was led into unfortunate investments which seriously impaired his fortune, and undoubtedly shortened his life. He died Nov. 33, 1893. At one time Judge Edwards was a director of the Sus- quehann I Valley bank, and of the Whitney-Noyes Seed company; he was vice-president of the Binghamton Savings bank, and was one of the city park commission and secretary of the board. Judge Edwards' 330 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, wife was Mary J. McCall, by whom he had two children : Helen E., wife of Frank Snyder, and William Howell Edwards, a teacher in the Boys' High school of Brooklyn. Taylor L. Arms, present county judge and surrogate, was born in Guilford, Chenango county, February 3, 1847, and was the sixth of nine children of Samuel and Phebe (Arnold) Arms. His father was a farmer and until eighteen years old Taylor lived on the farm, working and attending district school. He completed his elementary education at the Norwich academy, and at the Delaware Literary institute at Franklin. In 1869 he was employed as clerk in a general store in Nor- wich, after which he kept books for E. Smith & Co., forwarding and commission merchants on the line of the old Chenango canal. In 1873 Mr. Arms began reading law at Unadilla, in the office of Clifford vS . Arms, his brother, and at the general term of the Supreme court held at Binghamton in May, 1876, he was admitted to practice law. He at once became a partner with his brother at Unadilla, under the firm style of Arms & Arms. In the fall of 1879 the firm was dissolved, and Taylor L. Arms came to live and practice in Binghamton. Two years later his brother removed to the city and the old firm name of Arms & Arms was restored. This relation was continued to 1884, when Taylor L. Arms was appointed division deputy of the 21st Internal revenue district of New York. The partnership was then dissolved and for the next two years Mr. Arms divided his time between the revenue office and law practice. In 1886 he resigned the office and formed a law partnership with George B. Curtiss, the firm style being Arms & Cur- tiss. This firm was continued until January 1, 1889, when Judge Arms began his first term as county judge and surrogate, to which office he was elected in November, 1888. He was re-elected in 1894. Ten years of active professional life had given Judge Arms an extensive acquaintance in Broome county, and during that period his voice was frequently heard in each political campaign as well as in the trial of causes in court. His Republicanism required no test to prove its qual- ity ; his professional capacity was well established ; his integrity was never questioned, hence he was chosen by the bar and Republicans of the county as the natural successor of Judge Edwards. Other candi- dates of course were in the field, yet Judge Arms' nomination was easily accomplished, while his election was beyond the question of doubt. His first term of service on the bench of the County court was entirely satisfactory both to the bar and the people, and his renomination was TAYLOR L. ARMS. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 331 practically without opposition. Further comment on the professional and political career of our county judge is unnecessary ; his constituents have ever been satisfied with their choice. Judge Arms is a Templar Mason, and also a member of the Masonic bodies and the several social clubs of the city. He is a member of the First Presbyterian church. On October 11, 187G, Taylor L. Arms married Ada Frances Lines, daughter of M. H. Lines, manufacturer of leather goods in Utica. Of this marriage four children have been born, of whom three are now living. REMINISCENCES OF THE OLD BAR. In its personnel and practice the bar of Binghamton has always main- tained an elevated position and among its members have been some of the best legal and judicial minds of the state. Beginning with the organi- zation of the county and continuing thence to the present time there have been leaders at its circuits whose character and attainments have placed them in the "front rank of the profession. It is indeed difficult to separate the few from the many and exalt them above their fellows, yet in writing of the old bar we may properly recall those whose lives and character, ability and power, naturally marked them as leaders of the profession in their time. In preceding paragraphs the attempt has been made to mention in a general way the distinguishing character- istics of those who attained to positions on the bench, in view of which it is appropriate that some brief mention be made of the laity of the profession, whose energies and powers were devoted to the arduous labors of trials of cases in court, or who, having political ambition gratified at the polls, thus became prominent in the civil history of the county and state. Balthazar de Hart was undoubtedly the pioneer lawyer of Bingham- ton, having come to the little settlement on Chenango Point as early as 1801. He was a native of New Jersey, in which state he was educated for the profession, and where, also, he acquired the title of judge. He afterward practiced in New York City, and is said to have been associ- ated with Alexander Hamilton; but financial reverses so impaired his fortune that personal mortification impelled him to seek some new field. He therefore came to Chenango Point, and is remembered as a man of good capacity, though not specially prominent in the profession in the village. James de Hart, brother of the judge, came about the same time. He was a lawyer, but seldom appeared in court. 333 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Daniel Le Roy came to the village in 1801, and is remembered not only as a lawyer of excellent ability, but also as one of the foremost men in the work of developing- the resources of the region. He was the owner of a considerable tract of land at the lower end of what is now Front street, and Le Roy street was named after him. He was at one time law partner with John A. Collier, and so great was the es- teem in which he was held by the latter that the once pretentious block where now stands the Ross and O'Neil buildings was named by Mr. Collier in honor of Mr. Le Roy. In 1817 Mr. Le Roy sold all his re- maining property interests to hispartner and removed from the village. Mason Whiting was one of the earliest educated lawyers to settle in the village at the beginning of the century, being attracted hither, no doubt, by the fact that this part of Tioga county formed a halfshire district. Squire Whiting, as he was called, was not only learned in the law, but was one of the most prominent figures in our early history, and was distinguished alike for his legal ability, his upright personal character and his honorable ancestry. His family surname is not now known in the city, though his descendants are among the most highly respected of our people. Mr. Whiting was born in Great Harrington, Mass , May 3, 1774; he was the son of Dr. William Whiting, of Hart- ford, Conn. ; the grandson of Colonel William Whiting, of Bozrah ; the great-grandson of Rev. Samuel Whiting, of Windham; the great-great grandson of Rev. John Whiting, of Hartford, and great-great-great grandson of William Whiting, the immigrant ancestor of the family. His maternal ancestry was equally distinguished, his mother, Anna Mason, being of the fifth generation of descent from Major-General and Deputy-Governor John Mason, the hero of the Pequot war. He was also a cousin of Jeremiah Mason, a distinguished lawyer and jurist of New England. Mr. Whiting was educated at the Greenfield academy, under the in- struction of Timothy Dwight, afterward president of Yale college. He read law with Barnabas Bidwell, of Stockbridge, and was admitted to the bar in 1791. He practiced at Lanesboro and Great Harrington about ten years, and in 1801 came to Chenango Point, where he was a pioneer, both in the legal profession and in the development of the locality. His first home was on the bank of the Chenango, in a log house, but in 1805 he built a more pretentious frame residence, which still stands, at the southeast corner of Water and Hawley streets. His office was a one-story frame building on the river bank. Mr. Whiting GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 333 was member of assembly in 1816, district attorney in 1833 and again in 1831-37, and clerk of the board of supervisors from 1821 to 1836. He was active in professional and political circles and one of the most use- ful men of the village in his time. His wife was Mary Edwards, with whom he married April 26, 1800. Their children were Mary E., who married with John T. Doubleday; William E., a successful merchant of New York for many years and afterward officially connected with the American Missionary society; Caroline, who married with Richard Math- er; Rhoda Ann, wife of Ralph Lester; Frances, who married with Henry Mather and is one of the oldest living natives of Binghamton; Mason, once a merchant of Binghamton but afterward of New York; Catharine S,, who became the wife of Uriah M. Stowers, of Binghamton and Scran ton; and Amelia O., who married with William S. Tyler, D.D., LL. D., of Amherst college. Daniel Rogers and William Seymour came to the village in 1802. Mr, Seymour is mentioned at length as one of the Common Pleas judges, while little is now known of Mr. Rogers' antecedents or professional at- tainments. He was for a time partner with Mr. Le Roy, but after- ward removed to New York, where he published the City Hall Re- corder. William Low became a member of the county bar in 1801, remained a few years and then removed to Cortland county. William Stuart, familiarly known in early village history as Judge Stuart, was one of the most conspicuous figures in the legal profession in the county for many years, and a patriot of the Revolution, having abandoned school to enter the American army. He served with marked valor in many of the severest battles of the war, and came to Geneva with an untarnished record and also a good legal education, the latter having been acquired in New York city. In March, 1796, he was ap- pointed assistant attorney-general for the western district of the state, and located at Geneva in connection with his official duties. In 1802 he was appointed district attorney for Tioga county and thereupon se- lected Chenango Point as a place of residence. He came the next year and was afterward closely identified with the civil and political history of the village and county. He was one of the judges of the Common Pleas from 1817 to 1821. Judge Stuart died in Binghamton, leaving descendants who were also prominent in local history, as will be seen by reference to other chapters of this work. Sherman Page, elder brother of Gen. Julius Page, came in 1803, prac- ticed a short time and then removed to Unadilla. 334 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Robert Monell, afterward Judge Monell, came to practice law in this county in 1807, having- been previously admitted to the bar. He built an office on Water street in 1808, which he occupied until 1811, when he removed to Greene, where he attained a high standing in the pro- fession as justice of the Supreme court. John A. Collier was one of the most distinguished members of the old bar, and was also one of the chief factors in building up a prosper- ous condition of affairs in the village. He was an extensive real estate operator both in the village and vicinity, and was the owner of Watts' Patent, comprising 14,000 acres which he purchased in 1835 at a cost of $10,000. He was not a bold operator, and all his transactions were the result of mature deliberation. Mr. Collier was well satisfied that Bing- hamton was destined to become a flourishing city, and that the sur- rounding country would ultimately become well settled and developed. He therefore made large investments and subsequent events proved the accuracy of his judgment, and a splendid fortune was his reward. Mr. Collier was born in Litchfield, Conn., November 13, 1787, and was graduated at Yale college. He was admitted to the bar at Troy', N. Y., in 1809, and in the same year came to Binghamton to practice. In 1810 he became law partner with Daniel Le Roy. The practice of the firm was large, but each member of the firm seemed inclined to operate in lands. In 1817 Mr. Le Roy sold all his real estate to his partner and removed from the village. Thus, with his large operations outside of professional work, Mr. Collier was always a very busy man, but whether lawyer, land dealer or citizen, he was the foremost man in the village in his time, and the acknowledged leader of the county bar. His knowledge of law was deep; his oratorical powers fine and per- suasive, and his long professional course a splendid success. His for- ensic efforts for half a century and more bear testimony to his great power and ability as a lawyer and an advocate. During the period of his active practice he was constantly engaged at every term of court, and his cool judgment, acute apprehension of the points of a case, quick perception of every advantage and every danger, and his indomitable energy gave confidence and frequently success to his clients, and made him a very powerful legal adversary. His clients knew he was incapable of trick, the bench knew that candor and fairness were his characteristics. He never sought public office, and often refused it; he never felt the "pride of office; " for him to fawn or scheme for it was an impossibility. And yet he was a public GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 335 man. He was appointed district attorney June 11, 1818, and served to February 25, 1822; was elected to congress in 1830; was comptroller of state from January 27, 1841, to February 7, 1842; was one of the com- missioners under an act of the legislature to codify the laws of the state under the constitution of 1846; was elector at large in 1848, and presi- dent of the electoral college. Blessed with a happy family and an abundance of this world's goods, his home at Ingleside was the seat of comfort, generous hospitality and social enjoyment. Mr. Collier was thrice married. His first wife was Barbara Doty, whom he married in 1810. The children of this marriage were Frances, Julia, Henry M. and James Collier. His second wife was a Miss Shep- ard, who died six months after marriage. He next married Elizabeth Morris. Helen Stuyvesant Wright, wife of Thomas D. Wright, was the daughter of this marriage. (Thomas D. Wright was one of the brightest lights of the legal profession in this county previous to his death, and was once the partner of Daniel S. Dickinson). George Park — we all remember him best as Squire Park — came to the village bar in 1810, and from that time to his death, about twenty- five years ago, was closely identified with local growth and history. He was a native of Amenia, Duchess county, and was admitted to practice previous to his settlement here. Squire Park never assumed to be a strong lawyer, nor did he aim to attain a high standing in the profes- sion; but he was one of those quiet, observing characters who always easily find their way into public favor, and thus occupy a position of peculiar prominence. He was interested in every measure proposed for the welfare of the village and its people, and took an especial inter- est in the early history of the locality. His collection of material and manuscripts was large and valuable, but on his death they were sold and scattered. Squire Park was an uncompromising Democrat, yet not specially active in politics outside of the village. He was deputy county clerk in 1817-18; surrogate from 1823 to 1835, and filled the office of justice of the peace many years. From this office he acquired the title by which he was generally known. Thomas G. Waterman, otherwise known as General Waterman, and also as Judge Waterman, was an early member of the village bar, hav- ing come here from Connecticut in 3 813. He was educated at Yale college, and read law with Judge Sherwood. Although much of his business life was devoted to pursuits outside of the legal profession. General Waterman was nevertheless a lawyer of ability, and was the 336 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, author of " The Justice's Manual," a work of much value in justice's court practice. He devoted his energies chiefly to lumbering and kindred pursuits, and thus withheld from the public the benefits to be derived from a splendid intellect. Peter Robinson, a native of New Hampshire and a graduate of Dart- mouth college, came to Binghamton in 1815. He read law with Gen- eral Waterman and was admitted in 1819. He is recalled as a lawyer of excellent abilities and a prominent figure in the early political history of the count3^ He was surrogate in 1822, district attorney from 1823 to 1831, and in 1829 was elected to the assembly, served six years, at one time (1829) was speaker of the house. Daniel Stevens Dickinson, the most eminent lawyer, jurist and states- man who ever honored Binghamton with a residence and noble life and character, came to the county bar in 1831, when the village numbered hardly more than 1,500 inhabitants; and he was a continuous resident here until his death, April 12, 1866. He is still reverently remembered by all our older citizens, and to those who never saw or knew him in life an excellent idea of his magnificent personality can be obtained from the following public utterance of John A. Dix: " I never knew a man more free from all concealment. What he thought of men or measures he never hesitated to speak. There was nothing about him of what the world calls policy; nothing of what the phrenologists call secretiveness; nothing tortuous, but everything fair, open and di- rect. In controversy he may have been rough with an adversary, but he would have scorned to circumvent him by hidden or unworthy acts." Mr. Dickinson's professional life belonged to two counties — Chenango first, and then Broome; his public life was the property of the whole country, the union to which he was devoted and to which he freely gave his masterly powers. In the course of his long career much of his time was spent away from home, yet Binghamton has ever been benefited by his life, his works and his example ; and our people are ever ready to pay homage to his memory. Let us look briefly at the antecedents, birth and education of this man of mark, and then glance at his sub- sequent professional and public career. Mr. Dickinson was born in Goshen, Litchfield county, Conn., Sep- tember 11, 1800, and was the son of Daniel T. and Mary (Caulkins) Dickinson, his father being a farmer of moderate means. In 1806 the family left Connecticut and settled in Chenango county, N. Y., in the DANIEL S. DICKINSON. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 337 town of Guilford, where they were pioneers and where the young life of our later intellectual giant was spent, at work on the farm or strug- gling for an education without one encouraging advantage to assist him other than his own determination to succeed. He did succeed, and eventually found a private tutor with whose assistance he was soon equipped for teaching others. He then set up a little school in his father's house, and was known as a school master until 1825, although he had previously determined to enter the legal profession and was preparing himself to that end. He read law in the office of Clark & Clapp, of Norwich, and in 1828 was admitted to practice in the Supreme court and also the Chancery courts of this state. He practiced in Guil- ford about three years, during a portion of which time he was post- master, but in 1831 he removed with his family to Binghamton. His practice in the county soon become large and varied, and he was at once recognized as a leading young lawyer and formidable opponent in any legal contest. His manner was pleasing, his address fine and oratorical, and his reasoning sound and logical. As years passed he gradually drifted away from close professional work more and more in- to the field of politics; and while this indulgence in no manner dwarfed his legal power, it doubtless deprived him of the splendid fortune which would have been his had he confined himself to the profession alone. Mr. Dickinson certainly was a lawyer of distinguished ability and an advocate of rare brilliancy and power, yet his grandest achieve- ments were the result of his public and political career. In 1834 he was elected president of the village and held that office four years. In 1835 he was a delegate to the Democratic National convention that nominated Van Buren and Johnson. In 1836 he was elected to the state senate, and served through the legislative sessions of 1837-40. During this time he also served as a member of the Court for the Cor- rection of Errors, then the ultimate tribunal of the state. In 1840 he was the Democratic nominee for the office of lieutenant-governor, but was defeated at the polls. He was renominated and elected in 1842. As lieutenant-governor he was the presiding officer of the senate, pre- siding judge of the Court of Errors, vice-chancellor of the board of regents, and member of the state canal board. In 1844 he was a dele- gate to the Democratic National convention that nominated Polk and Dallas, and was a presidential elector the same year. In December following he was appointed to a seat in the United States senate, vice Talmadge, resigned. Upon the expiration of his term he was elected 22 338 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, to the same office and served six years. During his term in the upper house of congress, Mr. Dickinson found full scope for his powers, and he was prominently identified with all the leading questions of the time — the annexation of Texas, the Clayton-Bulwer treaty, the Oregon diffi- culty with England, and also the formation of governments for Cali- fornia, New Mexico, Oregon, etc. He earnestly advocated the annex- ation of Texas in a speech which engaged the attention of every states- man in the house, and was widely circulated throughout the country by the public press. With equal warmth he opposed the Oregon treaty with Great Britain on the well-founded ground that the latter power would acquire a vast area which justly belonged to the United States. In 1848 Mr. Dickinson was a delegate to the Democratic National convention at Baltimore, and warmly supported General Cass for the presidency. "In 1850," says Mr. Dickinson's latest biographer, " Henry Clay introduced in the senate a proposition for amicably ad- justing questions of dispute between the free and slave states growing out of the slavery question. The entire matter was referred to a select committee, of which Mr. Dickinson was a member. Mr. Clay was chairman, and Mr. Webster, General Cass, Mr. King, Mr. Clayton and other eminent senators were his co-laborers, who gave their ablest ef- forts in the cause. From January until September, 1850, the question in debate occasioned no little excitement, and was finally ended by the passage of bills admitting California to the union of states, organizing the territories of Utah and New Mexico without reference to the sub- ject of slavery, dispensing with the slave trade in the District of Colum- bia, and amending the law relating to fugitive slaves." During this eventful period in our national history, Mr. Dickinson was a power in congress and threw his every energy into the debates. So wonderful indeed was his intellectual strength as shown throughout this memorable period that after the session was closed Daniel Web- ster sent him a letter, expressing regret at certain incidents which oc- curred during their earlier acquaintance, and also commending his "noble, manly and patriotic conduct in support of the great measures of that session of congress." In 1852 Mr. Dickinson was again a delegate to the Democratic Na- tional convention at Baltimore, and was the warm supporter of his friend, General Cass. The balloting continued four days without re- sult, when Virginia cast her whole vote for Mr. Dickinson as the pres- idential nominee. Thus this distinguished honor was within his reach, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 339 but he was in the convention as a Cass delegate, and whatever may have been his feelings or aspirations, he would not violate his pledge, and declined the nomination. Had he accepted his election at the polls would have been virtually assured. In 1853 Mr. Dickinson was appointed collector of customs of the port of New York, but declined the office on account of professional and private engagements at home. From that time until his appointment as United States district attorney, in IS&S, our people saw more of their favorite citizen than formerly, while the old court room frequently re echoed with his thrilling oratory and his deep convincing arguments; and now, in our mind's eye, his figure can be seen, with a conventional swallow-tailed coat, stock collar and cravat, deep ruffled shirt front and long waving white hair reaching almost to his shoulders. Indeed he was a man of the nation, a schooled diplomat and statesman, and thor- oughly loyal American. Still, he was Binghamton's citizen, and our people delighted in honoring him. When our union school system was organized in 1861 he was commissioner of the first ward, and was also the first president of the board. After being somewhat released from the cares of business life, Mr. Dickinson purchased a considerable tract of land west of the Chenango and north of the railroads. This tract he subdivided and laid out with convenient streets, the latter being named in allusion to members of his family. The mansion house stood in an ample space on the east side of Front street, and was known as "The Orchard." The entire tract was known in the county records as Dickinson's Brook Meadow location, but now it is commonly mentioned as Dwightville. During the half-score of years following 1850, Mr. Dickinson spent much of his time at home, devoting himself to professional work and the de- velopment of his property, while his family and friends enjoyed the pleasure of his almost constant presence in the village. During this period, however, he was anxiously watching the current of political events just previous to the presidental campaign of 1860; and he un- doubtedly foresaw the results of the discussion of the slavery question, which then occupied the pubHc mind. On various occasions his voice was heard, and the writer's earliest recollections of him were in joint debate with Henry J. Raymond on the court house porch about 1859. When, following Mr. Lincoln's election, the crisis came and. war with the south could no longer be averted, Mr. Dickinson declared for the Union, and throughout that awful struggle he stood loyal and true, and aided 340 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, the state and general government to raise and equip troops for the ser- vice, and also assisted in quieting the dissentient element at home. In 1861 he was nominated by the Union party for the office of attorney- general, and was elected in November following, but in 1863 he declined a renomination. In the latter year his name was proposed for the governorship, but he gave no encouragement to the movement. About this time he was nominated by Mr. Lincoln, and was confirmed by the senate, as one of the commissioners to settle the northern boundary dis- pute with Great Britain, but this appoinment he also declined; and also declined a seat on the Court of Appeals bench which Gov. Fenton offered him about the same time. In April, 1865, Mr. Dickinson was appointed United States district attorney for the southern district of New York, and was performing the duties of that office at the time of his death, April 12, 1866, at the home of his son-in-law, Samuel G. Courtney, of New York city. The news of this sad event came upon our people as a terrible shock. Our strong- est man, our most distinguished citizen, had been suddenly taken away. Three days later the funeral was held at the Orchard, and our entire people paid his memory a last token of love when his body was laid in the grave in Spring Forest cemetery. In 1822 Mr. Dickinson married with Lydia, daughter of Dr. Colby Knapp, of Guilford. Their children were Virginia E., who married with Henry K, Murray; Lydia L., who became the wife of Samuel G. Courtney; Manco C, who died in 1850; and Mary S., wife of John T. Mygatt. George Bartlett was born in the old mountain town of Salisbury, Conn., November 12, 1817. He was the son of Col. Loring Bartlett, of Salisbury, and the nephew of Captain Isaac Bartlett, the latter the pi )neer of the Bartlett families of Tioga and Broome counties. The early life of George Bartlett was spent chiefly in Connecticut, where he acquired a good education. Later on he entered Union college, and was grad- uated in 1840, He then came to Binghamton and studied law in the office of Daniel S. Dickinson, and was admitted to practice about 1843 or '44; and from that time to his death, April 14, 1870, he was one of the foremost lawyers of the county, and a criminal lawyer of distin- guished prominence in this part of the state. His practice was large and his relations with the bench and his professional associates were always of the most pleasant character. At the time of his death Mr. Bartlett was partner with Gilman L. Sessions. Mr. Bartlett was held in high esteem by Mr. Dickinson, his old legal GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 341 tutor, "between whom and himself there grew up such an intimacy of a personal, professional and political nature, that no subsequent lapse of time, no changes of state or society, no professional rivalries or an- tagonisms, no party transactions or exactions, nothing but the death of that distinguished statesman could terminate." ' " In his professional life, though plain and outspoken, he was frank, genial and obliging, doing whatever he had to do in a direct straight- forward way, with no sympathy for circumlocution, and an undisguised contempt for tricks and technicalities. He was always ready to assist the weak, and never in his line of duty hesitated to encounter the strong. Ever ready to stand without flinching by his friends, yet car- ing lightly for those who would care to call themselves his enemies, he gained a reputation, even among his adversaries, as an honest man, who never trifled with his word or sold out a trust confided to him." "Like most professional men of that time Mr. Bartlett early be- came a politician, and was prominently connected with the Demo- cratic party. For many years in the old county of Broome, as an active political manager, no man, not even Dickinson himself, wielded a wider influence in the ranks of the undivided Democracy, than he. Party affiliations and personal sympathies made him of necessity a posi- tive party man; yet when he felt the time had come to sink all partisan- ships, and to rally, regardless of old watchwords and organizations, to the support of the government, no man came forward more promptly or was more outspoken than he, and none labored more earnestly for the establishment of the Union cause." In his speech before the legislature, at Albany, in the dark days of 62, Mr. Bartlett said: "Whatever others may say or do, I have hung up the party harness until this contest is ended, and taken my position on the broad platform of the Union. " And again, in a subsequent speech, he exclaimed: " Sir, I have been all my life a Democrat and still claim to be one ; but irrespective of all party considerations, I am in favor of prosecuting this war till the last man and the last dollar shall have been raised, or until the old flag floats unresisted over our whole country." Such were the personal and professional characteristics of one who is justly entitled to mention among the distinguished members of the old city and county bar. Mr. Bartlett represented this county in the assembly in 1862. In 1852-53, and again in 1860, he was attorney for the village corporation. 'Extracts of a sketch of Mr. Bartlett's professional and public life written by his former law partner. 342 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Giles W. Hotchkiss was a practitioner at the bar of the courts of Broome county for a period of forty years, and was perhaps the strong- est trial lawyer and advocate that the county ever produced. He almost invariably prepared, tried and argued his own cases, although his part- ner, Lewis Seymour, with whom he was professionally associated many years, was noted as one of the shrewdest trial lawyers in southern New York. Mr. Hotchkiss was born in Windsor, October 25, 1815, and was educated in the common schools of that town, in the Windsor academy and in the old Oxford academy, the latter for many years one of the most noted educational institutions in this part of the state. During this period Mr. Hotchkiss worked to maintain as well as to educate himself, and of a truth it may be said that in every respect he was the "architect of his own fortune." More frequently than otherwise the night was half spent ere he laid down to sleep. This habit of night work clung to him throughout his professional career, and infrequently indeed did he leave the office earlier than one o'clock in the morning; and on occasion the court and jury were held awaiting his arrival after the morning session had opened. Still, the court was never known to rebuke Mr, Hotchkiss for tardiness, as his habit was too well known and too well fixed, and his worth was too well appreciated to attempt a change so radical. He was one of our legal giants and was the leading lawyer of the county for more than a quarter of a century. While engaged with his general studies Mr. Hotchkiss began reading law with F. G. Wheeler, of Windsor, and afterward completed his course in Judge Loomis' office in Binghamton. In November, 1837, he was admitted to practice in the Common Pleas and Chancery courts, and in the Supreme court, in 1840. His professional life was at once begun, and from that time until he was stricken with partial paralysis in November, 1877, his name appeared on the court calendar as fre- quently as that of any lawyer at the county bar. The law firm of Hotch- kiss & Seymour was formed in July, 1846, and was continued until 1853, when Mr. Balcom came into the firm. Judge Balcom went on the bench in 1856, upon which the old name was restored, and so remained until 1862, when Mr. Hotchkiss' election to congress necessitated his withdrawal from the partnership. At the close of his last term in con- gress he returned to the profession, and in 1873 Mr. Millard became his partner and active associate. Mr. Hotchkiss first represented his district in the 38th congress, in 1863-65. He was re-elected to the 39th congress (1865-67) and also GILES W. HOTCHKISS. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 343 to the 41st (1869-71). His official career is well stated in the words of his biographer, as follows: "In all the most trying years of the war and the delicate period of reconstruction he was one of the aggressive leaders of the dominant party in congress. The dark hours of that struggle bore no terrors for him. When others faltered he was as firm as a rock. When others counseled peace upon almost any terms, he insisted that death was better than dishonor, that the Union must be preserved at any cost, and that no peace could be permanent that did not right the wrongs and eradicate the causes that led to the war. Once only his strong heart failed: He could not bear to vote to send other men to the front while he remained in safety. Though in frail health, he resolved to resign and enlist for service in the field. In some way his plans were carried to President Lincoln, who sent for Mr. Hotch- kiss and impressed upon him the importance of remaining at his post, that the greatest danger then confronting the administration was the timidity and weakness of some of its friends, and that no resolute man like Mr. Hotchkiss could be spared from congress at that critical time. Other friends urged the same view, and he was persuaded to serve out his term." But to those who knew Mr. Hotchkiss best his official life and labors make up only a small part of that which was most admirable in the man and his career. As a lawyer his character was a model for imitation. He was always indefatigable in his labor in the examination and prepara- tion of causes; careful and conscientious in his conclusions and his ad- vice to clients; determined and unyielding in the vindication of the rights of his client, and in the defense of the principles which he as- serted with energy and thorough conviction ; properly deferential, but never more than that, to the court; courteous always to his antagonist, and never more so than when dealing his severest blows, and always especially kind and considerate to the younger and more timid members of the profession. As a stump speaker, addressing an assembly of farmers or mechanics, Mr. Hotchkiss at times was simply inimitable. The wit and pathos that sometimes brought tears and laughter and of pity almost commin- gled, the homely but striking illustrations, always drawn from the life of those he was addressing, and the deep pervading earnestness of everything he said, frequently made his appeals well nigh irresistible. But it was as an advocate before the court and the jury that Mr. Hotch- kiss was at his best. No matter how skillfully the opposing counsel 344 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, had prepared and tried the case he was often compelled to sit by and see both law and facts which he supposed invincible swept away by the verdict after one of Mr. Hotchkiss' powerful arguments. Lawyers who perhaps were his superiors in all the niceties of legal lore and the train- ing and polish of the schools were not infrequently amazed to find their firmest logic and finest rhetoric of no avail against his native power and ability to convince. If the jury were farmers, his thoughts were of the farm; if mechanics, of the workshop. If the occasion had an amusing side his wit was equal to it, sometimes merciless, but never unkind or malignant. Mr. Hotchkiss was one of the founders of the Republican party in Broome county, and throughout his career he was one of the leading exponents of that party's principles in the state. Still he was not a seeker after public office, and declined several appointments to posi- tions of trust. He was the near friend of Ro?coe Conkling, and by the latter was held in high esteem. General Grant also had great regard for his noble qualities, and urged him to accept a place as a token of respect. The United States attorney-generalship for the southern dis- trict of New York, the life office of United States judge for the north- ern district of New York, and later the circuit judgeship for the south- ern district, were vainly pressed upon him by the president and Senator Conkling. Mr. Hotchkiss' devotion to his family was remarkable, and their lightest wish was law with him. His wife, with whom he married March 24, 1842, was Bessie R., daughter of Dr. Colby Knapp, of Guil- ford, N. Y. Their children were Bessie Virginia, wife of Charles M. Dickinson; Cyrus F. , one of the most gentlemanly and popular young men of this city previous to his untimely death in March, 1873; and Lucy and Henry Hotchkiss, both of whom died young. Mrs. Hotch- kiss died March 6, 1852. Mr. Hotchkiss died July 5, 1878 William H. Hecox came to the city bar in 1870. He was admitted to practice in 1838 and for more than half a century afterward he was in professional life, although ill health frequently compelled him to change his residence from the east to the west. In 1849 he undertook a journey to the gold fields of California, but not being able to get up the Pacific coast from the isthmus he returned home. Twice during his professional career Mr. Hecox lived in St. Paul, Minn., where he practiced law. He also practiced in Buffalo and New York city before coming to Binghamton in 1870. Mr. Hecox is remembered as a lawyer L. SEYMOUR. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 345 of ability, and a citizen of unquestioned integrity. He was an honor to the bar and the city. For several years he held the office of justice of the peace. Mr. Hecox's wife was Augusta Foster, who survives him. Of their three children only one — William H. Hecox, of this city — is now living. Lewis Seymour was a native of Broome county, being born in Vestal, October 25, 1823. He was a son of Lewis Seymour, the latter.a former merchant and successful business man of Binghamton, but who was drowned in the Chenango river while attempting to save the life of a young man. Samuel Seymour, grandfather of Lewis Seymour, the lawyer, was an early settler in Union, and was a man of much note in his day. In 1831 Lewis Seymour, sr., removed with his family to the village from Vestal, hence the son had the advantages of the village schools in laying the foundation for his later education. He prepared for college at Cazenovia, and at the age of fourteen years entered Wes- leyan university, at Middletown, Conn. While pursuing his studies his father's fortune was seriously impaired by unfortunate investments, and although he still had sufficient means to enable his son to complete his college course, the young man, against his parent's expressed hope, left his studies and returned home. He then taught school a short time, after which he began a course of law study in the office of Judge Loomis, and completed his legal education with John Clapp. In 1846 Mr. Seymour was admitted to practice, and in July of the same year he formed a law partnership with Giles W. Hotchkiss. Seven years later Ransom Balcom came into the firm, continued three years and then went on the Supreme court bench. Then the old firm name of Hotchkiss & Seymour was restored, and was continued until 1862, when Mr. Hotchkiss was elected to congress. The name how- ever, was seen on the court calendars for several years after the disso- lution of the firm. "This firm achieved a remarkable reputation," says Mr. Seymour's biographer, " and so great was the public confidence in their skill and integrity that they not unfrequently appeared as at- torneys in two-thirds of the cases on the Supreme court calendar. This large practice was the result of marked ability and untiring labor in the interests of clients. Mr. Seymour was a deep thinker. His integrity and the consciousness of his duty to clients would not permit him to be satisfied with a superficial examination of a case; his great mind threaded its tortuous intricacies until he had solved it into the sem- blance of a simple problem, and laid it before the court and the jury in its most comprehensive light." 346 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, Lewis Seymour was not an ordinary man. It was his good fortune to be so gifted by nature, his mind so improved by culture and constant study, his judgment so matured by observation and reflection and ex- perience, that he was able to do much good in his professional life, and thus set an example worthy of imitation by younger members of the bar. His well balanced mind never yielded to the novel vagaries of the day, either in practice or theory, but led him safely and success- fully through all the transactions of life. But as a professional man his worth was most evident, and in that character, we, as members of the same fraternity, can fully appreciate him. No other figure in court was similar to his, and once seen the man could never be mistaken for another. He was of medium stature, not of strong physical build, yet his deep, piercing black eyes marked him as a thinker and logician. As an advocate before the jury his address was not particularly pleasing, but in the argument of questions of law before the court his legal ability was plainly apparent. As a general trial lawyer he had no superior at the Broome county bar. Along in the late 'sixties Dr. J. Edward Turner stood charged with arson, and was defended by Roscoe Conkling, one of the ablest lawyers in the state. The district attorney was assisted by Mr. Seymour, who in fact tried the case for the people. After the trial was finished a prominent member of the city bar asked Mr. Conkling as to his impressions of Mr. Seymour, to which the reply came promptly: "I think I never met a more shrewd and careful trial lawyer in all my experience." As in the case referred to so it was throughout the period of his practice ; he was a careful, thorough lawyer, and never worked more earnestly than on his last case in court. He was not well, and had worked hard all through the circuit, yet the case in hand had often been put over, and his clients were anxious that it be tried. It was tried; the verdict was for the plaintiff, whom Mr. Seymour represented, but it was his last professional work. He was broken down, and neither rest nor quiet nor the loving care of wife and children could restore him to health. Death came January 4, 1873, and thereby the Broome county bar lost one of its best and most worthy members. Orlow W. Chapman was a native of Ellington, Conn. He was born January 7, 1832, and was descended from old New England colonial stock. Several of his ancestors were patriots of the Revolution, while still others were among the pioneers of New England and contended against the Indians during the period of the early wars. Orlow was ORLOW W. CHAPMAN. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 347 given the advantages of a good common school education, followed by a college preparatory course at the Ellington and Monson academies. In 1850 he entered Union college, and was graduated in 1854. While in college Mr. Chapman in part maintained himself by teaching school, and after graduation he was for a year teacher of languages in Fergusonville academy. In the fall of 1855, having determined to en- ter the legal profession, he began reading law with Parker & Gleason, attorneys at Delhi, and at a general term of the Supreme court held in Owego in 1857, he was admitted to practice. In 1858 Mr. Chapman came to live in Binghamton, and in the course of a few years he attained a position of influence and popularity in the profession. He proved to be an excellent trial lawyer and an advocate of unusual ability and force. His personality, too, was in his favor, as also were his splendid physique and cheerful countenance. In 1868f the law firm of Chapman & Martin was formed, and was one of the strongest legal partnerships in this part of the state. ' Judge Martin was the careful, thoughtful member of the firm and Mr. Chapman, while possessing in a less degree the characteristics of his associate, was the orator and advocate before the court and the jury. Their com- bined strength made them formidable legal opponents. Mr. Chapman was fortunately constituted by nature. He instinct- ively shrank from the bitter legal contest, yet when earnestly engaged in the trial of a case his alert, incisive intelligence, his blithe and some- what aggressive independence, certainly made him appear to splendid advantage and augured well in his favor. His true capacity as a law- yer was fully displayed in the trial of the famous case entitled Strong vs. Dvvight, in which Mr. Hotchkiss appeared for the plaintiff, with Chapman & Martin, attorneys, and Francis Kernan, of counsel, for the the defense. The evidence was nearly closed and Senator Kernan was to present the case to the jury for the defendant on the opening of court in the afternoon. However, during the noon recess, a message announced the death of his daughter, upon which the distinguished lawyer was compelled to withdraw from the case and hasten home. Then the burden of the argument fell upon Mr. Chapman, but not- withstanding the embarrassment of his position, with hardly a note or memorandum as his guide, he made one of the most masterly addresses every heard by any jury in Broome county. Every latent power seemed to come to his aid on this occasion and carried him safely through the case, with a final verdict in his favor. 348 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. In character Mr. Chapman was a man without reproach, and neither in public or private life was there ever an imputation or wrong to sully his fair name. A fine scholar, a profound lawyer, a blameless citizen, an upright public servant, a faithful friend, a trusted counsellor, his life was certainly complete. Mr. Chapman was a tried and true Republican and a power in the councils of his party in the state. On September 4, 1862, he was ap- pointed district attorney to succeed George A. Northrup, and served in that capacity until January, 1863, when he resigned. In the fall of 1867 he was elected to the state senate, and was re-elected in 1869. In 1872 he was appointed a member of the constitutional commission, but resigned the position to accept that of superintendent of the insurance department, to which he was appointed November 22, 1872. This •office he resigned January 31, 1876. On May 29, 1889, he was ap- pointed by President Harrison as solicitor-general of the United States. While residing temporarily in Washington, in connection with his offi- cial duties, Mr. Chapman was suddenly stricken ill, and on January 19, 1890, he died. Edmund O'Connor, while not a member of the old bar of the county, was nevertheless one of the honorable representatives of his profession and is worthy to be mentioned in these reminiscences as a leading law- yer in the city, the county and the state. Best of a.11, Mr. O'Connor was a purely self-made man, having been thrown entirely on his own resources at the early age of fourteen years. His life was a success, for he ranked as one of our foremost lawyers, and arose to that station from an humble beginning. As a trial lawyer he had few equals in the county, and as an advocate before the court and the jury his character and especial legal strength were fully displayed. His, in many respects, was a remarkable personality ; his vitality was so rich and sparkling, his abilities were so varied, and his humor so affluent that he was a most interesting companion and associate. He loved his family first, then his profession, then politics; and it was his conversion to Repub- licanism in the presidential campaign of 1872 that led to his ultimate success in political as well as professional life. Under Republican in- fluences he was brought into new associations and companionships, and he soon became a factor in the ranks of the party in the county, followed by still higher honors in the legislative halls of the state. In 1880 he was appointed one of the trustees of the Binghamton asylum for chronic insane — the Binghamton State hospital — and served in that capacity HDMU^U O'CONNOR. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 349 until he was chosen attorney for the institution. In 1889 he was elected to the state senate, and was re-elected in 1891 and 1893. During his second term he became a leader in the senate and retained that prom- inence to the end of his service. Edmund O'Connor was born near Mallow, County Cork, Ireland, in November, 1848, and when three years old came with his parents to the United States, the family locating at Little Falls, N. Y. Here Edmund attended the village school, and also a parochial school, but the unfortunate death of his father in 1862 compelled the young man to leave school for a time and find employment for his own and his moth- er's support. He worked in the railroad shops, and saved enough of his earnings to eventually finish his early education in the academies at Little Falls and Delhi, from the latter of which he was graduated. He then determined to study law, and accordingly became a student in Judge Smith's oiifice at Little Falls; at a general term of the Supreme court held at Oswego in October, 1870, he was admitted to practice. He at once removed to Binghamton and formed a law partnership with William J. Ludden. This relation continued about four years, after which, until 1888, Mr. O'Connor practiced without a partner. His subsequent career has been told in preceding paragraphs. It is well known that he was one of the brightest, keenest trial lawyers in the county, and one for whom his professional associates had the greatest esteem. His practice was large and varied, and secured for him a sub- stantial fortune. Indeed, it may be truthfully said that Edmund O'Connor was an honor to his profession, and his untimely death was a serious loss both to the bar and the city. He died July 15, 1898. In addition to those whose names and lives have been specially men- tioned as prominent members of the old bar still others maybe recalled in this connection. Joseph S. Bosworth was at the bar in the village between 1835 and 1840 and was a lawyer of ability. He afterward re- moved to New York, where he was elected to the bench of the Supreme court in 1851 ; he was in the assembly in the same year, and was one of the metropolitan district police commissioners in 1864. Hamilton Collier was a younger brother of John A. Collier, with whom he read law, and was admitted to practice in 1809. He lived for several years in Owego, but in 1822 came to Binghamton. In 1837 he was appointed district attorney, and was surrogate from 1841 to 1843. He died in Ohio in 1865. David Woodcock came to the county bar in 1834, but previous to that 350 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, time had lived in Seneca and Tompkins counties, where he attained considerable prominence; he was member of assembly, district attor- ney, and was also elected to congress. He is recalled as an able lawyer, a fluent speaker and a gentleman. Mayhew McDonald came to the village in 1838 and was admitted to practice the next year. Joseph K. Rugg was once a prominent lawyer in the village. He was a graduate of Mr. Bosworth's office; surrogate from 1836 to 1840, though not admitted to practice until 1838. He was one of the first chief engineers of the village fire department. He afterward removed to Michigan, where he died. Gabriel Bouck, eldest son of Ex-Gov. William C. Bouck, of Scho- harie, read law with Dickinson & Wright and was admitted to the bar previous to the war of 1861-65. Mr. Bouck afterward went to Wiscon- sin, settling at Oshkosh, where he became a noted lawyer and the leadei of the Oshkosh bar. He was colonel of a famous Wisconsin regiment during the war, and on returning from the service he was elected to congress; and is known throughout the land as " the Sage of Oshkosh." Ausburn Birdsall, who now lives in New York city, was a former member of the bar in this city. He came from Chenango county in 1832 and was admitted to practice in 1836. He read law with Mr. Dickinson and was afterward his partner about six years. He was dis- trict attorney from 1842 to 1847, and member of congress from 1847 to 1849. For many years Mr. Birdsall was closely identified with profes- sional and business life in our village and subsequent city, and was numbered among our worthy citizens. About ten years ago he removed to New York. Mr. Birdsall is a pleasant, scholarly writer, and his con- tributions to the columns of the city press on subjects relating to the early history of Binghamton have been read with much interest. Matthew P. Mayham, a gifted son of old Schoharie county, the son of Judge and Congressman S. L. Mayham, read law in the office of Barna R. Johnson, and was admitted to the bar in 1874. He died in 1876. Thus might our reminiscences be continued indefinitely but the scope and policy of our chapter forbid. The successors to the old bar were equally worthy and honorable, but many of those who entered the pro- fession subsequent to 1860 are still living and in practice, and it is con- trary to the design of our work to review at great length the lives of the younger members of the profession, except as they may have in GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 351 some manner been specially identified with the civil or political history of the city, or have attained positions of prominence in the ranks as lawyers. ROSTER OF THE BAR. The purpose of the appended list is to record and preserve as many as possible of the names of members of the village and city bar, past and present. It is not claimed that the record is absolutely complete, or that the year is in all cases correctly stated, but in the absence of reliable records it is the best that can be done. To accomplish what is done the writer has availed himself of county and court records, news- paper files, public and legal documents, old court calendars, and in fact all known sources of information, and has compiled therefrom a chronological register of the bar. Previous to 186(5 the court calendars did not furnish the names of lawyers as now printed, but svibsequent to that time the list has been regularly published in each year. A law student's greatest aim in life is to secure admission to the bar, and that accomplished he is not slow to suggest to the county clerk the propriety of inserting his name in the published list of attorneys. Therefore the appended list, subsequent to 1866, may be regarded as substantially correct. When we consider that no special record of the bar has ever been kept, and that our information has been drawn from scattered and at times doubtful sources, the reader will appreciate something of the difficulty attending the preparation of the roll. However, the roster shows for itself, and also shows with reasonable accuracy the names of lawyers with the year in which each was admitted to the bar or began practice in the county. That the record may be still more complete, the personnel of the bar is given for the years 1855, 1859-60 and 1866. Extant records covering the period from 1850 to 1865 are decidedly imperfect. 1791'— Mason Whiting. 1801 — Balthazar De Hart, Daniel Le Roy, William Low. 1802 — Daniel Rogers, William Stuart. 1803 — Sherman Page. 1806 — William Seymour. 1807— Robert Monell. 1809 — John A. Collier, Hamilton Collier. 1 Year of admission to practice. 352 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, 1810— Horace Williston. 1811— George Park. 1813— Thomas G. Waterman. 1819— Peter Robinson. 1830— Joseph S. Bosworth. 1831 — Daniel S. Dickinson. 1834— David Woodcock. 1836 — Ausburn Birdsall, Joseph Boughton, Laurel O. Belden. 1837— Giles W. Hotchkiss. 1838 — John R. Dickinson, Joseph K. Rugg, Benjamin N. Loomis. 1839— Mayhew McDonald. 1840 — Horace S. Griswold, Calvin Mather. 1841— Solomon Judd, Edward C. Kattell.' 1843 — William H. Hecox, Ransom Balcom, George Bartlett. 1846 — George A. Northrup, William M. Patterson, Joseph Shaw, Lewis Seymour, Charles H. Hunt. 1847 — Phineas B. Tompkins, Hallam Eldredge, Philo B. Stillson, Robert Bloomer, Thomas W. Waterman, Hiram R. Bates, Alexander McDowell. 1850 — Perry P. Rogers. 1851— Charles S. Hall. 1853 — Franklin A. Durkee, George Beebe. 1854— Dan S. Richards. 1855 — Alexander E. Andrews, Barna R. Johnson. The personnel of the bar in this year was about as follows: Daniel S. Dickinson (Dickin- son & Wright), Edward Tompkins, Horace S. Griswold, Charles S. Hall, George A. Northrup, George Bartlett, Franklin A. Durkee, Ben- jamin N. Loomis, Corydon Tyler, Phineas B. Tompkins, Jacob Morris, Solomon Judd, Giles W. Hotchkiss (Hotchkiss, Seymour & Balcom), Lewis Seymour, Frederick Tallent, Ransom Balcom, Philo B. Stillson, John R. Dickinson, Dan S. Richards, A. G. Stillson, who was a younger brother of P. B. Stillson, and was accidentally shot while hunting. 185G — Celora E. Martin, Luther Badger, Gabriel Bouck (admitted about this time). 1857 — Orlow W. Chapman, Edward M. Fitzgerald, Reuben H. Root. 1858 — Gilman L. Sessions, Benajah S. Curran, Alexander Gumming, Henry Welsh. 1 Judge Kattell was admitted about this time; the exact year is not known. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 353 1859 — According to the village directory this year the lawyers in practice were, A. E. Andrews, Luther Badger, Ransom Balcom, Will- iam Barrett, Ansburn Birdsall, O. W. Chapman, John Clapp, John A. Collier, B. S. Curran, Daniel S. Dickinson, John R. Dickinson, Franklin A. Durkee, Horace S. Griswold, Charles S. Hall, Giles W. Hotchkiss, Merrick C. Hough, Solomon Judd, Edward C. Kattell, James La- Grange, B. N. Loomis, George A. Northrup, Dan S. Richards, G. L. Sessions, Lewis Seymour, Benjamin Sherwood, George J. Spencer, Philo B. Stillson, Edward Tompkins, Corydon Tyler, William M. Waterman, Thomas D. Wright, Aaron W. Young. 1860 — J. H. Bronson, William L. Headley, James C. Edson, Benja- min H. White, Clifford S. Arms, George Becker, Peter W. Hopkins. 1861— Samuel L. Comstock, John T. Mygatt, Edwin C. Moody, J. Ancrum Winslow. 1862 — Frank Loomis, Edward K. Clark, Henry T. Seeley, Stephen A. Walker. 1863— George Whitney. 1865— Wallace P. Hunt, Daniel Hanna, Albert D. Armstrong, Charles M. Dickinson, Joseph M. Johnson. 1866— Clark L. Hood, Benjamin F. Smith, Christopher Callan. The court calendar this year shows the members of the bar as follows: A. E. Andrews, A. D. Armstrong, Ausburn Birdsall, George Bartlett, William Barrett, O. W. Chapman, B. S. Curran, E. K. Clark, C. M. Dickinson, F. A. Durkee, H. S. Griswold, G. W. Hotchkiss, W. P. Hunt, P. W. Hopkins, C. S. Hall, C. L. Hood, S. Judd, B. R. John- son, J. M. Johnson, B. N. Loomis, James La Grange, Dan S. Richards, Lewis vSeymour, G. L. Sessions, Corydon Tyler, T, W. Waterman, George Whitney, Thomas D. Wright. 1867— Stephen C. Millard, Theodore F. McDonald, Isaac P. Pugsley, Charles H. Wickham. 1868— William L. Griswold. W. H. Johnston, William H. Stoddard, William H. Scoville, Neri Pine, Andrew A. White, George Becker. 1870— A. Harry Bissell, W. Dalton Cornish, Newell D. Whitney, Wm. J. Ludden, Edmund O'Connor. 1871— George W. Penrie, David E. Cronin, Jerome De Witt, E. S. Hopkins, John N. Pomeroy, A. De Witt Wales, William A. McKinney. 1872— Frank G. Bishop,' Charles W. Loomis. ' Mr. Bishop was a native of this county. He afterward lived in the south, and returned to this city in 1872. 23 354 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, 1873— Edgar A. Monfort, Lewis C. Aldrich. 1874— William M. Crosby, jr. 1875 — David H. Carver, George F. Lyon, Frank Stewart, William Trebby, jr. 1876— M. Fillmore Brown, Willis D. Edmister, Walter M. Hand, Charles A. Hull, Charles F. Tapper, Charles E. Welch, Marvin Can- niff, John P. Wheeler, Taylor L. Arms. 1877— Clement L. Boon, John F. Gulliver, M. Julius Keeler, George H. Williams, Asahel W. Gumming. 1878— James L. Greene, Scott G. Sayer, Francis W. Downs, Robert E. Prince, Silas W. Crandall. 1879— Albert Hotchkiss, L. H. Jackson. 1880 — George B, Curtiss, Augustus Babcock, Roswell Bump, Har- mon J. Kneeland, George Hull, David Murray, Charles M. Stone, Gilbert C. Walker,' J. Stuart Wells, jr., Edward Ronneberger, Win- throp D. Painter. 1881 — Charles F. Abeel, Thomas B. Merchant, Henry L. Beach. 1882 — Fremont F. Williams, David J . Barry, John M. Cahill, Bruce Winner, Thomas A. Harroun, Thomas H . Larkin. 1883— Israel T. Deyo, A. Perry Fish, F. Newell Gilbert, Robert R. Griswold, Almiron M. Sperry. 1884— Eldon R. Carver, Arthur W. T. Back, Allan M. North, James P. Callan, Charles H. Hitchcock, Frederic W. Jenkins. 1885— S. Mack Smith, Robert A. Stone, H. C. Sells. 1887— Robert B. Richards. 1888 — Harry F. Lyon, Marshal V. Andrews, Elmer E. Maddox, Henry C. Olmsted, James H. Roberts, Charles F. O'Brien, David D. Porter, Watson E. Roberts. 1889 — John J. Irving, Leslie M. Merchant, John A. Brown, Lewis Seymour, William F. Van Cleve, Harry C. Perkins, Cortland A. Wilber. 1890— Le Roy Bennett, Harlow E. Bundy, John F. Charlton, Will- iam W. Newell, Hiram M. Rogers, Robert S. Parsons, Theodore R. Tuthill. 1891 — R. F. Bieber, James H. Greeley, Harvey D. Hinman, Elmore G. Page, Albert S. Barnes. 1892 — James T. Rogers, Rollin W. Meeker. 1 Ex-Gov. Walker was admitted to practice about 1856 and afterward went South, returning in 1880, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 355 1893— Franks. Anderson, Roger P. Clark, Frank S. Harper, Dennis E. Keefe, Charles O. Morgan, Frank M. Hays. 1894— Harry C. Walker, Maurice E. Page, Edward L. Randall, Frank H. Short, W. D. Vanderworken . 1895— Walter S. Flint, Peleg H. Reed, Frederick W. Welsh, Harry A. Yetter. 1896— Burr W. Mosher, Thomas W. Mangan, Archibald Howard. 1897— Thomas J. Keenan, Royal A. Gunnison, Frank H. Bassett, Urbane C. Lyons, Frank J. Mangan. 1898— Benajah S. Curran, jr., John M. Davidge, Ralph D. Smith, George A. Smith, Albert R. Humphrey, William H. Riley, Harry J. Hennessey, Charles Avery Hickey. 1899— Thomas B. Kattell. SKETCHES OF MEMBERS OF THE PRESENT BAR. Charles Samuel Hall was born in Middletown, Conn., May 18, 1827, and was the eldest of five children of Samuel Holden Parsons and Eme- line (Bulkeley) Hall. The family came to Binghamton, May 10, 1837. Charles was educated in the Binghamton academy, where he prepared for college. He entered Yale in 1844 and was graduated in 1848, with the degree of A. B. He was graduated from Yale Law school in 1850, with the degree of LL. B., and in the next year received the Yale de- gree of A. M. Mr. Hall was admitted to practice law in this state at a general term of the Supreme court held in Norwich in January, 1851. He was also admitted to practice in the United States District court in May, 1879, and the United States Circuit court in August of the same year. Mr. Hall has practiced law continuously in Binghamton for a period of almost fifty years, and in connection with his professional work has taken an active part in the affairs both of the village and'city. As a lawyer and a senior member of the bar he is mentioned by his professional associates as a safe counsellor, and one with whom princi- ples, rather than expedients, have always prevailed. He has not sought a standing of prominence as a trial lawyer in contested cases, nor has he ever aspired to fame as an advocate at the bar of the courts, neverthe- less, for many years Mr. Hall has been known as one of the most scholarly orators of the county bar. His interest in public and polit- ical affairs dates from his admission to practice, and he has always been loyal to the city. He was village attorney in 1856 and 1857, and in the year last mentioned was one of the committee appointed to prepare a 356 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, city charter; but the scheme itself failed through a division of senti- ment among the people. . Had the counsel of Mr. Hall and his associ- ates prevailed with the people the village would have become a city in 1857 instead of ten years later; and when that end was secured in 18G7, the charter was prepared wholly under his personal direction. For four years Mr. Hall was a member of the board of education, and as such revised the school laws of the city. On December 13, 1856, he was ap- pointed commissioner of the Circuit court of the United States, and has held that office to the present time, although in July, 1898, the name was changed to " U. S. Commissioner." In politics Mr. Hall is a firm Democrat, though in no sense an aggressive partisan. He was the can- didate of the sound money Democracy — the National Democratic party — for congress in this district in 1896. On January 3, 1855, Charles S. Hall was married to Mary Rebecca Harris, by whom he had four chil- dren, Louise, Charles H., Arnold H. and Samuel Holden. His second wife, with whom he married October 29, 1885, was Annie Hastings Knowlton, by whom he had one son, Lyman Knowlton Hall. Dan S. Richards was born in the town of Union, September 24, 1830, the son of " Squire " Jesse and Mary (Forker) Richards, being the sec- ond of their nine children. His grandfather was Henry Richards, who came from Pennsylvania and made a permanent settlement on the Bos- ton purchase in 1791, and therefore was one of the pioneers of this part of the Susquehanna valley. The early life of Dan S. Richards was spent in Union, on his father's farm and he was educated in the old Binghamton academy. He read law with Horace S. Griswold, and in January, 1854, was admitted to practice. He at once began professional work in the then village of Binghamton and was soon recognized as one of the keenest young lawyers of the county bar. This standing he afterward maintained throughout the period of his active professional career. For more than twenty years he has been resident attorney for the D. , L. & W. R. R. company. Although now virtually retired from active work, Mr. Richards visits the office almost daily, where, as one of the oldest mem- bers of the city bar, his counsel and advice are frequently sought by younger members of the profession, and also by many of his old clients. Mr. Richards' first partner was Corydon Tyler, followed by William Barrett, George A. Northrup, Benajah S. Curran, Oilman L. Sessions and Robert B. Richards, in the order mentioned. Mr. Richards has also been an active factor in local Democratic politics and served as village attorney in 1853, alderman in 1869-70 and school commissioner DAN S. RICHARDS. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 357 in 1879-81. In October, 1857, Mr. Richards married Mary C. Mer- chant, who died childless. His second wife was Ellen H. Bostwick, whom he married in June, 1862. Three sons, Robert B., Ferdinand B. and Dan S. Richards, jr., are the children of this marriage. Alexander E. Andrews was born in New Berlin, Chenango county, April 11, 1834, and was the son of Rev. Dr. Edward Andrews, one of the early rectors of Christ church. Alexander was graduated at Hobart college in 1853, after which he read law with Daniel S. Dickinson, and was admitted to practice in 1855. Nearly all of Mr. Andrews' profes- sional life, except about three years, has been spent in Binghamton, and he has been identified with the best interests both of the village and city. He was our first city recorder, serving from 1867 to 1873, and was a still earlier justice of the peace. In 1878, and again in 1880, Mr. Andrews was elected to the assembly. Benajah S. Curran is a native of Kirkwood and was born Septem- ber 30,' 1837. He was the son of Isaac and Mary (Enders) Curran, his father having come from Albany county at a very early day and made a settlement in the town when neighbors indeed were few. Isaac the pioneer died about 1845, after which his family removed to the village of Binghamton. Benajah was educated in our district schools, and read law in John R. Dickinson's office. On October 11, 1858, he was ad- mitted to practice. From that to the present time Mr. Curran has been in active practice in the village and subsequent city, and no law- yer at the local bar has been more industrious and persevering in his efforts than he, and few indeed of his many associates have accomplish- ed the substantial results which have rewarded his efforts. During the long period of his practice Mr. Curran has had as partners Major Philo B. Stillson, Dan S. Richards and B. S. Curran, jr. Mr. Curran is a firm and uncompromising Democrat, strong m his party and strong in the city generally. He was attorney for the excise board three years, alderman two years, school commissioner two years, and mayor of the city two years, as the municipal civil list in another chapter will show. On October 2, 1806, Benajah S. Curran married Emma, daughter of Lowell Gilmore. Four sons and one daughter were born of this marriage. Oilman L. Sessions was born in Woodstock, Conn., February 14, 1833, and was the son of Lyman Sessions, a merchant and man of char- acter and influence. Oilman was educated in several of the best acad- emies of Massachusetts, and also in Dartmouth college, where he was 358 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, graduated in 1855. The next year he came to Binghamton and read law with Daniel S. Dickinson, and w^as admitted to the bar in 1858. From that to the present time he has been a member of the village and city bar, in active practice until a year or two ago. He was law partner with George Bartlett at the time of the death of the latter, after which, in the fall of 1870 the law firm of Richards & Sessions was formed; and was continued until the fall of 1877. In the city Mr. Sessions has long been known as one of the scholars of the bar. In politics he has always maintained an independent attitude, and has not sought public office of any kind. Indeed, he is of a retired disposition naturally, though at perfect ease in any circle. In addition to his legal business, which was always large, he has been selected to manage several trusts and estates, the duties of which position have demanded a considerable portion of his time. Mr. Sessions' wife is Eliza, daughter of the late Robert S. Bartlett, and granddaughter of Captain Isaac Bartlett, the latter the pioneer of the Bartlett families in Tioga and Broome counties. Alexander Gumming has been a member of the Broome county bar for a period of more than forty years. He was born in Stamford, Del- aware county, November 12, 1832, and was the son of John and Fanny (Bassett) Gumming. He lived on his father's farm until he attained his sixteenth year, and acquired a rudimentary education in the dis- trict schools. When Alexander was sixteen years old his mother died, the home was broken up and he started out to make his own way in life, working at whatever he could find to do, and saving his earnings, for he was determined to acquire more than a district school education. He was industrious and of frugal habits, which qualities enabled him to attend the academies at Franklin and Hobart . He was a close and careful student, having a natural aptitude for mathematics and civil engineering, and an especial love for ancient as well as modern history; and to-day,as a matter of fact, there are few professional men in Broome county who possess a more thorough understanding of European and American history, or are more familiar with the writings of old authors than Mr. Gumming. During the six years which were devoted to his own education, Mr. Gumming taught winter terms of school in Otsego and Delaware counties, and also devoted one year of the time to read- ing law under the direction of J. R. AUaben of Delhi. Having chosen the legal profession, he applied himself closely to the study of law, and in 1858, at a General Term of the Supreme court held in Binghamton, he was admitted to practice. At that time he had a large justice court GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 359 practice in Delaware county, which had been built up during his ser- vice as law sfudent, but after his admission he at once settled in Deposit for general practice, remaining in that village until 1878. He then came to Binghamton and became a member of the city bar. For a period of more than twenty years Mr. Gumming has occupied a promi- nent position among the attorneys of the county seat and has often been mentioned as the leader of the county bar. It is not the purpose of this work to deal in compliments, yet both candor and fairness de- mand the assertion of a patent fact: Mr. Gumming is recognized as one of the strongest lawyers in this locality. In 1881 Asahel Gumming be- came partner with his brother, under the firm style of A. & A. W. Gumming. In his political preference Mr. Gumming is a conservative Republican, yet possesses strong convictions on all the public questions of the day; and he is perfectly frank in the expression of his opinions. He is an expansionist, and thoroughly American in all his political utterances. On September 17, 1860, Alexander Gumming married Hannah Heuguiner of Deposit, of which marriage three children have been born. Edwin G. Moody was born in the town of Union, November 4, 1838. He was the son of Gharles and Amanda (Keeler) Moody, and a grand- son of David Moody, the latter a pioneer on " Bean Hill." Edwin was educated in Union academy and the law department of the University of New York, having graduated at the latter in May, 1861. In June following he was admitted to practice, and soon afterward opened an office in Union village, dividing his time, however, between the office and teaching school for a period of two or three years. He lived in Union until 1876 and then removed to this city. He was supervisor of Union nine years, and several years chairman of the board. In 1876 he was elected to the assembly. Edward K. Glark was born in Smethport, McKean county, Penna , January 1, 1841, and was the son of Joseph F. and Laura L. (Phillips) Glark. He was educated at Smethport and Randolph academies (the latter now known as Ghamberlain Institute), after which he taught school and at the same time read law under the direction of Warren Gowles and Byron Hamlin, both of Smethport. In 1861 he continued his legal studies under Henry A. Glarke, of Bainbridge, N. Y., and still later with Hotchkiss & Seymour, of Binghamton. He was admitted to practice November 9, 1862. Mr. Glark has since been in active prac- tice as a member of the city bar, and is known as one of the most care- 360 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, f ul and thorough of our lawyers. During this time, however, he was engaged about two years on the editorial staff of the Daily Republican, and also the Daily Times. In 1873 he published a revised edition of "Wilkinson's Annals of Binghamton," with an elaborate appendix. Mr. Clark's law partners, in succession, have been Ransom Rowland, William A. McKinney, M. Fillmore Brown, Augustus Babcock (Clark, Brown & Babcock), and Roger P. Clark. On June 12, 1867, Mr. Clark married Martha J., daughter of Charles Seymour, and a decend- ant of one of the most respected pioneer families of Vestal. Ten children, eight of whom are still living, were born to their marriage. William J. Welsh has been a member of the Broome county bar nearly fifteen years. The profession will remember that in 1886 Henry and W. J. Welsh came to the city from Hancock, Delaware count}^ and be- gan practicing law under the firm just mentioned. At that time the elder Welsh was a man of advanced years, yet vigorous in mind and body. He is recalled as a good lawyer and an upright citizen. He died in 1890. William J. Welsh is a native of Montgomery, Orange county, and was born August 31, 1842. He was given the benefit of a good early education in his native village, also the old Susquehanna seminary at Binghamton, and a private academic school at Hancock. There, like many of our professional men in their younger days, he taught school about three years, after which he began reading law in his father's office. In 1865 he was admitted to practice. About a year later Mr. Welsh became partner with his father, and so continued until the death of the latter in 1890. In July, 1895, the law firm of W. J. & F. W. Welsh was formed. Mr. Welsh is one of the most active lawyers of the city bar, indus- trious, careful, thoroughly conscientious and straightforward in what- ever he undertakes. He was the legal organizer of the Binghamton Trust company, and has been its attorney since the institution began business. In politics he is a Republican and a firm believer in the principles of the party. In 1876 he was elected to the assembly from the first Delaware county district, but in this city his interest in politics has been only that which is shown by every loyal citizen. He is inter- ested in the city, its welfare and progress; is a member of Otseningo Lodge, F. and A. M , and of the I. O. R. M. ; also a member of the Y. M. C. A., and the Tabernacle church; and one of the board of man- agers of the Susquehanna Valley Home. On November 25, 1867, Mr. Welsh married Emily Doyle; two chil- dren, Frederick W., and Mary E. Welsh, were born of this marriage. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 361 Joseph M. Johnson is a native of Hoosic Falls, N. Y., born April 3, 1840. His parents were Rev. Leonard and Harriet N. (Hatch) John- son, and of their nine children he was the sixth. His father was a Presbyterian clergyman, and lived in Binghamton from 184G to 1851, when he removed to Triangle, at which place he died in 1858. His mother was a daughter of Judge Hatch, of the Vermont Supreme court. Joseph was educated in the famous old Binghamton and Windsor academies, after which, in September, 1858, he entered the county clerk's office as copyist under William C. Doane, county clerk, where he remained until January 1, 1859, when he found employment in Pratt's book store, in Binghamton, remaining there about two years. He then read law one year in Judge Griswold's office, and in 1862 was appointed deputy county clerk under Charles O. Root. He was thus engaged four years, devoting his leisure hours, however, to the study of law under Jvidge Griswold's instruction. In November, 1865, he was admitted to practice law. On May 15, 1874, he was admitted to practice in the United States court. He practiced in partnership with George Whitney about two years, and in the fall of 1867 was himself elected county clerk, serving two terms of three years each. He then resumed practice alone, but in 1875 became partner with David H. Carver, under the name of Johnson & Carver. This firm continued about six years, when the senior partner retired from professional work by reason of impaired health. He was then out of business several years, but devoted his time to the care of his own and his wife's prop- erty. In February, 1866, he was elected mayor of the city, serving in that capacity one year and was one of our city's most popular officers. Soon afterward Mr. Johnson became senior partner in the wholesale grain dealing and shipping firm of Johnson & Comstock, and was in business about five years. In 1892 he opened a general fire insurance agency in the city, in which business he is now engaged. On May 2, 1872, Joseph M. Johnson married Anna E., daughter ot the late Darius S. Ayers of this city. Three children were born of this marriage. Benjamin F. Smith was born in Greene, Chenango county, and was the son of Daniel and Mary A. Smith. He was educated in Cortland academy at Homer, and also in the New York Central college at Mc- Grawville. Mr. Smith came to Binghamton and read law in the office of Judge Griswold and was admitted to practice in May, 1866. When Judge Edwards was elected to the bench of the County court, Mr. Smith was appointed surrogate's clerk and served in that capacity about 362 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, ten years. In January, 1885, the law firm of Downs & Smith was formed and has been continued to the present time. Mr. Smith is known as a careful, painstaking lawyer, little inclined to the turmoil of closely contested cases in court, but peculiarly adapted by training to the less arduous work of the office. In all matters pertaining to the practice in the Surrogate's court he is a recognized authority in Broome county. Andrew A.White has been known to the profession in this city more than twenty years, having come from the pretty little village of Bath in January, 1879. For fourteen years he occupied offices with Senator O'Connor. Mr. White was a native of Steuben county, and was born in the town of Howard, June 8, 1842. His parents were William W. and Jane White, his father being a farmer. Andrew was educated in the Bath union school and also in Alfred university, having graduated at the latter institution in 1865. He then read law with Guy H. McMaster, the lawyer and somewhat noted historian, and also with Clark Bell, now of New York city, but formerly of Bath. At Roches- ter in 1868 Mr. White was admitted to the bar. He practiced in Bath until January 1, 1879, when he became a member of our city bar. Mr. White is known as a careful, painstaking and capable lawyer. He is a firm Republican, an earnest advocate of the best principles of his party, and believes that the party itself is far greater than any of its self-pro- claimed leaders. William L. Griswold was born in Binghamton, July 5, 1843; was ed- ucated in the Binghamton academy, Susquehanna seminary and Yale college (graduated 1866). He was graduated at Albany Law school in 1868 and in the same year was admitted to practice. He has always practiced in this city. Mr. Griswold is a Republican, and has held the offices of alderman, supervisor and justice of the peace. Stephen C. Millard has been a lawyer of this city for a period of more than thirty years, and during that time has advanced solely through his own efforts from the humble position of law student to the elevated professional station of leader of the city bar. It was a peculiarly fortu- nate circumstance in Mr. Millard's career that he was a student in Or- low W. Chapman's office, as he was there first brought into direct asso- ciation with the best element of our people; and it was equally fortu- nate that he should have been chosen from the younger members of the city bar as the business partner of that legal giant, Giles W. Hotch- kiss, after the death of Lewis Seymour. At that time, in 1873, Mr. jfkw.^.,v,U,.il(}Ak^ GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 363 Hotchkiss had known Mr. Millard hardly more than five years, but he knew that he came of sturdy New England stock; that his educational qualifications were ample; that his personal character was unquestion- able. Hence the partnership and its pleasant period of uninterrupted association until Mr. Hotchkiss' death in 1878 (the firm of Millard & Stewart succeeded Hotchkiss & Millard). Mr. Millard was born in Stamford, in historic Bennington county, Vt., January 14, 1841. He was the son of Stephen C. and Harriet (Richmond) Millard, and the grandson of James Millard, who was one of Bennington county's sub- stantial early settlers. Stephen was educated at Powers institute and at Williams college; and was graduated at the latter in 1865. He read law with Pingree & Barker, attorneys at Pittsfield, Mass., but later on was a student at the Harvard Law school. In February, 1867, he came to this city and continued his studies in Mr. Chapman's office, as his previous legal education had been practically theoretical and in accord- ance with the old common law practice of New England, while in this state the code of 1848 governed the practice. In May of the same year he was admitted to the bar. Thus equipped, Mr. Millard applied him- self diligently to the labors of the profession and soon assumed and up to this time has maintained a prominent position among the ablest law- yers in this section of the state. His career is not yet closed and we cannot write of him as of one retired from active work, yet in mention- ing briefly the characteristics of the members of the city bar, one or two of Mr. Millard's personal traits are proper. In the conduct of his legal business he is both cautious and methodical, but never laborious. He will discourage rather than promote litigation, and in his intercourse with clients, deliberation always precedes counsel. He occasionally m- dulges in rhetoric, but never in oratorical display, and always ap- proaches the subject in hand with dignity, self-possession, and in the light of principle and common sense. Withal, Mr. Millard is recog- nized as a strong trial lawyer and a pleasing and logical advocate. Dur- ing the period of his practice, he has been associated as counsel, or at- torney of record, with several of the most important cases tried in our courts, and enjoys the pleasant distinction of having obtained the lar- gest judgment ever ordered in Broome county (Dunn, as receiver, vs. O'Connor, assignee of Ross & Sons), the amount of which was $166,- 227 34 Another important case was that of Turner vs. The Trustees of the N. Y. State Inebriate asylum, in which Mr. Millard was retained by the defense, and was successful. The action was tried in the U. S. 364 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Circuit court, before Justice Blatchford. In the Delong murder trial he was senior counsel to District Attorney Curtiss. He successfully defended Lewis Furman, also charged with murder. In 1883-85 and again in 1885-87 Mr. Millard represented his district in congress, having been twice elected as the candidate of the Republican party. His record in the house of representatives was entirely satisfactory to his district, and he was regarded by his political associates as a valuable member of that legislative body. He secured the passage of an act appropriating $150,000 for the Federal building in this city. In 1888 he was a delegate to the National Republican convention which nomi- nated Gen. Harrison for the presidency. On December 27, 1871, Mr. Millard married Helen J., daughter of Abel Bennett. Three sons, Norman B. , Stephen C. and Richmond Millard, were born of this mar- riage. Alexander De Witt Wales, who is known as one of the most forcible and thorough trial lawyers now at the bar in this city, was born in Liberty, Sullivan county, December 16, 1848. He was the son of Blake and Adeline (De Witt) Wales, his father being well remembered in the city, where the later years of his life were spent. Alexander (he is better known to our bar as A. De AVitt Wales) passed his youth in New York city, where he attended school, but about 1864 his parents removed to Delaware. In the fall of 1869 he entered the University Law school, and was admitted to practice in New York in 1871. The same year he located in this city and has since been a member of the Broome county bar, and one of its best representatives. He was clerk of the board of supervisors in 1876, and corporation counsel from 1878 to 1886. Politically Mr. Wales is a Democrat, and perhaps the strong- est exponent of his party's principles in the county. As a public speaker, or as an advocate before the jury, his manner is easy, his utterances forcible, and his reasoning always sound and logical. He occasionally has been the nominee of his party for high public office, when it was hoped his professional and personal popularity might turn the scale of contest in a county and congressional district which were almost hopelessly Republican. On July 30, 1876, Mr. Wales married Lizzie H. Hart, daughter of Charles G. Hart, and granddaughter of the late venerable Dr. Paddock, of the M. E. church. Of this marriage six children were born. Jerome De Witt was born in Nicholson, Pa., February 15, 1845, and was the eldest of seven children of Evi and Annie E. (Wilson) De Witt. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 365 In 1847 the family removed to New Milford, Susquehanna county, where Evi De Witt was a farmer. Jerome lived on the home farm until 18G8, and was educated in the common schools of the town, and also in New Milford academy, Gibson academy and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In 1868 he came to Binghamton and read law one year in the office of William Barrett, a like term with Judge Griswold, and about six months with Judge Loomis. At the Albany county General Term in February, 1871, he was admitted to practice. Soon afterward the law firm of Scoville & De Witt was formed and was continued until Mr. Scoville's death in June, 1890. Since that time Mr. De Witt has practiced without a partner. He is known throughout the county as a good lawyer and safe counselor, and equally well known as a loyal, straightforward citizen. He is a firm Democrat, but previous to his election to the mayoralty did not take an active part in city politics. For twelve years he was treasurer of the Binghamton State hospital. In 1871 he became a member of Ex- celsior H. & L. Co. No. 1, and was connected with the fire department until about three years ago. In the truck company he was assistant foreman, was three times elected foreman, and in the department was second assistant, first assistant, and chief engineer, holding the latter position two years. He was one of the first fire commissioners in 1888 under the act creating the board. He served two years and was then reappointed and served until May 26, 1890, when he resigned. Mr. De Witt was elected mayor in November, 1897, defeating George E. Green, the Republican candidate. In 1892 Jerome De Witt married Ida Brougham, of Newark Valley. David H. Carver, was born in the town of Union, March 19, 1843. He was educated in the district schools, Susquehanna seminary, Cort- land academy, and Hamilton college, graduating at the latter in 1871. He was also a Hamilton law graduate in 1875, receiving the degree of LL. D. He read law with Chapman & Martin and was ad- mitted to practice in 1875. During his practice Mr. Carver has been a member of the law firms of Johnson & Carver, Carver & Deyo, Carver, Deyo & Jenkins, and also of the present firm of Carver & Deyo. He served six years as member of the board of education, and was two years its president. In November, 1880, he was elected district attorney and served three years. Lewis C. Aldrich was born in Binghamton, March 25, 1851, the youngest of three sons of Solomon Aldrich. He was educated in 366 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, the village select and district schools, Binghamton academy and also the city high school, graduating at the latter in 1869. For a time he was connected with the Binghamton Republicaa, as reporter, after which he read law with Richards & Sessions. He was admitted to practice in November, 1873. In 1875 he was elected city clerk, serving one year. In 1878 he left the profession and afterward engaged in his- torical work. Walter M, Hand was born in Binghamton August 9, 1851, and was educated at the Binghamton academy, from which he was graduated in 1867. He then took a special preparatory course of study and entered Hamilton in 18(58, and was graduated in 1872. He read law with Peter W. Hopkins, and was admitted to practice in January, 1876. From that to the present time Mr. Hand has been an attorney of this city. While contrary to the policy of this work to discuss at length the per- sonal characteristics or legal attainments of any but the older members of the city bar, the writer nevertheless ventures the assertion, which is confirmed by the common expression of the profession, that Mr. Hand is the fortunate possessor of one of the best legal minds in Broome county. Had he aspired to political advancement judicial honors un- doubtedly would have been his reward. In Masonic circles he has standing of prominence, being master of Binghamton lodge No. 177 in 1897, high priest of Binghamton chapter No. 139 in 1898, district deputy grand master for the twenty- eighth Masonic district, comprising the counties of Broome and Chenango, 1898 to 1900, and received the thirty third degree at Boston, Mass., in September 1897. John P. Wheeler came to the city to practice law in September, 1896, but for a period of twenty years previous to that time he resided and had an office in Whitney's Point. About the time mentioned (1896) Mr. Wheeler was engaged as leading counsel for the defense in the somewhat noted Thurston murder trial, and after two long, tedious and somewhat heated legal contests, he secured a final victory for his client; and while he secured very little money compensation for his services in that case, he was nevertheless otherwise rewarded in having gained a reputation as a criminal lawyer second to none at the Broome county bar. But, whether in the trial of civil or criminal cases, Mr. Wheeler is regarded as one of our strong lawyers. He was born in Oxford, December 21, 1846, and spent his early life on his father's farm. His education was acquired in the Oxford academy, after which he taught ten terms of school in Chenango county, and also after having reached FRANCIS W. DOWNS. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 367 his majority managed the home farm. In 1873 he began reading law with Judge D wight H. Clarke, and finished his course with James W. Glover of^Oxford. In May, 1876, he was admitted to the bar, and in November following he opened an office in the enterprising village of Whitney's Point, in the northern part of this county. While there Mr. Wheeler's practice was general to the profession, and he also served six years as police justice of the village. He is an ardent Republican, but has not sought political preferment. He was a delegate to the Re- publican state conventions of 1893 and 1895. Francis W. Downs, more familiarly known in professional and social circles as Judge Downs, was a native of Ithaca, born February 9, 1850. In 1854 he came to live in Binghamton. He was educated in the union schools, and the parochial school connected with the parish of St. Pat- rick's church, after which he was for a time a student in the Cortland Normal school. Still later he taught four years in the district schools of this county, and in 1875 began a course of law study in the office of T. F. McDonald. In September, 1878, at a general term of the Su- preme court held at Saratoga, he was admitted to practice law. The law firm of McDonald & Downs was formed in 1878 and was continued until 1884. It was succeeded in January, 1885, by the firm of Downs & Smith, the latter being still in existence and well known in the south- ern tier.' Judge Downs is known throughout New York state as a firm and thorough Democrat, and in many hotly contested campaigns his voice has been heard in our large cities. He enjoys the reputation of being a pleasing and forcible public speaker, and as a banquet orator has few equals in the city. Although closely identified with the polit- ical history of Broome county for a period of nearly twenty years. Judge Downs has never been a candidate for an elective office. He was city clerk in 1881, elected by the common council and in 1883 was in the like manner elected city recorder. He was twice re elected, serving in all twelve years ; and it is a common remark in business circles that Judge Downs was one of the most capable public officials the city ever had in the recorder's chair. Judge Downs is loyal to Binghamton and believes in promoting its interests. He is the owner of a large tract of land on the western border, which he is constantly developing with the intention to erect one hundred dwellings. In allusion to the proprietor the locality is called " Downsville." He was at one time one of the trustees of the Binghamton State hospital, and also of the City hospital. He is now a trustee of St. Mary's home. 368 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Augustus Babcock, senior partner of the law firm of Babcock, Sperry & VanCleve, was born at Scranton, Pa , October 7, 1855. His mother having died when he was only one week old, Augustus was brought up in the family of his uncle, Gardner J. Babcock, of Harford. He at- tended the district school and also the Harford graded school, and after he came to Binghamton in the spring of 1873 he finished his early edu- cation in our Central High school, where he was graduated in 1876. He then read law with Edward K. Clark, was admitted to the bar in January, 1880, and then became partner with his legal tutor, under the firm style of Clark, Brown & Babcock. He retired from the partner- ship in 1883 and became partner with Thomas A. Harroun, under the name of Babcock & Harroun. In January, 1889, the firm became Bab- cock & Sperry, and soon afterward, Babcock, Sperry & Van Cleve, as now known, although Mr. Van Cleve is confidential clerk to Judge Lyon, while Mr. Babcock himself is partially out of professional work and is publisher of " The Independent," a clean, well conducted weekly newspaper, devoted particularly to the advocacy of measures relating to labor subjects, and generally to the good order and welfare of our city. In the profession Mr. Babcock was known as an earnest conscientious lawyer, and in his journalistic venture his old legal char- acte istics are still apparent. His connection with the Independent be- gan about December 1, 1898. George Boughton Curtiss was a native of Mt. Morris, Livingston county, born September 16, 1852, and was the son of George and Hulda (Boughton) Curtiss, the father being the son of General Roselle Curtiss, a pioneer lumberman and land surveyor in the Genesee valley. Gen- eral Curtiss' father was an English sea captain who settled in Royal- ton, Vt., in which historic locality he, also, was a pioneer. Of Captain Curtiss, or his antecedents, little is now known, but he is believed to have been Elias Curtiss, whose property \vas destroyed by the Indians at the burning of Royalton, October 16, 1780. In 1856 George Curtiss left the Genesee valley and settled in McHenry county. 111., where he was a farmer. He enlisted and served in the 127th Illinois Infantry until July, 1863, when he died of fever in front of Vicksburg, Miss. The young life of George B. Curtiss was spent on a farm, attending district school in the winter and working the farm in the summer. For two years he attended an academic school at Marengo, 111., during which time he determined to enter the legal profession, although cir- cumstances compelled him to pursue other avocations for several years. GEORGE B. CURTISS. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 369 In the early part of 1875 he became a student in the Northwestern Business college at Madison, Wis., from which institution he was grad- uated in September following. He then returned to Illinois and taught penmanship in an academic school at Elgin, and also taught a school opened by himself at Woodstock. In the spring of 1876 he was engaged by Daniel W. Lowell as professor of the penmanship depart- ment in Lowell's Easiness college at Binghamton, and on April 22 of that year he came to reside in this city. He was connected with the college four years, and during that time devoted his leisure to the study of law in the office of Hotchkiss & Millard, and afterward with A. Ue Witt Wales ; and at the same time he took a special course of study in the sciences under the instruction of Prof. A. E. Magoris of the B. C. H. S. At the General Term of the Supreme court held at Ithaca in May, 1880, he was admitted to practice law in this state. In 1880 Mr. Curtiss opened an office for law practice in this city. Three years later he was elected district attorney of Broome county, and was re-elected at the end of his first term, serving in all six years. In 1886 the law firm of Arms & Curtiss was formed and was continued to January 1, 1889, when the senior partner became county judge and surrogate. Mr. Curtiss' next partner was W. W. Newell, with whom he was asso- ciated from 1892 to 1896; since that time he has practiced alone. In connection with Mr. Curtiss' early practice and his election to the dis- trict attorneyship so soon after his admission to the bar were one or two unusual circumstances in the political history of the county. The young man had no acquaintance whatever in Binghamton when he came to the city in 1876 as professor of penmanship in Lowell's college. This employment occupied one-half of each school day throughout the period, and an evening session during winter terms, but notwithstand- ing that, he found time to complete a course of law study and gain admission to the bar, and also to thoroughly equip himself with a knowledge of the sciences. With these duties to engage his attention, and without the opportunity to become well acquainted with the people of the county, it was something unusual that Mr. Curtiss should have been elected district attorney in a county where a wide acquiantance with both man and methods is generally essential in order to secure political advancement; but his old legal tutors say that his election was only the deserved recognition of his capacity, and that his conduct of the office was convincing evidence that the confidence of the Republi- cans of the county had not been misplaced. During the six years of 24 370 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, his incumbency, District Attorney Curtiss conducted 120 criminal pros ecutions, of which only thirteen were decided against him ; and never during the period was an indictment set aside through defect in its preparation. Other and still higher political honors have been within his reach, but he has not sought or accepted them. The last fifteen years of his life have been too closely occupied with other studies and other thoughts. His study of the sciences and the economic principles of our government during earlier years was beginning to yield its fruit; the germ had developed into organism, and with the plain cause and effect of changes in our National political system regarding the tariff, as evidenced by the administrations of opposing parties in power, the country was in need of an authoritative work treating on this all-impor- tant subject. Mr. Curtiss' "Protection and Prosperity" was put in circulation in 1896, when the presidential campaign of that year was at its height, and when the tariff question was the paramount subject of discussion; but, unfortunately for the best results to the author, the " Free Silver plank " in the Democratic platform turned the tide of dis- cussion to our National financial standard, and for the time relegated the tariff to a position of secondary importance. The present writer ventures no personal opinion regarding " Protection and Prosperity; " the subject is far beyond his depth, but he rests content wi!:h the pub- lished expression of such distinguished tariff masters as McKinley, Reed, Morton, Prof. Gunton (editor of "American Economics and Po- litical Science "), Lord Mashman (the eminent English protectionist and political economist), and a host of others versed in the doctrine of protection. As a lawyer at the bar of Broome county George B. Cur- tiss stands in the front rank, having been tried and found true. He has been associated as counsel in some of the most important cases tried in our courts, and with remarkable success. His manner is fear- less, and at times aggressive, and his reasoning is always sound and logical. This much may be said of the man without transgressing any of the proprieties. In July, 1898, he was appointed counsel for the Binghamton State hospital, and in September of the same year was appointed attorney for the Binghamton Street Railroad company. On May 1, 1880, George B. Curtiss married Mary D., daughter of Calvin and Elizabeth Bliss of Lisle. Two daughters have been born to them. Winthrop D. Painter, district attorney of Broome county from Janu- ary 1, 1890, to December 31, 1895, came to the bar in this city in May, 1880, as a graduate of the law office of Chapman & Lyon. Mr. Painter GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 371 is a native of Weymouth, Medina county, Ohio, and was born June 2, 1852. His early education was acquired in the Weymouth village schools, and also at Oberlin college, where he graduated in 1887. After- ward, for a time, he was a teacher in Grand Traverse college, Benzonia, Mich., and in 1878 came to this city and became a law student in Chap- man & Lyon's office. Throughout the period of his residence in Bing- hamton, Mr. Painter has been a factor in the political history of the county, and his election to the district attorneyship in the fall of 1889, and again in 1892, was both a reward for party service and a recognition of his legal attainments. He was at one time a member and secretary of the county committee; was twice elected president of the Grant club, and was a member of the executive committee of the Republican State league. The present legal firm of Lyon, Painter & Hinman was formed January 1, 1896. Previous to that date, and after January, 1887, Mr. Painter practiced without a partner, and prior to opening an office for himself, he was for several years in the employ of Chapman & Lyon as managing clerk. On June 29, 1881, Mr. Painter married Jennie, daugh- ter of the late Harry Lyon. Henry L. Beach, official stenographer of our County court, and also stenographer to Justice Lyon of the Supreme court, is a native of Springfield, Otsego county, born April 10, 1855, and is the son of the late Ephraini Ogden Beach, a civil engineer and farmer during his life- time. The young life of Henry L. Beach was spent on his father's farm, and he" was educated in the district schools, the East Springfield seminary and also in an academic school at Montclair, N. J. In 1876 he went to Ithaca and became a student of stenography in the office of the late William O. Wyckoff, then an official court reporter. At the same time he read law with Frank E. Tibbitts, of Ithaca. In the spring of 1879 he came to Binghamton and was employed as stenogra- pher in the law office of Chapman & Lyon, and at the same time he continued his course of law study ; and at a General Term of the Supreme court held at Saratoga in September, 1881, he was admitted to practice law. Very soon afterward the law firm of Hotchkiss, Crandall & Beach was formed and was continued about one year, when Mr. Crandall re- moved from the city and Mr. Hotchkiss was elected city justice of the peace. Mr. Beach then practiced alone, but chiefly devoted his atten- tion to reporting. Afterward he was for a time in Chapman & Lyon's office and still later with Mr. Curtiss, when, in December, 1886, he was appointed Supreme court stenographer. His appointment as County 372 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT. court stenographer dates from 1879. Both of these positions Mr. Beach still holds, and he is regarded by the bench and the bar in the counties in which his service is required as one of the most competent and accu- rate reporters in the state. However, Mr. Beach has by no means abandoned law practice, as he is frequently appointed referee to hear and determine important cases ; and occasionally his name appears on the calendar as attorney of record. Although not constantly engaged in practice, he is regarded by the bar generally as a lawyer of excellent capacity. He is especially well equipped mentally for the reference work, in which his long experience as reporter has proved an excellent school. He never reported an important cause without closely follow- ing its course even to the court of final resort; and all the legal princi- ples therein enunciated are firmly fixed in his mind. Naturally he is studious, thoughtful and observing; his expressions are conservative, yet logical. This is the common sentiment of the bar. Outside of the profession and his official position, Mr. Beach takes an earnest interest in business affairs. To a limited extent he is a farmer and hop grower in Otsego county, and in this city he is president of the Ogden Brick company. Since 1877 he has been an active member of the State Sten- ographic association, and was its president in 1889-90. INIr. Beach's wife with whom he married August 37, 1879, was Edith L., daughter of Mark C. Carroll of East Springfield, N. Y. Fremont F. Williams has been a member of the bar of this county since 1882. He acquired his early legal education in the office of Judge uell, of Cortland, also in the offices of William J. Ludden and Edward K. Clark, of this city, and was admitted to practice at a General Term of the Supreme court held at Saratoga in September, 1882. Mr. Will- iams is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Scottsville, Wyoming county, April 28, 1855, the son of Sinton Williams, and the grandson of Abra- ham Williams, the latter a native of Wales and a pioneer in the historic Wyoming valley. During his youth, Fremont F. Williams came to Windsor, this county, and was brought up in the family of his uncle, Neri Blatchley, a prominent man of that town, former supervisor, member of assembly, at one time principal of the school in Binghamton, and also the patentee of the celebrated " Blatchley plow. " Fremont attended the Windsor schools and also was given private instruction by his uncle. Later on he was a student in the Cortland Normal school, but having determined to enter the legal profession, he began the study of law with Judge Duell and afterward continued it in this city, as GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 373 above mentioned. In professional circles Mr. Williams is known as a careful, painstaking and conscientious lawyer, well equipped mentally for all the duties of his calling. Politically he is a Republican but takes no active part in public affairs. He is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and takes an especial interest in Sunday school work. A. Perry Fish was born in Susquehanna county, Pa., April 15, 1856, and was the son of Rev. A. H. and Sarah N. (Vance) Fish, his father being a clergyman of the Baptist church. He was a grandson of Dr. Rufus Fish, a sturdy Vermont Yankee and a pioneer in northern Penn- sylvania, settling at Great Bend in 1707. Perry (the entire city bar knows him best as Perry Fish) was educated at the Keystone academy, Lackawanna county, Pa., and Lake View institute, of Susquehanna county. Pa., after which he completed a course in Hillsdale college, in Michigan, where he was graduated in 1875. He then taught school five years, and in 1880 began reading law with A. De Witt Wales, of this city, and in November, 1883, he was admitted to practice. The law firm of Wales, Hand & Fish was formed in 1883, and continued to 1891. Mr. Fish then practiced alone until 1894 when he formed a part- nership with F. S. Anderson, and later with E. A. Randall, the firm of Fish & Randall which continued until September, 1897, when P. H. Reed became his law partner forming the firm of Fish & Reed which still exists. Perry Fish is one of our active, bright attorneys and has ac- quired a deserved prominence as a criminal lawyer and as a practitioner in bankruptcy. He is a strong Republican, and both his influence and voice have been factors in city and county politics for the last twelve or fifteen years. Israel T. Deyo has been an active member of the city bar since 1883, and is known as an earnest, industrious and thorough lawyer, with a direct, straightforward way of reaching out for facts that is decidedly refreshing, and reminds the older practitioners of Mr. Collier's charac- teristic way, and also something of George Bartlett's style of handling a case. In one respect, at least, Mr. Deyo reminds us of Mr. Dickin- son, as he has an especial contempt for all knaving and sham, whether in the profession or the still broader field of politics. As the represent- ative of this county in the legislature from 1890-1893, inclusive, Mr. Deyo's public service was conspicuous and honorable alike to the county and to himself. In this brief sketch, which is designed to be entirely professional, we are not at liberty to comment at length concerning 374 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, members of the present bar, hence must be content with the above statements. An extended sketch of Mr. Deyo's professional and polit- ical career would require at least a chapter of this work. Mr. Deyo was born in the town of Union, this county, in the locality called for his family " Deyo Hill," January 28, 1856, and was the son of Richard and Caroline (Acker) Deyo. His early education was acquired in the district schools of the town, and it was not until 1870 that he had an opportunity to attend the city high school; and even then he walked the entire distance of three miles from his home on Deyo Hill to the city twice every day during the fall and winter terms of school. He was graduated from the Binghamton High school in 1875, and was the valedictorian of his class. He then entered Amherst college and was graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1879. For the next year and a half Mr. Deyo was principal of the Whitne3"'s Point academy, after which he was a teacher in the Cortland Normal school. In the meantime, however, he began reading law and in May, 1882, gave his entire time to that study in the office of David. H. Carver, in this city. In January, 1883, he was admitted to practice, and two years later became partner with Mr. Carver, under the firm style of Carver & Deyo. The firm subsequently became Carver, Deyo & Jenkins, but in 1899 the original name was restored. Mr. Deyo loves his profession, but not because he loves litigation it- self. He is the confidential C3unsel of many of our largest corporations and other business concerns and prides himself on his success in keep- ing his clients free from litigation. He regards a law suit as a last re- sort for protecting or securing a right. But once involved he is an aggressive and uncompromising champion, when vital principles are in- volved. Such is the character of the man in his legal work. His mind is both studious and practical. The quiet, thoughtful determination which led him to obtain, almost unaided, a college education, also led him quite naturally into the legal learning of the past, and made the first impulse of his mind to search for principles rather than expedients. Almiron M. Sperry, former clerk of the Surrogate's court and at present in active practice as one of the law firm of Babcock, Sperry & Van Cleve, was born in Castle Creek, this county, January 9, 1859, and was the son of Rev. Aaron C. and Abigail (Culver) Sperry, his father being a clergyman of the M. E. church. Almiron was educated in the district schools, the Binghamton Central High school, Cazenovia semin- ary, and also a seminary at Kingston, Pa. He then became a clerk in GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 375 J. P. Griffin's store in Whitney's Point, but soon afterward began the study of law in David L. Maxfield's office. After about a year he came to this city and continued his studies with David H. Carver, and was admitted to practice at the Albany county General Term in January, 1883. He began practice in Whitney's Point, but in 1884 he was ap- pointed clerk of the Surrogate's court, under Judge Edwards, upon which he removed to this city. Mr. Sperry was connected with the surrogate's office about five years, after which, in 1889, he became partner with Augustus Babcock in the law firm of Babcock & Sperry. Mr. Van Cleve came into the firm in the latter part of the same year, upon which the style changed to Babcock, Sperry & Van Cleve. This name still stands, although the senior partner is now engaged in jour- nalistic work, while Mr. Van Cleve is confidential secretary to Judge Lyon. Thus the honors of the legal work of the firm have devolved on Mr. Sperry, who, among members of the bar is known as a thorough, competent and conscientious lawyer. Mr. Sperry's wife, whom he married January 20, 1883, was Nora E., daughter of John Bixby, of Whitney's Point. They have two children. Charles H. Hitchcock was born in Binghamton, November 12, 1857, and was the son of Henry S. and Mary J. (Smith) Hitchcock. Henry S. Hitchcock is remembered as one of our old village merchants, hav- ing been partner with F. T. Newell in a grocery and provision store previous to 1860. He was the son of Simon C. Hitchcock, who came here from Cazenovia in 1855 and died in 1878. Charles was educated in our city schools, and was graduated at the B. C. H. S. in 1875; then entered Hamilton college and was graduated in 1879. The next two years he spent in teaching in the DeGarno institute at Rhinebeck, after which he read law with Millard & Stewart, in this city, and was admitted to practice in January, 1884. From that until the present time, with brief exceptions. Major Hitchcock (he is best known by that title) has been a practicing attorney of Binghamton. One of the excep- tional periods just referred to was in 1886, when he spent six months in Illinois, in the capacity of legislative reporter for the Illinois State Journal, and the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. The second exceptional period covered nearly one year's service in the late Spanish-American war, as captain of Co. H., 1st N. Y. Vols. He served with his regi- ment at Camp Black, Fort Columbus, New York harbor, at the Presi- dio of San Francisco and Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands. At the latter station he served for some months as a member of a general court mar- 376 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, tial and as president of a board of officers to investigate claims of citi- zens for damages accruing from property occupied for military pur- poses. Major Hitchcock's military career began in' 1882 as private in the 20th separate company, N. G., N. Y., and includes active service in the switchmen's strike of 1892. He was steadily promoted through the several grades, and attained his present rank of major in the 1st regiment of infantry, N. G., N. Y., March 17, 1899. As a lawyer Major Hitchcock has been connected with a number of important cases, and has served as attorney for the board of health for several years. The system of records and rules of procedure now in force in the health office was devised by him in collaboration with Dr. D. vS. Burr. Eldon R. Carver was born in the town of Union, February 23, 1858, and was the son of Richard and Angeline (Johnson) Carver. Richard Carver was born in the Hudson River valley, but previous to his settle- ment in this county, about 1840, he spent several years in the lead mines of Michigan. Eldon was brought up on a farm and was educated in the Binghamton High s.hool, Albany academy and Amherst college, having graduated at the latter institution in 1881. He read law with David H. Carver and Benajah S. Curran, and was admitted to practice in January, 1884. Mr. Carver has always practiced in this city. He is a Republican but not active in politics. He was clerk of the city civil service commission for several years. S. Mack vSmith was born in Union, this county, September 30, 1863, and was the fourth of six children in the family of Francis B. and Paul- ine (Woughter) Smith. F. B. Smith, the father, was also a native of Union, and was descended from Vermont revolutionary stock. His grandfather was one of the pioneers of Union. F. B. Smith was for many years a practicing lawyer in Union and is remembered as one of the leading attorneys of the county in his time. Had he located at the county ssat he wjuld have been recognized as a leader of the city bar. S. Mack Smith, the only son of F. B. Smith to enter the profession, (with the exception of John D., now practicing in New York), was educated in the Union public schools and also the Central High school of this city. He read law in his father's office, and was admitted to practice in 1885, at the September General Term of the Supreme court, held in Binghamton. Mr. Smith practiced in Union until Jan- uary 1, 1890, when he removed to the city. He was town clerk m Union in 1885, and on January 1, 1880, began a four years term as village GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 377 postmaster. Of course he is a Democrat, strong and true, and was reared under the influence of a Democratic father, and one of the lead- ers of his party in the county. In the fall of 1889 S. Mack Smith was the nominee of his party for the district attorneyship. On April 1, 1894, the law firm of Smith & Rogers was formed and was continued to October 1, 1898. In January, of the year last mentioned, Mr. Smith was elected city recorder, and took the office January 1, 1899. On November 26, 1890, Mr. Smith married Luella E., daughter of Theo- dore C. Peck ; of this marriage one child has been born. Robert B. Richards was born in Binghamton, May 3, 1861, and was the eldest of three sons of Dan S. Richards, the latter one of the oldest practicing lawyers of the city and the grandson of one of the earliest settlers on the Boston purchase. Robert was educated in the union schools of the city and was graduated from the B. C. H. S. in 1882. He also took an extra preparatory course, but did not enter college. He read law in his father's office and at Syracuse in November, 1887, was admitted to practice; in June, 1897, he was admitted to practice in the United States Circuit and District courts. The law firm of D. S. & R. B. Richards was formed in 1887, and was continued until about 1897, when the senior member retired from active professional work. Mr. Richards is one of the active young members of the city bar, and is also a prominent figure in local Democratic political circles. He was for three years chairman of the city board of excise, and has at- tended as a delegate the State Democratic convention. However, he has no strong inclination for political preferment. On October 15, 1895, Mr. Richards was married to Harriet E., daughter of Edward B. Avery of Utica. James H. Roberts was born in Mt. Pleasant, Cal., June 34, 18G0. He was the eldest son of six children of James and Content E. (Coon) Roberts. In 1851 James Roberts left Scranton, Pa , and located on the Pacific coast, where he was lumberman, miner and hydraulic power operator for a period of about twenty years. He then returned to the east and settled in Windsor, Broome county. He was killed by acci- dent in this city a few years ago. James H. Roberts was educated in the Windsor academy, and was graduated at the State Normal school at Ypsilanti, Mich., in 1881. He entered Hamilton college in 1882, and was graduated with the class of 1886, receiving the degree of A.B. He then came to Binghamton and read law in the office of Chapman & Lyon, and was admitted to practice at the Onondaga county General 378 BINGHAMTON iTvS SETTLEMENT, Term in November, 1887. In the following year Mr. Roberts formed a law partnership with Charles F. O'Brien, under the style of Roberts & O'Brien, which firm relation was continued until January 1, 1895, when the senior partner became city recorder. He resigned the office December 20, 1897, and oa February 23, 1898, was appointed post- master at Binghamton. The present law firm of Roberts, Tuthill & Rogers was formed January 1, 1899. Throughout the period of his residence in this city, Mr. Roberts has been an active figure in Broome county Republican politics. His faithfulness to the party and his earnest efforts in its behalf during these years have been rewarded in his political advancement to the postmastership. He was for three years the attorney and clerk of the city board of excise. On July 1, 1891, James H. Roberts married Jennie K., daughter of HoUis Row- land, of Sherburne, N. Y. Four children have been born of this mar- riage. Harry Fred Lyon was born in Binghamton, October 4, 1863, and was the son of Harry and Pamelia (Livermore) Lyon. He was educated in the city schools, and also took a special preparatory course under the private instruction of Allan M. North. Failing health, however, com- pelled Mr. Lyon to abandon the idea of a college course. In 1893 he began reading law in the office of Chapman & Lyon, and on April 19, 1888, he was admitted to the bar. He practiced in the office of Chap- man & Lyon and his brother, George F. Lyon, until September 1, 1893, and afterward alone until January 1, 1896, when the law firm of Lyon, Painter & Hinman was formed, and succeeded to the practice neces- sarily discontinued by Judge Lyon when he went on the bench of the Supreme court. In the supervisor's session of 1885-86 Mr. Lyon was clerk of the board. William F. Van Cleve was born in Irvington, N. J., March 19, 1856, and in 1864 moved with his father's family to Binghamton. He was educated in the ward schools and the B. C. H. S. of this city, and in 1872 began work in H. E. & A. E. Smith's shoe factory. He left the shop in 1885 and for about a year sold goods "on the road." In 1887- 88 he was assistant postmaster under Edward H. Freeman, and during that time devoted his leisure to the study of law in the office of Babcock & Harroun, practicing attorneys of the city. At the September Gen- eral Term of the Supreme court held in Binghamton in 1889, he was admitted to practice. Soon afterward he became a member of the law firm of Babcock, Sperry & Van Cleve, which firm succeeded Babcock GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 379 & Harroun. The partnership above mentioned was continued until May 1, 1898, when Mr. Van Cleve retired to enter upon the perform- ance of his duties as confidential clerk to Justice Lyon, of the Supreme court. This opportunity was indeed a compliment to Mr. Van Cleve's legal capacity, especially when we remember that he is a firm Demo- crat, while Judge Lyon has ever been an equally strong Republican. Mr. Van Cleve was the candidate of his party for the county judgeship against Judge Arms in 1894, but in Broome county such nominations on the Democratic side are generally made more in recognition of the professional standing of the nominee rather than the hope of success at the polls. From September, 1896, to September, 1898, Mr. Van Cleve was a member of the city board of education. Robert Swan Parsons, of the law firm of Perkins & Parsons, is a na- tive of Barker, Broome county, born May 8, 1867, and is the son of the late Joseph Stoddard Parsons, the latter being remembered as one of the prominent men of that town for many years, a farmer and stock dealer. For several years he was engaged in the lumber business in Syracuse. Robert is also the grandson of the late Col. Lorenzo Par- sons of Barker, and the great-grandson of Jacob Parsons, the pioneer and one of the proprietors of the Boston purchase; his settlement on that historic tract dating 1789. Robert spent his young life on the home farm and he was educated in the common schools, and also the Whitney's Point academy, graduating from the latter in 1886. He then went to northwestern Iowa, where he engaged in cattle ranching nearly a year, but returning home he entered Cornell university in the fall of 1887, taking the law course and graduating in 1889. During his uni- versity course, and for a year after graduation, Mr. Parsons devoted his vacation periods to the study of law under the preceptorship of Stephen C. Millard. He was admitted to practice at the General Term of the Supreme court held in Syracuse in May, 1890. He became a resident lawyer of this city in the latter part of the same year, occupying an office with Mr. Perkins (the present ot^cesof the firm) until 1891, when the legal partnership of Perkins & Parsons was formed. In professional and business circles Mr. Parsons is known as a capable, energetic and trustworthy lawyer, and generally in the city he is regarded as one of the leaders of the younger element of the county bar. He is known, too, as a staunch Republican, taking an active interest in county and city politics, though not for his own advancement. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a past master of Otseningo lodge. 380 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Albert S. Barnes was born in Franklin, Delaware county, January 13, 1869, and was the son of Willard and Caroline (Sullard) Barnes. He was educated in the Delaware Literary institute at Franklin, from which institution he graduated in 1889. He obtained a state scholar- ship at Cornell university, from the law school of which he graduated in 1891 with a degree of LL.B. He read law with Lewis F. Raymond, of Franklin, and was admitted to practice in September, 1891, at Utica. On October 1st of the same year he came to Binghamton. He practiced about a year with Geo. W. Penrie, and in 1893 he was managing clerk for Carver, Deyo & Jenkins, In October, 1897, the present law firm of Barnes & Flint was formed. Mr. Barnes is one of the active young members of the city bar, and is prominent in Republican political cir- cles. He was elected justice of the peace in February, 1803, serving from January, 1894 to 1900, his term having been extended one year under an act of amending the city charter. On October 30, 1895, Mr. Barnes married Katherine L., daughter of Henry C. Hermans, of this city. James T. Rogers has been a member of the county bar since the early part of 1894, yet during his comparatively brief residence in the city he has attained standing of enviable prominence in the legal profession and also in political and social circles. He is known as a young law3'er of ability, a strong advocate and a political debater of much pro nise. His qualities have been recognized in the county, and his election to places of trust and responsibility are a merited reward. Mr. Rogers was born in the town of Owego, April 18, 1864, and is the son of the late Dr. C. R Rogers, of Newark Valley. Dr. Rogers is well remembered by the older medical practitioners of this county as a physician of the village of Whitney's Point, where he lived several years. At one time he was president of the Broome County Medical society. After leaving the Point Dr. Rogers resumed practice in Tioga county, and was a resident of Newark Valley at the time of his death, in April, 1897. The young life of James T. Rogers was spent in Whitney's Point, where he was educated in the academic school, and after his father returned to Tioga county the son attended the public school in Newark Valley and also the Free academy in Owego. In the latter vil- lage, on leaving school, he was employed in the post-office, first as clerk, but was afterward promoted to the position of assistant postmaster, which he filled five years. In 1889 he began reading law with Judge Mead, and at the same time was clerk of the Surrogate's court of Tioga GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 381 county. In 18!»1 he entered the law department of Cornell university, and was graduated with the degree of LL.B. in June, 1893. Previous to the completion of his law course at Cornel], in September, 1892, Mr. Rogers was admitted to practice. His first legal service was a clerk- ship in the law firm of White & Cheney, of Syracuse, where he remained until March, 1894, when he located for practice in Binghamton. His first law partner was S. Mack Smith, with whom he was associated un- til October 1, 1898, when the copartnership was dissolved, Mr. vSmith having been elected city recorder. In December following, the present firm of Roberts, Tuthill & Rogers was formed. In 1895 Mr. Rogers was appointed police attorney of the city and served in that capacity until March, 1898. In September of the latter year he was nominated by the Republican convention of the First or Eastern district of Broome county as its candidate for the assembly. He was elected by a a gratifying majority over all opposing candidates. In the legislature Mr. Rogers proved to be a worthy representative of our county's inter- ests. The " City Court " bill was framed by him, and under his care was enacted into a law. Rollin W. Meeker, former legal associate and graduate of the office of the late Senator O'Connor, came to the bar in 1892, and has since been closely identified with the profession, both in the city and county. He also has been and still is a conspicuous figure in Broome county Re- publican politics, though his office holdings have been limited to a brief term as police attorney of the city in 1895. Counselor Meeker prefers professional rather than political prominence, hence devotes himself closely to legal work. Since his admission to the bar he has been the attorney in many important litigations, including an action to set aside a mortgage of $150,800 on the property of Erastus Ross, former presi- dent of the Merchants bank. He successfully instituted and prosecuted mandamus proceedings against the board of street commissioners of the city of Binghamton, to compel the appointment of a veteran to the po- sition of superintendent of streets, which was the first case of its kind in the state. He has organized and is the attorney for many local corpora- tions. Mr. Meeker was born in the town of Binghamton, Decem- ber 25, 1870, and is the son of Eli S. and Samantha (Morgan) Meeker, his father having been a well-known business man of the town and city of Binghamton for many years. Mr. Meeker was educated in our pub- lic schools, and also under private instruction. He read law with Ed- mund O'Connor, and on February 5, 1892, was admitted to practice. He is regarded as one of our young lawyers of excellent promise. 382 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Maurice E. Page was born in Triangle, Broome county, December 24, 1860. He is the son and the second of five children of Cyrus and Marcia (Eldredge) Page. Cyrus Page is the son of the late Solo- mon Page, the latter being the son of John Page, the pioneer, who came from Litchfield, Conn., in the early part of the present century and settled in the locality known as Page Brook in the town of Trian- gle. Maurice lived on the home farm until he attained his majority. He was educated in the district school, the Whitney's Point academy, where he graduated in ISS"^, and also in Amherst college, graduating at the latter in 1886. He always took high rank in his classes and for superior attainments in his college course was elected to membership in the PJii Beta Kappa society. After graduation from college he was principal of Whitney's Point academy one year, the Trumansburg acad- emy two years and of the Union school and academy at Greene three years. In the early part of 1892 he began reading law with Eugene Clinton, esq., of Greene, and in August of the same year he came to this city and finished his studies with Carver, Deyo & Jenkins. At a General Term of the Supreme court held in Binghamton in February, 1894, Mr. Page was admitted to the practice of law in the courts of this state. He at once became managing clerk for the firm of Carver, Deyo & Jenkins and was associated with them until April 1, 1889, when the present legal partnership of Jenkins & Page was formed. He was ad- mitted to practice in the U. S. Circuit courts at a term thereof held at Buffalo, N. Y., in October, 1898. Mr. Page is a comparatively young member of the city bar, yet in professional circles he is known as a careful, capable and conscientious lawyer. On August 20, 1889, Mr. Page married Emma M. Coe of Gilbertsville, N. Y. ; one child, Mil- dred C. Page, has been born of this marriage. Walter S. Flint was born in South Colton, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., March 13, 1861. He was educated in the South Colton graded school, and also the State Normal school at Potsdam, N. Y. , from which he was graduated in 1887. He was then principal of the public schools at Katonah, Westchester county, N. Y., for the year 1887-88, followed by a five years' principalship of the Fort Covington academ)", in Frank- lin, N. Y. While engaged in teaching Prof. Flint (for by this title was he generally known) devoted his summer vacations to the study of law, first with Matt C. Ransom, of Fort Covington, next with John A. Vance, of Potsdam, and still later with Swift & Bell, of Potsdam. Thus equipped with an elementary education, Mr. Flint entered the law department of GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 383 the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and was graduated in 1895. At Albany, on December 3, 1895, he was admitted to practice law in this state, and two days later opened an office for the practice of his profession in this city. Mr. Flint practiced alone until October 1, 1897 when the present law firm of Barnes & Flint was formed. In Katonah, on March 10, 1890, Mr. Flint married Hattie G., daughter of Joseph Benedict. They have one child. Burr W. Mosher was born in North Sanford, Broome county, April 7, 1863, and was the second of three children of Wesson and Elizabeth (French) Mosher. He lived at home on his father's farm until he was twenty-four years old, and was educated in the district schools and also a select school at North Sanford. At the age of seventeen years he began teaching winter terms of school, and so continued seven years, devoting the summer season to farm work. In the summer of 1887 he began a three years' course of study in the Geneseo Normal school at Geneseo, and was graduated in 1890. He was then appointed principal of the Union school at Naples, Ontario county, which position he filled with excellent results for a term of four years; but determining to enter the legal profession, he came to Binghamton and began the study of law in the office of George F. Lyon, finishing his course, however, with Lyon, Painter & Hinman, He passed the required legal examin- ation in October, 1896, at Syracuse, and was admitted to practice in De- cember following. Mr. Mosher has practiced law in this city a little more than three years, and while young in the profession is nevertheless known as a thorough and practical lawyer. In January, 1897, he was elected city clerk and served in that capacity two years. On July 5, 1892, Mr. Mosher married Abigail B., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed- mund C. Clarke of Naples. One child, Caroline E., has been born of this marriage. Royal A. Gunnison, United States Referee in Bankruptcy for Broome and Delaware counties, was born in this city June 21, 1873. His early education was acquired in our city schools, he having graduated at the B.C.H.S with the class of '92. For the next two years he was on the city staff of the Republican, and in the fall of 1894 he entered Cornell law school, graduating in 1896. He then read law one year in the office of G. L. Sessions, and was admitted to the bar at Albany, November 8, 1897. He has since practiced in this city. Mr. Gunnison is one of our brightest young lawyers, a splendid specimen of physical as well as mental manhood, and is rapidly winning an enviable standing in the 384 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, ranks of the profession. His appointment to the office of referee in bankruptcy was a deserved recognition of his legal worth. He is also a Mason in excellent standing, and is now master of Otseningo Lodge No. 435. The law firm of Gunnison & Hickey was formed in Decem- ber, 1898. Thomas J. Keenan was born in New York city February 20, 1873. He was educated in the schools of the metropolis and also in the schools of Hornellsville, to which city he removed with his widowed mother. He then entered St. Bonaventure's college at Allegany and was gradu- ated in June, 1892. In September following, Mr. Keenan began read- ing law with Senator Edmund O'Connor and became the managing clerk of his offices and in July, 1897, was admitted to the bar. After admission to the bar his association with the senator continued until the latter's death in July, 1898. Though an ardent Republican, Mr. Keen- an devotes his time exclusively to the practice of his profession. On October 6, 1897, he was married to Matie G., daughter of John W. Kennedy. William H. Riley was born in Granville, Bradford county. Pa., De- cember 25, 1872. His early education was acquired in the Granville schools, but in August, 1888, he came to this city and entered the pub- lic schools ; and was graduated from the Binghamton Central High school with the class of *93. He read law with Wales & Wilbur, and was ad- mitted to practice in October, 1897. He remained in Mr. Wales' office until October 1, 1898, and then became junior partner in the present law firm of Wales & Riley. Politically Mr. Riley is a Democrat and takes an active interest in the affairs of the city and county. Charles Avery Hickey was born in Auburn, N. Y., June 29, 1874, and was educated at Williams and Princeton colleges, graduating at the latter in 189G. He read law with the late Senator Edmund O'Connor, and was admitted to practice in November, 1898. On December 1, of the year last mentioned, the law partnership of Gunnison & Hickey was formed. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 385 CHAPTER XVIII. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. The medical profession of Binghamton has preserved little of its own history. While there are few meagre records by which may be learned something of the proceedings and membership of the various medical societies which have been formed, there are no re- liable data upon which can be based a history of the origin and de- velopment of the profession from the time the first pioneer settled on the village site, about the beginning of the present century. The advance in all branches of science during the last century has indeed been marvelous, but in none has there been greater progress than the science of medicine and surgery. The dawning of this science which now sheds its light throughout the world began with Hippoc- rates, more than twenty-three hundred years ago. He wrote exten- sively and his works served as a foundation for the subsequent litera- ture of the profession. The greatest advances, however, in the science of medicine have been made during the last hundred years, and chiefly during the last half century. Among the hundreds of discoveries which have marked this period, mention may be made of one, the use of anes- thetics, which benumb the nerves of sensation and produce a profound but tranquil state of insensibility in which the patient sleeps and dreams, while the physician is left to the pleasing reflection that he is causing neither pain or suffering. But there is no department of medicine at the present time more promising of good results than sanitary science. While pathology and physiology are making known to us the nature and cause of disease and functions of the human body, sanitary science is steadily teaching us how the causes of disease may be removed or avoided, and health thereby secured. Progress during the coming hundred years, if only equal to that of the past, will more than have accomplished great works in the advancement of sanitary science; but the accomplishment of this work calls not only for the labor of the physician, but also for the intelligent co-operation of the people. Indeed, if anything really great 25 386 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, is to be done in this direction, and in preventing disease and death, it must largely be done by the people themselves. This iinpliesthat they must be instructed in sanitary science; must be taught what unsanitary conditions most favor the origin of disease, how disease is spread, and the means of its prevention. If it be true that that knowledge is of the greatest value to us which teaches the means of self-preservation, then the importance of a widespread knowledge of how to prevent disease and premature death cannot be overestimated. Settlement on the site of the present city was begun about 1800, and progressed slowly during the first quarter of a century of its history. The locality was favored with an excellent natural drainage system while the rivers carried away all surface accumulations. However, about 1850, after the Chenango canal and the Erie railroad were in operation, the village grew more rapidly, and the authorities began dis- cussing the question of sewers and pavements. Court street was paved (between Collier street and the Chenango river bridge) with cobble stones previous to 1840, but the work was not carried further until after the village became a city. In 1870 the city population numbered 12,- 692 people, and about that time our sewer system was established, and at the same time the work of paving was begun on Court street. In later years the work was increased and carried forward with the growth of the city in all directions, and to-day we are as well situated from a sanitary point of view as any city in the east. Much of the credit for this improved sanitary condition may justly be given to the people, who have borne the expense thereof, yet the common council and the health commissioners have been important factors in bringing about the pres- ent results. Binghamton is now a city of approximately 50,000 inhabitants, and is as well provided with sanitary improvements as almost any munici- pality in the state. There is room, of course, for still greater strides in this direction, yet the work is steadily going forward, keeping even pace with the general municipal growth. Previous to the early years of the present century, the state of New York, unlike Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, had done very little to encourage science in any direction and there were no schools of medi- cine worthy of the name nearer than Philadelphia and Boston. Few young medical students could then afford to go so far to qualify them- selves for a profession which promised so little pecuniary reward, hence it was the custom of the period for the aspirant to enter the office of GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 387 some practicing physician and read medicine two or three years, at the same time accompanying his tutor in his professional visits and thus learn his methods of practice. At the end of his term the young doc- tor would seek some promising field and begin practice. THE BROOME COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. In 1806 the legislature passed an act repealing all former laws relat- ing to the practice of medicine in this state, and at the same time authorized the formation of a state medical society and also county so- cieties. The act itself was passed April 4, 1806, and just three months later the Broome County Medical society was brought into existence. The organization meeting was held at the court house, July 4, and there were present Drs. Phineas Bartholmew, Daniel A. Wheeler, Jonathan Gray, Ezra Seymour, Elihu Ely and Lewis Allen, all of whom were original members of the society. The officers were Daniel A. Wheeler, president; Ezra Seymour, vice-president; Elihu Ely, secre- tary; Chester Lusk, treasurer. At an adjourned meeting held at Will- iam Woodruff's tavern in Chenango Point on July 30, the organization was perfected and several new members were admitted. The Medical society is an institution of the county rather than of the city, yet for the purpose of a complete record it is proposed to furnish in this connection an alphabetical chronological list of its members from 1806 to 1880, with the year of admission to the society. In 1880 the legislature passed an act providing for the registration of persons as- suming to practice medicine and surgery, which act was mandatory in its terms. Having access to the registration records in the Broome county clerk's office, an accurate list of names of physicians practicing in the city has been made, in view of which it is unnecessary to include in the list of members of the society the names of physicians admitted in years subsequent to 1880. The following list was originally prepared under the direction of Dr. John G. Orton, of this city, and through his suggestion it is reproduced in this chapter: Lewis Allen, 1806; John H. Arnold, 1829; Warren L. Ayer, 1869; A W. K. Andrews, 1871; J. D. Appley, 1877; S. P. Allen, 1867; Phineas Bartholmew, 1806; Samuel Barclay, 1806; Pelatiah B. Brooks, 1823- Daniel Brainard, 1823; John Barney, 1829; Josiah Blackman, 1830-, A. H. Bronson, 1829; Oliver T. Bundy, 1830; William Butler, 1831- Dr. Bird, 1831; John D. Bancroft, 1831; George Burr, 1836; 888 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT. Rufus Belden, 1838; Elam Bartlett, 1838; Dr. Berks, 1838; Elijah H. Barnes, 1838; H. M. Baldwin, 1841; James Brooks, 1842; George A. Barnes, 1842; Pelatiah Brooks. 1850; William Bassett, 1863; Martin Bullock, 1865; John W. Booth, 186G; W. S. Beebe, 1867; Dan S. Burr, 1868; Walter A. Brooks, 1871; Charles W. Bowen, 1872; S. W. Badger, 1874; Harvey F. Beardsley, 1875; Samuel Birdsall, 1876; F. P. Blair, 1877; James Brooks, 1877; N. R. Barnes, 1873; Josiah T. Clark aad Dr. Cleveland, 1832; Alfred Cook, 1842; John Chubbuck, 1844; Roj-al R. Carr, 1848; Edwin G. Crafts, 1858; Daniel J. Chittenden, 1862 Charles Carter, 1863; Joseph fl. Chittenden, 1865; J. Cooley, 1871 Apollos Comstock, 1874; B M. J. Conlin, 1876; De Witt Clark, 1878 Henry A. Carr, 1879; Ammi Doubleday, 1823; Nathan S. Davis, 1837 Wm. H. Day, 1848; Ezekiel Daniels, 1855; Gregory Doyle, 1864; D. C. Doolittle, 1865; Albert Day, 1868; Charles Dickinson, 1870; Dwight Dudley, 1874; W. E. Douglass and E. N. Dutcher, 1876; Elihu Ely, 1806; Edwin Eldridge, 1841; Isaac C. Edson, 1866; Henry Oliver Ely, 1867; Charles G. Esterbrook, 1874; Charles C. Edwards, 1875; S. H. French, 1834; Lucius French, 1854; E. I. Ford, 1862; S. H. French, 2d, 1864; Samuel B. Foster, 1864; James W. Freeman, 1865; Jonathan Gray, 1806; John G. Orton, 1829; Horace S. Griswold, 1833; W. S. Griswold, 1846; Ezekiel Guy, 1865; Lansing Griffin and H. D. Gilbert, 1866; R. T. Gates, 1870; Charles W. Greene, 1873; Jesse Hotchkiss, 1806; Samuel M. Hunt, 1829; D. Hall, 1831; John Hall, 1832; Stephen D. Hand, 1835; Harry Hemingway, 1838; B. S. Hanford, 1810; Jesse T. Hotchkiss, 1843; Dr. Hendricks, 1852; S. M. Hand, 1851; S. H. Harrington, 1855; Carlton R. Heaton, 1864; B. F. Holcomb, 1866; John Hill, 1868; Patrick H. Hayes, 1870; Henry Hall, 1871; O. C. Hall, 1876; F. M. Hays, 1878; Thomas Jackson, 1829; David Post Jackson, 1865; George H. Jones, 1875; J. Humphrey Johnson, 1879; John H. Knapp, 1843; Benj. Kenyon and Wm. S. Knox, 1872; Chester Lusk, 1806; Eleazer Lyman, 1838; George Little, 1855; Ezra Lawyer, 1870; J. G. Lang, 1871; F.D.Lamb, 1876; Levi Maxwell, ]829; Henry Monroe, 1830; Dr. McElran, 1832; Thaddeus Mather, 1841; Isaac D. Meacham and H. B. Mabin, 1855; John Munsell, jr , 1865; Franklin T. Maybury, 1866; John Maroney, 1876; Edward Mulheron, 1877; Daniel Nash, 1829; Oliver P. Newell, 1829; Wm. H. Niles, 1852; John Gay Orton, 1854; William J. Orton, 1863; Peter Payne, 1829; Wm. Purin- ton, 1830; William Peabody, 1834; John Plant, 1846; George E. Pierson, 1870; Frederick W. Putnam, 1880; Tracy Robinson, 1823; Edmund H. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 389 Robinson, 1820 ; Edmund Robillard, 1850; Charles B. Richards, 186fi; Cor- nelius R. Rogers, 1868; G. S. Redfield, 1869; Ezra vSeymour, 1806; Jonas Sawtelle, 1829; Gaines L. Spencer and L. F. Starkey, 1829; Luke Shep- ard, 1830; Henry Sayles, 1833; John Sullivan, 1837; Loren Salisbury, 1845; Dr. Shutts, 1845; H. D. Spencer, 1858; Charles J. Seymour, 1862; A. L. Sweet, 1866; Frank Sturdevant, 1870; Cyrenius D. Spencer, 1871; W. E.Stephenson, 1871; A. B. Stillson, 1876; ThaddeusThompson, 1806; Asahel Todd, 1812; Wm. Thompson, 1812; Frank A. Taylor, 1869; Susan J. Tabor, 1874; Wm. Voorhees, 1863; John L. Van Alstyne, 1874; Daniel A. Wheeler, 1806; Thomas Woodbury, 1823; Silas West, 1823; Reuben Winston, 1830; J. Woodbury, 1830; George Wattles, 1833; Robert L. Woodruff, 1834; Amos Witherill, 1834; Charles O. Waters, 1842; Charles E. Washburn, 1849; Henry S. West, 1850; Thomas Webb, 1850; P. M. Way, 1858; W. W. Whitney, 1865; Lin- naeus D. Witherill, 1868; Emily H. Wells, 1875; Joseph Whitney, 1880; O. J. Wilsey, 1880; George B. Young, 1865. In this connection it is also interesting to note the succession of pres- idents and secretaries of this pioneer society of the county: Presidents.— \^3Xi\%\ A. Wheeler, 1806-12; Chester Lusk, 1812-23; Tracy Robinson, 1823-36; Pelatiah B. Brooks, 1836-38; Silas West, 1838-39; O. T. Bundy, 1839-40; Stephen D. Hand, 1840-42; Salphro- nius H. French, 1842-44; George Burr, 1844-45; A. P. Bronson, 1845- 46; Pelatiah B. Brooks, 1846-49; Samuel M. Hunt, 1849-50; S. H. French, 1850-51; Thomas Jackson, 1851-52; S. H. French, 1852-54; George Burr, 1854-56; John G. Orton, 1856-57; Ezekiel Daniels, 1857- 58; S. H. Harrington, 1858-59; Edwin G. Crafts, 1859-60; P. M. Way, 1860-61 ; W. S. Griswold, 1861-62; L D. Meacham, 1862-63; Wm. Voor- hees, 1863-64; Wm. Ba sett, 1864-65; George Burr, 1865-66; Lansing Griffin, 1866-67; Carlton R. Heaton, 1867-68; S. H. French, 2d, 1868- 69; Joseph H. Chittenden, 1869-70; Isaac C. Edson, 1870-71; James Brooks, 1871-72; Cornelius R. Rogers, 1872-73; A. W. K. Andrews, 1873-74; H. C. Hall, 1874-75; L. D. Witherell, 1875-76; Walter Brooks, 1876-77; S. P. Allen, 1877-78; Charles G. Esterbrook, 1878-79; C. W. Greene, 1879-80; A. F. Taylor, 1880-81; Charles B. Richards, 1881-82; Dwight Dudley, 1882-83; Dan S. Burr, 1883-84; John W. Booth, 1884- 85; Frederick W. Putnam, 1885-86; S. F. McFarland, 1886-87; Harvey F. Beardsley, 1887-88; David Post Jackson, 1888-89; John M. Farring- ton, 1889-90; William A. Moore, 1890-91; E. A. Pierce, 1891-92; R.W. Seymour, 1892-93; LeRoy D. Farnham, 1893-94; Edward L. Smith, 390 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. 1894-95; Charles G. Wagner, 1895-90; BarnaE. Radeker, 1896-97; Ira A. Hix, 1897-98; Frank W. Sears, 1898-99; Jack Killen, 1899-. Secretaries.— Elihu Ely, 1806-23; Ammi Doubleday, 1823-30; Daniel Nash, 1830-31; Lewis F. Starkey, 1831-32; Josiah Blackman, 1832-37; Stephen D. Hand, 1837-38; Nathan S. Davis, 1838-42; H. M. Baldwin, 1842; Georg-e Burr, 1842-44; James Brooks, 1844-45; N. S. Davis, 1845-49; C.E.Washburn, 1849-51; W. S. Griswold, 1851-54; Henry S. West, 1854-57; Pelatiah Brooks, 1857-63; John G. Orion, 1863-79; Joseph H. Chittenden, 1879-84; G. S. Redfield, 1884-85; Dan S. Burr, 1885-89; Le Roy D. Farnham, 1889-91; John Leverett, 1891-1900. BINGHAMTON ACADEMY OF MEDICINE. The Binghamton Academy of Medicine was incorporated November 10, 1897, but the society dates its organization back to 1854, when an association of village physicians was formed for the advancement of the science of medicine, the promotion of the character and honor of the profession, the elevation of the standard of the members, and the strengthening of the bonds of unity by affording opportunities for social intercourse among members of the medical profession. The preliminary meeting which resulted in a permanent organization was held July 22, 1854, with Dr. Silas West chairman, and Dr. Pelatiah Brooks, secretary. The founders and original fellows of the academy were Drs. Silas West, George Burr, Henry S, West, John G. Orton, Stephen D. Hand, and Pelatiah Brooks, of Binghamton, and George Stebbins Little, of Kirkwood. Of these original fellows Dr. Orton alone survives. He was the first permanent secretary of the academy and served in that capacity for many years. Indeed, in later years, when interest in the affairs of the organization seemed to flag, his influence and almost un- aided effort kept the society from dissolution. However, during the long term of its history, there have been periods in which no meetings were held, and the organization apparently ceased to exist ; but as often was there a revival of interest until at last the academy was established on a firm basis and became one of the permanent institutions of the city. From 1858 to 1804, just preceding and during the civil war, no meet- ings were held; and again, from 1806 to 1889 the academy was in a state of "suspended animation" (to use the professional expression) so far as the records disclose the proceedings of meetings. The academy was incorporated November 10, 1897, the corporators GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 391 being- Drs. John G. Orton. F. P. Hough, Joseph H. Chittenden, W. H. Knapp, H. W. Brown, L. D. Farnham, John M. Farrington, Lyman H. Hills, Jack Killen, Ira A. Hix, R. R. Daly, S. F. McFarland, W. S. Overton, F. M. Michael, E. L. Smith, F. W. Sears, W. A. Moore, F. L. Forker, C. W. Greene and L. H. Quackenbush. The first directors were Drs. Orton, Chittenden, Farnham, Farrington and Greene. In professional circles in the city the Academy of Medicine has ac- complished an important work and is regarded as of greater value to its fellows than the County Medical society, as meetings are held more frequently and the opportunities for exchange of opinions on profes- sional subjects are more easily obtained. The names of the founders of the academy are given in a precedino- paragraph, wherefore it is proper that the entire membership also be furnished, together with the year (when known) in which each mem- ber was admitted to fellowship. As shown by the records, the academy roll of the fellows is as follows: August 12, 1854, Silas West, George Burr, Henry West, John G. Or- ton, Stephen D. Hand, Pelatiah Brooks, George S. Little; September, 1854, John Chubbuck, Thomas Webb; October, 1854, Thomas Jack- son; November, 1854, W. S. Griswold, P. B. Brooks; April, 1858, Ed- win G. Crafts; March, 1864, William Bassett, William J. Orton; 1865, Franklin T. Maybury, Joseph H. Chittenden, Lansing Grififin, James Brooks, Warren L. Ayer, David Post Jackson; 1866, Charles B. Rich- ards, Charles J. Seymour; 1870, Dan S. Burr; 1889, W. F. Race, W. H. Knapp, L. D. Farnham, Charles D. Rogers, C. G. Olmsted, W. A. Moore, John M. Farrington, James Ross, S. F. McFarland, Thomas B. Flagler, E. A. Pierce, F. W. Putnam, J. C. Comstock, F. E. Slater, J. F. Pratt, E. L. Bennett, H. F. Beardsley; 1891, John F. Place, Charles W. Ingraham, Edward L. Smith, Harris C. Rodgers, Charles W. Tif- fany; 1892, John Leverett; 1893, F. P. Hough, F. M. Michaels, C. E. Webster, Richard R. Daly; 1894, Ira A. Hix, William P. Miles, Wm. A. White, L. H. Hills, S. Walter Dodson, Charles G. Wagner, J. W. Jansen, C. W. Greene, C. C. Eastman; 1895, L. H. Quackenbush, T. B. Van Alstyne; 1896, Frank W. Sears, Dorr W. Hardy, H. W. Brown, W. S. Overton, A. W. Cutler, Henry C. Peck, S. P. Allen; 1897, Chas. G. Cole; 1898, Isabelle H. Stanley, E. N. Christopher, Charles. P. Roberts, Dwight E. Cone, Edward Gillespie, W. E. Ard, George J. West. The officers of the academy have been as follows: 392 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Presidents. — Silas Webb, 1854; George Burr, 1855; Pelatiah B.Brooks, 185G; Henry S. West, 1857; E. G. Crafts, 1864; George Burr, 1865-69; John G. Orton, 1889-91; F. P. Hough, 1892; J. M. Farrington, 1893; W. H. Knapp, 1894; F. L. Forker, 1895; W. A. Moore, 1896; C. W. Greene, 1897; Lyman H. Hills, 1898; R. R. Daly, 1899. Vice-Presidents. — George S. Little, 1854; W. S. Griswold, 1855; Henry S. West, 1856; Thomas Webb, 1857; Wm. Bassett, 1864; Greg- ory Doyle, 1865; Joseph H. Chittenden, 1889-91; H. F. Beardsley, 1892; C. C. Eastman, 1893; F. L. Forker, 1894; W. A. Moore, 1895; C. W. Greene, 1896; Lyman H. Hills, 1897; Richard R. Daly, 1898; W. A. White, 1899. Secretaries.— ]o\inG. Orton, 1854-65; L. D. Farnham, 1889-91; E. L. Smith, 1892; J. F. Pratt, 1893-95; J. M. Fa-rington, 1896-98; J. F. Pratt, 1899. Treasurers. — Stephen D. Hand, 1854; Henry S. West, 1855; Thomas Webb, 1856; Pelatiah Brooks, 1857; W. A. Moore, 1889-91; H. C. Rodgers, 1892; John Leverett, 1893-95; F. P. Hough, 1896-98; R. C. Irving, 1899. HOMOEOPATHY. A learned writer has said : All advancement comes through persecu- tion; and "no cross, no crown," is applicable to science as well as to religion. Christianity itself surged through blood and fire to attain its mighty power. So, too, the medical world has been subject to convul- sion from the earliest ages. Homoeopathy sprung into existence some- thing more than a century ago, discarded the settled rules of practice and asserted its claims to the world. Its distinguishing characteristics, then as now, consist in the employment of medicaments agreeable to the principles denoted by its name, ^^ siinilia siniilibus ciirantiir," or " like cures like." The principle first rendered into practical science by Hahnemaan, the founder of the homoeopathic school, dates far back of his time, and was even glanced at by Hippocrates; but it remained for Hahnemann to propound the startling dogma in 1790, while engaged in translating Cullin's Materia Medica from English into German. The new school passed through many wonderful and prolonged tests, trials and opposi- tion, and was eventually legalized in Bohemia in 1821 ; America in 1825 ; Russia in 1833; Austria in 1837; Prussia in 1843; England in 1858, and to-day is recognized throughout the world. There are hardly more GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 393 than twenty-five homoeopathic physicians in Broome county, and most of these are centered in the city. The Broome County Homoeopathic Medical society was organized February 4, 1863, and from that to the present time has main- tained a continued existence, although, unfortunately, no record of the earlier membership and proceedings is now to be found. Indeed, all records of the society previous to 1888 appear to have been lost and the most diligent inquiry has failed to reveal any trace of their whereabouts. The partial list of early officers which accompanies this chapter was se- cured only by access to the reports of the state society; and through the same source it was learned that the organization was effected in 1863, and also that the membership then comprised Drs. Stephen D. Hand, Titus L. Brown, Ira W. Peabody, William C. Doane, Thomas P. Knapp, Stoddard Pratt, H. C. Champlin (of Owego) and J. D. Vail (of Montrose.) In 1888 the society was practically reorganized, and is now incorpo- rated under the laws of the state. The succession of officers from 1863 to 1875, and from 1888 to the present time, are furnished in this chap- ter, but for the reasons mentioned the officiary for other years cannot be given. The present members of the society are Drs. George F, Hand, Edward E. Snyder, John T. Greenleaf, C. N. Guy, Elizabeth Corwin, D. H. McGraw, George H. Jenkins, Charles A. Ward, Charles S. Winters, De Witt P. Bailey, A. W. Stoutenberg, Alice F. Mills, Lynn A. Martin, Willis H. Proctor, Louis D. Hyde, J. Bonnar Bates, Joseph F. Roe and William F. Ward. The officers of the society, so far as known, have been as follows: Preside7its.—'$>\.e^'hen D. Hand, 1863-75; Lynn A. Martin, 1888; John T. Greenleaf, 1889; Willis H. Proctor, 1890; M. T. Dutcher, 1891; C. A. Ward, 1892; D. H. McGraw, 1893; H. D. Baldwin, 1894; Charles T. Haines, 1895; George H. Jenkins, 1896; De Witt P. Bailey, 1897-98; Edward E. Snyder, 1899. Vice-Presidents.— Yiemy S. Sloan, 1863-74; Willis H. Proctor, 1888- 89; Elizabeth Corwin, 1890; Charles A. Ward, 1891; D. H. McGraw, 1892; H. D. Baldwin, 1893; C. T. Haines, 1894; Albert F. Merrill, 1895; De Witt P. Bailey, 1896; C. W. Adams, 1897; Lynn A. Martin, 1898; A. F. Merrill, 1899. Second Vice-Presidents. — (First elected in 1890). D. H. McGraw, 1890; Alice F. Millspaugh, 1891; C. S. Winters, 1892; C. T. Haines, 1893; George H. Jenkins, 1894-95; C. W. Adams, 1896; Lynn A. Mar- tin, 1897; A. W. Stoutenburg, 1898; Joseph F. Roe, 1899. 394 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Secretaries and Treasurers. — (Offices combined). Titus L. Brown, 1863-74; D. H. McGraw, 1888-89; C. T. Haines, 1890; G. H. Jenkins, 1891; De Witt P. Bailey, 1892; C. S. Winters. 1893; C. W. Adams, 1894-95; Kate C. Fiske, 1896; A. W. Stoutenburg, 1897-98; William F. Ward, 1899. The Binghamton Homoeopathic Medical society was organized April 14, 1888, and was intended for the especial benefit of homoeopathic physicians practicing in this city, but within the next two years after the organization was completed the society merged in the county so- ciety. The original members and prime spirits of the organization were Drs. George F. Hand, Henry S. Sloan, Titus L. Brown, A. J. Clark, C. P. Chamberlain, Edward E. Snyder, A. L. Snj^der, H. D. Baldwin and Willis H. Proctor. The officers in 1880-8 L were Edward E. Snyder, president; Willis H. Proctor, vice-president; A. J. Clark, secretary. In 1883 Henry S. Sloan was elected president, and C. F. Millspaugh, secretary. In 1883 Dr. Titus L. Brown succeeded to the presidency, and Dr. Millspaugh was re-elected secretary. Having in this manner recalled the history of the medical profession and its representatives in the county, and having referred at some length to the several medical societies which have been formed from time to time, it is proper that at least a brief mention be made of the personnel of the profession at the present time. In the early years of the present century the physicians of the state either did not possess any political power, or if so possessed had no knowledge of the fact ; but during the last score of years the profession has wielded a remark- able power in state politics, and has surrounded the practice with such safeguards that unlicensed practitioners and medical charlatans have but a feeble hold on the public confidence. The latest appeal to the credulity of the masses of the people is an invention to heal the un- fortunate siclc, and is known as "the faith cure; " but the persons seek- ing to popularize this means of cure are either deceived themselves or are deceiving others. One of the most praisworthy legislative enactments for the benefit of the medical profession in this state was that passed in 1880, commonly known as the " Registration Act," by which each practicing physician was (and still is) required to make and file with the county clerk of the county in which he proposed to practice, a certificate or affidavit, stat- ing his full name and address, place of birth, the authority by which he claimed the right to practice physic or surgery in the state, and the GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 395 name of the medical institution from which he was graduated, and the date of graduation. This law was compulsory, and in accordance with its provisions, and the acts amendatory thereof and supplemental there- to, there has been a very general compliance with its provisions on the part of physicians proposing to practice in the county; and the county and city medical societies have made it their special and proper busi- ness to see that violations of the laws are not permitted. Having recourse to the registration records in the county clerk's office, the writer is enabled to furnish a brief and concise history of each physician, of whatever school, in the city since the passage of the act of 1880. If there be others, whose names are not registered, they are practicing without authority and are amenable to the law. Ex- tracting briefly from the records mentioned, the personnel of the pro- fession in the city during the last score of years is shown by the ap- pended list. The data furnished shows the name, place of birth, date of diploma or certificate, and the institution from which the physician was graduated. The names are arranged in the order of registration: George Burr, born Meredith, Delaware county; diploma December 2, 1835, Berkshire Medical institution, Pittsfield, Mass. John G. Orton, born Seneca Falls; diploma March 5, 1853, medical department University of New York. John L. Van Alstyne, born Richmondville, N. Y. ; diploma Decem- ber 23, 1862, Albany Medical college. Joseph H. Chittenden, born Greene, N. Y. ; diploma March, 1864, Bellevue Medical college. New York. William Bassett, born London, England; diploma November 3, 1841, Massachusetts Berkshire Medical college. Charles C. Edwards, born Harford, Pa. ; diploma March 11, 1849, Jefferson Medical college, Philadelphia. P. Harold Hayes, born Clinton, Ind. ; diploma March 28, 1848, Jef- ferson Medical college, Philadelphia. Henry Adams Carr, born Chenango Forks; diploma February 18, 1879, University of State of New York, Abiel W. K. Andrews, born Warren, Me. ; diploma March 30, 1865, medical department University of Michigan, Emily H. Wells, born Towanda, Pa. ; diploma March 25, 1873, Woman's Medical college of the New York Infirmary, Henry Oliver Ely, born Binghamton; diploma 1867, College of Phy- sicians, New York. 396 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT. William S. Knox, born Knoxboro; diploma June 23, 1880, Long Island Medical college. Harvey F. Beardsley, born Richfield, N.Y. ; license 1875 from Broome County Medical society. Caroline Parker Chamberlain, born Choconut, Pa. ; diploma Novem- ber 25, 1874, Eclectic Medical college. New York city. Caroline Parker Chamberlain, born Maine, N,Y. ; diploma April 9, 1877, Woman's Medical college and hospital, New York city. James C. Beach, born Sandy Hill, N Y. ; diploma June 24, 1877. Long Island college hospital. John W. Cobb, born Middletown, N.Y. ; diploma December 28, 1858, Albany Medical college. Washington W. Wheaton, born Jackson, Pa. ; diploma June 5, 1850, Central Medical college, Rochester, N. Y. Clark W. Greene, born Willett, N.Y. ; diploma March 1, 1873, Belle- vue Hospital Medical college. Benjamin F. Beardsley, born Gilbertsville, N.Y. ; diploma February 21, 1865, medical department University of Buffalo. J. Humphrey Johnson, born Binghamton ; diploma February 12, 1879, medical department University of City of New York. S. Andral Kilmer, born Cobleskill, N. Y. ; diploma January 21, 1875, Bennett Eclectic college, Chicago. Frederick W. Putnam, born Truxton, N. Y. ; diploma February 17, 1880; medical department University of City of New York. David L. Ross, born Newport, R. I. ; diploma January 2, 1872, Rush Medical college, Chicago, 111. A. Judson Osborn, born Colesville; diploma June 27, 1878, Long Island College hospital. George Jacob West, born Syracuse; diploma February 2, 1880, Belle- vue Hospital Medical college. Daniel Swift Burr, born Binghamton; diploma January 21, 18G8, Geneva Medical college. Frank D. Gridley, born Guilford, N. Y, ; diploma February 21, 18G6, Philadelphia university and certificate of National Eclectic association, and license of New York State Eclectic Medical society. Lester D. Stone, born Gorham, Ontario; diploma 1854, Metropolitan Medical college. New York. George A. Thayer, born Cooperstown ; diploma May 18, 1859, Berk- shire Medical college, Pittsfield, Mass. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 397 Cyrenius D. Spencer, born Triangle; diploma November 20, 1849 Berkshire Medical college, Pittsfield, Mass. Edward I. Ford, born Newark Valley; diploma March 23, 1860, Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. Annie L. Snyder, born Southboro, Mass. ; diploma April 4, 1878, New York Medical College for Women. Charles B. Richards, born Union, N. Y. ; diploma March 2, 1852, Cleveland Medical college, Cleveland, Ohio. A. Eugene Magoris, born New York city; diploma June 23, 1880, Long Island Hospital Medical college. David Post Jackson, born Montrose, Pa. ; diploma March 9, 1865, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. F. M. Hayes, born Wyoming, N, Y. ; diploma February 27, 1877, University Medical College of New York. C. H. Yelvington, born Greene, N. Y. ; diploma January 14, 1877, Eclectic Medical College of New York. Walter A. Brooks, born Great Bend, Pa. ; diploma March 1, 1871, medical department Columbia college. E. R. Young, born Bingham ton; diploma February 2, 1880, Bellevue Hospital Medical college. Lansing Griffin, born Westerlo, N. Y. ; diploma December 22, 1857, Albany Medical college. Edward G. Crafts, born Cherry Valley, N. Y. ; diploma June 2, 1852, Geneva Medical college. Edward Mulheron, born Ireland; diploma February, 1872, Univer- sity of Buffalo. Apollos Comstock, born Fairfield county. Conn. ; diploma February 27, 1873, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York city. Timothy Guy, born Guilford, N. Y. ; diploma November 4, 1857, University of City of New York. H. Irving Van Hoesen, born Preble, N. Y. ; diploma June 9, 1881, Syracuse university. Alfred J. Butterfield, born Lapeer, N. Y. ; diploma June 1, 1875, Philadelphia University of Medicine, and Eclectic Medical institute of Cincinnati, Ohio. William D. Hoffman, born Huntington, Pa. ; diploma February 20, 1860, Iowa State Medical college. Clinton B. Allen, born Newfoundland, N. J. ; diploma February. 1881, University of City of New York. 398 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Mary A. Allen, born Delta, Ohio; diploma March 24, 1875, Univer- sity of Michigan. Charles McDonald, born Columbia, S. C. ; diploma 1869, University of New York. G. A. Westfall, born Milford, Pa. ; diploma February 25, 1879, Uni- versity of Buffalo. J. P. Marsh, born New York; diploma May 17, 1877, Eclectic Medi- cal college, St. Louis, Mo. Alfred J. Inloes, born Baltimore, Md. ; diploma February 22, 1869, Washington University of Medicine, of Baltimore. Arthur Osborn, born Spencer, N. Y. ; diploma June 14, 1883, Uni- versity of Michigan. N Rounds Barnes, born McDonough, N. Y. ; diploma December 28, 1858, Albany Medical college. William A. Dwinnelle, born Tully, N. Y. ; diploma March, 1881. Bellevue Medical college. John F. Connelly, born Binghamton; diploma February 26, 1884, University of Buffalo. William F. Race, born Binghamton; diploma March 11, 1884, Uni- versity City of New York. George S. Redfield, born Stamford, N, Y. ; diploma June 1852, Gene- va Medical college. Alfred Van Horn, born Summer Hill, Pa. ; diploma May 1, 1884, Uni- versity of Pennsylvania. Edward Allen Pierce, born Truxton, N. Y. ; diploma March 10, 1885, University of the City of New York. James Clinton Comstock, born Windsor, N. Y. ; diploma May 13, 1884, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. J. Frank Pratt, born Chautauqua, N. Y. ; diploma February 27, 1878, Buffalo Medical college. Le Roy D. Farnham, born Tioga, N. Y. ; diploma March 1, 1880, College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city. M. Harris Kirby, born Nichols, N. Y. ; diploma March 12, 1884, Uni- versity of City of New York. Frederick L. Forker, born Vestal; diploma March 10, 1885, Univer- sity Medical College of New York. Edgar B. Bullis, born Moriah, N. Y. ; diploma March 4, 1884, Iowa College of Physicians and Surgeons. Lyman H. Hills, born Madison county; diploma March 5, 1863, med- ical department University of New York. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 399 George A. Thayer, born Binghamton ; license May 2, 1888, Broome County Eclectic Medical society. Frederick Osborn Lloyd, born Salisbury, N. Y. ; diploma March 11, 1885, University City of New York. Albert M. Williams, born Chagrin Falls, Ohio; diploma March 4, 1867, University of Pennsylvania. James Ross, born Glasgow, Scotland; diploma October 21, 1880, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Scotland. William A. Moore, born Binghamton; diploma May 12, 1885, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. Charles Darius Rogers, born Troy, N. Y. ; diploma March 15, 1888, Albany Medical college. Thomas B. Flagler, born Dutchess county; diploma June 13, 1854, Albany Medical college. Edward L. Johnson, born Lisle, N. Y, ; diploma March 10, 1885, Uni- versity City of New York. Michael G. Cunningham, born Little Meadows; diploma September 26, 1882, College Physicians and Surgeons, New York. Daniel William Collins, born Binghamton; diploma May 10, 1878, College Physicians and Surgeons, New York, Frank E. Slater, born Triangle; diploma March 12, 1889, University Medical College of_New York City. Earnest A. Hancock, born Indianapolis, Ind. ; diploma March 26, 1889, Bennett Eclectic Medical college, Chicago. Nathaniel Love, born Albany; diploma March 4, 1889, medical de- partment University City of New York. Louis R. Pierce, born Vestal; diploma March 4, 1887, Long Island College hospital. John W. Carroll, born Deposit; diploma March 26, 1889, Bennett Eclectic Medical college, Chicago. Jesse W. Jansen, born Ithaca; diploma March, 1886, University City of New York. Frank P. Hough, born Lake Winola, Pa. ; diploma March 29, 1884, Jefferson Medical college, Philadelphia. Jean E. Brooks, born Maine, N. Y, ; diploma June 13, 1888, Hospital College of Medicine, Louisville, Ky. Carl B. Smith, born Binghamton ; diploma February 20, 1880, Uni- versity of Buffalo. John W. King, born Hellerstown, Pa. ; diploma April 3, 1889, Jeffer- son Medical college, Pennsylvania. 400 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, William R. Sitler, born Cambridgeboro, Pa. ; diploma March 12, 1875, University of Pennsylvania. John Hunting- Cobb, born Montrose, Pa.; diploma April 1, 1891, Al- bany Medical college. Charles W. Ingraham, born Binghamton; diploma June 11, 1891, Uni- versity City of New York. George F. Johnson, born Sussex, New Brunswick; diploma March 10, 1872, medical department University of New York. F. de L. Mandeville, born Louisville, Ky. ; diploma February 10, 1877, Albany Medical college. Nelson D. Haskell, born New York; diploma July 29, 1891, Univer- sity of Wooster, Ohio. Charles W. Tiffany, born Harford, Pa. ; diploma March 8, 1881, Uni- versity City of New York. John L. Barrett, born Ireland; diploma March 9, 1887, Toledo Med- ical college, Ohio. Charles W. Carpenter, born Factoryville, Pa. ; diploma March 1880, Bellevue Hospital Medical college. Charles R. Seymour, born Albany, N. Y. ; April 27, 1892, Albany Medical college. Ira Adelbert Hix, born Jefferson, N. Y. ; diploma March 13, 1883, University of State of New York. William Percy Miles, born New York city; diploma March 23, 1892, Long Island College hospital. E. Gertrude Crumb, born Watkins, N. Y. ; diploma from Woman's Medical College of New York Infirmary. John Leverett, born New York city; diploma June 10, 1801, Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York. Francis Moreley Michael, born Oshana, Canada; diploma April 1, 1891, Bellevue Hospital Medical college. William S. Overton, born Sag Harbor, N. Y. ; diploma from Long Island College hospital. John F. Place, born Guilford, N. Y. ; diploma March 29, 1874, Uni- versity of Michigan. O. Dodge Phelps, born Elba, N. Y. ; diploma March 6, 1880, U. S. Medical college. New York city. Harris Crocker Rodgers, born Binghamton; diploma June 13, 1889, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. W. O. Smith, born Chambersburg, Pa. ; diploma from University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 401 Edward L. Smith, born Binghamton; diploma March 11, 1889, Belle- vue Hospital Medical college. Reuben L. Smith, born Tompkins county; certified from Tompkins county, registered 1893. Marshall E. Smith, born Pittsfield, Mass. ; diploma November 22, 1891, Dartmouth Medical college. Eugenia E. Van Namee, born Newburg, N. Y. ; diploma certified from New York city, March 27, 1886. Orville J. Wilsey, born Otego, N. Y. ; diploma from University City of New York. Alvin C. Woodley, born Waterford, Canada; diploma 1880 from Trin- ity college, Canada. William E. Ard, born Westfield, N. Y. ; diploma April 1, 1891, Uni- versity of Maryland. Charles H. W. Bode, born Germany ; diploma July 2, 1877, Univer- sity of Wursburg, Germany. Henry W. Brown, born Grafton, Mass. ; diploma March 21, 1889, Al- bany Medical college. Menzo Barkman, born Schoharie county; diploma February 1, 1875, Albany Medical college. John H. Brush, born Greenfield, N. Y. ; diploma March 5, 1885, Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. Ira R. Ballou, born Dayton, Ohio; diploma April 15, 1895, Syracuse university. Julius Aloysius Boyle, born Ottawa, 111. ; licensed July 7, 1898, University of New York. Arthur W. Curtis, born Binghamton ; licensed July 7, 1896, Univer- sity of New York, State Board of Medical Examiners. Charles Gray Cole, born East Durham, N. Y. ; diploma March 15, 1876, University of City of New York. H. Warner Eggleston, born Carlo, 111. ; diploma July 8, 1895, Uni- versity of Vermont. H. Sinclair Hutchinson, born Portsmouth, N. H. ; diploma October 9, 1894, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York city. Dorr W. Hardy, born Otsego county; license February 14, 1896, State Board of Medical Examiners. Rowland Clark Irving, born Kortright, N. Y. ; diploma March 1, 1877, Bellevue Hospital Medical college. 26 402 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, William John Killen, born Montgomery county ; diploma March 14, 1887, Belle vue Hospital Medical college. Jesse B. Low, born Pulaski, N. Y. ; diploma June 9, 1881, Howard university, Washington, D. C. Robert J. Lounsberry, born Smithboro, N. Y. ; diploma March 13, 1889, University Medical college, of New York. Daniel L. McNamara, born Adrian, N. Y. ; diploma March 9, 1882, University of New York. George Mason McComb, born Lyme, N. Y. ; diploma March 1, 1877, Bellevue Hospital Medical college. Francis M. McKnight, born Syracuse; license June 8, 189G, Univer- sity State of New York. Lester H. Quackenbush, born Davenport, N. Y. ; diploma March 12, 1889, University of City of New York. Arthur Peale Summers, born Philadelphia, Pa. ; diploma April 4, 1890, University of City of New York. Frank Walker Sears, born Binghamton; diploma July 6, 1895, Uni- versity of State of New York. Samuel Lord Smith, born Taylor, N. Y. ; diploma March 1, 1882, University of Iowa. Arthur Peter Shellman, born Davenport, N. Y. ; license July 10, 1884, University of State of New York. Isabelle H. Stanley, born England; diploma February 27, 1883, Buf- falo Medical university. J. Wesley Sheffield, born St. Johnsville, N. Y. ; diploma March 3, 188G, Albamy Medical college. Thomas B. Van Alstyne, born Richmondville, N. Y. ; diploma May 13, 1881, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. George Wayland Dodge, born McGrawville; diploma May 2, 1894, Eclectic Medical college. New York city. William Wesley Clark, born Binghamton; diploma April 18, 1894, Albany Medical college. Henry Wilson Brown, born Grafton, Mass.; diploma March 21, 1889, Albany Medical college. Edward Francis Day, born Utica; license July 6, 1895, University of State of New York. Dwight E. Cone, born North Brookfield, N. Y. ; license March 15, 1896, University of State of New York. Titus L. Brown, born Hillsdale, Columbia county, N, Y. ; diploma GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 403 March 1, 1853, Homeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania. (Now Hahnemann Medical college). Willis H. Proctor, born Claremont, N. PI. ; diploma March 10, 1880, Hahnemann Medical college, Philadelphta. A. J. Clark, born Catharine, N. Y. ; diploma February 28, 1866, New York Homeopathic Medical college. Henry S. Sloan, born Sharon, N. Y. ; diploma February 27, 1862, Hahnemann Medical college, Chicago. Edward E. Snyder, born Newark Valley; diploma March 7, 1871, Hahnmann Medical college, Philadelphia. George Frederick Hand, born Binghamton; diploma February 28, 1865, New York Homeopathic Medical college. Charles F. Millspaugh, born Ithaca; diploma March 3, 1881, New York Homeopathic Medical college. Frederick I. Stacy, born Harford, N. Y. ; diploma April 16, 1885, New York Homeopathic Medical college. Franklin F. Marsh, born Croydon, N. H. ; diploma March 10, 1880, Hahnemann Medical college, Philadelphia. Lynn Arthur Martin, born Harpersville, N. Y. ; diploma April 15, 1886, New York Homeopathic Medical college. Charles T. Haines, born Preston Hollow, N. Y. ; diploma March 5, 1887, Piute Medical college, Cincinnati. Ida Louise Dildine, born Candor, N. Y. ; diploma April 19, 1887, New York college and hospital. Charles Austin Ward, born Holland Patent; diploma April 18, 1887, New York Homeopathic Medical college. Lizzie Corwin, born Middletown, N. Y. ; diploma April 20, 1886, New York Medical College and Hospital for Women. De Witt Hiram McGraw, born McGrawville, N. Y. ; diploma April 13, 1888, New York Homeopathic Medical college and hospital. George H. Jenkins, born Rochester, N. H. ; diploma April 18, 1889, New York Homeopathic Medical college. Emma J. Light, born Le Raysville, Pa. ; diploma March 2, 1883, Chicago Homeopathic Medical college. Charles Sylvester Winters, born Lanesboro, Pa. ; diploma April 10, 1890, New York Homeopathic Medical college. William Henry Hacker, born Nichols, N. Y. ; diploma February 14, 1888, Hahnemann Medical college, Chicago. Edward M.Olmsted, born Nichols, N. Y. ; diploma May 18, 1887, New York Homeopathic Medical college. 404 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, B. F, French, born Troy, Ohio ; diploma Hahnemann Medical college, Philadelphia. Harvey K. Leonard, born Ovid Center, N. Y. ; diploma March 10, 1881, Hahnemann Medical college, Philadelphia. Joseph Franklin Roe, born Candor; license April 12, 1894, Univer- sity State of New York. Abram W. Stoutenburg, born Pittsford, N. Y. ; diploma May 3, 1894, Homeopathic Medical college and hospital, New York city. Thomas Sawyer Turner, born Durham, Maine; diploma March 12, 1879, New York Homeopathic Medical college. J. Bonnar Bates, born East Albany; license July 19, 1898, University of New York. William Ford Ward, born Holland Patent ; license November 1, 1897, University State of New York. De Witt P. Bailey, born Richfield Springs, N. Y. ; diploma March 12, 1889, University City of New York. Joanna Katrina C, Fiske, born Yates, N. Y. ; diploma March G, 1878, Boston University School of Medicine. Lizzie C. Blair, born East Albany; diploma April 1884, New York Medical college. Alice French Mills, born Bedford, N. M. ; diploma March 3, 1880, Boston University of Medicine. SKETCHES OF PROMINENT EARLY PHYSICIANS. Dr. Phineas Bartholmew, according to acknowledged authority, was the pioneer' of the profession in the little village of Chenango Point, to which place he came about 1803. Tradition says he was a physician of much skill for his time, and during his brief residence here he gained an enviable reputation. He came from Coxsackie, and for a time was engaged in mercantile pursuits with John Bartlett; but in the course of a few years he returned to the place whence he came. Dr. Barthol- mew was a graduate of Yale college. Dr. Elihu Ely, of whom mention is made in another chapter of this work, came to Chenango Point in 1805. He was a native of Lyme, Conn., and was highly educated for professional life, but a desire for mercantile pursuits caused him to drift away from practice and turned his energies into other channels. He became the owner of several de- • Drs. Slocum aad Blanchard came soon after Dr. Bartholmew, but remained in the village only a short time. DR. AMMl DOUBLEDAY. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 405 sirable tracts of land in the village, and built a number of business blocks and dwellings, some of which are still standing. The Exchange building, just below the present Sisson block, was one of Dr. Ely's properties, and is still a substantial structure. As a result of close at- tention to business, good judgment, and a provident life. Dr. Ely ac- cumulated a fortune, but reverses eventually overtook him and he died in moderate circumstances. He took an earnest interest in the profes- sion, and also in the County Medical society, of which he was the first treasurer. He retired from active practice in 1832, but lived in the village until his death, in 1851. Dr. Ely was an honor to the profession and to the village in which he lived. Dr. Tracy Robinson came to practice medicine in Binghamton and its vicinity in 1810 and afterward was a lifelong resident of the village. Like his professional associates of the period. Dr. Robinson engaged in mercantile pursuits and also in hotel keeping. At one time he was partner with his son-in-law. Major Morgan, in establishing and opera- ting a line of stages through this part of the state. Withal, he was one of our most worthy citizens, and was prominently identified with the political history both of the vihage and the county. Twice he was ap- pointed postmaster, first in 1833 and again in 1842. He also served as first judge of the Common Pleas after the adoption of the constitution of 1822. For many years he was a faithful member of Christ church, and was one of its vestrymen. The medical profession and the village were honored by his life and works. Dr. Robinson was president of the County Medical society from 1823 to 1836. The late Gen. John C. Robinson, Henry L. Robinson, of New York city, and the late Erasmus D. , Charles and Sidney Robinson, were sons of Dr. Robinson. None except Henry L. are now living and the surname has few representa- tives in the city. Dr. Robinson died in November, 1867. Dr. Ammi Doubleday (every old resident of Binghamton has a dis- tinct and friendly recollection of this worthy citizen and physician) be- gan his professional life here in 1813, and in connection with his prac- tice he kept a drug store in partnership with Dr. Robinson. John T. Doubleday soon succeeded to his brother's interest in the store, after which the latter was partner with Dr. Silas West, of honored memory. In many respects Dr. Doubleday was identified with early village his- tory, and for many years was one of our most worthy citizens. He was a physician of almost distinguished ability, and while he loved the profession he somewhat abruptly dropped practice to engage in mer- 406 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, cantile pursuits and various other business enterprises. He accumu- lated a fortune and deserved the success he achieved, for he was an en- ergetic and straightforward business man. He was one of the founders of the old Bank of Binghamton and was its president as long as he lived. From 1817 to 1821 he was county clerk, hence must have been a factor in early county politics. As a contractor he built a section of the Croton water works to supply New York city. He also built two sections of the Erie Railroad. As is mentioned in an earlier chapter, Dr. Doubleday was a native of New Lebanon, Columbia county, and lived a short time in Tioga county before settling permanently in Bing- hamton. He died in July, 1867. Dr. Charles Johnson practiced medicine in the village from 1821 to 1835. He was born in London, England, and was educated for the profession in his native country. Tradition gives him a good standing among the physicians of this county although the period of his resi- dence here was short. He died in 1835, leaving a large family. Dr. Silas West practiced medicine in Binghamton from 1823 to August 27, 1859, when he died. He is not elsewhere mentioned in this work, as his life was devoted closely to professional work, although for a time he was partner with Dr. Doubleday in a drug business at the famous old " red store " on Water street, where the villagers were wont to gather and discuss current events. Dr. West was a native of Water- vliet, Albany county, and was born March 11, 1793. His medical edu- cation was thorough and as a physician he for many years held a prom- inent position among his professional associates. The honorary de- gree of doctor of medicine was conferred on him by the regents of the university. Moreover, he was a devout Christian, exemplary in all the walks of life, and was an elder in the Presbyterian church thirty-five years. The records disclose that Dr. West was president of the County Medical society in 1838-39. Dr. Henry S. West, son of Silas West, was born in Binghamton, Jan- uary 21, 1827, and died in Sivas, Turkey in Asia, April 1, 1870. He was educated for the medical profession, and was graduated at the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York, in 1850. He practiced in partnership with his father until 1858, when he became missionarj^ physician under the American board of foreign missions and was sta- tioned in Turkey. Thereafter he spent his life in the cause of Chris- tianity, but he loved good works in the Master's vinej'ard rather than the pleasures and vanities of the world. Had he elected to remain at GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 407 home his acknowledged ability would have given him a high standing in the ranks of the profession, and undoubtedly he would have accumu- lated a fortune; but in his chosen field of labor his services were re- warded with the meagre salary of $600 per year. His greatest recom- pense, however, was in the consciousness of doing good work in the missionary field. Few indeed of our citizens have any present recol- lection of Dr. Henry West, yet his name will ever have an honorable place in the history of Binghamton and the medical profession. Dr. West was secretary of the County Medical society from 1854 to 1857. Dr. Charles Britten Johnson, a native and former resident of Clunn, Wales, emigrated to the United States and landed in Philadelphia about 1818 or '10. Soon afterward he associated with Dr. Rose and assisted in the colonization of the region surrounding Silver Lake, Pa. To pro- mote the enterprise, Dr. Johnson, who was a man of excellent educa- tion, wrote a series of letters for the use of the British Emigration com- mission, the same being published and widely circulated throughout Great Britain, and resulting in the success of the colonization scheme. About 1828 Dr. Johnson came to live in Binghamton, taking up a resi- dence on the river road (Riverside Drive): He practiced medicine in this vicinity until his death, about 1836. His children were John, Will- iam, Charles, Thomas, Henry, Evans, Emily and Eliza Johnson, Henry and Evans were once connected with Rexford's drug store but after- ward removed to New York and engaged in the wholesale drug trade. John and William left Binghamton many years ago and were never afterward heard of. Charles died young. Thomas, whose business life was chiefly spent in this vicinity, was the first telegraph operator in Binghamton. He was a practical printer and at one time was con- nected with the Fulton Chronicle, of Fultonville, and afterward with the Broome County Courier. Later on he was paymaster on the west- ern division of the Erie railroad and "was killed in an accident near Ovvego in 1850. His wife was Primrose Scott, who died in 1897. Their children were Robert M. Johnson, soldier and sailor; Charles B. John- son, a business man of Binghamton of whom mention is made in an- other department of this work ; Levi Rexford Johnson, also a soldier and now a resident of Erie, Pa. ; Alice Johnson, who died young; Cam- eron Johnson, now in the railway service in Illinois; and Annie Leav- enworth Johnson, of this city. Dr. Nathan S. Davis was added to the number of practicing physi- cians of the village in 1836, and two years later was elected secretary 408 BlNGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, of the Medical society, holding- office until 1842. He came from Che- nango county, where he had read medicine with Dr. Clark. He re- ceived his degree of M. D. from the old Herkimer County Medical in- stitution. After several years practice in Binghamton Dr. Davis re- moved to Chicago, where he attained a standing of great prominence in the profession. Indeed, for many years he was regarded as one of the leading physicians of the west, and for a long time held a chair in the Medical college of Chicago. He was one of the organizers of the American Medical association ; was its president, and was also editor- in-chief of the Journal, the organ of the association. Although the best part of Dr. Davis' professional life was spent away from Binghamton, he is still remembered with gratitude, and is freely accorded an hon- orable mention in these annals. Dr. Edwin Eldridge was a physician of the village of Binghamton for a period of about twenty- five years, and had he cast his lot perma- nently with our people instead of Elmira his success and popularity undoubtedly would have been greater than it was. His memory is still fresh in the minds of a few of our older practitioners and a larger num- ber of citizens generally, for he was one of the most popular men of the village in his time. Dr. Eldridge was born in the Hudson River val- ley, and acquired his professional education in New York city and also in the Fairfield Medical institution. In 1836 he came to Binghamton and at once found favor with the people. His home north of the rail- road, opposite the old village cemetery, was the seat of comfort and hospitality. The residence was a neat villa situated in the center of a large grove. The entire property is now occupied for railroad pur- poses, and is the site whereon stands the D. & H. freighthouse. El- dridge street was named in allusion to Dr. Eldridge. Dr. Thomas Jackson, whose name for many years was almost a household word in Binghamton, and who was, withal, one of our most esteemed citizens and ablest physicians, was born in Wyoming county, Pa., April 23, 1805. He was the son of a physician, and after complet- ing his early education he began the study of medicine with his father, but finished " reading " with Dr. Edward Covell, of Wilkesbarre, where he remained two years. He then became a student in the medical de- partment of the University of Pennsylvania, and was graduated in 1827. He began practice in Montrose, but in the course of a year or two lo- cated in Binghamton, where he soon took a prominent position in the ranks of the profession. Dr. Jackson was an excellent physician, en- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 409 joyed a large and profitable practice and had the confidence and respect of all our people, yet in 1836 he removed to Mississippi. About three years later,- however, he returned north and again took up his residence in Montrose, remaining there until about 1842, when he decided to live permanently in Binghamton. From that time until his death, in 1863, Dr. Jackson was one of our most distinguished physicians. During the period from about 1842 to 1861 Dr. Jackson and Dr. George Burr were partners under the firm name of Jackson & Burr. This relation was maintained until the junior partner became an army surgeon. He became a member of the County Medical society in 1829, and was its president in 1851-52. He was one of the founders and an original fellow of the Bmghamton Academy of Medicine. Dr. Lewis F. Starkey, secretary of the medical society in 1831-32, came to practice medicine in the village and vicinity in 1829. He studied medicine under Dr. Packard, of Oxford, and was graduated at the Fairfield Medical institute in 1827. He practiced about two years in Bainbridge and then came to Binghamton, where he was for a time partner with Dr. Silas West. After a short time Dr. wStarkey returned to Chenango county and thence removed to Michigan, where he died. Dr. Josiah Blackman was a medical practitioner of fifteen years' ser- vice in Otsego county before he came to Binghamton in 1833. He re- mained here about two years and then removed to Montrose, Pa. Dr. Rufus Belden, a graduate of the Berkshire Medical institute, came to Binghamton in 1837, but in the course of a few years removed to Williamsburg, Long Island, and thence to New York city, where he acquired a prominent standing in the profession and also a splendid fortune as the result of his skill and attainments. Dr. Horace Griswold began practicing medicine in Binghamton in 1842, although his honorary membership in the County Medical society dated from 1831. He came from Huntington, Pa., but was a native of Buckland, Mass., where his medical education was in part acquired. He also studied under the celebrated Dr. White, of Cherry Valley, and began his professional career at Harford, Pa., where he married. Later on he removed to Huntington, where he practiced many years. He came to this place, as has been stated, in 1842, but impaired health soon compelled him to discontinue professional work. Dr. Griswold died soon after 1850. Dr. Whiting S. Griswold was perhaps more prominent in the medical profession in Binghamton than his father, Dr. Horace Griswold. The 410 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. young man acquired his medical education in Dr. Eldridge's office, also in reciting to and receiving instruction from Dr. Nathan S. Davis, who afterward attained a distinguished prominence in the profession. In 1842 Dr. Griswold attended Geneva Medical college, but in the latter part of that year entered the medical department of Pennsylvania col- lege, at Philadelphia, where he was graduated. He began practice in Union, where he lived three years and then removed to Binghamton. Dr. Griswold was secretary of the County Medical society from 1849 to 1851, and its president in 1861-G2; was an original fellow of the Bing- hamton Academy of Medicine, and its vice-president in 1855. He died in 1806. Dr. John Chubbuck was another early, well known and highly re- spected Binghamton physician, having begun practice here in 1843. The surname was known in local annals many years, both in profession- al and business circles. Dr. Chubbuck was born in Connecticut in 1795, and acquired his medical education in Yale college, soon after which he was licensed to practice. His career was begun at East Windsor, Conn., in 1821, but in 1831 he came west and settled in Nichols, Tioga county, where he lived eleven years. Then he came to Binghamton. He joined the Medical society in 1844, and was an original fellow of the Bing- hamton Academy of Medicine in 1854. Dr. Chubbuck was not a con- spicuous figure in the affairs of the medical organizations, or of the vil- lage, but is remembered as a quiet, capable physician, devoting his at- tention almost wholly to practice. D. J. H. Chubbuck, the druggist, was for many years identified with mercantile interests in Binghamton. He was the son of Dr. John Chubbuck. Dr. George Burr, of honored memory both in the medical profession throughout the state and also in the civil history of Binghamton for a period of almost forty years, was born in Meredith, N. Y. , April 5, 1813, and died in this city in October, 1882. In youth he was given the advantages of an excellent academic education, and before attain- ing his majority he began the study of medicine. He attended a course of medical lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Fair- field, and another at the equally famous Berkshire Medical institution ; and was graduated at the latter in 1835. Dr. Burr began his profes- sional career, however, in 1831, in the village of Union, but later on took a further course of instruction in the University of Pennsylvania. In Union Dr. Burr was not only a successful physician, but his large acquaintance and friendly relations with the leading men of the county GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 411 naturally drew him somewhat into association with the political forces of the locality. In November, 1843, he was elected county clerk and thereupon removed to the county seat to discharge the duties of that office. At the end of his term he resumed practice, not immediately, however, in Binghamton, but in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained less than two years, after which he became a permanent resident of our then village. He soon took and to the time of his death maintained a leading position among the physicians both of this county and of the state; and notwithstanding the fact that he was what is commonly called a country physician, practicing in one of the border counties of the state, his worth, however, was recognized and appreciated by the profession at large. For four years he held the chair of obstetrics, diseases of women and medical jurisprudence, and for eleven years the professorship of general and special anatomy, in Geneva Medical col- lege During the war of 1861-65 Dr. Burr was commissioned, by President Lincoln, brigade surgeon of volunteers, and in October, 1861, he was assigned to duty in the army of the Potomac, serving through the cam- paigns of that and the following year, both on the Peninsula and before Richmond. He was on the field with his brigade in every engagement in which it participated during the entire period. Upon his discharge from the service he was the recipient of many gratifying testimonials from army and government officials, all of whom gave him the highest praise for fidelity and devotion to the soldiers under his care. After the war he returned to Binghamton and resumed practice, and from that time he stood pre-eminently at the head of the profession in this section of the state. Dr. Burr was a member of the State Medical society, and at one time was its vice-president; was a permanent member of the American Medi- cal association; an honorary member of the Neurological society of the city of New York ; an active member of the American Association for the Care of Inebriates, He was also honored with an invitation to a seat in the International Congress of Surgeons which met in Philadel- phia in 1876. Locally, he was president of the County Medical society in 1844-45, in 1852-54 and again in 1865-66. He was secretary of the society from 1843 to 1844. He was an original fellow of the Academy of Medicine, and its vice-president in 1855. As a contributor to the literature of the medical profession Dr. Burr enjoyed a special promi- nence, as he possessed the fortunate qualities of grace and versatility in 412 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT. writing. Several of his articles were translated into foreign languages and were given a wide circulation in European countries. As an au- thority on subjects relating to local history the doctor was hardly less noted. His address on the early history of Broome county, which was delivered July 3, 1876, was one of the best reviews of its character ex- tant, and was considered of such value that a large edition was pub- lished for the benefit of succeeding generations. Dr. Edward Griffin Crafts, who was well known in medical and agri- cultural circles in Broome county for a period of nearly fifty years, was a native of Cherry Valley, born July 4, 1821. In youth he was given a good education, after which, and until he attained his majority, his time was devoted to study, teaching school, working as clerk in a store, and also to farming pursuits. Although a professional man by education and choice, Dr. Crafts possessed a natural inclination for farming pur- suits, and especially interested himself in breeding and raising fine blooded stock. When hardly more than twenty years old he was a wool buyer for a Boston house, and in 1844 was sent to Ohio and other then western states to make purchases for his employers. However, he de- termined to enter the medical profession and to that end devoted his attention. Having pursued a course of study at Castleton (Vt.) Medi- cal college and also in Philadelphia, he entered Geneva Medical college, and was graduated in 1850. Soon afterward he was appointed ship sur- geon on the Northern Light, of the California line via. Nicaragua and the Isthmus. In 1853 he was made resident official surgeon at Virgin Bay, Nicaragua, at a salary of $5,000, but after two years in that capac- ity he returned to New York ; nor did the most tempting offers of the company induce the young doctor to resume life in the tropics. He then settled in Binghamton and began practice, and from that time to about 1875 his time was devoted to professional work. Then, so seri- ously broken in health that his life was despaired of. Dr. Crafts turned himself to farming pursuits, taking up a residence on the old Double- day farm in East Maine. The doctor proved an excellent farmer and thorough developer, and the locality in which he lived was named "Craftsdale " in allusion to him. Later on, when a post station was established there, the name "Arbutus" was given to the office. In this pleasant locality Dr. Crafts spent the remaining years of his life, engaged in general agriculture and in breeding Jersey cows and Berk- shire swine. Dr. Crafts was a member of the State Grange, also of the State Dairyman's association, of which he was vice-president in 1878. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 413 In professional circles he was a member of the State and County* Medi- cal societies, and was president of the latter in 1859-60; he became a fellow of the Binghamton Academy of Medicine in 1858, and was its president in 1864. His membership in all these organizations was maintained until his death, January 26, 1894. Dr. Crafts' wife was Susan Pierce Doubleday, daughter of Dr. Ammi Doubleday. Five children were born of their marriage. Dr. Pelatiah Brooks was a native of Lisle, and was born September 13, 1825. He received his early medical education from his father Dr. Pelatiah B. Brooks, after which he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city, where he was graduated in 1850. He began practice in Binghamton soon afterward, and in 1855 he became partner with Dr. John G. Orton, which relation was maintained until March, 1864. Dr. Brooks was a permanent member of the State Medi- cal society, and was also a member of the County Medical society (of which he was president from 1857 to 1863), and the Binghamton Acad- emy of Medicine, having been one of the founders of the latter, and its treasurer in 1857. At the time of his death Dr. Brooks held a commis- sion as surgeon of the 44th regiment of militia, an organization of Broome county citizen soldiers. The surname Brooks has been well represented in the medical history of the county. Dr. Pelatiah B. Brooks became a member of the County Medical society in 1823, and was its president from 1836 to 1838, and again from 1846 to 1849. Drs. Pelatiah Brooks, James Brooks and Walter Brooks, all prominent phy- sicians in their time, were descended from the same pioneer head. Dr. Lansing Griffin was another old medical practitioner in excellent standing in the profession for many years. He was a native of Water- loo, Seneca county, and was the son of a physician. He was graduated at Albany Medical college in 1859, but practiced in Susquehanna county previous to locating in Binghamton. Dr. Griffin died November 12, 1894. Dr. George A. Thayer was a resident physician in Binghamton for a period of almost thirty years, and during that time he built up an ex- tensive practice, and a professional and social acquaintance equal to that of any other physician in the city. Dr. Thayer was what is gener- ally termed an " Eclectic," having graduated May 18, 1859, at the Cin- cinnati Eclectic Medical college, one of the best institutions of its class in the country. But of whatever school of medicine he may have been, the fact remains that George A, Thayer was one of our best city physicians 414 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, and also one of our most worthy and popular citizens. His practice was large and successful, therefore remunerative, yet throughout his professional career he never pressed a poor family for his fee ; neither did he ever refuse a sick call from a poor man on the ground that he would not be paid for his services. His liberality and generosity gave him a wide acquaintance throughout the city, therefore when the Dem- ocratic party sought to nominate for the mayoralty a candidate who could not well be defeated Dr. Thayer was chosen to head the ticket and carry it safely to victory at the polls. This was done in 1884 and again in 1885, the doctor serving two terms as mayor of the city. George A. Thayer was born in Otsego county June 26, 1830, and from early youth he made his way in life. He was well educated and de- voted portions of five years to teaching regular winter and also evening terms of school. At the same time he prepared himself for the medi- cal profession and finished his course in the institution mentioned. He came to Binghamton in 1850, immediately after graduation, and prac- ticed in the city and vicinity to the time of his death, January 31, 1887. Dr. Thayer was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Marquisee, sister of James Marquisee, formerly of this city. Of this marriage one child, who died in infancy, was born. His second wife, whom he mar- ried January 18, 1862, was Mary J. Heavy, who still lives in this city. The late Dr. George Volney Thayer was 'an adopted son of Dr. George A. and Mary J. (Heavy) Thayer. Dr. Orson V. Thayer was a cousin of Dr. George A. Thayer, and like the latter, was an Eclectic. He acquired considerable prominence in professional circles in having founded and conducted the Mount Prospect watercure, an institution of much note in its time. Later on Dr. Thayer removed to California, where he now lives. Dr. William Bassett was for many years a physician of excellent re- pute in the city, and still lives (in Owego), although not in active prac- tice. Dr. Bassett was born in London, England, and a graduate of Berkshire (Mass.) Medical college in November, 1841. Dr. Lester D. Stone was a native of Ontario county, and a graduate of the Metropolitan Medical college of New York in 1854. He lived in the city several years previous to his death, but having means did not depend on his practice for a livelihood. He was prominently identified with the local society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, and with other worthy causes. He died a few years ago. Dr. Stephen D. Hand was unquestionably the most distinguished DR. STEPHEN D. HAND. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 415 representative of the Homoeopathic school in Broome county during the period of his practice. He was educated for the regular profession, as it is termed, but became convinced of the superiority of homoeopathv, hence he adopted its methods in his subsequent professional life. Dr. Hand was born in New Lebanon, Columbia county, October 6, 1806, and died in Binghamton March 10, 1879. His parents were in moderate circumstances and could not afford to give him the early education he sought to acquire, therefore at the age of fifteen years he "bought his time " and by hard work earned sufficient money to obtain a fair com- mon school and an excellent medical education. He studied medicine with Drs. Dayton and Wright, of New Lebanon, and was graduated at the Berkshire Medical college at Pittsfield, Mass., in 1831. He at once began practice at Coeymans, Albany county, thence removed to West Stockbridge, Mass., and came to Binghamton in 1835. Of his subse- quent career as a physician it may be said that he was eminently suc- cessful, and that he was very highly regarded by his professional asso- ciates. In 1835 he became a member of the Broome County Medical society; was its secretary in 1837-38, and its president from 1840 to 1842. About 1847 his enquiring mind led him to investigate the merits of the Homoeopathic school, soon after which he became a convert to the doctrine of siinilia similibiis ciirantur. Dr. Hand's abandonment of the old and well settled practice of the "regular" school produced great consternation in the County Medical society and called forth from the president of that body a strong denun- ciation of the action. But while thus separated from his former asso- ciates by the widely differing theories of the respective schools. Dr. Hand always retained their respect and confidence, and their social in- tercourse was not broken by his radical professional departure. In the ranks of homoeopathy Dr. Hand soon took and to the end of his career maintained a distinguished prominence, and was frequently mentioned as the father of his school of medicine in the county, notwithstanding the fact that homoeopathy had older representatives in the county than he. They, however, were comparatively passive characters who had struggled against adversity and the prejudices created by those of the opposing school who were intolerant of the new. With the acquisition of Dr. Hand to the homoeopathic forces the latter school became more popular than in previous years, and it grew and continued to grow un- til it was the fair rival of its old-time antagonist. Indeed, it may truth- fully be said that Dr. Hand did more for homoeopathy than any or all 416 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, of his predecessors, and that he builded firmly and permanently. He was a member of the State Homoeopathic society, and always took a prominent part in its proceedings when he could be present. He was one of the founders of the Broome County Homoeopathic society in 1863 and was its president from its organization to the time of his death. Throughout the period of his residence in the city Dr. Hand was a prominent figure in public affairs, although he was not in any sense a politician. He was an intense abolitionist and his home was a station for refugees on the underground railroad leading from the slave states to Canada. He was one of the organizers and the first assistant fore- man of Protection Hook and Ladder company, in 1843, and otherwise took an active interest in the village and its institutions. He was one of the early school commissioners after the creation of the union district in 1861, and served several years as member of the board of education. In 1867 he was a member of the state constitutional convention. Dr. Hand's wife, with whom he married April 8, 1832, was Elmina Hay- ward of New Lebanon, N. Y. George F. Hand, physician, and Walter M. Hand, lawyer, both of this city, are sons of the late Dr. Hand Dr. Titus L. Brown was for many years a prominent homoeopathic physician of the city, and enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. He was born in Hillsdale, Columbia county, October 16, 1828, and was a graduate of the Hahnemann Medical college of Philadelphia, March 1, 1853. He is well remembered by our older citizens, for his was a fa- miliar figure on our streets previous to ten years ago. His office and residence were centrally located on Collier street, north of Firemen's hall, a part of the property being afterward taken for the new Munici- pal building. Dr. Brown entertained peculiar and somewhat unpopu- lar religious opinions, and his unrestrained expression of them on all occasions probably alienated a number of otherwise profitable clients. He inclined to the LigersoUian theory and was a near friend of the dis- tinguished agnostic, whose recent death has occasioned much comment throughout the country. Dr. Brown was one of the founders of the County Homoeopathic Medical society, and was its secretary many years. He died in this city August 17, 1887. Dr. Henry S. Sloan practiced homoeopathy in the city nearly thirty years. He was born in Sharon, N. Y., and was one of the numerous contingent of Schoharie county citizens who contributed so much to local growth and prosperity. Dr. Sloan was a graduate of the Hahn- emann Medical college of Chicago in 1852. He is remembered as hav- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 417 ing been a good physician and an upright citizen. He stood especially- high in Masonic circles, but took no active part in the political affairs of the city. He was an original member of the Homoeopathic Medical society of the county and for many years was its vice-president. Dr. Sloan died in this city a few years ago. Dr. Ira W. Peabody was another prominent citizen and disciple of Hahnemann in Binghamton for many years. He was of New England stock, and was descended from the noted Peabody family of Massachu- setts. He died more than twenty years ago, but is remembered in friendship by many of our older citizens. Edwin W. Peabody, who is well known in business circles in the city, and who was city alderman in 1880 and '81, is a nephew of the late Dr. Peabody. Dr. Washington W. Wheaton, who was well known in professional and farming circles in Binghamton for a period of almost forty years, was born in Jackson, Susquehanna county, Pa., in 1811, and was the son of Moses P. Wheaton, a prominent teacher for many years in Harford academy. The doctor acquired his early education in the Susquehanna county schools and also was under the private instruction of a retired invalid college professor. He afterward read medicine with Dr. Street- er, of Harford, and attended lectures at the Central Medical college, of Rochester, where he was graduated June 5, 1850. Previous to his graduation, however, the young doctor began practice in Warren, Brad- ford county. Pa., and lived in that locality about eight years, practicing in five counties and thirty towns. In 1852 he came to live in Bingham- ton, and was thereafter one of our most popular and successful physi- cians until the time of his death, October 13, 1888. Aside from his practice, which was always large and remunerative, the doctor took an earnest interest in all agricultural pursuits, particularly in stock grow- ing. He owned one of the largest and finest herds of Jersey cattle in this part of the state, and bred many premium cattle. He possessed six good farms at one time and at the time of his death he left twenty pieces of real estate. He was one of the most generous and liberal hearted men, having an especial love for children although none were born of his marriage. During the married life of the doctor and his wife more than forty children were given a home in their household and remained with them from one to twenty years. On January 6, 1850, Dr. Wheaton married Elizabeth B., daughter of William Bowen, the latter one of the pioneers of Bradford county, Pa., and of honorable New England stock. 27 1 418 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, Dr. Christopher Hempstead Yelvington, who was a practicing physi- cian of this city from the summer of 1893 to the time of his death, May 31, 1899, was one of the most prominent disciples of the Eclectic school of medicine in this state. He was born in Gay Head, Greene county, December 10, 1835, and was the son of poor parents, hence he was com- pelled always to make his own way m life. He was educated in the common school after which he was a clerk in a store and also on a boat plying between Poughkeepsie and New York. Then he served a seven years' apprenticeship to learn the trade of plumbing, but while thus employed he also read medicine under the direction of Drs Pine & Tuttle of Poughkeepsie. He then attended Albany Medical college one year, after which he began practice at Highland, Dutchess county. About this time the civil war began, and in 1863 Dr. Yelvington was commissioned surgeon of the 120th N. Y. Vols., and was assigned to duty in the recruiting service. In the early part of 1865 he went to the front and after the fall of Richmond he was sent on detached service to Libby prison hospital, where he was stationed until mustered out. He then practiced for a time at Sunbury, Pa., but in the spring of 1867 located at Susquehanna borough, where he remained until the fall of 1881. He was then asked to take the chair of obstetrics and diseases of women in the Eclectic Medical college of the City of New York, A few months later the dean of the college having died, Dr. Yelvington was elected to the chair of practice of medicine to succeed the deceased dean. This high position he filled until the spring of 1885, when, broken in health, he retired and returned to Susquehanna, practicing in that borough until he came to this city in July, 1893. It is proper to mention that Dr. Yelvington took up Eclecticism only after he left the army, and from that time he was a distinguished representative of that school of medicine. He organized the Susquehanna Eclectic Med- ical society in 1870, and in 1874 assisted in the organization of the State Eclectic Medical association; and when the association received a char- ter in 1876, Dr. Yelvington was chosen its president. In 1877 the Eclectic Medical college conferred on him the honorary degree of M. D., in recognition of his prominence and the work he had done for the school. He was a member of the State Eclectic Medical societies of New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Connecticut, and an hon- orary member of the National Eclectic Medical society. Dr. Yelving- ton's wife, whom he married December 25, 1857, was Sarah Osborn of Poughkeepsie ; seven children were born of this marriage. DR. JOHN G. ORTON. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 419 SKETCHES OF PRESENT PHYSICIANS. John Gay Orton is a native of Seneca Falls, N. Y., born December 5, 1827, and is the son of the late Rev. Azariah G. Orton, D. D. His grandfather was Azariah Orton, of Tyringham, Mass., a revolutionary patriot and a soldier in Gen. Gates' army. The family is of English extraction and is descended from Thomas Orton, the immigrant ances- tor who settled in Charlestown, Mass., in 1636, and thence removed to Windsor, Conn., in 1641. His descendants, like all New Englanders, became scattered with the settlement and growth of the country, and thus Rev. Azariah G. Orton, a Presbyterian clergyman and a graduate of Williams college, became pastor of a church at Seneca Falls, in central New York. John G. Orton was given a thorough academic education, after which he entered the medical department of the University of New York, where he was graduated in the spring of 1853. A portion of that year and the next he devoted to hospital work in New York. On April 1, 1854, Dr. Orton came to Binghamton and began the practice of medicine and surgery. He was then twenty-six years of age, and be- gan his career in a village of a few thousand inhabitants, where he was brought into acquaintance with physicians of great professional strength, among whom were the Drs. West, George Burr, Pelatiah Brooks, Thomas Jackson, P. B. Brooks, Whiting S. Griswold, John Chubbuck and others; but Dr. Orton was not a professional competitor of any of them, but rather their associate and co-worker. With them he found- ed the Binghamton Academy of Medicine, and was elected its secretary, which office he held many years. Indeed he was the mainstay and sup- port of the organization during periods in which dissolution seemed imminent, and when it was revived and reorganized in 1889, he was honored with the election to its presidency. With such associates as those whose names have been mentioned it was only natural that Dr. Orton should soon gain an honorable standing in the profession. Added to this was the physical and mental equipment of the man himself, for he was not only highly educated for his life's work, but was a careful observer and close student. Dr. Orton was never ambitious, yet he always had high aspirations, and glancing backward forty-five years, the period of his life in Binghamton, it must be seen that his hopes and aims have been fully gratified. He is still practicing in the city, and although beyond " three-score and ten years " of life's span, he is still vigorous in mind and body and we cannot write of him as of one whose career is closed ; but it is no fulsome [compliment to say that through- I 420 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, out the greater portion of this period he has stood at the head of his profession in the city, and has also ranked among the leading medical men of the state. His contributions to literature of the profession have attracted much attention, and his dissertations and addresses have been given a wide circulation in medical journals /re bono publico. The sub- jects discussed have been so frequently mentioned by Dr. Orton's biog- raphers that their reproduction in this brief sketch would be quite like the repetition of well known facts; but rather, in this connection let us mention a few of the many ways in which the doctor has been a factor in local history. Dr. Orton became a member of the Broome County Medical society in October, 1854; was its president in 1856-7 and its secretary from 1863 to 1879. In 1854 he was elected correspond- ing secretary of the Buffalo Natural History society; in 1856 became permanent member of the State Medical society; in 1863 was appoint- ed by President Lincoln (at the request of Daniel S. Dickinson), medi- cal examiner for pensions and served about twenty five years. At the outbreak of the civil war, he received a commission from Gov. Sey- mour to act as examining surgeon, with the late Orlow W. Chapman as commissioner, to determine the available force of Broome county under the prospective draft. He examined several thousand appli- cants. In 1875 he became a member of the American Association for the cure of inebriates, and at one time served as consulting surgeon to the New York State Inebriate asylum, of which he was a trustee under appointment of Gov. Tilden. In 1884-5 he was one of the founders and vice-president of the New York State Medical association, and was its president in 1889-90. In 1887 he was elected a member of the In- ternational Medical congress, and in 1890 became a member of the American Public Health association, by complimentary election at its session in Charleston, S. C. He assisted in establishing the New York State Board of Health. He was at one time trustee, treasurer and secre- tary of the New York State Asylum for the Blind under appointment of Gov. Fenton. In the work of founding and maintaining local institu- tions Dr. Orton has also been prominent. In this connection may be mentioned the " Susquehanna Valley Home," of which he is the recog- nized founder and has been one of its managers and president of the institution, and also the same is true of the " Home for Aged Women." He was one of the original incorporators of the Binghamton City hospi- tal and also of the Academy of Science. He is a director and vice- president of the Binghamton Savings bank and a member of the Board GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 421 of Trade. For several years he was a member of the Board of Educa- tion, and was one of the special committee charged with the duty of supervising the erection of the high school building. In these various enterprises and in many other ways Dr. Orton has been identified with the best interests and history of our city, but further detail of statement is not necessary. His life in Binghamton, both as village and city, for a period of nearly half a century has been devoted to the general welfare, as well as the promotion of his personal interests. His ef- forts in professional and business pursuits have been well rewarded in honors and in a comfortable fortune. Politically, the doctor inclines to the Democratic party, yet he has never yielded to the importunities of friends and party leaders and become a candidate for an elective office, as the turmoil of politics has no attraction for him. In June, 1856, Dr. Orton married Helen M., daughter of the late Dr. Ammi Doubledayof Binghamton. The commanding and elegant residence of Dr. Orton, with its beautiful surroundings on West Main street, aptly called "The Terraces," is indeed an ideal place for rest, comfort and enjoyment; and long may he live in the satisfaction of his well earned reputation and in the love and esteem of the whole community! Edward Irving Ford is a native of Newark Valley, Tioga county, born June 28, 1825, the eldest son of Rev. Marcus Ford, D. D., whose pastor- ate in the Presbyterian church of that place covered a period of forty years. He was fitted for college mainly under the tutorship of his father, and entered the sophomore class at Williams college in 1846, and gradu- ated in 1849. After graduation he was engaged in teaching for several years, as principal of the academies at Athens, Pa., and Elmira, N. Y. After this he entered upon the study of medicine, imder the direction of Dr. R. B. Root of Newark Valley and the Drs. Brooks of Binghamton, and after a three years' course of lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, graduated from that institution in the spring of 1860. He located for the practice of his profession in Bing- hamton, during the first year occupying the house of Dr. West, on Main street, who had recently died. In the fall of 1861 he removed to Court street, above Exchange, which was his residence until the death of his parents. In May, 1863, Dr. Ford entered the military serviceof the government as acting assistant surgeon, U. S. A., and was assigned to duty in the hospital at Evansville, Indiana. Thence he was transferred to the hospitals at Jefferson Barracks, Mo. 422 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, In the fall of the same year, immediately after the battle of Chica- mauga, he was ordered to the field hospital at Chattanooga and was sent from thence in charge of an ambulance train of wounded men to Nash- ville, Tenn. He was then assigned to duty in military hospitals where he was engaged until 1864, when he was commissioned surgeon of the 101st U. S. C. T. He was put in charge of the contraband camp, also of the refugee hospital. At the same time, in connection with his other duties, he was appointed member of the board of examiners of surgeons for colored troops. He was honorably discharged from service in January, 1866, when he returned to Binghamton. For the following six years he conducted a drug business in connec- tion with his practice. After the death of his parents he disposed of his drug store and removed to the corner of Chenango street and Pros- pect avenue, where he pursued the practice of his profession until the fall of 1881, when he removed to Asbury Park, N. J., and erected the "Sea Side sanitarium," which he conducted successfully until obliged to relinquish it on account of failing health. In the summer of 1897 the doctor returned to this city to spend the evening of his days among old friends and associations. On July 16, 1851, Dr. Ford married Anna Shepard, daughter of George A. Perkins of Athens, Pa. Mrs. Ford has long been known in Binghamton as a lady of refinement and culture, and as a writer of more than ordinary talent. She is also a veteran of the late war, hav- ing spent more than two years caring for the soldiers in the hospitals at Nashville in connection with the Christian commission. Moreover she is descended from the Shepard and Perkins families, both of whom were pioneers and the most highly respected settlers of the Susquehanna Valley in the vicinity of Tioga Point (now Athens). Two children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Ford, one dying in infancy and the other at five years of age. Jessie L. Hoover, wife of Frederick E. Hoover of Newark, N. J., is their foster child. Dr. Ford is one of the charter members of the North Presbyterian church and was a member of the session until his removal from the city in 1881. He has been an elder in the Presbyterian church for more than forty years. John L. Van Alystyne, a native of Richmondville, Schoharie county, born October 8, 1810, the youngest but one of six children of Dr. Thomas J3. and Eliza (Gile) Van Alstyne. He acquired his early edu- cation in the common and academic schools, after which he read medi- cine with his brother, Dr. Sylvester Van Alstyne, and later with Dr. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. ■ 423 John Swinburne of Albany. He then took a course of lectures and study at the Albany Medical college and was graduated from that in- stitution in December, 1862. In January, 1863, Dr. Van Alstyne was commissioned by Governor Seymour as assistant surgeon, 3d N. Y. Cavalry, and served in that capacity until September, 1864, when he was promoted regimental surgeon with the rank of major, and so con- tinued until the close of the war. During much of this period, how- ever. Dr. Van Alstyne, by seniority rank, served as surgeon of the First Brigade, Kautz's Division of Cavalry; and from January 1, 1865, to the final muster out he was surgeon in-chief of the second sub-district of East Virginia. He was mustered out of service June 27, 1865. In connection with his life and service during the war it may be said of Dr. Van Alstyne that he was always an active young officer, constantly with the men in the field, and thus became a favorite with the entire regiment. His acquaintance and relations with the brigade and regi- mental officers were also of a pleasant character, and he was once urged to accept the lieutenant-colonelcy of the regiment. He declined, but had he accepted, a colonel's commission would have been given him before the close of the war. Returning from the service to Schoharie county, Dr. Van Alstyne practiced medicine in Richmondville until 1873, when he removed to Binghamton. Since that time he has been a successful practitioner in the city, but occasionally varies the some- times monotonous routine of professional life with an interested part in city or county politics. He is a conservative and somewhat independ- ent Republican, not seeking political honors; however, under General Harrison's administration, in 1889, Dr. Van Alstyne was appointed a member of the Broome county board of medical pension examiners, and served in that capacity about two and one-half years. On October 8, 1868, Dr. John L. Van Alstyne was married to Caroline A., daugh- ter of Casper Shults of Troy, N. Y. Of this marriage two children were born, Bessie B., wife of Gilbert E. Rodgers, and T. Butler Van Alstyne, both of this city. Joseph H. Chittenden, who has ranked among the leading physicians of this city for a period of thirty-four years, is a native of Greene, Che- nango county, born May 23, 1839. His father, Abijah Chittenden, was a blacksmith, and removed from Greene to Whitney's Point in 1842, Tiierefore Dr. Chittenden has been an almost lifelong resident of this county, and all our interests, professional, business and social, have been promoted by his life and works. He was educated in the district 424 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, schools of Whitney's Point, and also in the Susquehanna seminary at Bingham'ton, after which he turned his attention to teaching school in Steuben county. While there he read medicine under the instruction of his brother, Dr. Daniel J. Chittenden of Woodhull, after which he attended lectures at the University of New York and still later took a regular course in Bellevue Hospital Medical college, where he was graduated in 1864. In the spring of the same year he was employed by the government as contract army surgeon and was stationed in Nashville hospital, Tenn. He was thus occupied with army hospital work about eighteen months, and after his services were no longer re- quired he returned north and began practice in Binghamton in the fall of 1865, in partnership with the late Dr. Charles J. Seymour. The firm was dissolved in 1867, since which time Dr. Chittenden has prac- ticed without a partner. For many years he has been recognized as one of the leading physicians both of the city and county, and also as one of our best citizens. He was jail physician for several years; school commissioner from 1877 to 1884; president of the board of edu- cation in 1881 and 1884; was member of the county board of pension examiners under President Garfield's administration and continued in office through a portion of President Cleveland's first term. He be- came a member of the County Medical society and also a fellow of the Academy of Medicine in 1865; was secretary of the society from 1879 to 1884, and president in 1869-70. He was vice-president of the Acad- emy of Medicine from 1889 to 1892. He is a member of the American Medical association and was a delegate to the International Medical congress held in Berlin, Germany, in 1890. In various other ways has Dr. Chittenden been a factor in local history, but further detail is un- necessary. Dr. Chittenden married Helen D., daughter of Lyman B. Smith. Two sons, Arthur Smith and Walter Lyon Chittenden, were born of this marriage. David Post Jackson is a native of Montrose, Pa., born November 10, 1841, and is the son of the late Dr. Thomas Jackson, who is mentioned at length in another part of this chapter. In 1842 Dr. Jackson removed to Binghamton, and David (he is best known in professional and social circles in the city as D. Post Jackson) was educated in Binghamton academy and the Susquehanna seminary, both of which were once fa- mous village institutions. He was also a student in Hobart college three years, after which he entered the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of New York, where he was graduated in 1865. Dr. Jackson has GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 425 always practiced in Binghamton, and is known as a thoroughly compe- tent physician. In many ways he has been identified with the city and its institutions. For six years he was a member of the city board of health and also at one time served as health officer; was coroner and United States pension examiner four years (1885-89.) He is past sachem of Seminole tribe, I. O. R. M ., and past master of Bingham- ton lodge, No. 177, F. & A. M. He became a member of the County Medical society in 1865, and was its president in 1888-89. He was elected a fellow of the Academy of Medicine in 1865. For more than twenty- five years Dr. Jackson has been local medical examiner for the Mutual Life Insurance company of New York, and is also the examiner for the Travelers Life and Accident companies of Hartford, Conn. George F. Hand was born in Binghamton, November 28, 1842, and is the eldest son of the late Dr. Stephen D. Hand, the latter one of the leading disciples of homeopathy in southern New York. George was educated in the Binghamton academy and also the Susquehanna semi- nary, where he prepared for a collegiate course. He then began the study of medicine under his father's instruction, and supplemented his office education with a course of lectures in the medical department of Columbia college of New York city and also in the New York Homeo- pathic Medical college. He was graduated at the latter institution in 1865. Returning to Binghamton he formed a partnership with his father which continued to the death of the senior partner in 1879. Since that time Dr. Hand has practiced without a partner. He cer- tainly has been a successful ph3^sician, and his elementary instruction in both schools of medicine has been an important factor in that suc- cess. He is a member of the county and state Homeopathic Medical societies and also of the American Institute of Homeopathy. Dr. Hand has been an important factor in Broome county politics, though he is not in any sense a politician. He believes in temperance in all things, and that belief with him is an immovable principle. Politically, he is classed with the Prohibition party and has been its candidate for sev- eral public offices. Dr. Hand has been twice married. His first wife was Emily S. Caldwell, who died October 29, 1874; a daughter, Julia, survives. His second wife was S. Delia Giflford, by whom he has had three children, two of whom, George G. and Irving F. Hand, are living. Alfred J. Inloes was born in Baltimore, Md., October 6, 1844, and was the son of Joseph S. and Martha A. (Reed) Inloes. At the age of eight years Alfred's education was begun, and he was kept at a boarding 426 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. school until he was prepared for college, his father, who was a lawyer, intending to provide him with a full course in the University of Virginia. About that time, however, the war of 1861-65 was begun and on May 17, 1861, tie young student enlisted in Co. A, 1st Maryland Infantry (afterward merged into the 10th Virginia Infantry) C. S. A., with which regiment he served one year. He was mustered out in 1862, and soon afterward enlisted in Co. B, 43d Virginia Battalion of Cavalry, serving with that command until the close of the war. Returning from the service Mr. Inloes became a student in the office of Dr. Edward Warren of Baltimore, after which his medical education was finished in the Uni- versity of Washington, where he was graduated February 22, 1868. He practiced medicine six years in Washington, D. C, after which he went into the oil region of Pennsylvania and became managing clerk in a large wholesale and retail drug store in Titusville. In 1873 he came to Binghamton, and in company with A. N. Perrin and Marcus Brown- son, purchased the Brownell & Stocking drug store; for the next ten years the firm of A. J. Inloes & Co. was well known in business circles in southern New York. At the end of that period the firm went out of business, after which the senior partner, who was in fact the active member of the firm, resumed the practice of medicine. In 1885 he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue, and served in that ca- pacity five years. Still later he was teller in the private banking house of Erastus Ross & Sons about four years. On December 2, 1895, Dr. Inloes was appointed secretary of the board of education, which posi- tion he still holds. Dr. Inloes' connection with the city board of edu- cation began in September, 1893, when he was elected a member of that body; but his interest in the city and its institutions dates from the year he became a citizen of Binghamton. He is a conservative Demo- crat, not taking an active part in political contests. In 1881-82 he was elected to the board of supervisors from the first ward. Alfred J. In- loes married Sarah E., daughter of Joseph Walker of Providence, R.I. Of this marriage two children were born, one of whom is now living. Francis D. Gridley, who unquestionably is one of the most thorough and successful representatives of the Eclectic school of medicine now in practice in this region, has been a resident physician of the city since 1891, and of the county since about 1857. He is a native of Guilford, Che- nango county, born October 20, 1833, the son of Eli and Mary (Brigham) Gridley. The family removed from Guilford to Steuben county, set- tling in the town of Caton, on the western border of Chemung county. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 427 Here Francis spent his young life, attending school a part of the time, but was chiefly engaged in farm work, for his parents were poor and his help was needed to maintain them. At length, however, his health failed, upon which he went to Norwich and attended school, worked a farm, and at the same time read medicine under the direction of Dr. Hurlburt, a well known physician of Norwich. After about two years he began practice in Whitney's Point, when he was only twenty-two years old. He was successful in his professional endeavors, and after eight years' residence in that village, having a desire for a still better medical education, he attended a course of lectures at the University of Medicine and Surgery in Philadelphia. He was graduated in February, 18G6, and thus equipped with a more thorough professional education, he returned to Whitney's Point and was in active successful practice until 1891, when he removed to this city. While residing at the Point, . Dr. Gridley was an active factor in village affairs; was school trustee twenty years and president of the board of education three years ; was vil- lage trustee three years and its president two years. In 1887, and again in 1893, he was elected coroner, and served in that office six years. He is also prominently connected with both local and general societies of his school of medicine, having been president of the Central New York Eclectic society; vice-president of the State Eclectic society, and also having a membership in the National Eclectic society. Dr. Gridley's wife was Phoebe F. , daughter of Eben Pierce, of Brookfield, Madison county. Two children, Frank J. and Carrie May Gridley, were born of this mar- riage. Daniel S. Burr is a native of Binghamton, born April 24, 1846, and is the eldest son of the late Dr. George Burr, an extended sketch of whose long and distinguished professional career appears in this chap- ter. Daniel acquired his early education in Binghamton academy and his medical education in his father's office, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, and also in Geneva college, where he was graduated in 1868. He practiced medicine in partnership with his father until the death of the latter in 1882, and afterward alone. In 1875 Dr. Burr was commissioned surgeon of the 28th Brigade, N. G., S. N. Y. and served until 1877, when he was commissioned assistant sur- geon of the 20th Separate company. On May 21, 1883, he was com- missioned assistant surgeon, with the rank of captain. In May, 1898, he was attached to the 17th Battalion National Guard; was commis- sioned surgeon of the 202d N. Y. Vols., June 2, 1898, and served with 428 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, the regiment in Cuba from December 5, 1898, to April 15, 1899, when the command was mustered out of service.. He then returned to this city and resumed practice. Dr. Burr is a veteran of the city fire de- partment, having- begun his service as a member of Excelsior H. & L. Co. No. 1, of which he was frequently an officer. He was elected sec- ond assistant engineer of the department in 1875 and 1881, first as- assistant in 1882, and chief engineer in 1883. He was elected school commissioner in 1882, 1883, 1885 and 1887, and also served nine years as city health officer, as is shown by the records of that branch of municipal government. He was secretary of the County Medical soci- ety from 1885 to 1889, and its president in 1883-84. He became a fel- low of the Academy of Medicine in 1870. Edward E. Snyder one of the ablest representatives of the Hahne- mann theory of medicine in this county, and withal one of the best physicians of any school in our city, was born in Newark Valley, August 3, 1848, and is the son of William C. and Eliza (Simmons) Snyder, his father having been a successful lumberman and farmer. Edward was given a good common school education, after which he, like many of our professional men, taught school for a time. He read medicine with Dr. J. F. Dykeman of Candor, and afterward attended lectures in Cin- cinnati, Ohio. Still later he took a thorough course in the Hahnemann Medical college of Philadelphia, and was graduated March 7, 1871. He then practiced two years in Candor, after which he took a post-graduate course in a noted medical institution in Vienna, Austria. Returning to America, he began practice in Milford, Pa., but in February, 1880, be- came a resident in Binghamton. In our city Dr. Snyder has a large practice, and enjoys the confidence of our people generally. He is a member of the County and State Homeopathic Medical societies, and also of the American Institute of Homeopathy. He was a delegate to the meeting of the International Homeopathic society, held in Atlantic City, N. J., and is likewise a member of the state board of medical ex- aminers for the University of New York. He was also one of the founders of Glenmary, which was opened as a private sanitarium in January, 1889, and which has since become one of the most worthy in- stitutions in the state for the care, comfort and treatment of persons afflicted with bodily or mental disease. Dr. Snyder has been one of the consulting physicians of Glenmary since the institution was founded. Clark W. Greene is a native of Willett, Cortland county, and was born October 30, 1848. He was the son of Gilbert and Theresa (New- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 429 comb) Greene, the grandson of Henry Greene, the latter a pioneer in Cortland county and a descendant of Gen. Nathaniel Greene, the Rev- olutionary patriot and close friend of Washington. Clark was educated in the district schools, the Cincinnatus academy, where he attended five terms, and also in the State Normal school at Albany, where he was graduated January 26, 1870. He read medicine with Dr. Gilbert Le Roy Newcomb, of New York, and took a three years' course in Bellevue Hospital Medical college, where he graduated March 1, 1873. He be- gan practice in Chenango Forks, this county, in April, 1873, and, with the exception of about one and one-half years spent in Albany, he lived in that village until April, 1894, when he came to this city. In August, 1889, Dr. Greene was appointed to the board of medical examiners for pensioners and served during President Harrison's administration. He was reappointed July 1, 1897, under President McKinley, and has since served as member and secretary of the board. In professional circles Dr. Greene is known as a competent, careful and thorough physician. He has been one of the directors of the Peoples' bank since its organ- ization. He became a member of the County Medical society in 1873, and was its president in 1879-80. He was made a fellow of the Bing- hamton Academy of Medicine in 1894; was its vice-president in 1896, and president in 1897. In 1885 he became a member of the State Medical association. In December, 1898, Dr. Greene was elected presi- dent of the Y. M. C. A. of this city. On March 4, 1873, he married Emma V., daughter of Charles Smith of Albany. Two daughters, Alice Theresa and Elizabeth Smith Greene, both of whom were gradu- ated from the Lady Jane Grey school in June, 1899, were born of this marriage. The family are members of the First Congregational church, the doctor being one of its deacons. Alfred J. Butterfield, physician, oculist and aurist, is a native of Cort- land county, and was born July 6, 1851. His early education was ac- quired in the Dryden and Lisle academies, at both of which he was graduated. He then read medicine with Drs. Totman and Baker, of Syracuse, and still later attended the medical department of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, where he was graduated in 1872. He began practice at Elbridge, Onondaga county, where he lived six years, and then took a two years' course in the New York Eye and Ear infirmary, under Drs. MittendorflE and Derby, specialists of much prominence. From New York he went to Cincinnati, where he finished his special studies in the Eclectic Medical institute, and was graduated. Dr. But- 430 . BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, terfield then practiced in Syracuse one year, and came to Binghamton in 1881, remaining- until 1887, when, on account of his wife's and his own health, he removed to Georgia and lived ten years in the south. He returned to this city in 1897 and has since been in active and suc- cessful practice. In professional circles Dr. Butterfield is known as an excellent physician and skilled specialist in diseases of eye and ear. He was graduated both at Allopathic and Eclectic medical institutions, yet is a firm believer in and practitioner of homeopathy, and is a member of the Broome County Homeopathic Medical society. On March 25, 1873, Dr. Butterfield married Josephine Jennings, of Harford, Cort- land county. Four children have been born of the marriage. Le Roy Dwight Farnham, son of Enos S. Farnham and Carissa V. (Dwight) Farnham way born at Tioga, N. Y. (near Owego), July 24, 1850. On November 7, 1878, he married Coralyn P. Thompson, daugh- ter of Jerome Th^ompson, of Candor, N. Y. She is of Connecticut lineage and a daughter of the American Revolution. They have one child, Dwight Thompson Farnham, born at Candor, in 1881. He is a student at Phillips academy at Andover, Mass., preparing for Yale university. Dr. Farnham spent the first thirteen years of his life at Dryden, N. Y. (where his father was engaged in mercantile busi- ness), attending the common schools and Dryden academy. He then removed to Tioga, N. Y., his birthplace, where for three years he worked on the farm and attended school during the winter. From 1866 to 1869 he attended Owego academy, preparing for college. In 1869 he went to the Oswego State Normal school, graduating from the classi- cal department in 1872. He was principal of Candor Free academy from 1873 to 1878. In 1878 he graduated from College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city as doctor of medicine. He practiced medicine in Candor from 1878 to 1884, when he went to New York city and took a post graduate course. In 1884 he sailed for Germany, where he spent the years 1884 and 1885 in the study of medicine in the hospitals of Berlin and Vienna. In 1886 he began practice in this city. Dr. Farnham has been president of Tioga Count/ Medical society, the Broome County Medical society and also president of the Bingham- ton Academy of Medicine. He is a member of New York State Medical association, and was a member of the Tenth International Congress at Berlin in 1890. He is now consulting surgeon at Binghamton City hospital, and was a charter member of Binghamton Academy of Science. He is a member of the Binghamton Club, the Broome GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 431 County Country club, and is also a member of the New York Society of Mayflower Descendants, being a lineal descendant of Capt. Miles Standish, John Alden and Priscilla Mullins. He is a descendant of Ralph Farnham, who landed in Boston in 1635, and also of John Dwight, of Dedham, Mass., who landed in America in 1634. The doctor is also a member of Otseningo lodge, F. and A. M., Binghamton Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and Malta Commandery of Knights Templar. A. Judson Osborn, county coroner from 1884 to 1887, and a resident practitioner in this city since 1878, is a native of Colesville, born April 16, 1846. He was the son of Orris and Elizabeth (Burnett) Osborn, who settled in Colesville in 1845. On his father's side the doctor is of English, and on his mother's side, of Holland Dutch descent. His pa- ternal ancestor was a Connecticut Yankee, whose father was a patriot of the Revolution, living at Fairfield when that .settlement was burned by the Indians. At the time of the battle he hurriedly stored his house- hold goods in his cellar (expecting plunder, but not the torch), crossed his garden and was just jumping over the bars of a fence when a Brit- ish cannon ball struck the barpost. He escaped with two bullet holes in his clothing, but his house and its contents were burned. Dr. Os- born lived at home on his father's farm until he was about eighteen years old. He was educated in the district school and also in the old Binghamton academy. He devoted several winters to teaching, after which he completed his early education in Brockport Normal school, where he was graduated in 1871. Later on he was principal of Naples academy (Ontario county) one year, Franklin academy (Steuben county) two years. Ten Broeck academy (Cattaraugus county) one year, and of the Greene (Chenango county) Union school one year. He then read medicine with Dr. Williams, of Greene, and with Dr. Chittenden, of this city, after which he attended Long Island college hospital, and was graduated in June, 1878. Soon afterward Dr. Osborn began prac- tice in this city. Menzo Barkman, physician, wholesale and retail druggist, and origi- nator of the popular low price system in the sale of proprietary medi- cines which now prevails in our city, came to Binghamton in the spring of 1894 and purchased the large drug store for many years kept by Henry A. Smith. Dr. Barkman is a native of Broome, Schoharie county, and was born October 5, 1855. He is the son of Daniel D. and Esther (Becker) Barkman, his father being now retired from business life. Menzo was well educated in the common schools, and also at the 1 433 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Schoharie academy, where he was graduated. He then taught school four or five years, and during a portion of that time read medicine with Dr. John Rossman, of Middleburg, and Dr. John Houghtailing, of Gal- lupville. He was graduated at Albany Medical college in 1879, and soon began practice at Schodack Landing, where he lived three years. For the next ten years he practiced in Waterford, from which place he removed to Geneva and became proprietor of a large drug store in con- nection with his professional work. From the latter place he came to this city in 1894, and succeeded to the old and popular drug store pre- viously owned by Henry A. Smith. Dr. Barkham is a competent phy- sician, a safe medical counselor, and a capable business man. All our citizens owe him a debt of gratitude for his enterprise and courage in having established the "cut rate " system in the sale of proprietaries. Naturally and deservedly, he has a large trade and finds little time to devote to practice outside the store. His stock is the largest in his line in the Southern tier. Dr. Barkman's wife was Catherine, daughter of Alfred Mull, of Schodack Landing. Thomas Butler Van Alstyne, a practicing physician residing on the *' North Side" in our city for the last five years, is a native of Rich- mondville, Schoharie county, born October 2, 1858, and is the son of the late Dr. Sylvester M. Van Alstyne of that village. Thomao was edu- cated in the village schools, Delaware Literary institute, and the once famous Hartwick seminary. He read medicine under the direction of his father, and also with Dr. John Swinburne and Lewis Balch, both of the faculty of Albany Medical college. He was a student in that noted institution, and was graduated January 27, 1879. For the next year he was resident physician and surgeon in the Albany hospital, after which he took a year's course of instruction in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating May 13, 1881, and standing third in a class of 120 medical students. Soon afterward, at his father's suggestion, he began practice at Richmondville, intending to remain there temporarily, or until he should become thoroughly conversant with the methods of pro- fessional life; bnt the sudden death of his father, in 1882, necessitated a change in his plans and he lived and practiced in his native village, with an almost unexpected degree of success, until 1893. He then went to Grand Island, Neb., where he practiced a little less than one year, and returned home in January, 1894. In July following he came to this city and opened an office on Chenango street on the "North Side." Although there was no special attraction to induce Dr. Van Alstyne to GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 433 locate in our city, he has never had reason to regret the action, as he soon became firmly established in a large and increasing practice. His professional equipment is admirably adapted to life and practice, added to which is the native quality of determination of character; hence his success in this field. The doctor is a fellow of the Binghamton Acad- emy of Medicine and a member of the County Medical society. In Richmondville he was at one time president of the Schoharie County Medical society. In this city in May, 1898, he was appointed medical member of the board of health. On April 12, 1882, Dr. Van Alstyne married Edna Mann of Richmondville. She died April 19, 1892, leav- ing two daughters. On July 24, 1894, Dr. Van Alstyne married Alida Mann, also of Richmondville. Frederick Wallace Putnam was born in Truxton, N. Y., October 12, 1856, and was the son of William Wallace and Philinda (Pierce) Putnam. He was educated at Homer academy, and was graduated in 187G. His medical education was begun in 1877 by a course of reading under Dr. H. C. Hendrick of McGrawville, after which he took a regular course at the University Medical college of the city of New York, and was grad- uated February 17, 1880. Dr. Putnam at once began practice in this city, and is now recognized — we can say it without exaggeration — as one of our best physicians. He is a member of the Broome County Medical society and was its president in 1886. He is also a member of the Binghamton Academy of Medicine, and of the New York State Medical association, being one of its founders and vice-presidents in 1894. He was city school commissioner in 1882-84. No citizen of Bingham- ton is more prominent than he in Masonic circles, and he possesses a valuable Masonic library. His present collection of works represents four years of persistent effort, and numbers 500 volumes and about 800 pamphlets, many of which are both rare and valuable. His complete library numbers 1,400 volumes. The doctor himself is a thirty-third degree Mason; a member of Binghamton lodge No. 177; principal so- journer, Binghamton Royal Arch chapter; past master of the Cryptic Rite; generalissimo of Malta commandery; master of the Rose Croix, A. A, S. R. ; past patron and foreign correspondent, Order of the Eastern Star. He is also a member of the subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows and the Daughters of Rebekah; past sachem, I.O.R.M. ; a noble of the Mystic Shrine, and a Veiled Prophet. Much valuable data of the history of Free Masonry in Binghamton is furnished through the kind- ness of Dr. Putnum. 28 434 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, A. Eugene Magoris was born in New York city, March 31, 1855, and was the third of eight children in the family of Philip and Mary A. Magoris. The elder Magoris and his wife were Scotch immigrants, who came to the United States in 1855, stopping temporarily in New York and afterward settling in Cayuga county, where he was an industrious farmer. Eugene acquired his early education in the public schools of Tompkins county, the Ithaca academy, and also the Cortland Normal school, where he was graduated in 1876. In this year, and before his graduation, our young normal student was principal of a school at Chit- tenango. Indeed he began teaching when he was only fifteen years old, for he was obliged to maintain as well as educate himself. This condi- tion developed and cultivated in him the qualities of independence and self-reliance, which have been powerful factors in his later achievements and the success in life which has been his reward. In June, 1877, then known by the distinguishing title of "Professor," Mr. Magoris came to this city, having been employed by the board of education as assist- ant principal, and teaching the sciences department in the Central High school. He was connected with our schools for the next two and one- half years, but during that time and even earlier, he was preparing himself for the medical profession. To this end he took a special course of study under the distinguished Agassiz, of New Bedford, Mass., and also under Dr. Burt G. Wilder of Cornell university. He was a medi- cal student in the University of New York, and also the Long Island College hospital, and was graduated June 30, 1880. He at once began practice in this city and has been a member of the profession here al- most twenty years. He took up special practice as oculist and aurist, succeeding Dr. John E. Hurlbut, and soon gained a large clientage. Not only has Dr. Magoris been remarkably succeessful in his practice, but he has invented several medical instruments which are of great value to the profession at large. In 1888 he purchased a valuable sani- tarium property at Watkins and developed it into a well patronized and successful health resort. Early in this latter enterprise he saw the need of and invented the " Magoris Cactus Fibre brush," which he manufac- tured in Binghamton. He was also the founder of the Standard Phar- macal company, of Binghamton. The company was established in 1894, and was incorporated in 1897, Dr. Magoris being its secretary and treasuaer. Thomas Sawyer Turner, who has practiced medicine in this city since 1894 and is known as one of the most competent surgeons in Broome i A. E. MAGORIS, M. D. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 435 county, is a native of Durham, Maine, born May 9, 1848. His early education was acquired in the common schools, Union academy at Co- rinna, Maine, and Towles academy at Winthrop, Maine. He is a self- made' man and all his achievements are the result of unaided struggle, having cared for himself since he could earn a shilling a day. He be- gan teaching when he was sixteen years old and followed it for about six years, first in district and later in graded schools, one winter being spent in this state, at Hammond, St. Lawrence county. He concluded he was not competent to follow teaching and went to Whitinsville, Mass. , at work in a machine shop. After working awhile he was offered a situation in the large corporation store there which he accepted and remained about two years, when he returned to the shop for higher wages. He then decided to study law and made arrangements to enter the office of Judge Moulton of Fall River, Mass., but was suddenly called back to Maine to assume charge of a drug store at Mechanic Falls. This he had to give up in about a year on account of ill health. He then took charge of the stock department in the Denison paper mill, where he remained until 1875 when he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. William Walters of that place. He took his first course at the Boston University School of Medicine of that year, but completed his studies at the New York Homoeopathic college, graduating in March, 1879. He first located at Norway, Oxford county, Maine, and remained there about five years, but the long hard rides compelled him to seek a city practice, and he went to Dayton, Ohio. After a few years he sold his practice and returned east, locating at Huntington, Long Island, N. Y., when he later settled in Brooklyn, N. Y., until coming to Bin'ghamton as stated above. Soon after coming here he became associa1;ed with Dr. Corwin and opened the Corwin sanitorium at 104 Main street, for the medical and surgical treatment of chronic diseases, giving special attention to gynecology and rectal diseases. He was the first surgeon in this section of the state to do a vaginal hysterectomy without using the clamp or ligature, and he has removed all the female generative organs without ligating a single blood vessel or usmg a hamaeostatic forcep. He is very cautious and conservative, and many a man with less skill and ability would have made a bold strike for fame and fortune. Alfred Pearce Yelvington was born in Poughkeepsie, January 12, 1859 and is the son of the late Dr. C. H. Yelvington, of whom mention is m'ade is this chapter. Alfred was educated in the Susquehanna 436 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, borough schools, and studied medicine under the preceptorship of his distinguished father. He attended the Eclectic Medical college of the city of New York, and was graduated in March, 1880. He began prac- tice in New Milford, Pa., but a few months later associated in business with his father and so continued both in Susquehanna and this city un- til the death of the elder doctor in May, 1899. He then succeeded to the entire practice of the former firm and now has taken a place among the prominent eclectics of the southern tier. On June 18, 1884, Alfred P, Yelvington married Jennie Wadsworth. They have one child. Charles Gray Wagner, physician and superintendent of the Bingham- ton State hospital, is a native of Minden, in old historic Montgomery county, and is descended from one of the pioneer families of the Mo- hawk valley. He was educated in the Utica public schools, and Cor- nell university, where he was graduated in 1880. He read medicine with Dr. Burt G. Wilder of Cornell university, and also with Dr. Alonzo Churchill, of Utica, N. Y. He then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city, and was graduated in 1882. He served on the staff of the Presbyterian hospital of New York city, both as physician and surgeon, for a period of two years, and in the fall of 1884 was appointed assistant physician in the Utica State hospital, serviag in that capacity until 1889, when he went abroad to investigate the methods of treatment in the institutions for the insane of Europe. In the early part of 1893 he was appointed superintendent of the Bing- hamton State hospital as successor to Dr. Theodore S. Armstrong, who died in December, 1891. Since his appointment Dr. Wagner has been a resident of our city, and aside from his official connection with the State hospital he is prominently identified with several of our best in- stitutions. He is president of the Dobson club; a member of the Binghamton club and of the Broome County club; of the Broome County Medical society, and its president in 1895; a fellow of the Bing- hamton Academy of Medicine; a member of the State Medical society; the Utica Medical Library association, the Oneida County Medical society and the Medico-Psychological association of the United States and Canada. He is a trustee of Cornell university and a special lecturer on mental diseases in that institution. M. G. Cunningham, who since the early part of July, 1888, has been an active practicing physician and surgeon of this city, is a native of Little Meadows, Pa., born May 28, 1856. His father was a substantial Susquehanna county farmer, and old resident of that locality, who took GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 437 an earnest interest in the welfare of his town and in the education of its youth. His son, of whom we write in this brief sketch, lived at home until he was about fourteen years old, and attended the district schools. He then became a more advanced pupil in Owego academy, and still later graduated at Lowell's Commercial college in this city. He next became a student in the State Normal school at Bloomsburg, Pa., where he prepared for college. He entered Alleghany college at Meadville, Pa., in 1874, and was graduated in 1878 His medical edu- cation was begun in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, where he was graduated in 1882, after a four years' course; but in the meantime he devoted considerable time to study outside of the college course, first with Dr. Henry Eastman, of Ovvego, and later with Dr. Charles K. Wilkin of New York city. Dr. Cunningham's first pro- fessional work was performed as physician and surgeon to St. Vincent's hospital in New York, to which position he was appointed as the result of a competitive examination, he being the successful contestant. After a year and a half in the hospital he went abroad and devoted two more years to study in Berlin and Vienna, the acknowledged centers of med- ical skill and science in Europe. While abroad Dr. Cunningham de- voted himself to the study both of medicine and surgery, under several of the most renowned scientists of Germany and Austria; and when he returned to the United States in 1885, and began his professional career in Scranton, Pa., he was unquestionably one of the most thor- oughly educated physicians of that enterprising city. Three years later, on July 3, 1888, Dr. Cunningham took up his residence in Bing- hamton. He is a member of the County Medical society, a fellow of the Binghamton Academy of Medicine, and a member of the City hos- pital staff. Ira Adelbert Hix, our energetic city health officer, selected Bingham- ton as a place of residence and professional work in 1893. He is a na- tive of the town of Jefferson, Schoharie county, and was born March 8, 1859. He was the son of Eber Hix, jr., a farmer, grandson of Eber M. Hix, sen , and a great-grandson of Chase Hix, a Rhode Islander by birth and a pioneer in Jefferson, where he settled about 1817. Chase Hix was an old revolutionary patriot and enlisted in the American ser- vice three times, first when a mere boy. His determined spirit seems to have been inherited by Dr. Hix, for while not a military man in any sense, he nevertheless, almost unaided, acquired an education and worked his way into the ranks of the profession in the face of many 438 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, obstacles and embarrassments. He read medicine with Dr. D. M. Leon- ard of Broome Center, and afterward entered the medical department of the University of the City of New York, where he was graduated in 1883. He began practice at Charlotteville, Schoharie county, remain- ing there two years, and then removed to East Worcester, Otsego county, where he lived eight years. He then determined to seek some new field, where the practice of medicine found wider range and promised a better recompense than in a country district, hence, in 1893, he came to this city; and subsequent events have shown the wisdom of Dr. Hix's judg- ment, as he is now looked upon as one of our best physicians. He was appointed health officer of the city June 2, 1898, and has proven one of the most competent incumbents of that position. He was president of the Broome County Medical society in 1897-98, and for three years was attending physician at the City hospital. He is also a fellow of the Binghamton Academy of Medicine. On February 6, 1884, Dr. Hix married Carrie, daughter of Deacon Benjamin W. Gage of Charlotte- ville. Two children, a son, Eber B., and a daughter, Jennie B., have been born of this marriage. Dr. Hix's mother was Catharine Harriet Moak. George Newell Hall, surgeon for the Erie Railroad company in this city, is a native of Barker, Broome county, born July 23, 1861. He is the son of Dr. O. C. Hall of Whitney's Point, and the grandson of Will- iam Hall, the latter one of the pioneers of the town of Chenango and a descendant of good old New England stock. The doctor was educated in the Whitney's Point High school, where he graduated in 1880. He read medicine with his father and completed his medical education in Syracuse university, where he was graduated in 1883. After practicing with his father about nine months, he struck out for Pennsylvania, and was licensed by the University of Pennsylvania, as required by the laws of that state, after which he practiced a little less than a year at East New Milford; but having a preference for city work, he came to Binghamton in 1884 and began practice. He is well known in the city and has a particularly large acquaintance in the northern part of the county. Since 1887 Dr. Hall has been resident surgeon for the Erie Railroad company, and since 1892 he has been a member of the county board of medical examiners for pensions. In 1884 he was jail physician. The doctor is a fellow of the Binghamton Academy of Medicine, vice-presi- dent of New York State Railroad Surgeons association and surgeon of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. On July 6, 1882, George New- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 439 ell Hall married Myrtie Dell, daughter of Lovaine T. Mason, of Whit- ney's Point. One son, Collins L. N. Hall, has been born of their mar- riage. Frank P. Hough was added to the medical profession in this city in 1890, and was one of the strong contingent of native Pennsylvanians who have so naturally contributed to the growth and business importance of Binghamton during the last score of years. Mr. Hough was born near Mill City, Wyoming county. Pa., March 13, 1859. His education was acquired in the common schools, the Keystone academy at Factory ville, and also at the Wyoming seminary, where he was graduated in 1881. He read medicine with his brother, Dr. Thomas Hough, of Lake Como, Pa., and finished his course at Jefferson Medical college, Philadelphia, where he was graduated in 1881. His post-graduate course was taken at the famous Philadelphia Polyclinic institute just previous to Dr. Hough's coming to this city. From 1884 to about 1890 he practiced in Equinunk, Pa. In this city he is regarded as a bright young repre- sentative of his profession and is highly regarded by all our people. He is a fellow of the Binghamton Academy of Medicine, and was once its president; he is also a member of county medical societies, and of the American Medical association. In 1894 he went abroad, visiting in England, France, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium. While abroad he visited s^me of the hospitals in London, Paris and Heidel- berg. In 1896 Dr. Hough was elected school commissioner in the second city district, and served two years as member of the board of education. In November, 1899, he was elected alderman of the Third ward. Elizabeth Corwin, the subject of this sketch, awakens a genuine in- terest in all who are watching the progress of human society, and es- pecially the social progress of women, as her career as a physician is another proof that women in medicine has ceased to be " a novelty " and that their presence in colleges, at the hospitals, in clinical engage- ments and with the sick no longer excites particular comment, but that social conditions have created emergencies that the hitherto regular ar- rangements of life will not meet. Understanding the details of farm and home life her special care has been for sick and wounded animals during her early life, this seeming to foretell her later profession. Dr. Elizabeth Corwin has for a dozen years occupied a prominent place among the women physicians. She is a native of Middletown, Orange county, N. Y., a descendant from one of the pioneers of Orange county 440 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, and from a Massachusetts ancestor of 1634. She was graduated at the New York Medical college and hospital for women in 1886, com- menced the practice of medicine with Dr. M. Belle Brown, present dean of this college. The greater part of this time has been spent in the general practice of medicine in this city and for five years she has pro- vided hygienic, medical and surgical care for chronic invalids at her sanatorium. Dr. Corwin has always assumed that medicine is a pro- gressive science, and her mind has been open to impressions from any quarter from whence a sound impulse was to be expected. The one object of her practice has been the cure of the patient; she has always been ready to regard as worthy of investigation, anything that had a demonstrated capacity to attain that end. To such as she, of the noble army of healers, speaks the beloved poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning: " Ask God to give thee skill In comfort's art, That thou may'st Consecrated be, And set apart Unto a life of sympathy; For heavy is the weight of ill in every heart And comforters are needed much Of Christ like touch. A child's kiss set on thy sighing lips, shall make thee glad; A poor man served by thee, shall make thee rich, A sick man helped by thee, shall make thee strong, Thou shalt be served thyself by every sense Of services which thou renderest." Dr. Corwin is a m'ember of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, New York State Medical society, Interstate Medical society, Broome County Homoeopathic Medical society. Post Graduate Alumni associa- tion of the Chicago Homoeopathic Medical college and the American Association of Orificial Surgeons. William S. Overton is a native of Sag Harbor, L. I., born December 9, 186-4. He was educated in the Sag Harbor school, from which he was graduated in 1880, and then studied at the Brooklyn Polytechnic institute. In 1884 he was graduated from the New York College of Pharmacy, after which he studied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Benjamin Ayers, and at the same time was a medical student in the Long Island college hospital. He was graduated in 1887 and soon afterward began practice in Brooklyn. After a year he located at Har- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 441 ford, Pa., where he practiced four years and at the same time acted as visiting physician to the Pennsylvania State Orphan school at that place. In 1892 Dr. Overton came to this city and has taken a position among our rising young physicians. He is well equipped by nature and education to contend with the embarrassments that beset profes- sional life in an interior city, and indeed appears already to have over- come all such obstacles. Since April 1, 1899, he has been one of the corps of visiting physicians of our City hospital. He became a fellow of the Academy of Medicine in 1896, and is a member of the County Medical society. Charles Austin Ward, physician and surgeon, is a native of Holland Patent, Oneida county, born September 8, 1862 He is the son of Charles A. Ward, a substantial farmer of Oneida county, and the grand- son of the late Austin Ward, one of the foremost men of Holland Patent for many years. He was a man of influence and determined character, a strong abolitionist and a friend and co worker of Gerrit Smith during the anti-slavery agitation period. Austin Ward's home was a well known station on the " Underground Railroad " leading from the slave states to the Canadas. Dr. Ward acquired his early education in the district schools and also the Holland Patent High school, but during this period of his early life he taught a district school and the Stittsville Union school, having been principal of the latter institution one year. He also attended the UticaBusinesscollege, taking a special course in penmanship and bookkeeping. In 1882, then being twenty years old, he came to Deposit, in this county, where for a year he was clerk in Ford & Rogers' store. He afterward spent a few months in Michigan, but then returned to this state and began a course of medical study under the direction of Dr. W. T. Laird, a leading homeopathist of Watertown. He then entered the New York Homeopathic Medical col- lege hospital, and was graduated in 1887, having completed a full three years' course in two years. Dr. Ward began his professional careeV as physician-in-chief in the noted Daaconess hospital in New York city, his appointment to that position being the result of a competitive examina- tion, in which he was the successful candidate. Notwithstanding the desirability of this position. Dr. Ward resigned within the course of a few months and yielding to the persuasions of Rodney A. Ford and others, he came to Binghamton in 1887 and began the general practice of medicine; and regardless of whatever may have been the doctor's subsequent opinion concerning the wisdom of this step, the people of 442 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Binghamton have had no reason to regret his action, for he is regarded as one of the leading homeopathic physicians of the city. For a time he was partner with Dr. Butterfield, but generally he practiced alone until 1898, when his younger brother. Dr. William F. Ward, be- came his professional associate. Dr. Ward is a member of the County Homeopathic Medical society; was its first vice-president in 1891 and president in 1892. He is also a member of the State and Inter-State Homeopathic Medical societies and of the American Institute of Home- opathy. On October 27, 1887, Charles A. Ward married Anna, second daughter of William L. Ford of Deposit, Two children have been born of their marriage. DeWitt H. McGraw was born in McGrawville, Cortland county, August 20, 1856. He is the youngest of three children of the late De Witt C. McGraw. De Witt H. McGraw was educated in the teachers' training department of the Cortland Normal school, and also in the Binghamton City High school, where he graduated in 1878; still later he was a student in Cornell university, and was graduated in 1883. He read medicine in this city and afterward attended the New York Homeopathic Medical college and hospital, from which he was graduated in 1888. Dr. McGraw at once began practice and by close attention to business and a thorough knowledge of his profession he has taken a place among the leading and most successful physicians. He was for five years a member of the staff of the City hospital. He is a member of the Inter-State Medical society and of the State and County Medical societies. He was secretary and treasurer of the latter society in 1888-89, second vice-president in 1890, first vice-president in 1892, and president in 1893. Frank Ellsworth Slater was born in the town of Triangle, No- vember 27, 1802. His father was Deacon Milo Slater, a farmer, and his grandfather was Ira Slater, an early settler in northern Broome county. Dr. Slater's mother was Affa Dudley, who was descended on her mother's side from a prominent early family in northern Pennsyl- vania. Elder Davis Dimmock, who administered the first communion to the little flock of five original Baptist church members in Bingham- ton in 1827, was a brother of Dr. Slater's maternal grandmother. She also had another brother who attained a prominent position on the bench in Pennsylvania, and was known as Judge Dimmock. Dr. Slater was educated in the district schools of Triangle, the Binghamton High school, and also in the Normal school at Fredonia. He then went west GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 443 and spent several years in Nebraska and Utah, working a part of the time as cashier for the Pullman company, with headquarters at Ogden. However, in 1885, he returned east and soon afterward began the study of medicine with Dr. A. P. Blair of McDonough, Chenango county. He attended the medical department of the University of the City of New York and was graduated in the spring of 1889. Thus equipped for active professional life Dr. Slater at once began practice in this city. Among his professional associates he is known as a care- ful, thorough and competent physician, and in the locality in which he lives he is known as a successful doctor, with a large practice. While his time is devoted closely to his work. Dr. Slater has taken an active interest in the public affairs of his ward and the city. He was elected school commissioner in the first district in 1893, serving on the board of education two years and was again elected for a short time in 1896. He was elected alderman of the First ward in 1894, serving two years; at the annual session of the board of supervisors in 1894, he was appointed jail physician. These three offices he held at one time, and their duties, with his practice made him a particularly busy man for some time. We may here mention the fact, which, however, is pretty well known throughout the city, that Dr. Slater is a firm Republican, while his ward is strongly Democratic. At the age of twenty-one years he be- came a Mason, and is a member by afifiliation of Otseningo lodge. He is also a Sir Knight in Malta commandery. Professionally, he is a member of the County Medical society, and a fellow of the Binghamton Academy of Medicine. Dr. Slater's wife, with whom he married June 3, 1896, is Josie, daughter of the late Rev. Josiah L. Parrish. In 1839 Mr. Parrish, a native of this state and missionary of the M. E. church, voyaged around Cape Horn, and thence to the Pacific coast, where he devoted his life to the work of the Master for a period of more than half a century. He died in 1895. Lester Horton Qauckenbush wasbornin Davenport, Delaware county, January 11, 1862. He was educated in the district schools and also in Unadilla academy, from which he was graduated in 1886. He then taught a district school seven winter terms, and during a portion of that time he devoted his evening hours to the study of law, both as a diversion and for the knowledge of legal principles thereby acquired. He read medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. John G. Martin, of Otego, and attended lectures at the medical department of the Univer- sity of New York, where he was graduated in 1889. Dr. Quackenbush 444 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, beg-an his professional career at East Meredith, N. Y., where he re- mained about two years, removing thence to Schenevus, where he prac- ticed about the same length of time. In 1893 he attended the Post- Graduate Medical school of New York, and in the fall of that year he became a resident ph3'sician of this city. Dr. Quackenbush is com- paratively a young professional man in Binghamton, yet he has succeeded in building up a gratifying clientage. He has formed an extensive and favorable acquaintance in the city, and in the strong Republican Third ward in the fall of 1897, he was the successful candidate for the office of alderman. The doctor is a firm, yet consistent Democrat, and has many warm friends in the opposite party. He is a member of the Otsego and Broome County Medical societies, and also a fellow of the Bmghamton Academy of Medicine. On September 21, 1892, Lester H. Quackenbush married Abbie C, daughter of John McHarg, for- merly of Scheneviis. Charles S. Winters, a practicing physician in this city for the last ten years, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Lanesboro, January 29, 1864. When about ten years old he came to live with relatives in Bingham- ton, and was educated in the city schools, beginning with the fourth grade and working through term after term until he was graduated at the Binghamton City High school with the class of 1884. He then won a competitive free scholarship in Cornell university and entered that famous institution in September, 1884, taking a course in arts and graduating in 1888. At the same time he took a medical preparatory course, which gave him an advanced standing in the New York Home- opathic Medical college and hospital, where he next became a student. In 1890 Dr. Winters was graduated at the medical college and at once began practice in this city. For five years he was surgeon on the City hospital staff, and then resigned on account of his increasing practice, which demanded his entire attention. The doctor is a member and at one time was secretary of the Broome County Homeopathic Medical society, and also of the Inter-State Homeopathic Medical association, of which he was one of the founders and for five years its secretary. On June 21, 1893, Dr. Winters married Lou Marion, daughter of Rev. Charles N. Rice, of Union. One daughter has been born of their marriage. Charles R. Seymour is a native of Albany, N. Y., born March 11, 1870, and is a son of Edward W. and Harriet (Graveline) Seymour, his father having been a contractor and builder in Albany previous to 1877, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 445 and of this city for the last twenty-two years. Charles was educated in our ward schools and also in the Central High school. He read medicine with Dr. J. F. Pratt, after which, in the fall of 1889, he en- tered the Albany Medical college, where he was graduated April 27 1892. He at once began practice in this city, and is known among his professional associates as an active, thorough young physician and sur- geon. He is a member of the Broome County Medical society, and a fellow of the Binghamton Academy of Medicine. For a period of ten years Dr. Seymour has been a member of the 20th vSeparate company, N. G.,N. Y., and is assistant surgeon, with the rank of first lieutenant. Dr. Seymour's wife, with whom he married June 2, 1897, was Nellie M. Clark, daughter of James E. Clark of this city. Henry S, Hutchinson is a native of Portsmouth, N. H., born Decem- ber 15, 1866. He is the son of John Holt Hutchinson, a merchant jeweler of Portsmouth, a man highly esteemed for his benevolence, Christian character and public spirit. Dr. Hutchinson was educated in the Portsmouth public schools, and also in Dartmouth college, gradu- ating in 1890. He studied medicine in New York city under Dr. Will- iam H. Porter, and attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating in 1893. He began practice in the Roosevelt hospital, but soon afterward became connected with the City hospital on Blackwell's Island, where he remained two years. In 1895 he came to Binghamton and has since made his home in this city. The doctor is a member of the County Medical society and a fellow of the Binghamton Academy of Medicine. On July 30, 1895, Dr. Hutchinson married Susan P., daughter of the late Tracy G. Rich, the latter being remembered as one of our city's substantial and upright men. Dr. and Mrs. Hutchin- son have one daughter. Abram William Stoutenburg was born in Pittsfield, Monroe county, August 12, 1870. He was educated at the Pittsfield and Fairport acad- emies, and was graduated from the latter in 1890. He read medicine with Dr. W. F. Clapp, of Fairport, and attended the New York Home- opathic college and hospital, where he was graduated in 1894. He practiced in Owego until February, 1896, when he came to Binghamton and associated with Dr. E. E. Snyder. Charles Gray Cole, son of Avery M. and Lovina (Gray) Cole, is a native of East Durham, Greene county, N. Y., born May 6, 1865, Avery M. Cole for half a century has been a clergyman of the Baptist church, and his pastorate at East Durham covered a period of nearly 446 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. eighteen years. The family in America is descended from aristocratic English ancestors, and have long been noted for their strict adherence to the old school Baptist teachings. On his mother's side the doctor is descended fr m pioneer stock in this county, his maternal grandfather, Deacon Richard Gray, having been a pioneer in the town of Barker. He came originally to Binghamton during the early years of the cen- tury, but fearful lest the flat lands of the river valley should prove un- healthful, he settled in Barker, where the country bore a certain re- semblance to his native Connecticut hill lands. He raised to maturity a family of four sons and three daughters. Dr. Cole acquired his early education in the Greenville academy and Starkey seminary, and began his medical study under the preceptorship of Dr. L. O. Eastman, of Union, this county, where his father then had a pastorate. He was graduated at Albany Medical college in 1897, and was licensed to prac- tice by the regents of the university of New York, June 4, of that year. In July following he began the practice of medicine in this city and soon gained an enviable standing in the ranks of the profession. In- deed, Dr. Cole has been successful beyond his most sanguine expecta- tions. He is a fellow of the Binghamton Academy of Medicine. CHAPTER XIX. THE BINGHAMTON PRESS. The newspaper is always a good sign, though its publication is not invariably a success from a financial point of view. During the last score and a half of years the newspaper has come to be regarded as the chief index of the intelligence of the community in which it is pub- lished, and its files are the footprints of the advancement and prosper- ity of the period of its publication. Yet it is surprising when searching our libraries to discover how little has been written of the " art pre- servative of all arts " and the educator of all educators. The newspaper of the present day, with its splendid facilities for acquiring and disseminating news, is regarded as essential as the church or the school house, and in a great measure has taken the place of the rostrum and the professor's chair and become the great teacher. No GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 447 party, organization, enterprise or calling is now considered perfect without its " organ " to proclaim its advantages to the world. The history of the Binghamton press forms an interesting chapter in local annals, but how and to what extent the many newspaper ventures of the past may be best mentioned is a doubtful question. Glancing back at the early history of the press in the village and city it is found that newspapers were frequently founded, continued a few months, or perhaps years, and then suspended publication or were succeeded by other similar enterprises under different name and management. Whether the successor was the direct outgrowth of the older paper may at times have been doubtful, for in many cases their direct connection cannot be traced. Each publisher of half a century and more ao-o de- sired his paper to be regarded as an original venture, and the spirit of originality was continued until about the beginning of the war of 1861- 65, from which time dated a new era in the history of the press, as in many other avocations in business life; but it is now regarded an un- doubted evidence of continued prosperity if the average newspaper can display the meaning words " Vol. XLVI, No. VI," or other symbolisms of like import on the title page. The tenth newspaper founded in this state, and the first published anywhere in the southern tier counties, was the American Constellation, the first number of which was issued Saturday, November 22, 1800, dated at " Union, Tioga county, N.Y." Although the paper was dated at Union, it was actually printed at Chenango Village, the little settle- ment on the west side of the Chenango river, just north of the present city limits. The American Constellation was a four-page, four-column paper, seventeen and one-half inches in length and eleven inches wide. It was published by Daniel Cruger, jr., who, in 1801, after GeneralWhit- ney succeeded in causing the removal of the business interest of Che- nango Village to Chenango Point, removed his printing office to Owego. The paper has had an uninterrupted existence to the present day, and is now known as the Owego Gazette, Le Roy W. Kingman, publisher. The Broome County Patriot was the pioneer newspaper of Bingham- ton and was founded in 1811 by Chauncey Morgan, a brother of Major Augustus Morgan and a practical printer. The office and press were located on the upper floor of a building at the southwest corner of Court and Washington streets, a locality afterward for many years known as " Rexford's corner, " Chauncey Morgan possessed a greater capacity to originate enterprises than his more prominent brother, but he lacked 448 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, the executive ability to carry them to successful ends. His paper soon passed into the hands of Reuben S. Close and afterward of Dr. Elihu Ely, both of whom conducted it for a time. In 1815 it was purchased by Dr. Tracy Robinson, who enlarged it and changed the name to the Phoenix. Major Morgan, who was Dr. Robinson's son-in-law, had an interest in the paper for a time. In 1818 the Phoenix was sold to Anson M, Howard, under whose ownership publication was suspended about 1820. The Republican Herald was established in 1818 by Abraham Burrell, and was started as an opposition paper to the Patriot. About 1820 Dorpheus Abbey purchased the Burrell interest, continued the publica- tion for a short time and then sold out to " a few individuals" of the village, who employed Burrell to edit and print the paper. Mr. Abbey left the village soon after his paper was sold, but in 1837-38 he at- tracted considerable attention through his connection with the Patriot uprising against the British dominion in Canada. He was with the in- vading army at the battle at the " Windmill," on Canadian soil, where he was captured. For his participation in this ill-advised expedition former printer Abbey was tried as an enemy and condemned to death ; and he was hanged at Kingston in 1839. Abbey was the only printer of Binghamton who ever met such a fate, yet at heart he was a martyr rather than a felon. Under Burrell's management the Republican Her- ald was continued a few years, but in the meantime Major Morgan ap- peared in the field of journalism with a new paper and an entirely new office equipment. So strong indeed was his paper made at the very out- set that the Herald was forced to suspend publication. The Broome County Republican was established in 1823 by Augustus Morgan, and at once found favor with all loyal citizens both of the vil- lage and the county. In earlier years Major Morgan had a brief com- petitive experience in newspaper work, his opponent being Abraham Burrell's Republican Herald, and he was now determined to found a paper on so firm a basis that he would not again be embarrassed by an opposition sheet. The worthy major therefore built firmly and well, and his paper not only outstripped all opposing elements, but outlived the founder himself, and has enjoyed an uninterrupted existence to the present time. The newspaper started by Major Morgan in 1823 is the Weekly Broome Republican of 1899, the latter one of the best and most widely circulating newspapers in southern New York. In 1824 Abial C. Canoll associated with Major Morgan in the publica- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 449 tion of the paper, but in 1828 the founder sold his interest to Thomas Collier (father of John A. and Hamilton Collier), and the firm of CanoU & Collier was continued until 1830, when Mr. Collier was succeeded by Edwin T. Evans (brother of Horatio and Alfred J. Evans). In 1835 ' Mr. Evans sold his interest in the paper to Benjamin T. Cooke, and the firm of Canoll & Cooke, who continued the paper until 1839, when Mr. Canoll sold out to J. J. Davis. Cooke & Davis published the paper for a time, and then, after Mr. Davis retired, it was continued by Mr. Cooke alone until 1848 when E. R. Colston became proprietor and pub- lisher, continuing about one year. (The Evening Express, a daily paper was published in the Republican office by Mr. Colston.) In 1849 the Republican passed into the hands of William Stuart, who was known as one of the best newspaper men of Binghamton in his time. He in company with James S. Cary, began the publication of the Binghamton Daily Republican in connection with the Broome Weekly Republican, These names are still retained for the daily and weekly editions. In 1864 the Republican was leased for a term of years to Carl Brothers & Taylor (James F. Carl, Abram W. Carl and Joel W. Taylor), who secured its first regular telegraphic service by a member- ship in the State Associate Press. In 1867 the office and papers were purchased by James Malette and George J. Reid, comprising the firm of Malette & Reid, by whom publication was continued until. 1876, when Mr. Malette retired and the Republican association was formed. Mr. Reid remained with the new concern as business manager, and Frederick W. Mather filled the editorial chair. On December 27, 1877, the Binghamton Printing company was in- corporated with a capital of $55,000, the first board of directors com- prising Aaron Steele, Frederick W. Mather, Tracy R. Morgan, George W. Dunn, Robert M. Hagaman, Alonzo C. Matthews, Marcus W. Scott, Benjamin De Voe and Giles W. Hotchkiss. This company pub- lished the daily and weekly editions of the paper until October 4, 1878, when it was succeeded by the Binghamton Publishing company, of which Charles M. Dickinson was president and secretary, and also was editor-in-chief of the paper. Subsequently Mr. Dickinson purchased all the stock and became sole owner of the paper, the plant and also of its. splendid job printing equipment. Since Mr. Dickinson became pro- prietor of the Republican establishment little change has been made in > About this time and previous to the sale by Jlr. Evans, F. B. Penniman was connected with the publication of the Republican. 29 450 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, the personnel of its management, and any record which purports to be a history of that paper without a passing mention of the work done by Peter D. Van Vradenburg and Charles Singleton would indeed be in- complete. Mr. Van Vradenburg's connection with the paper dates back more than thirty years, to the time when the proprietors, Malette & Reid, occupied the upper floor of the marble shop building at the corner of Court and Exchange streets, where now stands the Hagaman building. During nearly half of the period mentioned Mr. Van Vradenburg has been connected with the editorial department of the Republican, and particularly during Mr. Dickinson's frequent absence from the city (in European travels or in connection with his consular appointment) Mr. Van Vradenburg has been the mainstay of that department. In con- nection with the business management Mr. Singleton has been a prom inent figure in the Republican for the greater part of the last twenty years, and a fair share of the success of the paper during that period has been due to his efforts. During its course down through the changing years of the century, the Republican has picked up several minor publications, all of which have been merged into the more powerful journal. In 1848 the Ex- press was issued from the Republican office as a daily paper. The Iris was founded in 184!i by Charles P. Cooke, and was subse- quently owned by Stuart & Evans, and also by Edwin T. Evans. In 1852 the daily edition of the paper was merged into the Republican, while the Weekly Iris, which was enlarged from an original semi- monthly of that name, was published by Mr. Evans until 1853, when it, too, was merged in the Republican. The Susquehanna Journal was started in October, 1852, by Rev. William H. Pearne, a clergyman of the M. E. church, but in 1855, after three years of indifferent success, the Journal was absorbed by the Re- publican. The Binghamton Standard (weekly) was founded by James Van Valkenburg in November, 1853, and was afterward published success- ively by the founder, and also by George W. Reynolds, Franklin N. Chase, Alvin Sturtevant and by M. L. Hawley «& Co. until 1869, when it was united with the Republican and published weekly under the name of Republican and Standard. Later on the papers were separated and the Standard became a semi- weekly. The Binghamton Times (weekly) was started by George M. Harris in GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 451 1871, but in May of the next year the paper passed into the hands of Purdy & Cronin. In 1872 these proprietors founded the Daily Times. In 1878 Frederick W. Mather purchased the Times' publications and con- solidated them with the Republican. Under the present management the Republican has been published with gratifying success. The papers are among the most favorably known publications of the county at the present time. They are the recognized exponents of Republicanism in the southern tier, and their influence is felt and their worth is acknowledged. The handsome five- story building occupied by the Republican, at the corner of Henry and State streets, was erected by Mr. Dickinson in 1889-90. The Broome County Courier, a weekly newspaper of Democratic proclivities, was founded in 1831 by Jason R. Orton, and was published under his proprietorship until 1837. The next five years witnessed many vicissitudes in the history of the paper, and during that time it changed hands several times, being successively owned or published by Sheldon & Marble, Isaac C. Sheldon, E. P. Marble, Marble & Johnson, and also by J. R. & C. Orton, the latter of whom became proprietors in 1847. In that year it passed into the hands of John L. Burtis, who abridged the title to the Binghamton Courier. The next owner of the Courier was Jeremy T. Brodt, a practical printer, who continued the publication until 1849, when John R. Dick- inson, representing a party of prominent Democrats in the village, pur- chased the establishment and merged the paper into the Binghamton Democrat, which in the meantime had been founded. The Binghamton Democrat was established December 15, 1846, by R. C. Whitmore,' with the assistance and under the patronage of a num- ber of leading Democrats of the village who in the first issue of the paper expressed themselves in part as follows; " The defection of the editor and proprietor of the Courier and their union with the Whigs for the purpose of defeating a portion of the Democratic ticket in the late canvass render the establishment of another paper both necessary and proper." Signed, Benjamin N. Loomis, Robert S. Bartlett, John R. Dickinson, Ausburn Birdsall, N. S. Davis. The Democrat was published by Mr. Whitmore until his death, August 30,1847. The next publisher was Hiram L. Shaw, whose re- « Mr. Whitmore died August 80, 1847, aged 28 years, He was a man of strict integrity and enjoyed the honorable estimation of his fellow citizens, and in all the relations of life he ac- quitted himself acceptably, affectionately and honorably. He was a brother of John T. Whit- more, now president of the BoUes Hoe & Tool company. 452 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, lation with the paper began December 14, 1847, and continued to De- cember 6, 1849, when John R. Dickinson purchased the plant, making his formal announcement to the public on December 13. About the same time also Mr. Dickinson purchased the Binghamton Courier and consolidated it with the Democrat: and under the name of the Bingham- ton Democrat the paper has ever since been continued. The Democrat was published under Mr. Dickinson's management un- til 1857, when J. M. Adams and William S. Lawyer, comprising the firm of Adams & Lawyer, purchased the plant and became its proprie- tors. Their partnership relation was maintained until 1860, when Mr. Adams died. Adams & Lawyer were among the first newspaper men in the village to secure the services of writers or contributors of acknowledged liter- ary ability, although Judge Dickinson had made some pretense in that direction. Under the firm, George Bartlett was a frequent contributor to the editorial columns of the Democrat, and at one time his name appeared as editor of the paper. After Mr. Bartlett, Hallam Eldredge was a frequent contributor, and in later years, even to the present day, some prominent character in Binghamton history has contributed articles of interest to the reading public. After the death of Mr. Adams, William S. Lawyer conducted the Dem- ocrat alone until 1863, when his brother, George L. Lawyer, became his partner under the firm name of Lawyer Brothers. This firm still stands and is the oldest newspaper partnership in Binghamton and one of the oldest in the state. William S. Lawyer was an office boy in the old Courier and Democrat office in 1846, and has been connected with the paper in some capacity from that time to the present . George L. Law- yer also was a graduate of the Democrat office, and has been directly connected with the paper since 1863. In January, 1869, Lawyer Broth- ers started the Binghamton Daily Democrat and continued its publica- tion until January, 1895. The first office of the Democrat was located directly over Alfred J. Evans' jewelry store on the east side of FrankHn (now No. 146 Wash- ington) street, and thence was removed to Court street, over Wickham & Bennett's store (present number 53). The next quarters were on Water street (No. 157) where the paper was published continuously for a period of thirty-five years, and from which location in 1899 the paper was removed to the present quarters at No. 98 Chenango street, one door south of the First Baptist church. In allusion to its present sur- roundings the Democrat has taken the name of ' ' The Churchside Press. " GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 453 The Bing-hamton Times, a daily paper, was started December 1, 18G3, by C. B. Gould, publisher, and with the editorial department under charge of Edward K. Clark. The Times was a Republican paper, and was well edited and managed, but it entered the field at a time when two other dailies and three weeklies were in operation in the village, hence it failed to secure a foothold sufficiently strong to ensure finan- cial success. The paper suspended publication in August, 1864. The Democratic Leader, a weekly newspaper, " the organ " of the Broome county Democracy, was founded in 1869 by Abram W. Carl and Edward H. Freeman, the first issue bearing date September 10. Mr. Carl had previously been connected with the Republican and was known in local press circles as a bright and at times a caustic writer, especially when dealing with political opponents. At journalistic repartee he was equalled only by Major Cronin of the Times. Mr. Freeman was di- rectly connected with the Leader until the latter part of 1871, but af- terward was in a way associated with the editorial department until his appointment as postmaster in the summer of 1886. He was a good writer, strongly partisan, perhaps, at times, yet his leaders were always interesting and refreshing. He was (and still is) well informed on all subjects pertaining to Binghamton history, for he came from one of our respected old families. After Mr. Freeman had severed his direct connection with the Leader he was succeeded by Fred. M. Abbott, who looked particularly after the business department of the office. He, in turn, was succeeded by Charles A. Hull, who soon abandoned journalism for the law. Mr. Carl was partner with each of these persons, but after Mr. Hull left the office in 1873 the founder continued the publication as sole proprie- tor until the time of his death in October, 1888. In March, 1878, he issued the first number of the Daily Leader, one of the strongest Dem- ocratic newspapers in southern New York. After Mr. Carl's death his widow continued the papers until December, 1892, when George F. O'Neil, a former merchant of the city (and, by the way, one of our most successful business men) purchased the plant. Under his man- agement the Leader, daily and weekly, has been conducted to the pres- ent time with gratifying success. A fair share of the credit, however, for the prosperous condition of affairs, must be given to Cornelius F. McCormick, the present editor-in-chief, whose connection with the pa- per began in 1886, in the capacity of reporter. After Mr. Carl's death Mr. McCormick was advanced to the editorial chair, which he has since admirably filled. 454 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, The Binghamton Times (weekly) was started in April, 1871, and was in a measure a revival of the paper of the same name established in 1863. The Times of 1871 was launched on the journalistic sea by an incorporated body known as the Times association (incorporated March 6, 1871). In May, 1872, the paper passed into the hands of Purdy & Cronin, who changed its form from a quarto to a folio. On December 4, 1872, the same firm issued the first number of the Binghamton Daily Times, and within three months from that time the paper became the leading daily of the southern tier. Major Cronin, the editor, was not a practical journalist, but was a lawyer of ability and an artist of con- siderable merit. But notwithstanding his talents in other directions Major Cronin was one of the most brilliant writers in Binghamton, and his finished, scholarly leaders attracted much favorable comment in this part of the state; but, unfortunately for the major, he was drawn into a journalistic battle with some of his contemporaries, and while he never suffered defeat in any of these printer's ink conflicts they were nevertheless waged at considerable expense to his paper. The major would not allow his paper to be surpassed in any respect by its compet- itors, and in maintaining the supremacy he sunk a fortune. On April 1, 1873, the Binghamton Times association was incorporated by David E. Cronin, James C. Truman, Vincent St. John and Timothy Cronin. This action had the effect to place the paper upon a safe basis; the venture was not a permanent financial success. Publication was continued several years and finally the paper was purchased by Fred- erick W. Mather, who, in 1878 consolidated it with the Republican. About five years ago Edward M. Fitzgerald, a lawyer of good stand- ing in the city, ventured into the field of journalism with a new paper called the Times. The proprietor was a writer of more than ordinary ability, yet his endeavor to establish a successful newspaper enterprise in an already overcrowded field did not meet with the reward the ef- fort deserved. The paper was discontinued after a few months' exist- ence. The Sunday Tribune was started in 1879 by William T. and Thomas F. Baker. About two years later the paper was sold to Van Vraden- burg & Mantz, after which the brothers Baker removed to Utica, founded the Saturday Globe, and by that fortunate undertaking ac- quired a fortune of greater proportions than usually rewards the en- deavors of the average newspaper man. Mr. Mantz' interest in the Tribune was subsequently sold to his partner, and on May 20, 1883, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 455 the latter disposed of the paper to Wales & Mantz, publishers of the Latest Morning News. Soon after the disappearance of the Tribune, O. J. Coughlin issued the first number of the Sunday Dispatch. The venture, however com- mendable, did not meet with gratifying success, hence the paper soon suspended. About ten years later, in the early nineties, Mr. Coughlin started the Sunday Message, but the paper failed of success and was therefore discontinued in the course of a few years. The Latest Morning News (daily) was started March 16, 1882, by Ira L. Wales and Frank A. Mantz, both of whom were experienced newspaper men, but unfortunately possessed only limited capital. The News made a good struggle for a permanent existence but in the course of a few months it was forced to yield to the superior strength of three other city dailies. The Call, or Saturday Call, as otherwise known, was started in 1887 by J. W. Hagar. Edward H. Freeman acquired an interest in the paper in 1889 and looked after the editorial and news department, while Mr. Hagar attended the business management. In 1893 the paper was pur- chased by Perry P. Rogers and A. J. Dibble, by whom it was continued until Mr. Rogers' death in 1894, when Mr. Dibble became sole pro- prietor. In August, 1896, the Call was sold to a stock company, and was continued under the name of the Chronicle. The Chronicle made its appearance in August, 1896, under the man- agement of the company above mentioned, but the reformation of the Call publication, of which the Chronicle was the outgrowth, was so radical that the new paper was substantially an original production. Francis Curtis has been the editor, and the paper has been maintained as a clean and reliable family weekly. It is printed on book paper and uses half-tone illustrations in profusion. Mrs. Curtis has charge of the dramatic, literary and woman's pages, besides contributing more or less to the general features of the paper. The Chronicle is thorough- ly Republican and has catered to the better people of the community. It is widely quoted and is acknowledged to be one of the best provin- cial weekly papers in the state. The Binghamton Evening Herald was started February 23, 1889, by J. B. Briggs, editor, and Ed. H. Bogart, business manager, and was the first newspaper printed in this city and sold at one cent per copy. After a determined attempt to maintain the old established price of for- mer years, the other city dailies were compelled to reduce subscription 1 456 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, rates to 25 cents per month, to keep pace with the Herald's movement. On September 2, 1889, the Herald was sold to Hiram A. Stanley and Charles H. Turner, both of whom were newspaper men of experience and, former employees of the Daily Republican, Mr. Stanley having been connected with the business management and Mr, Turner with the editorial department of that paper. But notwithstanding the ac- knowledged capacity of the new proprietors several years passed before the Herald was established on a paying basis (which condition is quite as desirable as serving the public interests). The original Herald was a five column folio, and it soon became necessary for the new propri- etors to increase its news department and also its advertising space. This meant enlarged quarters, a larger force of employees, new presses and office equipment, and a considerable outlay of money; but the en- terprising young journalists were equal to the occasion and soon after- ward the Herald appeared in new dress and enlarged form, hence quickly found favor with the reading public. The paper had no special attitude on political questions, but was ever alert to the public welfare, particularly when the action of municipal authorities gave rise to a sus- picion of jobbery. During the proprietorship of Stanley and Turner, on September 11, 1890, the Bingham ton Weekly Herald was started. The Evening Herald company was incorporated September 28, 1893, with $40,000 capital. The officers were H. A. Stanle)^ president and general manager; F. D. Van Amburgh, vice-president; H. J. Mitchell, treasurer; H. V. Bogart, circulation manager, and G. W. Beardsley, managing editor. At the end of a year Mr. Van Amburgh was suc- ceeded by Ralph E. Bennett. Under the company management the Herald entered upon a new era of success and became recognized as one of the leading dailies of the southern tier. In the latter part of 1895 Mr. Stanley was compelled to relinquish newspaper work by reason of impaired health. For more than five years he had labored incessantly for the success of the paper, and while he attained the desired end it was at the expense of his physical and mental health. Neither rest nor travel gave renewed strength and he at length was compelled to remove from the city and take up his resi- dence in Seattle, Wash. In April, 1898, he sold his stock in the Her- ald company to a party of business men ; and at about the same time the Bogart and Mitchell stock also was sold, and a virtual reorgani- zation of the company was effected. The new board of directors comprised Marcus W. Scott, Hiram GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 457 Barnum, Thomas B. Crary, G. W. Beardsley and Ralph E. Bennett. The officers were M. W. Scott, president and business manager; Hiram Barnum, vice-president; Ralph E. Bennett, secretary and advertising manager, and Guy W. Beardsley, managing editor. The Herald is unquestionably one of the most widely circulated dailies in southern New York. More than that, it has become a factor for good in the municipal history of the city. Politically it leans neither to the one nor the other of the great parties, but from an independent position it commends or condemns according to the worth of can- didates or proposed measures. Mr. Beardsley, the managing editor, is known as a ready writer, earnest in his support of measures be- lieved to be just, and bitter and unrelenting in his treatment of those of a doubtful character. The Independent (weekly) was started at Lestershire in November, 1893, by J. E. Scudder, and was published under his sole proprietor- ship until July 17, 1897, when it was purchased by Fred E. Kennedy. In September following the Independent was made the official organ of the Binghamton Central Labor union, and in October of the same year the office was removed to this city. In February, 1898, a stock com- pany known as the Union Labor Publishing company was incorporated and organized, with Mr. Kennedy editor and manager. In August, 1898, the CO npany transferred the paper to the Central Labor union, Mr. Kennedy still remaining as managing editor. On November 19 of the same year Mr. Kennedy bought the paper from the labor union, and at the same time Augustus Babcock acquired an interest and be- came partner with Mr. Kennedy. The company organization was maintained though the name was changed to Independent Publishing company. Mr. Kennedy fills the editorial chair, and fills it well, while Mr. Babcock in the capacity of business manager has likewise proven successful, although he was trained to the legal profession. On De- cember 3, 1898, the Independent was issued in magazine form, twelve pages, and on June 17, 1899, it was enlarged to sixteen pages. The Independent circulates in southern New York and northern Pennsylvania, and is known throughout the region as the especial champion of the rights of organized labor and laboring men. It also freely discusses all economic questions of government and is thoroughly loyal to local interests. The Record, a weekly Sunday paper, was started by Charles W. Oathout and G. Chester Richardson, who bought the Message office 453 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. and equipment for that purpose. On January 1, 1898, Mr. Richardson retired from the firm and on January 23 following the sole proprietor, Mr. Oathout, changed the name of the paper to the Times. On July 1, 1899, the stock of the Times Publishing company (an incorporation was secured soon after the paper was established) passed under the control of Captain George Cochran Broome, the present publisher of the paper. The Times is thoroughly loyal to Binghamton and to the best inter- ests of the city. Its circulation is large and extends far beyond the borders of the county. CHAPTER XX. INDUSTRIAL BINGHAMTON. As a manufacturing center Binghamton did not begin to attract par- ticular attention until after the opening of the Chenango canal, and it did not then occupy a position of special prominence until after the close of the war of 1861-65. The first settlers gave little heed to this now important branch of business life, and the saw and grist mills fur- nished nearly all the necessaries of domestic life that could not be pro- duced under the family roof. The saw mill was the first needed indus- try, as thereby the pioneer procured the lumber with which his house and barn were built; the grist mill gave assurance of a supply of flour, meal and feed; the thrifty housewife made cloth for the family raiment, and the fertile soil of the valleys under the strong arm of the sturdy settler furnished all other necessaries for a comfortable living. But as the hamlet increased into a village and the latter became a county seat it was necessary to establish a few small manufactories to keep pace with the general development of the region and also to attract other settlers. One of the earliest manufacturers in the village was James Squires, who, in 1806, started a tannery on the site of Shapley & Wells' foundry. Four years later Marshall Lewis came and purchased land on the east bank of the Chenango river and erected a saw and grist mill. He also bought Gray's island and constructed a dam across the lesser channel GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 459 of the river, at the southern extremity of the island. He then built the mills and soon founded a thriving settlement that was named " Lewis Mills," in allusion to his work and that of his son, who fol- lowed in his footsteps. As the village increased other industries were started, notably the cloth dressing establishment of William Slosson and John De Voe, who carried on business from 1825 to about 1860. The Lewis mills, however, were maintained much longer, the saw mill being first discontinued, while the grist mill was in operation under different proprietors until a few years ago. In the several enterprises established in this locality by Marshall Lewis, that worthy proprietor was succeeded by his son. Col, Hazard Lewis, and the latter, in turn, by his son Frederick Lewis and Col. Paige before the family interests were finally disposed of. In 1866 E. M. & J. P. Noyes purchased a por- tion of the Lewis property and converted the mills into a comb factory. This was the beginning of the end of the old interests of former years, but valuable as the latter may have been they were succeeded by others of much greater importance, giving employment tomany wage earners. The Messrs. Noyes also became owners of Lewis island and connected the same with the main land by a bridge, and thus brought into mar- ket a considerable area of land valuable for manufacturing purposes. Ethan P. Stephens eventually became the owner of the south end of the island, and through his enterprise several manufacturing buildings were erected thereon. The old water power is still used to a certain extent, yet each industry using power is provided with a steam boiler and engine, dsing the water as an auxiliary power. As the water power furnished by the " raceway " and dam at Lewis' mills was limited in capacity, hardly more than the saw and grist mills and one or two other small industries could be operated by it, hence, with the growth of the village, it became necessary to establish another manufacturing center. This was done in 1828, when General Whitney and Hazard Lewis made application to and were granted authority from the legislature to construct a dam across the Susquehanna in the village. At that time General Whitney owned the land on both sides of the river, and under his agreement with Col. Lewis the latter built the dam, four feet high, and in compensation received title to the land at the south end of the dam, with its water power and privileges. On both sides of the stream long and strong flumes were constructed, suf- ficient to furnish power for several manufacturing establishments. At the south end of the dam Col. Lewis built a grist mill, and Chris- 1 460 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT. topher Eldredge, who was interested with the colonel in his extensive operations, built and operated a saw mill. Both of these mills burned about 1861 and were rebuilt by John Conklin, who in the meantime had succeeded to the ownership of the property. Mr. Conklin eventually sold the site to the state for the Chenango canal extension, while the mill buildings and machinery were disposed of to Oswego parties ; and just before the state acquired actual possession of the lands the build- ings were again destroyed by fire. From that time on, the south side of the Susquehanna, whether on the river or in more remote localities, was never regarded as a profitable manufacturing district, being too far distant from shipping points. (While treating on this subject it is well to note that about 1858 Edward Tompkins built a large factory at the south end of the old Tompkins bridge, but all attempts to conduct a successful business in that locality were not rewarded with gratifying results. The same also may be said of the locality known as Rossville, where a woolen factory and large cigar shop were at one time operated in the hope that that portion of the city might be built up and developed. These industries, however, were compelled to discontinue business, and it was not until Dr. Magoris and the Clarke-Turner manufacturing company began operations that permanent enterprises were founded. At the corner of De Russey street and Vestal avenue a large furni- ture factory was operated several years, but the business became un- profitable, hence was discontinued. On the south side to-day the only manufacturing enterprises of consequence are the Burcey Chemical company and the shellac and varnish works carried on by Homer C. Collier). Having thus disposed of the manufactures on the south side of the river, we may now return to the original subject. According to the agreement between General Whitney and Col. Lewis, the former was to build a merchant flouring mill at the north end of the Rockbottom dam, but he in fact built a saw mill; and through various ownerships that industry has been maintained to the present time, taking "first water" from the flume. In 1831 General Whitney sold a half interest in the saw mill to General Waterman, and in 1836 sold him the other half. In 1833 Stowers & Kellogg bought a power privilege and started a furnace and plow factory. About 1835 Waterman & Evans started a plaster mill, but in 1837 the mill was sold to Horatio and Alfred J. Evans. It was afterwards rented to General Waterman, and in 1845 was sold to Eli Pratt and Luke Doolittle. The firm of Pratt & Doolittle dissolved in 1861, the latter succeeding and GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 46i operating the plaster mill until 1872, when he replaced it with a general flour and feed mill. The plant was burned in 1884, but was at once re- built and has since been operated by Mr. Doolittle. The saw mill eventually passed into the hands of Austin W. Tyler and Eli Pratt, but the interest of the latter was sold in 1874 to Addison J. Lyon. Tyler & Lyon did business as partners until 1883 when Mr. Lyon became sole owner. The buildings were burned the next year but were at once rebuilt on an enlarged scale. Mr. Lyon died in 1895 and was succeeded by his sons W. S., A. H. and J. A. Lyon, the present proprietors. The building occupied by the Stickley & Brandt chair com- pany was erected by A. J. Lyon's Sons, in 1892. The water privilege next below the grist mill was sold to Kilby Ste- vens, and the Wilkinson tannery site to Marshall H. Weed, the latter in 1839. In 1845, when Luke Doolittle came into " Millville," General Waterman was running two " up and down" saws in the saw mill, and also was proprietor of the plaster mill. Kilby Stevens built and run a carding machine and cloth dressing works, the latter being an old in- dustry of the locality for many years. Mr. Weed was running a good tannery business and below him on the flume was an old furnace in which one Crookshank run a grindstone and also made tobacco knives. The furnace privilege afterward was sold to Kinyon & Newton who bought and moved to the site the old Tompkins mill that once stood at the south end of the upper bridge. This firm run a sash and blind fac- tory and planing mill and did an extensive business for a time. Later on E. M. & J. P. Noyes occupied the building as a comb factory, after which it passed into the hands of Mr. Doolittle and M. T. Winton, who began making hand sleds and children's carriages. This was the begin- ning of a business of great importance in later years, but incidentally it may be stated that Winton & Riley and H. W. Shipman were the real pioneers of this special industry, although their annual output was small when compared with the output of later years. Doolittle & Win- ton made sleds as early as 1863. R. S. Darrow succeeded Mr. Doolittle, and was in turn succeeded by Wm. H. Stilwell. In 1875 the Winton Manufacturing company was incorporated by M. T. Winton, W. H. Stilwell, W. H. Wilkinson, B. N. Loomis, Erastus Ross, W. H. Eastwood and Erasmus Chollar, with $75,000 capital. It was for years an extensive concern and gave employment to many workmen before it was overtaken by disaster in 1889. At that time, however, the management had materially changed. 462 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, The Wilkinson Manufacturing company, which succeeded the Win- ton concern, was incorporated in 1890. The first directors were W. H. Wilkinson, H. A. Sheldon, Charles Davis, Franklin Edgerton, Charles A. Wilkinson and W. H. Eastwood. This company is now one of the staple concerns of the city and furnishes regular employment to about 100 men. Its present officers are W. H. Wilkinson, president; H. G. Jackson, vice-president; Charles A. Wilkinson, secretary; W. H. East- wood, treasurer. As has been mentioned, Kilby Stevens began business on the privi- lege now occupied by the Woodruff cigar box factory. Later on Milks & Morehead made cloth and blankets in the building and exchanged their product for wool Mr. Milks afterward had a spoke and hub works here, as also did McElroy & Holmes at a still later day. Woodruff's cigar box factory, which is one of the most extensive works of its kind in the region, was built in 1882 and has been continued to the present time, giving employment to about sixty hands. It is now an incorpo- rated concern, under the name of Binghamton Cigar Box company, with $25,000 capital. The stockholders are Charles Woodruff, Edward E. Cuddeback, Francis E. Woodruff, Thomas L. Morton and Walter A. Morton. Thus is written in a brief way the history of one of the old manufac- turing localities of Binghamton. Previous to the introduction of steam as a motive power for propelling machinery the locality mentioned was of great importance in the industrial history of the village, but after steam came into general use owmers of the larger plants naturally sought a location nearer convenient shipping points; and thus the once busy center of trade lost everything of its former prestige. Yet it is doubtful if ever in the history of the city a greater amount of business has been transacted in Millville than at the present time. The previous incidental mention of the Weed tannery on the flume below the Rockbottom dam naturally suggests an allusion to the tan- ning interests of the city, past and present. This has been an industry of long standing, and as several prominent factors in village and city history have been engaged therein the subject may be specially treated. The pioneer of the tanning industry in Binghamton was James Squires, who, in 180G, bought nearly all the south half of the lands between Washington street on the west, Collier street on the east, Court street on the north, and Hawley street on the south, Mr. Squires built his tannery on the site now occupied by the Shapley & Wells foundry, and GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 463 continued the business several years. The second tanner was Samuel Smith, who, in 1815, started in business on the west bank of the Che- nango, a few rods south of Main street. " Squire " Smith was in busi- ness at least twenty- five years, and was afterward followed by other proprietors. The old buildings stood until 1862, when they were burned during the ownership of the Goods. Lewis Squires and Col. Joseph B. Abbott started a tannery in 1821 on land in the rear of the present Exchange Hotel building, and con- tinued business until the construction of the Chenango canal took a valuable portion of the firm's yard and vats. Marshall H. Weed, in 1839, purchased of General Waterman a water power on the flume below the Rockbottom dam. He at once started a small tannery on the site and continued business alone until 1845, when Col. Abbott became his partner, the firm being Weed & Abbott. In 1848 Lewis S. Abbott purchased Mr. Weed's interest, after which J. B. Abbott & Son did a tanning business until 1870, when the plant was sold to Samuel Branaugh. In 1871 Branaugh sold to W. H. and C. A. Wilkinson, who continued as partners until 1870, when C. A. Wilkinson retired. The plant was occupied by W. H. Wilkinson about fifteen years longer and was then discontinued. The present extensive tannery managed by J. B. Weed & Co., which unquestionably is one of the best industries of the city, is the outgrowth of a small tannery started by Marshall H. Weed in 1849 or '50, soon after he sold his interest in the water power tannery below the dam. At that time steam power was just beginning to take the place of water power in manufacturing enterprises, and Mr. Weed was one of the first men in Binghamton to adopt the new system. His original works were built on the south side of Susquehanna street, on a lot 60 feet wide and extending from the street to the canal. Mr. Weed carried on the busi- ness until 1860, when he was succeeded by his sons. The firm of J. B. Weed & Co. was established in 1860, and from that year until 1899 has been carrying on one of the best and largest busi- ness enterprises in the city. At the very outset the firm began enlarg- ing the various departments of the works, and year after year witnessed the enlargement of either buildings or grounds until the present works include an area of eight acres and furnish constant employment for about 200 wage earners. However, in 1899, the firm's tannery business and property passed into the ownership and control of the American Hide and Leather company, or, in other words, into the control of the *' leather trust." 464 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, In 1858 Lowell Harding started a tannery at the north end of the Tompkins bridge, at the head of Court street. The business was con- tinued until 1863 and was then discontinued. Another interesting locality in connection with the early manufactur- ing enterprises of the village, but which as an industrial center long ago passed out of existence, was on the west side of the Chenango river, near the foot of Mt. Prospect. When and by whom the first dam in this locality was built is now unknown, but it is believed to have been constructed by Marshall Lewis about or soon after he built the dam across the raceway at the foot of the island. In 1825 the legislature authorized Hazard Lewis to rebuild, repair and maintain a dam across the main channel of the river at the point first mentioned, and accord- ingly a substantial brush dam was constructed. Colonel Lewis also built and for several years maintained a saw mill on the west bank of the river, but in later years Stephen Weed erected there a stave mill of good capacity. The mill was operated several years by Mr. Weed and afterward may have passed into other hands. During the last forty years no manufacturing of consequence has been carried on at the wesit end of the " brush dam," as it was called. After Lewis' Island was purchased by E. M. & J. P. Noyes the dam at the head of the island was replaced with one more substantial. After the construction of the Chenango canal several factories were soon started on both sides of that famous waterway, and were continued, with few exceptions, until the canal was abandoned and closed by the state. In the upper part of the village, about where now stands the electric car barns, was a boat yard and dry dock, at which considerable business was done in boat building by Yelles Belcher. Another boat yard was still further east (Ogden's) while a third was down near the Point (Johnson's). About opposite the site where now stands the armory was the steam flour mill built by Waring S. Weed in 1847, and very near it stood Richard Mather's lime kiln. The steam mill was so named from the fact that it was one of the very first industries of the village in which steam was used as a motive power. (On May 9, 1857, the steam mill, James A. Weed & Co's. soap and candle works, several dwellings and many other buildings, in all a total of twenty-one, were destroyed by fire. In this disaster the largest losses fell upon Weed & Ayers, J. A. Weed & Co., James Munsell, Henry Fish, William C. Doane and Mrs. Isaac Smith Harding). GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 465 Between Henry and Court streets the principal industries after the canal was opened were Mather's foundry and machine shop and Mat- thews' plow works. Still further down, in the vicinity of Evans' Basin was a busy locality. On the east side stood Evans' store house, the old plaster mill and White & Fuller's brewery. On the west side were Squires & Abbott's tannery, located just above Hawley street. On the corner was (and still is) the foundry, then owned by Shapley, Hop- kins & Dunk. Amos G. Hull's spoke and hub works stood west 'of the basin and was the chief industry on that side. Still further down was the White & Roberts pottery, Marshall H. Weed's tannery and Will- iam F. Youngs' cooperage. But of all of these old interests of forty and more years ago, only two now remain. They are the brewery and the foundry. Nearly all, however, were operated until the canal was abandoned and some of them were continued until a later date. The first flour mill in the village, as has been stated, was that started by Marshall Lewis at "Lewis' Mills." The second was built at the south end of the Rockbottom dam by Hazard Lewis. The third was the steam mill. The fourth was the Otseningo mills on Commercial avenue, which were built by Moore & Myers in 1858, and continued under various proprietors to the present day. The fifth was Luke Doolittle's mill in Millville, to which reference has been made. The sixth was the Parlor City steam mill, established by Sprague & Duell on Water street in 1882. George Q. Moon & Go's, large mill on North Depot street was the seventh industry of its kind in Binghamton, and in manufacturing capacity is greater than that of all others combined. The elevator building, in which the mill is located, was erected by M. W. Bo5worth & Co. in 1872, and was purchased by George Q. Moon & Co. in 1883. It was at once changed into a merchant flouring mill. The partners in the operation were George Q. Moon and Robert J. Bates, both of whom are now dead. The firm name, however, has been preserved in the incorporation of " George Q. Moon & Co." on June 30, 1898. The incorporators were George Q. Moon, jr.. Watts C. Bates and Walter J. Moon; capital $100,000. The most recently established flour mill in the city is that owned by Blewer & Whiting, and located on upper Court street. Among the iron manufacturing establishments of Binghamton the old furnace in Millville was probably the first. So far as is now known it was started about 1831 by John G. Stower and Edward Kellogg, but after- ward was owned by Dr. Ely and Henry Mather. In fact it is claimed 30 466 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, that Dr. Ely was the founder of the business. In 1842 the machinery was removed to a building on the east side of the canal, north of Court street and was then owned by Mr. Mather, and still later by Thayer & Overhiser and Benjamin H. Overhiser in the order mentioned. The product of this shop comprised plows, castings, mill gearing and machinery. Martin W. Shapley was foreman of the shop before he established a foundry on Hawley street. Another old iron working industry of Binghamton which is worthy of at least a brief mention in this chapter was the gun shop of Joseph and Robert S. Bartlett. In 1839 these brothers came here from Owego and set up business in a building that stood on the north side of Court street between the present Sisson building and the corner next east. The Bartletts were compelled to move from that location on account of the construction of the canal. They then moved to the west side of Washington street, where they carried on business about fifteen years. Isaac L. Bartlett occupied the same shop with his brothers, and while he may have been interested with them in gun making he at the same time made plows on his own account. About 1828 or '30 Ephraim F. Matthews started a plow factory on the west side of the Chenango river, on the site afterward occupied by Cushing & Landers' mill, and where now stands the High school build- ing. A small business had been previously started on this site by Levenworth & Stowers, but it was of short duration. In 1842 the Matthews shop was moved to the east side of the river, and was re- established on a lot near the Mather foundry. I. S. Matthews soon be- came partner with his brother, and in 1856 succeeded to the business. When the industry was at its best Mr. Matthews turned out 1,500 hand made plows each year. The works were burned in 1806, but were re- built. The proprietor afterward discontinued manufacturing and turned his attention to the sale of agricultural implements. The Empire Iron works was another old and once prominent industry in Binghamton, and was started by Hazard Lewis and William A. Mor- ris in 1847. The works were located on the east side of Washington street, near the head of Ferry street, and extended east to the canal. The firm employed about fifty men in the manufacture of steam en- gines, nearly all of which were shipped out of the village, and some of them to Cuba. The firm also made the "frogs" which were used in the construction of the Erie railroad. These works were burned July 24, 1860. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 467 The Binghamton Iron works ' has been one of the substantial business interests of the southern tier for more than forty-five years. The founders of the industry were Martin W. Shapley, a former employee of the Mather foundry and machine shop on the canal, and Alfred Dunk, an Englishman by birth and a skilled machinist by trade. He was formerly connected with the Phoenix Iron works, of Syracuse, also with a similar enterprise at Oneida. Mr. Dunk came to the village in 1854 and in partnership with Mr. Shapley started a foundry and ma- chine shop on Hawley street. During the first ten or fifteen years of its history, the firm name frequently changed, and was known at vari- ous times as Shapley & Dunk, M. W. Shapley & Co., Shapley, Dunk & Co., Shapley, Hopkins & Robbins, and as Shapley & Wells; but by whatever name known, the firm has been in constant and successful operation since 1854, and to-day the business conducted is one of the substantial industries of the region. Since the death of Martin W. Shapley, the members of the firm have been J. E. and W. M. Shapley and John Stuart Wells, yet the old style of Shapley & Wells has been preserved. Colonel Wells came into the firm in 1870. Martin W. Shapley was the inventor and patentee of the celebrated "Shapley" engine, in the manufacture of which the firm has done a very extensive business. The general product of the works comprises castings of all kinds, machines and machinery, both heavy and light, boilers, heating apparatus, and in fact almost every commodity manufac- tured in a large and well equipped general foundry and machine shop. When running under normal conditions about 120 hands are regularly employed. In 1866 A. L. Henderer started a machine shop in Binghamton. In 1869 William Scott acquired an interest in the business, and in 1871 be- came its sole proprietor. The works were continued several years with fair success, J. Herald started a general foundry on Morgan's flats about 1870 and continued the business until a few years ago. Edwin Adams & Son, brass founders and machinists, have been known in local business circles more than twenty years. The firm's works are at Nos. 327-29 Water street. Knapp, Shults & Heath, machinists, began business in Millville in > It is understood that Mr. Shapley originally founded the works under the name of " The Valley Iron Works," and that Mr. Dunk came into the firm very soon afterward. The name "Binghamton Iron Works" was adopted in 1864. 468 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, 1878 and continued until 1883, when Mr. Shults retired and began work on his own account; and for nearly twenty years the name of Wm. Shults was known in local trade circles. After the dissolution in 1883 Knapp & Heath continued business until 1889, when Martin T. Knapp succeeded to the Heath interest and established the firm of Knapp & Son (William and Martin T. Knapp). The senior partner died in 1884, since which time Martin T. Knapp has conducted the business alone. The Jones Scale works was established in 1865 by General Edward F. Jones, and gave employment to about twenty workmen, in the large brick building previously occupied by the Starr Arms company, but which old industry was commonly mentioned as the "pistol factory." As years passed the name and fame of " Jones of Binghamton " spread throughout the United States, and the scales manufactured by the man who "paid the freight" found ready sale in the markets. In 1876 an incorporated company was organized under the name of "The Jones Scale Works," and was so continued until 1888 when a re-incorporation was effected under the name of "Jones of Binghamton." General Jones was president of both companies, and has been the head of the business since it was founded in 1865. The Jones Scale works, as still known, has been one of our city's leading industries for more than thirty years, and has grown from the little plant that in 1865 gave work to twenty men to the present establishment that furnishes employment to from 250 to 300 men. The present officers of the company are Ed- ward F. Jones, president; Gerry Jones, vice-president and manager; C. Sheridan, secretary. The Binghamton Scale works was established in 1869 by Horatio B. Osgood, who came to the city in 1869 and for a time was connected with the Jones Scale works. The new enterprise was incorporated No- vember 25, 1869, under the name of " Binghamton Scale works," hav- ing $3,000 capital, and with Horatio B. Osgood, Lewis H. Brown, Hi- ram G. Clark and William Stewart, as the first board of trustees. Busi- ness was begun in a building on Canal street but in a short time the works were removed to Mygatt street where they have since continued, although during intervening years many changes and enlargements have been made in the plant and its management. On May 1, 1897, the Osgood Scale company was incorporated, with a capital of $30,000, and was the outgrowth of the older company, the Binghamton Scale works. The staple manufactures comprise weig'hing scales of all kinds. The works employ about seventy-five workmen. The officers of the GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 4fi9 company are H. B. Osgood, president; Louis A. Osgood, vice-president; Orlando J. Fowler, secretary and treasurer. Crandall, Stone & Co., manufacturers of carriage hardware, became a corporate body June 24, 1895, having a capital of $20(3,000. The business, however, antedates the incorporation by twenty- five years, and was started in this city by J. F. Dohan and William Walker, who, under the firm name of J. F. Dohan & Co., began the manufacture of carriage hardware and trimmings. George L. Crandall succeeded to the Walker interest in 1872 and was partner with Mr. Dohan until about 1876, when the latter retired and Mr. Crandall's son came into the firm. In 1881 Charles M. and William H. Stone acquired an inter- est in the business, whereupon the firm changed to Crandall, Stone & Co., as since known in trade circles and as incorporated in 1895. Both Mr. Crandall and his son are now dead, yet the old firm style is still preserved. The original proprietors began business in Commercial avenue, but in 1879 the works were removed to the large brick build- ings erected for the company's occupancy on upper Court street. Crandall, Stone & Co. 's industry is one of the best manufacturing en- terprises in the city and furnishes constant employment to a large num- ber of workmen. The first directors of the corporate company were George L. Crandall, Charles M. Stone and Charles H. Titchener. The present officers are Charles M. Stone, president; W. H. Stone, vice- president; Charles E , Titchener, secretary ; F. S. Titchener, treasurer. The Bolles Hoe and Tool company was incorporated in 1872, and was the outgrowth of a hoe manufacturing business started in Oxford in 1840, and theace removed to this city in 1867 by Lemuel Bolles. The business was continued with fair success during the early years of its history, but the best results have been realized under the incorpora- tion, and particularly under the present management. The company employs about fifty men. The present officers are John T. Whitmore, president; William G. Phelps, vice-president; E. N. Abbott, secretary, and James W. Manier, treasurer. The Binghamton Hoe and Tool company was incorporated January 1, 1881, with a capital of $25,000. The first board of managers com- prised John J. Worden, Charles McKinney, Tracy R. Morgan, George W. Bolles and Lemuel Bolles. The company did business in what is commonly called the "Patgh," but at the end of about five years its affairs were wound up. The Bundy Manufacturing company was incorporated September 30, 470 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, 1889, with $30,000 capital, for the manufacture of the celebrated " Bundy Time Recorder." The incorporators were William L. Bundy, George E. Green, John P, Fieberg, William L. Ford and Harlow E. Bundy, yet a still greater number of Binghamton capitalists became in- terested in the concern as stockholders; and if current report be true they never have had occasion to regret the investment, as the company has always done a large and successful business. In all an aggregate of 150 men are employed in the works on Water street. The officers of the company are George E. Green, president; George W. Dunn, vice-president; Harlow E. Bundy, treasurer and manager; A. Ward Ford, secretary, and Willard L. Bundy, general superintendent. The Stow Manufacturing company was incorporated April 33, 1895, with $60,000 capital, but was the outgrowth of a business established originally in Port Dickinson by Nelson Stow, an inventor of rare genius and skill in mechanical arts. The incorporators of the company were Clarence F. Hotchkiss, William C. Hawes, Charles C. Warner, Julia Hawes and Ida C. Hawes. By its incorporation the company was placed on a safe financial basis, hence is to be numbered among the city's leading industries. The product of the works is the Stow flexible shaft, machinery, tools, patterns and other mechanical appliances. The works are located on State street, near the head of Way street. The officers are Clarence F. Hotchkiss, president; William C. Hawes, sec- retary and treasurer ; C. F. Hotchkiss, W. C. Hawes and C. C. Warner, directors. The earliest wood-working establishments of Binghamton were the saw mills, to which reference has been made, and it was not until after 1830 that a planing mill and sash and blind factory was thought of in the village; and even then builders were reluctant to accept the new product in preference to the hand made work of experienced carpenters. In 1834 Norman Marsh came to Binghamton and soon afterward started a little business in the manufacture of sash, blinds and doors in a chamber of his dwelling house on Chenango street. The venture proved successful and soon afterward Mr. Marsh re- moved his work shop to the barn on his premises. About 1840 he purchased a lot on the west side of the street and built thereon a small sash and blind factory, and also equipped the building with such machinery as the time afforded. As the business increased George Flint became partner with Mr. Marsh, but in a few years the firm of St. John & Gilbert succeeded to the proprietorship. This GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 471 firm met with disaster and after the failure, in 1854, Alonzo Rober- son, a former employee of the factory, purchased the plant, re-estab- lished the business and laid the foundation for one of the best and most successful enterprises of the city in later years. Frequently during his ownership the buildings were enlarged to meet the de- mand for increased output. However, in 1893 Mr. Roberson removed the factory to the west end, where he had erected several large build- ings for manufacturing purposes, and in which are now emplo5'ed about 200 workmen. In the same year Alonzo Roberson, jr., became partner with his father. The senior member of the firm died in 1899, and the business has since been continued under the son's management. Sometime between 1855 and 1860 Whitman Kinyon and Albro J. Newton started a sash factory and planing mill in Millville and con- tinued it several years. In 1864 Charles N. Blanchard and Isaac L. Bartlett formed a partnership, and started a sash and blind factory in the old Collier mill which stood at the corner of what is now Hawley and State streets. Soon afterward Blanchard & Bartlett bought the machinery in the Kinyon & Newton mill and removed it to the Hawley street building. The firm did a large business from the outset, but after about two years of operation an unfortunate fire destroyed the buildings. In 1867 the firm purchased the old Evans warehouse prop- erty at the corner of Collier and Hawley streets, and in due season was again in business on a larger scale than before. John W. Rowlinson became a partner in the firm about 1873. In 1875, on account of finan- cial reverses the firm changed and A. S. and C. J. Bartlett became owners of the mills and continued the business under the firm name of Bartlett Brothers until the death of the junior partner in 1886. The firm name then changed to Bartlett & Co., as at present known. The factory is one of the largest of its kind in the southern tier and furnishes employment to from 250 to 300 men. The present managing proprietor is Arthur S. Bartlett, eldest son of the founder of the business. In connection with the saw mill the firm of A. J. Lyon's Sons has a planing mill department. This firm, as is elsewhere stated, manufac- tures and deals extensively in rough and dressed lumber of all kinds. The present firm of Beman & Co., manufacturers of cheese and pack- ing boxes, tubs and firkins, was formed in 1897, but the business was founded in 1868 by Elbert A. Beman and Julius S. Corbett. In the next year Mr. Corbett retired, after which Mr. Beman continued busi- ness alone until 1871, when John Bayless came into the firm, under the 472 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, style of Beman & Bayless. In 1897 Mr. Bayless was succeeded by Clifford W. Beman, and the firm then changed to Beman & Co. In the works on Frederick street about fifty men are employed. The Sturtevant Larabee company, manufacturers of carriages, cut- ters and sleighs, was incorporated in 1891, but the company had its origin in a business established in 1882 by Jefferson Kingman and James W. Sturtevant, under the firm name of Kingman & Sturtevant. The factory then was on Whitney street. In 1884 H. Chester Larabee came into the firm, upon which the style changed to Kingman, Sturtevant & Larabee. In the year last mentioned the firm built the large factory buildings on Charles street. On August 12, 1891, the company above mentioned was incorporated, with an authorized capital of $15,000. The incorporators were Jefferson Kingman, James W. Sturtevant, H. Chester Larabee, Orson Britton and Francis T. Newell. From the time when Kingman & Sturtevant began making cutters and sleighs in the Whitney street building the business of the firm and subsequent com- pany has been successful, and to-day the Sturtevant-Larabee company is regarded as one of the city's most substantial concerns, and gives employment to a large number of wage earners. The present officers of the company are H. Chester Larabee, president; Orson Britton, vice- president; Jefferson Kingman, treasurer; J. W. Sturtevant, secretary. The Binghamton Wagon company was incorporated June 15, 1889, with $50,000 capital. The incorporators were Wayland D. Tisdell, Herbert Longendyke, B. M. Babcock, George A. Kent, R. D. Woodford, W. G. Phelps, George W. Dunn and George F. Lyon. In the latter part of 1889 the company began business in a large brick building erected for the company's use, and located on Abbott street, near Broad avenue. When running under normal conditions the company employs about 130 workmen. The present officers are George A. Kent, presi- dent; E. W. Morse, secretary and treasurer. Wilkinson & Eastwood began making chairs in 1889 at their works on Wall street, and have since carried on an extensive business. In 1883 W. H. Eastwood and Charles Davis began making children's carriages, sleds and novelties in the building now occupied by Wilkinson & East- wood. In 1886 Charles A. Wilkinson purchased the Davis interest and became partner with Mr. Eastwood. In 1889 the character of the busi- ness was changed to the manufacture of antique and fancy chairs. The Binghamton Chair company is the outgrowth of a business of the same character started by Roswell J. Bump more than fifteen years GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 473 ago. The business increased rapidly and necessitated the erection of a large factory building on Montgomery street. The members of the company are S. Mills Ely, Edward F. Leighton and Roswell J. Bump, the latter being the practical man and manager of the works. The Stickley & Brandt Chair company was incorporated December 7, 1891, with $30,000 capital. The first directors were F. A Blakeslee, Schuyler C. Brandt, Charles Stickley, Harry C. Ross and Charles C. Jackson. The company's works are in Millville in a building erected for its occupancy by A. J. Lyon's Sons. About 200 workmen are here employed. The company officers are S. C. Brandt, president; W.W. Williams, vice-president; F. A. Blakeslee, secretary and treasurer, and Charles Stickley, manager. The Stickley- Brandt Furniture company was incorporated December 22, 1896, with $30,000 capital, by Charles Stickley, S. C. Brandt and Charles H. Hall. The officers are S. C. Brandt, president; Charles Stickley, vice-president, and C. H. Hall, secretary and treasurer. The Star Chair company was incorporated January 11, 1896, with $40,000 capital, by Watson A., Charles A. and Sidney J. Heath. The company works on Water street were burned a year or two ago. The Bayless Pulp and Paper company was incorporated March 11, 1893, with $75,000 capital. The company, however, was the outgrowth of a general pulp and paper manufacturing business started by Bayless & Co. more than ten years previous to the incorporation. The iacor- porators were George C. Bayless, Franklin J. Bayless, John Bayless, Merritt J. Corbett, Julius C. Fish, Adelbert J. Schlager and John B. Simpson. George C. Bayless has been president of the company since the incorporation. The other officers are A. J. Schlager, vice-president, and Franklin J. Bayless, secretary and treasurer. Directors, G. C. Bay- less, F. J. Bayless, John B. Simpson, M. W. Scott, John Bayless and J. C. Fish. The company works are south of Robinson street, between the tracks of the D., L. & W. and the D. & H. railroad companies. The Noyes Comb factory has been one of the prominent manufactur- ing concerns of the city almost thirty-five years. In the spring of 1865 E. M. and J. P. Noyes came to Binghamton from Newark, N. J., (Elfano M. and Joseph P. Noyes were born in Essex county, Mass., and removed with their father to Newark, in 1842. Comb making has been a trade in the Noyes family since 1759) and started in business on Sanford street, in a building now occupied by the Wilkin- son Manufacturing company. In 1866 they bought of Frederick Lewis 474 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, the old Lewis mill property at the head of Water street, and converted the buildings into a comb factory. The business was conducted by E. M. Noyes & Brother, until 1879, when Joseph P. Noyes purchased his partner's interest and organized the firm so long afterward known in business circles as J. P. Noyes & Co. During the period of its his- tory several changes have been made in the personnel of the firm, but the business has always been conducted prudently and successfully. The present members of the firm are Joseph P., Joseph K. and Thomas M. Noyes. The Binghamton Oil Refining company is another old industry of the city and is the outgrowth of the " Continuous Oil Refining company," which was organized in 1867 or "68. The present company was organ- ized in 1872 with Edward C. Kattell, president; Erastus Evans, vice- president, and John Stuart Wells, secretary. Col. Wells was the founder in fact of the concern. The business of the company is sufficiently in- dicated by its name. The present officers are J. Stuart Wells, presi- dent ; E. E. Kattell, secretary, treasurer and manager. The Burcey Chemical company, now better known perhaps as the Manhattan Spirit company, was organized in 1877, the plant then being removed from Waterbury, Conn., to this city by Charles J. T. Burcey, the practical founder of the business of manufacturing wood alcohol and diamond methyl, both valuable commodities in the me- chanical arts. On June 15, 1882 a re-incorporation was effected under the name first mentioned by Jehiel Berkalew, H. W. Brandt, John Bay- less, Dudley T. Finch, Abram Kerry, John McDougall and W. W. Mumf ord . When the company was absorbed by the trust — the Manhat- tan Spirit company — the old concern lost its identity as a local institu- tion. The present resident manager of the works is W. S. Brandt. The Whitney-Noyes Seed company, another industry of importance in the city, was incorporated November 14, 1882, by Charles A. Whit- ney, E. M. Noyes, Wm. B. Edwards, Joseph P. Noyes, Robert Hooper, D. L. Brownson and S. J. Hirschmann. The company had $10,000 capital, and its object was the purification of seeds and grain. The works were in operation about twelve years after which the business was discontinued and moved to Buffalo. The Joost Cracker and Baking company, now a branch of the Na- tional Biscuit company, was incorporated November 18, 1872, with $15,000 capital. The first trustees were Martin Joost, Charles C. Jack- son and William H. Joost. This is the only concern of its kind in the GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 475 city, and is the source of much good to our people. The active' man- ager of the company is Charles C. Jackson. The company was the outgrowth of a bakery started by L. B. Smith & Co. many years ago and having a place of business at No. 68 Court street. John H. Joost, founder of the enlarged enterprise, died in 1881, and in the same year the works were removed to their present quarters on State street and Commercial avenue. In this connection it may be stated that the oldest baker (now retired from business) in the city is Duncan R. Grant, who started in business in 1855 and continued nearly half a century. The first baker was probably Solomon Orcutt, who came from Madison county about 1825. The Binghamton Glass company was incorporated in 1897, yet the history of glass manufacturing in the city dates back to the year 1880, when the first company was formed and began business. John B. Van Name, Sigmund J. Hirschmann and William E. Taylor were among those financially interested in the concern. The incorporators of the present company were Milton and John B. Yetter, Frank E. Dennis, F. B. Overfield, James Warner and M. P. Farrell. The works employ about 150 men. The officers of the company are Milton Yetter, presi- dent; W. H. Cannon, vice-president; James Warner, secretary, and John B. Yetter, treasurer. The manufacture of overalls in Binghamton was begun in an exceed- ingly small way in 1879 by Reed B. Freeman, who cut out the garments from patterns and produced the manufactured article with the assist- ance of his wife. The goods found ready sale in the markets, therefore in 1881 Mr. Freeman, in partnership with Abel Bennett, established the Freeman Overall company, continued it successfully until 1884, when the firm was dissolved, Mr. Bennett retiring. Soon afterward H. F. Barrett became Mr. Freeman's partner, and continued business until 1885, when the Barrett interest was sold to James S. Cary. In 1891 Mr. Cary became sole proprietor of the Freeman Overall company, but in the same year Mr. Freeman again set up in business under the style of Binghamton Overall company, first occupying quarters in the Republican building, but removing in 1893 to the Clock building on Wall street. In this factory alone 250 employees are engaged in the manufacture of overalls, jackets and lined duck coats. The Bennett Manufacturing company, a copartnership, began the manufacture of overall goods in 1885, occupying a large building on Water street. On January 23, 1894, the firm changed to Bennett & 476 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Kendall, though the distinguishing name of Bennett Manufacturing company has always been preserved This is one of the largest con- cerns in the city and employs about 300 hands in making pants, over- alls and sack coats. The Freeman Overall company has been mentioned in a preceding paragraph. In 1891 James S. Gary became sole owner of the company and works and has since continued the business with gratifying results. Ralph S. Gary, son of the proprietor, is the general manager of the company. Mr. Gary employs about 150 hands in the manufacture of his goods. Smith, Kinney & Go., wholesale merchants in the city since 1867, be- gan the manufacture of overalls and sack coats about ten years ago, and in their works on Ghenango street employ about 130 hands. One of the old-time industries of the village of Binghamton was Quaife's brewery, which stood on South street east of the Rockbottom bridge. There may have been and undoubtedly were other similar concerns in the village, yet Quaife's brewery was a well known institu- tion and a much frequented resort, hence is more easily recalled than others of perhaps less prominence. The buildings were burned many years ago. The White & Fuller brewery on Gollier street, south of and adjoining Evans' basin, was one of the largest concerns of its kind in the village in early days ; and under successive proprietors it has had a continued and generally healthful existence to the present time. The buildings were erected and the business begun in 1848, under the proprietorship of Lewis S. White and Joel Fuller, each of whom was connected with the works until the time of his death. Mr. White died first, after which Mr. Fuller continued business alone for a time. After the death of the latter the property passed through several proprietorships and eventually came into the hands of O'Brien & Roberts, who bought the plant on speculation, but still continued the business. In 1891 this firm, who were lawyers, established the Golumbia Brewing company. After a time George W. Little acquired an interest, and with Mr. O'Brien carried on the business until the latter sold out to H. M. Gitchell. Lit- tle & Gitchell operated the brewery until May 1, 1898, when the senior partner became sole proprietor. This manufactory is noted for the quality of its product. It has a capacity for the manufacture of about 15,000 barrels of ale annually. Lewis West was for a time proprietor of a small brewery on Mt. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 477 Prospect, but the venture was not specially profitable, hence business was discontinued. The Parlor City Brewery for the manufacture of ales and porter was established in 1881 by John Ehresman and Jacob Schwab. Business began with an annual output of less than 4,000 barrels but in later years it increased to from 15,000 to 20,000 barrels per year. The pro- prietors under the firm name of John Ehresman & Co. are still in busi- ness and are numbered among the city's substantial men. The Joseph Laurer Brewing company was incorporated and began business in 1881, with a capital of $10,000. The incorporators, who were the first directors, were John Ehresman, Jacob Schwab, Joseph Laurer, John W. Kennedy, John A. O'Hara, L. S. Baldwin and J. S. McDonald. The first president was Jacob Schwab, who still holds that office. The same also is true of vice-president Kennedy and secretary O'Hara. Treasurer Laurer died in June, 1882, and was succeeded by John Ehresman, who is still in office. This company employs about twenty men and produces annually about 20,000 barrels of lager beer. In 1850 Horace N. Lester, a native of East Haddam, Conn., came to Binghamton and started a retail shoe business. In 1854 George W. Lester came here and on September 21 of that year the firm of Lester Bros. & Co. was incorporated for the extensive manufacture of boots and shoes. Thus was laid the foundation of one of the most successful enterprises of the city in later years, and one which has continued to the present day, although the factory is now removed from the city to the adjoining village of Lestershire. Horace N. Lester died October 1, 1882, and was succeeded in business by his son, G. Harry Lester, who conceived the idea of founding a manufacturing village on the western border of the city. Lestershire is the result of Harry Lester's energy. Judson Smith came to Binghamton in 1852 and in a small way began making boots and shoes. In the course of a few years he enlarged the business into general manufacturing and sale outside the village. He was succeeded in 1869 by his sons H. E. and A. E. Smith, who con- tinued the business about twelve years. In 1865 James M. and Frederick F. Stone started a boot and shoe factory on Water street and began business on a small scale, gradually enlarging the output, however, as the demand for their goods increased. In 1868 William E. Knight was taken into the firm, the style of which then changed to J. M. Stone & Co. On January 1, 1877, Henry A. Goff 478 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. became a member of the firm, the name then changing- to Stone, Goff & Co. F. F. Stone died in 1879, and on January 1, 1880, Herbert E. Stone was admitted to the firm. In 1881 the large brick factory build- ing on Water street was erected, and in later years gave employment to more than 100 workmen. The business was eventually sold to Stone & Germond (H. E. Stone and Joseph S. Germond), and by them was continued several years. In 1867 Anderson & Tremain (John Anderson and William Tremain) started a boot and shoe factory on Court street, at the corner of Cedar (now Centenary) street. In 1871 the works were removed to Water street. In 1873 William Hammond became a partner in the business, upon which the firm name changed to Anderson, Tremain & Co. In 1874 Mr. Hammond retired and was succeeded by James B. Gregg, the firm style then changing to Anderson, Tremain & Gregg. Mr. Tre- main retired from the firm in 1876, and in 1878 Dudley W. Gregg be- came a partner, the firm then taking the style of Anderson, Gregg & Son, and so continued until 1883 when Gregg & Son became sole pro- prietors. About five years later the firm suspended business. Benson, Bucklin & Co. began the manufacture of boots and shoes in 1871. Soon afterward the firm changed to Benson & Tenbrook, and in 1873 to B. S. Benson & Co., who continued the business several years. Mead & Benedict were manufacturers of ladies' fine shoes about five years during the 'seventies. In 1885 and '86 Wideman & Co. were manufacturers of shoes in the city. In 1887 Charles B. Johnson, Mr. Wideman's partner, withdrew from the firm and formed a partnership with Mr. Lamb under the style of Johnson & Lamb, manufacturers of ladies' fine shoes. In 1894 Mr. Johnson succeeded the firm and has since continued the business with a fair degree of success, employing about forty workmen. This is the only shoe factory of any prominence now in the city. Cigar Manufacturers. — This city began to attract attention as a cigar manufacturing center soon after 1870, although the period of greatest production was not reached until after 1880. In 1850 only two or three practical cigar makers were at work in the village, and their small product was sold almost entirely to the local tradesmen. In 1851 Charles Butler began making cigars for the village merchants, and four workmen were sufficient to produce all the manufactured goods then sold. In 1854 Mr. Butler increased his force of hands and began mak- ing cigars for the jobbing trade. In 1857 Harvey Westcott leased the GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 479 ground floor and also the upper part of the old Congdon Hall block and employed about fifteen workmen in manuacturing cigars for both the local and jobbing trade. In 1858 the manufacturers and dealers in cigars in the village were Diblin & Butler, Daniel Evans, Henderer & Carman and Westcott, Benedict & Co. At that time all cigars were made by hand, by experienced workmen, and such a thing as "shaper" or " mold " work was unheard of. Lyman Clock is believed to have been the first proprietor to introduce molds into the city, and his action was the outgrowth of a misunderstanding with workmen in the nature of a "strike." Shaper- made cigars of a cheaper grade were found to sell well in the markets, hence the use of "forms" in all the large shops soon became general. This process in the manufacture, however, was not introduced until after 1870, at a time when Binghamton cigars stood highest and were in great demand all through the United States. During the ten years next following 1870 the city attained a standing of remarkable prominence in the production of cigars, and took rank as the second city in the Union in that production. This was a subject of frequent discussion, and the question was asked why Binghamton hap- pened to enjoy this special prominence in being the center of such an extensive trade ; but the inquiry never has been satisfactorily answered unless the enquirer is satisfied with the reply that "it happened so." This is quite true; it did "happen so," and the success of one proprietor led to an investment in the same line by others, with equally gratifying results, and at last, when the industry was at its best, there was in op- eration in the city nearly a hundred factories, great and small. The wiseacres claimed that the business would at length decline and that our fair city would lose its prestige as a cigar manufacturing cen- ter, but the activity which now prevails in the more than eighty facto- ries within the corporate limits is a positive denial of the assertion. The business was perhaps at its best between 1885 and 1890, but in the year last mentioned there arose a serious misunderstanding between employers and employees which involved nearly every shop in the city. The result was a general strike, and for a time it appeared as if the prediction of the wiseacres would prove true. The disturbance con- tinued several months and resulted in serious financial loss both to the manufacturers and the wage earners; and a few of the proprietors were forced out of business. After the difficulty had been settled there fol- lowed a period of depression which affected all branches of manufac- ture, and that of cigar making on a large scale suffered with the others. 480 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. This period continued several years, and not until about 1895 did the old-time prosperity return to the cigar makers of the city. In that year sixty-five firms and proprietors were engaged in this special manufac- ture. That there has been a subsequent healthful increase in the in- dustry is shown in the fact that in 1899 the number of manufacturers in the city is seventy, and that every shop is working to its fullest ca- pacity. It is estimated that at least 5,000 employees are now at work in the city factories. This means a weekly pay roll of from $10,000 to $55,000, the earnings of employees varying from $5 paid to inexpe- rienced hands to about $15 earned by skilled workmen. It is now almost impossible to recall the names of all the manufac- turers who have been engaged in business in Binghamton during the last thirty years, therefore for the purposes of this chapter the reader will be content with a mention of the names of those who were oper- ating factories at stated intervals; and it is also impossible to accurately state the annual output of the several shops as the number of cigars made has varied with the capacity of the factories, some of them making less than 50,000 per year, while the larger producers have at times made from twenty millions to thirty millions of cigars annually. In 1860 the cigar manufacturers were Diblin & Butler, Benedict & Smith, Henderer & Carman, and H. Westcott & Co. In 1865 the manufacturers were Thomas P. Carman, C. B. Clark, N. W. Haines & Co., Reed & Butler, and Westcott & Brother. In 1870 the manufacturers were Butler & Seymour, A. S. Gaskin & Co., Westcott & Kent, Isaac Hanchett, and Hull & Lane. In 1880 the principal manufacturers were H. T. Alden, Butler & Wilcox, O. W. Earle, John Hull, jr., & Co., Kendall, Clock & Co., George A. Kent & Co., O'Brien & Murray, H. F. Rose, Scott Bros., C. B. Smith, jr., J. B. Simpson & Co., Westcott, Son & Co., and Wil- cox Bros. & Co. In 1890 the principal manufacturers were H. T. Alden, Barlow, Rogers & Simpson, Binghamton Cigar Co., H, Barnard, William Branan, Charles Butler & Co., Carter & Darrow, Lyman Clock, Son & Co., Cook, Strickland & Co., Cox & Sears, Derwilliger & Hollister, Empire State Cigar Co., Folmsbee, Ives & Co., Isaac Hanchett, F. J. Hill, Charles Hull, Hull, Grummond & Co., George A. Kent & Co., F. R. Keyes & Co., McCarthy Bros., C, C. Merrill & Son, William H. Ogden & Co., Ostrom, Barnes & Co., Pratt, Imhoff & Co., Reynolds, Rogers & Co., Reynolds & Lovelace, F. B, Richards & Co., Rossville GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, 481 Manufacturing Co., J. M. Russell, N. Schubmehl, George Scott, C. B. Smith, jr., & Co., Van Wormer, Gumberg & Co., Charles C. Wells, and Wright & O'Connor. In this year a total of fifty factories was in operation. In 1899 the principal manufacturers were H. T. Alden, Barlow, Rogers & Co., Edward A. Barnard, Barnes, Smith & Co., Binghamton Cheroot Co., Binghamton Cigar Co., William Branan, F. B.Campbell, W. T. Clarke & Co., J. B. Clock,0. J. Coughlin, Empire State Cigar Co., English & Mills, C. E. Folmsbee & Co., Joseph Gilbert, Griggs & Berk- ley, John Gumberg, Isaac Hanchett Cigar Co., Hennessey Bros., Hill Bros., Hull Bros., Hull, Grummond & Co., Peter M. Hummell & Co., International Cigar Co., G. O. Ives, George A. Kent & Co., Elmer E. Kirkland, Fred. Moon & Co., New York Cigar Co., William H. Ogden & Co., Payne & Kingsbury, William Pottberg, Reynolds, Lay & Co., F. B. Richards & Co., J. M. Russell, George Scott, E. E. Shoemaker & Co., Slattery & Buckland, C. A. Smith, C. B. Smith, jr., Snell & Co., Thomas Thorne, William Van Wormer, and Charles C. Wells & Co. More than seventy factories are now in operation in the city. It will be seen from what is stated in preceding paragraphs that many of the manufacturing interests of the city are in the hands of incorporated companies, thus affording an opportunity for investment by persons who do not give direct attention to the business. It has been estimated that there are residing in Binghamton at least two hundred men of means who are practically retired from active pursuits, but invest their money in corporate companies and derive therefrom an annual dividend. In ad- dition to the interests referred to in preceding paragraphs allusion may also be made to still others, all of which are owned by corporations, although some of them are not now in active operation. The Binghamton Woolen company was incorporated June 24, 1891, with $2,500 capital, by Erastus Ross, C. A. Lull, J. B. Lull, F. E. Ross and RoUin W. Meeker. The works were located in Rossville and were operated for a time with only moderate success. The Binghamton Industrial exposition, whose annual meeting at Stow park has been the means of drawing many strangers into the city, was incorporated September 28, 1891, with $20,000 capital. The first board of trustees comprised James K. Welden, Julius E. Rogers, Erastus C. Delavan, Henry S. Martin, Clarence F. Hotchkiss, Fred H. Matthews, Charles H. Niven, J. M. Seabury, M. McMahon, Edward A. Pierce, T. 31 483 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. I. Lacy and John P. E. Clark. The present officers are J. E. Rogers, president ;H. S. Martin, secretary ; U. S. Stevens, treasurer. The Binghamton Awning- and Tent company was incorporated De- cember 29, 1893, with $5,000 capital, by J. B. Morrell, F. M. McWill- iams, Robert C. Clarke, Joseph Leavy and Leonard V. Strong. The company carried on business in Rossville several years, but was suc- u ceeded by the Clark Turner Manufacturing company, which was inCor- " porated March 7, 1897, with $7,500 capital, and with Robert C. Clarke, William A. Turner and Robert M. Whiting as directors. The company manufactures awnings, tents, flags and sportsmen's goods. The Binghamton General Electric company was incorporated June II, 1893, and was a consolidation of other companies engaged in the business of illuminating the city with electric light. The first directors of the consolidated company were George W. Dunn, John Marsh, Frank Gould, Robert E. Drake, Paul T. Brady, J. E. Shapley and James H. Roberts. The present officers are George W. Dunn, president; George F. O'Neil, vice-president; James H. Roberts, secretary and treasurer, _ and S. C. Normile, superintendent. The Binghamton Cheroot company was incorporated April 11, 1895, and is allied to the cigar manufacturing industry of the city. The first directors were George A. Kent, George H. Barlow, William Rood, John I Hull, Frederick W. Grummond, Frank R.Keyes and Charles A. Baker. The officers are John Hull, president; George A. Kent, vice-president; George H. Barlow, treasurer; Frederick W. Grummond, secretary. The Columbian Manufacturing company was incorporated January 27, 1893, for the purpose of operating a machine and repair shop and for the manufacture and sale of water and electric motors. The company comprised Eli S. andRollin W. Meeker, S. H. Sharpstien, F. E. Rossand L. M. Blanding. The company is not now in existence. The Empire Grain Elevator company was incorporated May 11, 1891, for the purpose of conducting a general grain and elevator business in this city. The incorporators were Leslie M. Wilson, James H. Torrey, J. P. Albro, T. H. Wilson and G. H. Comstock. The Ensign Lumber company was incorporated October 26, 1897, for the purpose of carrying on a general lumber and builders' supply busi- ness. The capital stock was $40,000. The directors were Edward G. Ensign, Israel T. Deyo and Walker F. Sherwood. The present officers are E. G. Ensign, president; L T. Deyo, vice-president; W. F. Sher- wood, secretary and treasurer. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 483 The Elk Drug company was incorporated June 24, 1897, with $12,000 capital, the object being to carry on a general wholesale drug business in this city. The incorporators were Chas. H. Loveland, Rodney A. Knapp and Chas. J. Knapp. Hull, Grummond & Co. were incorporated April 22, 1895, to con- tinue a previously existing partnership. The company conducts one of the largest cigar factories in the city. The Ingalls Stone company was incorporated May 27, 1899, with $30,000 capital, by Charles B. Ingalls, Nathaniel Compton and Arthur Schwartzenbach. The company owns and operates one of the largest and best stone cutting establishments in the southern tier, and although a comparatively new industry in the city it nevertheless is of great im- portance among local business interests. The present active managers of the business are Charles C. Ingalls and Nathaniel Compton. The works are on Eldridge street, east of the D. & H. freight house. The Keyes-Baker Cigar Rolling Machine company was incorporated April 8, 1895, with $600,000 authorized capital. The object of the company is to manufacture and sell a machine for making cigars. The first directors were F. R. Keyes, Chas. A. Baker, George H. Barlow, John Hull, John Brand, Charles Woodruff, Cyrus Strong, jr., Sigmund J. Hirschmann, E. L. Rose, A. S. Miner and George A, Kent. The Nineteen Hundred Washer company was incorporated January 17, 1898, with $12,000 capital. The first directors and stockholders, who are still in office, were Thomas B. Crary, Marcus A. Miller and Roraaine F. Bieber. The object of the company is to manufacture and sell the famous "1900" washing machine, a patented article designed for laundry and household use. Among the thousands of washing ma- chines heretofore put on the market the 1900 washer undoubtedly ranks as the best. The Ogden Brick company was incorporated June 22, 1891, with a capital of $10,000, the first directors being Frank C. Ogden, Walter P. Pratt, Caroline E. Ogden, Minnie E. Ogden and Carrie L. Pratt. The company was the outgrowth of a brick manufacturing business estab- lished many years ago and afterward carried on by Henry B. Ogden, succeeded by Walter P. Pratt. The personnel of the company, how- ever, has changed materially since the incorporation was effected. The present president of the company is Henry L. Beach; W. P. Pratt, manager. The Park Blanket mills was incorporated September 24, 1896, with 484 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, $5,000 capital, and with Clinton F. Paige, F. E. Ross and James R. Holman as its first board of directors. This company is not now in business. The Standard Pharmacal company was incorporated April 16, 1895, with $20,000 capital, for the purpose of manufacturing and selling the Standard remedies which du.ing recent years have attracted consider- able attention in circles where proprietary medicines are most used. The first directors of the company were A. Lee Tiffany, W. S. Over- ton, A. E. Magoris and George Fowler. The Star Electric company was incorporated December 4, 1896, with an authorized capital of $100,000, by George S. Beach, Clarence 3. Beach, Samuel H. Chase and Herman W. Doughty. The company manufactures and deals in all electrical specialties, the works being at Nos. 277-79 Front street; the oflEicers are George S. Beach, president; Clarence S. Beach, secretary and manager, and H. W. Doughty, treas- urer. In addition to the manufacturing interests referred to on preceding pages incidental mention also may be made of the Eureka Awning and Tent Co., F. G. Barbour, manager; E. H. Titchener & Co., manufac- turers of blind staples and wire goods; The Bingham ton Cigar Box Co., at No. 4 South street and Joseph W. Lacy's cigar box factory, on Water street; H. I. Haring, brass founder; the Magoris Cactus Fibre Brush Co., of Rossville; Persels & Mack, harness manufacturers, an old and well established industry; The Bunn Cigar Rolling Machine Co. ; The Binghamton Electrical Construction Co., Charles F. Terhune, president, and L. M. Blanding, secretary and treasurer; The Binghamton Gas Engine Co., M. L. Deyo, president, D. H. Carver, vice-president, and H. A. Miles, secretary and treasurer; The Binghamton Lithograph Co., Charles S. Case, proprietor; Harris' Flavoring works, F. E. Harris, proprietor; The Binghamton Glove Co., F. J. Bryant, proprietor; Joles & Brown, glove makers; The Parlor City Glove and Mitten Co.; The Rossville Acid works, also known as The Binghamton Chemical Co., John O. Porter, proprietor; The Independent Match Co., C. M. Stone, president, and C. H. Webster, secretary and treasurer; Frank Beman's organ factory, an industry of far more importance than outward appear- ances indicate; The Binghamton Computing Scale Co.; The Bingham- ton Whip Co., Lucius Woodruff, proprietor; The Binghamton Wire works, David Campbell, proprietor; Wm. P. Davis' Wire works. T/ie Bingliamton Gas Light Company was organized under a charter GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 485 dated July 23, 1853, with $50,000 capital. The first directors were William R. Osborne, Charles McKinney, Jacob Morris, Edward Tomp- kins, Lemuel H. Davis, John Lee and Dwight E. Ray. The board was organized in August, 1853, with Jacob Morris president, and William R Osborne, secretary and treasurer. The company's works were located at the foot of Washington street, and were maintained in that locality until October, 1888, when they were removed to the head of Court street. The new site was purchased on May 2, of that year, and the buildings were erected immediately afterward. The Binghamton Gas Light company and the Brush-Swan Electric Light and Power company, the latter having been formed in the mean- time, were consolidated November 18, 1887, forming the Binghamton Gas and Electric company. This arrangement was continued, the company furnishing both gas and electric light to city consumers, until May 10, 1890, when the electric department was sold to George J. Morse and others and was eventually merged into the Binghamton Gen- eral Electric company, of which mention has been made. In the meantime, however, the Binghamton Gas and Electric com- pany sold its stock, plant and works to the Binghamton Gas works, the latter having been incorporated April 1, 1898, with an authorized capi- tal of $750,000, and an actual capital of $450,000. The directors of the new corporation were (and are) James W. Manier, William G. Phelps, Charles M. Stone, George F. O'Neil, Charles C. Jackson, George W. Dunn, Sigmund J Hirschmann, M. C. McMillin and W. F. Douth- wirt. The officers were (and are) M. C. McMillin, president; James W. Manier, vice-president; Robert W. Manier, treasurer; W. F. Douth- wirt, secretary, and Fred. B. Wheeler, general manager. The company has about 33 miles of main pipe and about 3,000 gas consumers in the city. General Manager Wheeler has laid fifteen miles of main pipe within the last fourteen months. The first superintendent of the works was Harris G. Rodgers, whose service in that capacity be- gan in 1853. This position was filled by competent men until the of- fice was finally abolished, and that of general manager established in its place. Mr. Wheeler is the only person who has filled the position of general manager. In this connection it is interesting to note the succession of presidents of the company from the time the works were originally established in 1853, viz. : Jacob Morris, 1853-57; Charles McKinney, 1857-58; Sher- man D. Phelps, 1858-62; Charles McKinney, 1862-69; Sherman D. 486 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Phelps, 1869-80 ; Robert S. Phelps, 1880-82; James W. Manier, 1882-98; M. C. McMillin, 1898-99. Security Mutual Life Insurance Company. — This is neither a manu- facturing nor a mercantile corporation, yet it is an institution of such prominence and character in the history of the city that some mention of it in this chapter is necessary. On November 16, 1886, the Security Mutual Life Association, a purely mutual insurance concern, was brought into existence. The incorporators were John Ray Clarke, James W. Manier, Rozelle H. Meagley, Harvey J. Gaylord, James M. Stone, A. Corbin, William G. Phelps, Charles M. Turner and Charles F. Tupper. The first officers were John Ray Clarke, president; Harvey J. Gaylord, vice-president; Charles F. Tupper, secretary; Charles A. Ladue, assistant secretary ; James W. Manier, treasurer; Charles M. Turner, general manager; Charles C. Edwards, medical director ; Arms & Curtiss, counsel. Thus organized and officered with the best business men of the city to guide and direct its affairs, the Security Mutual began business. A few hundred certificates were issued in 1887, for at that time purely mutual insurance, not being thoroughly understood by the masses of the people, was unpopular, and its past experiences had been unsatis- factory. In the general outlook at the time there was much to dis- courage and little to encourage a new mutual company ; but the man- aging officers of the association were men of unquestioned integrity and of strong determination, and by earnest hard work the association on January 1, 1888, was able to report $1,034,000 insurance in force, and $15,031.73 assets. Two years later, January 1, 1890, the report showed more than $3,500,000 insurance in force, and nearly $80,000 assets. The two years specially referred to indicate the history of the com- pany through all subsequent years, and never at any time has there been a retrograde movement. As shown by the report of July 1, 1899, the amount of insurance in force was almost $26,000,000; the assets more than $750,000, and the number of policies outstanding about 13,000. The company also has materially benefited its condition and standing in the insurance world by compliance with the state law and qualifying under the "stipulated premium act." This action placed the Security Mutual on an equal footing with the old line companies and also removed the possibility of further charges (however unjust and unwarranted) of being in any manner allied to assessment insur- ance. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 487 John Ray Clarke was president of the company to the time of his death, August 19, 1890, when Harvey J. Gaylord was elected to the vacancy. Mr. Gaylord soon resigned and Henry J. Reinraund was elected his successor, serving until succeeded by the present president, William G. Phelps. Mr. Gaylord on resigning the presidency was elected vice-president in place of Mr. Stone, the latter then being chosen 2d vice-president of the company and retaining that office to the time of his death. Charles F. Tupper, the first secretary, was succeeded by Charles M. Turner, the latter thereafter having performed the combined duties of secretary and general manager. Indeed, Mr. Turner was the founder in fact of the association and placed its affairs upon a secure and lasting foundation. It was through his efforts, too, that the association dropped its former character and became a life insurance company, with all the increased privileges and benefits of such a measure. Mr. Turner's work has been materially lessened by the faithful services of Charles A. Ladue, who has been assistant secretary of the company since it was founded in 1886. The present officers of the company are as follows : William G. Phelps, president; Harvey J. Gaylord, vice-president; James M. Stone (now dead), 2d vice-president; James W. Manier, treasurer; Z. Bennett Phelps, comptroller; F. W. Jenkins, counsel; R. L, Lounsberry, med- ical director; Charles A. Ladue, assistant secretary; A. B. Howe, su- pervisor; Joseph B. Abbott, cashier; Charles M. Turner, secretary and general manager. MERCANTILE INTERESTS. The last quarter of a century has witnessed many and wonderful changes in the business history of the city, and in no department has there been a greater change than in its mercantile interests. Few in- deed of the old names of business men and firms are now to be found and almost an entire new generation of factors has taken their place. Still, in passing through Court street between the Chenango bridge and Carroll street the observer, if he be an old resident, occasionally is greeted with a familiar name, but the great majority of proprietors' names are new, and the now middle-aged native of the city feels almost like a stranger amid new scenes. Of the old Court street merchants the business names of Hirschmann, Sisson, Weed, Sears, Newton, Leet, HoUister, Harris, Whitney, Smith (The People's store), Webster, and 488 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLP:MENT, possibly others may still be seen, but even then nearly all the founders of the houses are gone and their sons have taken the vacant places and continued the business, preserving as far as possible the old firm names. No less noticeable is the change on Washington street, where hardly one of the "old-timers " or their representatives are now doing busi- ness. State street is almost new as a business thoroughfare, having been built up with substantial business blocks within the last twenty- five years ; and where once was the course of the Chenango canal is now a paved street, ever noisy with the clatter of wagons and the "clang" of the electric car gongs. On Water street is still preserved the old names of Thayer, Bean, Goff, Harding, Talbot, Bennett and perhaps a few others, while on Chenango street the business buildings are of recent construction. Henry and Hawley streets also as business streets are comparatively new, yet on the former is still seen the old names of Shapley & Wells, Bartlett and Bloomer. Like changes are noticeable in other portions of the business district, but on every hand are evidences of growth and prosperity, with no in- dication of decline. True, the city has suffered from the same periods of depression that have been visited upon all municipalities, yet serious disasters have been few. The stranger visiting Binghamton is at once favorably impressed with the surroundings, and the one thing above all others which first attracts attention is the infrequency of vacant stores, or "to rent" signs in the windows. This indicates a healthful busi- ness condition, and it cannot truthfully be said that building has been discontinued. Between 1880 and 1890 the city population more than doubled, and in a corresponding degree was there an increase in number both of dwelling houses and business blocks; and it is fair to assume that since 1890 the number of inhabitants has increased from 10,000 to 12,000, with a proportionate enlargement of all business in- terests. Never in the history of the city has there been a greater number or variety of mercantile houses than now, and never has there been any disastrous results from over-competition. The branch of business first to suffer from such cause is the dry goods trade, but in each of pur four great department stores constant additions to the stock are being made; and to-day it is doubtful if any city in the state of 50,000 population can boast of houses equal to those of Sisson Bros. & Welden, Hirschmann Bros., Hills, McLean & Haskins, and the Boston store. GROWTH AND DEVEI.OPMENT. 489 Binghamton is purely an industrial and mercantile center, having manufacturing and wholesale houses equal in number and employing capacity to that of any city of like population in the state. It is esti- The original " Granite Block," built by Benj. F. Sisson in 1859. The cut shows the Court street Chenango canal bridge. mated that at least 400 commercial travelers are constantly on the road selling goods for Binghamton manufacturers or jobbers. These things certainly indicate a healthful condition of business affairs. Opera Houses. — When Binghamton was a village none of the amuse- 490 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, ment-loving people of the place had the temerity to attempt to dignify the public halls with the name of " Opera house," and it was not until after the conversion of the old Congregational church edifice (on Che- nango street) into a play-house that the name " theatre" was adopted. The average citizen attended "the show." At that time every build- ing erected or arranged for purposes of public exhibitions and enter- tainments was called a "hall," and the village was well supplied with such places. In 1855 the chief place for holding theatrical exhibitions, when one "struck the town," was the upper floor of Brigham hall, so named after Elmer W. Brigham, who erected a large building at the corner of Court and Collier streets, where now stands the McNamara building. Next west of Brigham hall was the Congdon building, the the upper floor of which was fitted for entertainments and was called "Congdon hall," after the owner, the late Job N. Congdon; but in 1858 Harvey Westcott rented the hall and turned it into a cigar factory. Eldredge hall, so named after Christopher Eldredge, was located on Washington street, about where now stands Shapley & Wells' office building. Firemen's hall came into existence in 1858 and was a noted place for public assemblages for many years. It stood where now is the Municipal building. La Fayette hall was at the southwest corner of Court and Water streets, in the La Fayette building. The hall was named after La Fayette Stocking, one of our old and worthy citizens. Matthews' hall was on Court street, over the store so long occupied by Alonzo C. Matthews, for whom the hall was named. The Academy of Music was the first regularly appointed play house in Binghamton, and was fitted for its new occupancy in 1864 by Ammi Doubleday, William P. Pope, William E. Taylor, Orlow W. Chapman and Elijah Brigham. The building stood on Chenango street on the site now occupied by Smith, Kinney & Co's. building, and was formerly the Congregational church edifice. It was a famous resort during the period of its history as a place of entertainment, and also was a source of profit to its owners. The building was burned January 2, 1884. Soon after the destruction of the Academy of Music several enter- prising men of the city remodeled the skating rink building at the cor- ner of Washington and Henry streets and produced the Binghamton Opera house, but notwithstanding the worthy attempt on the part of the proprietors the " long felt want " was not really filled. It answered the purpose, however, for a time, yet all through the period of its oper- ation the press of the city and the people in general were constantly propounding the inquiry, " Shall we have an opera house ? " GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 491 At length, however, and before all hearts had been made sick by " hope long deferred," Charles M. Stone came to the relief of the pub- lic, and in 1892 erected the Stone Opera house, one of the most complete, comfortable and commodious structures of its kind in this part of the state. It was placed and ever since has been kept under the manage- ment of John P. E. Clark, lessee (formerly associated with E. C. Dela- van), and as a result Binghamton now attracts the best companies of entertainers that "star on the road." The old " Binghamton Coffee House " stood on the site of this building, corner Court and Water streets. The Bijou, on Water street, was built by Lee M. Cafferty after the destruction by fire of his extensive livery stables that formerly occupied the site. The Bijou was erected in 1892, and is a conveniently and com- fortably appointed play house; and under popular management is a material addition to the entertaining capacity of the city. Hotels. — Binghamton has long been noted for the quality and enter- taining capacity of its public houses for the accommodation of travelers. With the constant increase in population and consequent increase in number of good hotel buildings the city has for the last few years at- tracted considerable attention as a desirable place for holding conven- tions, much to the benefit of all business interests. In the early his- tory of the village, as in more recent years, Binghamton was well sup- plied with public houses, the latter then being called taverns but after- ward dignified with the more appropriate name of hotels ; but even to 492 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, this day all legislative enactments refer to the proprietors of this branch of business as " inn, tavern or hotel keepers." At this late day it is almost impossible to recall the name, location and ownership of each tavern or hotel established during the century of our municipal history, yet in a way it is proposed to briefly mention some of the public houses which have been associated with the growth of the place. Lewis Keeler is believed to have been the pioneer land- lord, he having built a tavern on the southeast corner of Court and Water streets in 1801. It was called "Lewis Keeler's tavern," but later on under another landlord, the name was changed to Binghamton This old house was "Peterson's Inn," and stood on the present site of the First Congregational church, northwest corner of Front and Main streets. hotel. When Dr. Robinson and Major Morgan were proprietors it was known as the Binghamton "Coffee house." Still later the name be- came American hotel, and finally took the name of Cafferty house, in allusion to its proprietor, the late Charles M. Cafferty. At last the property was purchased by George F. O'Neil, by whom the building was remodeled and converted into stores and tenements. During the period of its historv the hotel on this site was at least once rebuilt and several times was remodeled, but through the more than eighty years of its existence it had not less than twenty landlords, among whom were some of the most prominent men of the place. Their names would form an interesting addition to this sketch, but the list cannot be given with accuracy. About 1803 Thomas Whitney opened a tavern in a building which GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 493 Gen. Whitney had purchased from Daniel Le Roy, and which stood where is now the City National bank. General Whitney and William Woodruff kept store in a part of the building previous to its destruction by fire in 1805. A new tavern was at once rebuilt on the site and " Squire " Woodruff was its landlord. The house afterward had various other proprietors, one of whom was Joseph Congdon. The building was eventually removed to the corner of Washington and Henry streets where it still does duty as a clothes cleaning and dyeing establishment. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city. In 1809 David Brownson built and opened a tavern on the west side of the Chenango river, on the corner where now stands the Congrega- tional church edifice. A few years afterward Samuel Peterson became landlord and changed the name to "Peterson's tavern," by which it was long afterward known. Under landlord Peterson the house was a famous resort, for he was one of the village worthies and an old soldier of the war of 1812-15. In later years the name was changed to the Chenango house, but in 1859 the buildings were burned. "Exchange Hotel," corner of Court and State Streets. The Broome County house, on the site of the present Exchange build- ing, was erected in 1828 by Lewis Squires and Joseph B. Abbott. The house was soon afterward sold to Lorenzo Seymour, under whose pro- prietorship in 1838 the building |was burned. It was at once rebuilt, 494 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, however, and took the name of " Phoenix" hotel. It was a noted hos- telry in its day, and when stage-coaching was at its height the house was one of the most popular resorts on the route between Kingston and Bath. About 1842 the name was changed to Exchange hotel, and was so continued until 1897, when the building was remodeled for mercan- tile and office occupancy. Way's hotel was built sometime during the 'thirties by Albert Way, and was conducted by him many years. It was a large frame building and occupied a prominent site on Court street where now stands the Hotel Crandall. A. J. Crandall, who was Albert Way's son-ir-law, be- came owner of the property and also carried on a hotel many years. Something like ten or twelve years ago the old building was replaced with a large four story brick structure, to which when finished the name Hotel Crandall was pfiven. "Lewis House," corner of Lewis street and Prospect avenue. Additions have been made to this building. The Lewis house was built in 1849 by Col. Hazard Lewis, immedi- ately after the opening of the Erie railroad, and has been maintained under its original name to the present day. During the early history frequent changes of proprietors were made, but in 1874 William Shan- ley purchased the property and has since been its owner and proprietor. The house is of frame construction and retains much of its original ap- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 495 pearance, with the exception of the mansard roof, which the captain added (with another story) in 1881. The Lewis house always was, and still is, a comfortable traveler's home. The Mersereau house was built about 1850 and stood on the east side of Chenango street, just south of the Erie tracks. It was built for and kept by George W. Mersereau, one of the genial old landlords of the village, who was frequently known among his friends as " Fatty " Mer- sereau, in allusion to his extraordinary size rather than in ridicule, for Mr. Mersereau was in all respects a worthy citizen. About I860 the hotel property passed into the hands of Warren F. Spaulding, a very successful landlord, who made extensive additions and repairs to the hojse and changed its name to Spaulding house. In 1883 the property was sold to the D., L. & W. R. R. company, and the buildings were torn down. The Chenango house, a portion of which is still standing, was built previous to 1848 on the west side of Water street, south of Court street. In early days it was a popular house, and among its early proprietors were Orcutt & Freeman, partners and also characters in village his- tory. The Franklin house was the first frame hotel on Washington street south of Court street, and was built when the street first mentioned was known as Franklin street, from which the house took its name. The old buildings were burned during the incendiary fire period which caused so much commotion among our people during the 'sixties. The house was afterward rebuilt with brick, and was maintained for hotel purposes until about ten years ago when it was converted into stores. Hotel Bennett was built by Abel Bennett in 1881-82, and was the largest and best appointed public house in the southern tier. This character never has been lost, and to-day the Bennett is one of the most popular commercial hotels in the state. It original lessees were not particularly successful, but under landlord Furman a profitable business was soon established. The next proprietor was William G. Leland, under whom still greater results were achieved, and the patronage largely increased. Then came Hugh Hayt, an experienced landlord, who fully maintained the excellent reputation of the house. The next proprietor was C. D. White, a new man to the city but a landlord of experience and good capacity, Mr. White took possession in the fall of 1899 and now is proprietor of the hotel, with every prospect of future success. The Bennett is the largest hotel in the city and one of the 496 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. largest in southern New York, having a capacity for more than 200 guests. The ArHngton was built in 1887 by John W. Kennedy and Edward M. Tierney, both experienced hotel men and worthy citizens, well ac- quainted with the traveling trade and having full knowledge of the comforts most sought by commercial men. The result is that the Arlington is one of the best patronized houses in the city, all to the benefit of its proprietors. Moreover, the Arlington is one of the most completely appointed houses in the state and occupies a site where it naturally attracts the attention of a stranger. But then, almost every man who knows of Binghamton also knows of the fame of the Arling- ton, and also of its proprietors, Kennedy & Tierney, as the firm name is written. The house has a capacity to accommodate about 150 guests. The Wales was built and opened in 1884 by Charles Wales, the house then being known as the " North Side " hotel. Mr. Wales was an old and experienced hotel man in Binghamton, and for several years was proprietor of the Chenango house on Water street. In 1889 Augustus G. and Charles S. Wales succeeded their father in business, but in 1894 A. G. Wales was appointed deputy sheriff, upon which C. S. Wales be- came sole proprietor of the hotel. In 1899 the name was changed to " The Wales." The north side has a number of public houses, but the Wales is the leading hotel in that busy locality. The house has forty rooms. The claim is not made that this brief sketch of early and more recent hotels recalls the name and location of each public house that has been in operation in Binghamton, for such a list would be an impossibility at this late day. On this point the writer can only reiterate the former assertion that Binghamtion has long been noted for the number and quality of its hotels. Among the old taverns not previously mentioned the "Brandywine" maybe noted as having an existence more than forty years ago. It was built by John Whitney and was maintained as a hotel until about 1864, when it was changed into a school house of high grade. It is now the Lady Jane Grey school. Where now stands the Mandeville residence on Court street was an- other old tavern stand, but by whom and when built we have no pres- ent knowledge, The building was burned by accident soon after 1860. Over in the Fifth ward at least one hotel has been in operation for more than forty years. The same locality now has four hotels. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 497 According to the most recent directory, the city has a total of fifty hotels of all grades, but a special mention of each in this chapter is not necessary. The city directory correctly gives their names, location and proprietorship. CHAPTER XXI. SOCIETIES— SECRET, SOCIAL AND BENEVOLENT. MASONIC. Free Masonry in Binghamton dates its history from the earliest years of the present century, while in the immediate vicinity its history may be traced to about the middle of the year 1798. On June 6 of the year mentioned the Grand lodge of the state of New York received a peti- tion "from Joshua Whitney and others to hold a lodge ia the town of Union, county of Tioga, and a warrant was granted." The above quotation is taken from the printed reports of the Grand lodge for the year 1798, yet it appears that the warrant was not in fact issued until January 7, 1799, and then to John Patterson, Peter B. Gurn- sey, Orringh Stoddard and others, who were duly authorized to con- stitute, form and open a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the town of Union, county of Tioga, and to be known as Tioga lodge, No. 77. The warrant named John Patterson as W.M. ; Peter B. Gurnsey, S. W. ; Orringh Stoddard, J.W. , and William Woodruff, secretary. There is nothing to indicate that a meeting of the brethren was ever held in pursuance of the warrant granted to General Whitney and others, neither can it be assumed that no meeting was held; but if held previous to January, 1799, the natural place of meeting would have been at Che- nango Village, just above Mt. Prospect, on the west side of the Che- nango river, where Joshua Whitney then lived. The settlement was within the town of Union and in Tioga county. The town then in- cluded all the territory between the Chenango river on the east and Owego creek on the west. At that time no permanent settlement had been made on the city site east of the Chenango. Tioga lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M., was organized under the warrant granted in January, 1779, to brothers Patterson, Gurnsey, Stoddard 32 498 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, and others, and was an institution of the town of Union until 1805, when it was removed to the village of Binghamton, or, as then known, to Chenango Point. The change in location was made in pursuance of authority from the Grand lodge granted in June, 1805. At the time the brethren were few in number and membership was increasing slowly; but after the removal was accomplished, and particularly dur- ing the years 1812-15, considerable acquisitions were made and a some- what pretentious lodge room was secured. Through the generosity of Daniel Le Roy a two story school house was built on the west side of the Chenango, about on the site where now stands Lewis S. Abbott's residence. The upper floor was fitted up for occupancy by the lodge, and was so used until the trustees of the school district were compelled to occupy the entire building for school purposes. At least two per- sons are still living in the city who were pupils in the school when Ma- sonic emblems were still visible on the walls and in the stairway, but neither of them can definitely state when the lodge abandoned the building for more convenient quarters east of the river. The Grand lodge at its session in 1818 changed the name of Tioga lodge. No. 77 to Binghamton lodge. No. 79, and the latter designation was continued until June, 1832, when the warrant was declared for- feited. Binghamton lodge was last represented in the Grand lodge, June 5, 1822, yet the local officers retained their respective positions in the subordinate body until 1827, when meetings and work were entire- ly suspended on account of the intense anti-Masonic feeling which pre- vailed throughout the state, and which was particularly bitter in this locality. The lodge room during the latter part of this period was in the old Broome County hotel, which stood on the site of the more re- cently known Exchange hotel. The building had been previously erected by Lewis Squires and his son-in-law. Colonel Abbott, but the former appeared to be in absolute control of the property. He was a bitter and most unreasonable opponent of Masonr}^, and his feelings were doubtless still further aggravated by the fact that the lodge was somewhat in arrears for rent. When it became apparent that suspension was unavoidable the members carefully packed the jewels, charter and other valuables of the lodge in a large chest, and in the night-time quietly bore away their treasures to a place of safe keeping in a barn loft on Front street. But Mr. Squires seized all other lodge room fix- tures and furniture for balance of rent due, " and in order to avoid con- tamination with anything that was Masonic, and to show his zeal and GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 499 willingness to sacrifice for anti-Masonry, he advertised that on a stated day these articles of furniture would be publicly burned; which was done in the presence of a large number of people assembled at an anti- Masonic meeting on the corner of Court and Washington streets in the autumn of 1828." The barn on Front street in which the chest was concealed was itself soon afterward burned, but whether its destruction was in any way connected with the fact that it was the depository of the chest is not certain. The old Broome County house fell a victim to fire in 1838, but Free Masonry in Binghamton, while in a state of sus- pension for almost twenty years, was at length revived, grew and flour- ished, and is now one of the strongest and best institutions of the city. The early records of Tioga lodge, No. 77, and of its successor, Bing- hamton lodge, No. 79, at best were imperfectly kept, and their where- abouts is not known. It is believed, however, that they were destroyed about the time the lodge suspended, yet through the patient research of the late Horace E. Allen much that is interesting concerning the officiary of the old Masonic bodies of the city is preserved. The officers mentioned in an earlier paragraph were continued without material change until about 1812. In 1814 Dr. Tracy Robinson was elected worshipful master; John Harris, S. W. ; David D. Whitmore, J. W.; David Brownson, treasurer, and John McKinney, secretary. In De- cember, 1815, David D. Whitmore was elected worshipful master; My- ron Merrill, S. W. ; Jared Goold, J. W., and Elias McNiel, secretary, all of whom were continued in office until 1818. In December of that year Dr. Robinson was again elected master, and served until 1821, when he was followed by Myron Merrill, with Cyrus Goold, S. W., Joseph Chambers, J. W., John McKinney, treasurer, and Jesse Rich- ards, secretary. In 1822 Cyrus Goold was elected master, and Myron Merrill, S. W., the other officers remaining as in the previous year. So far as can now be ascertained, the officers of 1822 were continued until 1827, when meetings were finally suspended. As has been stated, the lodge forfeited its charter in 1832, and from that time to 1850 Free Masonry in Binghamton was practically extinct. Binghamton Lodge, No. 177, F. & A. M., was organized August 1, 1850. The charter members were Dr. Tracy Robinson, Myron Merrill, George Park, Dr. Pelatiah B. Brooks, William Stuart, Thomas Allen, Isaac Stow, William Ogden, Zenas Leonard, Chauncey Morgan, Samuel R. Dunham and James H. Whitmore. These original members were among the foremost men of the village at that time, and in later years, 500 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, as the lodge grew in strength and influence, other men of the same up- right character were found in its membership. Indeed, Binghamton lodge has ever been noted in this respect and thus has attained a high standing among the Masonic bodies of the state, and is a worthy suc- cessor to the pioneer lodge of the locality. The present members num- ber about 400. Past Master Walter M. Hand, 33*^, has been twice ap- pointed district deputy grand master for the 28th Masonic district of the state, and served in that capacity in 1898 and 1899. Past Master Solon Stocking was the only other incumbent of that office from Bing- hamton lodge. The lodge was first quartered in rooms on the south side of Court street, just west of Washington street. A short time afterward it was removed to the Tompkins building at the northwest corner of Court and Water streets. After this building was destroyed by fire, rooms were secured on the east side of Washington street, north of Court street, and were occupied until 1868, when the lodge removed to the new Ben- nett building on the west side of Washington street. In September, 1898, the new Masonic temple on Chenango street was dedicated and occupied. The succession of masters of Binghamton lodge is as follows: Dr. Tracy Robinson,' 1850-51; E. Livingston Wentz, 1852; Tracy Robin- son, 1853; George Park, 1854-55; Solon Stocking, 1856-57; Austin W. Tyler, 1858-59; Hiram C. Rodgers, 1860; James S. Cary, 1861; Orson V. Thayer, 1862; Junius F. Tozer, 1863-64; Elijah F. Bloomer, 1865- 66; Benajah S. Curran, 1867; Edward K. Read, 1868; Orlando W. Earle, 1869-70; David Post Jackson, 1871; Ezra Murphy, 1872-73; George Whitney, 1874; Ezra Murphy, 1875; Orlando W. Earle, 1876^ 78; Ezra Murphy, 1879; James E. Northrup, 1880-81; Alfred J. Inloes, 1882-83; John D. Davidson, 1884; Abner P. Kelsey, 1885; Rufus Gale, 1886; George A. Bishop, 1887-89; Luman E. Blatchley, 1890-91; Will iam B. Ford, 1892-93; F. Garner Holmes, 1894; Fred H. Apsey, 1895; Walter M. Hand, 1896; William O. Buckland, 1897; Herbert E. Coon, 1898. Otseningo Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M., was an offshoot from Bing- hamton lodge and was organized under a charter dated September 24, 1857. The charter members were Lewis S. Abbott, Dr. Pelatiah B. Brooks, Dr. John Chubbuck, Daniel S. Dickinson, Dr. Whiting S. Gris- wold. Ransom Hooper, John Hungerford, William R. Osborne, Albert » The date shows the year of election. Elections are held in December, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 501 Phyfe, Edward Tompkins, J. Stuart Wells, Simon C. Hitchcock, Daniel D. Denton, Franklin A. Durkee, Rev. Edward Andrews, Erasmus Chollar, Nelson J. Hopkins, Robert H. McKune, George Park, Jacob C. Robie, Cornelius H. Webster and Chauncey Williams. Cornelius H. Webster who was chiefly instrumental in effecting the organization of the new lodge, was its first master, and served as such four terms. He was a Mason in Canada before coming to Binghamton, and in different lodges held the ofifice of master twenty terms. Like the older body from which it was formed, Otseningo lodge has been a thoroughly representative organization throughout the period of its history. In numerical strength it has outstripped the mother lodge and now numbers more than 500 members, hence is among the largest lodges in the state. The district deputy grand masters appointed from Otseningo lodge have been Cornelius H. Webster, Frederic A. Benson, (1882-84); Horace E. Allen, (1888-89), and Henry L. Fowler, (1897). The succession of masters of the lodge is as follows: Cornelius H. Webster, September 17, 18o7-December, 1859; Henry Clay Preston, 1859-61; Charles M. Brown, 1862; C. H. Webster, 1863; Arthur Vos- bury, 1864; C. H. Webster, 1865; Laurel L. Olmsted, 1866; John An- derson, 1867; Chauncey Marvin, 1868; Silas E Washburne,1869; Arthur L. Tremaine, 1870; Manton E. Anderson, 1871; Zan L. Tidball, 1872-73; James F. Carl, 1874-75; E. D. W. Randall, 1876; Horace E. Allen, 1877-78; Frederic A. Benson, 1879-80; Frederick P. Ronk, 1881-82; Taylor L. Arms, 1883; Wayne W. Babcock, 1884-85; Allen C. Stewart, 1886-87; Henry L. Fowler, 1888-89; Henry F. Turner, 1890- 91; Henry L. Fowler, 1892; Joha W. Cutler, 1893; Hugh Allan Camer- on, 1894; Robert S. Parsons, 1895; Erastus C. Delavan, 1896; Fred. L. White, 1897; Royal A. Gunnison, 1898. Bingliamton CJiapter^ No. 139, Royal Arch Masons, was organized May 23, 1851, although the charter bears date February 13, 1852. The first officers and charter members were Dr. Tracy Robinson, high priest; William Stuart, king; William Brown, scribe; Robert M. Bailey, secretary; E. Livingston Wentz, captain of the host; Thomas Allen, principal sojourner; Harry Pierce, master of 2d vail; Dr. John Chub- buck, master of 1st vail. The history of the chapter is a record of continuous progress from its organization to the present time, and from its membership there has been chosen some of the best material of the Grand chapter of the state. In the years 1863-64 Joseph B. Chaffee served in the Grand chapter as 502 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, grand captain of the host ; in 1865-68 as grand scribe; in 1869-72 as grand king; in 1873-74 as deputy grand high priest, and in 1875-76 as grand high priest. Rev. Charles B. Piatt, who is recalled as former rector of Christ church, was grand chaplain from 1865 to 1869, and died in office February 25, of the last mentioned year. Clinton F. Paige served as grand captain of the host in 1875-76. The succession of high priests of Binghamton chapter is as follows: Tracy Robinson, 1851-54'; George Park, 1855-56; William W. Albro, 1857-58; Austin W. Tyler, 1859; Clinton F. Paige, 1860-70; Orlando W. Earle, 1871-72; Manton E. Anderson, 1873-74; Ezra Murphy, 1875- 77; Silas E. Washburne, 1878-79; Frederic A. Benson, 1880; Abner P. Kelsey, 1881; Rufus Gale, 1882; James E. Northrup, 1883; John D. Davidson, 1884; Wayne W. Babcock, 1885; Fred P. Ronk, 1886-87; Henry F. Turner, 1888; Luman L. Blatchley, 1889; Austin S. Bump, 1890; Allen C. Stuart, 1891; William J. Webster, 1892; F. Garner Holmes, 1893; Emera A. Cobb, 1894; Hugh Allan Cameron, 1895; William H. Stone, 1896; Walter W. Hand, 1897; Charles Herzberg, 1898. Binghamton Council^ No. 24, Royal and Select Masters, was organ- ized under a charter dated February 7, 1865, with the following charter members: Charles M. Brown, Chauncey Marvin, George W. Seymour, Clinton F. Paige, Harry C. Preston, J. M. Reed, Joseph B. Chaffee, and William M. Crosby. At that time Rev. Charles H. Piatt was grand master, he being the only representative of Binghamton council in the Grand council in the state. The first officers were Charles M. Brown, thrice illustrious master; George W. Seymour, deputy master; Chauncey Marvin, prin. cond. ; Clinton F. Paige, recorder; Rev. Solon Stocking, treasurer; Harry C. Preston, capt. gen.; Henry S. Sloan, cond.; Cor- nelius H.Webster, marshal; Wm. M. Crosby, steward, and N. B. Ellis, sentinel. The history of the council has been accompanied with many vicissi- tudes. The first four years showed a record of continuous progress, but from 1869 to 1872, and again from 1875 to 1892, little work was done, Then followed about two years of renewed activity, but since 1894 the council has been a practically dormant body. The present membership is about twenty-five. The succession of thrice illustrious masters, so far as the incomplete records disclose, has been as follows: ■High priests were elected in December of the year indicated, and served until December of the next year. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. . 503 Charles M. Brown, 1865; George W. Seymour, 1866; Joseph B. Chaf- fee, 1867; Orlando W. Earle, 1867-71; Clinton F. Paige, 1872; Orlando W. Earle, 1873-75; Abner P. Kelsey, 1892-93; Dr. Frederick W. Put- nam, 1894-99. Malta Commandery, No. 21, Knights Templar, the largest Templar body in the state, was organized in Binghamton, January 27, 1853. The charter members were Marshall S. Curtis, Daniel D. Denton, Thomas De Witt, Joseph S. De Witt, George H. Gregory, Morgan S. Lewis, William A. Morris, William R. Osborne, George Park, Edward Tomp- kins, E. Livingston Wentz and Augustus Willard. The first officers were Edward Tompkins, E. C. ; Augustus Willard, generalissimo; William Stuart, capt. gen. ; George Park, prelate; William R. Osborne, treas. ; William A. Morris, recorder. Malta commandery is known not only as the largest Templar body in this state, but also as one which wields a powerful influence in Masonic circles in general. Its original members were men of exceptional worth in professional and business life, whose influence was salutary and per- vading and had an enduring effect for good upon all who were knighted therein in later years. The present membership is 546. The first representative of the local body in the Grand commandery of the state was Cornelius H. Webster, who was elected grand warder in 1859, and grand junior warden in 1860. Henry Clay Preston, for many years one of Binghamton's most pop- ular citizens and business men, was elected grand sword bearer in 1861- 62; grand senior warden in 1863; grand captain general in 1864; grand generalissimo in 1865-66; deputy grand commander in 1867-68, and grand commander in 1869. Foster N. Mabee of Owego, knighted January 17, 1868, was elected grand warder in 1882; grand sword bearer in 1883; grand st. bearer in 1884; grand junior warden in 1885; grand senior warden in 1886; grand generalissimo in 1887; deputy grand commander in 1888, and grand commander in 1889. Erastus C. Delavan, knighted July 22, 1887, was elected grand war- der in 1894 ; grand sword bearer in 1895 ; grant st. bearer in 1896 ; grand junior warden in 1897, and grand senior warden in 1898. The Grand commandery met in Binghamton in September, 1861, and again in October, 1883. The succession of past commanders of Malta commandery, No. 21, is as follows: 504 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Edward Tompkins, 1853-58;' Cornelius H. Webster, 1859; George Park, 1860-61; Henry Clay Preston, 1862; T. Dwight Walker, 1863; Clinton F. Paige, 1864-70; Joseph B. Chaffee, 1871; Orlando W. Earle, 1872-74; Clinton F. Paige, 1875; Orlando W. Earle, 1876-77; Foster N. Mabee, 1878-80; Horace E. Allen, 1881-83; Ezra Murphy, 1884; Frederick A. Benson, 1885; John Anderson, 1886; Silas N. Carman, 1887-88; Horace E. Allen, 1889; Erastus C. Delavan, 1890-91; Fred P. Ronk, 1892; Austin S. Bump, 1893; Emera A. Cobb, 1894; George H. Smith, 1895; Theodore P. Calkin, 1896; Alburn W. Parmelee, 1897; Hugh A. Cameron, 1898; John W. Cutler, 1899. The four Scottish rite bodies of Binghamton — Otseningo lodge of per- fection, Otseningo council, Otseningo chapter and Otseningo consistory — were organized May 16, 1867, with substantially the same member- ship throughout. In local Masonic circles these bodies hold an impor- tant place, yet have not been especially productive of history. Gener- ally, they are the wealthiest Masonic bodies in the country. In Otseningo lodge of perfection the succession of T. P. grand mas- ters is as follows: Henry Clay Preston, 1868-78; Joseph B. Chaffee, 1879-82; Clinton F. Paige, 1883-85; John Anderson, 1886-94; Fred W. Grummond (elected), 1895-96; John W. Cutler, 1897-99. In Otseningo council the succession of M. E. S. P. grand masters is as follows: Valorous Prince, Joseph B. Chaffee, 1868-82; Clinton F. Paige, 1883-94; Erastus C. Delavan (elected), 1895-96; Theodore P. Calkin, 1897-99. In Otseningo chapter the succession of most wise and perfect mas- ters is as follows: Prince knight. Rev. Charles H. Piatt, 1808-69; Clinton F. Paige, 1870-94; John Anderson (elected), 1895; Rev.W. H. Kephart, 1896; Dr. Frederick W. Putnam, 1897-99. In Otseningo consistory the office of commander-in-chief has been filled by Illustrious Clinton F. Paige from the organization of the body to the present time, or from 1867 to 1899, a record of incumbency al- most unparalleled in the history of Masonry in this state. KaluraJi Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, was constituted in Binghamton June 14, 1899, with about 150 members. None except Masonic Knights Templar, or those who have attained the thirty-second degree, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Ma- sonry, are eligible to membership. The order, however, is indepen- dent of Free Masonry, both in origin and government, and is associated * The annual election is held in April or May, and officers serve for the year following. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 505 with the craft only because it was established by Free Masons and be- cause none but Free Masons of high degree may become acquainted with its mysteries. The official divan of Kalurah temple is as follows: Illustrious poten- tate, James H. Roberts; chief rabban, James T. Rogers; assistant rab- ban, Percy L. Lang; high priest and prophet, Rollin W. Meeker; orien- tal guide, John W. Cutler; treasurer, Charles McKinney; recorder, David M.Johnson; trustee, Fred B. Wheeler. Otseningo Chapter, No. //, Order of the Eastern Star, is an auxiliary branch of Free Masonry, accessible only to Master Masons, their wives, widows, sisters and daughters. Its teachings are founded on the Holy Bible. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. Calumet Lodge, No. 62. — Oddfellowship in Binghamton dates its his- tory from the year 1846, when seven brothers of the order petitioned for and were granted a charter under the name above mentioned. These worthy members, all of whom were active factors in the early history of the village, and of whom only one is now living, were Dr. M. P. Smith, James S. Hawley, William M. Ely, A. B. Rogers, Thomas Johnson, Levi M. Rexford and Tracy R. Morgan. Each was invested with an office of some kind in the lodge, the growth of which at first was slow, owing to a prejudice which existed about that time against all secret organizations; but after the opposition of the period was swept away the membership increased and has continued to increase to the present day. Calumet lodge now is recognized as one of the strongest bodies of the order in the interior of the state, its membership number- ing more than 300. When instituted the lodge held its first meeting in rooms over Col. Lewis' store on Court street (now No. 42), and continued in that loca- tion several years. The second lodge rooms were in a building on the west side of Washington street, where now stands the Bennett building, but which were burned in 1863, and with it also were destroyed some of the most valuable lodge records. After the fire the lodge met in rooms at No. 163 Washington street, and thence removed to Phelps bank building. Still later comfortable quarters were secured in the Johnson block. No. 33 Court street, and thence the lodge removed in 1897 to the Odd Fellows' temple on Chenango street. The Temple building was dedicated with appropriate ceremony May 506 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, 26, 1897. It is a brick structure, three stories high, of attractive archi- tectural appearance, and substantially built. The ground floor is fitted for business occupany, while the upper floors are arranged for lodge pur- poses and a large assembly hall. The land cost $8,000 and the building $37,000. It was erected by A. H. Doolittle, under the supervision of a building committee comprising Daniel H. Mack, Allen Perkins, Wm. P. Morgan, John E. Wentz and Thomas Parker. The history of Calumet lodge has been a continued record of success for more than half a century. It has grown from a beginning as hum- ble as that of any of our old institutions, and its onward career never has been checked by any untoward event or serious disaster. The first officers were Dr. M. P. Smith, N. G. ; James S. Hawley, V. G. ; Wm. M. Ely, secretary; A. B. Rogers, treasurer; Tracy R. Morgan, warden; Thomas Johnson, guard; Levi M. Rexford, conductor. An interesting element of the history of Calumet lodge is the succes- sion of noble grands, which has been secured for this work through the patient search of the secretary, John J. Doolittle. The list shows the names of all the incumbents of the office since the creation of the lodge, and recalls some of Binghamton's prominent early citizens. The suc- cession is as follows: Dr. M. P. Smith, March-July, 1846; James S. Hawley, July-October, 1846; Tracy R. Morgan, October, 1846-January, 1847; William M.Ely, January-July, 1847; Levi M. Rexford, July, 1847-January, 1848; Eras- mus D. Robinson, January-July, 1848; John E. Titus, July, 1848-Janu- ary, 1849; Joseph E. Ely, January-July, 1849; Samuel W. Rogers, July, 1849-January, 1850; Orson Cone, January-July, 1850; Henry M. Collier, July, 18oO-January, 1851; Julius P. Morgan, January-July, 1851; Benj. T. Cooke, July, 1851-January, 1852; William E. Abbott, January-July, 1852; Nathan B. Ellis, July, 1852-January, 1853; Robert Reed, January-July, 1853; Jeremy T. Brodt, July, 1853-January,1854; Lewis S. Abbott, January-July, 1854; J.Stuart Wells, July, 1854-Janu- ary, 1855; Phillip Tripp, January-July, 1855; Frederick A. Morgan, July, 1855-January, 1856; Thomas J. Clark, January-July, 1856; Wm. Hanlon, July-October, 1856; De Witt C. Vosbury, October, 1856-April, 1857; Solomon F. Cary, April-October, 1857; Allen Perkins, October, 1857-April, 1858; Evander Spaulding, April-October, 1858; Martin W. Shapley, October, 1858-April, 1859; Arthur Vosbury, April-October, 1859; A. G. Avery, October, 1859-April, 1860; E. G. Grafts, April-Oc- tober, 1860; I. S. Matthews, October, 1860-April, 1861; Solomon Judd, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 507 April-October, 1861; Solomon Judd, October, 1861-April, 1862; W. C. Wattles, April-October, 1862; M. W. Shapley, October, 1862-April, 1863; W. S. Lawyer, April-October, 1863; W. E. Abbott, October, 1863-April, 1864; E. D. Robinson, April-October, 1864; Samuel W. Rogers, October, 1864-October, 1865; J.P.Morgan, October, 1865-April, 1866; T. J. Clark, April-October, 1866; J. P. Morgan, October, 1866- April, 1867; J. F. Rice, April-October, 1867; Charles M. Brown, Oc- tober, 1867-April, 1868; Tracy R. Morgan, April-October, 1868; Elmer W. Brigham, October, 1868-April, 1869; W. P. Canoll, April-October, 1869; Job N. Congdon, October, 1869-April, 1870; J. F. Rice, April- October, 1870; C. W. Buell, October, 1870-April, 1871; Albert Hatten, April-October, 1871; John E. Wentz, October, 1871-1872; John P. Worthing, October, 1872-April, 1873; C. H. Robinson, April, 1873- January, 1874; H. B. Boss, January-July, 1874; R. W. Lester, July, 1874-January, 1875; L. M. Bowers, January-July, 1875; T. G. Port, July, 1875-January, 1876; U. R. Gilbert, January-July, 1876; William H. Mosher, July, 1876-January, 1877; R. W. Mosher, January-July, 1877; H. W. Bradley, July, 1877-January, 1878; D. S. Burr, January-July, 1878; W. P. Morgan, July, 1878-January, 1879; E. Osborn, January- July, 1879; T. E. Royal, July, 1879-January, 1880; A. D. Green, January-July, 1880; W. H. Tisdell, July, 1880-January, 1881; H. Conklin, January-July, 1881; E. W. Doolittle, July, 1881-January, 1882; C. F. Wells, January-July, 1882; John J. Doolittle, July, 1882- January, 1883; F. A. Benson, January-July, 1883; J. W. Burnham, July, 1883-January, 1884; O. P. Bradley, January-July, 1884; R. W. H. Roselle, July, 1884-January, 1885; John A. Rider, January-July, 1885; J. A. Lewis, July, 1885-January, 1886; L. M. Bowers, January- July, 1886; F. H. Matthews, July, 1886-January, 1887; M. P. Gaige, January-July, 1887; A. H. Gaige, July, 1887-January, 1888; N. C. Pal- mer, January-July, 1888; E. E. Singer, July, 1888-January, 1889; James Haran, January-July, 1889; H. Persels, July, 1889-1890; D. W. Hall, January-July, 1890; E. F. Hopton, July, 1890-January, 1891; A. H. Bixby, January-July, 1891; Joseph P. Klee, July, 1891-January, 1892; H. Y. Bresee, January-July, 1892; C. M. Packard, July, 1892- January, 1893; L. A. Clark, January-July, 1893; James Lauder, July, 1893-January, 1894; D. W. Hall, January-July, 1894; C. W. Frost, July, 1894-January, L895; W. G. Benedict, January-July, 1895; E. S. Roselle, July, 1895-January, 1896; W. C. Rhodes, January-July, 1896; F. J. Jacobs, July, 1896-January, 1897; H. Matthewson, January-July, 1897; 508 BINGHAMTON, ITvS SETTLEMENT. F. Reycroft, July, 1897-January, 1898; Theo. Case, January-July, 1898; A. O. Meade, July, 1898-January, 1899; Harry B. Hinds, Janu- ary-July, 1899; A. E. Potter, July, 1899-January, 1900. Parlor City Lodge, No. 702, I. O.O.F., was organized April 26, 1894, with 136 charter members. It is the junior organization of its kind in the city, but in point of membership it outstrips the parent lodge, the present membership numbering 409. In 1895 the trustees of the lodge purchased a desirable lot on Chenango street, paying therefor $4,500. On this lot in 1899 the lodge erected a large and well appointed temple, which is designed exclusively for purposes of the society. The building cost $10,000. As is indicated in the preceding paragraph Parlor City lodge has en- joyed a rapid and healthful growth from the date of its organization. Its affairs are in excellent condition and have always been well gov- erned. The past grands have been as follows: J. M. Mosher, Dr. T. B. Van Alstyne, D. E. Barnum, J. C. Barnes, H. S. Acker, W. C. Bryant, Dr. I. A. Hix, S. B. Corwin, Edward Dunlap, F. D. Gridley, J. G. Jackson, William Merrilles, L. M. Peters, A. J. Plant, George C. Ray- mond, James Watson, F. C. Smith, E. F. Coleman, H. S. Maricle, D. G. Rounds. Binghamton Encampment of Patriarchs, No. 50, I. O. O. F., under the jurisdiction of the Grand encampment of the northern district of New York was instituted at Binghamton, February 21, 1850. The ceremonies were conducted by Fort Hill encampment No. 18, of Elmira. The ap- plicants for the charter were Tracy R. Morgan, N. Crary Congdon, Julius P. Morgan, Erasmus D. Robinson, Samuel W. Rogers, Benjamin T. Cooke, Nathan B. Ellis and James Felter, of whom only two — Tracy R. and Julius P. Morgan — are now living. The first officers of the encampment were Tracy R. ^Morgan, chief patriarch; Benjamin T. Cooke, high priest; Erasmus D. Robinson, senior warden; Samuel W. Rogers, junior warden; Julius P. Morgan, scribe; Nathan B. Ellis, treasurer. Thus organized the camp entered upon its career of usefulness and prosperity and growth. Save only two, the charter members are gone to their final rest, but their vacant places have been filled by others, and the continued existence of the body has been undisturbed by the causes which have occasionally led to the dissolution of secret organ- izations. Originally Binghamton encampment received the numerical GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 509 designation of No. 50, but at a later period in the history of Odd Fellow- ship in the state the Grand encampments of the northern and southern districts of New York were united, upon which the local body was given the number 25. Such, briefly, is its history, and an honorable, worthy record has it been in the promotion of the principles of " faith, hope and charity," the sublime motto of the patriarchs. The present membership of the encampment is 98 patriarchs, and from among the number there has been chosen some of the best ma- terial of the Grand encampment of the state. Through the persevering efforts of Bro. Julius P. Morgan the writer is enabled to furnish an ac- curate succession of chief patriarchs of Binghamton encampment from 1850 to 1900. The succession is as follows: Tracy R. Morgan, February 21-June 30, 1850; Benjamin T. Cooke, July 1-December 31, 1850; Erasmus D. Robinson, January 1-June 30, 1851; Samuel W. Rogers, July 1-December 31, 1851; Nathan B. Ellis, January 1-June 30, 1852; John S. Wells, July 1-Uecember 31, 1852; Henry M. Collier, January 1-June 30, 1853; Julius P. Morgan, July 1- December 31, 1853; William M. Ely, January 1-June 30, 1854; Orson Cone, July 1-December 31, 1854; Joseph E. Ely, January 1-June 30, 1855; Philip Tripp, July 1-December 31, 1855; Evander Spaulding, January 1-June 30, 1856; William Harder, July 1-December 31, 1856; De Witt C. Vosbury, January 1-June 30, 1857; Lewis S. Abbott, July 1- December 31, 1857; Job N. Congdon, January 1-June 30, 1858; Chaun- cey Marvin, July 1-December 31, 1858; Isaiah S. Matthews, January 1-June 30, 1859; Allen Perkins, July 1-December 31, 1859; Thomas J. Clark, January 1-June 30, 1860; A. G. Avery, July 1-December 31, 1860; Selah P. Rood, January 1-June 30, 1861 ; Albert Hatten, July 1- December 31, 1861; Frederick A. Morgan, January 1-June 30, 1862; Thomas J. Clark, July 1, 1862-December 31, 1863; William Hanlon, January 1-December 31, 1864; Julius P. Morgan, January 1-December 31, 1865; Samuel W. Rogers, January 1, 1866-December 31, 1869; Erasmus D. Robinson, January 1, 1870-December 31, 1871; Lewis S. Abbott, January 1-December 31, 1872; William HanloQ, January 1- December 31, 1873; Allen Perkins, January 1, 1874-December31, 1876; L. A. Galpin, January 1-June 30, 1877; George N. Cobb, July 1-De- cember 31, 1877; C. A. Spencer, January 1-June 30, 1878; W. R. Gil- bert, July 1-December 31, 1878; William H. Mosher, January 1-June 30, 1879; A. D. Green, July 1-December 31, 1879; Fred. Robinson, January 1-June 30, 1880; S. H. R. Grow, July 1-December 31, 1880; 510 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, W. H. Tisdell, January 1-June 30, 1881 ; Robert Gordon, July 1-De- cember 31, 1881; George H. Smith, January 1-June 30, 1882; T. P. Calkin, July 1-December 31, 1882; Emerson Osborn, January 1-June 30, 1883; James Haran, July 1-December 31, 1883; E. W. Doolittle, January 1-June 30, 1884; John J. Doolittle, July 1-December 31, 1884; William H. Watson, January 1-June 30, 1885; John A. Rider, July 1- December 31, 1885; A. E. Felter, January 1-June 30, 1886; J. W. Tis- dell, July 1-December 31, 1886; J. J. Eastman, January 1-June 30, 1887; J. M. Mosher, July 1-December 31, 1887; J. M. Mosher, January 1-June 30. 1888; John C. Arnold, July 1-December 31, 1888; J. W. Tisdell, January 1-June 30, 1889; A. E. Sternberg, July 1-December 31, 1889; D. S. Hall, January 1-June 30, 1890; J. W. Caswell, July 1- December 31, 1890; J. W. Burnham, January 1-June 30, 1891; E. F. Hopton, July 1-December 31, 1891; F. W. Dean, January 1-June 30, 1892; Council Harley, July 1-December 31, 1892; W. S. C. Smith, Jan- uary 1-June 30, 1893; W. H. Ballenstedt, July 1-December 31, 1893; James Lauder, January 1-June 30, 1894; John J. Doolittle, July 1-De- cember 31, 1894; Fred Reycroft, January 1-June 30, 1895; Charles A. Bayer, July 1-December 31, 1895; Joseph P. Klee, January 1-June 30, 1896; Frank Tngraham, July 1-December 31, 1896; Harry Ellis, Janu- ary 1-June 30, 1897; F. A. Benson, July 1-December 31, 1897; W. C. Rhodes, January 1-June 30, 1898; G. C. Van Patten, July 1-December 31, 1898; L. A. Clark, January 1-June 30, 1899; Arthur H. Gaige, July 1-December 31, 1899. Canton Binghaniton, No. 21, Patriarchs Militant. — This military branch of Odd Fellowship was first suggested in 1870, assumed form in 1882, and was reorganized in 1887 to confer degrees of chivalry. The desire for a patriachal uniform originated less than thirty years ago and in a great measure was influenced by Masonic Knight Templar displays. In 1882 the Sovereign Grand lodge adopted a degree of Patriarchs Militant and recruited its ranks from the patriarchs. Binghamton Uniformed Degree, camp No, 18, as the original body in this city was known, was instituted February 25, 1884, with twenty- two chevaliers comprising its charter membership. On July 23, 1886, a reorganization was effected under the name of Canton Binghamton No. 21, Patriarchs Militant, with thirty-eight chevaliers in the ranks. From that time the organization has progressed uninteruptedly, and now numbers ninety chevaliers. All officers have distinctively military titles, the chief officer being known as captain and commandant. In Canton Binghamton the succession of captains is as follows : GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 511 William H. Mosher, 1884; Abram L. Bevier and Frederick A. Ben- son, 1885; C. H. Conklin and M. F. Tapper, 1886; James Haran, 1887 J. C. Arnold, 1888; W. H. Ballenstedt, 1889; J. D. Blakeslee' 1890 J. K. Marsh, 1891; C. M. Parker, 1892; Emerson Osborn, 1893, Thomas H. Parker, 1894; J. M. Holt, 1895; George C. Van Patten, 1896; E. Bailey, 1897; James Lauder, 1898; F. C. Frost, 1899. Incidental to Odd Fellowship in the city mention also may be made of the auxiliary bodies known respectively as Sunlight lodge No, 25, and Beulah lodge No. 115, Daughters of Rebekah. IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN. The I. O. R. M., the oldest charitable and benevolent secret society of purely American origin, claims virtual descent from the Sons of Liberty, formed during the American Revolution, although the order of Red Men was not formally established until 1834. In its principles, teachings and aspirations the order seeks to elevate the character, re lieve the misfortunes and add to the happiness of its tribesmen. Can- didates for tribal membership must be white citizens of the United States, twenty-one years old, sound in health, of good moral character, and have full belief in the existence and power of the Great Spirit. Political and religious questions are never allowed in the wigwams or at the council fires. American Indian traditions and customs prevail in the business affairs of the order, and the latter is replete with aborig- inal expressions, words and titles. The tribesmen in America number more than 150,000, and in this city alone, scattered among eight tribes, are about 1, 700 Red Men. These tribes are noted in the order of forma- tion, with the number of charter members, and the total membership in July, 1899: Wamsutta tribe, No. 37, instituted April 27, 1881; 47 charter, and 278 present members. Anawan tribe. No. 41, instituted October 10, 1883; 102 charter and 403 present members. Seminole tribe, No. 57, instituted May 25, 1885; 31 charter and 147 present members. Pawnee tribe. No. 120, instituted October 11, 1887; 76 charter and 215 present members. Chickasaw tribe. No. 144, instituted January 30, 1890; 74 charter and 106 present members. Ute tribe, No. 156, instituted May 30, 1890; 72 charter and 186 pres- ent members. 512 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Nevada tribe, No. 183, instituted April 26, 1861; 16 charter and 94 present members. Osseo tribe, No. 334, instituted June 29, 1896; — charter and 210 pres- ent members. Wamsutta tribe has furnished one great sachem — George E. Green — and one great incohonee of the Great Council of the United States. Bro. Green was honored with elevation to this high office. Anawan tribe has furnished one great sachem — Frank E. Church — and one great keeper of wampum — John D. Ames. Pawnee tribe has furnished one great chief of records — Martin A. Dunham (1893-99). Anawan Haymakers' association, No. 41^, and Chief tain's league. No. 1, are important advanced degrees of Redmanship in the city. Owenee Council, No. 2, Minnehaha Council, No. 4, Winyouretta Council, No. 13, Miami Council, No. 36, Narra Matta Council, No. 91, and Osseuma Council, No. 99, Daughters of Pocahontas, are auxiliary I. O. R. M. bodies whose members are chiefly women. City Military Organizations. — The martial spirit which prevailed throughout the county during the period of the war of 1861-65 did not wholly subside after the war was closed. Veteran organizations sprung up all over the land, and the 44th Battalion of militia was formed in this vicinity, including in its membership a large number of city resi- dents. It was a splendid body of troops, and while formed for purely military purposes it was nevertheless called into actual service at the time of the contest for the control of the D. & H. railroad, as the story of the occasion is told in another chapter; and except for the presence of Col. Brown's regiment of veterans at the tunnel during the railroad rioting, bloodshed and disaster undoubtedly would have resulted from the hostile meeting of the contending factions. In local civil history the 44th made an excellent record, but in 1877 reverses in fortune came and the command was disbanded. TJie Sixth Battery^ Third Brigade, N. G. S. N.Y., originally known as Battery A, Sixth Brigade, was organized March 26, 1870, as a six-gun battery (including the Ithaca contingent of two guns) with the follow- ing officers: Captain, William M. Crosby; first lieut.. Laurel L. 01m- stead; second lieut., A. W. Metcalf. Like the 44th Regiment of militia, the 6th Battery was originally composed of veterans of the war of the Rebellion, but in the. course of a few years the ranks were recruited from the younger element of our GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 513 city population. Capt. Crosby retained command until 1874 and was then succeeded by first lieut. Olmsted, who since that time has been at the head of the famous organization and through whose efforts the battery has attained a degree of efficiency that places it among the best military organizations of the country. The present officers are, captain and brevet major, Laurel L.Olmsted; first lieut. and brevet captain, John N. Underwood; junior first lieut., Fred D. Weed; second lieut, John H. Gross; junior second lieut., George M. Wilson; first sergt., Amos J. Bush; quartermaster, L. Mur- ray Olmsted; veterinary surgeon, Andrew S. Cook. Membership, 102 men. TJie TwentietJi Separate company. — Upon the disbandment of the old 44th Battalion in 1877 a number of active young men in the city favored the organization of a separate company of infantry, and to that end made special endeavors during the fall and winter, 1877. On April 18, 1878, the 20th Separate company,, infantry, N. G, S. N. Y.— the once known City guard — was mustered into service with the following officers: Captain, Eugene G. Judd; first lieut., Arthur Tileston; second lieut., Edward A. Roberts; first sergeant, Ben. S. Miller; quarter- master, Cleveland Robinson. Captain Judd resigned in 1880, and first lieut. Charles M, Durkee was elected in his place. In 1884 captain Hiram C. Rogers succeeded captain Durkee and served until succeeded by captain Charles H. Hitchcock, October 1, 1897, under whom the company served as Co. H, 1st N. Y. vol. infantry, during the Spanish-American war, being sta- tioned at Camp Black and also at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands. The company was mustered into service May 20, 1898, and was mustered out February 25, 1899. In March, 1899, captain Hitchcock was pro- moted major, and first lieut. Harry P. Worthing was thereupon elected captain, his commission dating June 23, 1899. The present officers of the company are, captain, Harry P. Worthing; first lieut. , vacant; second lieut., C. N. Hinman; first lieut. and asst. surg., Dr. Charles R. Seymour; first sergt., Wm. H. Seeley; quarter- master, A. K. Roberts. Watrous Post, No. 30, G.A.R., was organized under a charter from the grand commander of the department of New York, dated May 17, 1867. The charter members of this veteran organization were Nicholas D. Maffett, Robert Brown, Cornelius H. Webster, George S. Kilmer, Edward F. Jones, Ensign Conklin, Milo B. Eldredge, Jacob C. Robie, 33 514 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT. Charles H. Amsbry, D. R. Burnham, Thomas Gillick and Henry L. Robinson. Watrous post is one of the strongest G. A. R. organizations in south- ern New York, and in furthering the interests of the old soldier element of the city's population it has been a powerful factor for good. Its present membership is 283; commander, Joseph C. La Point. Bartlett Post, No. 668, G. A. R., was organized February 20, 1893, with thirty-one charter members. The present members number 100. R. B. Truesdell, commander. The Young Men's Christian association, of Binghamton, was organ- ized in 1865, incorporated in 1867, reorganized in 1875, and incorpor- ated by act of the legislature passed June 7, 1884. The original incorporators were Horace N. Lester, Charles A. Whit- ney, J. E. Harkness, William B. Cleves and U. R. Gilbert. The man- agers of the association for the first year of its existence were Horace N. Lester, J. E. Harkness, Homer B. Mix, Elfano M. Noyes, Charles A. Whitney, William B. Cleves, Ensign Conklin and Edmund C. Titchener. The declared purpose of the association, which has ever been fully and faithfully carried out, is the "improvement of the spirit- ual, intellectual and social condition of young men." The original members of the association numbered thirty four; the present number is more than 300, and is constantly increasing. For almost twenty years the association occupied rented rooms, but at the end of that time had gained sufficient strength to purchase a desirable building and equip it for all the requirements of the members. On October 1, 1883, the association purchased from the Lester estate the present Y. M. C. A. building on Court street. The board of trus- tees constituted under the act mentioned, who were authorized to hold the real estate of the association, comprised Avery Crounse, Israel T. Deyo, Charles W. Loomis, James W. Manier and Charles A. Wilkinson. The purchase price of the property was $20,000. The building is well arranged for the objects of the association, and is provided with all the necessary appointments for carrying out the plans of its founders. The corporation is managed by a board of twenty directors, of which the officers are ex-officio members. The officers of the association for the year 1899 are as follows: presi- dent. Dr. Clark W. Greene; first vice-president, Charles Keeler; sec- ond vice-president, H. W. Bennett; treasurer, Joseph K. Noyes; audi- tor, Henry A. Smith; recording secretary, F. L. Norton; general sec- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 515 retary, E. B. Searls; physical director, Charles E. Dodg-e. The board of directors are Dr. D. D. Whitmarsh, Wm. M. McLean, C. W. Greene, C. J. Durfee, D. D. Brown, John R. Clements, F. A. Blakeslee, H. W. Bennett, Fred L. Norton, J. K. Noyes, Charles Keeler, Charles W. Loorais, Dr. John Leverett, W. J. Welsh, B. A. Bauman, Henry A. Smith, Charles H. Niven, F. Kelley, R. C. Tillinghast. The tru-stees of property are Charles W. Loomis, president; I. T. Deyo, secretary; James W. Manier, treasurer; C. A. Wilkinson and Dexter D Brown. The Railroad Young Men's Christian association is an important auxiliary to the parent body, and has gained a strong foothold in the city in a work which the mother association could accomplish only with the greatest difficulty. The railroad branch has a comfortable home on Lewis street, and is in all respects a prosperous society. Its officers for 1899 are Charles Wadsworth, chairman; J. E. De Kay, vice-chair- man; H, J. King, treasurer; W. T. Conklin, recording secretary; G. L. Nichols, general secretary; Fred B. Lyon, assistant secretary. The Young Women's Christian association, whose meeting rooms are in the Strong building, is an equally praiseworthy organization and also one of the most beneficial societies of the city. It has a large membership of earnest christian workers. The principal officers are Mrs. V. A. Weld, president; Mrs. C. A. Wilkinson, first vice-president; Mrs. E. L. Rose, second vice-president; Anna J. Stevens, recording secretary; Mrs. J. E. Bookstaver, treasurer. The Dobson club was organized in 1880 and was incorporated in 1889. The original members were fifteen young men who were met together in social gathering, but the chief strength of the club came from the old Binghamton club which had dissolved about that time. In 1889 the Dobson club purchased the old Dr. Andrews homestead property at the corner of Washington and Lewis streets, and remodeled the substantial old dwelling house for a new. occupancy; and a most comfortable club home it has proven. The present members number 115 residents and forty-five nonresidents. The officers for 1899 are Dr. Charles G. Wagner, president; Fred Bennett, vice-president; W. H. Hecox, secretary and treasurer. The Binghamton club was organized March 10, 1886, and includes in its membership many of the substantial business men of the city. The rooms of the club are in the Strong building, and are admirably ar- ranged and appointed. The members number about 200 business men. The officers are S. C. Millard, president; H. A. Clark, vice-president; Henry C. Olmsted, secretary; W. G. Trowbridge, treasurer. 516 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, The Craftsmen's club is one of the junior organizations of its class in the city, and is composed entirely of Masons. The club has conven- iently appointed rooms in the Masonic Temple building on Chenango street. The principal officers are John Anderson, president; Miles Leonard, vice-president; E. A. Cobb, secretary; C. D. Matthews, treasurer. The other social clubs of the city are the Century club, organized February 26, 1898; the Country club, whose seat of gathering is in the town of Union; and the Susquehanna Valley Social club, the latter an institution of the sixth ward. In addition to the society organizations which are specially mention- ed in this chapter, the city has many others which may be referred to by name. Indeed Binghamton long has been the home of numerous fraternal, benevolent, social and charitable organizations, but the scope of this chapter does not permit a detailed history of each of them. It is proper, however, that their names be given that future readers may know at least something of the societies in existence at this time. They may be mentioned as follows: Patriotic Order Sons of America, camp 2 and 12. Knights of Pythias, Binghamton lodge, No. 122. Knights of Honor, Parlor City lodge, No. 571. O. U. A. M., Pioneer commandery. No. 1. Junior O. U. A. M., D. S. Dickinson council. No. 19; William E. Taylor council, No. 63. Daughters of American O. U. A. M., Marion council, No. 3; Stark council, No. 5. Royal Arcanum, Empire council, No. 32; Broome council. No. 467. American Legion of Honor, Binghamton lodge. Iron Hall, local branch, No. 50 and No. 87. Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Colby lodge. No. 311. Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, Magnet lodge. No. 227. Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, Parlor City lodge, No. 36. Temperance societies. Charity council, Royal Templars of Tem- perance; St. Patrick's Total Abstinence society; Independent Order of Good Templars. Labor organizations. Central Labor Union (affiliated with the Ameri- can Federation of Labor). Barbers' union. No. 15.5; Bartenders' league. No. 173; Blacksmiths' union, No. 110; Bricklayers' union, No. 42; Build- ing Trades council; Building Laborers' union; Carpenters' union, No. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 517 233 ; Cigar Makers' unions, Nos. 16 and 218 ; Flaggers' union ; United Gar- ment Workers' union, No. 44; Lathers' Protective union, No. 6999; Iron Holders' union. No. 274; Machinists' union; National U. S. Brewery- Workers' union, No. 151; Painters' and Decorators' union. No. 103; Plasterers' union ; Plumbers' union. No. 112 ; Stone Cutters' union ; Stone Masons' union. No. 25; Tailors' union, No, 52; Binghamton local branch, National Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, No. 54; Tinsmiths' union, No. 22 ; Typographical union. No. 232 ; Association of Stationary Engineers. Employees Aid association, Binghamton Railroad company. Catholic Knights of America, branches Nos. 54 and 518. Ancient Order of Hibernians, a county organization, five separate divisions and four Women's Auxiliary divisions. Knights of Columbus, Binghamton council No. 206, Catholic relief and beneficiary association. Ladies' Catholic Benevolent association, branches Nos. 31 and 125 and St. Paul's branch. Catholic Benevolent Legion, Broome council, No. 533. New England society. E. C. Delavan, president; H. J. Gaylord, treasurer; G. A. Brown, secretary. Workmen's Sick and Death Benefit association, branch No. 16. Other societies which may be properly mentioned collectively are the German Mannerchor society, German Mutual Benevolent association, Bureau of Associated charities (organized 1886), City Employment society, The Refuge, Sabbath Association for Sunday Rest, National Association of Letter Carriers, Postoffice Clerk's association. Academy, of Science, Protective Legion. 518 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, CHAPTER XXII. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. A reliable writer of history in Binghamton and its vicinity says that about 1789 a Mr. Howe, a clergyman of the Baptist church, came to this locality, gathered together a few followers and established a church on the west side of the Chenango river, near the point where Prospect street joins Front street, in the extreme north part of the chy. The society, however, did not increase beyond a dozen or fifteen members, and in the course of a few years it gradually passed out of existence. Mr. Howe continued his missionary labors a few years and was then followed by Elder Fislc, under whom the dissolution is said to have taken place. These statements tend to show that the Baptists were first in the field in this vicinity, although nearly thirty years passed be- fore a church of that denomination gained a permanent foothold in the village. About the year 1798, according to the same authority, a Dutch Re- formed church was established through the missionary labors of a Mr. Finley, yet the location of the meeting house, if one then in fact ex- isted, is not mentioned; neither does the worthy chronicler inform us of the period of existence of the society. Standing on the east bank of the Chenango river, at a point almost directly opposite the western terminus of Bevier street, is an old time- worn, weather-beaten structure now occupied as a barn, but which once was a Dutch Reformed meeting house. A few of our oldest residents have a distinct recollection of the old building for a period of more than sixty years, and by them, as by the older inhabitants of half a century ago, it has always been mentioned as the Dutch Reformed meeting house; but when and by whom built, or the approximate period of its occupancy no man now can give any positive account. During the early years of the century, however, and after the little settlement at Chenango Point had acquired something like 200 inhab- itants, several missionary laborers from eastern New York and also from New England came through the Susquehanna valley to teach and GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 519 preach the gospel among the settlers. Meeting houses were not thought of and the worshipers gathered in dwellings or under the friendly pro- tecting branches of a large tree, and there sang praises and heard the word. After the court house was removed from its original site to the square, all denominations were accustomed to meet in the court room, and the practice was continued until each society became sufficiently strong to procure a church home; and a glance at the succeeding pages of this chapter will show that nearly all our early church societies were organized within that old cradle of justice. According to the estab- lished records, the Protestant Episcopalians were first in the field with a permanent organization, followed by the Presbyterians, MethodLsts, Baptists, Congregationalists, Universalists, and Catholics, in the order mentioned. To the history of these several societies, and others of later formation, this chapter is devoted, treating of all societies of each denomination under one heading, and preserving as near as possible the order of formation. PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL. Christ ChiircJi. — The history of the Protestant Episcopal church in Binghamton dates from the year 1810, yet well authenticated tradition traces its origin to the very earliest years of the century when the few churchmen and churchwomen of the little settlement held occasional service in the dwelling of one of their number, while at intervals they were visited by missionary workers from the east. However, a more formal organization, both of the church and the society, was effected in 1810, under the direction of Rev. Daniel Nash, who acted as chairman of a meeting assembled for that purpose. On September 19 of the year mentioned, at a meeting of the Protestant Episcopalians of the village, held in the old court house on the square, an organization was perfected under the name of "Episcopal church of Chenango and Union," although records extant tend to show that "St. Ann's church " was the name first adopted. On the occasion mentioned Selah Squires and Christopher Eldredge were elected church wardens, and Daniel Le Roy, William Woodruff, Lewis Keeler, Joshua Whitney, Mason Whiting, Charles Stone, Elias B. Miller and John R. Wildman were chosen ves- trymen. The church was regularly incorporated under the name above men- tioned, yet at the end of about six years the organization was dissolved and a reincorporation was effected under the name of "Binghamton 520 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, church," This action was taken at a meeting held at the house of Lewis Manning on October 7, 1816, Dr. Tracy Robinson presiding. It was then voted that Samuel M. McNeil and Selah Squires be church wardens, and Elias B. Miller, Lewis Squires, Mason Whiting, Dr. Tracy Robinson, John A. Collier, Thomas G. Waterman, John Stone and Rufus Park, vestrymen. The new church was incorporated October 10, 1816. In the early history of the church, services were generally held in the court house, but soon after the first incorporation a lot of land on Academy (now Washington street north of Court) street was secured through the generosity of General Whitney. Here the first edifice was built. It was consecrated by Bishop Hobart, November 10, 1818, at which time the permanent name of " Christ church " was adopted. In the course of a few years, however, the house of worship was sold to the society of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was removed to the north side of Henry street, where now stands the Republican build- ing. The second Episcopal edifice was erected in 1822, and was occu- pied until 1854, when it was replaced with the present stone edifice. The structure was completed and opened for services March 4, 1855. In architecture it is purely gothic, pleasing and convenient in every respect, and is now one of the most substantial and attractive of the old-time church edifices in the city. Such is a brief outline history of the pioneer church of the city. Rev. Daniel Nash undoubtedly was the first rector, but the names of his successors down to 1818 are not now known, and the early records of the parish appear to have been lost." The church records beginning in 1818 contain many interesting elements of history, and on one of the pages is found the names of the communicants in the church in 1824. The roll contains the names of several old and substantial residents and heads of familes in the village at that time, hence is worthy of re- production in this chapter. The communicants then were Peter and Sally Crissey, Selah and Hannah Squires, Dolly Squires, Elias Pratt, Thomas and Sarah Evans, Nancy Whiting, Mary Stuart, Nancy Doty, Abigail Cushman, Eugene Cushman, Olive Huse, James H. Abbott, Sally Abbott, Ann F. Park, Bathsheba Park, Harriet Chamberlain, Pa- melia W. Waterman, Isaac Francis Park, Isaac Tompkins, Ephraim W. Gibson, Hannah Gibson, Mrs. Polly Lewis and James Rogers. From the baptismal and burial records beginning in 1818 we are able to furnish a reasonably accurate list of the deacons, priests and rectors in charge of the parish between the years 1818 and 1836. The succes- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 521 sion as thus shown is as follows : James Keeler, deacon, 1818 ; Nathaniel Huse, priest, 1824; F. H. Cuming, priest, 1830; H. Adams, priest, 1831-35; R. C. Simall, priest, 1836; Edward Andrews, rector, 1836. The succession of rectors since 1836 is as follows: Rev. Edward An- drews, D.D., 1836-43; Rev. J. F. Robertson, D. D., 1843-45; Rev. Ed- ward Andrews, D. D., 1845-51; Rev. Amos B. Beach, D. D., 1851-61; Rev. M. C. Lightner, D.D., 1861-63; Rev. Charles Piatt, D.U.,'l863-died July 25, 1869; Rev. William A. Hitchcock, D.D., 1869-75; Rev. Rob- ert N. Parke, D.D., 1875-84; Rev. R. G. Quennell, 1884-May 31, 1899; Rev. Harry Sherman Longley, formerly of Trinity church, Milford, Mass., September 16, 1899. Christ church now has 370 communicants. The present church wardens are George W. Lester and James S. Cary. The vestrymen are John Stuart Wells, Stephen C. Millard, Will- iam J. Kennedy, Fred W. Grummond, Dr. Henry Oliver Ely, E. Carl- ton Sisson, Arthur S. Miner and Frank Ruckel. Church of the Good Shepherd. — This church and parish were organ- ized in 1870 as a mission of Christ church, and was incorporated Janu- ary 25, of that year, under the name of "The Chapel and House of the Good Shepherd," as a free chapel for religious worship according to the principles and forms of the Protestant Episcopal church. The corner stone of the chapel edifice was laid by Bishop Huntington, November 1, 1871, and the building was ready for occupancy early the following year. Rev. Charles Thompson Coer began his service as the head of the church in 1872, and in 1873 a distinct parish was organized. The first wardens of the new church were Horatio Evans and James Filmer. The vestr5^men were Daniel Lyons, Lewis Baird, Robert Crozier, Charles Dilley, Darwin Felter, Phineas W. Beebe, Charles F. Moore and George Chubb. The church roll at the present time shows the names of 220 communicants. The succession of rectors of the Church of the Good Shepherd is as follows: Rev. Charles Thompson Coer, 1872; Rev. Robert Paul, 1872-73; Rev. Robert Hudson, 1873-74; Rev. Charles T. Coer, 1874- 75; Rev. George A. Chambers, 1875; Rev. Samuel Gregory Lines, 1875-78; Rev. M. C. Lightner, 1878-79; Rev. Robert Granger, 1879- 81; Rev. G. Livingston Bishop, 1881-85; Rev. Hubert Le Fevre Gra- beau, 1886-90; Rev. Samuel D. Day, 1890-99 (the present rector.) The present church wardens are Charles F. Moore and Daniel Lyons. The vestrymen are Robert V. Bogart, George H. Bryant, Charles T. Hen- ning, Page W. Talbot, Harry Hinds and George H. Gillespie. 523 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT. Trinity Memorial Church. — At an informal conference of several business men of the city held at the office of Anderson & Gregg on September 26, 1883, the unanimous expression of those present favored the creation of a new Episcopal parish and the erection of a church edi- fice west of the Chenango river. The favorable sentiment then took a more formal turn and it was determined to accomplish that which had been advocated. The persons present on this occasion were John Ray- Clarke, Egbert A. Clark, John Anderson, Moses Stoppard, Byron Marks, F. M. Wilder, Leonard S. Carter, James K. Welden, Erastus C. Delavan, William F. Van Cleve, Clark Z. Otis and Charles S. Case. Nothing, however, was done until 1886, when a public announcement in the Daily Republican requested all persons interested in the advance- ment of the Episcopal church to meet at the residence of John Ray Clarke on the evening of March 6. This call was signed by John Ray Clarke, James K. Welden, John Anderson and Moses Stoppard. At the meeting it was determined to form a new parish and erect a church edifice as soon as possible. A lot at the corner of Main and Oak streets was given by John Ray Clarke and Mr. Welden, and on May 12 the following wardens and vestrymen were elected: Wardens, John Ray Clarke and John Anderson; vestrymen, James K. Welden, Byron Marks, Moses Stoppard, Charles M. Stone, Erastus C. Delavan, Stephen B. Drass, C. L. Ford and William F. Van Cleve. On May 13, 1886, articles of incorporation were filed in the Broome county clerk's ofBce. A call was issued to Rev. H. Sidney Cooke to become rector of the church, and arrangements were made to hold cot- tage services until a church edifice should be completed. The edifice, however, was soon built, and the first service was held therein on Whit- Sunday, June 13, 1886. In the course of the next few years the membership and congrega- tions increased rapidly and a larger house of worship was necessary. Mrs. Elizabeth Clarke, widow of John Ray Clarke, one of the founders of the church, gave the sum of $25,000 toward the building fund, and it was thereupon decided to build the edifice as a memorial church. Other contributions were large and were freely given, and in the early spring of 1895 work was begun. The corner stone of the church was laid by Bishop Huntington, May 22, 1895, but the work of construction required nearly two years time. Trinity Memorial is one of the most modern and attractive church edifices in the city. It is built of Oxford blue stone, from the famous GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 523 Clarke quarries, and in style of architecture is purely gothic both in exterior and interior finish. It cost $60,000. The large window in the front of the church is a memorial to the late James K. Welden by his family. Mrs . Jane G. Hyde and daughter gave a window in memory of the late Henry M. Hyde. Mrs. H. Clay Preston gave a window in honor of Mrs. Ida Morrison Jones. Mrs. Charles Purdy gave a window in memory of her child. The altar was given by Robert H. Rose ; the altar cross by Mr. and Mrs. William Clarke; the brass pulpit by Mrs. John Ray Clarke and Mrs. Charles M. Stone in memory of John Ray Clarke; the lecturn by H. Austin Bump in memory of Mrs. Lizzie Marks Bump; the Bible by Mr. Bump in memory of the late Byron Marks; the litany desk by Mrs. Robert H. Rose, and the litany book by Miss Marion Rose; the bap- tismal font by Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Stone; the ewer and stand by Miss Fannie Lewis; the processional cross by Craig Rose; the burse, chalice, veil and white vestal stole by Mrs. Charles S. Case; the cre- dence table by H. Austin Bump in memory of Mrs. Byron Marks; the altar desk by the congregation in memory of the first rector. Rev. H. Sidney Cooke; and the altar rail by the congregation in memory of the second rector, Rev. W. Henry Piatt. Trinity Memorial church has 617 communicating members. The succession of rectors is as follows: Rev. H. Sidney Cooke, May 1,1886 (died March 27, 1890); Rev. W. Henry Piatt, June 15, 1890 (died May 24, 1893); Rev. J. H. La Roche, November, 1898 (the pres- ent rector). The church officers are Rev. James H. La Roche, rector; John An- derson and Moses Stoppard, wardens; Stephen B. Brass, Robert H. Rose, Charles M. Stone, Erastus C. Delavan, M. S. Squires, Austin S. Bump, Wm. H. Hoerrner and Benj. F. Welden, vestrymen. PRESBYTERIAN. The First Church.^ — As early as 1810, and from that time to about 1816, Presbyterian missionaries and laborers from the east conducted religious services in Chenango Point, holding meetings in the old frame court house that stood on the corner of the square. At a meeting held October 22, 1816, for the purpose of forming a religious corporation, William Van Name and Horace Williston were appointed to preside at an election of trustees. The trustees then chosen were Stephen Weed, ' Compiled largely from the church manual of 1895. 524 _ BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Jonathan Ogden, Jonathan Thomas, Benjamin Sawtell, Ebenezer Whit- ney and Horace Williston, who, under the certificate of the presiding officers, were declared "forever to be known as the trustees of the Presbyterian society of the town of Chenango." Notwithstanding this action it is understood that the formal church organization was not effected until November 17, 1817, when Revs. Ebenezer Kingsbury and Joseph Wood were present as officiating clergymen. The original members constituting the church were Jesse Hiads, Jonathan Ogden, John McKinney, Ruth Sedgwick, Mary Whit- ing, Martha Hinds, Julia Weed, Louisa Ely, Eliza Smith, Mary Whit- more, Hannah Whitney, Tryphena Sabin, Pruda Woodruff, Anastasia Ogden, Mary McKinney, Lucy Edwards, Cornelia Edwards, Mary Elizabeth Whiting, Sally Hosford and Elizabeth Manning. Rev. Benjamin Niles was elected the first pastor of the new church, and was ordained and installed in September, 1818. The church adopted at first the Congregational form of government, and John Mc- Kinney and Samuel Stow were elected deacons. At a meeting held June 12, 1820, the form of church government was changed from Con- gregational to Presbyterian polity, and soon after 1821 the church was received into the Tioga Presbytery. The first ruling elders were Samuel Stow, John McKinney and Josiah West. The church steadily increased in membership, and in 1819, on the site of the present church edifice on Chenango street was erected the first house of worship, a frame structure, 40x40 feet in dimensions. In 1843 it became necessary to enlarge the edifice, and again in 1848 its seating capacity was increased. At the annual society meeting in 1860 it was voted to erect a new house of worship. The work was at once begun and in two years the new sanctuary was completed. It was of brick, in Romanesque style, eighty feet wide and 130 feet long, and was de- signed to seat 1,200 persons. Sunday, March 13, 1802, was appointed as the dedication day of the new edifice, but on the night before the anticipated event, about 10 o'clock, an alarm of fire was heard through the village, and on Sunday morning the new Presbyterian church was in ashes. It was a staggering blow and men's hearts failed for the mo- ment; but the children began to act while the men paused, and soon throughout the entire congregation was kindled a greater fire of devo- tion and energy which ceased not to burn until the ruined structure was rebuilt and dedicated April 26, 18G3. In 1870 was erected the spacious chapel, containing lecture and Sunday school rooms, parlors and other GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 535 conveniences for the greater usefulness of the church. In 1885, and again about ten years later the main edifice was improved and beau- tified. The First Presbyterian church has the honor of having been a fruit- ful mother of churches. The Presbyterian church of Castle Creek, or- ganized in ISo-l; the Congregational church of this city, organized in 1836; the North Presbyterian church, organized in 1870; the West Presbyterian church, organized in 1873, and the Immanuel Presbyterian church, organized in 1897, were all offshoots or colonies from the mother church. The church has now a membership of 1,057 persons and ranks as the nineteenth church in numbers in connection with the general assembly in this country. The church is organized with nine elders and twelve deacons; operates two Sunday schools and one industrial school; has two Women's Missionary societies, two Young Ladies' Missionary societies, one Christian Endeavor society, one Junior Christian Endeav- or society and a Brotherhood of Andrew and Philip. The following is a complete list of the installed pastors of the church from the time of its organization: Rev. Benjamin Niles, March, 1818, to the time of his death, July, 1828; Rev. Peter Lockwood, November, 1827, to April, 1833; Rev. Lewis D. Howell, August, 1833, to September, 1834; Rev. John A Nash, February, 1836, to April, 1838; Rev. David D. Gregory, Sep- tember, 1839, to June, 1848; Rev, John Humphrey, October, 1848, to April, 1854; Rev. William H Goodrich, D. D., December, 1854, to January, 1858; Rev. George Nye Boardman, D. D., November, 1859, to April, 1871; Rev. John P. Gulliver, D. D., November, 1872, to January, 1879; Rev. Gideon Parsons Nichols, D. D., November, 1881, to — (the present pastor). An interesting event in connection with the recent history of the church was the unveiling of two memorial tablets on November 25, 1897, the eightieth anniversary of the organization of the church. One of the tablets was erected as a memorial to the founders of the church, the gift of their descendants, and the other to the pastors of the church whose life work is closed, the gift of generous members of the con- gregation. The unveiling was accompanied with appropriate services, the speakers of the occasion being the pastor, Dr. Nichols, Dr. John Gay Orton, John B. Van Name and Major Edward P. McKinney. The present ofificiary of the church is as follows: Elders, John B. 526 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, Van Name, Burritt Brown, Orson Britton, William N. Wilson, Charles W. Loomis, S. Mills Ely, David H. Carver, W. Scott Brandt and George J. Michaelbach; deacons, Joseph W. Brown, Edward F. Leigh- ton, John Leverett, Moses D. Monroe, W. Conger Smith, Clinton F. McHenry, Harden W. Sykes, Samuel N. Thatcher, John R. Clements, Edward P. McKinney, John O. Porter and Daniel N. Bodle. The trustees of the society are Alonzo C. Matthews, Edward P. Smith, John B. Van Name, Charles A. Weed, Asa R. Tweedy and John Bayless. North Presbyterian Church.' — On July 19, 1869, the North Presby- terian society was organized in the session room of the First Presby- terian church. On August 3, following, it was resolved to build a brick chapel on the lot at the corner of Munsell and Chenango streets, and on February 13, 1870, the chapel was dedicated. On February 23, of the same year, the society voted to call and settle as pastor Charles P. Coit, who was then a student in Auburn Theological seminary. This proceeding was unusual as a pastor was called when no church in fact existed; but the situation gave no trouble and the next steps proceeded in regular order. On April 6, 1870, it was resolved to organize a church and applica- tion was accordingly made to the Presbytery of Tioga sitting at Union, April 13. The Presbytery acceded to the request, and a committee ap- pointed by that body met in the chapel on Sunday afternoon, April 17, 1870, and organized 41 persons from the First Presbyterian church, 8 from other churches, and one by profession of faith — a total of 50 — into the North Presbyterian church of Binghamton. On May 8, Mr. Coit began his work with the church, and on Tuesday, June 28, he was or- dained and installed as pastor. In this connection it is interesting to note that while the church was organized by the Presbytery of Tioga, the ordination and installation were by the Presbytery of Binghamton. At that time the old and new schools of the Presbyterian church had just been united and, following out the plans of reorganization adopted by the joint assembly and the synods, several presbyteries, and some scattered churches with their pastors, were brought together to constitute the Presbytery of Bing- hamton. That presbytery was organized in the chapel of the North church on the day on which the ordination ceremony above mentioned was performed. • Compiled from the Church Manual. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 537 From the beginning the church has possessed a vigorous life. Dur- ing the pastorate of Mr. Coit, 125 members were added to the church, while the Sunday school and benevolent operations were systematically arranged and carried forward. Mr. Coit's pastorate continued until July 1, 1874. The second pastorate, that of Rev. John McVey, the present pastor of the church, began officially March 1, 1875. During this period of more than twenty- five years, the North church has witnessed its great- est growth and prosperity, and the membership has increased to a total of 423. On January 26, 1875, Dr. McVey was called, and he entered upon his labors March 1, following. "For more than twenty-five years," says the report of the session, "he has been the shepherd of this flock, and in the hearts of old and young there has grown up for him a strong love. He has faithfully declared unto us the counsel of God and has worked earnestly for our salvation and advancement. He has fulfilled the scriptural injunction to 'rejoice with them that do re- joice, and weep with them that weep.' Many happy occasions have been made brighter by his presence, and in time of trouble many aching hearts have been comforted by his tender sympathy and helpful coun- sel. Much of our solidity and prosperity as a church is due to his wise judgment and untiring efforts." It was early proposed to erect a church edifice in addition to the chapel, and while the subject was under serious consideration about 1875, it was not until nearly ten years afterward that the work was ac- complished. Ground was broken for the new structure on October 15, 1884; the first stone was laid November 7, and the foundation walls were finished December 11, 1884, the corner stone was laid May 12, 1885; the building was completed in January, 1886, and on the evening of January 19 the services of dedication were held. Rev. Dr. John Hall, of New York, preaching the sermon. During the period of its history the following persons have served as elders of the church : Dr. Edward I. Ford, Joel W. Scott, V. W. Bay- less, Samuel N. Thatcher, F. A. Hoag, F. G. Niles, William Scott, M. L. Jones, R. J. Bates, Wm. Pugsley, O. A. Kilmer, A. A. Kilmer, Wm. S. Beals, Lemuel Harding, Charles F. Anderson and Wm. H. Cannon. The present deacons are G. A, Goodnough, James O. Carmichael, George J. Dunckell, J. Harry Underwood, Edward Martin, Emerson F. Smith. The trustees of the society are Elbert A. Beman, Benjamin H. Nel- 528 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. son, A. L. Davis (now desceased), J. M. Kilmer, Wm. H. Cannon, John Colsten, John B. Jameson, George W. Gale and Watts C. Bates. West Presbyteria7i Church^ — About the year 1860 or 1861, near the beginning of Dr. Boardman's pastorate in the first Presbyterian church, and about ten years previous to the organization of the North church, a movement was set on foot to establish a second Presbyterian church, to be located west of the Chenango river. Prominent citizens then having their residence on the west side of the river took an active in- terest in the project and the sum of $10,000 or $12,000 was subscribed as a building fund. But the enterprise, v/hich from the first had met with little favor on the part of a majority of members of the mother church, was finally abandoned when, in March, 1862, the new edifice of the First church was destroyed by fire. This calamity was felt as a common loss and seemed to call loudly for all the members in sustain- ing the burden of rebuilding. The movers of the new enterprise were constrained to bestow all their means and energies upon the erection of the present edifice of the parent church; and thus the project of a sec- ond Presbyterian church was for the time relinquished. In 1863, the Congregational society having sold the old house of wor- ship on Chenango street, secured their present church site at the corner of Main and Front streets, built a chapel and located on the west side of the Chenango. This action for a long time kept at rest all thought of establishing another kindred organization in the western part of the village; and for ten years following (and those years of Binghamton's most rapid increase in population up to that time) the First Congre- gational society enjoyed the sole occupancy of the field. Meanwhile the North church had been formed in April, 1870. However, early in 1871 it was felt that the time had arrived to move in the matter of the formation of a third society. The movement assumed definite shape on May 29 of that year, when the first preliminary meeting was held; and at a subsequent meeting — June 5 — it was resolved "that we now proceed to the formation of a third Presbyterian society in Bingham- ton." On June 28 at a public meeting, called regularly and legally, the West Presbyterian society was formally organized, and a board of trustees was elected. The first board comprised M. L. Barnes, George W. Burbank, Ephriam F. Matthews, E. B. Barnes, J. H. Christopher and E. W. Evans. On July 21 the trustees purchased land on North street and after- • From historical sketch prepared by the pastor, and from original data. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 529 ward increased its area by the acquisition of adjoining lots. On Janu- ary 21, 1872, a building committee comprising James W. Manier, Mor- gan L. Barnes and George W. Burbank was appointed, and in August following the foundation of a large brick chapel was laid. The build- ing was completed during the succeeding fall and winter, and on Janu- ary 16, 1873, the formal dedicatory services were held, the sermon be- ing delivered by Dr. Gulliver of the First church, while in the other exercises of the occasion the officiating clergymen were Rev. Charles P. Coit of the North church, Dr. Lyman Wright of the First Baptist church. Rev. D. D. Gregory, Dr. Edward Taylor, Rev. Sabin McKinney and others. In the meantime, however, and in November, 1872, Rev. Samuel Dun- ham of Norwalk, Conn., was invited to the city with a view to accepting the pastorate of the new church. A formal call was tendered him No- vember 24, 1872, and on November 29 the call was accepted. The first Sabbath service was held January 19, 1873, and on the same day the Sunday school was organized under the superintendence of Dr. George F. Hand. On February 12 the church was formally recognized by the Presbytery of Binghamton, at which time also Isaac A. Finney, Morgan L. Barnes and George W. Burbank were chosen elders, and E. F. Mat- thews, E. B. Barnes and James W. Manier, deacons. The original members numbered sixty-five persons, of whom fifty-three came from the mother church, eleven by letter from other churches and one on profession of faith. Rev. Samuel Dunham was installed pastor of the church April 24, 1873, and that pastorate has not yet ended. Indeed, throughout all these years of building up and continued growth he has been a part of the spiritual and material life of the church. His life and works and the history of the church are so closely interwoven that to separate them is well-nigh impossible. Under his counsel and leadership the debt that once threatened disaster was removed, and in 1885-86 material additions were made to the edifice at a total cost of about $8,500. On March 23, 1886, the church was rededicated and at once entered upon a new era of usefulness and prosperity and influence in the city. Soon after that event the pastor tendered his resignation, feeling that per- haps the best interests of the church would be advanced by such a course, but at the earnest entreaty of the entire congregation, and the request of many prominent members of other churches, the resigna- tion was recalled. 34 530 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT. On April 24, 1898, the West Presbyterian church celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of Mr. Dunham's installation in the pastorate. At that time the total membership was 755, or a gain of 690 over the original number of members. At that time, too, the church and congregation had outgrown the seating capacity of the edifice on North street, and a new, larger and more modern house of worship became a necessity. To accomplish this work pastor and members alike bent their energies and success rewarded their efforts. It was soon deter- mined to purchase the residence property of the late Judge Edwards at the corner of Main and Walnut streets, which was accordingly done at an expense of $20,000. During the spring and summer of 1899 a beau- tiful church edifice was erected at an additional expense (including the organ) of about $30,000, The edifice was dedicated, free from debt, October 16, 1899. The new structure is one of the most complete, attractive and con- venient buildings of its kind in the city, and is in every way a model of architectural skill and faithful mechanical construction. Indeed it is, and for long years to come will remain, a fitting tribute to the memory of her in whose honor it is erected — Mrs. Sarah M. Dunham, wife of the first pastor. The edifice abounds in memorial windows, the gifts of loving relatives, but among them all the most elegant is that given by a few personal friends of Mr. and Mrs. Dunham in memory of Mrs. Dunham and children. In the auditorium and galleries proper is a seating capacity for about 1,000 persons, and by throwing open a series of nicely adjusted sliding doors additional floor and gallery space is available for about 500 more sittings. Such is a brief outline history of the West Presbyterian church of Binghamton. Of the original members the names of thirty-one are still on the church roll; twenty-four have been taken away by death, and ten by letters of dismission. The present officiary of the church is as follows: Rev. Samuel Dun- ham, pastor; George W, Burbank, Dr. George F. Hand, Harvey J, Gaylord, Willard L. Bundy, Nathaniel D. Musson, Burtis J. Bayless and Vinton S. Paessler, elders; ' William T. Haney, Frank Snyder, Dr. Herbert D. Whitmarsh, Louis A. Osgood, Carlton E. Hathaway and Clarence E. Terrill, deacons. The trustees of the society are Dr. H.D. Whitmarsh, W. L. Bundy, C. F. Peck, L. A. Osgood, C. E. Hathaway and Charles A. Ball. •James M. Stone and Obadiah Z. Brown, former elders, died in 1899, hence the eldership has two vacancies. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 531 Ross Memorial Presbyterian Church. — Previous to the organization of a church society in the south part of the city a district school house stood near the present entrance to Ross park. In this school house Sunday school and prayer meeting services were frequently held by residents of the neighborhood; but in a short time the lands in this vicinity were included within the corporation limits and the title to the school property passed by purchase to the city. About the same time, or in 1876, the brick church edifice on Corbett avenue was erected by Erastus Ross, as a memorial to his mother. The corner stone was laid August 12, by Rev. vSamuel Dunham, assisted by Rev. Lyman Wright,- D.D., Rev. Dr. Z. Paddock and Rev. Albert Snashall. The edifice was completed and formally dedicated on Tuesday, August 8, 1877, Rev. Samuel Dunham officiating. On December 7, 1879, a church with seventeen constituent members was organized in the new house of worship, and was named " Ross Me- morial Presbyterian church." Dr. McVey, of the North church, or- dained the ruling elders, who were John Patterson, William D. Wil- marth and Alexander Woolsey. In 1892 Mr. Ross conveyed the prop- erty to the Presbytery of Binghamton. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Robert A. Clarke, who served in that capacity from 1879 to 1882. For the next four years the church was without a pastoral head, but the pulpit was generally supplied dur- ing the period. Rev. Reuben N. Ives was pastor from 1886 to 1891. Revs. Martin A. Dunham and Edward W. Lake next supplied the church a short time, and in July, 1892, Rev. Daniel N. Grummon, the present pastor, began the work which has resulted in much benefit both to the church and also to the city at large. The present membership, as reported to the last general assembly, is 109 persons. The ruling elders are George N. Arnold, John Parker, Albert J. Rush, Grant Sul- livan and William Van Vorce. The Sunday school at first was under the superintendence of Truman I. Lacy, who was followed by John Patterson. For a time the school was conducted by Albert Brown, of the First Presbyterian church, who was assisted by a corps of teachers from the same parent body until it was sufficiently strong to furnish its own officers and teachers. About 150 pupils are now enrolled with about sixty additional in the home department. The trustees of the society are Edwin Benn, Edward Marshall and Frederick L. Stone. Floral Avenue Church.— The Floral Avenue Presbyterian chapel was 532 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, built by the Presbyterian Union of the city and was dedicated Sunday, October 18, 1891. On May 22, 1892, the Presbytery of Binghamton met in the chapel and organized a church of forty-four members, with Rev. T. C. Miller as pastor. The second pastor was Rev. Robert C. Bryant, who was ordained and installed June 4, 1895, and continued in the pastorate until December 31, 1898. The third pastor was Rev. Charles Edward Fay, whose official connection with the church began January 1, 1899. The present membership is about 100 persons. The officers of the church are Rev. C. E. Fay, pastor; George M. T. Johnson, W. H. Preston and C. T. Dickson, elders; Fred. Foster, M. C. Prentice and C. S. Houk, deacons. The trustees of the society are G. D. Foster, T. R. Hollister, M. C. Prentice, Daniel Tripp and C. T. Dickson. Broad Avenue Chiircli. — In May, 1890, a Union of the Presbyterian churches of the city was formed for the purpose of establishing Sunday schools, and thus lay the foundations for future churches in unsupplied portions of the city. In accordance with this movement the Broad Avenue chapel was built in 1891, and was dedicated in November of that year. The Sunday school was continued until May 29, 1894, when a church organization with twenty seven members was formed. The first pastor of the church (still serving) was Rev. Frederick Perkins. The present membership is 128. The elders are J. D. Beebe, R. J. Jump, F. A. Smith, G. B. Perkins and J. G. Spier. Imnianuel Presbyterian Church. — The Sunday school in which Im- manuel church had its inception, was organized November 20, 1881, and took the name of Mersereau School House Sunday school in allu- sion to the fact that it was started on Bevier street, in the Mersereau neighborhood. The Sunday school, which was a mission of the First Presbyterian church, was organized by Miss Cora Conklin (now Mrs. O. E. Flint). Ensign Conklin was elected superintendent at the meet- ing held the week after organization, and ten classes were formed. George Johnson was chosen superintendent, March 18, 1882, and F. A. Hoag six months later. George J. Michelbach was chosen superintend- ent December 12, 1884. With the aid of the First Presbyterian church congregation, which contributed ^1,000 for the purpose, a lot was purchased, and in Decem- ber, 1889, the chapel building on upper Chenango street was dedicated. At the suggestion of Dr. Nichols, of the mother church, the name " Immanuel chapel" was taken. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 533 Immanuel Presbyterian church was organized June 15, 1897, with eig-hty-eight constituent members, of which number eighty came from the parent church. The present membership is 101. The church has been under the pastoral care of Rev. John McLachlan, formerly assist- ant pastor to Dr. Nichols, and who began conducting preaching services in the chapel in 1894. The elders of the church have been Dr. William T. Bailey, Silas E. Washburne, George J. Michelbach. The deacons have been John D. Davidson, Carroll E. Erskine, Theodore P. Gillespie. The trustees have been George J. Michelbach, Herbert Wells, John D. Davidson, Horace Smith, William Hazen, John Corwin, Silas Corwin, Herbert Wells. METHODIST EPISCOPAL. Among the early settlers in the village of Binghamton was a handful of devoted Methodists who frequently met together to worship accord- ing to the teachings of their own church, while occasionally a circuit preacher came into the locality to exhort them to be firm in their faith. As early as 181i these meetings began to take definite form and a so- ciety was organized. Two years later, in 1816, a church was organized with a membership of six persons. They were Joseph Manning and his wife and daughter, Selah P. Rood, and Peter Wentz and his wife. The seed of Methodism was thus planted in fertile ground in the vil- lage; and it soon took root and grew into the outspreading Methodist tree of the present day. After the society had been formed meetings were held in the court house about five or six years, and during this period the members were striving for a still more perfect organization and also for the erection of a meeting house. To this end, and in order to acquire and hold property, the society was incorporated. This action was taken at a meeting of the members held at the house of Nicanor Munson on March 1, 1819. The society then took the name of "The First Methodist Episcopal church in the towns of Chenango and Union, in the county of Broome." The first trustees were Ely Osborn, Nica- nor Munson, Charles Stone, Samuel Crocker, Isaac Turner, Isaac Page and Gaylord Judd. This incorporation, however, appears not to have been permanent, as at a subsequent meeting, held November 26, 1821, in the village school house a reorganization was eflfected under the name of the *' First Society of the Methodist Episcopal church in Binghamton." At 634 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, that time the meeting was presided over by Selah Payne and Moses Dyer. The trustees chosen were Ely Osborn, Isaac Page, Moses Dyer, Jonah Musphrat, Selah Payne, John Whitham and Charles Stone. A second reorganization was effected in 1823, at a meeting held in the chapel on Henry street, at which time the society became a body cor- porate under the name of the "Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Binghamton." The trustees chosen on this occasion were Nathaniel Lewis, David Bartow, Ely Osborn, Peter Wentz, John Whit- ham, Isaac Page and Moses Dyer. In the meantime, in 1822, the society purchased the frame church edifice previously occupied by the Protestant Episcopal society, and re- moved the structure from its location on Academy (now Washington) street to a lot on Henry street, on the site where now stands the Re- publican building. The land was donated to the society by General Whitney. At this time and during all the years previous to 1832, Bing- hamton formed a part of the circuit of the M. E. church, and was regularly supplied with circuit preachers. The village church was made a separate charge in 1832 and was afterward furnished with a resident minister. For a period of eight years after Binghamton was made a separate charge the society enjoyed a healthful growth and increased in mem- bership and influence in the village; but in 1840 a number of dissent- ers severed their connection with the mother church and organized *' The Methodist Protestant church in Binghamton." This society was incorporated August 31, of the year mentioned, at a meeting presided over by Daniel Lewis and Ezra Congdon. The first trustees were Bar- zilla Marvin, John D. Smith, Ezra Bennett, Roger W. Hinds aud Na- than S. Davis. A lot at the corner of Court and Carroll streets was secured and a meeting house was built thereon in 1840-41. After about ten years of vicissitudes the Methodist Protestant society ceased to exist, many of its members returning to the parent church while others found their way into other evangelical churches of the village. The Second Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Binghamton was formed in 1851, and was an offshoot from the church on Henry street. As originally constituted the new church membership num- bered about one third of the strength of the older body, yet during the next ten years, the period of its separate existence, the number was increased to about 300 persons. Soon after its organization the second GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 535 society purchased the meeting house formerly occupied by the Meth- odist Protestants, but after the churches were united the building was used by the Free Methodists. The Centenary Cknrch.—ln 1805, during Rev. Thomas H. Pearne's pastorate in the mother church, a reunion of the Methodist Episcopal societies was accomplished. That year was the centennial of Method- ism in America, and in allusion to the event the consolidated church adopted the name of " Centenary Church." During the period of its history the pastors of the Second M. E. church were as follows: George P. Porter, 1851; Horatio R. Clarke, 1852; Epenetus Owen, 1853-54; B.W. Gorham, 1855; Peter S. Worden, 1856; Horatio R. Clarke, 1857; John A. Wood, 1858-59: B. W. Gorham, 1860; D. C. Olmsted, 1861-62; Peter S. Worden, 1863; George N.Blakes- lee, 1864. The Centenary Church. — In 1865, during the pastorate of Rev. Thomas H. Pearne, the members of the First and Second Methodist Episcopal societies were persuaded that the best interests of both organizations would be advanced by a union of the churches. The pastor and the leading members of his flock labored earnestly to this end, but before his work was fully completed Mr. Pearne was called from the city and Dr. Bristol succeeded to his position. The consolidated churches then numbered 4,000 members and the erection of a new and larger edifice became a necessity. A lot was purchased at the corner of Court and Cedar (as then known) streets and in 1866 the corner stone of the new edifice was laid. The structure was finished in 1868, and was one of the largest and most imposing buildings of its kind in the city. It is constructed of brick, with Onondaga limestone trimmings. Its total cost was about $65,000; the property, including parsonage, is now esti- mated to be worth not less than $100,000. The Centenary church indeed has been a mother of churches in the city, its direct offshoots having been the Tabernacle church in 1872, High street in 1873, Chenango street in 1880, and Fairview in 1897. The branches of the Tabernacle church, hence indirect offshoots from the parent body, have been the Oak street church, 1884, and the Clin- ton street and Lestershire churches, both of which were formed in 1891. Notwithstanding the fact that seven separate societies have grown out of the mother church the latter now has a membership of 850 per- sons, hence is one of the strongest religious corporations in the city. Its growth ever has been healthful, steady and permanent. Its list of 536 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, pastors, beginning with the little struggling society of 1816 and follow- ing down through the later years of the century to the consolidation of the two churches, and thence to the present time forms an unbroken chain as well as an interesting element of the history of the church. The succession is as follows: Revs. Ebenezer Doolittle, 1816; John Arnold, 1817; H. G. Warner, 1818; Wm. Lull, 1819; Horace Agard, 1830; John Sayer, 1821; Solon Stocking, 1822; Gaylord Judd, 1823; Philo Barbery, 18M; Benjamin Shipman, 1825; H. Cushman, 1826; George Evans, 1827; Philo Bar- bery and Benjamin Shipman, 1828; Benj. Shipman and Daniel Torrey, 1829; Silas Comfort and M. K. Cushman, 1830; Silas Comfort and Nel- son Rounds, 1831; D. A. Shepard, 1832-33; J. S. Mitchell, 1834-35; Hanford Colburn, 1836; H. F. Rowe, 1837; Robert Fox, 1838; Joseph Cross, 1839; William H. Pearne, 1840; Freeman H. Stanton, 1841-42; Abel Barker, 1843-44; Thomas H. Pearne, 1845-46; A. J. Dana, 1847; Zachariah Paddock, 1848-49; Wm. H. Pearne, 1850-51; B. W. Gorham, 1852; J. W. Davidson, 1853; D. A. Shepard, 1854-55; A. P. Mead, 1856-57; T. D. Walker. 1858-59; Z. Paddock and E. Owen, 1860; Z. Paddock, 1861; W. Wyatt, 1862; W. B. Westlake, 1863-64; Thomas H. Pearne, 1865; D. W. Bristol, 1866-67; J. D. Adams, 1868; William H. Olin, 1869-71; L. C. Floyd, 1872-74; Austin Griffin, 1875-77; I. T. Walker, 1878-80; Wm. H. Olin, 1881-83; O. W. Scott, 1884-85; Man- ley S. Hard, 1886-90; G. M. Colville, 1891-93; John H. Race, 1893-97; Henry Tuckley, D. D., 1898-99 (the present pastor). The official members of the Centenary church are as follows: Rev. Henry Tuckley, D.D., pastor; Revs. Wells and Luce, retired ministers; Lowell Harding and E. R. Dean, local preachers; E. R. Dean, Albert Knapp, Dr. J. M. Farrington, J. L. Terwilliger, John Attridge, F. M. Leonard and W. R. Alexander, class leaders; J. W. Ballard, J. J. Jay- cox, George H. Buck, Prof. C. F. Norton, D. W. Chubbuck, Dr. John F. Place, A. J. Dibble, J. C. Hanley, W. J. Haskin, T. W. Russell, H. Tayntor, George N. Cobb and Fred J. Mable, stewards. The trustees of the society are William H. Stilwell, John J. McEl- roy, Leander Davis, Ely O. Everts, R. M. Hays, M. C. Craven A. H. Leet, D. G. Mulford and Charles R. Williams. The Tabernacle Church. — The Tabernacle M. E. church was a direct offshoot from the Centenary church, and had its origin in meetings held in the Riverside seminary building on the west side of Front street in 1871 and '72, during the closing years of Dr. Olin's pastorate and GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 537 the beginning of Elder Floyd's in the mother church. As soon as pos- sible the new society procured a lot at the corner of Main and Arthur streets and built thereon a small, plain, yet comfortable house of wor- ship. The formal organization was perfected April 4, 1873, when 185 members of the parent church withdrew to unite with the new society. Rev. L. C. Floyd, pastor of the Centenary church, was an active factor in organizing the new society. The pulpit was supplied until 1873, when Rev. A. D. Alexander became pastor of the Tabernacle church. In- less than ten years the growth of the new church was such that it became necessary to provide a new and much larger house of worship than the wooden structure previously occupied, hence in 1883 the pres- ent edifice was built. At the time it was regarded as one of the model church edifices in the city, and indeed it is now one of the most attract- ive houses of worship. But the most remarkable event in connection with the history of the Tabernacle church has been its growth in mem- bership and the influence for good it has exercised in the western part of the city. In the twenty-five years of its existence the church has in- creased from an original membership of 185 to a present total of seven hundred, and during the same period it also contributed largely to the strength of the Oak street, the Clinton street and to the Lestershire churches, all of which were direct offshoots from the Tabernacle as a mother church. The succession of pastors of the church is as follows; Revs. A. D. Alexander, 1873-76; Thomas Harroun, 1870-79; J. B. Sumner, 1879- 82; E. W. Caswell, 1882-84; A. L. Smalley, 1884-86; G. M. Colville, 1886-91 ; Austin Grififin, 1891-94; Edwin B. Olmsted, 1894-99; Addison Wilbur Hayes, 1899. The present officers of the church are Rev. A. W. Hayes, pastor; Conrad Klee and H. W. Bennett, class leaders. The trustees are N. H. Bump, A. W. Clinton, C. L. Gardner, G. S. Humphrey, Conrad Klee, W. M. McLean, Charles H. Niven, Harry C. Perkins and William J. Welsh. President of the board of trustees, W. M. McLean, vice-president of the official board, W. J. Welsh. High Street Church.— T\iQ High street M. E. church was directly set off from the Centenary church in 1873 by Rev. L. C. Floyd, the veteran organizer and builder up of churches in the Wyoming conference. The first house of worship was built in 1873, and was located near the south end of High street. But this church, like the Tabernacle, enjoyed a remarkable growth during the early years of its history, and in 1890 538 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, the society built a new and larger house of worship on land at the cor- ner of High street and Vestal avenue. It has a seating capacity for 500 persons. The church membership is nearly 450. The succession of pastors is as follows: Revs. Joseph Hartwell, 1873-76; J. B. Sumner, 1876-79; A. D. Alexander, 1879-82; W. J. Judd, 1882-85; O. L. Severson, 1885-88; W. L. Thorp, 1888-89; John Bradshaw, 1889-94; William G. Simpson, 1894-95; T. F. Hall, 1895- 98; Henry H. Dresser, 1898. The officers of the church are Rev. H. H. Dresser, pastor; William Harris, Wm. A. Bullis and D. R. Pike, class leaders. The society trustees are F. Ball, E. E. Spoor, Harvey Jobson, I. N. Wilcox, Bert Stiles, Wm. A. Bullis, G. A. Everett, F. W. Powers and W. S. Rob- inson. Chenango Street CJinrch. — This church was organized from the Cen- tenary parent church in 1880, by Rev. L. C. Floyd, and was the second religious society to gain a foothold north of the railroads in the city. The brick house of worship was erected soon after the organization was perfected, and cost $4,600. The original members of the church num- bered about 100; the present membership is 360. Thus is indicated a steady and permanent growth. The succession of pastors is as follows: Revs. A. Brooks, 1880-81; M. E. Bramhall, 1881-82; A. D. Alexander, 1882-85; W. B. Kinney, 1885-86; E. L. Bennett, 1886-91; W. J. Hill, 1891-94; John A. Faulk- ner, 1894-97; John F. Jones, 1897-98; I. N. Shipman, 1898—. The officers of the church are Rev. I. N. Shipman, pastor; E. O. Fuller, class leader. The trustees of the society are Marcus W. Scott, Adelbert Coffin, John E. Wentz, C. D. French, Edwin Benedict, Ira Decker, Arthur G. Wilson and P. M. Hummell. Oak Street Church. — An Oak street M. E. mission was established in 1884, during Dr. Olin's time as presiding elder, but it was not until April, 1894, that the church was separately organized and made a dis- tinct charge under the pastoral care of Rev. W. R. Turner. A com- fortable house of worship was built and the church gradually increased in numbers and usefulness. Its present membership is 205. The pastors have been as follows: Revs. W. R. Turner, 1894-96; Charles Smith, 1896-99; J. B. Sumner, 1899-, the present pastor. Clinton Street Church. — In 1890 Lestershire and Clinton street were made a joint charge under the pastorate of Rev. L. B. Weeks. The M. E. churches at the places mentioned were established at that time, and GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 539 houses of worship were provided for each body. In 1891 the charges were separated and Mr. Weeks became pastor of the Clinton street so- ciety. Both churches, however, were offshoots from the Tabernacle church. The present membership of the Clinton street church is 181 persons. The pastors of the church have been as follows: Revs. L. B. Weeks, 1890-92; J. W. Mevis, 1892-93; J. W. Nicholson, 1893-97; A. D. Decker, 1897 — the present pastor. Fairviezv ClmrcJi. — In 1897 the Centenary church established a mis- sion and erected a house of worship in the eastern part of the city, in the locality known as Fairview. The mission was placed in charge of Rev. M. V. Williams, assistant pastor of the mother church. In 1898 Fairview was made a distinct charge under the pastoral care of Mr. Williams. The present members number 195. The officers of the church are Rev. M. V. Williams, pastor; R. H. Whiting and S. F. Jones, class leaders. BAPTIST. First Baptist Churcli. — At a meeting held at the court house on June 20, 1829, was gathered a handful of Baptist brethren who proposed to form a church society. Elder Michael Frederick was present and was chosen moderator, while Bildad Gleason was appointed '■^ dark of the day.'' Thus organized, the persons assembled proceeded to appoint a board of trustees to " manage the temporal affairs of the church" dur- ing the first year of its existence. The appointees were Abram Graves, John Congdon, Reuben Starkweather, Philander Coleand Jesse Orcutt. The foregoing data are taken from the articles of incorporation re- corded in Broome county clerk's office, June 22, 1829. By the declar- ation of the document the society became known as the "Chenango First Baptist church," and was so legally incorporated. At least ten years previous to the time indicated, and almost as far back as the day when Deacon John Congdon first came to live in the village and work for Colonel Lewis, the few Baptist families living in the vicinity were accustomed to meet for worship under his encouraging influence and direction. In 1827 an informal church organization was effected, the five original members being Deacon Congdon and his wife, his sisters Susan and Lois, and a Mrs. Kettle. This handful of devout worshipers held frequent meetings in the old Broome county court house, where the first communion was administered to twelve communicants by Elder 540 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Davis Dimmock, the first pastor of the little flock. On May 13, 1829, the church was duly recognized by the council having jurisdiction in this vicinity, and on June 20 the society was regularly incorporated under the name before mentioned — Chenango First Baptist church. From the very outset the church seemed to grow and flourish and to constantly increase in usefulness in the village; and it soon became necessary to build a suitable meeting house. Elder Frederick was hired to preach and minister to the spiritual wants of the members. He had previously served with the church at Great Bend, and was well suited to the task of building up the village church on a secure and lasting foundation. He was sent to New York and other places to secure funds with which to build a house of worship and during his absence Deacon Congdon generously provided for his family without expense to them. The deacon also gave the society a lot of land on Chenango street, whereon the first little meeting house was built, and whereon now stands the present splendid Baptist church edifice. The first building was completed in 1831, and thereafter was occupied by the society until 1870, when it was replaced by a larger and more pretentious structure. However, long before 1870 the church had increased beyond the seating capacity of the old frame meeting house, and the building was twice enlarged, first in 1844 and again in 1851. The corner stone of the first brick edifice was laid July 19, 1870, and on March 6, 1872, the com- pleted structure was dedicated with appropriate services. On January 6, 1893, the Baptist church edifice was almost wholly destroyed by fire, but with commendable zeal the members of the church and congregation set themselves about the work of restoring the lost structure. Contributions to the building fund came freely and in sums varying from five to one thousand dollars, while one subscription was for $2,500. The pastor. Rev. Benjamin J. L. Herr, was of the great- est assistance in this work, contributing his entire time and also largely of his means. On examination it was found that the walls of the burned edifice were uninjured, hence on the lines of the old structure the new one was built up. The committee charged with the duty comprised C. D. Middlebrook, chairman; Stoddard Hammond, treasurer; C.B.Good- nough, secretary; William H. Wilkinson, Charles A. Wilkinson, Wat- son Curtis and Windom H. Eastwood. The present Baptist church edifice is one of the most complete and convenient structures of its kind in the city. It has a total seating for 1,200 persons. The total church membership is 756. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 541 The pastors of the church with the years of their service, have been as follows:' Rev. Davis Dimtnock, 1836-37; Rev. Chauncey Darby, 1844-49; Rev. C. A. Fox, 1849-51; Rev. S. M. Stimson, 1851-59; Rev. William V. Gardner, 1859-64; Rev. Charles Keyser, 1864-68; Rev. Lyman Wright, D. D., 1869-80; Rev. L. M. S. Haynes, D. D.,'l880- 87; Rev. J. S. Swain, 1887-90; Rev. Benjamin L. Herr, 1890-96; Rev. John W. Phillips, D. D., April 1, 1896-99— (the present pastor.) The present deacons of the church are C. D. Middlebrook, N. H. Short (deceased), J. M. Gabriel, Stoddard Hammond, Silas C. Smith, Dexter D. Brown, William H. Wilkinson, E. H. Titchener, John A. Rider and H. C. Martin. The trustees of the society are William H. Wilkinson, C. D. Middle- brook, Stoddard Hammond, E. J. Lawrence, H. J. Rodman, E. R. Mason, Dr. I. A. Hix, E. G. Paige and W. J. Moon. Park Avenue Church. — In the spring of 1887 the First Baptist church society purchased a lot, built a chapel and established a mission Sunday school on Park avenue in the Fifth ward. In May, 1894, chiefly through the liberality of Alpheus B. and Mrs. Anna Ayers Corby, together with the earnest personal endeavor of Rev. F. J. Salmon, the mission be- came a regularly organized church society with twenty-four constituent members. In June following the mission Sunday school was discon- tinued and the Park avenue Baptist Sunday school was organized in its stead, with thirty-six members under the superintendence of Charles E. Bliss. During the five years of its history the church has increased in mem- bership to a total of 284, the present actual number being 3'^0. Twice during this period it has been found necessary to enlarge the house of worship to afford seating room for the growing congregation, and much of the credit for this gratifying condition of affairs is due to the first and only pastor — Rev. Frank J. Salmon. In the spring of 1895 Mr, and Mrs. Corby purchased a lot north of the church edifice and built there- on a comfortable parsonage. In many ways this worthy couple have worked and given for the welfare of the church, and largely through their munificence the society is free from debt. The present officers of the church are Rev. Frank J. Salmon, pastor; 'In addition to the succession of pastorates it is well to note the names of the more im- portant supply ministers who have officiated in the pulpit of the church. Among them may be mentioned the names of Jason Corwin, 1833; Henry Robertson, 1835; William Storrs, 183?; Cory- don H. Slater, 1838; Stephen Wilkins and James M. Coley, 1838; A. P. Mason, 1843; George Bal- com, 1868; J. V. Osterhout, 1879; C. B. Perkins, assosiate pastor, 1879. 542 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, A. B. Corby, W. C. Brink, Charles E. Bliss and George Stone, deacons. The trustees of the society are Albert Self, Reuben Smith, G. Arthur Adams and John F. Conner. Main Street Baptist Church. — In 1887 the First Baptist church felt the necessity of extending its denominational work, and accordingly appointed a committee to procure a desirable location for a mission. Land west of the city was purchased and a chapel building was erected thereon. It was dedicated July 1, 1888, and the mission was supplied until March, 1889, when Rev. Edward A. Johnson was engaged as offi- ciating minister. On September 3, 1889, the Memorial Baptist church was duly organized with ninety-seven members, of whom eighty -two came from the mother church. On October 3, 1889, the church was recognized, and in August, 1892, the mission chapel was removed to the corner of Main and Chestnut streets. In May, 1896, the " Memo- rial " was dropped, and the name Main street Baptist church was adopted in its stead. The church now has a membership of 225 persons, and is self-sup- porting. Pastor Johnson severed his connection with the church Janu- ary 1, 1891, and was succeeded in July following by Rev. F. A. Heath. The latter remained to August 1, 1893, and in October was followed by Rev. F. H. Cooper. The present pastor. Rev. L. M. S. Haynes, D.D., came to the church in the early part of 1899. The deacons of the church are J. Bartoo, O. P. Bradley, C. M. Brad- ley, F. L. Morton, A. F, Mann and C. M. French. The society trus- tees are A. H. Thompson, R. W. Bowen, Theo. A. White, W. F. Hulse and W. W. Whitaker. Conklin Avenue Church. — The Conklin Avenue Baptist church was organized in 1891 with an original membership of less than fifty per- sons. In the same year a house of worship was erected, with a seating capacity for about 300 persons, and at a cost of about $4,000. The present members number about 204 persons. The pastors in succession have been as follows: Rev. A. B. Mc- Lauren, 1891-92; Rev. Charles C. Maxfield, 1892-96; Rev, Depugh Griffiths, October, 1896-99. The officers of the church are Rev. Depugh Griffiths, pastor; H. C. Lacy, Charles R. Forward, George Boyce and Ernest J Merrill, dea- cons. The trustees of the society are C. H. Lacy, James E. Whitbeck, E. J. Merrill, H. P. Fancher, H. D. Richards, W. I. Mosher, Frank E. Church and Charles A. Rogfers. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 513 Calvary Baptist Chirch. — This church was the outgrowth of a series of meetings conducted by Rev. Stephen Hancock, of the Baptist church at Port Dickinson. The meetings were held in a hall on North Che- nango street and in 1893 a society organization was perfected in accord- ance with a generally expressed desire that such action be taken. Just one year later, in September, 1894, a neat frame church edifice was completed and dedicated. Its seating capacity is about 300. Mr. Hancock was called as the first pastor, and served in that capacity until June, 1898, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. T. S. Leonard. The church has a present membership of 205 persons. The deacons of the church are George Goodnough, G. E. Scudder Wylie Salisbury, Henry Hamlin, Earl A. Goodrich, Curtis C. Eggles- ton and J. W. Gurney. The trustees of the society are F. O. Merrill, Frank Stearns, Henry Hamlin, sr., N. Edgcomb, George Moffatt and Wilson Martin. CONGREGATIONAL. Tlie First Church.^ — The First Congregational church of Binghamton was organized by Rev. John Starkweather, in the old court house, Sep- tember 25, 1836, at which time nineteen persons entered into covenant. The Lord's supper was administered for the first time on the second Sabbath in November, 1836, when there was an accession of ten per- sons. On October 5, 1836, the church was incorporated under the name of "The Congregational Church and Society of the Village of Bingham- ton." This action was taken at a meeting of the " male members " of the church held in the court house (the place of worship of the society) on the date mentioned. Zenas Pratt and Hamilton Collier were chosen to preside. The trustees then elected were Stephen Weed, William H. Pratt and Zenas Pratt. The articles of incorporation were recorded October 24, 1836. Meetings were held in the court house until December 22, 1837, when a church edifice on Chenango street, a little south of the present site of the First Presbyterian church, was dedicated and occupied. The edifice was subsequently enlarged, and for more than a quarter of a century it was the center of the life of the church. Daring this period the church enjoyed the official services of eight different ministers, the last of whom was the now prominent Dr. Arthur T. Pierson, then just entering the » Compiled chiefly from the Church Manual of 1894. 544 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. ministry. The close of this period is marked by the sale of the church building in 1863, occasioned by financial embarrassment in which the society had become involved. At that time the continued existence of the church seemed almost impossible. A council of Congregational churches was called to consider the situation, with the result that it was determined to build on the west side of the Chenango river. Accord- ingly a chapel was built on the present site, and was dedicated in the autumn of 1863. In 1867 the foundations of the present church edifice were laid, and on August 17, 1869, the completed structure was dedicated with appro- priate services. The building cost more than $50,000, and was one of the largest church edifices in the city; but notwithstanding that the congregation so increased during the succeeding ten years that it be- came necessary to enlarge the seating capacity of the auditorium and also to erect a chapel building on the west end of the church edifice proper. These additions and improvements cost about $37,000. The edifice in its present form was dedicated February 24, 1885. This has always been a Congregational church, although for twelve years in its early history (1839-51) it was connected with the Presby- tery of Tioga, upon the so-called "plan of union." In September, 1851, it withdrew from that body and united with the Susquehanna as- sociation of Congregational ministers and churches, with which it still holds connection. The First Congregational church is one of the largest and most influ- ential religious bodies in the city. It began its history in 1836 with only nineteen constituent members, and notwithstanding all the embar- rassments and vicissitudes of later years, it has continued to grow in strength to a present membership of 700 persons, while the total num- ber recieved into membership exceeds 1,400 persons. The pastors of the church have been as follows: Rev. John Stark- weather, September, 183G-January, 1838; Rev. Arthur Burtis, Decem- ber, 1838-September, 1839; Rev. Samuel W. Bush, October, 1839-Feb- ruary, 1844; Rev. Samuel W. Brace, April, 1844-August, 1846; Rev. Dennis Piatt, September, 1846-November, 1852; Rev. Chester Fitch, March, 1853-February, 1858; J.D. Mitchell, December, 1858-May, 1860; Rev. Arthur T. Pierson, D.D., August, 1860-July, 1863; Rev. Horace Winslow, September, 1863-November, 1866; Rev. Edward Taylor, D.D., March, 1868-November, 1876; Rev. Eben Halley, D.D., March, 1878-October, 1886; Rev. Herman C. Riggs, D.D., December, 1886- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 545 November, 1890; Rev. William B. Thorp, October, 1891-April 14, 1899; Rev. Nacy McGee Waters, September, 17, 1899— the present pastor. The present trustees of the church are Joseph P. Noyes, chairman, Julius E. Rogers, Henry A. Goff, James W. Sturtevant, Israel T. Deyo, W. H. Parsons and W. D. Cady. Plymouth Church. — In April, 1888, Judge Edwards, of the First church, organized a branch Bible school in the upper part of the First ward, and in the same year a building was erected for it by the mother church at the corner of Lydia and Mygatt streets. On March 27, 1890, a church was regularly organized, thus showing that the seed sown by Judge Edwards fell in fertile soil. On January 21, 1892, the church removed to its present site at the corner of Oak and Lydia streets. Plymouth church has enjoyed a rapid growth and has been a great benefit to the portion of the city in which it is situated. It is not entirely self-sustaining and derives partial support from the First church. The value of church property, including parsonage, is estimated at $11,000. The present members number 340 persons. The pastors of the church have been as follows: Rev. W.H. Kephart, 1890-96, and Rev. Thomas Clayton, 1897-99, the latter being the pres- ent pastor. The deacons are James Van Valkenburgh, Alexander B. Carman, John W. Calkins, William Caldwell and Harold Wightman. The trus- tees are Wm. F, Knox, John W. Gary, Myron W. Lyons, Henry H. Cole, A. B. Carman and Jesse C. Hillis. ROMAN CATHOLIC. St. Patrick's Church. — In 1834 Rev. Dr. Hurley, a clergyman of the Roman Catholic church, visited Binghamton to perform the marriage ceremony of the daughter of General Waterman with a Catholic gentle- man. In 1835 the first Catholic family settled in Binghamton and by permission of the bishop of Philadelphia they were occasionally visited by Rev. Mr. Wainright, of Pottsville, who said masses under a canopy erected on an open lawn. Benches were placed around the canopy and the altar and were well filled with visitors of all denominations. In the course of a few years several other Catholic families moved into the village, while still others were scattered among the neighboring towns. It was then proposed, during the missionary labors of Father Wain- wright, to secure a site and erect thereon a small church edifice. 5 For 35 546 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, this purpose General Waterman offered land on Oak street and also tendered his services in raising a building fund by subscription. The lot offered was not deemed well situated for the proposed use, hence land on Le Roy street was selected. The most influental residents of the village, regardless of religious preference, contributed to the building fund, and among them may be recalled the names of General Water- man, General Whitney, Judge Bosworth, Daniel S. Dickinson, John A. Collier and others. A respectable fund having been raised, a contract for building was made with Ross Esterbrook; and in 1838 St. John's church was completed and dedicated, the ceremony being performed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Hughes, archbishop of New York. After this the mission was quite regularly supplied, among the priests sent here being Rev. Mr. Bacon, afterward bishop of Vermont, Rev. Father Beacham and Rev. John V. O'Reilley, the latter being more than ordinarily prominent by reason of his uncompromising opposition to the liquor traffic, and also by reason of his strong influence with his parish- ioners. In 1843 Rev. Father A.Doyle was sent to the Binghamton mis- sion, and one year later was followed by Rev. John Sheridan. The latter was sent to Owego in 1847, and was succeeded by Rev. James F. Hourigan, whose missionary and pastoral labors in this field covered a period of nearly half a century. When Father Hourigan came to Binghamton he found the church property heavily incumbered with debt, but with commendable energy he succeeded in paying both interest and principal and also purchased for the parish a considerable tract of land adjoining the church. On this tract the good priest afterward built a parochial residence, St. James' school, St. Patrick's church and St. Joseph's convent. He also purchased land west of the village and laid out the present Catholic cemetery. At length, however, St. John's church became too small for the rapidly growing congregation, therefore Father Hourigan took the first steps that resulted in the erection of St. Patrick's church, at a cost of $170,000. The edifice was dedicated September 23, 1873. To make room for the structure St. John's church was removed to Oak street, while the building previously occupied as St. James' school was removed to a lot on Le Roy street, west of Oak street. Father Hourigan remained pastor of St. Patrick's to the time of his death, Sunday, October 30, 1892. For nearly a score of years previous to that sad event Rev, Nicholas J. Ouinn had served as assistant pastor GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 547 to the venerable priest, but soon after the death of the latter Father Quinn was appointed to St. Patrick's, of Utica, and Rev. John J. Mc- Donald was made pastor of St. Patrick's of this city. Father Mc- Donald's present assistant is Rev. J. P. Foy. SL Mar/s Church. — This parish was organized in 1887 at a meeting- held in the upper part of a store building on South State street, by Rev. Father John J. Brennan. Soon afterward a purchase was made of the old skating rink property on the " north side," on Chenang ) street near Prospect avenue. The building was prepared for its new occupancy and was thereafter used for the services of the church until the comple- tion of the beautiful St. Mary's edifice at the corner of Court and Fay- ette streets. The new'structure was erected in 1892 and '93, and was dedicated by Bishop Ludden in June of the latter year. The building is of brick, with Oxford blue stone basement and trimmings, and from an architectural standpoint is one of the most attractive buildings of its kind in the city. It cost about $100,000. The church organ, with electrical attachments and other modern improvements, was constructed by Frank Beman, of this city, and cost about $8,000. Father Brennan was the first priest in charge of St. Mary's and served in that capacity until 1893, when he was succeeded by Rev. Martin J. Hughes. Rev. William J. Dwyer was assistant to Father Brennan, and after the latter was called from the parish the assistant for a time suc- ceeded to the place. Father Dwyer was here about three years and was followed by Rev. Joseph Lechner. The latter was succeeded in June, 1893, by Rev. John J. Higgins, the present assistant of St. Mary's. In the parish are about 300 Catholic families. St. Paul's Chiirch. — The parish of St. Paul's was organized June 16, 189G, and included that part of the city commonly known as the north side. Rev. John Vincent Simmons, formerly of the Church of the Im- maculate Conception at Pompey Hill, was appointed to the work of building up the new parish and looking to the spiritual welfare of its families; and his work has beea well and faithfully done. The parish contains about 300 Catholic families, who attend services in the rink property on Chenango street, formerly St. Mary's church. UNIVERSALIST. The First Church.— K^ early as 1835 or '40 a Universalist society was in existence in the village of Binghamton, and services were held in the court house. On April 17, 1843, at a meeting of the society the church 548 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, was regularly incorporated under the name "The First Universalist Society of Binghamton." Rev. William M. De Long (an early minis- ter of the church) and Christopher Wood were chosen to preside, and Jesse Richards, William Ogden and Benjamin Green were elected trus- tees. About this time a house of worship was erected on the court house square. It was a plain white frame structure, and stood nearly opposite the present Church of the Messiah. The society, however, was never strong and passed out of existence about 1860. The meeting house was afterward occupied by the Free Methodist society but was event- ually destroyed by fire. Church of the Messiah. — From the time of the dissolution of the so- ciety above mentioned until the summer of 1890 Universalism was dor- mant in Binghamton, but in the year mentioned an entirely new society was organized. A lot at the corner of Exchange street and Congdon place was purchased and thereon was erected a plain though comfort- able house of worship, with a seating capacity for about 175 persons. The present membership of the church is about 120 persons. On June 1, 1890, Rev. James P. Curtiss was called to the pastorate, and served in that capacity until March 14, 1892, when he was succeeded by Rev. Marion C. Yager, whose pastorate began May 20, 1892, and ended De- cember 29, 1896. Rev. Anson B. Curtis, Ph. D., the present pastor, was called and began his official connection with the church January 1, 1897. The present officers of the church are Rev. A. B. Curtis, pastor; L. W. Derby and A. G. Avery, deacons. The trustees of the society are P. W. Beebe, Loring W. Derby, Charles Taylor, Herman Doughty and Cortland Wilber. COLORED CHURCHES. A.M. E. Bethel Church. — The society of the African Methodist Epis- copal Bethel church dates back in its history to about the year 1835, but the formal organization was not effected until May 14, 1838, when a meeting for that purpose was held at the house of Peter Potter, where the members were accustomed to hold services. On the date men- tioned Charles A. Spicer and Fortune Simpson presided, and Peter Potter, Fortune Simpson, Reuben Simpson and Samuel Barrett were chosen as trustees. The original members of the church were Fortune and Susan Simp- son, Peter and Jane Potter, Harry and Anna Sampson, John and Bet- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 549 sey Davis, Thomas Davis, Peter Mercer, Henry and Kate Sampson, Mary Potter, "Grandfather" Frank, Reuben Simpson, Mary Smith. Samuel Cruser, Samuel Barrett, Henry and Mary Nichols, William Robinson, Isaac and Phyllis Loxen, Robert Daniels, Sophia Nichols, Charles Hawkins, Mary Jane Peterson, George Stansbury, a local preacher, Susan Stansbury and John Mercer, a local preacher. The first pastor, Rev. Charles Spicer, secured a lot on Tudor street, on which the first meeting house was built. The structure, however, was burned in 1843, after which Major Hawley gave to the society a lot on Susquehanna street, whereon a new house of worship was built, and is still occupied by the society. It was erected in 1844, and was dedi- cated in the fall of 1845. Bethel church has always maintained an existence although at times the membership has been small ; and for many years it has drawn par- tial support from the other Evangelical churches of the city. The present membership is only twenty-two persons. The pastors of the church since its organization, with dates of appointment, have been as follows: Revs. Charles Spicer, 1840; Thomas W. Jackson, 1845; "Father" Herman, 1851; J. Turner, 1852; Charles Birch, 1853-54; Mr. Thompson, 1855-56; T. M. D. Ward, 1857; Elder Parker, 1858- 59; E. B. Davis, 1860; Jonathan Hamilton, 1861; Joseph Nelson, 1862- 63; Mr. Thompson, 1864-65; J. Hamilton, 1866; Wm. Johnson, 1867- 68; W. Peterson, 1869; George Mills, 1870; Charles Peterson, 1871; John Frisbee, 1872; Richard Titus, 1873-76; J. C. Lodge, 1877; B. F. Aldrich, 1878; J. H. Nichols, 1879; Rollins Lawrence, 1880; J. H. Nichols, 1881; Caleb Woodyard, 1882-84; L. W. Williams, 1885; J. L. Hamilton, 1886-87; Dr. Hamilton, of England, 1888; Mr. Johnson, 1889; T. J. Jackson, 1890; Walter Grayson, 1891; G. C. Cohen, 1892; James Nichols, 1893; W. B. G. Coster, 1894-95; Miles J. Coster, J. C. Ayler, D, D., 1896; W. J. Johnson, 1897-98; J. B. Hill, 1899. Zion Church. — "The first colored M. E. Zion chapel " was incorpo- rated in pursuance of a meeting held at the house of Thomas Bell, July 31, 1838. Rev. Henry Johnson, the minister of the church, presided and Joseph Mitchell, Henry Nichols, Thomas Bell, Josiah Hudson, William Cornish and Thomas Clark were chosen as the first board of trustees. Silas Stockbridge also was one of the incorporators. The society, however, had an informal organization as early as 1836, under the charge of Rev. Henry Johnson, the first pastor. The meeting house on Whitney street was built in 1840, and was rebuilt in 1874. Its seating capacity is 450. 550 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Zion church is a substantial organization and is practically self-sus- taining, although the other city churches have taken a friendly interest in its welfare and have given it assistance. Its present membership is sixty-three persons. The present pastor is Elder Anderson, but the succession of pastors is not obtainable at this time. FREE METHODIST. The First Free Methodist Church of Binghamton was organized in 1862, with ten members under the pastoral charge of Rev. B. T. Roberts. The first meetings were held in the Universalist house of wor- ship that stood on the court house square, facing Exchange street. In March, 1867, the society purchased the meeting house formerly owned by the Sejond Methodist Episcopal society, at the corner of Court and Car- roll streets, paying therefor $3,600. The society, however, became seriously burdened with debt, resulting in the sale of the meeting house. In 1879 land on Rutherford street was purchased and a comfortable house of worship was built thereon. The present members number about 36 persons. The pastors of the church in succession have been as follows: Revs. Daniel M. Sinclair, 1862-63; Benjamin F. Stoutenburg, 1864; M. N. Downing, 1865-66; J. B. Freeland, 1867-68; W. Gould, 1869; J. T. James, 1870; C. H. Southworth, 1871; B. Winget, 1872-73; E. P. Sel- lew, 1874-75; J. B. Freeland, 1876; B. Winget, 1877; J. B. Freeland, 1878; J. Odell, 1879; J. D. Osman, 1880-81; Z. Osborn, 1882-83; M.N. Downing, 1884-85 ;W. H. Clark, 1886-87; M. N. Downing and B. Win- get, 1889; O. M.Owen, 1890-91 ; T.Whiffen, 1892-93 ; M. D. McDougall, 1894; D. J. Santmire, 1895-96; O. N. Frink, 1897; Willett J. Riker, 1898-99. The present officers of the church are Rev. W. J. Riker, pastor; Oliver Winsor, class leader. The trustees of the society are William Sullivan, Peter Van Dyke and Albert Stearns. GERMAN. Emanuel Church. — At the annual conference of the Evangelical as- sociation held at Syracuse in 1878, the bishop presiding informed Rev. John Reuber that the city of Binghamton contained many German families of their faith who were without either organization or place of worship. Soon after that time Mr. Reuber, who was pastor of a church in Syracuse, came to this city and began missionary services that ulti- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 551 mately led to the present substantial church organization. The first meetings were held in the Y. M. C. A. hall, and were so continued un- til the erection of the present chnrch edifice in 1884. On March 29, 1879, a church organization was perfected with 24 con- stituent members, under the pastoral care of Rev. Jacob Vosseler. The church was incorporated November 12, 1880, and in the next year the society purchased a large lot of land on Front street, on which the church edifice now stands. The land cost $2,180. The house of wor- ship was built in 1884, at a cost of $10,000, and was dedicated by Bishop Esher on October 15, of that year. The church now numbers 9G members. The succession of pastors of the church is as follows: Rev. Jacob Vosseler, 1879-80; Rev. J. Reuber, 1880-83; Rev. C. F. Schoepflin, 1883-85; Rev. L. Heinmiller, 1885-86; Rev. Adolph Leuscher, 1886- 89; Rev. F. J. Hehr, 1889-92; Rev, J. Burkhardt, 1892-95; Rev. H. Koch, 1895-99; Rev. Daniel Miller, April 1899. The present officers of the church are Rev. Daniel Miller, pastor; John Brenner, class leader; Louis Schantz, exhorter. Evangelical Lutheran CJmrcJi. — The English Evangelical Lutheran church of the Redeemer was founded in this city. May 5, 1889, by Dr. T. B. Roth, now president of Thiel college, Greenville, Pa. The orig- inal members numbered 42; the present church membership is 130. For several years the society held services in the old Iron hall on State street, but on July 5, 1894, the church edifice at the corner of Washing- ton and Stuart streets was finished and consecrated. The entire prop- erty is valued at $13,000. The pastors of the church have been as follows: Rev. Joseph Stump, June-July, 1889; Rev, J. B. Deck, December, 1889-March, 1890; Rev. William F. Bacher, June, 1890-June, 1897; Rev. Milton J. Bieber, June 1, 1897 — . Mr. Bieber came to this city from Trinity Lutheran church, of Mt. Joy, Pa. He also has a parish at Great Bend, and in Septem- ber, 1808, he established a Lutheran church in Elmira. ADVENTISTS. Seventh Day Advent Church — This society was incorporated June 14, 1877, with S. M. Cobb, William A. Wentworth and Christopher C. Nichols as its first trustees. The society held meetings in the dwellings of its members until 1896, when a little plain frame meeting house was built on Pennsylvania avenue. In membership the church never has 553 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, been strong, yet its people have held firmly together, and by liberal contributions of time and labor succeeding in erecting the house of worship. This devoted band observes Saturday as the Lord's day, while on Sunday regular secular pursuits are followed. Indeed the meeting house was chiefly built on the day we call ^Sunday. The entire membership numbers hardly more than thirty-five persons, hence a reg- ular pastor cannot be supported. CHRISTIAN. The First CJiristian ChiircJi of Binghamton was organized July 25, 1880, with sixteen constituent members. The incorporation was effected August 14, 1883, with Asa La Barron, Daniel Wilson and Ira Bedell as the first board of trustees. The first house of worship was built in the early part of 1882, at a cost of $1, 183. 17, and was dedicated August 26 of the same year. The present church edifice was erected in the summer of 1889, at a cost of $2,396,88, and was dedicated September 15 of that year. The church now has sixty-seven members. The deacons are Hiram Martin, S. P. Holland and J. H. Van Atta. The trustees of the society are S. P. Holland, L. Terpenning and J. H. Van Atta. The pastors of the church have been as follows: Rev. A. J.Welton, 1880-88; Rev. M. W. Borthwick, 1888-90; Rev. T. V. Moore, January- April, 1891; Rev. Charles McGlauflin, 1891-93; Rev. H. J. Rhodes, 1893-94; Rev. T. V. Moore, 1894-95; Rev. E. C. McCord, 1895-99; Rev. Orlando I. Hathaway, January 1899 — the present pastor. JEWISH. Sons of Israel. — This church was regularly incorporated June 17, 1887. The members held services in a hall on Water street more than ten years. In 1899 a neat house of worship was built on Water street, at a cost of about $4, 000. The church is without a regular pastoral head, yet services are held regularly. During its history several persons have officiated as rabbi. The late Louis Ginsberg served in that capacity four years pre- vious to his tragic death in the summer of 1899. The church has about fifty members. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 553 CHAPTER XXIII. CEMETERIES. Tradition has it that the first burial place in the village was located on a part of the court house hill, and that in 1803 Benjamin Sawtell and William Woodruff then cleared a space of ground sufficient for the burial of John Crosby, who was an early settler in the vicinity. After that time burials on the hill were frequent, but after the several church societies had secured their meeting house lands the churchyard of each denomination was the customary burial place for members and attend- ants. Between 1835 and 1840 the court house square was graded, but previous to the performance of the work nearly all the remains had been removed. According to the map showing the general situation of this region in 1797, and old graveyard was located on the south bank of the Susque- hanna, east of the mouth of Scutt's creek, but when and by whom laid out we have no present knowledge. It probably was started by the earliest settlers and squatters, who chose that convenient spot as the last resting place of their dead. The Indian occupants of the region evi- dently had no special burial place in this vicinity, as in various locali- ties bordering on the rivers the bones of their dead were frequently found when the first cellars were excavated for business blocks and dwellings. Such discoveries were numerous along Washington street, also on the high lands near the confluence of the rivers, while scattered fragments of bones were occasionally found on Court street and on the west side of the Chenango. The Village Cemetery. — Soon after the village was incorporated the trustees began discussing the question of a public cemetery, and on August 16, 1841, they purchased of Cary Murdock and Joseph S. Bos- worth a five acre tract of land on the north boundary of the corpora- tion. After the plot was regularly surveyed and laid out it was desig- nated " Binghamton cemetery." It was thus maintained at the public expense until the village became a city, and was afterward known as the " City cemetery." Lots were sold to applicants and a sexton was 554 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT. regularly appointed to care for the grounds. The first burial in this "silent city of the dead " was that of Charles Frederick Whitney (son of Virgil Whitney) who died December 8, 1844. In the course of time many of the bodies buried in the church yards were reinterred in the village cemetery, or in Spring Forest cemetery, the latter having been laid out in 1853. At length, however, the old cemetery, bounded by Eldridge, Cemetery (now Emmett) and Liberty streets, became filled with graves, hence further burials were stopped. At a still later date it was proposed to remove all the bodies from the the tract, reinter them in other cemeteries, and convert the lands into a public park; but on investigation it was found that this could not be legally accomplished without much expense and delay, hence the sub- ject was dropped. The old cemetery now is insufficiently cared for by the city authorities, and very little is done in the way of ornamentation by lot owners. Spring Forest Cemetery Association was organized at a meeting of citizens held at the office of Hotchkiss & Seymour, December G, 1853, and was incorporated December 18, following. The first trustees were Edward Tompkins, Edward Z. Lewis, Edwin Eldridge, John J. You- mans, Martin Stone, John E. Sampson, Philo B. Stillson, Giles W. Hotchkiss and Tracy R. Morgan. The first officers were Rev. Edward Z. Lewis, president; Lewis Seymour, secretary, and Tracy R. Morgan, treasurer. The cemetery tract contains 42.7 acres of land and is beautifully situated in the northwestern part of the city. The first burial was that of the wife of the late Azariah C. Angel. During the period of its exist- ence about 1,500 lots have been sold, while the burials aggregate about four or five times that number. The succession of presidents of the association has been as follows. Rev. Edward Z. Lewis, Horace S. Griswold, Erasmus D. Robinson, Robert Brown and Edward K. Clark, the latter having been elected May 10, 1895. The secretaries have been Lewis Seymour, Benjamin De Voe and Lew^is Seymour, the latter a son of the first secretary. The treasurers have been Tracy R. Morgan, 1853-78; Byron Marks, 1878- 79; Alonzo C. Matthews, 1879-99. The present trustees of the association are Alonzo C. Matthews, L. Coe Young, Edward K. Clark, William F. Lentz, J. E. Shapley, Thomas D. Fuller, Fred. Bennett, H. Austin Bump and Lewis Sey- mour. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 555 Glenwood Cemetery Association was incorporated June 19, 1875, with trustees as follows: Morgan L. Barnes, Eli S Meeker, Charles O. Wat- rous, Loren J. Payne, Newton M. Hulburt, Uriel Parker and Obadiah Z, Brown. Glenwood cemetery is a beautifully situated tract of land in the ex- treme northwest part of the city, and includes about GO acres of land. The history of the association has been a continued record of progress. The latest president of the association was Rev. Samuel Dunham, but the office is now vacant. The other officers are Joseph P. Noyes, vice- president, and Stephen D. Wilbur, secretary and treasurer. The pres- ent trustees are Joseph P. Noyes, Alfred J. Inloes, Homer B. Boss, William H. Stilwell, Julius O. Dunning and Newton M. Hulburt. Floral Park Cemetery Association was incorporated October 26, 1891, by James K. Welden, Cyrus vStrong, Jefferson Kingman, Horace H. Crary, Cornelius H. Ackerman, Henry C. Hermans, William J. Welsh, Cyrus Strong, jr., and Harry F. Turner. The incorporators (with John Evans in place of Harry F. Turner) constituted the first board of trus- tees. The first officers were James K. Welden, president, Cyrus Strong, vice-president, Jefferson Kingman, treasurer, and Harry F. Turner, secretary. In 1891 the association purchased from Cyrus Strong, jr., 50 acres of the Villa park tract on the western border of the city, and there Floral Park cemetery was laid out and opened. A convenient chapel is one of the interesting features of the cemetery. The association has been in existence less than ten years, yet during that time its trustees have elected four presidents, all of whom are now dead. At present the office is vacant. These presidents were James K. Welden, Cyrus Strong, Horace H. Crary and Edward L. Rose. The present officers are Cornelius H. Ackerman, vice-presi- dent; Jefferson Kingman, treasurer, and W. A. Johnson, secretary. 556 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. CHAPTER XXIV. THE WAR OF 1861-65. On the eventful morning in April, 1861, Moultrie's guns were trained on Fort Sumter, and with that boom of cannon civil war in the United States was proclaimed throughout the world ; the south was arrayed against the north in a strife that cost millions of money, hundreds of thousands of human lives, and untold suffering followed in the wake of battle. For many years previous to 1860 strong antagonism between two sentiments had existed in this country ; the south was the avowed enemy of the free paid labor of the north, and the north of the slave labor of the south. Advocates f both principles were earnest and determined, and their respective views were enlarged and extended until the re- motest corners of our territorial limits became impregnated with the prevailing ideas. The political contest of 1860 was both fevered and exciting, for never before had so much depended upon the ballot. There were numerous murmurings of a significant character and prepa- rations which carried alarm to a nation which had devoted all her en- ergies to the fruitful arts of peace. Then followed an assault on the integrity of the ballot and the expressed will of the majority, which, if successful, must of necessity destroy our republican form of govern- ment. The voice of reason was lost in the thunder of cannon, and the question was: Shall liberty and imion walk no longer hand in hand, and if either is to go out, which? Then how sudden the transformation of the peaceful citizen into the armed and uniformed soldier! Almost every citizen realized that it was his duty to be loyal in his service to the country, and volunteers were furnished from every state, county and town in the great north. Loyal men only knew that they were needed and they hastened to respond; they exchanged the rippling music of the hillside stream for the thunder of the deep-mouthed cannon and the deafening musketry volley. It was not with them a question what battles were to be fought, what GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 557 graves filled, or what altars shivered; the spirit of secession must be buried and breathe its last amid shrieking shell and hissing bullet. Broome county was no exception to the rule and freely gave her sons whose blood crimsoned the soil of a hundred battlefields. They fell as heroes fall, a sacrifice to union, liberty and freedom ; and the mothers who gave these sons displayed a heroism which has been the admira- tion of the world, equal to that of the Spartan mothers in their unself- ish sacrifice of household idols. The hardships of a soldier's life, suf- fering from wounds and disease and the surrendering of young lives, pre- sents a chapter of patriotism that warms the heart of every true Amer- ican, but the weeks and months and years that came and passed, when father, mother, wife, sister and brother waited in their homes when the heart stood still as the stranger came to the door; when the hands trembled as the message was opened; and when in hushed words they wondered if the wound would kill or had killed the soldier boy in whom they had such hope. When we reflect on all the scenes we can only doubt who suffered most when the shadows of war darkened our fair land. During the period of the war there was furnished to the Union array a grand total of 2,867,345 men, of which this state contributed 484,260, and Broome county a total of probably of 4,000 men, though not by any record extant can the number be accurately determined. Careful computations have been made, state, county and town records have been examined, and individual eflfort has been brought to bear, yet the results attained are unsatisfactory. From published muster rolls the the names of more than 3,000 of the county's soldiery have been ob- tained, but at best the record is incomplete.' Almost every regiment in the service from the state has a published and widely circulated history, recounting at length the trials and hard- ships, successes and reverses of its troops at the front, in camp and on the field of battle, where so many of Broome's patriot dead lie in eter- nal sleep 'neath the southern sun. Indeed, it seems not right to tell the story in its entirety again, nor revive in the breasts of now aged parents, beloved brothers and sisters, or perhaps ever mourning chil- dren fresh memories of the dust which feeds the wild flowers at Chan- cellorsville, Antietam, South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Spottsylvania, > Previous to July 2, 1863, the state kept no acount of localities of troops furnished, and when quotas were assigned for drafting they were constantly modified. Were it possible to collate the reports of provost-marshals throughout the state, more than 150,000 men would be unaccounted for. 558 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. the Wilderness, Gettysburg, Petersburg and a hundred other battle- fields of the south. But say what we may of the success of the Union arms, we cannot and we need not recount the awful sufferings of Broome's sons in the loathsome pens at Andersonville, Salisbury, Libby and jBelle Isle where thousands of brave men wait the final reveille. As near as can be determined at this time, Broome county sent into the Union army and navy during the period of the war an aggregate of about 4,000 men. The county paid in bounties, through its towns, a total of about $200,000; but the cost of the war to the county was a sum far greater than that mentioned; and in the loss of life, suffering on the field of battle and at home, in the hospital and at the fireside — when we reflect on all the scenes, all the miseries and all the heartaches, the loss cannot be estimated. In the legislative session of 18G1 Broome county was represented in the senate by Lyman Truman, of Owego, and in the assembly by Friend H. Burt, of Milburn. On April 12 a shot was fired from a mortar bat- tery near old Fort Johnson and fell on Fort Sumter, which was under the U. S. flag, and soon afterward the garrison of the latter surrendered. The news reached the state capital on Sunday morning, April 14, and on the same afternoon an important and hastily assembled meeting of officials was held in the executive chamber. The subject was presented to the legislature the next day, and at once a bill was passed providing for the enrollment of 30,000 volunteer militia to serve two years, and the sum of $3,000,000 was appropriated to meet the expense. At the same time a state military board was created. On April 15 the president issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 militia from the several northern states "to suppress treasonable re- bellion," the quota of New York being seventeen regiments. Under that and later calls, July 12 found this state with a total of 46,224 men at the front. Now let us see what was Broome county's record during this trying period of the war. A glance at the official records discloses the fact that the county furnished men for at least twenty five different regiments in all arms of the service, and the total contribution there- fore was much scattered. In some of the regiments the contingent was exceedingly small, hardly worth notice, but according to their im- portance, service and strength they may be mentioned.' 1 The 2.3d Inf. contained four Broome county recruits: Moses M. Van Benschoten and Walter Curkendall in Co C; Ellis Randall in Co. D; and William A. Conrad in Co. H. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 559 TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY. The 27th regiment. New York volunteer infantry, otherwise known as the " Union regiment," was recruited chiefly in the counties of Alle- gany, Broome, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans and Wayne, in the months of April and May, 1861, and was organized and accepted by the state at Elmira on May 21 of the latter year. The Broome county contingent comprised Cos. C, D and F, which were recruited at Bing- hamton. The regiment was mustered into the United States service for two years, July 9 and 10, 1861, to date from May 21, 1861. The regiment left for Washington July 10, rested a few days in the defenses of the capital, then proceeded at once to the front and took part in the battle at Bull Run, where it lost 26 men killed, 44 wounded and 60 missing or captured, a total of 130 officers and men. From that time until the final muster out the service of the 27th was arduous and severe, the heaviest losses being suffered at Bull Run, Gaines' Mill, Crampton Pass, Marye's Heights and Salem Church. During its ser- vice the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 1 officer and 61 en- listed men; from wounds, 1 officer and 11 men; from disease and other causes, 2 officers, 72 men, a total of 4 officers and 142 enlisted men, of whom seven men died in the hands of the enemy. At the expiration of the term of enlistment the three years' men were transferred to the 121st N. Y. Vols. The 27th was mustered out of service at Elmira, May 31, 1863. The 27th regiment has a comprehensively written history, prepared by comrade C. B. Fairchild under the direction of Gen. Slocum and Capt. Charles A. Wells. The published history is in the hands of nearly every surviving comrade of the regiment, therefore a more detailed nairrative of its service is not deemed necessary to this chapter. . The battles of the 27th were as follows: Bull Run, Va., July 21, 1861 ; Pohick Church, Oct. 4, 1861; Westpoint, May 7, 1862; near Mechanics- ville. May 22 and June 1, 1862; Seven Days battle, June 2o-July 2, 1862; Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862; Garnett's and Goldmg's farms, June 28, 1862; Glendale, June 30, 1862; Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862; Cramp- ton Pass, Sept. 14, 1862; Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862; Fredericksburg, Dec. 11-15, 1862; Franklin's Crossing, April 29-May 2, 1863; Marye's Heights and Salem Church, May 3-4, 1863. 560 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. FIELD AND STAFF. Colonels. — Henry W. Slocum, prom, brig.-gen. Sept. 1, 1861; prom, major-gen. July 4, 1862; Joseph J. Bartlett, prom, colonel, Sept. 1, 1861 ; brig-gen. Oct. 4, 1862; Alexander D. Adams, prom. It.-col. Sept. 1, 1861; colonel, Oct. 4, 1862. Lieutenant-Colonels. — Joseph D. Chambers, res. Aug. 9, 1862; Alex- ander D. Adams, prom, colonel; Joseph H. Bodine, prom. It. -colonel, Oct. 4, 1862. Majors. — Joseph J. Bartlett, prom, colonel; Curtiss C. Gardner, res. for wounds, July 24, 1862; Joseph H. Bodine, prom. It. -colonel; George G. Wanzer, prom, major, Oct. 4, 1862. Adjutants. — John P. Jenkins, res. Nov., 1861; Melville W. Goodrich, dismissed, Aug. 30, 1862; Charles E. Thompson, prom, adjt. Aug. 30, 1862. Quartermasters. — James A. Hamilton, res. Oct. 7, 1862; James P. Kirby, prom, from Co. D Oct. 7, 1862, disch. Nov. 22, 1862; Texas Angel, prom, quartermaster, Nov. 22, 1862. Surgeons. — Norman S. Barnes, surgeon from enrollment. Surgeon's J/«/^.— Barnett W. Morse, res. July 19, 1862. Assistant Surgeon. — William H. Stuart, served from enrollment, Aug. 15, 1862. Chaplains.— T>. D. Buck, res. Feb. 26, 1862; John G. Webster, res. March 18, 1863. Non-Commissioned Staff — Sergeant Majors. — Charles L. Gaul, died Aug. 20, 1862; William H. H. Brainard, prom, from private, Co. D, Sept. 1, 1861, reduced, Oct. 31, 1861; Clarke E. Ellis, prom, from Co. B, Aug. 30, 1862; Charles E. Thompson, prom. adjt. Quartermaster-Sergeants. — Lewis C. Bartlett, disch. for disability, Aug., 1861, re enlisted in Co. A; Benjamin S. Coffin, prom. Q. M. S. March 1, 1862. Commissary Sergeants. — Texas Angel, prom. com. sergt. March 1, 1862; Daniel P. Newell, prom, from Co. K. Hospital Stewards. — W. Fitch Cheeney, disch. March 1, 1862; Daniel W. Bosley, prom. hosp. steward March 1, 1862. Drum Major. — George H. Cook, must, out Oct. 18, 1862. Principal Musician. — Fred Bender, prom, from Co. E, June 30, 1861 ; mustered out, Oct. 18, 1862. Norman P. Brown, of Maine, Alonzo E' Harding and Melvin A. Newman, of Binghamton, were enrolled among the members of Co. A. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 561 MUSTER ROLL CO. C. Captains. — Joseph J. Bartlett, prom, major May 21, 1861; prom, brig -general, Oct. 4, 1862. Edward L. Lewis, prom, capt, from 1st lieut. Aug. 1, 1861; resigned. Charles A. Wells, enrolled as 2d lieut. prom. 1st lieut. May 21, 1861; capt. Sept. 1, 1861; assd. to duty as ord- nance officer, 1st div. 6th corps, April 20, 1863, First Lieutenants, — George H. Hurd, disch. Feb. 12, 1862; James Watson, prom, from 3d sergt. Feb. 15, 1862; in command of Co. after July 2, 1862. Second Lieutenants. — James King, prom, from private Sept. 1, 1861; resigned March 8, 1862, John E. Ronk, prom, from 4th sergt. May 7', 1862; wounded at Gaines' Mill; resd. Nov. 13, 1862. Eri S. Watson, prom. 1st sergt. May 7, 1862; 2d lieut. Nov. 13, 1862. Sergeants. — Joshua V. N. Williams, prom, 1st sergt. Nov. 13, 1862; Frederick L. Gleason, prom, from corp. May 7, 1862; Gilbert Mix, prom, from private Dec, 3, 1862; Robert Way, prom, from private Dec. 3, 1862; Allen Banks, prom, from private Nov. 13, 1862, Corporals. — Orlan Harmon, prom. May 7, 1862; George W. F. Fan- ning, prom. May 7, 1862, prisoner at Bull Run; Howard Evans, prom. May 7, 1862; Alvin Gibbs, prom. Dec. 3,1862; John Stowell, prom. Dec. 3, 1862; Alexander Bailey, prom. Jan. 24, 1863; Charles F. Yenne, captured at Bull Run, July 21, 1861; ret. Dec. 10, 1862; prom. corp. Jan. 24, 1863; Alonzo C. Taft, prom. Jan. 24, 1863, Musicians. — Lewis W, Chichester, Claude Dempsey. Privates. — William C, Austin, Oramel D. Abel, John Anson, Andrew H. AUard, Martin H. Adams, Orville Bacon, William H. Bowker, Henry N. Benson, Isaac Benson, David Brown, Simeon Brown, Sher- lock F. Black, Worcester Burrows, Abel J. Barlow, George W. Bur- rows, Calvin H. Bixby, John Boy^en (prisoner at Bull Run), S. Girard Case, John Clow, John Dorn, Michael Driscoll, Eber S. Devine, Har- vey C. Fowler, Jonathan French, Thomas Gillick, Simon Groat, Oliver Hokirk, Levi B, Johnson, William S. Jay, Clark Lambert, George Love- joy, James F. Lovelace, Charles R. Leonard, James C. Lakin, Harri- son Lull, Patrick Millmore, Robert Martin, Francis Pratt, Lewis J. Post, Melvin F. Sterling, Joseph Short, Charles Southworth, Law- rence Stoughtenburg, William H. Tripp, John Van Devort, William H. Van Alstine (prisoner at Bull Run), Albert G. Whitman, Franklin Whitney, Abram Walker. 36 562 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, Discharged for Disability. — Morris P. Blair, Lewis W. Ballard, Ever- ett Blanshan, Avery W. Burrows, John W. Butler, Henry Coe, Samuel B. Crumb, Jacob Conrow, Edward M. Cafferty, Frederick Durand (pris- oner at Bull Run; wounded at Crampton Pass), George Hokirk, Hiram W. Hulse, Horatio G. Hotchkiss, Joseph Hanghi, Thomas Lynch, Chester Lakin, Deronda Landphier, Michael McGuire, Charles Perry, Wm. H. Potter, Chas. B. Schramm, Chas. W. Service, Wm, H. Tomp- kins, Thos. W, Tompkins, Henry O. Wheeler. Died. — George M. Andrews, prisoner at Bull Run and died at Rich- mond; George Butler, prisoner at Bull Run, paroUed in May and died in Aug., 1862; Jason B. Clark, died at Elmira; Martin Green, died Dec. 11, 1861; Cornelius W. Maine, died Dec. 23, 1862; James G. Shaw, died March 29, 1862; James B. Ward, died, July, 1862. Killed in Action.— John Butler, July 21, 1861 ; John Coe, May 4, 1863; Samuel Esterbrook, July 21, 1861; Norman S. Miller, July 21, 1861; Wm. H. Parker, June 27, 1862. Deserted. — James Bartholomew, George Davis, Gilbert Dalton, John Gaffney, John Hill, Daniel W. Larkin, Theodore M. Leonard, Edwin S. Richmond, Theodore Twitchell, Samuel H. Warner. Dropped. — William Barnes, James Barwise, George W. Dunn (pris- oner at Bull Run; parolled in May, 1862; commissioned capt. 109th Vols.), Eugene M. Davis (prisoner at Bull Run; parolled in May, 1862; commissioned capt. 109th Vols.). Transferred. — Charles E. Carmer, trans, to 2d Regular Battery. MUSTER ROLL CO. D. Captains. — Hiram C. Rodgers, prom. A. A. G. on Gen, Slocum's staff, July 20, 1862. Allen G. Northrup, prom. 2d lieut. July 2, 1861; captain, July 2, 1862. Albert M. Tyler, prom. 2d lieut. July 20, 1862; captain, Nov. 27, 1862; assd. to duty as asst. com'r of muster, 1st Div., 6th Corps, April 20, 1863. First Lieutenants. — Henry C. Jackson, resigned Aug. 7, 1861; Edwin D. Comstock, prom. 1st lieut. Aug. 7, 1861, and later to captain, Co. K; George A. Dickson, prom. 1st lieut. Feb. 8, 1862, and dismissed by order of president, Oct. 11, 1862; William M. Nimbs, prom. Oct. 11, 1862, from sergt. Co. H to 1st lieut. Co. D. Second Lieutenants. — Asa Park, killed at Bull Run, July 21, 1861 ; Charles N. Elliott, prom. 2d lieut. Nov, 27, 1862. Sergeants. — Oliver A. Kilmer, Chauncey Durfee, Edward M. Watson, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 563 Frank Coleman, Charles B. Fairchild (prisoner at Bui! Run; parolled May 22, 1862; ret. to regt. Oct, 4, 1862; prom, sergt. March 1, 1863). Corporals. — Walton Lewis, Lewis H. Brown, Henry M. Crocker, George O. Pratt, William H. Siple, Wm. E. Johnson, Wm. H. Gray, Elijah R. Williams. Musicians, — Charles Winter, Charles Van Horn. Privates. — Wm-. J. Aylesworth, John W. Burrows, Francis Bentley, Russel S. Cole, Alexander Crawford, John G. Case, Alonzo Dickinson, Reuben H. Dickinson, Pardee S. Dyer, James P. Fagen, Frederick Fowler, Abiel Finch, Richard Forker, Aaron W. Gage, Matthias Gor- man, Charles A. Harding, Jonas Hobbs, George E. Hurlburt, William E. Johnson, George L. Kilmer, Wm. H. Lay, John McLaughlin, Jesse Minkler, James E. Moore, Zael Paddleford, David Pratt, Charles W. Piatt (prisoner at Bull Run; parolled; dropped; restored to the roll), Edwin S. Reid, Benjamin F. Spencer, Nelson Spencer, Wm. W. Spencer, Wm. J. Spendley, Charles Slater, Arthur Scott, Albert Seymour, Henry M. Smith, William P. Sampson (wounded and prisoner at Bull Run), Watson B. Tanner, Charles Webber, John Wilkins, Daniel F. Williams, L. Hibbard Whittlesey, Benton H. Wilson, Addison G. White, James Whithead, Samuel Winchell, Henry Waldorff. Discharged for Disability. — William H. Bartram, Albert D. Arm- strong, Wm. D. Bolls, Alva Booth, Stewart A. Burrows, Heber Canoll, Alex. H. Crawford, Philip Crissman, Clark J. Cone, Frank Francisco, Charles H. Fairchild, Wm. H. Gates, Frank Grimes, Asa L. Howard, Wm. H. Hopkins, Albert Hughes, Gilbert Leonard, James Lester, Thaddeus S. Monroe, Sidney A. McCune, Melvin A. Newman, Joseph R. Osborn, Newell Paddleford, Delos Payne, Wm. J. Randall, Stephen A. Sturdevant, Charles W. Smith, Charles Thompson, Joseph F. Tripp, Gideon Van Auken, George L. Wilcox, George Williamson. Transferred.— \N\\\mm H. H. Brainard, prom. 2d lieut. and trans, to Co. F; James P. Kirby, trans, to reg. staff; James N. McCauley, trans, to Penna. Vols. ; Chas. E. Thompson, prom, sergt. major. Died and Killed.— ]ohn L. Bailey, shot by rebel scout, May 6, 1862; Irvin S. Burge, killed at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862; Samuel Brackett, died Jan. 14, 1862, at Alexandria, Va. ; Webster Dwight, died Dec. 21, 1861, at New York; Ira Frederick, killed at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862; Joseph B. Dwight, killed at Crampton Pass, Sept. 14, 1862; Lafayette J. Goodrich, killed at Crampton Pass, Sept. 14, 1862; Henry A. Hard- ing, wounded at Gaines' Mill, died Aug. 15, 1862, at Philadelphia, Pa. ; 564 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, Calvin Meadiam, killed at Bull Run, July 21, 1861; Oscar Phelps, died Aug. 11, 1862, at Philadelphia, Pa.; Cyrus Pardee, wounded and pris- oner at Bull Run, died in Richmond about Aug. 1, 1861; James V. Snedaker, wounded and prisoner at Bull Run, died in Richraand, Va., Sept. 14, 1861. Deserted. — John H. Hogan, Chester Howard, David Hoyt, WiUiam Trail, George Tiffany, George Ransom. Dropped. — James Coon, wounded and prisoner at Bull Run, and dropped Aug. 14, 1862; George Hedding, dropped Aug. 14, 1862. MUSTER ROLL CO. F. Captains.— Y&lQ,x Jay, res'd Aug. 14, 1862. William H. H. Brainard, prom. 2d lieut. from Co. D Dec. 14, 1861; to captain Aug. 14, 1862; res'd Nov. 27, 1862. George H.Roman, prom. 3d lieut. Aug. 14, 1862; captain Nov. 27, 1862. First Lieutenants.— ^W\\Ava.S. Sheldon, res'd Aug. 1, 1861; Lafayette Cross, prom, from 2d to 1st lieut. Aug. 1, 1861, res'd Feb. 22, 1862; Andrew PatruUo, appt'd 1st lieut. Feb. 22, 1862, res'd Jan. 18, 1863; John R. Briggs, prom, from 2d lieut. Co. G Jan. 27, 1863. Second Lieutena7its.—Vv2in\i E. Northrup, res'd Dec. 14, 1861; Fred- erick Randall, prom. 2d lieut. Nov. 27, 1862. Sergeants. — Joseph L. Ross, Luther N. Hubbard, Daniel W. Weth- erell, William M. Robinson, Rollin B. Truesdell. Corporals. — Edwin J. Wilbur, P. Rowland Thompson, Albert Kniffin, William B. Westervelt, John N. Kennedy, Solomon Darling, Harrison Guiles, Sanford Bradbury. Musician. — Thomas C. Smith. Privates. — James S. Bogart, Hiram Brown, jr., Gould Burnside^ Charles A. Bowker, Henry Corey, Benjamin Cummings, Owen D. Conklin, Leonard Corby, James L. Dunning, John Dunning, Bailey Evans, James H. Evans, George W. Finch, Nathaniel Gorham, Charles O. Handy, Timothy Hayes, Harlan Holland, Patrick Houlihan, Warren Howland, John Kearn (prisoner at Bull Run), David T. Keeler (wounded at Crampton Pass), Thomas Kelly, Oscar K. Lander, David A. Lester, Charles Miller, Alexander Monroe, J. Washington Ostrander, Albert Perry, Henry Redfield, Andrew Rood, Timothy S. Slater, William S. Van Valkenburg (prisoner at Bull Run; ret. to regt. Feb. 10, 1863), Albert Welch, Reuben A. Wright (prisoner at Bull Run; ret. to regt. April 7, 1863), David Walker, Theodore H. Yates. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 565 Discharged for Disability. — Ira C. Benedict, George W. Bishop, George H. Benedict, Charles W. Butts, James Barry, George Cooper, Charles Crary, Lee T. Dawson, James Durfee, Joseph L. Davis, Franklin French, William H. French, John June, George E. Kelsey, Edward Livermore, Rosander Lobdell, Joseph Lade, Josiah H. Rose, James vSpencer, Phil- ander P. Shaw, Lucius Troop, Charles Van Dusen, Henry Williams, Harvey D. Whitney. Died and Killed. — Davolson P. Benedict, Charles Burgee, Jesse P. Coon, Miles Cresson, William E. Curran, John R. Ferguson, Daniel Hawkins, Silas W. Lockwood, Frank B. Rogers, James D. Reynolds, Wesley Randall, David M. Turner, James F. Waterman, Edgar H. Warner. Deserted. — George W. Beckford, Eben E. Barrow, Seth Barrows, Edward C. Boyd, Charles E. Evans, Harrison Gerig, Charles Holland, Joseph H. McEvoy, Wm. L. Osborn, Melvin J. Pierce, Charles C. Sherwood, William H. Smith, Archibald Snell, Daniel H. Taylor. Dropped. — Nicholson A. Corson, John Hygard, Allen Lawson, Edwin M. Watrous EIGHTY-NINTH INFANTRY— VETERAN. The Eighty-Ninth regiment of infantry, the famous Dickinson guard, was raised chiefly through the efforts of Daniel S. Dickinson, who re- ceived authority therefor, August 29, 1861. The work of recruiting was done during the summer and fall of that year and with such expe- dition that the ranks were filled during the course of three months. The counties of Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Monroe, Livingston and Schuyler contributed to the strength of the regiment, and it was mus- tered into the service of the United States for three years at Elmira, December 4-6, 1861, under colonel Harrison S. Fairchild and lieuten- ant-colonel Jacob C. Robie. Broome county was represented in the 89th by Cos. B and H, which were recruited at Binghamton ; F at Whitney's Point ; G at Windsor, and about one-half of Co. H at Corbettsville in the town of Conklin. Fully two-fifths of the regiment was comprised of Broome county soldiery, and was one of the commands in which all the people felt great interest and pardonable pride, for the "flower and the youth" of the county were in the ranks. The command left the state, December 6, 1861, and until January of the next year served with Casey's division of the Army of the Potomac, when it was assigned to duty with Gen. Burnside's 566 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, expeditionary corps in North Carolina. Its first engagement was at South Mills, N. C, April 19, 1862, soon after which the regiment re- turned to Virginia and was attached to the First brigade, 3d division of the 9th corps. From that time to July, 1863, the 89th shared the successes and hardships of the army in the department of Virginia, and then again was sent into the Carolinas, taking part in the operations against the strongholds of the enemy in the locality in which secession had its birth. In April, 1864, the command was attached to the army of the James, 1st brigade, 2d division, 10th corps, and thereafter its service was chiefly in Virginia, although the regiment was pitched about from corps to corps more frequently than almost any other body of New York troops. In fact, during the period of its service, the 89th was attached to not less than seven army corps, and was a part of the famous 24th corps when mustered out of service at Richmond, Va , August 3, 1865. At the expiration of the original term of enlistment the men entitled thereto were mustered out, but the regiment was after- ward maintained in service under its original designation. In many respects the 89th was Broome county's most representative regiment. At the front its service was severe, and at times the losses seemed heavy, particularly at Antietam, where the ranks were deci- mated by the loss of more than one hundred men. In the assault of Petersburg 94 men fell, while at Fair Oaks the total loss numbered 140 men. At South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Cold Harbox, in the opera- tions before Petersburg and Richmond, at Chaffin's farm, and also in the Appomattox campaign, the regiment had its full share of fighting and an equal share of successes and reverses, yet on every occasion it acquitted itself well in the cause of the Union and with honor to the counties from which its strength was drawn. In this brief chapter we have not the space to detail at length the the services of the 89th during the period of the war, but leave that im- portant task to the writer who now is preparing the history of the regi- ment. As shown by official records the 89th lost by death, killed in action, 4 officers and 49 enlisted men ; from wounds received in action, 2 officers and 52 men; from disease and other causes, 159 men; total, 6 officers and 260 men, of whom 13 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy. The battles of the 89th were as follows: South Mills, N. C, April 19, 1802; Jefferson City, Md., Sept. 13, 1862; South Mountain, Md., Sept. 14, 1862; Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862; Fay- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 567 etteville, Va., Nov. 15, 1862; Crump's Cross Roads, July 2, 1863; siege of Battery Wagner, S. C, Aug. 9-Sept. 7, 1863; bombardment of Fort Sumter, Aug. 17-23, 1863; operations in Charleston Harbor, Sept. 8- Dec. 31, 1863; bombardment of Fort Sumter, Oct. 27-Nov. 9, 1863; operations against Petersburg and Richmond, Va., May 5-31, 1864; Swift Creek, May 9-10, 1864; Proctor's Creek, May 12, 1864; Drewry's Blufif, May 14-16, 1864; Bermuda Hundred, May 18-26, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1-12, 1864; before Petersburg and Richmond, June 15, 1864-April 2, 1865; assault of Petersburg, June 15-19, 1864; Chaffin's Farm, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 1864; Fair Oaks, 2d, Oct. 27-29, 1864; Appo- mattox campaign, March 28-April 9, 1865; fall of Petersburg, April 2, 1865; Rice's Station, April 6, 1865; Burke's Station, April 7, 1865; Ap- pomattox court house, April 9, 1865. FIELD AND STAFF. Colonel, Harrison S, Fairchild ; lieutenant-colonel, Jacob C. Robie; major, Daniel T. Everts; adjutant, John E. Shepard; quartermaster, Cornelius H. Webster; surgeon, Truman H. Squier; ass't surgeon, Nathaniel E. Pierson ; sergt. major, Gerrit Van Ingen. MUSTER ROLL CO. B, James Hazley, captain ; Nathan A. Newton, first lieut. ; Chauncey J. Reed, second lieut. ; David C. Durand, Benj. F. Kelley, George C. Baker, Needick Adams, Ira Schriver, sergeants; William E. Evans, Richard Downs, Thomas Groody, Charles L. Campbell, Thomas Dur- fee, Charles Stringham, George A. Grove, Benj. F. Leech, corporals; Samuel D. Crum, John E. Mandeville, musicians; Jacob Van Auken, wagoner. Privates. — Anson Leonard, Lewis Chester Bartlett, James S. Burr, Byron M, Badger, John W. Beardsley, Frederick Brown, Andrew J. Brown, Stephen H. Bolles, Joseph B. Bovee, Edward B. Bishop, James E. Busby, Chauncey Baker, William Bisley, Jacob Berger, Jehiel Cam- eron, Azor M. Curtis, Robert W. Crane, Alfred Clyde, Sherman N. Cook, George W. Carhart, Stephen D. Cagwin, John Clune, Uriah W. Cash, John Cassidy, Edward M. Caflferty, Martin Delano, Daniel Deni- son, Edson A. Davis, Seneca Duell, Reed F. Francisco, William C. Fisher, Hiram D. Gould, James Groody, Arthur O. Gray, William H. Hull, David Harris, John P. Hunt, William Hamilton, John Kay, 568 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, David Lincoln, Hiram D. Landon, Barney Lee, John Maunschoff, John W. Munn, James Mullin, James O'Connor, Francis O'Clary, Jacob Por- ter, Lewis M. Pierson, Charles Pithie, William T. Powers, Friend Pratt, David A. Patterson, Edward M. Pierce, Chauncey J. Reed, Oli- ver Raunny, John W. Rulifson, John W. Rockwell, George W. String- ham, John Splan, John H. Sweet, Richard Smith, Ernest F. Towner, Henry W. Vanderburg, Jacob H. Waldron, Charles H. Williams. MUSTER ROLL CO. F. Robert Brown, captain; Moses Puffer, first lieut. ; William N. Bene- dict, second lieut. ; Francis Burghardt, George H. Baldwin, jr., Robert Brown, Charles E. Booth, James E Northrup, sergeants; Oliver Tyler, Christopher Hamilton, Owen Dimmick, Barney Terwilliger, Peter H. Pierson, Henry L. Howe, Dennis Lewis, Gideon D. Howard, corporals ; Frederick Fenner, James Vanderberg, musicians; William N. Benson, wagoner. Privates. — John Q. Adams, James B. Alcott, James Allen, jr., Will- iam A. Atwater, George C. Arnott, Parley M. Brown, George W. Bow- ker, James Brown, Andrew J. Bartholomew, De Bois Bennett, La Fay- ette Bixby, John M. Covey, Daniel D. Culver, Charles L Courtney, Truman Councilman, Ezra Cleveland, Lewis C. Culver, Ogden Dim- mick, George L Dewey, Jackson Dyer, George W. Dibble, George Eichenburg, George English, Enos B. Foot, Charles H. French, John Foster, Charles Fiske, Blanchard M. Fosgate, Richard C. Gray, Heman C. Gray, Sidney Heath, Melvin Handy, Henry Harrington, Charles H. Holland, Jerome Hall, Jerome Howe, Daniel Johnson, Robert L. John- son, Uriah A. Jefford, Jacob King, William B. Livermore, Henry V. Monroe, Seth Marvin, Gideon Mead, Henry H. Norton, Asahel H. Norton, George L. Nicholas, Martin M. Nash, Richard A. Oliver, Or- ville P. Oliver, George F. Pierce, Samuel Rooks, William C. Rensse- laer, Almon L. Reed, Charles Stiles, Martin H. Shepard, George H. Slade, Eli Stephens, Rufus C. Smith, Henry D. Smith, Alexander O. Shepard, George Sherwood, William Self, Charles H. Taft, James H. Trafford, Elias M. Trafford, Elias B. Tompkins, Stephen S. Vander- burg, William Utter, Edward F. Wright, George A. Wheeler, Phineas H. Warner, Robert Walker, Consider M. Yarnes, Frederick Young. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 569 MUSTER ROLL CO. G.' Captains. — Seymour L. Judd. died June 15, 18G4, from wounds re- ceived at Petersburg. Frank S. Smith, prom. corp. Oct. 3, 1861; Q. M. S. Oct. 10, 1864; re. enl. March 21, 1864; prom. 1st lieut. Feb. 18, 1863; captain Feb 18, 1865, by order of Gen. Schofield. First Lieuteyiant. — Edward M. Bloomer, res. Jan. 23, 1861. Second Lieutenants. — John B. Russell, disch. Nov. 23, 1864; Freder- ick Davenport, trans, to Co. E Aug. 8, 1862. Sergeants. — William H. Perkins (missing in action Oct. 27, 1864), Edward A. Babcock (disch. for disabilities), Gabriel C. Hulse, Ambrose Hoadley, Franklin Plunkett, Irving A. Stringham, Calvin Sweet (died Aug. 24, 1862), Thomas H. Pearsall (died Aug. 29, 1864). Lewis Heath (reported deserted). Corporals. — Pliny A. Russell (wounded June 18, 1864), Amos C. Hunt, Joseph E. Andrews, Charles H. Hupman, Robert H. Hall, San- ford L. Spearbeck, William Dusenbury. Musicians. — William S. Bullock, John M. Knowlton. Wagoner. — John M. Wiles. Privates. — James A. Atkins, Thomas Brown, James H. Buchanan, Sanford S. Ballard, James O. Ballard, Ichabod Reed, Isaac Van Nor- wick, Gilead S. Alden, Kavanaugh Ayers, Horace Baker, Charles Benn, Benj. Bird, Charles Blatchley, James S. Chase, William Cresson, Charles L. Doolittle, Nelson E. Doolittle, Stephen G. Doolittle, Martin M. Dewry (reported deserter), Wiley Fairchilds, Alvarado Ford, Charles E. Garlock, Hobert Haynes, George W. Haynes, Eli Hupman, George L. Hupman, Le Roy E. Hotchkiss, Joshua Ives, Jerome B. Judd, James W. Kirby, William H. Kilmer, William F. Martin, George Mayo, Wra. H. H. Mayo, Henry E. Morse, Wm. D. Marshall, Whitney A. Moore, Wm. E. Moore, Whitney Page, Riley D. Heath, Simeon A. Parsons, Benj. F. Russell, Urial Springsteen, Ezra P. Smith, Robert G. Springsteen, Abisha C. Stephens, Milton J. Tompkins, William D. Tompkins, Elmore Tiel, John L. Toby, Hamilton Van Ness, Amasa L. Whitney, George B. Warner, Uri T. Wooster. Privates Died.— Andrew A. Blatchley, Lathrop Benjamin, Warren E. Bird, Charles K. Crofut, Harvey J. Doolittle, George W. Draper, Daniel W. Edson, Ransom H. Frost, Merritt C. Frost, Philip Grodevant, « Compiled from Capt. Frank S. Smith's muster-out roll. 570 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, De Witt Gilbert, Isaac N. Howell, Ralph Hallock, John D. Judd, Uriah E. Moore, Milton E. Moore, Edward Porter, Hampton L. Piper, James Smith, Joseph W. Swigert, Samuel R. Twitchell, Warren Welton, James A. Waters, Joseph E. White, William H. Walton, George Warner, Ma- son Smith. MUSTER ROLL — CO. H. Captain, John B. Van Name; first lieutenant, Wellington M. Lewis; second lieutenant, Almon Morris; sergeants, William H. French, Charles H. Amsbry, Luther A. Johnson, James M. Mayhew, Charles W. Pitts; corporals, Elijah Statts, Chandler T. Preston, George W. Tillotson, Walter Riddle, John Davis, jr., Oliver Morris, Henry Talmadge, Linus Morse; musicians, George La Due, Jonathan Brown; wagoner, Asel M. La Barron. PrivaUs—FTa.nk]m Bacon, Ichabod E. Bacon, Manly M. Bacon, Frank D. Brakes, Lewis Clark, John Crowe, Lyman Crawford, Samuel C. Colt, Moses W. Chollar, James Cassidy, Le Roy Davis, Moses Davis, Henry Davis, Mills Davis, Lewis B. Davis, Daniel D. Dranes, George C. Dur- fee, William A. Drum, James Edson, Seth Edson, John P. Edwards, George A. Edney, Jeremiah Flint, Lorenzo Flint, James H. Groves, Barton P. Harper, Ralsey W. Hakes, John Hayes, Abram Haxton, Benjamin Hardy, Lawrence Kain, Jacob P. Ludwig, Leonard Lewis, Peter Livingston, Lewis McNamara, Charles L. Meek, Justin Morse, John A. Murphy, William Oliver, William W. Osborn, Joseph R. Os- born, William R. Palmer, Charles H. Prentice, William H. Perry, Augustus W. Pingru, Michael N. Quigley, Samuel Reder, David L Rhodes, Israel Slater, Stephen M. Scovel, William I. Springsteen, Simeon Springsteen, John W. Savine, Jehiel Smith, Moses Sneeden, John V. Statts, Matthew Snook, George Terwilliger, Charles Tuller, Theodore F. Tuttle, James Tyler, David Talmadge, William H. Utter, Joseph Verrill, Henry J. Wilson, Henry Winters, Dudley R. Weaver, Hoyt Warner. MUSTER ROLL CO. K. Captain, Frank Burt; first lieut., Oliver P. Harding; second lieut., Frank W. Tremain ; Marvin Watrous, Alber D. Burt, Benjamin Covert, William J. Place, George Eaglesfield, sergeants; Noah Bisbee, William Masten, Henry Aldrich, William N. Webb, Richard J. Nichols, George W. Ferons, Oliver W. Meeker, Christopher Knight, corporals; Charles A. Bogardus, Job A. Knapp, musicians; Moses Swift, wagoner. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 571 Privates— V^m\ Atwell, Elijah Atwell, Henry L. Bogart, Almiron Brown, Edgar Bagley, Charles A. Ball, Henry B. Crocker, George F. Crocker, Eli Crocker, Charles Cronk, Abram Court, Harrison Dunham, Monson L. Dunham, George M. English, Samuel A. Fitch, Marshall Granis, Reuben Gr3'man, Stephen B. Galloway, La Fayette Hughes, Tompkins Hull, William H. Holmes, George W. Hulbert, Asa L. How- ard, Henry K. Johnson, William H. Johnson, George Jordon, John Kincaid, James Kerr, Thomas Love, Ezra Lawson, Silas W. Lacy, Jo- seph P. Masten, Daniel D. Hasten, Andrew Meeker, Nelson W. Meeker, Hiram F. Meeker, Wilbur Moore, Lyman S. Mills, Gilbert A. McKin- ney, William N. Pencil, Perry Russell, Ambrose Ransom, Charles F. Ronkles, Leander S. Robinson, William F. Smythe, Lewis L. Simpson, George Scofield, Charles Swan, Joseph F. Thompson, George Tarbox, James C. Taylor, Frederick Thurston, George Van Horn, William Vri- denburg, Monroe Williams, Levi B. Wilkinson, Henry H. Wilbur, Eseck Welch, Harvey Welch, John T. Wilton, Daniel C. Winters. In Co. D, the Rochester company, were three Binghamton recruits: John Brady, Patrick Fitz Gibbons and David Gommell. In Co, E, the Chenango county company, Charles Ball was a recruit. NINETIETH INFANTRY— VETERAN. The 90th regiment of infantry, which in the service was variously known as the " Hancock guards," the " McClellan chasseurs," and also as the "McClellan rifles," was raised by Col. Louis Tinelli under au- thority from the war department. The strength of the command was drawn from the eastern part of the state, although at least ten counties furnished men to its ranks. Broome county contributed a portion of Co. E, which was recruited in Nineveh, hence was known as the " Nineveh company," although Unadilla and Otsego furnished more than half its men. The regiment was organized in New York city, Novem- ber 20, 1861, with J. S. Morgan as colonel, Col. Tinelli as lieutenant- colonel, and J, S. De Agreda as major. The companies were mustered into service for three years between September and December, 1861. At the expiration of its term of enlistment the men entitled thereto were discharged, Dec. 10, 15 and 17, 1864, at New York city, and the regiment, which had returned from its veteran furlough in September, 1864, with new Companies B, H, and I, mustered in for one year, was retained in the service, but was consolidated into a battalion of six companies. 572 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. The earliest services of the 90th were performed chiefly in the de- partment of the south, and little fighting, except against sickness, was done previous to the siege of Port Hudson, May 3-July 8, 1863. In 1864 the regiment returned to Virginia and was attached to the Army of the Shenandoah, but in September, 1865, returned again to the south, where it was honorably discharged and mustered out of service at Sa- vannah, Ga., Feb. 9, 1866, having lost from all causes a total of 250 men, of whom 7 officers and 183 enlisted men died of disease. The battles of the 90th were: Franklin, La., May 25, 1863; siege of Port Hudson, May 31-July 8, 1863; second assault, June 14, 1863; Bayou La Fourche, July 13, 1863; Red River campaign, March 10-May 22, 1864; Mansura, May 16, 1864; Opequon, Va., Sept. 19, 1864; Fisher's Hill, Sept. 22, 1864; Cedar Creek, Oct. 19 and Nov. 11-12. 1864. MUSTER ROLL CO. E.' Pj-ivates — James A. Merritt, Thomas A. Jacobs, Andrew J. Baird, Cyrus W. C. Burch, Alfred A. Lord, Cornelius E. Pratt, Alvin H. Lord, Michael Keenan, Charles Wilkinson, Wellington Hawkins, W. N. Bait- ley, George Ames, Seth K. Austin, Morris M. Merwin, Charles M. Kronkhite, Charles S. Olmstead, W. B. Benton, Philip N. Austin, George Dean. ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH INFANTRY. The 109th regiment of volunteer infantry, the " Binghamton regi- ment," the redoubtable " Railway brigade," was recruited in July and August, 1862, under authority granted therefor to Benjamin F. Tracy, a prominent member of the Tioga county bar, who was the first colonel commanding the regiment. The counties of Broome, Tioga and Tomp- kins contributed to the strength of the command. Co. A was raised in Newfield, Caroline and Danby; B, in Candor, Richfield, Newark, Berk- shire, Owego and Caroline; C, in Owego and Candor; D, in Bingham- ton; E, in Binghamton, Chenango and Sanford; F, in Dryden and Groton; G, in Truraansburg, Enfield, Lansing, Jacksonville and Ulysses; H, in Binghamton and Apalachin; I, in Smithboro, Tioga Centre, Waverly and Spencer; and K, in Nichols, Candor and Owego. The local companies D and E had recruiting offices on Court street, the former under Capt. George W. Dunn, in a tent at the northwest 1 The above list shows only the Broome county contingent of men in the company. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 573 corner of Court House square, and the latter under Capt. Edward L. Lewis in a store on the north side of Court street, a few doors east of the Chenango canal bridge, where "Veteran " James Schemerhorn handled the drumsticks with much vigor to attract recruits. The pop- ularity of Captains Dunn and Lewis, both of whom previously had been in the service in the 27th regiment, had the effect to draw to the 109th some of the best young soldier material of Broome county; young men ranging in age from 16 to 21 years, strong, vigorous and of our best families, many of them fresh from the school room or farm, and every one willing to do a soldier's full duty. The ranks filled rapidly, and when the command began to assume definite proportions a camping ground was selected south of the Sus- quehanna river, near the end of the Rockbottom bridge, south of what now is known as Conklin avenue and west of Telegraph street. This place was the regimental rendezvous, where the men were drilled by companies and in battalion formation ; and here, too, was the common resorting place for hundreds of our townfolk, and thousands from other parts of Broome, Tioga and Tompkins counties; parents, brothers, sis- ters and sweethearts, who came to visit and cheer the soldier boys and bring them delicacies from home. So rapidly indeed did the ranks fill with willing recruits that in just thirty-six days after Col. Tracy was authorized to raise the regiment, the latter was mustered in the service of the United States for three years, August 27, 1862. Immediately afterward the command was ordered to proceed to Washington, and then came the heartbreaking scenes of parting and farewell. On August 30 the regiment marched through the streets to the Erie station and took the train for the east and south, camping first at Annapolis, Md., in the defenses of Wash- ington, where it was assigned to guard duty along the line of the rail- road between Washington and Baltimore, forming a part of the 8th corps, army of the middle department. Here the men were first pro- vided with Springfield rifles, and the regiment was perfected in drill and military discipline, therefore when ordered into active service against the enemy the men fought with all the skill and valor of trained veterans. For fourteen months the regiment was held on guard duty, with vari- ous companies on detached service, along the line of the railway, and thus acquired the designation of the " Railway brigade." On April 28. 1864, the command was attached to the 1st brigade, 1st division, Burn- 574 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, side's 9th corps of the Army of the Potomac, and thereafter took a prominent part in several of the most severe battles of the war. At the Wilderness the 109th went into the fight 800 strong, held their line throughout the contest, charged the enemy and withstood a counter charge, lost seventy-eight men, but never faltered. Next followed the series of engagements at Spottsylvania court house and Ny river, cov- ering a period of two weeks, during which time the regiment lost in killed, wounded and missing a total of 140 men. At North Anna and Cold Harbor 31 more men fell, while in all the operations before and about Petersburg, including the ' ' mine explosion, " the losses aggregated 260 men. Indeed, from May, 1864, to the fall of Petersburg in April, 1865, the banner regiment of Broome county soldiery was engaged against the enemy in not less than sixteen hard fought battles, the most fiercely contested struggles of the war, and never once was the command charged with lack of energy, bravery and skill. At the fearful mine explosion, July 30, 1864, when fifty-three men of the regiment fell almost in a minute, when Col. Catlin lost a leg and was carried from the field, and when Major Stillsonalso was seriously wounded, the line never wavered, but fought on to the end. After that to the end of its service the regi- ment was commanded by Captains Dunn and Evans. According to military records, during the period of its service the 109th lost an aggregate of 5 officers and 324 enlisted men, of whom 42 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy. On June 14, 1865, at Delaney Court House, D, C, the regiment was honorably discharged and mustered out of service. The battles of the 109th were : The Wilderness, May 5-7, 1864; Spottsylvania Court House, May 8- 21, 1864; Ny river. May 9, 10 and 12, 1864; North Anna, May 26-27, 1864; Tolopotomoy, May 27-31, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1-12, 1864; before Petersburg, June 16, 1864-April 2, 1865; assault of Petersburg, June 16-19, 1864; mine explosion, July 30, 1864; Weldon Road, Aug. 18-21, 1864; Poplar Spring Church, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 1864; Hatcher's Run, Oct. 27-28, 1864; Fort Stedman, March 25, 1865; fall of Peters- burg, April 2, 1865. ROSTER, FIELD AND STAFF 109tH REGT.' Colonels. — Benjamin F. Tracy, promoted brigadier-general. Isaac L. • The muster roll of Field and Staff and also of the companies was kindly furnished for this chapter by Prof. Henry L. Fowler, of Co. E. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 575 Catlin, mustered as colonel, July 29, 1864; lost leg at Petersburg, July 30, 1864; brevet brigadier-general. Lieutenant Colonels. — Isaac L. Catlin, promoted colonel. Philo B. Stilson, prom, from major, July 29, 1864. Majors. — Philo B. Stilson, prom, lieut. -colonel. George W. Dunn, prom, from captain Co. D. Adjutant. — Henry L. Jewett. Quartermasters. — Peter W. Hopkins, James S. Thurston. Surgeons. — Sanford B. Hunt, Seymour Churchill, William E. John- son, Asst. Surgeons. — Salphronious B. French, Asa J. White. Chaplains. — Albert Wyatt, William Wyatt, Ransom A. Washburn. Sergeant Majors. — Leroy C. Chittenden, Marshall Waterfield, George H. Bristol. Quartermaster Sergeant. — William A. King. Commissary Sergeants. — Hiram J. Cooper, Jesse A. Ashley, Frank P. Farrington. Hospital Nurse. — "Aunt" Becky Young. MUSTER ROLL CO. D. Captains. — George W. Dunn, prom, major Sept. 5, 1864; Robert McAdam Johnson. First Lieutenants. — William N. Benedict, disch. for wounds received May 12, 1864; W. Gus Chittenden. Second Lieutenant . — Robert M. Johnson, prom, captain. Sergeants. — William H. Austin, James M. Bullis, Leroy C, Chitten- den, Philo P. Howe, Fred A. Ogden (killed May 12, 1864), Alex. S. Patten, Chauncey M. Pomeroy, Ansel K. Prentice, Elias Prentice, George Reynold;^, Fernando Rindge, Lewis Rittenberg, Samuel D. Stone, John H. Watrous (prom, captain U. S. Col. troops), Stewart H. Watrous. Corporals. — John Brown, Joseph S. Carman, James D. Guy, Neil V. Kinsey, Addison Stanley, Urbane S. Stevens (wounded July 30, 1864), James H. Stone, Marshall F, Taft, Franklin D. Wentworth. Musicians. — Richard Moore, August Germinhardt. Privates. — Alanson H. Adams (died of wounds), Marshall Barlow (killed in action), John Bassett, Charles H. Baxter, William E. Bough- ton (killed in action), Charles A. Bowker, John Bowker, George Brizzee, Charles W. Brown (wounded Dec. 27, 1864), James Bunker (wounded 576 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. at Petersburg, June 17, 1864), Daniel D. Butts, William C. Butts, Will- iam Carl (died of wounds), Samuel Castle, Charles C. Church, William H. Clark, John Clow, Alex. Cook (killed in action), Edward G. Cook, Lucien S. Crandall, Allen H. Cronk, Harrison De Hart, Alex. Disbrow (wounded May 6, 1864), John Duffy, Emmett Dykeman, James W. Dykeman, Myron P. Ellis, Richard B. Ferris, Aaron Finch, Ezekiel Finch, David K. Ganoung, Lewis A. Gardner (died July 6, 1864), Le- roy Gordon, George L. Hall, Melvin R. Hayes, Alanson C. Heacox, Lawrence Holland, Arnold E. Horton, Burritt Humiston (killed June 17, 1864), George R. Isbell, Charles S. Johnson, Isaac S. Johnson, Theodore Johnson, James H. Kennedy (killed in action May 12, 1864), Lorenzo Kilmer, Henry M. Kirby, John Kirby, Haviland Lester, Will- iam H. Lester, Alonzo D. Lewis, Warren Morey, Martin Murphy, Rob- ert Nelson (killed May 12, 1864), Franklin E. Newton, Spencer J. Olds, William B. Osgood, Henry R. Ostrander, John Outteson, George L. Parsons, Andrew M. Peck, William Pierson, Jerry Rogers, Stanley Scoville, Ichabod Sharp, Frank Smith, Heman R. Smith, Hiram D. Stoddard, Winfield S. Stone, Seymour S. Taft, John Toohey, Eugene A. Tyler, John W. Tyler. Peter Utter, Jesse Van Kuren (wounded May 6, 1864), Darwin F. Vandenburg, Robert Vantassel, George L. Vroo- man, Daniel Walling, William Waterman, Orton Whitbeck, Daniel Wilbur, Monroe E. Wildey, Perry Wilder, William H. Wilder, Henry D. Williams. Colored Cooks. — James Brown, Richard Ennis, Sam Green, John Vincent. The following at one time were members of Co. D: James Egan, Noyes Morey, Andrew Murdock and Thomas Williams. MUSTER ROLL CO. E. Captains. — Edward L. Lewis, mustered out, Feb. 16, 1864; Oliver H. Millham, wounded at Wilderness, May 6, 1864; Moses B, Robbins, mus- tered out, Oct. 27, 1864. First Lieutenant. — Matthew Watson, mustered out, July 18, 1864. Second Lieutenants. — Richard McChristian, mustered out, Dec. 10, 1863 ; Jesse A. Ashley. Sergeants. — Charles H. Peny, Daniel E. Burrows, Philip H. Coon, Henry L. Fowler, Julius T. Gleason, John Marquardt, Philip W. Tripp, William L Wilbur. Corporals. — Henry S.Adams (died May 28, 1864), Coles B. Aldrich GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 577 (died June 18, 1864, of wounds received June 17), Charles A. Burrows (wounded June 17, 1864), Gilbert F. Capron, (wounded May 6, 1864), Edwin E. Chase, Abram Cline, Henry McClure, jr., William A. Miller, James Tackney, Jerome Twitchell, Milton D. Whitaker (wounded May 6, 18G4). Musicians. — Edwin E. Cormick, William H. Hall, Andrew J. Whea- ton. Wagojiers. — Lyman B. Ward, William A. Corey. Privates. — James T. Alexander (died of sickness, July 9, 1864), Abram Allen (died of wounds), Charles N. Bacon (wounded), George W.Bacon, Robert Bartholomew, Lyman Blowers (wounded May 6, 1864), Harry V. Bogart (died June 18, 1864, of wounds received June 17), Larry D. Booth, Edward C. Brigham, Henry R. Burdick,Heber Canoll, Otis Capron, John Case, Austin Castle (killed in action, June 17, 1864), Wesley Cline, Will- iam Croft, Joseph Cronk, Martin Cummings, Robert B. Dibble, Charles Dickerman, Jacob F, Edick (wounded May 6, 1864), John P.Ellis, William Elwell (wounded May 6, 1864), Britton Faulkner, Edgar Freeman, James D. Gardinier (wounded June 17, 1864), Lyndon H.Goodnough, George S. Gregory, Charles Hall (captured June 17, 1864, died in Andersonville prison, Aug. 8, 1864), John Hall (captured June 17, 1864, died in Ander- sonville prison, Aug. 1, 1864), Rial D. Hardendorf (died of wounds re- ceived June 17, 1864), J. L. F. Havard (prom. 2d lieut. 28th U. S. Col. troops), Alva Heath, Isaac Hedgelin, Hiram H. Huntley, C. W. John- son (wounded Aug. 18, 1864), George W. Johnson, William Wallace Lamb (killed in action, June 17, 1864), Hiram Manning (wounded May 6, 1864), John McAdam (wounded May 6, 1864), John McDaniel (died Feb. 14, 1864), John McLaughlin (wounded July 17, 1864; prisoner July 30, 1864; paroled Feb. 13, 1865), John N. McLaury (wounded May 6, 1864), George C. McClure, David W.Merrill (captured July 30, 1864; paroled; died March 22, 1865), Lucius H. Miller, William H. Minnick, Warren S. Mitchell, Marvin Monroe (died of wounds, June 26, 1864), Frank Myers (wounded June 17, 1864) Sidney Orford, Stephen H. Peckhara (killed June 17, 1864), Charles H. Pencil (died Feb. 19, 1863), Marcus W. Pierce, Ira J. Pollard, Aaron N. Remele (killed June 17, 1864), David Remele (died Aug. 18, 1864, of wounds), Edward Robinson (wounded June 17, 1864), John A. Robinson, Simeon Rockafellow, Benj. R. Russell, Gilbert B. Seeley (killed June 17, 1864), Lewis J. Simpkins, Hiram Stratton, Charles T. Swan, Preston J. Swan (wounded June 3, 1864), Cyrus P. Tarbox (died of wounds received June 17, 1864), 37 578 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, Ebenezer O. Taylor, Oliver Thorp, Charles W. Underwood, Cornelius Van Order, Charles Weaver (killed on picket July 1, 18G4), Harvey H. Weed (killed June 17, 18G4), Nelson W. Whitaker (wounded June 17, 1864), Thomas J. Whitaker, Fred Wilbur (wounded July 6, 1864), Hi- ram S. Wilbur, Perry P. Wilbur (died April 23, 1864), Stephen D. Wil- bur (wounded April 2, 1865), James M. Williams, Edgar Woolsey, Na- thaniel Wyant, Peter P. Youmans, Andrew M. Young (killed July 30, 1864), Thomas E. Young. Henry J . Manier, William Osborn, Horace Shaw, Herbert Rollins, Harry Smith, Owen Kennedy, Daniel E. Thompson and Thomas J. Winship at one time were members of Co. E. MUSTER ROLL CO. H. Captains. — Austin W. Alvord, resigned Jan. 18, 1864; Evan R.Jones, prom, captain from 1st lieut. Feb. 13, 1864. First Lieutenants. — Evan R.Jones, prom, captain; John S. Giles, mustered Feb. 15, 1864; Ansel P. Coddington, prom, from 1st lieut. Dec. 19, 1864. Second Lieutenants. — John S. Giles, prom. 1st lieut ; Nathan W. Chandler, prom. 2d lieut. Feb, 15, 1864. Sergeants. — Charles Coffin, Frank L. Olmsted, Warren L. Ayer, Simeon T. Dorman, Henry C. Leach, Lucien H. Marshall, George W, Mayhew, Levi E. Potter, David Sherwood. Corporals. — George Arnold, Robinson W. Barton, Silas P. Barton, Laban J. Brown, Albert Chidester, Fred Dean, Joseph Dunbar, Jacob Engle, Almon W. Gould, James Lillie, George Manning, David C. Millen, James Shaughnessey, Uriah B. Stratton, James H. Wood. Musicians. — George W. Maloney, Charles E. Mayhew. Wagoner. — Chester Goodnough. Privates. — -Lewis Allen, Warren Allen (died March 16, 1864), William Anthony, John Barney, James K. Bates, Oscar F. Bennett, Alonzo Bills, Franklin Bills (wounded April 2, 1864; died). Nelson Bills, Jacob Boyce, Henry Brenner (killed June 17, 1864), David Brown, Frank G. Brown, James Brown (wounded July 30, 1864; died), Harrison H. Card (killed June 17, 1864), Darwin Carley, Charles S. Chase (prom. corp. ; missing May 12, 1864), Hiram F. Chiddester (killed May 12, 1864), David Clifford, John M. Clifford, Daniel F. Colburn, John Connelley, Hiram J. Cooper, Clarence E. Corbin, James M. Corey (died Dec. 7, 1863), Darius Cortright (wounded June 17, 1864), Patrick Coslow GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 579 (killed June 17, 1864), George W. Crosby (killed May 13, 1864), Samuel G. Clark (killed by accident, May 22, 1864), Asa Duell (wounded July 9, 1864; died), Peter Dugan, Charles Dyer, Peter Dyer, Alfred Fair- banks (killed May 6, 1864), Charles F. Fairbanks, James Fessenden, Patrick Finn (wounded May 6, 1864), George Fox, James H. Fox, Ira E. Gager, William Gale (killed Aug. 9, 1864), Nelson L. Gowan, Thomas Grange, Nathan J. Green, Samuel Griswold (missing May 12, 1864), Ebenezer Guiles, William D. Hall, Hugh Hastings, Borden Hausner (wounded May 12, 1864), William Hillus, Orson C. Hodges, Charles Holbrook (wounded and prisoner May 12, 1864), Chauncey A. Hull (wounded May 12, 1864), James B. Innes, Watson Johnson, Joseph Jones (killed May 12, 1864), Pardon F. Jones, Pulaski Kent, Charles Lillie, Au- gustus Lutzen (killed July 30,1864), John E. Maloney, William J. Maloney (wounded and captured May 6, 1864; died of wounds), John McLaugh- lin (wounded May 12, 1864), Zadock Miles (died May 10, 1864), John Miller, James L. Moreton (prisoner July 30, 1864), Squire Moreton (missing May 12, 1864), Fred Morgan, Jacob Gates, Avery Olmsted, David Orford, Peter Patrie (killed May 12, 1864), Anson Phillips, John W. Pitcher, Jacob Saddlemire, Abram Schutt, Isaac Schutt, George V. Scoville, Philetus M. Shaw, Halsey Snook, Andrew J. Spratt, Bernard Stone (died April 27, 1864), Nelson Stone, William H. Stratton (killed May 6, 1864), John Thompson, Charles F. Thornton, Harvey J. Tracy, Joseph Trede (disch. for wounds), Abram Van Glone, Michael Van Clone, Peter Van Gorder (killed May 12, 1864), Herbert B. Vincent, Peter B. West, William Wilcox, Benj. Whittemore (killed May 12, 1864), Alvah Wood, Enos V. Wood, Alonzo E.Wright, Samuel Wright. Colored Cooks. — Wesley Holland, William Russell, William Washing- ton, John Williams. The names of Barton L, Bennett, James O. Dowd, William Grange and George N. Weeks may be mentioned as having at one time been members of the company. Broome county also was represented by a sprinkling of men in other companies of the 109th, as follows: Company i>.— Corporal Edward L. Ballard and privates John W. Ballard, John O. Ballard, and Gardner Ballard. Company C— Privates James G. Hinds and James H. Hinds. Company /.—Privates Almerin D. Hazard, Fernando Richards and James A. Shuman. Company iiT.— Corporal George N. Drake and privates Caleb M. Allen, Albert W. Crandall, Edward B . Georgia and Erastus Rice. 580 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY. On August 31, 1862, the day following that on which the 109th regi- ment left for Washington, Captain David Ireland, of the loth U. S. in- fantry received authority to recruit another regiment of infantry in the 24th senatorial district of the state. The enthusiasm created by the rapid filling of the ranks of the 109th seems to have extended through- out the region, for in less than one month Capt. Ireland had secured a full quota of men for the 137th, and was ready for service. The troops rendezvoused on the camping grounds formerly occupied by their com- rades of the 109th, and there they were drilled and otherwise schooled in the arts of war. The regiment was mustered in the service of the United .States for three years, Sept. 25 and 26, 1862. The counties contributing to the original strength of the command were Broome, Tioga and Tompkins, but in December, 1864, a company of recruits from Elmira, mustered in for one year, joined the regiment at Savan- nah, Ga., and became Co. L. The companies comprising the 137th were recruited as follows: A at Binghamton and Sanford; B at Binghamton, Chenango, Conklin, Kirk- wood, Richford, Union and Windsor; C at Owego; D at Ithaca; E at Binghamton, Chenango, Lisle, Maine, Triangle, Union and Whitney's Point; F at Binghamton, Colesville, Chenango, Conklin, Kirkwood, Port Crane, Sanford and Windsor; G at Berkshire, Richford, Newark Valley, Caroline, Groton and Candor; H at Spencer, Barton, Candor and Owego; I at Ulysses, Newfield and Ithaca; K at Groton, Danby and Caroline; and L, the recruit company, at Elmira. So far as the Broome county contingent of the 137th was concerned, the men averaged older than those of the 109th, yet they were not one whit less zealous and loyal than their brothers of the other command. It was well, too, that the 137th was largely made up of men in the full strength of manhood, for the active, constant service of the regiment called it into no less than seven southern states, where it experienced all the vicissitudes to which soldiers could be subjected, and at times suffered hardships which only the stoutest hearts and strongest consti- tutions could withstand. Indeed at one time nearly 400 of the men were prostrated with typhoid fever, and during the entire period of its service the regiment lost by death from disease a total of 4 officers and 165 enlisted men. More than that, the 137th participated in a greater nuniber of engagements than any infantry regiment recruited in Broome GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 581 county, and covered a wider range of territory in its marches than some of the cavalry regiments in the service. The regiment left the state September 27, 1862, and served in the 3d brigade, 2d division, of the 12th corps, from September 30 to April, 1864, taking part in the operations in West Virginia, Virginia, Penn- sylvania, Maryland and Tennessee previous to Sherman's "march to the sea," in which it also participated. From April, 1864, to the end of its service the fortunes of the regiment were cast with the 20th corps. On January 9, 1865, then under command of Col. Koert S. Van Voorhis, originally lieutenant-colonel, the regiment was honorably discharged and mustered out of service near Bladensburg, Md. A more extended history of the 137th is not deemed necessary to this chapter, yet the best narrative of events of its experiences is told by the list of engagements in which it took part. During its service the regiment lost from all causes a total of 10 officers and 281 enlisted men, of whom 8 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy. The battles of the 137th were: Near Ripon, Va., Nov. 9, 1862; Charlestown, W.Va., Dec. 2,1862; Dumfrees, Va., Dec. 27, 1862; Chancellorsville, May 1-3, 1863; Gettys- burg, Pa., July 1-3, 1863, total loss 137; Williamsport, Md., July 11-12, 1863; Wauhatchie, Tenn., Oct. 28-29, 1863. loss 90; Chattanooga and Rossville campaign, Nov. 23-28, 1863, loss 38; Lookout Mountain, Nov. 24, 1863; Missionary Ridge, Nov. 25, 1863; Ringgold Gap, Ga., Nov. 27, 1863; Atlanta campaign, May 5-Sept. 2, 1864; Rocky Faced Ridge, May 8-10, 1864; Resaca, May 14-15, 1864; Dallas, May 25-June 4, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, June 9-July 2, 1864; Pine Mountain, June 15, 1864; Golgotha, June 16-17, 1864; Marietta road, June 21, 1864; Gulp's farm, June 22, 1864; the assault, June 27, 1864; crossing of Peach Tree creek, July 19, 1864; Peach Tree creek, July 20, 1864; Atlanta, July 21-Aug. 26, 1864; Gen. Sherman's Savannah campaign, Ga., Nov. 15-Dec 21, 1864; march co the sea, Nov. 15-Dec. 10, 1864; Savannah, Dec. 10-20, 1864; campaign of the Carolinas, Jan. 26-April 26, 1865; Lexington Court house, Feb. 15, 1865; Averasboro, March 16, 1865; Bentonville, March 19-20, 1865; Raleigh, April 23, 1865; Bennett house, April 26, 1865. In explanation of the incompleteness of the appended muster rolls the statement may be made that during the period of its service the 137th received many recruits in addition to its original membership, of whom no account or mention is made in this chapter. Unfortunately 582 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, the regimental roster has not been compiled by the military authorities of the state, hence in the present connection we can furnish only the names of original members of the several companies recruited in Broome county. The personnel also of the field and staff was changed, but owing to the causes mentioned the full roster thereof cannot be fur- nished, ROSTER, FIELD AND STAFF. Colonel, David Ireland ; lieut. -colonel, Koert S. Van Voorhis; major, Westel Willoughby; adjutant, Charles E. Barto; quartermaster, Ed- ward B. Stephens; surgeon, Dr. John M. Farrington; Istasst. surgeon, S. M. Ward; sergt. -major, Joseph B. Abbott; quartermaster sergt., Frederic W. Burton; hosp. steward, Hiram W. Bishop; com. sergt., John J. Cantine; paymaster, Albert G. Spafford. MUSTER ROLL CO. A. Captain, Frederick A. Stoddard; first lieut., George C. Owen; 2d lieut., Frederick M. Hallock; sergeants, Russell B. Merriam, Denni- son E. Vining, Warren E. Robinson, William Humphrey, Spencer Clark; corporals, James Watrous, Jacob C. Butcher, Stephen D. Mer- rihew, Leonard Durham, Peter Vosburg, Lucian Vining, Christian Neff, John T. Boker; musicians. Clarendon B. Taft, Levi Pierce; wag- oner, William N. Floyd. Privates. — Squires S. Burrows, James A, Burrows, Edward M. Bridg- man, George H. Broughton, David Brasee, Henry H. Babcock, Elijah S. Couch, Marshall Craver, Albert Craver, Charles A. Donley, Isaac Craver, John Holland, Andrew Holland, Dennis Heath, Alfred House, David Hempsted, Richard Hall, Melville R. Hall, Elias Harder, Henry N. Hine, Jacob Hilligus, Peter Hill, Daniel Hogan, Martin L. Ingham, Lewis Jaycox, Charles Jones, George W. Kroft, Isaac Kroft, Clark W. Laflin, Francis C. Luscom'b, Robert A. Luscomb, William O. Leonard, William H. McClure, Charles McHugh, Orrin Maflfett, Philander Marks, Richard Monroe, Joseph S. Miller, John Newlove, WilHam H. Plain, Samuel Peck, Tomas Potts, Nelson L. Palmatier, Daniel Prentice, Jacob E. Potts, William G. Reynolds, John H. Rick, Edward A. Ross, John D. Rush, Edward A. Rector, Richard W. Rush, William D. Rush, William D. Salisbury, Leander M. Salisbury, Harrison Slack, Edward Sweet, Selden Stiles, Turner Stiles, John Silvernail, Benj. Strong, Dean GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 588 Swift, vSylvanus Travis, John C. Travis, Daniel Travis, Jacob Thomp- son, Amos Thornton, Pardon Tabor, Charles Updegrove, Hiram Wil- bur, George C. Whitaker, James E. Young. MUSTER ROLL — CO. B. Captain, Henry H. Davis; first lieut., Asa C. Gale; second lieut., Owen J. Sweet; sergeants, Samuel A. Smith, Charles H. Williams, Benj. F. Newman, Harper G.Andrews, Ransom Y. Hazard; corporals, William M. Spoor, George W. Buchanan, George Burge, Daniel W. Cline, Espy C. Stuart, Benj. F. Mason, Cornelius Ackley; musician, Francis Burlison; wagoner, Emmet L. Potter. Privates. — Austin Barney, John J. Briggs. Elias Brink, Gilbert L. Bennett, James C. Batcher, William Brink, Sylvester Bennett, Erastus Bronk, William J. Bronk, John Cox, Ephraim Cline, Charles N. Covert, Eli C. Caster, John R. Comfort, Admiral T. Coon, James Dora, Hiram Doone, Ambrose Davidson, Ambrose T. Eggleston, Charles Engle, Al- bert Fox, Thomas J. Finch, M. C. Flint, Sabin Gray, Hiram T. Gray, John Garry, William Fitzgerald, Charles Hawkins, Mark Hall, Vict. Holcomb, Edson Hayes, John C. Ham, Morgan Heath, Edward Hayes, Calvin W. Herring, Peter W. Hyde, Henry R. Hyde, Henry J. Jossett, Henry Kells, James Kells, Albert Knapp, Andrew Looks, Peter Lawler, Owen McGrimes, James H. Muller, Benj. S. Mowrey, Joseph B. Masten, Anthony Masten, Egbert W. Mullin, Dudley Mersereau, Frederick D. North, Wm. Nickson, Henry Nickson, George Perkins, George Phillips, Le Roy Parsons, OscarReynolds, John Reynolds, Jacob Randall, Thomas J. Standley,Wm. T. Sutliff, Wesley H. Snook, Martin V. Snook, Chaun- cey Snedeker, Joseph B. Sherwood, Ezra B. Spoor, Wallace Soper, Cadez V. Stevens, Thomas Somerton, Foster R. Scudder, Henry E. Schouter, Romaine Stevens, Henry Scoville, Charles St. Clair, Leroy Titus, Pus- ey Tilbury, James W. Tripp, James Tarbox, Whipple Tarbox, Lyman Wooster, Colvin Wales, Hiram D. Wood, Nelson Youngs. MUSTER ROLL — CO. E. Captain, Milo B. Eldridge; first lieut., Cornelius E. Dunn; second lieut., George J. Spencer; sergeants, James E. Gleason, Henry S. Har- per, Van Ness McNeil, Horace L. Smith, Eugene L. Edmonston; corporals, Willard Gotcheus, James H. Siver, Hendrick J. Smith, Eli B. Black, William B. Morgan, Charles A. Tompkins, James L. Hyde, 584 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Frederick C. Andrews; musicians, Richard D. Barry; Almon Spring- steen. Privates. — Nelson F. Adams, Peleg Andrews, C. Perry Ashley, Will- iam S. Brown, William Barber, Francis J. Bolster, William H. Bristol, Nelson Baird, Justin Briggs, John Conrad, De Witt Cross, Morris P. Co- nine, Charles H. Crandall, Henry E. Copeley, Harrison Crandall, James Cram, Hugh H. Cunningham, Thomas Dunlap, Nathaniel Eaton, Fran- cis E. English, Henry E. Everett, John Fitzgerald, John Fach, Clement French, Andrew B. Holt, Andrew Hand, Daniel W. Howland, Ralph Hoag, Augustus Hinsdale, John Howard, George W. Henyon, Henry Johnson, Philo Kelsey, Rudolph Knickerbocker, Job F. Keeler, Charles Lewis, Jacob Lown, Samuel R. Lusk, Harrison Monroe, Francis Monroe, George B. Morgan, Augustus Matthewson, Richard Miller, Michael Mc- Devitt, George Matthewson, Dallas Norton, Darius Orton, James L. Pierce, Ira B. Preston, Orlando W. Perry, Abner B. Palmer, AValter R. Page, William Rittenburg, Philip H. Palmer, George H. Potter, William Rittenberg, jr. , Henry D. Rummer, Orrin L. Rummer, Walter Rood, Erastus B. Rood, Gershom G. Randall, Alonzo Swift, William H. Slack, Oscar L. Severson, James Sweet, Anson Stanley, Nelson Simmons, John A. Sigler, Frederick F, Twining, John C. Thompson, Martin H. Ter- williger, James H.Tompkins, John Topping, Selah W.Talmadge, George N. West, Phineas Wooster, William H. Warner, Junius E. Washburne, Robbins Warner, Consider M. Yarnes, John W. Young. MUSTER ROLL CO. F, Captain, Henry W. Shipman; first lieut., William N. Sage; second lieut., Marsh^iU Corbett; sergeants, John Van Emburg, Lysander Well- man, William N. Dodge, Isaac Aldrich, Orange W. Emmons; corporals, William G. Cresson, John Hanley, Oscar F. Nolan, Marvin D. Mattoon, Aaron Benn, Joel Butler, Samuel S. Vosburg, Riley W. Hines; musi- cians. Perry M. Winans, John B. Wilcox; wagoner, Joseph Laycox. Privates — Fountain H. Ackert, James A. Ainsworth, Calvin Baker, Thomas-Brady, Darwin Bagley, Elisha Burgdorf, Jas. C. Burgdorf, Jas. Broadfoot, Henry C. Bayless, Burtis J. Bayless, Hiram Bullock, Joel Brown, Alfred Bacon, Robt. D. Cresson, Jas. L. Cresson, Daniel B.Coller, Wm. H. Cash, Jos. P. Crumb, Cornelius Crannel, David Durand, George W. Doolittle, Edgar R. Elwell, John H. Eggleston, Thomas Eggleston, George Fosgate, Luther Frink, William H. Green, Smith Howe, George W. Hunter, Elijah Hawkins, James Hanley, Peter Hawver, Harvey M. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 585 Holmes, Albert Hughes, Newton Hunt, James H.Harris, Zadock Hiney, Ira S. Jeffers, Orrin Jenks, William Jenks, George W. Kilburn, Thomas Kargan, Milton Knox, Eugene A. Masten, George L. Muckey, David H. Monroe, Spicer W. Mattison, Horace W. Nichols, MaloneJ. Pardee, Eli Prentice, Reuben Porter, William A. Scofield, Samuel Scoville, Franklin Scoville, Robert W. Smith, Robert W. Spearbeck, Zerah Spaulding, Wilsey Spaulding, William Seneca, Theodore Spinning, William J. Smith, Daniel D. Spenning, Henry Topping, Oliver A. Tuttle, Willard B. Truesdell, Henry Van Buren, James W. Van Auken, Henry I. Van Ness, Hamilton Van Ness, Levi Vosburg, Colby Wells, Robert H. Winner, Eli E. Watrous, Sherman K.Watrous, John Wode- man, Henry Wellman, Brundage H. Welton, William W. Wheeler, Ed- win Wright, William H. Young, George Young. In Co. G the county was represented by privates Samuel Gripman, Charles A. Seaman, Levi Tracy. In Co. H the county was represented by privates William W. Bartoo, David Phelps, Luke S. Searles, Frederick Guile. ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FIRST INFANTRY. This command, which was commonly known as the " Steuben county regiment," was recruited by Col. Gabriel P. Harrower, who received authority therefor in September, 1862. The strength of the command was drawn chiefly from Steuben county, although other counties con- tributed portions of several companies. Broome county's contingent comprised about 25 men in Co. E, who came from Binghamton, Che- nango and Colesville, and about 36 men in Co. G, who were recruited in Binghamton by 1st Lieut. John P. Worthing. The 161st was organized in Elmira, and there was mustered in the service for three years, Oct. 27, 1862. It left the state, Dec. 4, and served in Grover's division, department of the gulf, taking part in the operations in the extreme south, and losing more heavily by death from exposure, malaria, fever and kindred hardships than by contend- ing against the confederacy. In fact during its service the regiment lost by death, killed in action, one officer and 32 enlisted men, of wounds received in action, 23 enlisted men ; of disease and other causes, 250 enlisted men. The battles of the 161st were: Clinton Plank road, La., March 15, 1863; Plain Store, May 21, 1863; siege of Port Hudson, May 23-June 17, 1863; Bayou la Forche, July 586 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, 13, 1863; Sabine Pass, Texas, Sept. 3, 1863; Vermilion Bayou, Oct. 9, 1863; Carrion Crow Bayou, Oct. 11, 1863; Vermilion Bayou, Nov. 11, 1863; Red River campaign, March 12-May 22, 1864; Sabine cross roads, April 8, 1864; Pleasant Hill, April 9, 1864; Crane river crossing, April 23, 1864; Mansura, May 16, 1864; Spanish Fort, Ala., March 27- 30, 1865; Fort Blakely, April 3-9, 1865; Mobile, April 10, 1865. MUSTER ROLL CO. E. Sergeants. — Gurdon Mansel, David Lockwood; corporal, David Gage. Privates. — John Banker, Wyant Boughton, Oliver C. Conklin, Rufus Edson, Abram Forker, Cornelius Forker, George Folmsbee, Lorenzo Ferguson, Ezra Jay, Elisha Kilmer, Morgan L. Killmore, Peter Kill- more, Ezra A. Killmore, Robert M. Reynolds, Merritt Stanton, Elisha S. Tuttle, Augustus T. Van Nortvvick, David Wagoner, George Young. MUSTER ROLL CO. G. First lieut., John P. Worthing; second lieut., John Jay; sergeant, David Mersereau; corporals, Daniel S. Crannell, William Landon. Privates. — Patrick E. Brown, James Cooney, Cornelius Carmody, William De Geus, Elias De Geus, Garrett Derrick, Isaac H. Griffith, George W. Hill, John Henyon, David Henyon, John S. Hill, James Layton, John A. Landon, Nelson Lathrop, Frederick Larabee, William Murphy, George A. Murphy, Charles McNarey, Benj. C. Newcomb, Samuel F. Newcomb, Mandeville Ostrander, William H. Ostrander, Benj. F. Roselle, John Stoddard, Thomas Spaulding, Anson Spaulding, Jacob Swartwood, Charles E. Sickles, Alfred O. Spaulding, William Taylor, Burnham Webster. ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY. This command, which previously was the 19th regiment of the Na- tional Guard, was offered for nine months service in the fall of 1862; and the offer having been accepted by the governor. Col. William R. Brown was directed to recruit the regiment to its full strength. The companies, except K, were mustered in service, Jan. 23, 1863, and were mustered out, Oct. 31 of the same year. In the composition of the companies four recruits from Lisle were in Co. A; eighteen from Binghamton, Lisle and Union were in Co. H, and three men, whose towns are not mentioned, were in Co. K. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 58t The service of the regiment began at Yorktown, Va., in Busteed's brigade, 1st division, 4th corps, and closed as a part of the second bri- gade, 2d division, 11th corps. The losses were small, aggregating thirty- eight men. The battles of the 168th were: Walkertown, Va., May 28 and June 6, 1863; Yorktown, June 9, 1863. The Lisle men in Co. A were Harvey N. Rowland, Albertus S. Ken- yon, Stephen Sturtevant, Abram R. Wilds and John Warner. In Co. H the county's contribution comprised corporals Isaac Aller- ton and Benjamin T. Wright, and privates Charles H. Burr, Milton Bostwick, Burritt Brown, James Bevier, Charles E. Dawson, James M, Emerson, Henry W. Fairchild, James F. Green, Martin F. Green, John C. Hogg, Albert Hotchkiss, Bruce B. Ketchum, Edmund Livermore, George E. Overhiser, Albert Remsen and Edward Tarbell. In Co. K the Broome soldiers were George A Bishop, John C. Free- man and James S. Sanders. ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-NINTH INFANTRY. Broome county furnished about fifty men for Co. K of the 179th regiment, the recruits coming from the towns of Sanford, Vestal, Union and Port Crane. The other half of the company came from Tioga county. The regiment was organized at Elmira, and was mustered in service for three years except Cos. I and K, which were mustered for only one year. The command left the state in detachments and served with the Army of the Potomac, chiefly in the 9th corps. Its losses from all causes ag- gregated 191 men, showing that while the period of ite service may have been comparatively brief it was nevertheless severe. The battles of the 179th were: Cold Harbor, June 11-12, 1864; before Petersburg, June 16, 1864, and April 2, 1865; assault of Petersburg, June 16-19, 1864; mine ex- plosion, July 30, 1864; Poplar Spring Church, Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 1864; Hatcher's Run, Oct. 27-28, 1864; Fort Stedman, March 25, 1865; Ap- pomattox campaign, March 28-April 8, 1865; fall of Petersburg, April 2, 1865. MUSTER ROLL — CO. K. Captain, William H. Van Benschoten; first lieut., Robert E. Hooper; privates David W. Axtell, Charles S. Alexander, Abram Bennett, Charles Baker, Allen Benjamin, Horace Cornelius, Squire H. Cook, 588 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Elanson Conrow, Arthur A. Cramer, James R. Decker, Daniel Dodge, John B. Fisher, Isaac Foster, Nathan W. Gilbert, Warren Goodnough, Edward Higbee, Isaac B. Hill, Chas. W. Johnson, Richard M. Johnson, Russell McKinney, Huston McKinney, Chauncey McDonald, Theodore F. McDonald, Henry D. Morse, Warren A. Newman, Wallace B. New- man, Joseph G. Prentice, Wilbur Pitkin, Frank Paisley, William Pang- burn, Francis Porter, David Ramey, Levi F. Stiles, Charles W. Star- bird, Ebenezer Swartwood, Anson O. Swartwood, Miles P. Squires, William M. Townsend, Alanson J. Vail, James Vandemark, Beniah M. Vandemark, Manley Westcott, Rozelle A. Wright, Starr T. Wright, Abner D. Welch. MISCELLANEOUS INFANTRY REGIMENTS. The i^ph Infantry. — This command was raised in the late summer of 1862 by Col. Robert P. Hughston, and was mustered in the service for three years Sept. 27. Asst. Surgeon Oliver P. Bundy, several of the company officers, and 16 of the enlisted men, were recruited in Broome county. The service of the regiment was chiefly in the de- partment of the south, and during the period of its enlistment the losses aggregated 218 officers and men. The Broome county contingent served in Co. A, and was as follows: Assistant surgeon, Oliver P. Bundy. Company A. — 1st lieut., R. Harper Evans; 2d lieut., Alfred E. Heath; sergeants, Henry W. Wilcox, De Witt C. Mayo, Charles M. Hathaway, Gerritt S. Ward, George Miner; corporals, William N. Dean, George W. Jackson, James Turner, Wellington Dan. Privates. — Henry W. Banks, George E. Caswell, Ira B. Davis, Henry Dibble, James Fletcher, William H. Flint, John F. Hewitt, William E. Huyck, George J. Huyck, James N. Love, John McComb, Abram O. Moore, Ambrose B. Moore, Benj. Reynolds, John Swart, Le Roy Tomp- kins. The i^ith Infantry. — This command was recruited in the fall of 1862 by Col. William M. McEvily, and came chiefly from the vicinity of New York and Long Island. Co. F was recruited in New York city and Binghamton, the Broome county contingent comprising nearly all the company officers and 23 of the men. The regiment served wholly in the department of Virginia, under various brigade, division and corps commanders. In many respects the 155th was a notable command, and became known as the " Corcoran Brigade," and also as " The Irish GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 539 Legion." It was mustered in the service in November, 18G2, served with great credit nearly three years, and was mustered out June 15, 1865, having lost an aggregate of 189 officers and men. MUSTER ROLL CO. F. Captain, W. S. Schuyler; 1st lieut., Thomas Hart; 2d lieut., Michael O'Connell; sergeants, Melvin A. Newman, Louis Bally, Thomas Mat- thews; corporals, Anthony Gillespie, Michael Golden, Daniel Hartnett, Wilson Gleason; musician, Rodney B. Hill. Privates. — George Ackley, James Brannan, Daniel Buell, Patrick P. Cunningham, Patrick Clancy, George W. Cook, John Crow, Stephen Davenport, Patrick Donnelly, Patrick Donoghue, William Donoghue, Andrew Ferry, John Gougheny, James B. Golden, John Gordon, Roger Kain, Thomas Killean, Patrick Liddy, Christopher Martin, William McConnell, Henry Morris, Judson Mulineau, James B. Murray, Thomas O'Dowd, William Perrigo, John Reed, Michael Shanahan, John Stoik- holm, Michael Sullivan, Pierre Tisson, Michael Wall, John Fits Morris, John Heary. The ^ist Infantry. — In this command, the "Cromwellian " regiment, were two Broome county recruits — James Lull and Thomas Wilbur — in Co. D. and William J. Lusk in Co. E. The Eighty-sixth infantry contained four Broome county recruits: Henry H. Blossom, George Hewitt, John Hewitt and George H. Sny- der, all of Co. H. SIXTEENTH INDEPENDENT BATTERY, LIGHT ARTILLERY- VETERAN. Captain Milo W. Locke received authority to recruit this battery, and drew its strength from the towns of Broome county ; and in allusion to the distinguished citizen, patriot and statesman— Daniel S. Dickinson — it took the name of " Dickinson light artillery." The battery was re- cruited and rendezvoused in Binghamton, occupying quarters during the early part of the winter of 1861-2 in the paper mill building which once stood at the south end of the bridge across the Susquehanna con- necting East Court street (now Tompkins street) with the north side of the river. In the early part of 1862 the battery left for Washington, and there was mustered into service for three years, March 27, 1862, to date from Dec. 10, 1861. The story of the services of the 16th is well told by one of the best 590 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, militar}^ authorities of the state as follows: '* Served at and near Wash- ington, and in the artillery camp of instruction, 23d corps, from March, 1862; at Suffolk, Va , 7th corps, from April 19, 1863; at Yorktown,Va., in 7th corps, from June, 1863; at Newport News from November, 1863; in the artillery brigade, 18th corps, from June, 1864; with the 10th corps in August, 1864; with the 18th corps in September, 1864; in the artil- lery brigade of the 24th corps, and with the 2d division, from Decem- ber, 1864; in the provisional corps from March, 1865; in the 10th corps, Army of the Ohio, from April 2, 1865. On July 6, 1865, under com- mand of Capt. Richard H. Lee, it was honorably discharged and mus- tered out of service at Elmira; having during its term of service lost by death from disease and other causes 45 enlisted men." The battles of the 16th were: Siege of Suffolk, Va., April 19-May 4, 1863; Steamer Smith Briggs, April 14, 1863; South Quay bridge, May 1, 1863; before Petersburg, June 15, 1864; assault of Petersburg, June 15-17, 1864; Chaffin's farm, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 1864; Darbytown, Oct. 27-29, 1864; Fort Fisher, N.C., Jan. 15, 1865; Cape Fear entrenchments, Feb. 11-12, 1865; Port An- derson, Feb. 18-20, 1855; near Wilmington, Feb. 22, 1865; campaign of the Carolinas, March l-April 26, 1865; Bennett House, April 26, 1865. MUSTER ROLL 16tH IND. BATTERY. Captains. — Milo W. Locke, res. Jan. 15, 1863; Frederick L. Hiller, prom. capt. Feb. 16, 1863; Richard H. Lee, prom. capt. May 13, 1864. First Lieutenatits. — Henry C. Jackson, res. Jan. 15, 1863; William P. Northrup, prom. 1st lieut. Feb. 17, 1863; Frank H. Gould, prom. 1st lieut. July 20, 1863; Thomas Moses, mustered as 1st lieut. Dec. 7, 1864; Henry Woolworth, prom. 1st lieut. Jan. 2, 1865. Second Lieutenants — Richmond Henshaw, res. April 21, 1862; George W. Powers, disch. Sept. 17, 1862; Robert P. Smith, prom. 2d lieut. April 10, 1863; Daniel F. Allen, prom. 2d lieut. April 16, 1863; Lewis P. Northrup, prom. 2d lieut. Jan. 25, 1865; Adelbert C. Fassett, prom. 2d lieut. May 7, 1865. Sergeants. — ^\\X\2im P. Northrup, James H. Bills, Robert V. Bogart, John Brockham, Samuel Chase, Thomas Collins, William M. Hiller, James L. Lewis, George McCoppen, Enos Norton, John C. Oliver, John Siller, Josiah V. Simmons. Sergeant -Major. — Josiah V. Simmons, prom, from sergeant. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 591 Quartermaster Sergeants. — Frank H. Gould, Orville D. Pratt, Will- iam H. Quaife, Corporals. — Jacob Barker, Stephen L. Bone, jr., William J. Bowen, Henry Woolworth, William R. Brooks, George R. Carman, Philip Car- rigan, Robert Gary, Sylvester L. French, Cassius Gray, William B. Hayes, Josiah Kieth, Urias Krom, Benona Lewis, Orson W. Mayhew, William Moses, Benjamin F. Osborn, Stephen Pangburn, Jared Stow- ell, Timothy Sullivan, James A. Tripp, Philip Tw^ining. Buglers. — Lyman B. Gray, George W. Rogers, David W. Stevens, T, Fenner Brown. Artificers. — William W. Alexander, Austin Ayers, James G. Bailey, Isaac Y. Kniffin, Henry Hasten, John M. Rose, George W. Rowe. Wagoners. — John S. Hinds, Peter Quinn. Privates. — John Agan, Andrew J. Allen, William B. Allen, Jesse Ames, Frank Amsden, Auer S. Arnold, Charles N. Baker, Judson Balch, Geo. N. Balcom, Chas. D. Ball, Silas P. Barton, Edwin S. Bauder, Jared F. Bauder, Wm. F. Bean, John A. Bedell, Albert R. Benjamin, Canfield Benson, Isaac Benson, Loyal A. Bigelow, Geo. Billings, Martin Billings, Henry Blair, Clark Bostwick, Milton Bostwick, Albert Boughton, Charles Boughton, Charles H. Bradbury, Cyrus Bradford, Cornelius Brooks, Matthew Brooks, Edward Brown, Frank Brown, Joseph E. Brown,' William Brown, William Brown (2d), Clark D. Bryant, George S. Bryant, Rufus O. Bryant, Albert Burger, Charles Burns, Stephen J. Burns, Elisha A. Burrows, Henry Bush, Irving W. Butler, Benson Canfield, Peter Cannon, Darwin Carley, Isaac Carmack, Alexander Carman,' Leander Carman, John Carney, Michael Chandler, Xavier Charton, Thos. S. Chase, Enoch Chidester, Bostwick Clark, Geo. Clark, Wm. H.Clark, Alexander Cole, Calvin C.Cole,GideonL.Colegrove, Henry Cooledge, Philip Carrigan, Jefferson C. Cortright, Albert A. Crawford, William 'crofts, Charles H. Grouse, Wellington Dan, Patrick Darcy, Albert Darling, George S. Davis, William De Garamo, Patrick Denehal, Henry T Dibble, William Dickinson, Lansing E. Disbrow, Alexander Drum Ira R Duley, William Dunn, John Dwyer, Alexander Dyer, Elijah W Easterbrook, Frank Eastman, John W. Eggleston, David Evans, Moses C. Everett, Charles S. Everson, George H. Fancher, John Farrell, Lyman Fenn, David Fish, Edgar Fish, Madison Fitch, Fletcher Foster, Orange Fowler, Ferris A. Freeman, Frank G. Fuller Silas M. Gage, Isaac B. Gaige, Willam Garagan, Ezra Garner, Patrick Gateley, John Gaugherty, William L. Gere, William German, Charles 593 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. Gibson, Robert Gilmore, James Graham, Frederick Guiles, William H. Hall, Patrick Hallinan, Silas D. Hand, John A. Harris, James Hatha- way, John Hayden, Levi Hazel, Thomas Heffron, Robert N. Hender- son, Edwin Hewitt, Edgar Holcomb, George E. Hollenbeck, James Horgan, Philander Houghtaling, George T. House, Uriel A. Howard, Charles W. Jackson, James A. Jackson, Joseph O. Jackson, Charles W. Japhet, Henry A. Jay, William S. Jay, Walter Jinners, Andrew John- son, Frank B. Johnson, Nahan A. Johnson, Richard M. Johnson, John Jones, Byron O. June, Alva Kark, Thomas W. Keaton, Lucius A. Kieth, Martin Kennedy, Moses Kierton, George F. Kimble, Thomas King, Horace Knight, Silas Krom, Frank E. Landers, Henry D. Lan- ders, Frederick Larabee, John Layton, Jonathan F. Leitch, Chester T. Leonard, John B. Leonard, Thomas Letson, Hiram Lewis, Jabez Lewis, James Long, George A. Loomis, Nelson Lord, Lewis Lowenthal, Will- iam H Mace, Porter Mallory, Iram Manchester, John Manuel, Ebene- zer H. Martin, Frederick Martin, Hiram C. Martin, Joseph Martin, Thomas Martin, Franklin B. Mason, David Mason, Loraine T. Mason, William McConnell, Reuben McDaniel, James McDaniels, Michael McDevitt, Owen McGaughran, Charles McMahon, Eleazer Meacham, Jack Merrill, James A. Miller, John Miller, John Miller, jr., Myron Miller, Chester A. Minkler, Michael Mooney, Rufus H. Morey, Smith B. Morey, Stark N. Morse, Enos Morton, Edwin Mosher, Smith B. Mowry, Thomas Multha, Andrew Munson, Patrick Murphy, George Myrick, Charles A. Narsh, Frank E. Northrup, Thomas Nowland, Wal- ter G. Olmstead, Arthur O'Neil, Orson A. Owen, Newell S. Paddle- ford, Jacob K. Paige, Nathan L. Perry, Phinnan Phillips, Chauncey Pierce, Seneca Pollard, Ira P. Pratt, Joseph P. Pullis, Henry H. Rad- ney, Edward Record, Menville Rhinevault, Phineas H. Rierson, Da- vid H. Roberts, Isaac Robinson, Isaac Robinson (2d), John Robinson, Charles W. Rodgers, Garrett Rozelle, Jeremiah Rozelle, William H. H-. Rozelle, Elias D. Rummer, John M. Rush, Henry Russell, Ignatz Schmidt, John Scofield, Henry F. Scott, Michael ScuUey, Corydon Sears, William Seely, John Seller, Lewis W. Seymour, Frank Shearer, Eph- raim B. Shelley, Henry D, Simmons, Israel Simmons, Wilbur Slocum, Elbert B. Smith, Harry Smith, Hendrick J. Smith, Jasper Smith, My- ron Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Thomas Smith, John Spencer, Fitch Spoor, Thomas Stapleton, Willard Stevens, William N. Stever, David J . Stiles, Jonathan Stratton, Edmund Sturtevant, Charles M. Swine, James Swan, John W. Taber, John W. Taylor, William Taylor, Elijah GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 593 Thomas, John W. Thomas, Thomas W. Tompkins, John Tierney, Pat- rick Tobin, Levi Tracy, George Troop, Theodore Turner, James Tyler, Herbert Van De Bogart, George Van Gorder, Alfred Van Wagner, Judson Vole, Aden Vorhees, William Walker, William Walker (2d), John A. Walling, Lewis Walton, Henry Ward, Silas E. Warren, Jacob A. Weiting, Charles Wells, Allen Whalon, Abram Whitaker, Abram Whit- beck, Norman Whitman, Dexter Whitney, jr., William Wilkinson, Charles B. Williams, George H. Williams, Girard Williams, Charles Williamson, William A. Wilson, Charles Woolworth, Albert Wyent. FIFTIETH ENGINEERS. The 50th engineers, frequently known as the " Stuart regiment," was organized by the state for the infantry service, but was converted by the war department into an engineer regiment, and afterward was known as the 50th N. Y. vol. engineers. The command left the state Sept. 20, 1861, for three years, and was mustered out July 13 and 14, 1865. Nearly every company of the 50th was represented by Broome county recruits, although the contingent in each was very small. The ap- pended list shows the names of original Broome county men in the command. Company A. — Privates Duondo Edwards, Henry C. Lashier, Stephen Matterson. Company C. — Privates David B. Cragan, Albert D. Howard, Jere- miah Howard, Charles Ingerson, James McGregor, Seymour J. Palmer. Company D. — Privates Wallace M. Barney, Franklin R. Garrison, Surdam Smith, William Wilkinson. Company- E. — 1st lieut, Orrin E. Hine; sergeants, John N. Clark, George Kenyon; corporals, Charles O. Howard, Anson H. Bauder, Jeremiah Robbins; privates, Philo Barden, James Bailey, Eli H. Craw- ford, Henry D. Daniels, Ormando R. Daniels, Alfred S. Edwards, Spencer Hicks, Charles Hurlburt, Aaron Lashier, Francis L. Newton, William H. Pierce, Amos Robbins, Latham Osterhout. Company F.— Privates James E. Armstrong, John W. Aikin, Norman W. Brigham, Joel Cunningham, Gideon C. Colegrove, Joseph D. Deck- er, Joseph Howard, Philip K. Johnson, Edwin Kipp, Albert Moore. Anson W. Payne, Mason Thornton. Company G^.— Elijah D. Cafferty (wagoner), Horace D. Butts, Adel- bert G. Councilman, Harris W. Darling, Luke M. Hammond, Amos Howard, George Pier, Timothy Rockwell, John Smith. 38 594 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, Company H. — Privates William C. Pollard, Warren Moore, Daniel C. Norton, Ira Decker. Company I. — Sergeant, Peter B.White; corporals, Henry La Grange, Wesley J. Brown; privates, Nathan Barney, Spencer Barker. Company K. — Privates Richard B. Anginer, Warren J. Bostwick, Stephen P. Bingham, Fletcher Mason, Eli H. McGill, Henry Oliver, Cyrus A. Roe, Eli Webb. SIXTH CAVALRY— VETERAN. This command was organized in New York city under the special authority of the war department, and originally was known as the " Ira Harris guard." When the regiment was formally turned over to the state, Nov. 20, 1861, it received the designation of " Sixth regiment of cavalry, N. Y. vols.," but otherwise was known as the "Second Ira Harris cavalry," and also as the " Second Ira Harris guards." Co. G, which contained a fair contingent of officers and men from Broome county, was recruited in Binghamton, Rochester, Hornellsville and Albion, and was mustered in the service for three years Oct. 24,- 1861. During the period of its service the 6th participated in something like one hundred and fifty skirmishes and engagements, but the com- mand so frequently was broken up into detachments that it is almost impossible to furnish a narrative of the experiences of any single com- pany, and particularly of Co. G, in which were the Broome county men. On June 17, 1865, the regiment was consolidated into eight companies, and these, with the 15th N. Y. vol. cavalry, formed anew organization known as the " Second Provisional regiment, N. Y. vol. cavalry." Muster Roll, Co. G. — Edward P. McKinney, 2d lieut. ; Ch.rles H. Cannon, 1st sergt. ; Asahel Maynard, Charles B. Harris, William Berry, sergts. ; Henry Applegate, Asa Gurnsey, Oscar Stoutenburg, Carlton P. Taylor, James F. Petitt, Jerome A. Wood, George P. Tyler, corpor- als; William C. Colt, quartermaster sergt.; Lewis H. Allen, bugler; George Miner, wagoner. Privates. — Noah F. Alden, Edward Burdett, Thomas G. Burgess, Robert Burke, Henry C. Dickinson, Hiram E. Freeland, Adelbert Green, Daniel Hogan, William Hadsall, Hubbard Hoag, Cameron Johnson, George Jeffries, Azure Mack, Robert W. Mosher, Josiah Mar- tin, George A. Newman, Marvin Palmer, David Pratt, Willard Phelps, David S. Stoutenburg, Irvin J. Stoutenburg, George S. Tripp, Henry J. Wakeley. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 595 FIRST VETERAN CAVALRY. This command, which originally was intended to become the 17th regiment of cavalry, was organized at Elmira in the summer of 1862. Broome county was represented by men in Cos. A, (1st lieut., Charles B. Fairchild), E, (private, Fred H. Furlong), Fand H, (private, George W. Raymond). Co. F was known as the Binghamton company, al- though Elmira, Adams and Rochester also contributed to its strength. The regiment left the state by companies in the fall of 1863, and served first in the department of Washington, but latterly and chiefly in the department of West Virginia, where it participated in about fifty engagements and skirmishes. It was mustered out of service July 20, 1865, at Camp Piatt, West Virginia. Muster Roll, Co. F. — Edwin D. Comstock, captain; Hamilton L. Red- way, 1st lieut. ; John E. Ronk, 2d lieut. ; S. Girard Case, 1st sergt. ; L. Hibbard Whittlesey, quartermaster sergt. ; Orville J. Bacon, Sanford Bradbury, Thomas Alilok, Lafayette Cross, sergeants; Charles H. Whittlesey, Washington Marsh, Russell S. Cole, Henry At well, Anna- nias Cameron, corporals; Seth H. Wells, William H. Sleeper, farriers; William L. Payne, saddler; Philip Chrismar, wagoner. Privates. — Edward Burrows, Charles W. Bradbury, Alva Church, James Cassiday, George W. Finch, Rufus Finch, Sabin Gray, John C. Ham, jr., William Holcomb, Calvin Hull, Patrick Houlihan, Reuben W. Lovejoy, J. Riley Loveland, Jacob Lester, Charles E. Lewis, Jesse McFarland, William H. Nash, Hanford H. Paddleford, William D. Stephens, Nathan D. Stone, Albert Truax. Broorne county also was represented by a few men in Co. D, 3d cav- alry, who were recruited in Deposit; also in the 11th cavalry by a few Binghamton men in Co. C ; also in the 25th cavalry by 2d lieut. Corwin J. Holmes and private John Phillips. Among the many persons who enlisted in companies and regiments recruited outside of the county mention may be made of the following: Isaac Hendrickson, Co. H, 17th inf. ; David N. Dibble, Co. K, 143d inf. ; Florence A. Potter, Co. G, 12th cav. ; Oliver D. Hokirk, Co. D, 46th inf. ; Gregory B. Youngs, Co. E, 149th inf. ; Francis M. Pratt, Co. C, 79th inf. ; Charles C. Edson, Co. I, 4oth Penna. inf. ; Corwin J. Holmes, Co. B. 30th inf. ; Zachariah Paddock, Co. B, 48th inf. ; Dr. Edward I. Ford, surgeon 101st U. S. col. troops; William R. Snyder, Co. G, 6th cav. ; Lee C. Stone, Co. A, 1st art.; Patrick Flanigan, Co. B, 2d bat., U. S. inf. ; Thomas McMahon, Co. B, 2d bat., U. S. inf. ; Charles Lee, 596 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, 14th R. I. col. vols. ; Nelson Young, 14th R. I. col. vols. ; Fred Bond, 54th Mass. inf. ; James Postley, Co. G, 54th Mass. inf. ; Henry Bell, 54th Mass. inf. ; William Bond, 54th Mass. inf. ; George Jackson, 54th Mass. inf. ; Remsen Archer, Penn. vols. ; James Archer, 26th U. S. col. troops; George Cruser, 26th U. S. col. troops; James Nichols, 26th U. S. col. troops; Joseph H. Mitchell, 26th U. S. col. ti'oops; Henry Mitchell, 26th U. S. col. troops; Thomas E. Potts, Co. G, 18th U. S. vet. res. corps; Adam J. Foltz, Co. E, 16th N.Y. art. ; George M. Gal- loway, Co. K, 2d mounted rifles; John Boyden, Co. E, 7th art. ; Amos Patterson, Co. B, 2d Penna. reserves; James Walsh, Co. A, 64th inf. ; Peter C. Mersereau, Co. G, 15th eng. ; William McElroy, Co. K, 14th inf. ; Horace Tichenor, Co. K, 27th 111. inf. ; John Cunningham, Co. C, 162d inf. ; Eugene Morse, adjutant, 7th 111. inf. ; Ezra P. Keeler, Co. E, 175th inf. ; Abram S. Holland, Co. G, 185th inf. ; William H. Brown, Co. C, 148th inf. ; Edwin D. Brown, Co. C, 148th inf. The drafted men of the county, who entered the service, were as fol- lows: Robert B. Stone, John Gorham, James T. La Barron, Van Rens- selaer McClare, Augustus Blake, Charles E. Barrett (26th col. troops), Joseph H. McQuan, David Van Order, Theodore C. Brown (26th col. troops), Patrick Stack, Henry C. Jones (26th col. troops), Thomas Griffin, George H. Runyon, Robert S. Hogg, W. M. Freeman (76th N. Y. inf.), Elias McCannon (76th inf.), George W. Andrews, Jeremiah Gray (76th inf.). David Brown (76th inf.). Nelson Brooks (76th inf. ), Ira Lewis, John J. Broughan, Henry Budd, Abram D. Decker, Seth T. Marcy (76th inf.), Frederick Thomas, Henry Clay, Daniel D. Dranes, Adna S. Winner, Jesse W. Germond, John F. Ketchum, John Edson, John Doxy, Orville K. Pike, Charles C. Hare (76th inf.), Frank R. Roberts, Warren B. Parsons, Seymour Rowe, Marvin Way, Edward F. Wright, Ira Lathrop, George L. Folmsbee, John F. Fletcher, Edward J. Goodnough, Nicholas Moat, Hiram Weeks (76th inf.), Jesse L. Weidman, Jonathan Attridge, Uriah Springsteen, Henry Moat, Jerome Tanner, Henry W. Hupman, Sidney L. Welton, Charles F. Dickson, Ephraim Molsen, George Hewitt, George Postly, Janthes U. Walker, George H. Allen, Nicholas W. Martin, Henry J. Howe, Ira Palmer, Moscow E. Holt, Luther A. Van Kuren, Edward H. Palmer, Ira D. Seymour, John N. Sines, Ozias D. Paige (146th inf.), Richard M. John- son, vSamuel Kipp, Lewis Kipp, George W. Webb, Jeremiah Eastman, Chester Leisure, Levi Webb, Ezirah J. Orton, Austin C. Gaige, Will- iam Stringer, Richard E. Smith, John A. Seism, Jay W. Bush (76th GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 597 inf.), Medad Ketchum, Bishop A. Hartwell, Charles H. Pittsley, Lo- renzo Ballard, Charles Mott, Simeon Westfall, Edgar H. Stratton,' Syl- vester E. Ackley, Henry Conover, Isaac L. Ball, David A. Hoag, Abram C. Osterhout, Albert B. Clark. Major-General John C. Robinson, a native of Binghamton, born in 1817, attained a rank of greater importance in military circles than any other of Broome county's soldiery. In 1835 he entered West Point Military academy, but left in 1838 and and took up the study of law. In 1839 he was offered and accepted a commission as second lieutenant in the 5th U. S. infantry. He was called into active service during the Mexican war and soon won a promotion to the first lieutenancy, followed by a captain's commission soon after the close of the war. He after- ward was identified with army life throughout the reign of peace, and at the outbreak of the war of 1861-5 again was called into service; was made colonel of the First Michigan infantry in 1861 ; major of the Sec- ond U. S. infantry in February, 1862; brigadier-general of U. S. vol- unteers in April, 1862. At Spottsylvania Court House he was so se- riously wounded in the knee that amputation of his leg became neces- sary, and thus he was compelled to leave the service; but he was bre- vetted major-general of volunteers in June, 1864, and major-general of the U. S. Army troops in March, 1865. General Robinson spent much of his civilian life in Binghamton, and was honored with election to the lieutenant governorship of the state, and also to the high office of com- mander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the United States. Major-General Joseph J. Bartlett was another son of Binghamton who earned distinction in military life during the war. He was the first captain of Co. C, 27th inf., and after the regiment reached Elmira he was promoted major. In September following he was promoted to the command of the regiment, and in October, 1862, he was commissioned brigadier- general. General Bartlett unquestionably was one of the most fearless men who ever led a charge, and never did he ask his men to go where he was not willing to lead them. At Lookout Mountain he was the first man up the hill in the famous charge that won the day for the Union arms. After the war Gen. Bartlett was appointed minister to Norway and Sweden, and still later was given a prominent position in the pension department at Washington. General Hiram C. Rodgers was a native of Sauquoit, Oneida county, and began his business career in Binghamton in 1853 as teller in the Bank of Binghamton. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in Co. D, 598 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, 27th inf., and was elected its captain. At Bull Run he was slightly wounded, but he assumed command of a battery and led it safely back to Washington. In January, 1862, he was appointed by the president assistant adjutant-general and was assigned to duty on Gen. Slocum's staff. On July 4, 1862, he was promoted major, and afterward was awarded a colonel's commission. After the surrender of Savannah Col. Rodgers was brevetted brigadier-general. In 1865 he returned to civil life. In the same connection also mention may be made of the names of L. Chester Bartlett, Milo B. Eldridge, George W. Dunn, Edwin Evans, Charles A. Wells, Fred M. Hallock, John P.Worthing and other Broome county men, each of whom was taken from the ranks and advanced to important field and staff positions. CHAPTER XXV. THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR— THE HISTORY OF COMPANY H, FIRST N. Y. VOL. INF., 1898. At the time of the outbreak of the Spanish-American war the 20th Separate company, N. G., N. Y., had been in prosperous existence for twenty years, and was full in numbers, equipped in ever}^ way for the field, well officered, thoroughly drilled, and in excellent discipline. On April 26, 1898, shortly after the president's call for volunteers, the company assembled at the armory to consider the matter of volunteer- ing for two years or for the war. All the officers and sixty-five enlisted men at the word stood upon the floor to signify their willingness to go to the front. Two days later the order came designating the company to become part of the newly organized First New York volunteer infantry. From that time to the departure of the company for the rendezvous on May 1, the armory witnessed busy scenes. New recruits were drilled daily, arms, equipments and ammunition were gotten out and three days' rations purchased. The citizens of Binghamton were thoroughly aroused and determined that neither the men who went to the front nor their families should lack anything. Prompt measures were taken to purchase and present each man a heavy blue flannel shirt and a stout GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 599 pair of walking shoes ; and a movement was set on foot to raise a fund to aid the families of such volunteers as might need financial assist- ance. Sunday, May 1st, the day of the departure, was a memorable one in Bing-hamton. The regular church services were much neglected. .The men in their new blue uniforms were everywhere conspicuous. In the afternoon a mass meeting was held at the Opera house which the com- pany and their comrades of the 6th Battery attended. Hundreds were turned away unable to obtain even standing room. During the after- noon orders came to move to Camp Black by special train on the Erie railroad leaving at 11 p. m. At nine o'clock in the evening all prepara- tions were complete, and an hour or more was devoted to the good-byes of friends upon the floor of the armory. At 10:30 at the sound of the drum the company formed in heavy marching order, and a few minutes later marched to the train escorted by the 6th Battery and the posts of the Grand Army. The crowds on the streets were so dense that it was difficult to find a passage through, and the embarkation was accom- plished with extreme difficulty in a mighty press of people that filled the depot platform and the neighboring streets with a dense mass of humanity. The train carried also the 40th Separate company of Elmira, and at Middletown early in the morning received on board the 24th Separate company. Upon arrival at Jersey City the soldiers breakfasted upon the Erie dock; and while there the 65th regiment of Buffalo arrived. Embarking on a ferry boat with the regiment, the journey was made to Long Island City around the lower part of New York. The prog- ress of the boat was one continual ovation. Everywhere " Old Glory " was fluttering in the breeze, and the air was filled with the salutes that were given by the whistles of every steamer and tug boat in the harbor. Arriving at Long Island City other troops were found and all embarked upon the waiting trains for Camp Black on Hempstead Plains. All the afternoon troops kept pouring in, and at five o'clock the baggage ar- rived, and the city of canvas, the temporary home of more than ten thousand New York volunteers, rapidly arose on the broad plain. The First New York composed of well drilled guardsmen were already past the rudiments of their military education, and on the following day, while many of the other regiments had not yet shaken themselves to- gether, had its first evening parade. Here we first met and became acquainted with that admirable and accomplished soldier. Gen. Thomas 600 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. H. Barber, of New York, whom the regiment learned so thoroughly to respect as its colonel, during the ten months of its service , The routine of camp life at once began with hard and thorough work on the drill ground, and preparations for muster into the United States' service. The work was hard but the men were full of enthusiasm, and daily progress was made. The work was, however, very early inter- rupted by a week of nearly continual rain. The storm came with heavy wind from the northeast, and the temperature fell to near the freezing point. For several days it was nearly impossible to light a fire, and to venture out of a tent was to be wet to the skin. It was a time of severe hardship to untried troops, but they bore it with a philosophy worthy of veterans. The sun came out again at length bright and warm and work was again resumed. The 20th of May, 1898, was a day to be long remembered in the reg- iment. On that day company by company the men held up their right hands and swore to " bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America, to obey their superior officers, and to protect and defend their country against all its enemies," and were declared duly mustered into the service of the government for two years or for the war. Thus the 20th Separate company became Company H of the First New York volunteer infantry. About this time an event occurred which had an important bearing on the future of the regiment. General Elwell S. Otis, then command- ing the Department of the East and already designated for command in the Philippines, spent some time at the camp, looking thoroughly into the composition and condition of all the regiments. Meeting Col. Barber at the end of his inspection, he said: " Colonel, your regiment pleases me very much. I think I will ask to have it assigned to my command." Thus was the regiment designated for distant service on the Pacific islands. As the month of May drew to a close regiment after regiment was withdrawn from Camp Black to Tampa, Camp Alger, Camp Thomas and other rendezvous of the new army, still no orders came for the First regiment. At length on June 11th the regiment entrained for station at the forts in New York harbor. Company H was left behind in quarantine on account of a case of measles, and was the last organ- ization to leave Camp Black. June 15th the quarantine was raised and the company departed for its new station at Fort Columbus, Governor's Island. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 601 Col. Barber had paid Companies G and H the compHment of select- ing them as garrison for the post which was headquarters of the De- partment of the East. The duties here were many and varied. In the military prison in old Castle William were some sixty prisoners to be guarded at their work by day and in their cells by night. The usual drills took place and the ceremonies of guard mount and parade were performed with punctilious accuracy. The officers and men were only volunteers but they were doing the work of regulars and did it so well and thoroughly as to win many compliments. While at the island Capt. Hitchcock returned to Binghamton, and in a few days appeared again with twenty-five recruits taken under the president's second call, rais- ing the company roll to one hundred and nine officers and enlisted men. Company H will always remember with pleasure their stay of three weeks at Fort Columbus, amid the beautiful scenes and cool breezes of New York harbor. About July 1st came the word that the regiment was officially desig- nated for service in the Philippines. Then came the one dark day of the war when it seemed our army had met a check before Santiago. The report flew about that reinforcements were to be dispatched at once to General Shaffer; and that the First New York, being fully equipped and ready, was to be ordered to sail at once on the St. Paul, then in the harbor. This rumor, as it turned out, was true; but in the end the 8th Ohio received the order, and the destination of the First New York was not changed. With another morning came the glorious news of the victory over the Spanish fleet, and the country breathed freely once more. On the morning of July 7th Companies G and H bade farewell to their pleasant quarters on Governor's Island, and with the rest of the regiment embarked upon four great trains for San Francisco. The route was over the Erie to Chicago; thence by the Northwestern to Omaha, and thence by the Union Pacific to the coast. The long jour- ney was made with comfort and was varied by the magnificent scenery of prairie and mountain. Six days later the regiment arrived in San Francisco, over thirteen hundred strong, well disciplined, armed and equipped, carrying themselves with the quiet, assured confidence of regular troops. The regiment was entertained at dinner on its arrival by the ex-New York residents of San Francisco. During the journey word came that the regiment had been designated as garrison at Honolulu in the newly annexed Hawaiian Islands. This 602 BINGHAMTON ITS SETTLEMENT, news was received with pleasure by some, but on the whole with feel- ings of disappointment, as it seemed to remove still further the pros- pect of an active campaign. After an uncomfortable three days in the sand, dust and chill winds in Camp Merritt, Col. Barber secured orders for a change of base to the Presidio. The change was decidedly for the better, yet left much to be desired. The site was somewhat sheltered, but the tents were pitched on an asphalt-like expanse of adobe soil from which every wind blew the most disheartening clouds of dust. Every night the chill fog drifted through the Golden Gate shrouding the whole camp in cold and gloom.' There was sickness and death in the camps, and day after day the rat- tling volleys told of another soldier gone to the last roll call. But the time was not spent in idleness and while waiting the welcome orders for embarkation for the designated station of the regiment in the Ha- waiian Islands, the regular routine of drills and camp life and work went on. The regiment sailed for the islands by detachments as transports could be provided. On the 17th of August Companies F, G and H em- barked upon the little steamer "Alliance" for the long sea voyage. On passing out of the Golden Gate heavy seas were encountered, and natur- ally enough there were many sufferers from .sea- sickness. On the third day out in smoother waters and a sunnier sky nearly all had recovered, and began to take up the new and strange experience of army transport life. Ten days at sea without a sail in sight, with not a living thing but a few sea-gulls and flying fish to break the immense monotony of ocean; at night the rippling flash of phosphorescent water, with the north star daily sinking toward the horizon; hours of lazy reading or card playing in the shadows of the sails, broken only by meal times, and ineffectual attempts to exercise on the crowded decks; — such in in brief was a history of the voyage. On the 27th of August in the early morning cloudlike mountains appeared on the horizon; later they took on the hues of soil and vegetation, and the island of Oahu was in sight. Passing between it and the shadowy masses of Molokai on the left and rounding headland after headland, the steamer entered the har- bor of Honolulu and made fast to the wharf just at noon. After disembarking and vain efforts to get sea-legs off and a farewell to the brave little ship that had carried them over more than two thou- sand miles of sea, the battalion took up the march to Camp McKinley, as the new station was called. The march was for four miles through GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 003 the city, and east tlirough the suburbs and Kapiolani Park, to Waikiki at the foot of Diamond Head. The baggage did not arrive that night, so Company H men slept in their blankets on the bare ground in the mild tropical night. A light shower or two passed over, but few of the weary soldiers, happy to be once more on firm ground, awoke to grum- ble. Here the company rejoined the portion of the regiment that had preceded it, and their comrades of Major Langfitt's battalion of the Second U. S. V. Engineers, and a few days later the whole regiment was once more reunited. The regiment was encamped in a grove of algeroba trees at the foot of Diamond Head, an extinct volcano. The sea was only a short quar- ter of a mile away, and afforded the very best place for the refreshing daily bath, so necessary in the tropics. The city of Honolulu was con- nected with the camp by a "mule trolley " line running to the center of the town four miles away through a broad highway flanked by cocoa- nut groves, rice and banana plantations, and many beautiful suburban residences embowered in a wealth of tropical foliage. All things in this beautiful tropic land were new and strange for northern eyes to look upon. On the sea shore they saw brown-skinned Kanaka children tumbling in the surf; in the fields the frugal Chinese toiling in his rice land, or in his taro or sweet potatoe patch. On the streets swarthy Japs, yellow Malays, brown-skinned Portuguese from the distant Azores mingled with English, American, French and German residents in poly- glot confusion. The climate was delightful, but not conducive to hard work. During the day the air was warm without excessive heat, and was tempered by the steady trade winds fresh from leagues of ocean. The nights were cool enough for comfortable sleep, and were brilliant with the silvery moonlight of the tropics, or the gleam of stars from the depths of an unclouded sky. ^ But the soldiers' existence in this " Paradise of the Pacific" was not all one dream of delight. The daily work of drill and fatigue was harder in the enervating air. There was for a few days a scarcity of rations owing to some friction in the administration of a newly estab- lished station. The men who had up to that time slept upon clean straw in their tents, now had to rest upon hard boards or bare ground. Yan- kee ingenuity, however, very soon remedied this defect. Trees, fences and unoccupied buildings in the neighborhood seemed to melt insensi- bly away, but in the camp there was a supply of comfortable cots and bunks. Mosquito nets were issued as a protection against the myriad 604 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT. swarms that made night miserable, and soon a very fair degree of com- fort was enjoyed in the new camps. The one drawback to the exist- ence was that chances for active service in the field were daily growing less. The element of adventure and romance was vanishing away, and only the quiet monotony of garrison life remained. It was not strange that thoughts turned often to wife, child and home five thousand miles away, and talk began to turn to the time when they were to be mus- tered out. Before the regiment had been at Camp McKinley many weeks the transport " Arizona " arrived in port with Major Paul's battalion of the 18th Regulars and recruits for the Colorado, California, Nebraska and Pennsylvania regiments then at Manila, and with Brigadier-General Charles King in command. The troops went into camp upon the race track near by, and the Military District of Hawaii was established with General King in command. Shortly after this occurred the practice march of Company H around the Island of Oahu, which will always be remembered by the men as one of the most interesting events in the history of the company. In order to understand the route it is necessary to call attention to the geography of the island. Oahu is practically a triangle in shape with one side to the northeast, one to the west and one to the south. Hon- olulu is on the south coast. Parallel with the northeast coast runs the principal range of mountains with a gradual ascent on the land side, but falling off toward the sea in steep and almost perpendicular preci- pices. This range is crossed in but one place by a road, and is else- where impassable. There is no road around the eastern promontory, but there is a fair road around the northern point. The southeastern corner of the island is another impassable mountain range, with no road around it but the railroad. The central portion of the island is an ele- vated plateau. The most, therefore, that could be done in the way of march around the island was to cross the pass above Honolulu to the northeast coast, pass up the coast to the northern point, and return over the central plateau. The company marched out of Camp McKinley on the morning of October 5th with ten days rations and forage in three wagons, taking three cavalry horses for the use of the officers in exploring the country and securing wood, water and camp grounds in advance. The men made the journey in light marching order, carrying only their rifles, canteens, haversacks, blankets and ponchos. They wore canvas uni- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 6(15 forms, carrying their coats during the day in the blanket rolls, and marching in the blue shirts, canvas trousers, leggings and campaign hats. A more easy and comfortable rig for campaigning could hardly be devised. Passing through Honolulu, the company marched into the mountain pass by the Nuuanu valley. The road was a gradual ascent for six miles to the summit of the pass with lofty mountains hardly to be scaled on either hand. It rains frequently on the mountains, however dry on the plain, and thus the slopes are covered with the same vivid green as the Alpine valleys. Toward the top of the pass the valley was more and more filled with a tangle of tree and vine all new and strange. In the middle of the afternoon the company reached the head of the pass, the famous Nuuanu Pali. Here the valley ends in a tre- mendous precipice falling sheer for over a thousand feet, and with a precipitous slope for many hundred feet more. On either side the jagged peaks rise nearly 1,500 feet sharp as saw teeth. In approaching the Pali the stranger would have no idea of what he was nearing until within a few rods of the verge; then the magnificent panorama bursts upon the sight with the sudden force of a shock. Far below are the cane and rice fields with here and there plantation houses, and beyond the long line of breakers of the broad Pacific. Nearer are the vivid green but rugged and impassable mountains rising nearly a sheer three thousand feet from the coast. From the Pali the road turns sharply to the right and winds down dug out from the side of the cliff in two long zigzags to the level country below. From the foot of the Pali to the coast the march led through hundreds of acres of guava bushes full of ripe fruit. The wagons were delayed in passing the Pali, so the cap- tain rode ahead and secured quarters for the night in an empty cottage at Kaneohe through the kindness of Mr. Mendoza, who owned a large cattle ranch in the neighborhood. The next day the company marched along the coast over excellent roads through cane and rice land, passing Heeia and rounding Kualoa Point. Camp was pitched at Kaaawa on the beach, where all night long was heard the thunder of the surf on the coral roof just beyond the sand. The next day's march carried them to Dr. Carter's at Hauula just beyond Punaluu, During the morning march three wild goats were seen far up the mountain. The captain nodded leave to the eager men, the breech-blocks clicked and a rattling fusillade began. None of the shots took effect but they threw up the dirt and stones around the 606 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, animals who speedily vanished behind the crags. In connection with this day's march the men will remember the group of grinning Kanakas and Mr. Mendoza's bottle of olekehao. The camp was made at Dr. Carter's early in the afternoon. Dr. Car- ter made them welcome to wood, water and camp ground, and fur- nished a generous supply of fresh vegetables, and entertained the officers at his house. Dr. Carter was himself a native of New York who came to the islands years ago for his health, and lives with his charming family in a beautiful house on his large plantation. His hospitality was so grateful and the camp so pleasant to the men that a day was spent here in rest and in excursions in the neighborhood. The next day's march carried the company past Laiae, a Mormon settlement, to Kahuku Plantation where the noonday halt was made. Here the men had an opportunity to see the large sugar mill and plan- tation at this point. The march was resumed after an hour's halt around the northern point and along the west coast to Waimea river. Here was encountered a difficult crossing, which the men had been informed would prove an impassable obstacle, as the bridge had been carried away by a flood. A sand bar which had formed across the mouth of the river afforded a safe transit. There was some difficulty owing to lack of a proper approach. It was necessary to partially unload the wagons, run them by hand down a steep bank, lead the animals down by a bridle path, and then haul the vehicles through the heavy sand, one at a time, employing all the mule-power in each case. The crossing might have stopped a force of Kanakas, Japs or Chinamen, but the American volunteers were safely across within an hour. The next march was a short one from Waimea to Waialua court house. The camp was made here at the deserted Emerson house, and here in the pleasant shade and with good bathing the company had an after- noon's rest before the long march of the next day from the sea on the west to the sea on the south. This was a long pull of nineteen miles over the central plateau. After a long gradual ascent the com- pany marched over the level, grassy table land with both bold moun- tain ranges in full view. As the company neared Pearl Harbor they passed through one of the large sugar plantations. They made camp that night on the peninsula at Pearl City on ground of Senator Water- house. They came on invitation and were received by the senator and his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Wood. They served dinner to the whole company, and gave them the freedom of their beautiful GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 607 country place. The next day was spent here in boating, fishing and excursions in the neighborhood. "The Peninsula" where the camp was made juts out into the spacious harbor where the U. S. Naval sta- tion is to be, and is one of the most delightful locations on the island. From Pearl City the next march took the company to Moanalua, the country home of the Hon. Samuel Damon. They arrived at noon, and enjoyed a half-day in this charming spot. The next day carried them back to Camp McKinley after a ten days' outing, which few of the men will soon forget. Upon the return to the camp it was learned that typhoid fever had broken out, and a change of ground was necessary. Captain Hitchcock, who had been named for promotion to a majority during his absence, was charged with the selection of the new camp. The point fixed upon was a grassy beach at Waialae, four miles further from the city. To this point the captain moved Companies E and G, and a detachment of convalescents; and later the entire regiment took up its quarters there. But sickness had begun to take a strong hold of the camp. The well-known truth was discovered by practical experience, that it is dif- ficult for troops under canvas to keep their health in a tropical country until acclimated to the new conditions. Death began to invade the ranks of the company. Privates Porter, Thompson, Glasby and Cowles were followed one after another by their sorrowing comrades to their quiet rest in Nuuanu cemetery. But it was during the period of sick- ness that the patience, courage and discipline of the men of Company H was most conspicuous. Their quiet performance of daily duty, and the entire absence of panic or dismay, as comrade after comrade was stricken by the invisible foe, were matters of remark even in the camp of a brave regiment; and was a more severe test of manhood than many an assault made in the field under the fire of the foe. While in camp at Waialae the regiment was inspected by Major Ed- ward Field, of the Inspector-General's department, U. S. A. His re- port was in part as follows: "Ten companies of the First New York volunteer infantry were reviewed at their camp at Waialae beach in light marching order. Their passage in review was the best of any volunteer regiment I have seen since the war began, and I have seen nearly all the regiments that passed through California. Their mili- tary appearance and bearing very fine, active, clean-built, well set up. Arms and equipments were almost faultless. They show the same ex- cellence in drill as they did in review and inspection. They would 608 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, make excellent field soldiers. They are young, intelligent, spirited and patriotic, especially well drilled, and many who have served in the na- tional guard are excellent shots. " Such is the record made by the regi- ment during the nearly ten months of its service. Major Charles H. Hitchcock. All of these remarks applied to their full extent to Company H ; but more than this, they were a marked body of men even in their regi- ment. A regular officer of large experience who saw the regiment fre- quently during several weeks, speaking of this company, said to their captain, " You have the finest body of men I ever saw together in any service. They are simply magnificent." The term of service of the regiment was nearly done. The news that they were ordered home for muster out reached the camp in time to add the anticipated pleasures of home to the bountiful Thanksgiving dinner served them by the ladies of Honolulu. On December 9th the company sailed upon the transport "Scandia," for home, and arrived at San GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 609 Francisco six days later. Binghamton was reached December 27th, and on February 26, 1899, they were mustered out, and honorably discharged from the service of the United States. The war was over, and their duty was done. To but few of the volunteer troops had it fal'len to meet the foe in the field, but all did their duty faithfully and well wherever they were sent; but none better or more faithfully than the men who went out from Binghamton. The following is the muster roll of the members of Company H: 1. Captain... Charles H. Hitchcock. 20th Sep. Co.; prom, major. 2.1st Lieut. .Harry P. Worthing... " " " 3. 2d Lieut... Charles N. Hinman.. " " " 4.1st Sergt.. William H. Seeley " " " 5.Q.M. " ..Arch. K. Roberts " 6. Sergeant.. Edward S. Hoag " " " 7. " .. Peter C. Powell " " <' 8. " ..Lew. B. Merselis " " " 9. " ..Fred S. Cary " " " 10. Corporal ..Julian R. Wilbur " " " 11. " ..Frank O. Seymour " " " 12. " ..Stephen O. Cline " " " 13. " ...Francis C. Huhn " " " 14. " ..George D. Lathrop... " " " 15. " ..Frank Wood " 16. " ..Stirling S. Kimball... " " " 17. " ..Arthur E. Potter.. .. " ' " 18. " ..Harrie W. Reynolds.. " " 19. " ..Edward W. Rogers... 6th Battery, joined May, '98. 20. " ..Lewis Van Tassel 20th Sep. Co. 21. " ..Floyd S. Wilder " " " joined June, '98. 22. Musician .Frank H. Merrill 20th Sep. Co. 23. " Lawrences. Merrill.. .6th Battery, joined May, '98. 24. Wagoner . Charles W. Hobbie . ..20th Sep. Co. 25. Artificer ..Merton E. Lewis " " 26. Private S.Howard Ammerman. Recruit, joined April, '98. 27. " Clarence J. Ash ." " June, '98. 28. " Robert H. Baker " " " '98. 29. " MeadBeebe.. 20th Sep. Co. 30. " Fred E. Bennett Recruit, joined April, '98. 39 610 BINGHAMTON. ITS SETTLEMENT, Frank W. Bishop Gth Batter}^ joined May, '98. Asa L. Bonnell Recruit, joined April, '98. Clarence E. Chalker ..20th Sep. Co. Frank E Courtney Gth Battery, joined May, '98. MarJn J. Curtin 20th Sep. Co. George H. Cowles Gth Battery, joined May,'98, died Honolulu Nov. 12. '98. William H. Davis Gth Battery, joined May, '98. George Duren ..Recruit, joined April, '98. James M. Dwyer " " " '98. Albert Edgecomb " " May, '98. Charles VV Fetherolf . .20th Sep. Co. Samuel G. Fraser Recruit, joined May, '98. Floyd L. Gage 20th Sep. Co. Clarence W. Gage Recruit, joined May, '98. George O. Gay " " June, '98. Harry L. Gay " " " '98. Burton J. Gibbons Gth Batter}', joined June, '98. George W. Gillett Recruit, joined June, '98. Arthur Gibson . " " May, '98. William L. Gleason... " " June, '98. Richard A. Genung... " " " '98. John B. Gregory " " " '98. Albert Glasby " " May, '98, died Honolulu Nov. 21, '98. Willard A. Hake^ 20th Sep. Co. Edward Hallett Recruit, joined May, '98. William H. Hawks Gth Battery, joined May, '98. Michael Hastings Recruit, joined June, '98. Edward Hart " " " '98. Lorenzo D. Harrington " " " '98. Marion C. Holcomb... " " " '98. Howard S. Hobbs 20th Sep. Co. Clarence S. Hubbard.. Recruit, joined April, '98. Herbert Hungerford .. " " " '98. Archie A. Jenkins " " " '98. Bernard Jennison 20th Sep. Co. Charles B. Johnson Recruit, joined May, '98. James Kearley " " April, '98. 31. Private 32. ( ( 33. ( ( 34. " 35. ( I 36. ( ( 37. (. ( 38. ( ( 39. " 40. < ( 41. ( ( 42. 1 ( 43. < ( 44. 1 ( 45. ( ( 4G. (( 47. 1 1 48. i < 49. ( ( 50. '• 51. < ( 52. ( i 53. ( ( 54. < ( 55. ( ( 56. " 57. (< 58. ( 1 59. ( ( GO. '' 61. ( ( 62. " 63. ( i 64. I ( 65. (< 66. ( 1 67. 1 i GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. (Ill 68. Private, Ward Kilpatrick Recruit, joined April, '98. 69. " Frank B. La Gier •" " " '98. 70 . " Peter C. Leamy 20th Sep. Co. 71. " Eugene B. Levee " " " 72. " Charles E. Lewis Recruit, joined June, '98. 73. " Thomas E. Maffett " " May, '98. 74. " Edward Major " " April, "98 75. " Edward J. Malmquist . " " " '98. 76. " Frank S. May 20th Sep. Co. 77. " Job P. Malpass Recruit, joined June, '98. 78. " Oscar S. Mitchell " " April, '98. 79. " Cornelius Morrissey " " June, '98. 80. " Patrick J. McHugh ... " " " '98. 81. " Charles B. Pender " " May, '98. 82. " Leon W. Place 20th Sep. Co. 83. " Henry L. Polhamus... " " _" 84. " Fred W. Porter.. " 85. " Clarence H. Porter " " " died Honolulu Oct. 2, 1898. 86. " William E. Pelham Recruit, joined April, '98. 87. " Leigh H. Reynolds " " June, '98. 88. " John H. Rising .20th Sep. Co. 89. " Weller Rose " 90. " Bernice Riley ...Recruit, joined June, '98; disch. for disability, Sept., '98. 91. " Arthur W. Salsbury.. .20th Sep. Co. 92. " Frank Schoonniaker.. .Recruit, joined April, '98. 93. " George M. Scott " " May, '98. 94. " William F. Seabold.. .20th Sep. Co. 95. " Frank J. Shotwell " 96. " Edgar J. Simpson " 97. " Arthur A. Smith Recruit, joined April, '98. 98. " Oscar F. Stalker .20th Sep. Co. 99. " John Stoltz Recruit, joined June, '98. 100. " Andrew A. Swain, " " " '98- 101. " James H. Tanner 20th Sep. Co. 102. " Charles P. Tobey " 103. " William J. Turner " " " joined June, '98 104. " Charles H. Thumpson.44th Sep. Co., died Honolulu Oct, 15, '98. 612 BINGHAMTON, ITS SETTLEMENT, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. 105 . Private, Charles Vosburg Recruit, joined April, '98. 106. " Arthur J. Vosburg '• " June, '98, 107. " Henry Waldhoff . " " April, '98. 108. " William Wemple " " " '98. 108. " Charles W. Yeomans..20th Sep. Co. Regt'l Q. M. Sergeant, Lewis Seymour, 20th Sep. Co. In the foregoing roster all the men who had at any time been members of the 20th Separate Company or 6th Battery are so noted. The time of joining is noted in all cases where the men did not leave Bingham- ton May 1, 1898, with the company. To the roster is added the name of Lewis Seymour, who went out of Binghamton with the company, and was promoted regimental quartermaster sergeant, and was mus- tered in as such. Although Co. H constituted the most important body of troops rep- resenting Binghamton and Broome county in the Spanish American war, an equal number of men were enlisted in other commands, but their services were not at all severe. The state rolls of soldiery in this war are not fully collated, hence the names of all men from this local- ity cannot now be procured. However, through the assistance of sev- eral officers the names of local recruits in Co. L, 203d N. Y. Vols., and also of the 7th Battery, light artillery, N. Y. vols., are secured with reasonable accuracy. The Broome county men in Co. L, 203d inf., were 2d Lieut. Austin J. McMahon, Quartermaster Sergt. Jeremiah J. Murphy, Sergt. Nelson H. Whittemore, Corporals Thomas F. Hastings, George Parmelee and George E. Shaw, and Privates James F. Bulger, Robert W. Cooley, Alexander Gumming, jr., Michael J. Farrell, William J. Furlong, Frank E. Gee, Frank W. Lee, Alexander G. Munroe, Neil D. Norton, James F. Parsons, Fred Qainn, Palmer Smithem, Arthur Spring, and Ed. A. Springsteen. The Broome county men in the Seventh Battery of light artillery were Lieut. Amos J, Bush, Sergeants Frank D. French and Urbane S. Stevens, jr.. Musician Frank A. Loomis, Artificers Fred B. Smith and Don C. Pratt, and Privates Lee O. Blatchley, Walter V. Belding, George E. Broughton, George E. Edgcomb, Zephaniah Foster, William H. Falkenstine, Leon E. Green, Christopher Gibson, William S. Hoyt, Simon J. Koerbel, Arthur Merrill, Frank D. Remmele, vStephen E. Shaw, Henry E. Simpson, and Fred S. Van Devort. THE TOWN OF UNION. 013 CHAPTER XXVI. THE TOWN OF UNION, AND ITS INCORPORATED VILLAGES, UNION AND LESTERSHIRE. On March 16, 1791, the legislature passed aa act creating Tioga county, including within its boundaries all the territory between the pre-emp- tion line on the west, the property line on the east, the Pennsylvania line on the south, and substantially the south line of the second tier of towns of the military tract on the north. Under the act the territory of the new county was divided into five towns, Chemung on the west, Owego second. Union third, Chenango fourth, and Jericho fifth, the latter including the northeastern portion of the county then created. The town of Union was described in the act as " all that part of the said county of Tioga bounded southerly by Pennsylvania, westerly by the town of Tioga (Owego creek), northerly by the north bounds of the county of Tioga, and easterly by the rivers Chenango and Susque- hanna." Thus the town as originally established Included all the territory be- tween Owego creek and the Chenango river, and extended from the state line north to include about one tier of towns ofif the south side of the military tract. Its area aggregated more than 700 square miles of land. Its present area, after having been several times reduced by the creation of other towns, is about 33 square miles, or 20,872.5 acres of land. The act also directed that the first town meeting be held at the house of Nehemiah Spaulding, a pioneer in the vicinity of the hamlet called Hooper. As originally constituted, the town embraced portions of several great tracts of patented land, the principal of which was the historic Boston purchase, of which mention is made in another chapter of this work. Reduced to its present area the town includes only portions of the Bos- ton purchase together with that part of the Hooper- Wilson-Bingham tract that lies north of the Susquehanna and west of the west line of the city of Binghamton. 614 THE TOWN OF UNION, The town has been reduced in area by the creation of the towns of Oxford and Norwich, in Chenango county, in 1793; Tioga (now the town of Owego) in 1800, taking from Union all that part of the town of Owego which lies east of Owego creek and west of the western boundary of Broome county; Lisle, including the territory of the present towns of Barker, Nanticoke and Triangle, in 1801; a part of Greene, Chenango county, in 1808; Vestal, in 1823; and Maine in 1848. A small part of Tioga was annexed in 1810, and a part of Lisle, April 11, 1827. Union is on the western border of Broome county, north of the Sus- quehanna river, south of Maine and west of the city ; and is entirely sur- rounded with towns which were formed from its own territory. The land surface is well watered and drained by the Susquehanna river and Nanticoke creek and their tributaries. The valley of each of these streams is exceedingly fertile, and the level lands extend well back from the water courses. Nanticoke creek, which takes its name from a small tribe of Tuscarora Indians that once dwelt in the vicinity, drains the north part of the town, and on both sides of the stream are broad areas of rich land, which attracted the notice of pioneers more than a century ago, and which ever since has been cultivated with excellent results by succeeding generations of husbandmen. Indeed, for more than a hun- dred years Union in general has been regarded as one of the best agricul- tural towns of the valley, and it was the known quality of the soil that induced the hardy pioneer to come and make settlements and improve- ments several years before any civil jurisdiction was sought to be exer- cised over this part of Montgomery county. In the summer of 1779 a detachment of American troops invaded the Susquehanna valley for the purpose of destroying every vestige of the Indian occupation then existing, and for the equally important purpose of visiting condign punishment on the Indians themselves for the terrible outrages inflicted by the savages upon the border settlements of the Americans. General Clinton's force traveled the valley from Otsego lake to the western borders of Tioga county, where his men joined the main army under General Sullivan, and thence proceeded to devastate the Indian country west of Seneca lake. But through one cause or another Gen. Clinton was delayed in his journey and at the appointed time failed to appear at the rendezvous at Tioga Point. Anxious lest Clinton had encountered a formidable force of Indians and tories, Gen. Sullivan dispatched Gen. Poor with a strong detachment of men to rein- force Clinton in case of need. His body of sturdy Americans came up THE TOWN OF UNION. 015 the river and on the night of August 18 encamped on the south bank, opposite the present village of Union. In the meantime Clinton's men were making sure but slow progress down the valley, traveling both by land and by water. On August 18 the troops arrived at the junc- tion of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers, destroying the Indian habitations at Ochenang (on the site of Binghamton) and Otseningo (old Chenango village on the west bank of the Chenango about a mile above its mouth), and then passed on down and encamped on the north side of the Susquehanna not far from the present Sayer farm. On the following day the march and the work of annihilation were resumed, nine Indian houses on the south side of the river being destroyed before the armies united at Chugnut (Choconut, an Indian village on the site of Vestal) where there were several Indian houses. These, too, were burned, after which the united forces proceeded down the river to the rendezvous. Thus it is seen that in the summer of 1779 a considerable body of men visited and camped on the soil of the town of Union of later years. These men were careful observers of the situation and surroundings of the country through which they passed, and in his diary of events of the expedition Lieut. Wm. McKendry said concerning the region now called Union: " This is a fine large flat, chiefly on the right hand of the river going down." In 1782, just three years after the memorable campaign of 1779, Amos Draper, an Indian trader, took up his abode at the mouth of the Choconut on the Vestal side of the river, and began trading guns, rum, calicos and trinkets to the Indians in exchange for furs. In 1784 James McMaster, who was one of Clinton's army, came down the valley on a prospecting tour. He met Draper and a strong friendship sprung up between them. McMaster remained a day or two at Chugnut, then passed down the river to Ah-wa-ga (Owego), where he made a settle- ment, and where he afterward lived and died. He was the first sheriff of Tioga county in 1791 and was chosen from the town of Union. Amos Draper, as has been mentioned, was a trader and made no at- tempt at developing the land until after his removal to Owego several years later, but McMaster came to the region to make a home for him- self and his family. He soon returned to his old home on the Mohawk, but in 1785 brought his brother, two other men and a boy, and located permanently on the site of Owego village. He was the pioneer of Union, although before the town was created and organized many other 6l6 THE TOWN OF UNION. settlers had come and begun improvements. Indeed, so rapid was set- tlement in the valley that in 1791 there lived in the town a total of 177 persons who were assessed for highway labor, but when they came to the locality no present resident of the town can accurately state. Reliable authorities on early history in Union state that Amos Draper, Nehemiah Crawford, Briant Stoddard, Nathan Howard, Jabesh Winship, Caleb Merriman and Winthrop Roe were the first settlers within the present limits of the town, and that they came in 1785. About the same time there was added to the number of settlers Joshua and John Mersereau, Gen. Orringh Stoddard, Nehemiah Spaulding, Walter Sabin, Capt. William Brink, Moses Chambers, Ezekiel and Oliver Crocker, Jeremiah and Benjamin Brown, Amos Patterson, Abner Rockwell and Medad and Elisha Bro7/n. James Ross and Jabesh Winship built a grist mill on Nanticoke creek in 1791, and Jabesh Winship opened the first tavern at the same place in the same year. After the town was organized in 1791 the inhabitants in town meet- ing divided the territory into nine road districts and selected a path- master in each district. The officer in each district made and reported to the town clerk the names of all inhabitants in his jurisdiction who were liable to assessment for highway work, and thus a reasonably ac- curate list of inhabitants of the town at that time is obtained. It must be remembered that Union at that time was an extensive jurisdiction, larger in fact than many present counties of the state, hence the names of several heads of families are given who did not live within the limits of the town as now constituted. The first of the nine road districts into which the town was divided began at Owego creek and extended up the Susquehanna river to " Big Island," a distance of little more than four miles. The district also ex- tended (as also did the others along the river) from the state line north- ward indefinitely, or as far as settlements were made. District No. 1 formed no part of the present town of Union, hence the names of its in- habitants in this connection are not necessary. District No. 2, of which David Hammond was pathmaster, began at the head of Big Island and extended east to Daniel Read's place. The eastern boundary was very near the present line between Owego and Union, and the district may have included some parts of the latter town. Its inhabitants were Silas, Uriah and Wilder Gaskill, Samuel Smith; Charles Dodge, Jonathan Hammond, Seth Jakeway, John Taylor, James Larned, Moses Ingersoll, Reuben Holbrook, Gideon Thayer, David THE TOWN OF UNION. 617 Hilton, Matthew Hammond, Daniel Thurston, Benjamin Lewis, Nathan Hammond, Nathan Burritt and David Hammond. District No. 3 (Daniel Read, pathmaster), began at Read's place on the river and extended thence east to William Roe's place, near or east of the mouth of Nanticoke creek. The inhabitants of this district were Moses Read, Levi Wheeler, Samuel Atkins, David Barney, Francis Norwood, William Read, Amaziah Otis, Isaac Harris, Thomas Tracy, Cohoon Reynolds, Rowell Smith, John Kelly, William Roe, John Row- ley, Zimri Barney, Jeremiah Taylor and Daniel Read. District No. 4 (John Harvey, pathmaster), extended from Col. Roe's place east along the river to Nathan Harvey's and included the present village of Union as well as a large area of territory both north and south of the Susquehanna. The inhabitants of the district were Enoch Warren, Ezra Eaton, Ebenezer Wyeth, Simeon Bundy, Luther Barney, Jabesh Winship, Daniel Price, Jeremiah Brown, Jonathan Thomas, William Lamb, Walter Sabin, Caleb Merriman, Samuel Coe, Solomon Moore, Joshua Mersereau, Asa Ward, Amos Mix, Capt. Parks, William Milton, Jeremiah Seward, Ruggles Winchell, Ezekiel Verguson, Stephen Childs and John Harvey. District No. 5 (Orringh Stoddard, pathmaster), extended from Na- than Howard's place east to Amos Patterson's (now John Sayer's place) and included many of the prominent pioneers of the town, whose names were closely identified with early history, and whose descendants are now living in the vicinity. The inhabitants of this district were Na- than Howard, Solomon and Stephen Stoddard, Benjamin Brown, Will- iam H. Lee, Samuel and Daniel Seymour, Lewis Keeler, Nehemiah Spaulding, Anson Gary, John Church, Amasa Winchell, Nehemiah Crof- fut, Moses Chambers (Henry G. Jackson's place), Ezekiel Crocker, Zad- dock Griswold, James Wood, Asahel Churchill, Elnathan Norton, Amasa Norton, Henry Richards, Benjamin Winchell, Asa Osborn, Gen. Orringh Stoddard. District No. 6 (Ebenezer Green, jr., pathmaster) extended east from Amos Patterson's to the Chenango river, and included within its bound- aries many pioneer heads of families of Union and of Chenango of later years. They were Ebenezer and William Green, Amos Patterson, Russell Gates, Asa Smith, John Green, James Brink, Joseph Edmister, William and James Edmister, Clark, Thomas Marean, William Alvord and Ebenezer Green, jr. District No. 7 (James Lyon, he who kept the ferry across the Chenango 618 THE TOWN OF UNION. where is now the Ferry street bridge in the city, pathmaster) extended from Christopher Whitney's place (on Whitney flats above Mt. Prospect) up the Chenango to Samuel D. Wolf's place. The other districts in- cluded no part of the present town of Union, hence the names of their inhabitants can have no direct relation to the history of the town. Having thus recalled the names of the taxable inhabitants of the town in 1791, it is also proper that some brief allusion be made to the work of the pioneers through whose efforts the lands were cleared and fine farms were opened for cultivation. Through this means a prosperous condition of domestic life was established in the town more than a cen- tury ago, and all succeeding generations have been benefited by the work of their worthy ancestors. The first settlers in Union, as has been noted, were Amos Draper and James McMaster, the former locating south of the river, while the lat- ter made his choice of lands on the site of Owego village, and where he was afterward joined by Draper. Benjamin and Jeremiah Brown, both of whom are mentioned among the taxable inhabitants in the list of 1791, were among the earliest set- tlers, having located near Hooper in 1785. Opposite them lived Col. Coe, a settler of the same year and a worthy character in the ea^ly his- tory of the town, but of whom present information appears to be meagre. Gen. Orringh Stoddard came to this vicinity in 1785, being one of the five commissioners sent by the proprietary of the Boston Purchase to negotiate with the Indians for the extinguishment of their title to the land. He was one of the foremost men of the town in his time, and as' a patriot of the revolution he was greatly respected throughout the county ; but while he was not specially conspicuous in town affairs he nevertheless exercised a strong influence in the selection of public offi- cers. Judge Briant Stoddard was his son, and attained a higher stand- ing in the political history of the county than his father. He was made judge of the Common Pleas of the county, and also was prominent in town affairs. He opened and for a time kept public house (The Trav- elers' Inn) on what was afterward known as the William Gray farm, where at one time an attempt was made to found a village settlement. In a measure this attempt succeeded, and when in 1800, Gen. Stoddard was appointed postmaster and the office was removed from Chenango village it was located not in Union village, as is erroneously supposed, but in the little Stoddard settlement in the vicinity where the highway THE TOWN OF UNION. 0l9 leading from the city to Union crosses the raih'oad tracks, just east of John Sayer's place. James Stoddard, brother of the general, settled in Lisle and was the pioneer head of a prominent family in that locality. Nehemiah Spaulding made a settlement in the town in 1785, locating on the land which more recently comprised the farm of Reuben and William Spaulding. The Spaulding locality attracted much attention in early days by reason of the fact that it was proposed to establish the eastern half shire center of Tioga county in the immediate vicinity of the pioneer's house; and in 1792 courts were held beneath his hospita- ble roof. But in 1793 the greater influence of Joshua Whitney pre- vailed with the powers and the place of holding courts was transferred to Chenango village, the little hamlet above Mt. Prospect, of which ex- tended mention is made in an earlier chapter. William Sabin, whose settlement dates from 1785, came to the town as a surveyor for the Boston Purchase proprietors. His land was near Nanticoke creek. The surname Sabin at one time was well represented in Union, but nearly if not quite all are now gone. Capt. William Brink, a German from the Wyoming valley, was an- other settler here in 1785, and if all recollections of the doughty pioneer be true, he indeed was a man of valor as well as a worthy developer of the land. He settled on the river, a little west of Gen. Stoddard's place. While living in the Wyoming valley, the captain had the mis- fortune to lose all his cattle by an ice flood. He then removed to the Delaware river country, but soon came to the Boston Purchase. Cap- tain Brink is recalled as a man of prodigous strength, and the stories of his adventures while on hunting expeditions are occasionally retold when examples of remarkable valor are in demand. James Brink was a son of the captain. The family was noted for the longevity of its members. The surname now has few representatives in the county. Ezekiel Crocker also came to the town in 1785, and during his life- time was one of its foremost citizens. He was one of the original pro- prietors of the Boston Purchase, and at one time was looked upon as one of the wealthiest men of the town. Through unfortunate specula- tions in salt during the war of 1812-15, his fortune was swept away and he died poor. Col. Oliver Crocker wa? the son of pioneer Ezekiel Crocker, and when he first came to this county he worked for the elder Joshua Whitney at Whitney's Flats, above Mt. Prospect; but later on he located on a 400 acre tract of land near his father's home, and which to this day is known as the Crocker place. In early Union history, Col. 620 THE TOWN OF UNION. Crocker was a prominent figure, and indeed in the county he was re- garded as one of the most influential men. He acted as land agent for his father and also for other large proprietors, and in connection with his personal enterprises he made occasional trips to New York, nearly always traveling on foot. On one of these visits he returned with half a bushel of apple seeds, a portion of which he planted, selling another part, and taking the remainder to Cayuga county and planting them on a 1,200-acre farm in that region. In 1800 Col. Crocker built a large house on his farm in Union, which was kept for many years as a tavern. He lived to a good old age, and was generally respected throughout the county. His descendants are still living in the town and also in the city. Winthrop Roe came to the town in 1786 or '87, moving with his fam- ily from Connecticut in the dead of winter, and conveying his effects on an ox sled. He, too, was an old revolutionary patriot and a man much respected in the town. His sons were William and Solomon Roe, and his daughter was Hannah Roe. She married Joseph Chambers, son of Moses Chambers, also a pioneer in Union. Moses Chambers came about 1786 and cleared the farm on which Henry G. Jackson now lives. The surname Chambers was afterward for many years prominently known in Union history and was represented by a number of worthy descendants. Joseph, Benjamin and Moses Cham- bers, jr., were sons of the pioneer, Joseph being a surveyor and farmer. The old Chambers farm is still frequently mentioned in designating localities in that part of the town. Lewis Keeler settled in the town in 1789, having come from Connec- ticut. He lived for a time in the family of General Stoddard, and gained a livelihood by working at the trade of tailoring. It is related of Keeler that in 1793 he returned east to visit friends, but when again on his way to Union he chanced to overtake a woman on horseback, who was jour- neying to Lisle where she proposed to buy land and settle. As the journey progressed th3 casual acquaintance ripened into a stronger feel- ing and when the couple reached Chenango village they were married. Keeler then turned landlord and opened the first public house in the settlement above Mt. Prospect ; and in 1801 when the hamlet was re- moved to Chenango Point the worthy landlord built and opened a tav- ern at the southeast corner of Court and Water streets. Mr. Keeler also was connected with the early improvements at the settlement called Nanticoke, near the mouth of Nanticoke creek. Lewis, William and THE TOWN OF UNION. 021 Charles Keeler, who were well known in Union history, were sons of Lewis Keeler, the pioneer. Joshua Mersereau came to what is now the town of Union in 1789 settling first on the south side of the river, but soon afterward remov- ing to the north side where he lived and died. His lands included 300 acres and embraced much of the village tract. The early history of Union was marked by the settlement of many strong men, and in still later years this part of Tioga county was noted for the strength of char- acter and general worth of its settlers, but among them all Judge Mer- sereau stood foremost. Moreover, numerous representatives of the family surname have ever since lived in the town, and all have been in some prominent manner identified with the growth and development of the locality, and with its best interests, civil and political. Joshua Mer- sereau was a native of France, of Huguenot ancestry, and with his father and other members of the family came to America to escape the persecu- tions of the rulers of his mother country. They settled on Staten Island, and during the struggle for American independence, Joshua attained a standing of prominence. He then was a young man and at the beginning of the struggle he was appointed by Genenal Washington to the rank of major; but as he appeared better fitted for business than a soldier's life, he was assigned to commissary duty, among other things being charged with the care of British prisoners. His rank was that of quartermaster- gen- eral, from which his military title was derived. During the war, he was frequently in the presence of Washington, and the latter often sought rest beneath General Mersereau's hospitable roof. After the close of the war he was elected to the assembly and served in that body until 1784, when he removed to Otsego county. He came thence to Union in 1789 and at once took a leading part in the affairs of the region, and also of the county and town after they were created. When the county was set off from Montgomery county Judge Mersereau, it is said, selected the name of new divisions, the county of Tioga and the town of Union. Judge Mersereau represented Broome county in the assembly in 1816. John Mersereau, brother of Joshua, settled in Union in 1792. He came from Staten Island, where he formerly had been landlord of the famous " Blazing Star " tavern, a noted hostelry during the colonial and revolutionary periods. Joshua and John Mersereau are said to have run the first stage coaches between New York and Philadelphia, and John is likewise credited with having brought into the country the first post- 632 THE TOWN OF UNION. coach. Peter, John, jr., and Joshua Mersereau (2d) were sons of John, the settler of 1792. Among the prominent descendants of these worthy pioneers in the town may be mentioned the names of Lawrence Mersereau, Major Da- vid Mersereau, Joseph Mersereau, Edward C. and Aaron Mersereau, Theodore T. Mersereau, Wm. W. Mersereau and others equally worthy of special mention, perhaps, but whose names are not now recalled, but all of whom were in some manner indentified with the history of the localities in which their lives were chiefly spent. Not only in Union alone, but in Vestal, Binghamton and other localities has the name Mer- sereau found its way in business and political circles; and wherever found it ever has stood for strict integrity and moral worth. Further de- tail in this connection is unnecessary. The pioneers of Union were a substantial set of men, but among them all the surname Mersereau stands pre-eminent. Samuel Smith came into the town about 1789, or perhaps earlier, and located one mile south of the Centre, where he carried on a farm, also did land surveying and settled any disputes that arose among the settlers, for he was an early justice of the peace. He came from Vermont, and was accompanied by his father. The late John B. Smith, who died in Binghamton, the late Francis B. Smith, of the old Broome county bar, and Samuel Smith, who now lives in Wisconsin, were sons of pioneer Samuel Smith. Amos Patterson, better known as Judge Patterson, came into the town previous to 1790, but the exact year of his arrival cannot now be deter- mined. He located about three miles west of Binghamton but after- ward settled permanently on what is now known as the John H. Sayer farm, where he built the once famous " Washingtonian hall," in which Mr. Sayer now resides. Judge Patterson was prominently connected with the Boston Purchase tract and acted as agent for the sale of a part of its lands. His title was acquired by having served as one of the judges of the Common Pleas court, of Tioga county. Henry Richards came in 1791 and settled on a 400-acre tract of land which included the site of the hamlet called East Union. He was a native of Wales and a pioneer in the Wyoming valley, from the latter place coming to Union. He kept a store and also carried on a distill- ery in connection with his farm. He had a large family, among his sons being Thomas Richards (who lived in the town until about 1840), Casper Richards (father of Dr. Charles B. Richards of Binghamton; THE TOWN OF UNION. 603 Dr. Jesse I. Richards of Buffalo and afterward of Kansas City; Henry Richards, now living in Michigan), Jesse Richards, better known as "Squire" Richards, he having held the office of justice for sixteen years (father of Mrs. James F. Bloomer and Dan S. Richards of Bing- hamton; Mrs. J. G. Smyth, John H. Richards and Mrs. Thomas How- ard of Chicago ; Mrs. Christopher Gray and Mrs. John H. Sayer of this town). The pioneers whose names are recalled on preceding pages were settlers in the town before any civil organization of the territory was established, and while the region formed a part of Montgomery county. In 1791 Tioga county was set off from the mother county, and at the same time the town of Union was created. With the organization of the latter jurisdiction pioneer settlements may be regarded as having ceased, and all later comers were called early settlers. However, in many cases the work of the settlers was arduous and equally worthy with that of their predecessors in the territory, for while the latter laid the foundation for the settlement the former built up and enlarged up- on 'the work already accomplished, with the result that Union early took rank with the best towns in Tioga county. However, before pro- ceeding to the subject of civil organization and history it is proper that incidental mention be made of those who were among the early settlers in the town. Among those who came to the town after the organization was efl^ect- ed and previous to 1800, the names of the following may be recalled: Abner Rockwell located near Union Centre about 1792. His descend- ants were prominently identified with town affairs in later years. El- nathan Norton came about the same time and settled east of the Centre, where he was a farmer and tavern keeper as well as being an active person in town affairs. Medad Bradley came from Berkshire county, Mass., in 1791, and was followed two years later by Elisha B. Bradley and Isaac M. Martin. Rowland Davis came in 1794, Aaron Lashier in 1795, the latter settling on Oak Hill. Orrin Whittemore, the respected head of a numerous family of descendants in this part of the county, settled on lot No. Ill, north of Union village, some time previous to 1800, but the exact time cannot now be determined. Nearly all the Whittemore families in Union, and many who are now settled in other localities, are descendants of Orrin Whittemore; and among the num- ber have been found some of the best business men of Broome county. Russell Gates settled in the site of Hooper some time previous to 1795. 624 THE TOWN OF UNION. William Gates, who was born in Union in 1795, and who afterward en- tered the Baptist ministry, was the son of Russell Gates. William Weston, a revolutionary patriot, settled in the town in 1798. His sons were James, Henry, William and Samuel Weston. Samuel Allen came about the same time, perhaps earlier, and opened a good farm. His descendants are still in the town; Frank B. Allen, Mrs. Lewis Jennison and William H. Allen, of Lestershire, being descendants of the pioneer. Their father was Lawrence Allen, frequently known as " Larry " Allen, a worthy resident of the town for many years. Mrs. Major Edward H. Hotchkiss, of Binghamton, is a daughter of Law- rence Allen. Richard Crocker came from Saybrook, Conn., in 1800, and opened a blacksmith shop in Hooper. Later on he removed to the vicinity of Union village, but just before 1850 he moved to the town of Maine. Dr. Chester Lusk, whose name was prominently associated with the early history both of the county and town, was the first physician in Union. He came from the Hudson river valley in 1800 and for several years was the only doctor in the western part of the town. His second wife was a sister of General Thomas G. Waterman, of Binghamton. Dr. Lusk was killed by accident in 1825. Referring briefly to other early settlers in the town, mention may be made of David Moody, who left his former home in Vermont in 1812 and bought a new residence in the Susquehanna valley. Mr. Moody was offered level lands along the river, but preferred the more elevated region back from the stream, on Bean hill, where he made a comforta- ble home. His sons were Nehemiah, Stephen, Charles (father of Ed- win C. Moody of Binghamton) and John Moody, the latter for years a practicing lawyer of New York. Luther Dennison settled northeast of Union village in 1816, and in the same year Peter Broas came from Ulster county and settled on the farm which for many years afterward was owned by his descendants. Oliver Russell was the first settler on lot No. 58, where his son Henry was born and afterward lived. Arthur Gray located in Chenango Point in 1802, and for several years was identified with the early history of that hamlet. In 1828, after selling his land at the Point, he removed to Union and settled on land now occupied by his son, Christopher C. Gray. John T. Johnson located on lot No. 22 soon after 1820. Samuel Badger was a pioneer in Colesville and an early settler in Vestal (1820). He came to Union in 1832. THE TOWN OF UNION. 625 Still other early and prominent residents in the town were Joseph Sayer, father of John H. Sayer, the latter the occupant of the old " Washingtonian hall " which Amos Patterson built in the early years of the century. Manley Gibbs was another settler worthy of mention. He came with his father previous to 1820 and settled on Oak hill. Al- van Bean was the first settler on Bean hill. He and David Moody were about the only settlers in that locality for several years. Jona- than Day was the pioneer of Day Hollow, which was named after him. He came in 1814 and was the progenitor of a substantial line of de- scendants. J. B. Day, the veteran landlord of the Major House, is the grandson of settler Jonathan Day. Eldad Bassett, another early set- tler, came from Connecticut. Settler Samuel Crocker was the father of Elias Crocker. Samuel Le Barron was the head of a family whose descendants still live in the town and are among its worthy citizens. William Allen settled here in 1810. Marcus M. Badger came before 1830, but the exact date is now unknown. Benjamin Balch came in 1810 and was a prominent man in town affairs and also was well known in early military circles. Joseph Cleveland came to the site of Hooper in 1813 and cleared a good farm. There were also among the early settlers the Hawks family, the Hig- bees, Philander Hooper, Luther Jenison, Edward Keeler, Chauncey Newell (a native of the town, born 1816), James Roberts, Captain Coles Bloomer (settled in the town in 1837; the father of James F., Elijah F., Edward M. and the late Alvah Bloomer, all of whom for years were factors in Binghamton history), Abram Tyler, Joshua Rozelle, John Twining, Abraham Vandemark, Isaac G. Whittemore, Jasper Whitte- more, Matthew Whittemore and others whose names are worthy of mention, but are lost with the lapse of years. Thus is written the history of pioneership and early settlement m one of the oldest and most interesting towns in Broome county or in the southern tier. In many respects the character of the pioneers of Union was in marked contrast with that of the first settlers in other towns, for here were found men of remarkable intelligence ; men of strong mental and moral worth; men capable of holding and safely directing the affairs of high public offi:e, and at the same time men sufficiently cosmopolitan in habits and life to begin in an humble way, lay a new foundation and thereon build up and improve for the benefit of themselves and their families, and thus make easy the path of their successors. A glance at the names of the settlers and an exammation 40 G26 THE TOWN OF UNION. of the civil list of the county will show to the reader that Union was foremost in furnishing men of prominence to fill public office; and in later years the town has not been overlooked in the distribution of po- litical favors. The claim is not made that every pioneer and every early settler has been mentioned on preceding pages, for many who dwelt in the town three-quarters of a century and more ago have left no descendants to tell the tale of trials and successes of their ancestors. Of the pioneers not one now lives, and the great majority of their sons and daughters also have passed away. But it is hoped that in this chapter a reason- ably faithful record has been made, and that in a way the names at least of nearly all the old families of the town have been mentioned. The reader will remember that in 1781 Union contained 177 heads of families or persons who were assessed for highway work, and that they were scattered over a territory several hundred miles in extent. That number of assessable persons probably represented a total population of 600 actual inhabitants. The first Federal census was made one year previous to the time the town was set off and organized, hence the re- ports furnish nothing to indicate the real number of inhabitants in that year. The census reports usually are regarded as a fair index of the growth of any town, but in Union the area originally was so great, and was so frequently reduced by the creation of other towns, that the actual in- crease in population is only partially shown. On an earlier page will be seen the extent of the town in 1791, and also the years in which other towns were formed from this. Maine was the latest jurisdiction created from the mother town, and since that year (1848) the fluctuations in Union's population are accurately shown. According to the census reports of 1800, the town in that year con- tained 921 inhabitants; in 1810, 998; 1814, 1,284; 1820, 2,037; 1825, 1,647; 1830, 2,121; 1835, 2,415; 1840, 3,165; 1845, 3,519; 1850, 2,143; 1855, 2,463; 1860, 2,092; 1865, 2,532; 1870, 2,538; 1875, 2,637; 1880, 2,596; 1885, no count; 1890, 2,711; and in 1892, according to the un- official count of that year the number of inhabitants in the town was 3,172. In that year Lestershire was a village of a few hundred popu- lation, for it was chiefly built up after 1890. It is now a flourishing manufacturing and trade center, having a total population of 3,000, hence, at the present time the town of Union must contain about 6,000 inhabitants. THE TOWN OF UNION. 627 Organization. — In accordance with the provisions of the act of the legislature creating Tioga county and its several towns, the first town meeting in Union was held at the house of Nehemiah Spaulding on the first Tuesday in April, 1791. At that time the officers elected were as follows: Supervisor, Joshua Whitney; town clerk, Silas Hutchinson; assess- ors, Daniel Seymour, Silas Hutchinson, William Bates; poormasters, James Lyon, Silas Gaskill; commissioners of highways, Amaziah Hutchinson, William Whitney, Nathan Howard, William Bates, Amos Draper. The commissioners of highways were directed to regulate ferries across the Chenango and Susquehanna rivers within the bound- aries of the town. At an election held at the house of pioneer Spaulding on the last Tuesday in April, "according to law," the polls were kept open four days. This was a general election, the inspectors of the occasion being Joshua Whitney, who served two days; Amaziah Hutchinson, four days; Daniel Seymour, four days, and William Bates, two days. The most important duty devolving on the officers during the first few years of town history was that which fell upon the commissioners of highways, for applications for roads came from all parts of the jurisdiction. The first road regularly laid out by the town was that extending up the west bank of the Chenango river, followed by another from the old mill at Castle creek west into the Chenango township of the Boston Purchase. These old highways, while not specially important elements of town history, by reason of subsequent changes in route, were nevertheless of great convenience to the inhabitants. Among the settlers living or owning lands along the line of the thoroughfares mentioned, whose names are not recalled on preceding pages, were Roswell Smith, Cap- tain Eaton, Daniel Reed, David Hammond, Reuben Holbrook and Ben- jamin Winchell. The second town meeting was held April 3 and 4, 1792, at which time these officers were chosen: Joshua Whitney, supervisor; Silas Hutch- inson, town clerk ; Luke Bates, Samuel Coe, William Rose and Daniel Read, assessors; Daniel Hudson, Samuel Coe, John Patterson, John M. Quigg and Orringh Stoddard, commissioners of highways; James Lyon and Nathaniel Lee, overseers of the poor; Solomon Stoddard, constable and collector; Peter Ingersoll, constable. At this meeting it was voted that the ferry tolls across the Chenango river should be three pence for a single man, six pence for a man and 628 THE TOWN OF UNION. horse, "at common time of water," and at very high time, " when the river has overflown its banks," six pence for a man, and one shilling for a man and horse. The next town meeting was held April 1 and 2, 1793, at the house of William Whitney, and was conducted under the superintendence of Daniel Seymour, Joshua Mersereau and Nehemiah Spaulding, justices of the peace. On this occasion the freeholders voted to pay a bounty of two pounds for every grown wolf or panther, and one pound for every young wolf or panther, killed in the town. At the town meeting held in April, 1795, commissioners of schools were first chosen, and were John Patterson, Joshua Mersereau, Edward Edwards, Daniel Hudson and John Moore. This selection of commis- sioners was in pursuance of a notice to the town from the supervisors of the county to the effect that state moneys to the sum of 70 pounds, 14 shillings, had been apportioned to the county. The amount due this town at that time is not recorded in the minutes. In 1800 the town was divided and Owego (then known as Tioga) was set off as a separate town. The town meeting in that year was held at the house of Nehemiah Spaulding, and was conducted by Joshua Mersereau, Daniel Hudson and Daniel Seymour, justices of the peace. The division of the town in this year established substantially the pres- ent western boundary of Broome country as the dividing line between the towns of Union and Tioga. The town officers elected in 1800 were as follows: Charles Stone, supervisor; Balthazar De Hart, town clerk; Daniel Seymour, Joseph Brooks and John La Grange, assessors; Daniel Seymour, James Brooks and John La Grange, commissioners of highways; Amos Patterson and Jabez Winship, overseers of the poor; Josiah Cafferty, Joseph Leonard and John Mersereau, jr., poundmasters; Balthazar De Hart, Joshua Mersereau and Daniel Hudson, commissioners of schools. The town records of Union have been well kept, but through some inadvertence the books covering the period of years between 1835 and 1848, both inclusive, have been lost; and the most faithful inquiry has failed to discover their whereabouts. This loss makes an unfortunate break in the succession of supervisors, which is desirable in connection with the civil history of the town. However, from such records as are in existence the following list of supervisors and town clerks has been compiled. Supervisors. — Joshua Whitney, 1791-92; Jonathan Fitch, 1793; Dan- THE TOWN OF UNION. 629 iel Hudson, 1794; Luke Bates, 1795; Orringh Stoddard. 1796-97; Sam- uel Seymour, 1798; Joshua Mersereau, 1799; Charles Stone, 1800; Amos Patterson, 1801-7; Chester Lusk, 1808-11; Briant Stoddard, 1812-14; Chester Lusk, 1815-21; Chester Patterson, 1822; Joseph Chambers, 1823; Chester Lusk, 1824; Joseph Chambers, 1825; John K. Edwards, 1826-29; Briant Stoddard, 1830-33; John K. Edwards, 1834; no records, 1835-48; Moses M. Benedict, 1849; David Mersereau, 1850; Benjamin Balch, 1851-53; Samuel Whittemore, 1854; Benj. Balch, 1855; Jesse Richards, 1856; Christopher Mersereau, 1857; Edward C. Mersereau, 1858-59; John R. Boswell, 1860; John Wheeler, 1861; David Pitkin, 1862; Samuel Smith, 1863; Edward C. Mersereau, 1864- 66; Edwin C. Moody, 1867; Solomon Lashier, 1868; Edwin C. Moody, 1869-70; Solomon Lashier, 1871; Elijah R. Barnes, 1872; Edwin C. Moody, 1873-75; Francis B. Smith, 1876-77; Fayette S. Keeler, 1878- 81; Daniel J. Palmer, 1882-85; Alexander Jennings, 1886; Frank B. Twining, 1887; Alexander Jennings, 1888-91; Edward K. Mersereau, 1892; Joe Howard, 1893; Edward K. Mersereau, 1894-95; Seymour G. Twining, 1896-97; Jesse Robinson, 1898-99. Town Clerks. — Silas Hutchinson, 1791-92; Solomon Stoddard, 1793; Silas Hutchinson, 1794; Solomon Stoddard, 1795; Roger Deland, 1796; Solomon Stoddard, 1797; Thomas Whitney, 1798; Solomon Stoddard, 1799; Balthazar De Hart, 1800; Chester Lusk, 1801-6; Chester Patter- 1807-20; Joseph Patterson, 1821; Briant Stoddard, 1822; Jonathan Day, 1823; Briant Stoddard, 1824-26; Daniel Nash, 1827-34; Elijah Evans, 1858-59; Martin C. Rockwell, 1860-61; Edwin C. Moody, 1862- 66; W. W. Mersereau, 1867-68; Nathan W. Chandler, 1869; Moses B, Robbins, 1870; W. Dean Smith, 1871; H. C. Mersereau, 1872; Daniel J. Palmer, 1873-75; Fayette S. Keeler, 1876-77; Daniel J. Palmer, 1878-81; George W. Tilbury, 1882-84; S. Mack Smith, 1885; George Lainhart, 1886; George W. Tilbury, 1887-88; J. M. Warner, 1889-93; L. C. Davenport, 1894-97; Frank A. Day, 1898; David C. Warner, 1899. The present officers (1899) of Union areas follows: Supervisor, Jesse Robinson; town clerk, David C. Warner; assessors, H. M. Bradley, Silas T. Swan, William H. Weeks; justices of the peace, A. Jennings (Union), J. Swartwout (Hooper), Wyman L. Edson (Union Centre), J. L. Fletcher (Lestershire); commissioner of highways, Daniel M. Moore; overseers of the poor, Seymour S. Shoultes, Lestershire; A. W. Whitte- more, Union; town board of health, the supervisor, justices of the peace, and Girard Bidwell ; health officer. Dr. E. N. Christopher, of Union. 630 THE TOWN OF UNION. Early Justices of the Peace. — Previous to the constitution of 1831 (modified in 1826) justices of the peace were appointed, and the old county records show that the office in Union was filled by these worthy settlers: Amos Patterson and Daniel Seymour, 1806, and reappointed in 1809; Chester Lusk and Jonathan Day, 1810; Chester Lusk, Jonathan Day, Daniel Seymour, David Seymour and Amos Patterson, 1811; Chester Lusk and Elisha B. Bradley, 1813; David W. Whittemore, Elisha B, Bradley and Chester Lusk, 1814; Briant Stoddard and Daniel Seymour, 1815; Elisha B. Bradley, 1819; Lewis Keeler, 1820; Elisha B. Bradley, 1821; Joseph Chambers, James Whittemore and Thompson Lewis, 1823. From all that is stated on preceding pages it must be seen that the period of greatest growth in the history of the town was that which followed the war of 1812-15, and continued thence to about 1850. There was little to encourage settlement other than the generally pro- ductive character of the lands, as the town was practically without ex- tensive business interests except the grist mills which provided flour for domestic use and the saw mills for the manufacture of lumber. The vSusquehanna river and Nanticoke creek were important waterways during the lumbering period,' but after 1850 little was done in this di- rection, as the lands then were well cleared and the inhabitants devoted themselves almost entirely to agricultural pursuits. In 1849 the New York & Erie railroad was opened through the town and a station was established at Union village, followed later on by another at Hooper. The new means of travel perhaps had superior advantages over the mail and stage coaches of earlier years, but it is doubtful if the change was of real benefit to the inhabitants of Union village, for that hamlet was a famous stopping place on the route from Binghamton to Owego. In 1848 the last reduction in the territory of the town was made in the creation of the town of Maine. Two years later Union had 2,143 inhabitants. From that time to 1890 there was a gradual increase in population, showing that the settlement of earlier years was of a per- manent character, and also that the town was not affected by the causes ' statistics show that in 183.5 Union contained 13,030 acres of improved and 40,044 acres of un- improved lands. The value of its real property was $233,116, and of personal property $18,640. The total population of 3,415 comprised 1,355 males and 1,160 females. There were then 533 quali- fied electors; 17 school districts; 33,333 neat cattle ; .540 horses; .3,457 sheep; 1,896 swine. The number of yards of fulled cloth made was 3,913, and of flannel cloth, 4,703 yards. The industries comprised 3 grist mills, 35 saw mills, 1 carding mill, 1 potashery, 1 oilcloth factory and 3 tan- neries. The only post-offices in the town were at Union and Maine villages. THE TOWN OF UNION. 631 which reduced the population of the majority of ag-ricultural towns throughout the interior of the state. The unusual growth since 1890 has been largely due to the building up of Lestershire, one of the most prosperous villages of its kind in the east, and one which has grown from a population of less than 100 ten years ago to a flourishing munic- ipality of 3,000 inhabitants. Schools. — As early as 1795 the settlers took action in town meeting for the maintenance of public schools, although no records of the early history of this branch of government have been preserved. At the time mentioned the inhabitants elected John Patterson, Joshua Merser- eau, Edward Edwards, Daniel Hudson and John Moore as commis- sioners of schools, but the record of their proceedings cannot now be found. It is known, however, that a school was established in the Mersereau neighborhood as early as 1800, and in the next year a school house was in existence near Amos Patterson's dwelling. In 1813 the state made somewhat ample provision for the support of common schools, and in accordance with the laws then enacted the territory of the town was divided into districts. In 181G Chester Lusk, Chester Patterson and Aaron Mersereau, commissioners, established three districts on the south side of the Susquehanna river. The com- missioners acting in 1817, as shown by county records, were Chester Lusk and John Dunbar, while the number of districts in the town was 12. In 1818 Chester Lusk and Briant Stoddard were commissioners; in 1819, John Dunbar and Elisha B. Bradley; in 1820, Chester Lusk and Elisha B. Bradley; in 1821, Chester Lusk, William Miller and Mar- tin Curtis. In 1821 the commissioners reported to the town the names of the text books used in the common schools. They were Webster's spelling book, Columbian spelling book, American preceptor, English reader, Walker's dictionary, Murray's English grammar and the New Testa- ment. In 1822 the town comprised sixteen districts, the commissioners be- ing John La Grange and Joseph Chambers. In this year the amount of money received by the commissioners for school purposes was $210.9-1, of which $98.14 came from the public school funds, the balance being raised by town tax. In 1823 there were eleven districts, among which was divided $23o.20 for school maintenance. Commissioners Joseph Chambers and S. W. Avery reported that the books then in use in the schools was the English reader, Murray's reader, Walker's dictionary. 633 THE TOWN OF UNION, Daboll's and Pike & Dilworth's arithmetics, Cobb & Crandall's spelling book, and the New Testament. In 1824 there were ten entire and two partial districts, while the whole number of children attending school was 530. The number of children in the town between the ages of five and fifteen years was 483. The commissioners for the year were L. M. Smith, Chester Patterson and Aaron S. Slosson. Among the commissioners in later years may be mentioned Moses Delano, Samuel B. Curtis and Manna Newell in 1825-26; Daniel Nash and John H. Broas in 1827; John H. Broas and John K. Edwards in 1828. In 1835 there were seventeen districts, and school was taught six months in the year. The number of children between the ages of five and sixteen years was 720, and the number attending school was 837. In 1850, Francis B. Smith, town superintendent of common schools (the office of commissioner having been superseded by that of superin- tendent) reported ten whole and eleven fractional districts in Union. The amount of moneys received for school purposes during the year was $481.17, of which $215.33 were received from the state school funds, while $265.84 were raised by town tax. The sum of $384.94 was paid during the year for teachers' wages, and $96.23 for library books. The number of children between the ages of five and fifteen years was 556. According to the report of County School Commissioner Whitney for the year ending July 31, 1898 (the report for 1899 not having been filed), the town contains twenty districts, of which four are joint with Owego. The town also contains two Union free schools at (Union and Lestershire) of which mention is elsewhere made. During the year then ended, a total of $14,801.45 was received from all sources for school purposes, and of that amount $9,263 were paid teachers, $171.09 for library books, $106.90 for apparatus, and $878.41 for repairs. The number of children in the town between the ages of eight and fourteen years (1897) was 444; number attending school 450. Villages and Hamlets. — During the period of its history there have been built up within the limits of the town several small trading cen- ters, two of which have become incorporated villages of considerable importance; and the youngest of them all has far outstripped its neigh- bors and become a thriving municipality. The oldest of these hamlets probably was the original settlement that once bore the name of Union, and was established near the point where the highway leading from THE TOWN OF UNION. C33 Binghamton to the present village of Union crosses the railroad tracks, just east of John H. Sayer's residence. In this locality lived pioneers Amos Patterson, Orringh Stoddard, Ezekiel Crocker and others of in- fluence in the town. As is elsewhere stated. Judge Patterson built Washingtonian hall and opened it as a public house. About 1800 Gen- eral Stoddard was appointed postmaster to succeed the elder Joshua Whitney, who had kept the ofifice at Chenango village above Mt. Pros- pect. General Stoddard promptly removed the office to his residence and kept it there until 1802, when it was transferred to Chenango Point, or Binghamton. In the meantime Nanticoke and Union Corners were beginning to attract attention as trade centers and after the appoint- ment of William Woodruff as postmaster at Chenango Point, the little hamlet then called Union began to decline. The hotel, however, was maintained until about 1850, but the other evidences of the settlement soon disappeared. East Union was another early settled locality although nearly all ves- tige of its old-time importance long ago disappeared. It was here that pioneer Henry Richards settled in 1791, on lot No. 207 of the Boston Purchase, and soon afterward opened a stock of goods, and also started a distillery. A tavern also was one of the early evidences of village life, but now all have gone and only a hotel marks the site of the set- tlement. Long after Henry Richards' time, James F. Bloomer was a prominent factor in maintaining the hamlet character of East Union, but after his interests were sold the locality as a trading center began to lose ground. Nanticoke was once a hamlet of note in the town, but now nearly all traces of the settlement have gone. The village was situated on Nanti- coke creek about a mile west of Union Corners, or Union, as now known. Samuel Avery and Lewis Keeler appear to have been the original developers of the village enterprise, the former having a store and the latter a tavern on the road leading from Union Corners to Owego; but at that time the Corners was competing for the mastery as a trade center, and notwithstanding the endeavors of Nanticoke's promoters, the latter place gradually lost its prestige, while the Corners continued to grow. Martin Curtis was the last storekeeper at Nanti- coke. The tavern eventually was removed to Union and was placed on the site of the Major House of later years. The grist mill was orig- inally built by Charles Keeler and afterward passed through several ownerships before its destruction by fire about fifteen years ago. Har- rison & Edwards were its last proprietors. 634 THE TOWN OF UNION. Hooper is the name of a small unincorporated village of perhaps less than a dozen dwellings, with one general store, a district school, and a milk depot on the main road leading from the city to Union. One of the earliest residents in this locality was Elisha Hooper, who came from Massachusetts in 1807, and died in 18G9. The hamlet, however, was named for Philander Hooper, son of the settler and one of the promi- nent men of the locality. John Twining was another early settler in the vicinity, and came from New Jersey in 1820. The Hoopers and the Twinings were the founders of the settlement and both for many years were identified with its history. The first merchant was J. C. Johnson, who was succeeded by Robert Hooper. The names of Zachariah Flint and James Brink were also associated with early events in the locality. It was not, how- ever, until the completion of the Erie railroad that Hooper assumed a position of any importance among the villages of the town. Soon after the road was opened Hooper was made a station and post-office, J. C. Johnson being the first postmaster. He was succeeded by Robert Hooper, Frank Hooper, J. D. Blakeslee, C. Shores, O. M. Newell, Frank B. Twining and others, about in the order mentioned, the office generally being kept in the store, with the owner himself in the capac- ity of postmaster. Frank B. Twining has kept store at Hooper about a quarter of a century. An interesting locality in the vicinity of Hooper and one which has drawn many visitors annually is the Carmel Grove camp meeting grounds, which are located about a half a mile north of the village proper. The Methodist societies of the city annually hold a week's meeting at the grove. The most recent acquisition for Hooper's benefit is the B., L. & U. Electric railway, which has proved of the greatest convenience to the residents of the locality, and has resulted in the erection of a hotel on the corner opposite the store. Union Centre is a small village of less than 250 inhabitants, situated on Nanticoke creek, four miles north of Union and nine miles from Binghamton by the "road over the hill." In the early history of the locality the names of Smith, Ward, Ketchum, Howard, Heath, An- drews, Pitkin, Boswell, Bradley, Bingham, Rockwell, Moulton, Cun- ningham and others were prominently associated with passing events. Nanticoke creek is the principal watercourse in this part of the town, while Crocker and Bradley creeks are tributaries near the Centre. A THE TOWN OF UNION. 6Bo saw mill was built here in 1812 by Richard Bradley and a Mr. Doud, and from that time to the present a mill of this character generally has been in operation. Its present proprietor is Barzilla Howard, who also operates a rake factory. Abner Heath was the first postmaster, and also served the public by keeping tavern. Forty years ago Union Centre was a place of considerable importance but in later days the attractions of larger business centers on line of the railroads has drawn away several of its best manufacturing industries and also much of its trade. In 1866 " Squire "J. R. Boswell dispen.sed justice and also carried on a churn, firkin, tub and barrel factory, doing a considerable business. P. O. Smith had a good general store. Dr. E. Lawyer looked after the physical welfare of the inhabitants of this part of the town. W. A. Norton made and repaired boots and shoes. D. Bostwick & Son made tubs and firkins. William Edson was a man- ufacturer of hand and hay rakes, broom, fork and hoe handles. J. D. St. Croix was the local wagon maker. A. A. Moulton also owned a hand and hay rake factory. Luke Ward sold feed and plaster. E. Cunningham run a barrel factory, and D. Mersereau made hand rakes and handles of various kinds. A good district school and the Congre- gational and Methodist Episcopal churches were the public buildings of the village, while on Oak Hill, not far distant, was a Christian church. However, two-score years have worked many changes in the history of Union Centre, and few indeed of the old-time interests of the place are now to be found, while nearly every one of the old business men are gone. The village now is a convenient trading center in a good agricultural region, and its residents are a thrifty, respectable people. A cheese factory was built in 1878, but soon afterward was discontinued. In its place the Crystal creamery was established and now is in opera- tion. Andrews & Pitkin began mercantile business in 1881, occupying the building erected in 1872. by James Howard. L. Brougham & Son are also merchants at the Centre. B. Howard is proprietor of the only saw mill and rake factory in the village. THE VUvLAGE OF UNION. About three-quarters of a century ago two hamlets in the western part of the town of Union were contending for supremacy, but no ill feeling entered into the rivalry. These settlements were then known as Nanticoke and Union Corners, and in the course of a few years the latter outstripped the former and became the established trading cen- 636 THE TOWN OF UNION. ter for that part of the town. According to authenticated records, the men of Union who were most prominent in establishing the perma- nency of their village were John K. Edwards, Henr}' D. Mersereau, I. P. Robbins and David Rose, although other equally worthy settlers were undoubtedly interested in the series of events then taking place. After the downfall of Nanticoke as a business center the successful rival adopted the name of Union, in allusion to the town in which it was at that time the most important village. Its location and surround- ings were favorable for the transaction of business and also as a place of residence, the lands being well elevated above the river and suffi- ciently distant therefrom to escape danger from malarious atmospheres. The site chosen was on the main road between Binghamton and Owego, at a point where a highway led north from the river to Union Centre and Maine village. The early buildings were constructed with reference to the four corners, and it was not until 1836 that the village in fact was laid out. Thirty- five years later the hamlet took the character of a corporation and thereby became entitled to adopt regulations and ordinances for municipal government. Union was incorporated as a village June 17, 1871, under the provis- ions of the general laws of 1870. Under the incorporation a president, three trustees, a treasurer and a collector were authorized to be elected by the people. On March 15, 1887, the office of police justice was es- tablished. In 1897 a reincorporation was effected, and under the pro- visions thereof the number of trustees was reduced to two and the president was authorized to vote on all questions relating to local gov- ernment. In January, 1895, in conformity with the provisions of a general act of the legislature passed the preceding year, an enumera- tion of the inhabitants showed Union to contain a population of 927 persons; the present number of inhabitants is fairly estimated at 1,000. The first village election was held July 22, 1871, when officers were chosen as follows: President, Francis B. Smith; trustees, Edward C. Mersereau, Martin C. Rockwell and Theodore P. Knapp; treasurer, Samuel F. Smith; collector, William W. Mersereau. Edwin C. Moody was the first village clerk. The succession of principal village officers is as follows: Presidents.— ¥rsinQ.{s B. Smith, 1871-73; George W. Mersereau, 1874; Martin C. Rockwell, 1875-77; Aaron Mersereau, 1878-79; Martin C. Rockwell, 1880; Samuel F. Smith, 1881-82; William W. Whitney, 1883; Martin C. Rockwell, 1884; Aaron Mersereau, 1885-80; George THE TOWN OF UNION. 637 W. Mersereau, 1887; William Livingston, 1888; Edward C. Mersereau, 1889; Solomon W. Adamy, 1890; John H. Swift, 1891-92; Theodore P. Knapp, 1893-95; George Le Barron, 1896-98; Clair M. Mersereau, 1899. Treasurers.— SAm\\e\ F. Smith, 1871-72; Aaron Mersereau, 1873-77; Theodore P. Knapp. 1878-92; George W. Tilbury, 1893-99. Collectors.— \Nm W. Mersereau, 1871-72; John M. Skillman, 1873- 74; Solomon Lashier, 1875-76; Wm. Conklin, 1877; A. M. Burdick, 1878-79; Elisha B. Relyea, 1880; Wm. A. Hagadorn, 1881; Andrew Armstrong, 1882-84; Harland L. Whitney, 1885-86; Charles S.Wough- ter, 1887-90; Marion Truesdell, 1891; Charles S. Woughter, 1892-97; Alonzo W. Whittemore, 1898-99. Clerks.— 'EA^m C. Moody, 1871-75; Fayette S. Keeler, 1876-82; Radcliff Park, 1883-97; Uri H. Mersereau, 1898-99. The present village officers are: President, Clair M. Mersereau; trustees, Edmund W. Barlow, Warren Mersereau; treasurer, George W. Tilbury; collector, Alonzo W. Whittemore; clerk, Uri H. Mersereau; police justice, Frank Balch. The Union Fire Department was organized in February, 1876, a pure- ly volunteer organization consisting of Centennial Fire Engine Co. No. 1 and Tornado Hook & Ladder company. The first officers of the en- gine company were J. D. Hagadorn, foreman, and P. M Badger, asst. foreman. The first officers of the " Truck " company were D. J. Palmer, foreman and W. C. Smith, asst. foreman. The first department offi- cers were J. A. Cauldwell, chief; R. O. vShippey, 1st asst. and A. M. Burdick, 2d asst. engineer. In the course of time it became necessary to reorganize the depart- ment, which action in a measure changed the personnel of the com- panies; but each change has resulted in better organization and in- creased efficiency in the entire department. During the period of its history the companies have frequently been called upon to perform duty and in no instance was there shown a lack of earnestness and fire- fightino- quality. The village, however, has been remarkably free from disastrous or extensive fires, although such misfortunes occasionally have been visited upon its people. The present department comprises a Hook and Ladder company, a new organization as yet without a distinguishing name (successor to Columbia H & L. Co. of former years), the officers of which are Jasper Castleman, foreman, and Aaron Gaige, asst. ; Centennial Engme and C38 THE TOWN OF UNION. Hose Co. No. 2, Wm. La Farge, foreman, and vStephen Ulrick, asst. ; and Valley Hose Co. No. 3, J. M. Witherill, foreman, and Charles Brown, asst. The present department officers are Bert J. Day, chief engineer; Henry Le Barron, 1st asst. engineer; Lee C. Adams, 2d asst. engineer and clerk, and J. M. Witherill, treasurer. The Union fire commission was established in 1897, the first board, appointees of the village trustees, being L vS. Barton (prest.), Verne R. Willis (now succeeded by Michael Donovan) and H. S. Barton. Having thus briefly traced the municipal history of the village, we may properly return to the period of early events and learn how and by whom the foundations of the municipality were laid. It is claimed that the first store in Union was opened by Ephraim Robbins in 1829, his store standing about on the site of the E. C. Mersereau store of later years. M. M. Badger became partner with Robbins in 1836. In 1834 Samuel Robbins moved a building from the parsonage lot to this site. The store was burned in 1851, and a new building was at once erected. William and Charles Keeler, and also John K. Edwards, began busi- ness soon after Robbins, the Edwards store standing near the site of George W. Tilbury's present business location. In 1837 Badger & Castleman erected a store building and began business on the corner recently vacated by L. J. Brown. George Seavey, Ambrose Truesdale, Wm. Cafferty and Mr. Brown successively occupied the corner store, the last mentioned proprietor taking possession in 1879 and continuing in trade until 1898. When Mr. Brown was in active business his store room included the building erected many years ago by Major David Mersereau and Jason Crane, and in which Robert Mersereau once car- ried on business. H. Mersereau & Son formed a partnership and began business in 1851, and in 1852 removed to the building so long occupied by E. C. Mersereau in later years. The firm soon changed to E. C. & G. W. Mersereau, and so continued until 1865, when E. C. Mersereau suc- ceeded and carried on business until about the time of his death, in 1894. E. K. Mersereau then became proprietor, and under him the mercantile branch was closed out. Between 1850 and 1875 the mercantile interests of the village were largely increased, and in later years changes became so frequent that now they cannot accurately be traced and noted. D. M. Angell opened a drug store in 1850. He was followed by Van Dusen & Benedict, M. E. THE TOWN OF UNION. 039 Benedict, W.W.Whitney and H. L. Whitney in the order mentioned, the latter proprietor now being- in trade. D. J. Palmer, successor to Allen Stillson, began in the drug business in 1871. In 1850 also Wm. Olmsted and a Mr. Campbell opened well stocked hardware stores, the former con- tinuing in business until his death in 1879. S. M. Benjamin opened a hardware store in 1873, and still is in trade. In 1878 C. H. Boyd started a hardware store where K. Boyd now does business. In 1867 I. V. & A. W. Whittemore began a furniture and undertaking business, continuing as partners until 1874 when their store was burned. The senior partner then re-established the business and continued it until 1889, when his son, Duane S. Whittemore, became the partner. In June, 1898, the son succeeded the firm. K. W. Spencer, furniture dealer, began business in 1873. The first cabinet maker of the village is said to have been Le Roy Scoville. L. J. Brown began business in Union in 1866, and was a prominent figure in the dry goods trade until his retirement in 1898. George W. Tilbury, grocer and dealer in boots and shoes, established himself in the village in 1875, and still is in trade. He has been an important factor in the political history of Union arid is its present treasurer. William Livingston also began in 1875 and went out of business about 1890. Ellis Hulslander opened a general store in 1879, but his name is not now known in local trade circles. J. M. Warner opened a grocery store in 1874, and is still in business. Among the other former and present merchants of the village may be recalled the names of F. Hodge, shoemaker and dealer beginning in 1846; Richard Crocker, the first village blacksmith; Philip Bartle, who succeeded Deacon Crocker in 1834, and who continued until 1850, when the shop was changed into a foundry and was so operated until 1852, when Peter Badger became proprietor. The foundry burned about twenty years ago. George Chatfield, J. D. Hagadorn, John Trester and Amos Bunn also have been known in the village as old blacksmiths. The private banking house of Chandler & Rockwell was established in 1866 and continued business several years under that proprietorship. M. C. Rockwell & Co. succeeded the older firm. The bank did a suc- cessful business until 1886 and was a great convenience to the merchants of the village; but in the year mentioned a disastrous failure occurred and all depositors suffered by the collapse. The present mercantile interests of Union may be enumerated sub- stantially as follows: Marion Truesdale, general store; L. H. Warner, 640 THE TOWN OF UNION. groceries and crockery; H. H. Houghtailing-. restaurant; Wm. Olmsted, stoves and tinware; J. L. Meeker, bakery; Virgie Balch, millinery; J. T. Curran, cigar maker, all on the north side of Main street, west of Nanticoke street. D. S. Whittemore, furniture and undertaking; K. W.Spencer, furniture; Union News office; George W. Tilbury, gro- ceries and boots and shoes; Colby & Whitney, meats; K. Boyd, hard- ware; Cottage hotel, all on the south side of Main street, west of Nan- ticoke street. N. H. Noyes, grocer; A. Benjamin, hardware, on south side of Main street, east of Nanticoke street. Frank Oliver, saloon ; J. B. Day, hotel, on north side of Main street, east of Nanticoke street. F. D. Brown & Co., drugs; O. L. Hawes, harnesses; ScudderSkillman, meats; H. Zimmer, bakery; J. R. Decker, grocery; E. N. Witherill & Co., dry goods, on Nanticoke street, east side. H. L. Whitney, drugs, jewelry, boots and shoes; Babcock's bakery; Ada B. vSmith, millinery; H. R. Chandler, boots and shoes; and S. C. Tripp, jeweler, on west side of Nanticoke street. Among the other business men of the village may be mentioned H. M. Thomas, dealer in agricultural implements ; George F. Sliter, grocer; Erie hotel, Warren Fuller, proprietor; Swan & Van Wormer, grocers, and A. K. Abbey, grocer. The lawyers of the vil- lage are Radcliff Park, T. A. McClary and A. R. Humphrey. As a manufacturing center Union never has attracted much atten- tion among the villages of the county, and it was not until within the last twenty years that any permanent industries have been established within the corporate limits. The old Union mills was an enterprise of the locality rather than of the village, and drew its patronage from all the surrounding region. In 1832-33 Major David Mersereau built a dam across the river, and in 1834 Whitney and Mersereau, in company with Col. Hazard Lewis, built a large double saw mill, taking power from the dam. Major Mersereau soon purchased the interests of his associates and operated the mill until 1839, when he built the gristmill. The saw mill at length was carried away by high water in March, 1865, but the grist mill was kept running several years and was finally re- moved to Vestal. About 1830 Benjamin Balch built a saw mill and also a cloth dressing and wool carding works on Nanticoke creek, but after a few years sold the property to Samuel Smith and "Put" Mersereau, who started a grist mill in connection with the other works. Smith eventually be- came owner of the plant and in turn sold it to George W. Barton. In 1894 Mr. Barton removed portions of the machinery to the village, THE TOWN OF UNION. 641 placing the same in a building erected by him north of the railroad. He now is proprietor of a good flour and feed mill, cider mill and rake factory, employing from six to ten workmen. The A. J. Chase planing mill which burned about five or six years ago was built in 1873 as a bark mill. Morgan Heath's planing, saw, cider and feed mill and rake factory was built on the north side of the railroad tracks in 1889. The Union Forging Company, whose product in international compe- tition at Chicago in 1893 was awarded a gold medal, was incorporated May 1, 1899, with $01,900 capital. The company, however, dates its history in Union to the year 1883, when Leroy S. White, George D. Lincoln and John H. Swift, all former skilled workmen in a large car- riage hardware and trimmings factory in Southington, Conn., united their earnings and energies as capital and determined to establish them- selves in business in some locality in southern New York where coal was less expensive than in Connecticut. Accordingly, one of their number visited Union, carefully looked over the ground and made a purchase preparatory to the beginning of operations. In the course of a short time the Union Carriage and Forging company, with the per- sons above mentioned as proprietors, began business, and by that action the village became possessed of one of the best manufacturing indus- tries ever known in local history. From the outset the enterprise was a success, and several enlargements of the plant were subsequently made. The business was started with half a dozen workmen, three of whom were the proprietors themselves, for each was and is a skilled mechanic and is constantly at work in the manufacturing department and not in the office. The incorporation above mentioned was accom- plished for the purpose of still further increasing the capacity of the works. The incorporators were Leroy S. White, George D. Lincoln, John H. Swift, Clair M. Mersereau and Charles E.White. The officers are Leroy S. White, president; John H. Swift, vice-president; George D. Lincoln, treasurer; Clair M. Mersereau, secretary, and Charles E. White, assistant secretary. At present the company employs about 35 workmen. The Union Water Works Company was incorporated August 13, 1891, with $25,000 capital, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a system of water supply for domestic and fire protection in the village. The works were constructed in 1891-2 and in the latter year Union was given the benefit of a good supply of wholesome water. The stock of 41 642 THE TOWN OF UNION. the company, however, is held by non-residents, when every dollar of it should be owned in the village. The Union Neivs was established in 1851 by Alfred E. Quinlan, a practical printer, who published the paper about two years and then sold to Ransom Bostwick. The next owner was Cephas Benedict, who was connected with the paper about fourteen years, and who sold out to E. C. & G. W. Mersereau, the old village merchants. These proprie- tors were not printers, yet they owned the News about a year, when Mr. Benedict again became proprietor. Next in the succession came Moses B. Robbins, a good editor, and also a good citizen, who was con- nected with the paper about nine years before he sold out to William F. Gilchrist. For about a year after the last transfer, the News was leased to Lewis Knapp, but in 1880 it returned to Cephas Benedict, part- ner with L. D. Cafferty. About this time Jesse E. Le Barron and William AlcWade started the Argus, but Mr. Le Barron soon became sole owner of the paper and con- solidated it with the News, the publishing firm taking the name of C. Benedict & Co. A short time afterward Messrs, Benedict and Le Barron purchased the Cafferty interest, and thereafter were partners about fif- teen years. In 1898 Mr. Le Barron became sole owner and proprietor, and now conducts the paper with excellent success. The News takes no active part in political discussions, caters neither to one nor the other of the parties, but furnishes its readers with all the current news of the day, with a well selected department of general miscellany. In fact it is one of the best country newspapers in the county and deservedly enjoys a good ^if^ulation and advertising pat- ronage. Hotels. — The first hotel in the village was that built by Lewis Keeler at Nanticoke, but which afterward was removed to the site of the Major House. The old building was burned May 23, 1851, but from 1828 to the date of its destruction its proprietors were Elias Skill man, Erastus Bab- cock, Cyrus Cafferty, Elisha Evans, A. W. Day and C. B. Mersereau. The Major House was built in 1852-53 by Major David Mersereau, for whom it was named and by whom it was kept until 1857. The later landlords in succession were Peter Hopkins, James Carnochan, Mr. Randall and J. B. Day, the latter having been proprietor since 1880. Although nearly half a century old the house still is in excellent condi- tion, always has been well managed and under the present landlord is one of the best country hotels in Broome county. THE TOWN OF UNION. 643 was The old Union House was built sometime previous to 1848, but burned in 1851. It was rebuilt and took the name of Cafferty house in 1863 under landlord Wm. Cafferty. The house has survived many pro- prietorships and still is a good hostelry, though now known as the Cot- tage house. The Hotel Erie, near the N. Y. & E. station, was built in 1873 by E. C. Mersereau. It now is an apartment house. The original Van Horn house was built by William Cafferty in 1854, and then was known as the Railroad house. At one time it was also known as the " Ah-wa-ne-ta." In 1884, under landlord Charles Van Horn, the present name was adopted. A post-office was established in Union about 1825, but the exact date is unknown. The postmasters have been as follows: Ephraim Rob- bins, Briant Stoddard, Ephraim Robbins, M. M. Badger, Thos. Twining, Ira Chandler, Edward C. Mersereau (1861-84), Ward W. Mersereau, S. Mack Smith, Ward W. Mersereau, George Lainhart and Dudley S. Mer- sereau. Round Hill Lodge No. 5jj, F. & A. M., was organized in 1863 with Solomon Lashier, Wm. W. Whitney, C. H. Shipman, David Mersereau. 2d, Franklin Fanning, Edward C. Mersereau, Asa Fanning, Samuel F. Smith, Wm. H. Tuttle, Samuel Robbins, Peter M. Badger, Samuel E. Weed, Seymour Mersereau, Francis B. Smith and F. N. Andrews as charter members. The lodge has been a permanent institution of the village throughout the period of its history, and has furnished much good material to the higher Masonic bodies of the county seat. The office of master of the lodge has been held by Solomon Lashier, Franklin Fanning, Theodore P. Knapp, Aaron Mersereau, Samuel F. Smith, John S. Mersereau, Dr. L. D.Witherill, William Olmsted, A. C. Woughter, H. T. Baker, S. M. Benjamin and Clair M. Mersereau. Adelphic Lodge No. ^ij, I. O. O. F., was instituted in Union in 1848, surrendered its charter in 1857, and was reorganized in 1884. It is a healthful body and enjoys a good membership. Physicians. — It is unusual that the medical profession of a village is made the subject of special mention, yet in Union the profession has been so strongly and numerously represented that some brief allusion to it is proper. The first physician was Dr. Ross, who settled a little below the village, but whose practice extended throughout the region. Little is known of Dr. Ross' life in this locality. He was not a member of the County Medical society. 644 THE TOWN OF UNION. Dr. Chester Lusk was one of the best physicians and also one of the foremost men of the county in his time. He settled in Union in 1800 and was the only physician in this part of the town for many years. He died from accident in 1825. Dr. Jonathan Woodbury came here about 1829 and died about five years later. Dr. Daniel Nash began his career in Union in 1829, and in a measure succeeded to the practice of Dr. Lusk, whose nephew he was and with whom he read medicine. Dr. George Burr began practice in Union in 1836, but in 1843 he was elected county clerk, necessitating his removal to the county seat. He afterward attained a high standing in the profession. Among the later physicians of the village may be recalled the names of Dr. Ezekiel Daniels, who came about 1850; Dr. Whiting S. Gris- wold, youngest son of Dr. H. S. Griswold; Dr. Joseph S. Whitney, who came here in 1855 and who still lives in the village, though retired from active practice; Dr. Linnaeus D. Witherill, a native of the locality, who began practice herein 1869, and who still is in the professional harness; Dr. Theodore P. Knapp, the only disciple of Hahnemann in the village, and who, by the way, is Union's oldest active physician, having prac- ticed here more than forty years; Dr. W. W. Whitney, who came to Union in 1805, after being mustered out of service, now is retired from active practice. The present active physicians of the village are Drs. T. P. Knapp, L. D. Witherill, E. N. & W. Christopher and W. A. Hardy. Lawyers. — Jacob Morris located in Union and began the practice of law about 1845, but afterward removed to Binghamton, where he was a prominent figure. Charles Hunt settled here about 1850, but later on removed to New York city. John Moody practiced in the village four or five years previous to 1850. Vincent Whitney, George A. Northrup and Solomon Judd also were among the early village lawyers and after- ward took up a residence at the county seat. Francis B. Smith was ad- mitted and began practice herein 1852, and continued professional work to the time of his death. Edwin C. Moody was born in the town and be- gan his professional career in the village, but afterward removed to Bing- hamton, where he now resides. S. Mack Smith, son of Francis B.Smith, was born in Union and began practice here immediately after his ad- mission to the bar. Later on he too removed to the county seat, where now he is city recorder. Radcliff Park began practice here in 1880. T. THE TOWN OF UNION. 645 A. McClary and A. R. Humphrey are recent acquisitions to the ranks of the profession in the village. Schools, — Previous to the creation of Union free school District No. 1 of the town of Union, the village school was maintained as a part of the common school system of the town, although in its semi-graded char- acter it offered far better opportunities for an education than were ob- tainable in the average district school. Sixty years ago, on May 4, 1839, the old Broome academy was incor- porated, with a capital of $5,000, for the purpose of establishing and mairita'ning a tuition academic school in the village. The incorpora- tors and prime movers of the enterprise were D. Relyea, E. B. Caster- line, J. L. Mersereau, John La Grange, Ephraim Robbins, Wm. H. Keeler, David Mersereau, George Burr, D. E. Avery, M. M. Badger, George Keeler, George W. Mersereau, H. Mersereau, Philip L. Bartle and David R. Chandler. These worthy citizens fully organized their company and erected a building in the village. The school was opened in due form and, tra- dition says, with some ceremony; and thereafter a good academic school was maintained for about twelve or fifteen years, and until the town system was so far advanced that parents considered the district school good enough for the needs of their children without the additional ex- pense incurred in sending them to the academy. Thus the gradual withdrawal of patronage naturally worked the downfall of the academy enterprise, and with its dissolution all pupils of necessity had recourse to the district school of the village. The latter system was maintained until the organization of the Union district in 1886, as above stated. On August 18, 1886, the hoard of education held its first meeting, the commissioners being Samuel F. Smith, Rev. V. M. Seagers, William Clark, Dr. L. D. Witherill and J. V. N. Smith. The officers of the board were Dr. Witherill, president, and P. D. Van Dusen, secretary. In 1887 the board materially enlarged and improved the school building, a sub- stantial frame structure standing in the eastern central portion of the village. It was originally erected in 1858 as the school house of Dis- trict No. 1. The first principal was Prof I. M. Boothe. From the time of the organization of the Union district the Union village school has taken rank among the most successful academic in- stitutions of the county, and progress and advanced ideas have been the aim of the board. At times, however, earnest discussion and some feeling has characterized the proceedings of the commissioners, yet it fi46 THE TOWN OF UNION. cannot be denied that each member has been actuated by any other than a desire for the best interests of the youth of the district. The principals of the school, as near as can be determined from the imperfectly kept records of the board, have been as follows: I. M. Boothe, 1886-89; H. F. Morrow, 1889-91; Thomas A. Davis, 1891-92; E. E. Smith, 1892-95; James L. Lusk, 1895-99. The personnel of the first board of education is given in a preceding paragraph. The subsequently elected members, with the year of elec- tion, have been as follows: Samuel F. Smith, 1887; Dr. L. B. Witherill, V. M. Seagers (M. B. Payne appointed, vice Seagers, resigned), 1888; Miss Jane Howard, Edward K. Mersereau, 1889; Milo B. Payne, Dr. O. L. Eastman, A. B. Dodge, 1890; Dr. O. L. Eastman, A. B. Dodge, S.M. Benjamin, John H. Swift; 1891; Joseph Howard, D. R. Lumly, 1892; George D. Lincoln, Frank Balch, 1893; A. B. Dodge, O. L. Hawes,1894; D. R. Lumley, Silas Swan, 1895; George D. Lincoln, 1896; O. L. Hawes, O. L. Sliter, 1897; D. R. Lumley, Henry Stevens, 1898; Frank Balch, 1899. The secretaries of the board have been P. D. Van Dusen, 1886-91; J. D. Smith, 1891-93; D. S. Mersereau, 1893-98; Duane S. Whitteraore, 1898-99. ECCLESIASTICAL. The early settlers of the western part of the town of Union held re- ligious services almost as early as those living in the vicinity of Che- nango village and Chenango Point, for it is said that in 1791 a religious society was established and held meetings in the neighborhood of Union village. Revs. Mr. Palmer and John Manley held alternate preaching services for several years in accordance with the doctrine of the Dutch Reformed church of America. But then the settlers were few and scattered and it was with much difficulty that public services were maintained. In 1803 the town voted $25 for the benefit of the Dutch Reformed church, but regardless of the efforts made in its behalf the society passed out of existence. The First Presbyterian society of Union was incorporated March 10, 1819, the trustees then being Chester Lusk, Lewis Keeler, Elisha B. Bradley, John La Grange, Cornelius Mersereau and John Dunbar. The church organization was perfected in 1822, when Rev. Benjamin Niles, Horatio Lombard and Marcus Ford, representing the Cayuga Presby- tery, constituted the church with 14 members. The first house of THE TOWN OF UNION. G47 worship was built in 1824 and stood near the bridge across the Susque- hanna river. The present edifice on Main street was built in 1872. The present membership is 179 persons. The succession of pastors is as follows: Revs. John Whiton and Sol- omon Ward, supplies for two years; John W. Ward, 1824-31; Ira Smith, Jonathan M. Roland, H. J. Gaylord, Samuel F. Bacon, John F. Ward, Rev. Mr. Gilbert, G.' Dwight Walker, Robert Edgar, Henry Benson, C. A. Thatcher, Chas. F. Dewing," 1874-84; E. W. Lake, 1885-87; H. H. Lipes, 1887-88; Dr. Welles, 1889-93; W. T. Parsons, 1893-99. The elders are Leroy S. White, James L. Lusk, King W. Spencer, Dr, E. N. Christopher, Dwight Foster and L. M. Winans. The first society of the Methodist Episcopal church in Union was in- corporated May 18, 1825, with Elijah Decker, James Whittemore, Rob- ert Bartholomew, James Williams and Josiah Cafferty as the first trus- tees. This incorporation brought into existence the first Methodist society in the town, from which all other societies of the same denomi- nation were offshoots. In 1835 another society, known as the Methodist society in Union, was incorporated, the articles of association bearing date June 20, and the trustees being Josiah Brigham, George Bradley, John R. Boswell, James Howard, William Mason, Daniel Boswell. Oliver Russell, Stephen Howard and Alpheus B. Waterman. This was the inception of the Union Centre church, although a reincorporation was effected in 1857. The Second Methodist Episcopal society in Union was incorporated March 21, 1842, with David Scoville, James Guyon, Charles Moody, Alfred Jones and E. P. Warner as the first board of trustees. This was the beginning of the church in what now is the town of Maine. The first Methodist meeting house in Union village was built in 1848, and served the purposes of the society nearly twenty- five years, when it was vacated for a more commodious edifice and subsequently was converted into a store building. The present edifice was erected in 1872 and cost $12,000, the pastor at that time being Rev. A. J. Van Cleft. The mother church in Union for many years has been one of the strong religious bodies of the town, which has steadily increased from a little handful of devout worshippers to a total present member- ship of 290 persons . The present pastor is Rev. John Elliott Bone, successor to Rev. J. C. Johnson. t Owing to imperfect records it is impossible to determine the periods of pastorates previous to 1874. 648 THE TOWN OF UNION. The stewards of the church are George and Emmett Sliter, C. C. Barnes, Jacob Swartwout, D.R, Loomis, Smith Surdam and H. Mitchell. The trustees of the society are George W. Tilbury, George Le Barron, E. W. Barlow, E. W. Smith and John Van Auken. The Methodist Episcopal church of Union Centre was incorporated February 12, 1857, and was the outgrowth of the still older society in- corporated in 1835, as has been stated. The trustees of the later society were Justice Knapp, William Southworth, Daniel Boswell, Josiah Brig- ham and Rev. J. R. Boswell, the latter being the prime spirit of the organization and its chief supporter. The society has enjoyed a health- ful growth and has a present membership of 154 persons. The pastor is Rev. A. O. Austin. The first Universalist society in Union was incorporated April 27, 1829, with Joseph Chambers, Samuel Crocker and Jesse Richards as its first board of trustees. The organization was maintained in the town for several years, but no house of worship was erected. Soon after 1840 the society merged in the stronger body which had gained a foot- hold in the village of Binghamton. The first Free Will Baptist church in Union was organized under ar- ticles of incorporation, October 19, 1836. The first trustees were John Smith, Elijah Higbee and Asa Dodge. This church has no present ex- istence in the town. The first Baptist society in Union was incorporated July 30, 1840, the trustees then being Thompson Lewis, Abner Slosson and Lewis Gates. About the same time a house of worship was built in the village, the structure ultimately being sold to the society of the Free Methodist church. A reincorporation was effected in 1875, the trustees then be- ing Ezra Orcutt, Epenetus Piatt and Cornelius Snedeker. About this time the society purchased and since has occupied the edifice erected by Grace Protestant Episcopal church. Since that time the Baptist church has enjoyed a healthful growth, the present members number- ing 120 persons. The pastor, Rev. Orison E. Bishop, came to Union in May, 1897. The Union Center Congregational society was incorporated February 10, 1841, with Chester Pitkin, Chauncey G. Rockwell, Josiah Bradley, Asa Curtis, Ransom Wood and Alva K. Ketchum as its first trustees. The church organization was perfected November 2, 1841, with 73 mem- bers, under the pastoral care of Rev. Nathaniel Pine. The church ed- ifice was built in 1840 and was rebuilt in 1870. The church has a pres- THE TOWN OF UNION. 049 ent total membership of 78 persons, and is under the charge of Rev. Abel S. Wood of the Congregational church at Maine village. The first Christian church of Union, whose house of worship is lo- cated on lot No. 49, was incorporated about August 14, 1874, with Syl- vester Le Barron, Wm. B. Brown and James T. Davis as its first trustees. The meeting house was built in 1877, the late Elder Welton of Bing- hamton being founder of the church and its chief supporter. The society still has an existence although its members are few. Grace church, Protestant Episcopal, of Union village, was incorpor- ated Feb. 22, 1871, with Aaron Mersereau and Theodore Hallett, war- dens, andD. R. Chandler, Joshua V. N. Smith, Nathan W. Chandler and Moses B. Robbins, vestrymen. In the same year a small but neat church edifice was erected and for a time the church prospered and grew in strength and influence, but at length reverses came, services were discontinued, and the chapel was sold to the Baptist society. The Free Methodist church of Union and Vestal was incorporated April 22, 1878, with James Guyon, Dr. Joseph Whitney and A. D. Ketchum as the first board of trustees. About the same time the soci- ety purchased the meeting house formerly occupied by the Baptists. During recent years the membership in the Free Methodist church has decreased and a resident pastor cannot be supported. vServices are occasionally held by the pastor of the church in Binghamton, and at other times by Elder Beman, an earnest, hard working member of the church living in Union village. VILLAGE OF LESTERSHIRE. In 1800 the village of Binghamton, then known as Chenango Point, contained about the same number of inhabitants as in 1888 were scat- tered over the territory comprising the present village of Lestershire. In 1840, with the Chenango canal as the principal thoroughfare of traf- fic and transportation, with a dozen stage lines passing through it in all directions, and with public buildings and all the other advantages of a county seat, the village first mentioned contained a total popula- tion of 2,000 inhabitants, and that the result of forty years of growth and development. In 1899, with none of the natural advantages of sit- uation, with only the interests which accompanied a healthful growth, and with but five factories, the village of Lestershire contained a popu- lation of 3,000 persons, the result of just ten years development. It is doubtful if any municipality in the eastern or middle states can boast 650 THE TOWN OF UNION. a more rapid, healthful and permanent growth than Lestershire, in the town of Union. In 1850 Horace N. Lester, a native of East Haddam, Conn., came to Bingham ton and started a retail shoe business. Four years later, George W. Lester, brother to Horace, came from New Haven, and on Septem- ber 21 of that year the boot and shoe manufacturing firm of Lester Bros. & Co. was established and began operations. The first place of busi- ness was on the south side of Court street three doors below the corner of Washington street, from which location the firm removed to the north side of same street, where is now the Y. M. C. A. building. Here the firm continued about twenty-five or thirty years, after which, hav- ing need of larger factory accommodations, the concern removed to the Lester building at the corner of Washington, Henry and State streets, now a part of the Hotel Bennett. Horace N. Lester died in 1882, and his place in the firm was taken by his son, George Harry Lester, a young man of good education and business capacity, but whose methods were new and hardly in keeping with the established customs of the old firm. He conceived the idea of establishing a large factory in a convenient location outside the city limits, and also of organizing a stock company with capital sufficient to carry on business on a scale unparalleled in the history of southern New York. All this was subse- quently accomplished, although the enterprising originator of the scheme was not connected with the works when they attained that dis- tinguished prominence; for certainly it is an enviable prominence that Lestershire can boast in having the largest shoe factory under a single roof in the world. On November 22, 1888, in accordance with his determination, Mr. Lester purchased from Francis B. Allen 11.17 acres of the once known Lawrence Allen farm tract, and from Lewis Jenison 11.25 acres in the vicinity. On the same day Joseph R. Diment, who acted for Mr. Les- ter, purchased 22.46 acres from Mr. Jenison, and on May 11, 1889, purchased from William H. Allen another portion of the Lawrence Allen farm. These several parcels Mr. Diment transferred to Mr. Lester by deeds dated Nov., 1888, and Oct., 1889. In the same man- ner and by still other conveyances additional lands were brought under the Lester proprietary, and soon afterward the entire tract of the peaceful farming areas of this part of the town of Union were surveyed, mapped, subdivided and laid out in regular village form, and were called Les- tershire. About the same time Mr. Lester began the erection of a THE TOWN OF UNION. 651 spacious residence on Main street (which by the way is still in an in- complete condition) and offered his lots for sale. Buyers came freely and secured home sites for a reasonable consideration; and a widely advertised public sale drew numerous investors and lots were rapidly sold under the auctioneer's hammer. In the meantime the Lestershire Boot and Shoe company was incor- porated (this action being a part of the proprietor's scheme) and erected a large factory building near the D. , L. & W. railroad. The prospect of a vast manufacturing establishment added value to the lands and drew still other buyers to the locality. With wise forethought Mr. Lester induced Merritt S. Squires to come to the proposed village and start a lumber and box factory, that shipping boxes might easily be supplied to the shoe company. William Burdick secured a desirable lot at the corner of Main and Broad streets and erected thereon a substantial frame store building. His action was closely followed by that of John Schulte, Frank Hoag, Thos. L. Dunham, John Day & Son and Peter T. Perrault, and within the brief period of one year a flourishing hamlet sprang into existence on the western border of the city of Binghamton. The proprietor generously donated lots for public buildings and the Methodist Episcopal and Baptist societies were the recipients of his liberality. An embryo fire department was organized and occupied a building on land likewise set aside for it by the village founder. Four lots also were given for a public school. A union free district was or- ganized, and soon afterward a good school was in full operation with a competent corps of teachers. On April 11, 1890, G. Harry Lester executed deeds for a large portion of his unsold lots in Lestershire to the Lestershire Boot and Shoe company. In the summer of 1890, through the influence of Mr. Lester, Wm.G. Faatz and brothers came from Susquehanna borough and established a brush factory, but in the meantime the large Roberson planing mill had been established on the eastern border of the village. This year found at least 500 laborers regularly employed in the village factories, while as many other artisans and mechanics were occupied in building stores and dwellings in various parts of the corporation. So rapid indeed was the growth in all directions that the subject of a municipal existence began to be discussed, and on September 15, 1892, all preliminaries having been settled, that desirable end was attained, the village was incorporated, and included an area of 638.4 acres of land. The question of incorporation was submitted to the inhabitants of the 652 THE TOWN OF UNION. proposed villag-e territory at an election held at Firemen's hall on the day mentioned, at which time a total of 142 votes were cast, 128 being "for" and 13 "against" the measure.' The officers of the election were E. K. Mersereau, supervisor, and J. M. Warner, clerk, of the town of Union. The first village election was held Oct. 20, 1892, when the following officers were chosen: Peter T. Perrault, president; James L. Derby, Elmer W. Van Slyck and Charles T. Dickson, trustees;" Edward L. Baldwin, treasurer; Frank A. Day, collector (Mr. Day soon afterward resigned and J. E. Elliott was appointed to fill the vacancy). On October 30 the trustees held their first meeting and appointed John S. Patterson, village clerk. At a meeting held Nov. 1, W. D. Rob- erts was appointed street commissioner; Israel T. Fletcher, L. E. Rob- erts and Frank Widerman, police constables. The office of the police justice was established in March, 1893. The annual election is held on the third Tuesday in March. VILLAGE CIVIL LIST. Presidents. — Peter T. Perrault, 1892; Lewis Jenison, 1893; Thomas L. Dunham, 1894-95; Dr. William H.Wilson, 1890; Merritt S. Squires, 1897-98; William H. Hill, 1890. Trustees. — James L. Derby, Elmer W. Van Slyck, Charles T. Dickson, 1892; John H. Clappison, 1893, resigned May 30, 1893, and Franklin Morse appointed; Peter F. Weaver, John Schulte, Edward Tileson, 1894; John Schulte, Charles R. Heath, 1895; E. L. Baldwin, William McKeeby, 1890; William McKeeby, Herman D.Walters, 1897; Will- iam M. Stalker, Frank Whittemore, William H. Baker, Nelson B. Rus- sell, 1898; John Schulte, George M. Horton, William M. Stalker, V. M. Seagers, 1899. Treasurers. — Edward L. Baldwin, 1892; John B. Fuller, 1803; George R. Story, 1894-96; M. P. Farrell, 1897; Clinton D. Becker, 1898; James L. Derby, 1899. Collectors. — Frank A. Day, 1802, resigned and J. E. Elliott appointed ; John W. Fisher, 1803-94; Edgar H. Codding, 1805-97; Robert P.Smith, 1808; John A. Treat, 1800. Police Justices.— IsvaqX L. Fletcher, 1893-95; A. B, Bradley, 1806; Oliver N. Swift, 1897-99. 1 One defective ballot was cast. 2 On Feb. 8, 1898, four trustees were authorized to be elected. THE TOWN OF UNION. 653 Clerks.— ]o\\n S. Patterson, 1892; Mark G. White, 1893; Edgar H Codding, 1894-95; Frank A. Day, 1896, declined and L. P. Blackman appointed; L. P. Blackman, 1897; Edgar H. Codding, 1898- Frank A Day, 1899. Street Commissioner s. — SH\\X\^.m D, Roberts, 1892; William H. Hay 1893; Wm. D. Roberts, 1894-95; Edward Evans, 189G; Loren d' Duren, 1897; Wm. D. Roberts, 1898-99. Chiefs of Police.— YT&nk Widerman, 1894; Charles F. Roberts 1895-99. Postmasters.— {Office established Dec. 24, 1889). William C. Bur- dick, appt'd Dec. 24, 1889; Cyrenus N. Day. appt'd Nov. 1, 1893; Thomas L. Dunham, appt'd June 27, 1897. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. In its history the Lestershire Fire department antedates the incorpo- ration of the village itself, for no sooner had the Lestershire Boot and Shoe company begun v^rork in the large factory building than the man- agers began devising means for protection against loss by fire. T/ief. R. Diment Chemical Fire Engine Company was organized with 22 members in the fall of 1889 with A. J. Champagne, foreman. C. Fred Johnson, who perhaps has been the most active person in fire de- partment circles in the village throughout the period of its history, was chairman of the board of trustees of the company five years. The company first housed its apparatus in a brick building on Main street, but Mr. Lester afterward donated a lot on which an engine house was proposed to be built, but this lot was exchanged for another on Corliss avenue, where the first Firemen's hall was erected by the company and its friends at a cost of $23,000. The company retained its original name until 1897, when the Lester- shire Manufacturing Co. purchased a No. 3 La France steamer and placed it in charge of the Chemical Engine Co. On July 3 of that year the name was changed to Henry B. Endicott Steam Fire Engine com- pany No. 1, in compliment to Henry B. Endicott, of Boston, president of the Lestershire Manufacturing company, and who has been a gener- ous benefactor of the village and its people in many ways. The com- pany now comprises 52 men, under foreman Andrew Pease. It is a uniformed body and enjoys the reputation of being one of the best drilled fire organizations in the state. Independent Hose Company No. /, an offshoot from the Chemical En- Lestershire Fire Station, Municipal Building and Club House. THE TOWN OF UNION. ' 055 gine company, was organized in the spring of 1892, and was equipped with a jumper of sufficient capacity to carry 400 feet of hose, which in fact was all the department then owned and that the gift of Mr. Lester. The company now comprises 58 men, under foreman Arthur Smith. It is a uniformed body, well drilled and has the second fastest running team of volunteer firemen in the state. The present apparatus is a sub stantial hose wagon. G. Harry Lester Hook and Ladder Company No. i was organized in December, 1894, the apparatus consisting of a good Gleason & Bailey "truck," with extension ladders and other modern equipments. The company now comprises 44 men under foreman James L, Derby. C. Fred Johnson Hose Co. No. 2 was organized in June, 1897, with 48 men under foreman Charles Bliven, and was equipped with a new mod- ern hose wagon. Although the youngest fire company in the village, it is nevertheless one of the most efficient fire organizations in the de- partment, and is well uniformed and disciplined. The Lestershire Fire department was incorporated January 28, 1892, when only two companies comprised the entire body, one of which was not named. The department occupied the building on Corliss avenue until 1899, when the present combined Central Fire station. Municipal building and Firemen's Club house was erected at the corner of Corliss avenue and Willow street. The building in many respects is an excep- tional structure, and is unquestionably one of the most complete, elab- orate and serviceable fire stations in the state. Indeed nothing is lack- ing that can add to the comfort and efficiency of the department, as every detail has been carefully provided for. On the ground floor are the trustees' room, department quarters, stables and other necessaries for fire duty. The upper floors are fitted up with apartments for fire- men's parlors, billard and sleeping rooms, etc. But the greatest attrac- tion in the entire building is the club rooms and gymnasium with all its varied and appropriate appointments for the comfort and entertam- ment of whomsoever will avail himself of the privilege, for this depart- ment of the building is free to the people of Lestershire, and nothing in the way of objectionable indulgence is tolerated. Billiard rooms, bowling alleys and baths are free to the young men of the village, as well as hospitable entertainment in other apartments. A large assem- bly and dining hall is another feature of the building. The entire structure was erected at a cost of $27,000, of which sum the Lestershire Manufacturing company generously donated $10,000. 1 he 65G THE TOWN OF UNION. work of construction was performed by Sullivan & Badgley, of Bing- hamton, and not one dollar was wasted or misapplied. Among the other features of the department system may be men- tioned a perfect Gamewell fire alarm, and also three auxiliary pumping stations, capable of working separately or in combination with the vil- lage water works, all of which give more complete fire protection than is found in many cities of the state. The auxiliary pumps are capable of discharging 17,000 gallons of water per minute. The chiefs of the fire department, with the periods of their service, have been as follows: A. J. Champagne, one year; Loren D. Duren, two years; George Hobler, one year; C. Fred Johnson, four years, and now in office. THE WATER WORKS. The Lcstershire Water Works Company was incorporated April 26, 1892, with $50,000 capital, to supply the village with water for domes- tic and fire protection purposes. The incorporators and prime movers of the enterprise were G. Harry Lester, Cyrus Strong, jr., William D. Brewster, Willis H. Gaylord, Fred Eitapenc, Horace F. Barrett and Cornelius H. Ackerman, The works were constructed in 1892 by Gay- lord & Eitapenc, and during the same year water was furnished in the village to a limited extent. The system was operated by the company with a fair measure of success until the fall of 1895, when at a special election held September 25, by a vote of 71 to 30, the village decided to purchase the plant at the agreed price of $26,000. In the meantime a board of village water commissioners was estab- lished as a distinct branch of local government. The first commission- ers were Edward M. Kain, chosen for one year; Dr. S. P. Allen for two years; and William G. Faatz, for three years. The first meeting of the board was held September 10, 1895. The water works plant established by the corporate company per- haps was sufficient for the purposes of its owners, but was hardly ade- quate for the requirements of the village and the best interests of the people, therefore the commissioners at once set about improving and extending the system, thus greatly adding to its efficiency and value. At the present time there are about ten miles of street main pipe, and 36 fire hydrants are scattered throughout the village. In 1899 a new pumping station was built north of the Erie railroad tracks, the building costing about $2,500. The station is equipped with THE TOWN OF UNION. 657 three good Deming pumps, two of 40 and one of 10-horse power, the latter being entirely sufficient for the ordinary purposes of the village. The pumps are operated by modern Springfield gasoline engines. The entire plant, including building, pumps and engines, cost less than $10,000, yet by its adoption the value of the water works system has been more than doubled, and now is estimated to be worth at least $50,000. The works are operated at an annual expense of about $4,000, while the revenues of the system amount to about $7,000 annually. In all there are about 600 taps. The personnel of the board of water commissioners established in 1895 has not been changed. Mr. Kain was reappointed by the trus- tees in March, 1897, Dr. Allen in 1898, and William G. Faatz in 1899. The officers of the board are Edward M. Kain, president, and Frank A. Day, clerk. Superintendent of works, George H. Peck. EDUCATIONAL. Previous to the -creation of Union free school district No. 20, which includes the village of Lestershire, the surrounding territory comprised portions of district No. 2 of the towns of Union and Bing- hamton and district No. 11 of the town of Union. No. 2 was a union district, and was established in 1866, at which time E. W. Evans, Mar- tin J. Swift and A. N. Brown were commissioners and members of the board of education. The school house was taken into the city by the extension of the limits in 1890, and is now known as school No. 8, or the Helen street school. In January, 1891, district No. 11 of Union was consolidated with dis- trict No. 2, and thereby was established Union district No. 20 of the town of Union. The first board of education comprised Charles T. Dickson, Cyrenus N. Day and John Schulte. On the organization of the board Mr. Dickson was chosen president, and Coe Coleman, clerk, the latter having served in that office to the present time, and also at times having filled the offices of collector and treasurer. Of Mr. Cole- man it must be said that he has been a faithful official, and that the records of the board kept by him show the proceedings in a straight, business-like manner. After organization the first business of the board was to procure a suitable place in which to hold the sessions of school until the district should vote an appropriation for the erection of a school building. For this purpose the frame building (afterwards occupied as a blacksmith 42 658 THE TOWN OF UNION. shop) was rented and arranged for temporary use. At that time, or in 1890, the school census showed 77 children in the district of school age, and one teacher was sufficient to properly conduct the school. In the same year the total amount raised for maintenance was $600, of which amount $100 was used to pay rent. In itself this statement is not spe- cially interesting, but when we consider that in 1899 the same district employed ten teachers and that the gross sum of $6,928 was raised for the current expense of the school, then the comparison becomes inter- esting and serves to illustrate the wonderful growth of Lestershire and the district in the brief space of eight years. In 1898 the district con- tained 453 children between the ages of 5 and 18 years, a gain of 376 in just eight years. For the purpose of providing a commodious school building G. Harry Lester donated to the district two lots of land fronting on Harrison street and extending through to Hudson street, including in all four village lots. On May 4, 1891, the electors of the district voted to issue bonds to the amount of $7,000, the proceeds of which were to be used in the erection of a school building. On May 27 the contract for con- struction was awarded to John Schulte, for the sum of $5,610. The building was erected during the same year and proved acceptable in all respects. When completed it afforded seating capacity for more pupils than the district contained, for the building was erected in anticipation of future growth in the village. The reckoning, however, was wrong, for the village soon outgrew the capacity of the structure, and in May, 1895, the district voted an additional $4,000 to enlarge the building. This work also was done by John Schulte, and cost $3,885. With this enlargement Lestershire and district No. 20 were given ample room for all their children, and it was then thought that the probable increase during the succeeding ten years was fully provided for; but in April, 1898, the proposition was presented to the tax payers to raise $5,500 for another school building in the district, and while the measure was defeated at the polls on technical grounds, the sum of $1,850 was voted for the purchase of four lots south of the D., L. & W. railroad, on which a school building is to be erected in the near future. At the same time the district also voted $450 for the purchase of a lot adjoining the present school house. Briefly, the foregoing is a history of Union free school district No. 20 of the town of Union, and at the same time it is a history of the Les- tershire public school, as the village comprises the greater portion of THE TOWN OF UNION. 659 the district. The school always has been noted for its excellence, and the taxpayers have ever been commended for their liberality in supply- ing a commodious building and a superior corps of instructors. In truth, however, it must be said that much of the credit for the splendid results achieved is due to the unselfish interest in the welfare of the school exhibited by the members of the board of education, each of them having given to this branch of local government the same careful attention that the prudent man gives to his personal affairs. The re- sult is that Lestershire has as good an academic school as Broome county can boast. The principals of the school have been Prof. S. F. Harding and Prof. E. T. Graves, the former originally being employed as "teacher," but soon afterward was advanced to the position of principal. Prof. Graves succeeded to the principalship in May, 1894, and has been continued in that capacity to the present time. He has been an untiring worker for the welfare of the youth committed to his care, and has been materially aided by competent assistants, the latter gradually increasing in num- ber with the constant growth of the village until a total of nine is em- ployed. The members of the board of education, with the date of election to office, have been as follows: Charles T. Dickson, Cyrenus N. Day, John Schulte, January, 1891; Thomas L. Dunham, appointed vice Schulte, resigned May 27, 1891; Loren D. Duren, Thomas L. Dunham, August, 1891; Thomas L. Dunham, August, 1892; Merritt S. Squires, August, 18,93; A. H. Pellett, August, 1894; Dr. S. P. Allen, Thomas L. Dunham, August, 1895; Merritt S. Squires, August, 1896; W. H. Wilson, August, 1897; Geo.W. Holyoke, August, 1898; James L. Der- by, August, 1899. The presidents of the board have been Charles T. Dickson, January -August, 1891; Cyrenus N. Day, August, 1891-93; Loren D. Duren, August, 1893-94; Thomas L. Dunham, August, 1894-95; Merritt S. Squires, August, 1895-96; Dr. S. P. Allen, August, 1896-97; Thomas L. Dunham, August, 1897-98; Merritt S. Squires, August, 1898-99; W. H. Wilson, August, 1899-. Clerk of the board, Coe Coleman, Janu- ary, 1891-1900. As at present situated and officered in all municipal departments, Lestershire is one of the best governed villages in southern New York. True, its growth has been rapid, in which respect it partakes somewhat of the character of the cities of the west, but unlike most of them, Les- 660 THE TOWN OF UNION. tershire is built upon a secure and permanent foundation, which augurs well for its future. Ten years ago the locality was composed almost wholly of farming lands with a scattered population of less than 100 in- habitants within the corporate limits of the village; to-day there is a population approximating closely to 3,000 persons. According to the enumeration of inhabitants made in January, 1898, the total population was 2,501, of which number 1,631 persons were more and 870 were less than 21 years of age. Again, Lestershire is both a manufacturing and mercantile center, the growth in one direction having been about equal to that in the other. The manufacturing industries comprise the extensive works of the Les- tershire Manufacturing company, the Lestershire Lumber and Box company, the Faatz Brush and Felting company, the Roberson planing mill and sash, door and blind factory, the W. A. Heath Machine com- pany, Ferdinand La Motte's paper box factory, and the Binghamton Washing Machine company, which are mentioned at length on later pages. All mercantile and business interests are well represented, and fortu- nately the retail trade generally is inclined to stay in the village instead of being attracted to the city by reason of the greater variety and larger stocks in the latter place, which is only two and one-half miles distant and is easily accessible by two lines of steam railroad and two lines of electric street railway. The earliest business men of the village erected their stores of frame material, as if doubtful of the success of Mr. Les- ter's scheme, but in later years the buildings have been constructed chiefly of brick, three stories high, large, well appointed, attractive in architecture and modern in style. The Post-office. — Lestershire was made a post-office station December 24, 1889, with William Burdick as postmaster. The next incumbent of the office was Cyrenus N. Day, appointed November 1, 1893. The present postmaster, Thomas L. Dunham, was appointed June 27, 1897. It would be difficult and perhaps uninteresting to recall by name every merchant who has done business in Lestershire since the village was founded. The earliest business men have been mentioned, and each of them is still connected with the history of the place. No branch of business appears to be over represented, but still there is sufficient competition to preclude the possibility of monopoly. The present mercantile interests of Lestershire are represented sub- stantially as follows: THE TOWN OF UNION. 661 Agricultural implements and builders' supplies, Clinton D. Decker. Architects, Charles R. Lusk, Elmer W. Van Slycke. Baker, J. G. Bridenbecker. Boots and shoes, Theron R. Hollister. Builders' materials, Edwin L. Baldwin, C. M. Gilmore. Cigar manufacturer, James C. Parr. Coal and wood dealers, E. L. Baldwin, Faatz Brush and Felting Co., J. M. Kennedy. Confectioners, E. H. Codding, John S. Riedel, Chas. E. Utter. Contractors and builders, E. B. Cafferty, George M. Horton, Mitchell & Stever, M. S. Hotchkiss, John Schulte, Elmer W. Van Slycke. Creamery, Lestershire Creamery company, Harry McFetrick, propri- etor. Dentist, Miles M. Smith . Druggists, James L. Derby, C. J. Quick. Dry goods, Theron R. Hollister, K. Frank Jones. Feed stores, E. L. Baldwin, Wm. C. Burdick. Furniture dealers and undertakers, Mitchell & Perry, H. S. Saley, K. W. Spencer. General stores, S. L. Bump, Frank Hoag, James A. Treat. Groceries, Robert I. Bertine, S. L. Bump, E. D. Cafferty, Coe Cole- man, R R. Corlyon, J. W. Fisher, F. S. Furlow, Frank Hoag, Geo. L. Hunt, K. Frank Jones, Jesse S. Wildey. Hardware and stove dealers, C. D. Becker, John Day & Son, A. A. Swinton. Hotels, Hotel Erie, Wm. Dalley, propietor; Hotel Imperial, Griffin Bros., proprietors; Lackawanna hotel, Jacob Stahl, proprietor; Park hotel, Augustus Stoddard, proprietor; Perrault house, Paul Perrault, proprietor. Insurance agents, Frank A. Day, Merritt S. Squires. Jewelers, Walter A. Hill, Max Spies. Lawyer, Herman D. Walters. Lunch Rooms, Charles Pine. Machine shop, W. A. Heath Machine company. Meat markets, Thos. L. Dunham, L. B. Goodman, Webster & Barton. Merchant tailor, J. Schaefer, Milliners, Mary E. Joslyn, Langdon & Peck, James A. Treat. Music teachers, Emma M. Corlyon, Catherine E. Hungerford. Newspapers, Lestershire Record, Wm. H. Hill, publisher. 662 THE TOWN OF UNION. Painter and paper hanger, G . B. Watson. Photographer, F. D. Green. Physicians, Solomon P. Allen, S. Taylor Barton, Chas. P. Roberts, Wm. H. Wilson. Plumber, C. D. Becker. Poulterer, Lester Rickard. Real estate dealers and agents, E. B. Cafferty, E. H. Codding, An- drew Everts, C. M. Gilmore, S. T. Harding, Utter & Saley, Herman D. Walters. Restauranter, B. H. Griffin. Saloons, B. H. Griffin, John M. Storton, B. M. Thompson, Andrew Wood. Stoves and tinware, Alexander A. Swinton. Wall paper and stationery, E. B. Cafferty. The public institutions of the village, in addition to those previously mentioned, are the Methodist Episcopal and Baptist churches. The principal places of amusement and entertainment are the club rooms in the Central fire station and the Delphi opera house. The Lestershire Record. — In the summer of 1896 William M. Cheney, a practical newspaper man of Dushore, Pa., visited Lestershire and in the summer of that year, at the suggestion of a number of prominent citizens, established the Lestershire Record, the first number bearing date August 24 of that year. Mr. Cheney conducted the paper until the summer of 1897 and then sold out to Z. A . Stegmuller, a former newspaper man connected with the Binghamton Press. On December 9, 1899, the Record passed into the hands of William H. Hill, its pres- ent owner, under whose management it has attained a greater popular- ity than ever before during the period of its history. The Record is now known as the brightest weekly paper of the county outside the city of Binghamton. The first newspaper published in Lestershire was " The News," which was established soon after the Lestershire Boot and Shoe company be- gan operations, the paper receiving material assistance from the man- agers of the company. It was followed by the Independent, which subsequently removed to the city, as may be seen by reference to the city chapter relating to the press. MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. The Lestershire Manufacturing Company. — As is stated on a preced- ing page of this chapter, in the fall of 1888 G. Harry Lester made ex- THE TOWN OP UNION. 663 tensive purchases of real estate in the town of Union, caused the same to be laid out into lots, and then offered them for sale. In 1889 the enterprising- young proprietor, as the active member of the firm of Les- ter & Co., erected a large shoe factory building on the north side of the D., L. & W. railroad tracts, the structure being 50 x 400 feet in size, four stories high, and capable of furnishing employment to about 250 men. The building being completed, the machinery for the industry was put in operation with a fair force of employees about January 1, 1890. Mr. Lester was extensively interested in the land enterprise and evidently lacked the capital necessary to conduct the entire business on the gigan- tic plan outlined in the beginning; hence he had recourse to certain New York capitalists, and the result was the incorporation of the Les- tershire Boot and Shoe compay, with a capital of $600,000. The incor- poration was effected in March, 1890, the trustees appointed by the stock- holders to manage the company for the first year being G. Harry Lester, Charles S. Fairchild, George W. Lester, Daniel Lamont and William D. Brewster. This company succeeded to the ownership of the factory building, and also became possessed of much of the unsold land in the Lestershire tract which previously had been owned by Mr. Lester. The declared object of the company, as expressed in the articles of association, was the manufacture of boots and shoes, the principal offices to be maintained in the city of Binghamton; but in October, 1891, an amendment to the articles changed the place of office business from the city to the town of Union, or, in other words, to Lestershire. The business was for a time under the personal supervision of Mr. Lester, while the manufacturing department was in charge of Joseph R. Diment, an old and valued employee of Lester 8c Co., and also of the still older firm of Lester Bros. & Co. In 1893 Mr. Diment resigned his position and was succeeded by George F, Johnson, the present superintendent, who began as foreman in one of the departments of the Lester Bros. & Co. factory in 1882, and continued with the successive firms and corpo- rations until his advancement to the superintendency of the entire plant in 1892. The Lestershire Manufacturing company was incorporated in Janu- ary, 1892, under the laws of the state of Maine, and in the same year succeeded to the manufacturing business formerly conducted by the Lestershire Boot and Shoe company. Through some cause, evidently owing to injudicious methods, G. Harry Lester became involved in business complications, and therefore retired from all connection with 664 THE TOWN OF UNION. the company or the management of the unsold real estate in the Les- tershire tract, and his place was taken by other competent managers and operations progressed without serious interruption. Work was begun in the factory, as has been stated, with a force of about 250 men. The order of things then established was not material- ly changed for a year or two; and while the results of the enterprise were fairly satisfactory there was little real encouragement to the stock- holders until the Lestershire Manufacturing company succeeded to the control, and until George F. Johnson was advanced to the position of superintendent, and his brother, C. Fred Johnson, to the assistant super- intendency. Since that time, however, three distinct and material en- largements to the factory building have been made and the floor space of the entire structure now has an area equal to eight square acres of land; and instead of furnishing irregular employment to about 250 workmen the company now has a total of 1,800 employees, manufactur- ing an aggregate of 18,000 pairs of shoes per day, and operating the factory 300 days in each year. It is a fact worthy of special mention that the works now operated by the company constitute the largest factory of its kind in the world, while the product, both in quantity and value is nowhere surpassed. More than that, the company pays larger proportionate wages than any other manufacturing concern in this region, while privileges and kind- nesses are freely extended to- the employees by the superintendent and his assistant that generally are unheard of in large establishments. In- deed, this company never allows any of its faithful employees to suffer through want or distress, neither does it allow the property of any of its men to be sold under process of law. Between employer and em- ployees there exists a bond of warm friendship, and the interests of master and servant are identical. Herein lies the secret of the success which has rewarded the efforts of the managing officers of the Lester- shire Manufacturing company. As now constituted the officers of the company are Henry B. Endi- cott, of Boston, president; Albert A. Wright, of Boston, secretary and treasurer; A. A. Wright and George F. Johnson, trustees; George F. Johnson, superintendent; C. Fred Johnson, assistant superintendent. The Faatz Brush and Felting Company. — In August, 1890, William G., Frank and Gilbert H. Faatz came from Susquehanna^ Pa., and be- gan the manufacture of horse brushes in a two-story frame building, 40 X 100 feet in size, giving employment to about a dozen workmen. MERRITT S. SQUIRES. THE TOWN OF UNION. 665 The venture proved a success and the product found a ready sale in the western states. In 1891 the demands of the business necessitated an enlargement of the building, which was made, and the force of work- men was more than doubled. In 1894 the firm erected a four story building, 60 x 100 feet in size and began the manufacture of woolen felt goods, employing in that department about 15 workmen. In 1898- 99 the works were again enlarged, some of the buildings were rebuilt, Faatz Brush and Felting Works. and by the improvements then made about 60,000 square feet of work- ing space were added to the plant. The entire works now employ about 100 men, and the Faatz Brush and Felting company is known as one of the substantial industries of flourishing Lestershire. The Lestershire Lumber and Box Company was incorporated Novem- ber 1, 1897, with $60,000 capital, by Austin W. Clinton, A. D. Clinton, Merritt S. Squires and L. A. Squires, for the purpose of manufacturmg and dealing in lumber and boxes, and also carrying on a general busi- ness in erecting dwelling houses and other buildings. This is one of the most successful concerns of Lestershire and many of the best resi- dences and business buildings have been constructed by the company. 666 THE TOWN OF UNION. The business, however, was established in 1889, by Merritt S. Squires, who was induced to come to the locality by G. Harry Lester and erect a factory for the manufacture of shipping boxes for the shoe company. The factory was completed and began operations in 1890, and was under Mr. Squires' proprietorship until the incorporation of the com- pany in 1897. In connection with this plant from 75 to 100 men are regularly employed. Ferdinand La Mottes Paper Box Factory on Avenue C was estab- lished by John Schulte in 1894 and in the same year passed into the possession of its present proprietor, although Mr. Schulte still owns the building. The works employ about seventy hands. The Binghamton Washing Machine Company^ manufacturers of the celebrated " 1900 " washer, established a factory in Lestershire in 1898. The works employ about 25 men. The Wells & Brighain Brick Yard was opened and began opera- tions in 1854, under the proprietorship of its present owners, J. Stuart Wells and Elijah W. Brigham. The Roberson Planing Mill, which is one of the leading industries of its kind in Broome county, and which is mentioned at length in the chapter entitled "Industrial Binghamton," was removed from the city to its present location in 1892. In this factory about 200 workmen are employed. CHURCHES. The First Methodist Episcopal church of Lestershire was incorpora- ted January 31, 1889, the first board of trustees named in the articles being Horatio R. Clarke, E. B. Green, C. Fred Johnson, William M. Fletcher, A. D. Rockwell, Law S. Brooks and George F. Johnson. The first meetings were held in the Lestershire Boot and Shoe com- pany's factory building, but early in the history of the society G. Harry Lester donated a tract of land upon which a temporary house of wor- ship was erected. The formal church organization was perfected May 16, 1890, with ten constituent members under the pastoral care of Rev. L. B. Weeks. From that time the church has continued to grow and increase both in membership and influence. A brick church edifice was built in 1891, and dedicated June 5, 1892. The pastors of the church have been Revs. L.B. Weeks, 1890; H.H. Wilbur, 1891-93; William J. Hill, 1894-96; H. M. Crydenwise, 1897- 99. The present members number 450 persons. The class leaders are ELIJAH W. BRIGHAM. THE TOWN OF UNION. 067 E. M. Andrews and George W. Holyoke. Stewards, J. Bixby, E. S. Tupper, W. Mason, H. D. Walters, A. W. Reynolds, J. S. Gregg, W.H.' Rogers, H. G. Thayer, A. W.Vandermark, M. Truesdell, F. Glea'son, S. D. Wilbur and E. L. Wilbur. The First Baptist church and society of Lestershire was incorporated July 30, 1891, with Loren D. Duren, Thomas L. Dunham and Harrison Zimmer for trustees. In the same year the church was formally organ- ized and a house of worship was erected on land donated to the society by G. Harry Lester. The building cost about $3,000. The first pastor was Rev. William R. Stone, who died about two months after his pastoral service began. Rev. George Hine next suc- ceeded to the pulpit and remained with the church about one and one- half years. The present pastor, Rev. J. M. Crandall, came to Lester- shire September 1, 1893, and under his ministrations the church has continually increased in strength and usefulness. The present mem- bership is 250 persons. The officers of the church are Rev. J. M. Crandall, pastor; Cyrenus N. Day and Sylvester Clark, deacons. The trustees of the society are Thomas L. Dunham, Cyrenus N. Day, S. T. Harding, D. T. Ballou, William G. Faatz and Rev. V. M. Seagers. SOCIETIES. Golden Scepter Lodge No. 693, L O. O. F., of Lestershire, was insti- tuted in April, 1895, five Odd Fellows uniting in the application for a charter. The lodge began work with forty members, and during the succeeding four years has increased to a present membership of 125 persons. The other important secret and fraternal societies of the village are Willawanna tribe No. 183, Improved Order of Red Men, with about 150 members, a tent of Maccabees (a lodge of Lady Maccabees) and a lodge of the A. O. U. W. 668 THE TOWN OF CHENANGO. CHAPTER XXVII. THE TOWN OF CHENANGO. This town was created by act of the legislature, passed February 16, 1791, and was one of the five original towns comprising Tioga county. In area it included all that part of the present county of Broome which lies east of the Chenango river, and extended north from the Pennsyl- vania line to the south boundary of the counties of Cortland and Che- nango. It included the territory of the present towns of Windsor, Colesville, Sanford, Conklin, Fenton, Binghamton and Dickinson, which were set off from the mother town in the order mentioned. Its area equaled the combined area of all the towns mentioned, but within its present limits Chenango contains 21,099 acres of land, not one acre of which was a part of its original territory. On January 26, 1808, a part of Union was annexed, and on November 27, 1856, a part of Maine was in the same manner added to Chenango, thus creating a portion of its territory on the west side of the Chenango river; and this portion comprises the present town. The pioneers here were settlers in the town of Union, but those who came later than 1808, except the few who were located in that part of the town acquired from Maine, were settlers in Chenango. But notwithstanding the inroads upon the territory of the town, Che- nango always has been noted for the substantial character of its inhab- itants, even from the pioneer period to the present time. It has fur- nished a fair quota of county officials, and always has had a strong rep- resentative in the board of supervisors. Many sons of old Chenango have attained positions of trust in public life, and in whatever capacity they have been found, they have acquitted themselves honorably. Settlement. — According to recognized authority, Thomas Gallop was the pioneer of this region, having located and made an improvement in 1787, but soon afterward removing elsewhere. In the same year came Col. William Rose and his brother, locating on the site of Nimmons- burg, as afterward known. Col. Rose acquired title from the Indians, through the connivance of Amos Draper, the trader of Choconut; but THE TOWN OF CHENANGO. 669 the title failed as the 99-year lease which Rose negotiated with the In- dians was itself invalid. Nevertheless Col. Rose was a man of influ- ence in the locality and was the friend and associate of Joshua Whitney, the pioneer of Chenango village and Whitney's Flats, the first settled locality on the west bank of the river. This part of the Chenango valley settled rapidly and soon all the de- sirable flat lands along the river were taken and brought under culti- vation by pioneers from the east, among them being several patriots of the Revolution, with others who had learned of the quality of the lands through the representations of Clinton's soldiers. Among the pioneers and early settlers, in addition to those mentioned, were William Hall, Jedediah Seward, John Newell, Jared Page, Stephen and Henry Palmer, Foster Lilly, James Temple, Nathaniel Bishop, Henry French, Na- thaniel Lee and Tyrus Page. In 1788 Henry French built a saw mill at Castle Creek, thus establishing one of the earliest industries of the re- gion. The mill was patronized by all the settlers who could afford to pay for manufactured lumber. The reminiscences of Josiah West, which have appeared in various publications relating to early life in Chenango, accurately recalls the names of many settlers in the town, and particularly in the vicinity of Castle Creek. Mr. West informs us of the names of Mr. Stevens, Ben- jamin West, Colwell Cook, Samuel Hawley, Mr. Bishop, Miles Smith, Richard Knapp, Deacon Richard Gray (Uncle "Delhi"), Samuel Hawkes (the once famous abolitionist), Eli Blair and Lyman King. In connection with Mr. West's narrative the statement may be made that Thomas West, the pioneer of the family, was impressed into the British service during the Revolution, but on arriving in America he deserted and joined the Continental army, with which he fought through the war, and when lands in this region were opened for settlement, he came to the Chenango valley. He died in 1828. Drawing information from old records and other reliable sources, the names of still other early settlers are secured, for Chenango was noted for the great number as well as the substantial character of its pioneers. Among the names of heads of families thus found mention may be made of Cornelius Cole, George Post (a soldier of the war of 1812), Ira Keeler and Ira Scofield (both patriots of the Revolution), Richard Wat- erman (for whom Waterman hill, later Wilson hill, took its name), Asa Blair (who afterward removed to Schoharie county). According to the reminiscences of Samuel Lee, son of William and 670 THE TOWN OF CHENANGO. grandson of pioneer Ashbel Lee, the earliest settlers in the town, some of whom already may have been mentioned, were Joseph Handy and Henry Palmer (both soldiers of the Revolution), Crocker Taylor, Chas. and Aaron Stone, Richard Lewis, Luther Acham, Joseph Lewis, Ste- phen Palmer, Owen Collins, Daniel Robinson, John and Lawrence Conklin, John Van Kuren, Amasa Leonard and his father, Azariah Heath, Richard Rummer, Elias Kattell (who founded and for whom Kattellville was named), Charles Sprague, George Whitney (kinsman to General Joshua Whitney of Chenango Point), the Wattles family, Andrew and Noah Shaw, Isaac Paige, William Thomas, Asa Smith. Still other and perhaps later settlers, but whose names are worthy to be mentioned in these annals, were Walter Gary, Cornelius M. Teal, Richard Knapp, Bradley Alderman, William Prentice (father of the late William and Jonas Prentice). Cornelius Cole settled near the site of Kattellville as early, it is said, as 1798. Albert and Ambrose Cole were sons of the pioneer, and for years were closely identified with the best history of the town. Elias Kattell, who was one of the foremost men in Chenango history during his lifetime, came from Vermont in 1796, and located on a thousand acre tract of land which included the present hamlet called Kattellville, which he founded and built up. The surname ever has been preserved in the town and has stood for the best element of Chenango citizenship. The late Alonzo and Judge Edward C. Kattell (the latter at one time county judge), were sons of the pioneer. Further mention of Elias Kattell will be found in our allusion to Kattellville. Thus is briefly written the history of early settlement in one of the most interesting civil divisions of Broome county — Chenango, as now constituted. A history of the greater or original town would include all the county east of the Chenango river, hence would include the city of Binghamton, which is the chief subject of this volume. Organization. — The early records of Chenango are lost beyond the hope of recovery, yet no person will attempt to give any reasonable ex- cuse for their disappearance, other than to say that probably in one of the divisions of the territory of the town the books may have been transferred to the newly created jurisdiction, and subsequently were regarded as of no value. However this may have been the writer will not attempt to explain, but with the loss of the original records Che- nango lost much of its early interesting town history, for the minute books of the town meeting are the historian's chief source of reliable information. THE TOWN OF CHENANGO. 671 As has been stated in a preceding paragraph, this town was created as one of the original civil divisions of Tioga county, February 16 1791 and that in accordance with the provisions of the act the first meeting for the election of town officers was held in April following. From that time meetings have been regularly held, and all offices have been filled with good capable men. But previous to the last division of the town (act of the legislature, passed Dec. 3, 1855, creating the towns of Binghamton, Chenango and Port Crane out of the territory of the mother town) many of the principal offices were filled by residents of the village of Binghamton, that place being the county seat and the center of trade and population in the town. In fact, for many years it seemed as if there was an unjust discrimination against the county residents of Chenango in the distribution of political favors at that time, the supervisor, the justice of the peace, constables and other leading offices generally being filled by Binghamtonians to the disregard of the convenience or rights of the people living in the remote parts of the town. However, after the division referred to, by which in fact the town was bereft of all its remaining original territory, officers were and still are chosen with reference to the best interests of the town itself. The act of 1855 directed that the first meeting thereafter held for the election of town officers be held at the house of Calvin Cole, under the supervision of Lyman B. Smith, William C. Hopkins and William A, Tyler. Supervisors. — The office of supervisor of Chenango since 1855 has been filled as follows: William M. Ely, 1855; William W.Thomas, 1856; Lyman B. Smith, 1857; Lewis D. Bishop, 1858; Henry Hall, 1859-61; Walter Cary, 1862-63; M. Bullock, 1864; Walter Cary, 1865; George Johnson, 1866-67; Henry Hall, 1868-69; Jesse Port, 1870; Henry Hall, 1871-72; Samuel E. Judd, 1873-74; Newton F. Everett, 1875; Samuel E. Judd, 1876; Martin Bullock, 1877; Darwin Howard, 1878-82; Newton F. Everett, 1883; Darwin Howard, 1884-87; Malcora U. Prentice, 1888-89; George W. Warner, 1890; Thaddeus A. Kattell, 1891-93; Wellington C. Tread well, 1894-95; Charles M. Johnson, 1896- 98; Thaddeus A. Kattell, 1899. The officers of the town for the year 1899 are Thaddeus A. Kattell, supervisor; Larry D. Booth, town clerk; Charles M. Johnson, Israel H. Paige, Philip H. Palmer, James H. Trafford, justices of the peace; Jerrell Hall, Anthony North, Augustus Hall, assessors; John Foot, highway commissioner; Wallace P. Dewey, Austin Hall, overseers of the poor; Samuel B. Eaton, collector. 672 THE TOWN OF CHENANGO. Population. — On account of the frequent reduction in area of the town, there perhaps is no accurate way in which the fluctuations in population in Chenango can be determined. In 1855 the State census showed the town to contain a total population of 13,128 inhabitants, but in the next year the towns of Binghamton and Port Crane were created out of its territory, hence the census of 1860 gave Chenango only 1,841 inhabitants. However, recourse maybe had to the census reports, from which we may learn the number of inhabitants in the town at the end of each five years from the beginning of the century, viz.: In 1790 the territory comprising the town contained -lo inhab itants, but during the next ten years the number increased to 1,149 Subsequent changes were as follows: In 1810, 1,360; 1814, 1,495; 1820, 2,626; 1825, 2,782; 1830, 3,716; 1835, 5,441; 1840, 5,475; 1845, 6,602; 1850, 8,734; 1855, 13,128; 1860, 1,841; 1865, 1,671; 1870, 1,680; 1875, 1,628; 1880, 1,590; 1885, no count; 1890, 1,448; 1892, unofficial count, 1,438. From this it is seen that during the last forty years here has been a gradual reduction in population in Chenango, which has been due to the general depreciation in value of farming lands throughout the in- terior of the state. In this respect Chenango has not suffered more seriously than other towns similarly situated, but being a purely agricultural town, without manufacturing or commercial resources of any kind, the loss appears more marked. As an agricultural town Chenango ranks well among the civil divis- ions of the county. Its lands are fertile and are well watered and drained, and very little of its area is untillable. In 1838, when the total area of the town was 56,707 acres, only 15,227 acres were im- proved. At the present time nearly all the lands of the town are under cultivation. Schools. — Chenango was one of the first towns in Tioga county to make provision for the proper education of its youth. This progress- iveness was due in part to the fact that the growing village of Bing- hamton was within its limits, but in later years, after the county seat had been set off, the same commendable spirit was shown by the authorities of the old jurisdiction. In 1807 the town contained 18 school districts, and Mason Whiting and Oliver Ely, both of Bingham- ton, were commissioners of common schools. In 1838 the number of children between the ages of five and fifteen years was 1,372. Twenty years later the town comprised 12 school districts, and 470 children were regularly in attendance THE TOWN OF CHENANGO. 673 According to the present disposition of school interests, Chenango is divided into 13 school districts, while the school census of the town shows 278 children between the ages of five and fifteen years. In 1899 the amount of public school m3neys apportioned to the town was $1,444.89, and the town raised by tax the additional sum of $2,005.87. During the year there was paid for teachers' wages $3,000.69. The number of volumes of books in the school libraries of the town was 412. VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. During the period of its history there have been been built up and established for the convenience of the inhabitants five hamlets or trad- ing centers, neither of which has progressed beyond the hamlet char- acter, or acquired more than about 150 inhabitants. Mentioned about in the order of importance, these villages are Castle Creek, Kattellville, Glen Castle, Chenango Bridge, Chenango Forks (a small hamlet in the extreme northeast corner of the town, and a village of Barker rather than of Chenango) and West Chenango, the latter being a post station on the western town border. Castle Creek is a pleasantly situated hamlet in the northwest part of the town, about six miles almost due north from the Chenango river. The principal highway leading to Binghamton follows the valley of the creek, and is known as one of the most pleasant drives in the county. Many years ago the inhabitants of this locality dignified their settle- ment with the name of " Castle Creek City," in allusion to the fact that they claimed for it a certain supremacy over the other settled localities of the town. The early settlers in this part of the town have been mentioned in an earlier paragraph. Josiah West practically laid the foundation for the village settlement when he opened a public house on the highway lead- ing from Hyde Settlement to the river. Ira Keeler built a saw mill and William West opened a store, and thus was the settlement founded. Josiah West procured a post-office to be established, thereby complet- ing the village character. The office ever since has been maintained here, the postmaster generally being the proprietor of the local store. For more than three quarters of a century Castle Creek has been a trading center of greater or less prominence, yet during that period hardly more than half a dozen merchants have done business here. At one time in the early history of the town the Benjamin store and tavern 43 674 THE TOWN OF CHENANGO. threatened to attract trade to a point half a mile above the village proper, but after a few years the attempt Wc-S abandoned. Among the early and more prominent factors in hamlet history in Castle Creek may be mentioned the names of Josiah and William West, Ira Keeler (mil- ler), Jacob Burrows, Enos Puffer and Richard Townsend (blacksmiths), C. P. Johnson, S. E. Judd, Jas. Bristol, Lyman B. Smith, Cornelius Dunn, S. Lumm, P. Goodspeed, Lewis Allen (miller and successor to Mr. Green), Darwin Howard, M. P. Blair, E A. Roe, William M. Gray and C. M. Johnson. The earliest millers were Ira Keeler and Charles Stone. The Phelps & Alderman steam saw mill was in operation previous to 1850. The present business interests of Castle Creek are represented by the stores of William M. Gray and Charles M. Johnson, and the saw and feed mills of I. P. Alderman. The public institutions are the Bap- tist and Methodist Episcopal churches and the district school. Glen Castle is a post station on the stage route between Castle Creek and Binghamton, and is distant north from the river about two miles. As a trade center the place is of little importance, except to the farmers of the immediate vicinity; and only through the efforts of D wight and Franklin French, about 1855, was a store successfully established. Amaziah Leonard was an early lumberman in the locality, his followers being Tobias Oakley, Clement and Ebenezer French, Thomas French & Son, and Richard Monroe. Among the later day merchants have been C. A. Tompkins, C. O, Watrous and Riley Hogaboom, the latter now being in trade. The only other present institutions of Glen Castle are the Methodist church and the district school. Kattellville, a post and railway station on the line of the S., B. & N. Y. railroad, in the eastern central part of the town, unquestionably is the most appropriately named hamlet in Broome county. According to the statements of the biographer of the late Judge Edward C. Kattell, the set- tlement was founded as early as 1796 by Elias Kattell, who in that year came from Vermont, purchased a thousand square acres of land and erected a dwelling, tavern, distillery and two saw mills, and thus at that early day became one of the most extensive developers in the en tire region. The mills were built on the stream originally known as Gilbert's creek, but which in allusion to the conspicuous works of pioneer Kattell soon took and afterward retained the name of Kattell creek. Alonzo Kattell followed in the footsteps of his father, and in fact materially assisted him in his various early enterprises. In 1853 THE TOWN OF CHENANGO. 675 he built a large steam saw mill, the latter being afterward burned and then rebuilt. He also built a grist mill and a hotel, the former of which burned in the early sixties, while the latter was ultimately abandoned. When Elias Kattell died in 1867 he and his son Alonzo were owners of about a square mile of land, which subsequently was divided among the children of the son. In fact, for more than a cent- ury one or more substantial descendants of Elias Kattell have lived in this immediate locality, and have been associated with the best interests and history of the town. The male descendants of the pioneer who have thus been factors in- town history in recent years are Thaddeus A. Kattell, who has represented the town several years as supervisor (and who, by the way, has been one of the most conservative, safe and con- sistent members of the board), and Charles W. Kattell, a business man of New York city, but who maintains a splendid summer residence — Ovalhurst — at Kattellville, on a part of the old farm. Among the other prominent characters in the history of this locality may be mentioned Samuel Miller and Henry Palmer, who were early settlers and whose descendants still are in the town or county. Through the influence of Elias Kattell the hamlet was made a post station, the pioneer himself being the first postmaster. Later incumbents of the office were Alonzo Kattell, son, and Adaline Kattell Carpenter (grand- daughter of the pioneer), Martin Bullock and others. The public in- stitutions of the hamlet are the Methodist Episcopal church and the school of the 7th district of the town. The present storekeeper is Leonard Stone, but as'a trade center Kattellville has not attracted much attention since the milling industries were discontinued. However, previous to the death of Alonzo Kattell the hamlet was the rival of any settlement in the town. Chenango Bridge is a post-office and railroad station on the north side of the river, about six miles from Binghamton. The station was es- tablished for the convenience of residents of the locality, but the busi- ness interests date back only about sixteen years. The present mer- chants are O. B. Wilmot and Hiram Johnson. West Chenango is a post and stage station in the western part of the town, in the locality where John, Sylvanus and Constant Dimmick set- tled during the early years of the century, and in allusion to whom the place once was called " Dimmick Settlement." John and Amos Wilcox, Nathan Stratton and Judah Carter also were among the early residents of this part of the town. West Chenango practically is without busi- 676 THE TOWN OF LISLE. ness interests, and its only institutions are the Methodist church and the district school. CHAPTER XXVIII. THE TOWN OF LISLE. " The old state of Lisle," created from Union, April 7, 1801, origin- ally included the territory of the adjoining towns of Nanticoke, Barker and Triangle, also a small portion of Union in addition to its present area of 27,772 acres of land. Then it was a splendid jurisdiction and contained much of the most fertile land of which the county could boast; and in allusion to the substantial character of its inhabitants, and its general prominence among the towns of the county, it frequent- ly was called " the old state of Lisle." Directly, however, the name Lisle was applied in allusion to Lisle, in France; not that there was a strong element of French population among its pioneers, but from the prevailing custom of the period which prompted the use of foreign names in designating new towns and villages. Even to the present day the old familiar designation is occasionally used, especially when important elections are held, for Lisle is noted among other things for its never-failing Republican majorities. "As goes the old state of Lisle, so goes the county," has been a Republican declaration for many years. The town occupies a position in the extreme northwest corner of the county. Its territory was first materially reduced by the legislature by " an act to divide the town of Lisle," passed April 18, 1831, by which north and south and east and west lines were run as nearly as possible through the center of the old jurisdiction, thus creating four towns out of the territory of the mother town. Triangle, Barker and Nanticoke thus were added to the towns in Broome county. In 1812, in estab- lishing a permanent division line between this town and Berkshire, it became desirable to annex a small portion of Lisle to Union, and the part so annexed afterward was set off to Nanticoke. The physical characteristics of Lisle are extremely favorable to all agricultural pursuits, although the hills are of a height varying from THE TOWN OF LISLE. 677 400 to 700 feet. The Tioughnioga river has its course across the north- east corner of the town, dividing the land surface into two unequal parts. Along the valley of the river the soil is a rich, gravelly loam, but on the hills it is of clay and slaty gravel, with hardpan underneath! In certain localities the hills are too steep for easy cultivation, yet they afford excellent grazing areas for cattle, and nearly every farmer in the town is more or less interested in dairying pursuits. The old Dudley, or Yorkshire, creek is the principal tribucary of the Tioughnioga,' and flows easterly, draining the northern and central portions of the town. Lisle is situated wholly within the grand division of the Boston Pur- chase, and under the agency of the proprietors of that historic tract, its lands were surveyed and offered for sale in the markets of eastern New York and all New England, whence came many of its pioneers, some of them being the proprietors themselves. Early authorities on Lisle history assert that the pioneers of the town were Josiah Patterson (a brother of General John Patterson, and, like him, was one of the fore- most men in the county in his time), Ebenezer Tracy, Edward Edwards (ancestorof the late Judge William B. Edwards), David Manning, Eliph- alet Parsons (one of whose descendants is Robert S. Parsons, of the Bing- hamton bar), and Whittlesey Gleason; also that the first white person born in the town was Henry Patterson, son of Josiah, the date of the birth being 1793 ; that the first marriage was that of Solomon Owen and Sylvia Cook; the first death that of Wright Dudley; that the first grist mill was built in 1800 by Jacob Hill ; that the first store was opened by Moses Adams, and that the first tavern was kept by O. Wheaton. While in some cases the dates of these " first events " are uncertain, it is known that the settlement mentioned was begun by Yankees from New Eng- land in 1791, and progressed so rapidly that in 1800 the territory com- prising the town contained 660 inhabitants; and that the primitive in- stitutions were then firmly established. Josiah Patterson proved a worthy and valuable man in the new set- tlement, although his residence here was brief. His lands were exten- sive, and soon he became the owner of a saw mill which stood on the site so long afterward occupied for milling purposes in the little settle- ment early known as " Millville." In 1808 Mr. Patterson sold his land and mills to Jesse Randall and removed to Whitney's Point. Mr. Ran- dall, who came here in 1808, added a carding mill to the other mills in 1810. Samuel Kilburn came a few years later, about 1810, and was a 678 THE TOWN OF LISLE. cloth dresser and proprietor of a little fulling mill at the settlement. Ebenezer Tracy made the first settlement on the site of Lisle village in 1793. Dr. Samuel Hunt came the same year. Among the other settlers of about the same time, or between that time and 1800, were Capt. Whittlesey, of whom mention has been made, Jonathan Cowdry, Major David Manning (for whom Manningville was named), Edward Edwards (the pioneer of "Rood hill," and grandson of Jonathan Ed- wards, who once was president of Princeton college, and also a member of the legislature in 1797-98). Capt. Ebenezer Whittlesey, his son Samuel, and Jonathan Cowdry were the pioneers in the vicinity of KiUawog, the settlement originally being known as " Union village." They located here about 1795. Abel Hartshorn, John Thompson, Capt. Abel Abbey, Judge Nathaniel Bos- worth (assistant judge of the Common Pleas in 1838), Richard Moore, Henry Todd (on the Erastus Johnson place) were also early prominent settlers in the locality. Still other early settlers, who may be mentioned without special re- gard to locality, were Leonard Sessions, Stephen Atwood, Col. William Cook (1798), John P. Patterson (son of Gen. John Patterson), Noahdiah Stanley, Anson Dickinson, Philo Green, Elder David Leach (a famous Baptist preacher and church organizer), Jonathan Parsons, Major Solo- mon Owen (for whom Owen hill was named, and who was one of the first blacksmiths in the town), William Hoard, David Brown (father of the late Col. Robert Brown), John Edmister, Joseph and Isaac Niles (who were among the earliest merchants of Lisle village), Moses Burg- hardt (among whose descendants were several prominent men in town and county history in later years), Whittlesey Gleason (whose descend- ants still live in the town). Rev. Seth Williston (the missionary laborer and organizer throughout the state, representing the general assembly of Connecticut, and who became pastor of the church in Lisle in 1803, although he came to the town in 1796), Stephen Freeman (1800), Jo- seph Edmister (ancestor of the late Philotus Edmister, sheriff), Henry Cole (shoemaker), Peter Wood, Gen. Samuel Coe (one of the first set- tlers in town east of the Tioughnioga, and a still earlier resident in Union), Robert Pierce, Moses Adams, David Blakeslee, Michael Fuller, Oliver Wheaton, Bradford Lockwood (tavern keeper), Elijah Rose, Elijah Dewey, Deacon Davis, Ashbel Wheaton, Daniel Hanchett, Elijah Barden, Solomon Bodfish, and others, whose names are equally worthy of mention, but have become lost with the lapse of years. THE TOWN OF LISLE. 079 Thus is brought to the attention of the reader the names of many of the pioneers and early settlers of Lisle. No attempt has been made to narrate in detail the events of early life in the town, but it is hoped that none who were prominently connected with the interesting early history of the town have been passed entirely unnoticed. Chroniclers of Lisle history have devoted much attention to events and incidents of early history in th-e region, wherefore in the present connection it is not deemed necessary to repeat at length their statements, for the his- tory of the town has not changed in any sense; but it has been the pur- pose of the present work to mention in a brief way the names of as many as possible of the men who were factors in early town history. From what has been stated on preceding pages, it must be seen that settlement in the town was begun as early and progressed as rapidly as in any part of the county, not excepting even the fertile valleys of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers and Owego creek, where were pre- sumably the most desirable lands of the region. As has been men- tioned, in 1800, one year previous to the creation of this town, the territory afterward included within its limits contained a total popu- lation of 660 persons. In 1815, according to the town records, the taxa- ble inhabitants numbered more than 500, including a population of more than 3,500 persons. In 1814 the actual number of inhabitants was 3,420. However, as another evidence of early rapid and permanent growth, re- course may be had to the census reports, from which it is learned that the population of the town in 1800 was 660; in 1810, 3,144; 1814, 2,430; 1830,3,083; 1835,3,615; 1830, 4,393; 1835, 1,413; 1840, 1.558; 1845, 1,657; 1850,1,680; 1855, 1,815; 1860,1,791; 1865,3,066; 1870, 3,535; 1875,2,439; 1880,3,399; 1890,1,903; 1893,1,937. From the foregoing statement it will be seen that the greatest popula- tion in the town was attained in 1830, when the number of inhabitants was 4,393; and it will be seen that Lisle then was the most populous town in Broome county, greater even than either Union or Chenango, the latter containing the county seat with all its varied interests. In 1831 the legislature passed " an act to divide the town of Lisle," by which its territory was divided into four parts, and by which the addi- tional towns of Triangle, Barker and Nanticoke were created. This re- duction took from the mother town three-fourths of its area and a like proportion of its inhabitants. However, from 1830 to 1870 Lisle con- tinued to grow, the greatest subsequent population being reached in the latter year, when the inhabitants numbered 3,535. From the year last 680 THE TOWN OF LISLE. numbered to the present time there has been a gradual decrease in pop- ulation, due to the causes which have reduced the number of inhab- itants in nearly all the purely agricultural towns in the state. Soon after 1865 lumbering as an industry rapidly declined, and the only re- sources of the people were agricultural pursuits and the general unim- portant manufactures which could be successfully carried on in an in- terior town; and it requires no particular strain upon truth to say that general agriculture during the last twenty years has not resulted profit- ably to the husbandman. This unsatisfactory condition naturally has caused the younger element of the town's population to seek other means of livelihood in the commercial centers. Lisle's contribution to the constantly increasing population of Binghamton may be numbered by hundreds of persons, and among them have been some of the best professional and business men of that important municipality. Lisle, too, has furnished a full quota of county ofiEicers during the last quarter of a century; and once fairly located and acquainted in the city, there has been shown little inclination to return to the farm. Among the early settlers in Lisle were many men of firm determina- tion, and of the number several had seen service in the American army during the Revolution. It is a fact worthy of mention that among the settlers in town were probably thirty men who were patriots of the war for American independence, all of whom were New Englanders, but who after the return of peace sought homes in the region of southern New York. Of the entire number the names of twenty-four men are found and are preserved in the records of Tuscarora Chapter, Daugh- ters of the American Revolution, of Binghamton. The roll of patriots for this town contains these names: Ambrose Barnes, Aaron Benedict, William Cook (settled 1798), Samuel Coe, Gar- rett Cronk, Samuel Hinman, Joseph Rowland, Consider Rowland, David Rulbert, Edward Johnson, Orange Johnson, David Manning, Josiah Pat terson, John Patterson, Zadoc Pierce, Samuel Phipps, Benjamin Parker, George Ramsey, James Stoddard (1800), Joshua Swift, Isaac Terry, Thaddeus Thompson (settled 1802), Ebenezer Tracy (settled 1793), Joshua Wheeler, Silas Walton. Having on preceding pages devoted much attention to the pioneers and early settlers of the town, it is proper that some brief allusion be made to those who have been factors in the later history of the town, for Lisle even to the present day has always maintained its reputation for the prominent character and quality of its citizens. Among the THE TOWN OF LISLE. 681 many men entitled to notice in this connection there may be recalled the names of G. J. Adams (who settled in the north part of Lisle in 1862), Charles Atwood (born in the town, 1821), Stephen Arnold, James A. Austin, Leonard Baker, Nathan O. Benedict (former town clerk and justice, and who settled in Lisle in 1838), Calvin Bliss (whose name is still well preserved in the county), John Brayman (farmer, settled in Lisle, 1837), John Brown (a native of the town and a substantial farm- er), Charles H. Butterfield (merchant at Killawog), George Butterfield (farmer, settled in Lisle, 1866), E. J. Couch (now deceased), George W. Couch (farmer, settled in Lisle, 1855), Milton Coy (settled 1856), Orange B. Edmister (son of Thomas Edmister and descendant of an early fam- ily), Philotus Edmister (late sheriff of the county), Hamilton Edwards (of pioneer stock and once an extensive lumberman), Royal Ensign (settled in the town in 1827), Dr. Salphronius H. French (who prac- ticed medicine in Lisle from 1834 to 1877), Frederick Fulmer (settled, 1858), Samuel Hotailing (born in Lisle, 1834), Seth M. Hotailing (born in Lisle, 1832), J. B. Rowland (native of Lisle, an extensive farmer and frequently elected town official), Melvin Rowland (born in Lisle, and a large farmer), Orson Rowland (native, prosperous farmer and a town official), T. P. Rowland (native, lumberman, merchant and farmer), D. W. Rowland (farmer), John D. IngersoU (former merchant), G. W. Jennings (native of the town, extensive farmer and cattle dealer), Isaac N. Leet (the old highway commissioner, who came to Lisle from Tomp- kins county in 1844), Alonzo D. Lewis (a native of Connecticut; settled in Triangle in 1859 ; soldier in Co. D, 109th inf. ; came to Lisle after the war and has been for years one of the foremost men in the town; su- pervisor, village president, justice of the peace, member of assembly, farmer, postmaster, merchant and manufacturer), John C. Lewis (set- tled in Lisle, 1862; merchant and active factor in town and village his- tory), Daniel R. Livermore (farmer, born in Lisle), Cornelius M. Lusk (farmer, carpenter, supervisor, justice of the peace, and veteran school teacher), Simeon J. Lusk (native of Union, farmer, school teacher and superintendent of schools; father of Prof. James L. Lusk of Union), Joel Miller (born in Lisle, 1833; farmer), George L. Nichols (settled in Lisle, 1844; member of Co. F, 89th N. Y. inf.), Darius Orton (born in Lisle, 1844, member of Co. E, 137th N. Y. inf.), Fred H. Perry (came to Millville, 1862, and carried on a saw and grist mill; died 1882), M. Frank Perry (native of Colesville; manufacturer), James H. Pinckney (settled in Lisle 1864; farmer and cattle dealer), Oscar F. Pinckney 683 THE TOWN OF LISLE. (farmer and five years highway commissioner), Almon L. Reed (farmer; enlisted Co. F, 89th N. Y. vols. ; wounded at Antietam), Solomon Reed (settled in Lisle with parents in 1834), Noyes Salisbury (born in Lisle, 1820), Archimedes Sessions (farmer; son of Marcus Sessions, an early settler), Lewis S. Smith (settled in Lisle, 1859; built the Centre Lisle tannery and operated it until 1864, when he was succeeded in business by J . S. Rockwell & Co.), Leroy H. Smith (son of Lev/is S. Smith; lum- berman in Lisle and afterward fire-arms manufacturer in Ithaca), George D. Sparrow (the old Lisle liveryman), Madison M. Storrs (farmer, set- tled in Lisle, 1859), Henry F. Theleman (the old landlord, who came to Lisle in 1844), Harry J.Watties (son of Col. Mason Wattles; large farmer and frequently town official), Ashley Williams (farmer, carpen-. ter, insurance agent, justice of the peace, and a prominent figure in Killawog history for many years; native of the town, and son of Henry Williams, who came to Lisle about 1834), David Wood (settled in Lisle with his parents in 1830). Thus might the list be continued indefinitely, until every family in the town is mentioned in some manner, for it is a fact that in Lisle nearly every old resident has been in some manner identified with local growth and history. Many of those whose names are recalled are not in the field of action and business life, but have closed their labors and given way to others of more recent date. All, however, in a way have contributed to the welfare of the town, hence are entitled to at least a passing notice in this brief chapter of reminiscences. Among the prominent characters in Lisle history Rev. Dr. Azariah Orton stood in the foremost rank. He was born in 1789, and was the grandson of Col. Giles Jackson who prepared the articles of capitulation that Gea. Burgoyne signed at the historic surrender following the bat- tle of Stillwater (Saratoga). Dr. Orton was graduated at Williams col- lege, and also at Princeton Theological seminary, and then entered the Presbyterian ministry. He was appointed to preach in "destitute places in Georgia," and after that mission was accomplished he made a similar tour through western New York. He was ordained in 1822, and was pastor of the Presbyterian church at Seneca Falls from 1822 to 1835, and of the Congregational church at Lisle from 1835 to 1838, and again from 1852 to 1800. The degree of D.D. was conferred upon him by the University of New York in 1849. Dr. Orton, who was father of Dr. John Gay Orton, of Binghamton, died in this town in 1865. Dr. Thaddeus Thompson settled in Lisle in 1802, and was the pioneer THE TOWN OF LISLE. 683 physician, and as well one of the earliest merchants of Yorkshire, as Centre Lisle is otherwise known. William and Thaddeus Thompson, sons of the pioneer, also entered the medical profession, the former soon afterward removing to Michigan, while the latter practiced in Lisle several years. He married a daughter of Gen. Stoddard and afterwards settled in Michigan. Dr. Salphronius H. French, whose parents were early settlers at Castle Creek, began medical practice in Lisle about 1833, but soon afterward located in the town of Chenango. For a time he was partner with Dr. Pelatiah B. Brooks, who is mentioned in the medical history of Binghamton, but when the latter removed from Lisle to the county seat Dr. French returned and practiced here until his death, in 1877. Among the later physicians of the town may be recalled the names of Dr. Lewis H. Kelly, Dr. George R. Barnes (a native of the town), Dr. James Allen, jr.. Dr. William J. Orton (son of Rev. Dr. Orton), Dr. Simeon H. McCall and Dr. Henry C. Hall. The first justices of the peace of the town, appointed under the con- stitution of 1822, were James Stoddard, 2d, Timothy Clark, Thomas Whitney, James Ticknor and Jonathan Lewis. Nathan Bosworth was appointed to office in 1824. Schools. — Little is now known of the history of the early schools in Lisle, and nothing of a reliable character has ever been written upon this important subject. It is known, however, that the inhabitants of the town ever have been mindful both of the educational and spiritual welfare of their youth, and in the ver}^ early history of the region made some provision for their instruction. In 1813, in accordance with the state laws then enacted, the territory was divided into districts, and provision was made for a school in each. According to the commis- sioners' (William J. Cook, Ira Seymour and Oliver Stiles) report for the year 1816, the town comprised 26 entire districts, and the number of children then in the jurisdiction between the ages of 5 and 15 years was 804. At that time Lisle included ail that is now Triangle, Barker and Nanticoke, and after these towns were set off it became necessary to rearrange the district boundaries in the mother town. In 1835, when the town contained 310 qualified electors, the number of children of school age between the years of 5 and 16 in the territory was 433. Then the districts numbered 11, and the amount of public moneys apportioned to the town for school purposes was $265. TO. In that year the inhabitants numbered 1,413. In 1855 the town contained 084 THE TOWN OF LISLE. 382 freeholders, 13 school districts, and 744 children attending school. According to the present disposition of school interests in the town, the territory comprises 12 school districts, of which one (No. 5) has no school house in this county. In 1899 there was apportioned to Lisle from the state public school funds the sum of $3,800.01, while there was raised by town tax for school purposes the sum of $4,014.65. Dur- ing the year there was paid to teachers the sum of $4,436 71. The school census showed the town to contain 329 children between the ao-es of 5 and 16 years. The number of books in school libraries was 656. For more than three quarters of a century Lisle has been an agricul- tural and industrial town, and during the last thirty years agriculture in a great measure has replaced all other business pursuits. This does not come from the fact that the industrial resources of the town are exhausted, but rather indicates that manufacturing industries have gradually withdrawn and removed to the larger commercial centers where labor is more easily secured and where transportation facilities are better. Sixty-five years ago Lisle was a manufacturing town of considerable note. In 1835 within its limits were 7,590 acres of im- proved and 16,174 acres of unimproved lands. The inhabitants pos- sessed 1,754 head of neat cattle, 376 horses, 3,232 sheep and Oil swine. In the same year there was manufactured a total of 2,893 yards of fulled cloth, 3,433 yards of flannel cloth, and 3,916 yards of cotton and linen cloths. The town then had in operation three grist mills, twenty saw mills, one oil cloth mill, three fulling mills, three carding mills, one trip hammer or forging mill, two potasheries and three tanneries. The post-offices then were Lisle, Centre Lisle and Union village. VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. Lisle. — For more than a century this village, with the adjoining set- tlement called Millville, has been a center of trade and industry, yet little indeed has been written, nor can be reliably written, of its earliest history, and at the same time reproduce the names of all the factors in its history. We know that Ebenezer Tracy settled on the village site in 1793, and that Dr. Hunt came the same year. It is known, too, that Samuel Kilburn soon afterward laid the foundation for a hamlet settle- ment at Millville when he built there a fulling mill ; and a little later when a grist mill was started there, Millville was a rival village. About 1808 Col. William Cook built a tannery on the village site and THE TOWN OF LISLE. 685 soon afterward opened a store. This drew trade to the locality, and the little settlement at the mouth of Yorkshire (formerly Dudley's) creek soon became known by the name of Lisle. Col. Mason Wattles soon afterwards joined with Col. Cook in business and the firm car- ried on extensive operations several years. Thus was the village founded. It was of sufficient importance in 1802 to become a post station, the mail generally being carried on horse- back from the Hudson river region. The office was established August 26th, with Simeon Rogers as postmaster, continuing until 1814, when William Thompson succeeded him. The subsequent postmasters have been Cyrus Johnson, 1818-24; Thomas Whitney, 1824-29; Reed Brock- way, 1829-34; Pelatiah B. Brooks, 1834-36; Nathan N. Brockway, 1836-38; Otis Smith, 1838-42; Artemas Howland, 1842-45; Otis Lewis, 1845-49; William H. vStoddard, 1849-56; Hiram McCall, 1856-57; S. H. French, 1857-58; William H. Allison, 1858-59; Wm. V. Share, 1859- 63; Wm. H. Squire, 1863-70; Philotus Edmister, 1870-72; Wm. D. Lord, 1872-78; John C. Lewis, 1878-80; Walter L. Peck, 1880-85; Thomas S. Boughton, 1885-89; Alonzo D. Lewis, 1889-93; Frank P. Edminster, 1893-97; Dwight French, 1897-. Previous to the construction of the S., B. & N.Y. railroad. Lisle was a mail station on the stage route through the Chenango and Tioughnioga valleys, but with the opening of the road in 1854 the village soon be- came a place of considerable importance. Ten years later five large general stores and several manufactories were doing an extensive busi- ness, and the inhabitants naturally sought the benefits of municipal in- corporation. The question was submitted to the qualified electors on February 5, 1867, and resulted in 55 votes for and 8 against the pro- posed measure. The report being presented to the Court of Sessions, the village was promptly incorporated under the name of "Lisle." A reincorporation was effected in the early part of 1876, as was de- termined by a vote of 60 for and 18 against, at an election held on Jan- uary 4 of that year. The board of trustees then elected comprised Frank P. Lewis, George W. Lewis, Alonzo D. Lewis and Jeremiah Fen- ner. When originally incorporated Lisle contained about 300 inhab- itants, and when reincorporated the number had increased to about 400, which is about the present population of the village. The Union library of Lisle was one of the oldest institutions of the village, although little is known of its history. It was incorporated in June, 1814, with Leonard Sessions, Nathaniel Bosworth, Daniel Crane, 686 THE TOWN OF LISLE. Uriel Sessions and Harvey Dewey as trustees. At that time the mem- bers of the association were Oliver Wheaton, William W. Cook, Otis S. Hollenbeck, Nathaniel Bosworth, Aaron Benedict, John S. Payne, Miles Washburn, Samuel Whittlesey, Mason Wattles, Robert Pierce, Jonathan Covvdry, Dean Briggs, Cephas Comstock, Ely Rose, Solomon Owen, Tina Alvord, John Bemis, John W. Thompson, Jesse Swift and Martin Swift. Inasmuch as all the prominent men of the village naturally were iden- tified with an association of this character, it may be assumed that the foregoing list of members includes the names of the conspicuous factors in Lisle village history at that time. In 1865 the business interests of the village were represented sub- stantially as follows: Clark & Burghardt, general store; R. S. Osborn, general store; Dwight French, dry goods, drugs and medicines; J. M. Hanford, groceries, boots and shoes, flour and feed; J. C. Lewis, dry goods, notions and groceries; D S. Hubbard, lumber dealer; J. M. Snook, lumber dealer, sash and blind factory; T. G. Tyler, tannery; J. Willis, tannery ; M. M. Hollenbeck, manufacturer of boots and shoes; S. D. Martin, D. D. Davidson, produce and commission merchants; A. L. Howland, fruit tree dealer; A. D. Freeman, river pilot; T. S. Ben- ton, harness maker; J. E. Nutting, dentist; H. O. Howland, proprietor Lisle hotel; S. H. French, W. G. Orton, physicians; William B. Edwards, Alexander McDowell, attorneys. When compared with present busi- ness interests ii will be seen that the village has neither the number nor the variety of industries of thirty five and forty years ago. It cannot be claimed, however, that Lisle has retrograded during this period, for such is hardly the case. Among the factors in local business history during recent years may be recalled the names of H. A. Lamb, F. D. Fox, W. F. Saxton, Alonzo Lewis (who began dealing in hardware in 18(32), A. & F. J. Inderlied, JohnC. Lewis, George Lewis, John D. Peck, A.J. Gurnsey (saw mill), H. Edwards & Co. (an old firm of extensive lumbermen). J. S. Rockwell & Co. (who at one time had a tannery at Lisle and another at the Cen- tre), George Bassett «& Son, C. W. Theleman, proprietor of the hotel, successor to Gideon Landers. The present hotel was built in 1875, and always has been a well kept and well patronized hostelry. As now situated, Lisle is a well ordered village of about 400 inhabit- ants, with business interests adequate for the requirements of the in- habitants of the town. The only manufacturing industry of importance is the "beer shaving" business carried on by Alonzo D. Lewis in the THE TOWN OF LISLE. 687 building formerly occupied by the Lisle Wagon company. The latter (incorporated in May, 1882; capital, $12,000) once having been the leading industry of the locality. The present mercantile interests are represented by the well stocked general stores of Alonzo D. Lewis, Ellis H. Sparrow and A. & F. J. Inderlied; the tobacco, jewelry store and barber shop of Mert Sternburg; the fruit and confectionery store of Henry French, and the creamery of D. S. Zimmer. The village long has been noted for the excellence of its public schools. Indeed, Lisle was one of the early interior villages of the state to give its youth the advantages of the union free school system. The change from the old district school was effected in 1866, and what ever since has been known as Lisle academy was the result. The first president of the board of education was Alexander McDowell, who was known as one of the most careful lawyers of the county bar. From that time to the present the educational interests of the village have been carefully guarded and have been placed in the hands of prudent business men. In 1899 Lisle Union school District No. 1 received from the Regents of the University the sum of $156.93. Four teachers are employed. The school census of the village is 85 children. The school is now under the principalship of Prof. George H. Van Tuyl. The board of education comprises Dwight French, president and secretary, and Mortimer B. Edwards, Andrew Inderlied, Eben Carley and Alonzo D. Lewis. The Lisle Gleaner, an excellent and well patronized family newspa- per, was founded in May, 1871. by Gilbert A. Dodge, with Eugene Da- vis, a thorough newspaper man, in the capacity of editor. In February, 1872, Mr. Davis succeeded to the ownership of the paper and continued its publication with unvarying success until about three years ago, when the office passed into the hands of Alfred Li vermore, the present owner of the Gleaner. The paper has come to be a necessity in northern Broome county, where it has a large circulation, with a liberal adver- tising patronage both from Lisle and the city of Binghamton. The first attempt to start a Lisle newspaper was made in 1866, when Peter D. and Chester A Van Vradenburg (the former of whom now is the editorial head of the Binghamton Daily Republican) of the Mara- thon Leader issued a local edition under the name of the "Lisle Dis- patch," circulating about 300 copies for the period of a year. William Capron acted as local editor and manager. In 1871 A. S. Foote of the Broome Gazette, established a branch office in the village and issued 688 THE TOWN OF LISLE. three numbers of a paper called the Lisle Herald, the press work, how- ever, being done in Whitney's Point. The present officers of the village are George H. Littlewood, presi- dent; Ellis H. Sparrow, clerk, and William H. Squire and Mortimer B. Edwards, trustees. Killdwog. — The early settlement in that part of the town in which Killawog is situated is mentioned on an earlier page of this chapter, but in early village history here we find the names of Captain Ebenezer Whittlesey, Mason Wattles, John Thompson, Col. William W. Cook, Robert Pierce, Judge Nathaniel Bosworth (who had a grist mill, saw mill and oil mill), Henry Todd, Jonathan and Allen Cowdry, Cephas Comstock (who built the first toll bridge across the river at this point) and Joseph Wheaton prominently connected with passing events. The original hamlet name was Union Village, but as the the town of Union had a village of Union, it became necessary to change the name of the latter settlement, and Killawog was selected. The postoffice name of Union village was continued until 1840, and tlie inhabitants here were slow to adopt the new designation. The locality was for many years the center of extensive lumbering operations, but after the lands were cleared fine farms were developed and northern Lisle then became a fertile agricultural region, with Kil- lawog a busy center of trade. Still, the growth of the hamlet never has been rapid, nor have its interests numbered more than two or three stores, with about as many industries and shops of less importance In recalling the names of recent factors in business history mention may be made of J. J. Wheaton, E. R. Rindge, Milo Washburne, F. A. Potter, Israel Pettyplace, F. C. Smith, C. H. Butterfield, T. R. Hitt, Carding Jackson, Mr. Brockway and Henry Braman. The present interests of of the village comprise Mr. Hitt's flour and feed mill, Melvin R. Spen- cer's and Ashley Williams' general stores, and the mills of H. Edwards & Co., which are located just outside the village limits. Center Lish\ originally known as Yorkshire, is a hamlet of about 125 inhabitants and is located, as its name indicates, near the geographical center of the town. Under ordinary conditions the center would have been the chief seat of trade in the town, and in accordance with the custom of the New England settlers who first peopled the region, such was the intention ; but it so happened that the principal thoroughfare of travel lay along the river, and naturally trade was attracted in that direction. Still later, when the S., B. & N. Y. railroad was built along THE TOWN OF LISLE. 689 the Tioiighnioga, the ambitions of Yorkshire residents were destroyed, at least so far as concerned the idea of making their settlement the principal village of the township. The hamlet is pleasantly located on Yorkshire creek, and in the early history of the region it was a place of considerable importance. At one time its inhabitants numbered about 200, but during the last twenty years the number has gradually de- clined. In 1865 the business men of Yorkshire were Lewis S. Smith, mer- chant, tanner and lumberman; R. Rood, lumberman; J. W. Tabor, blacksmith ; H. M. McNeil, lumberman and manufacturer of sash, doors and planed lumber. Among the factors in Centre Lisle history during the last twenty-five 3'ears, there may be recalled the names of James Haskins, M. H. Lewis, Fay Woodruff, P. H. Lusk, A. S. Manning, O.F. Pinckney, H. H . Rowland, L. S. Smith and James Moreland. Present business interests are represented by H. H. Rowland, P. H Lusk and A. J. Clute, merchants, and the sheepskin tannery owned by Rockwell & Co. of New York, and operated by James Moreland. It employs from 15 to 20 workmen, and is an enterprise of more than passing im- portance in the town. The village also contains the Congregational and Methodist Episcopal churches, and the school house of District No. 9. Supervisors. — (The early records furnish meager data regarding the succession of town officers, hence the appended list is taken from county records, beginning with 1849): Ebenezer Benedict, 1849-50; Mason Wattles, 1851; George W. Randall, 1852-53; Ira Lynde, 1854; Marcena Gleason, 1855; Almond A. Smith, 1856; Solomon J. Northrup, 1857; Walters. Peck, 1858; Rorace Lathrop, 1859-60; Albert A. Rotchkiss, 1861-62; Martin S. Clarke, 1863-64; Solomon J. Northrup, 1865; Will- iam B. Edwards 1866-67; Andrew S. Manning, 1868-69; Stephen D. Pratt, 1870; Martin S.Clark, 1871-72; N. R. Burghardt, 1873-74; James B. Rowland, 1875-76; Ira S.Cook, 1877-78; Alonzo D. Lewis, 1879-80; Ashley Williams, 1881-82; Rarry J. Wattles, 1883; Cornelius M. Lusk, 1884-85; Oscar F. Pinckney, 1886-87; James B. Rowland, 1888--89; Ashley Williams, 1890-91; Frederick J. Inderlied, 1892; Harry J. Wat- tles, 1893; Robert Forbes, 1894-95; Fred. J. Inderlied, 1896-98; Reman H. Rowland, 1899. The officers of the town in 1899 are Reman R. Rowland, supervisor; Milo C. Paige, town clerk; Dwight French, M. C. Allen and Ashley Williams, justices of the peace; Clayton D. Lamb, J. Carver Gleason and 44 690 THE TOWN OF BINGHAMTON. George Couch, overseers of the poor; Hiram W. Leach, highway com- missioner; Carley Smith and J. Wilson Livermore, overseers of the poor; Bertie Marks, collector. CHAPTER XXIX. THE TOWN OF BINGHAMTON. On December 3, 1855, the board of supervisors passed a resolution to divide the town of Chenango, and from its territory to create two new towns — Binghamton and Port Crane (Fenton). The action of the su- pervisors was confirmed by an act of the legislature passed in 1856, upon which the new jurisdictions were duly organized and thus were added to the civil divisions of the county. The town of Binghamton as originally established included the ter- ritory of the town now so called, the town of Dickinson, and the city of Binghamton ; but like many other important divisions of the county Binghamton was subsequently called upon to surrender much of its best territory to other formations. The village of Binghamton re- mained a part of the mother territory until 1867, when it became a chartered city, and therefore was entirely separated from the town, al- though almost entirely surrounded with the town's territory. In many repects the separation of the city from the town was advantageous to the latter, as nearly all the important offices were always filled by resi- dents of the corporation, to the prejudice and exclusion of the town, whose claims rarely were recognized in the distribution of political plums. After the city was set off, the boundaries of the town remained prac- tically unchanged until an extension of the city limits in 1890 made necessary the creation of a new town on the north side of Bingham- ton. The extension of the limits entirely divided the town, to the great inconvenience of the inhabitants of the latter; and the creation of the town of Dickinson in 1890 became a necessity. Within its original boundaries, exclusive of the city's area, the town contained 24,100 acres of land. At the present time, having been reduced by the constant enlargements of the city and the creation of Dickinson, THE TOWN OF BINGHAMTON. 691 the town contains 15,955 acres of land, and extends from the city limits south to the Pennsylvania line. Settlement in this part of the county was through some cause de- layed until nearly all the available lands in other localities had been taken and improved. Ezra and Ira Keeler were settlers on the tract previous to 1800, but they were in possession without title. In later years squatters came in and made some feeble attempt at improve- ment, but having no title and not finding an agent from whom to purchase, they merely made the best of a temporary res'dence and got from the land the best crops obtainable without the outlay either of money or energy in permanent improvements. The locality abounded in splendid forest growths, which the squatters did not spare, therefore when Major Martin Hawley determined to develop the lands and bring them into market he met with many discour- agements. Major Hawley became owner of 2,500 acres of land in the south part of the town, making his first purchase in 1829, when the region was practically unoccupied, except by a few remaining squat- ters. The major moved to the tract in 1833, and soon had several hundred acres under profitable cultivation, and as well maintained a dairy of fifty cows, thus disproving the assertions that the lands were poor and unfit for occupancy. In 1839 Major Hawley returned to Binghamton, but he had the satisfaction to realize that his lands were suitable for agricultural purposes and that they were being settled with a thrifty and industrious class of men. Among the early settlers in this part of the town may be recalled the names of William Drake, who came from Duchess county about 1820; John Whitney, a respected pioneer, who came about 1818; David Jay- cox, who came from Duchess county about 1836; Carlos Cortesy, who settled here in 1858, and who afterward removed to the city; Isaac F. Pierson, who came in 1858, and at one time owned more than 1,000 acres of land in the town; Ashley and Augustus Hance, who came in 1863 from Pennsylvania; Henry Howard, who came thirty years ago; Cyrus Davis, who came in 1855; Jacob Vosburg, 1847; and others whose names are now lost. Other prominent persons in the town of Binghamton were (and are) John Moses, Peter J. S. Cook, Eugene Stern- berg, Frederick Sanford, James S. Hawley, Dr. Joseph M. Gandolfo, William Danforth, Henry and Eli S. Meeker, the several representa- tives of the Gaige family, the Prentices, Ingrahams, the Balcoms, the Sherwoods, the Caddens, the Clines, the Platts, the Carmans, the Wil- 692 THE TOWN OF BINGHAMTON. burs, the Laughlins, the Moreys, and others. Through the efforts of these persons and their descendants the town of Binghamton has be- come an important division of the county. Organization. — The act by which the town was brought into exist- ence directed that the first town meeting be held in the village, under the supervision of Benjamin N. Loomis, Corydon Tyler and William M. Waterman, which was done. The more important officers were chosen from the village, and this practice was continued until the city was chartered in 1867. Then the town practically was set free. The supervisors of the town, in succession, have been as follows: John S.Wells, 1856; Lewis S. Abbott, 1857; Job N. Congdon, 1858-9. Joel Fuller, 1860; Benj. F. Sisson, 1861; Austin W. Tyler, 1862-3; Francis T. Newell, 1864-6; John W. Cutler, 1867; William M. Ely, 1868-9; George Sherwood, 1870; William Whitney, 1871-3; John Moses, 1874; Peter J. S. Coon, 1875; Luke Dickson, 1876-78; William Whitney, 1879-80; Winneld S. Stone, 1881; Burritt Brown, 1882; My- ron L. Jones, 1883-8; Lavelle M. Blanding, 1889-90; William D. Row- ley, 1891-4; James Braman, 1895; Henry Meeker, 1896-7; William D. Rowley, 1898-9, In 1855 the town's population, including the village of Binghamton, was 8,757 persons. In 1860 the number was increased to 9,919, and in 1865 to 10,093. In 1867 the city territory was set off, hence in 1870 the town's population was only 2,066; in 1885 was 2,598; in 1880 was 2,555; and in 1890, the city limits having been extended, the number of in- habitants in the town was reduced to 1,519. In the same year Dickinson was set off, and in 1892 Binghamton's population was only 784 persons. Schools. — On account of the frequent changes in the boundaries of the town, little that is reliable can be written of the public school sys- tem, except to say that many of the well-to-do farmers have always been in the habit of sending their sons and daughters to the city schools. The town now has six districts, each of which is provided with a good school house. According to the commissioner's report for the year ending July 11, 1899, there was apportioned to the town from the state public moneys the sum of $763,48, while the town raised by tax the sum of $942.68. During the year the amount paid to teachers was $1,327.10. The school census shov/ed 138 children in the town between the ages of 5 and 18 years. Hawleyton. — This is the only hamlet or trading center of any conse- quence in the town. It was named in allusion to Major Hawley, the THE TOWN OF NANTICOKE. cm real pioneer and developer of the lands of the locality, but his work was materially enlarged upon by that of James S. Hawley, whose name must not be forgotten in the history of the town. In 1845-G the Haw- leyton turnpike was laid out and opened, and in a measure replaced the old Montrose road of still earlier years, the latter being exceedingly hilly and rough. For more than forty years a store has been kept in the village, though not at any time have the business interests exceeded two or three in number. The old " Golden Rod " creamery, founded by L. M. Blanding, is no longer in operation, but in its place the Haw- lisyton Creamery Co. (incorporated) does business. The first cheese factory here was established by James S. Hawley, and the hamlet once was noted for the superiority of its cheese product. A saw mill, too, is one of the old interests of the place, but the mill now standing is not in operation. The merchants of the village are George Vosburg, suc- cessor to Clarence Sherman (the latter successor to Blanding & Betts), and Frank Sibley. The public institutions are the M, E. church and the school of District Number Four. CHAPTER XXX. THE TOWN OF NANTICOKE. This town was formed from Lisle, April 18, 1831, one of three new towns of the county created by the division of Lisle by an act of the legislature passed on the date mentioned. In area the town contains 15,399 acres of land. Its name is of Indian derivation. It is one of the few towns of the county by which aboriginal names are preserved. Geographically, Nanticoke occupies a position in the northwestern portion of the county, and its north, west and south boundaries are quite irregular, indicating that in the early disposition of the land the settlers were allowed to select the town to which they preferred to be- long. The land surface is well watered and equally well drained by the branches and tributaries of Nanticoke creek, and is somewhat broken by a few narrow ravines. The highest altitudes are from 100 to 300 feet above the level of Chenango river, and from 1,200 to 1,400 feet above tide water. The soil generally is a slaty loam, underlaid 694 THE TOWN OF NANTICOKE. with hardpan, yet Nanticoke for many years has been regarded as one of the productive agricultural towns of the county. More than that, its inhabitants, from the days of earliest settlement, have been counted among the hardy and substantial men of the region The town for years has been safely in the Republican column, yet in the distribution of political affairs it has not received its full share of reward. The pioneer of Nanticoke was Philip Councilman, who in 1793 located on the site of Glen Aubrey and founded what in later years was known as the " Councilman settlement." Among the earliest representatives of the family in the town were Philip, the pioneer, Philip, jr., Peter, Henry and John Councilman, from whom have descended all the later generations of the surname in the region, and among whom have been some of the best men of the county. The pioneer opened his farm and paid for it with the earnings of his trusty rifle, for he was a trapper and hunter of more than ordinary fame. Closely following upon the settle- ment made by Philip Councilman, came John Ames, John Beachtle and James Stoddard, the two first mentioned from Luzerne county. Pa., and Mr. Stoddard from Connecticut. Betsey Stoddard, daughter of James, was the first white child born in Nanticoke, the date of the event being 1794. The first death was that of Mrs. Bird, a sister of James Stoddard's wife. The lands of Nanticoke evidently did not meet with ready sale in the markets of the east, owing to their remote locality and an impression that got abroad to the effect that the land was not specially fertile; but when their productiveness became known, settlers came rapidly and soon found themselves as forehanded as their neighbors of adjoining towns. Among the early settlers was Isaac Lamb, for whom Lamb's Corners is named, and who came in 180-4. Silas Hemingway came from Orange county in 1814 and settled south of the locality once known as " J.iphet Hollow." The hollow was so-named for Stephen Japhet, who located here dur- ing the early years of the century, and who bore an unsavory reputa- tion among the scattered settlers. No crimes were laid at Japhet's door, but he and his companions were a wild, roving set, little inclined to industry of any sort, and therefore the good housewife naturally as- sumed that they were greatly to be avoided, and so taught her children. The Japhets, however, did not remain long in the locality. James L. Hyde, J. Walter, Jesse Lane, George Cook, Albert A. Wilson, Elijah Butler (for whom Butler's Corners was named), Thomas Horton, Sam- THE TOWN OF NANTICOKE. 695 uel Phipps, Frederick S. Grig:gs, Chas. Brookens, James Lamb, Aurora Brayman, Hiram Rogers, Mason Adams, Corelli Cady, Henry Hodges, James G. Hall and Vincent Marean were early and prominent settlers in the town, although none of them was among the pioneers. In the same manner, having passed the period of pioneership and early settlement, it is proper to recall the names of men and heads of families in the town, who by their works became entitled to mention among the factors in Nanticoke history. In this connection there may be recalled the names of Samuel Canfield, A. N. Remele, Elijah R. Adams, John W. Adriance, Dwight T. Cad)-, George Dyer (who was highway commissioner, assessor and justice of the peace), De Ronda Edwards (born in Nanticoke; a soldier of the war of 1861-65), John H. Green (several times supervisor), Isaac T. Lamb, Ellis H. Morgan (an old merchant and postmaster at Lamb's Corners), Noah Pollard, Will- iam C. Pollard, Marcus E. Rigby, Charles C. Smith, Phelon E. and Ed- win P. Sutphen, L. D. Tyler, Charles J. Walter (born in Nanticoke in 1837), and B. F. Walter. All of these persons have been (and some still are) identified with the best interests of the town, and are worthy of mention in these annals. Organization. — Notwithstanding the slow growth of the town during the early years of the century, a division of the territory in 1831 be- came necessary for the convenience and well being of the inhabitants of Lisle, hence the passage of the act mentioned on a preceding page, and the creation of the towns of Nanticoke, Barker and Triangle from the mother town. The act provided that the first town meeting in Nanticoke should be held at the house of Philip Councilman, which was done, and the following town officers then were elected: Supervisor, N. Remele; town clerk, H B Stoddard; justices of the peace, Silas Hemingway, H. B. Stoddard, David Councilman, Charles Brookens; overseers of the poor, Samuel Canfield, John Councilman; highway commissioners, F. S. Griggs, H.Walter, James Lamb; commis- sioners of common schools, F. S. Griggs, A. N. Remele, J. L. Smith; assessors, Charles Brookens, Hiram Rogers, Silas Hemingway; collec- tor, Philip Councilman. After the organization of the town the population increased more rapidly than in earlier years. In 1835 the inhabitants numbered 295; 1840, 418; 1845, 479: 1850, 576; 1855, 819; 1860, 797; 1865, 972; 1870, 1,058; 1875, 1,053; 1880, 999; 1890, 723; 1892, 698. From this it is seen that the present number of inhabitants is less 696 THE TOWN OF NANTICOKE. than in 18G0. This decrease is attributable to the same conditions which have caused a decline in population in nearly all interior towns in this part of the state. Nanticoke once enjoyed a prominence as a lumbering town, but with the clearing away of the forests the only re- maining mainstay of the inhabitants was general agriculture. Fortun- ately, the town contains large areas of excellent farming lands, while grazing and cattle raising have been staple industries for many years. In 1835 the town contained 1,619 acres of improved and 11,090 acres of unimproved land. Statistics show that in the year mentioned the farm- ers of Nanticoke owned 192 neat cattle, 70 horses, 384 sheep and 212 swine. During the year there was made in the town 272 yards of fulled cloth, 459 yards of flannel and 1,182 yards of linen and cotton cloths. Then there were five saw mills but no grist mills in operation in the town. VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. Nanticoke Springs. — About the year 1835, Nathan Cad well developed a valuable mineral spring on his land, about a mile west of Lamb's Cor- ners; and being a shrewd Yankee descendant, he set to work and built a large boarding house for the guests who always are ready to flock to any watering place or mineral spring. This enterprise on the part of Mr. Cadwell led to a hamlet settlement, and in the vicinity a camping ground was soon afterward established. But in the course of time Nanticoke springs began to lose prestige, though the superior qualities of the water never were doubted. The boarding house passed through several owners, and finally was burned about 18G5. About 1860 the post-office was removed from the springs to Lamb's Corners (now Nan- ticoke) and thereafter the old settlement was doomed to decay. Nanticoke. — The original name of this hamlet was Lamb's Corners, so-called in honor of Isaac Lamb, who made the first settlement here in 1804. The village did not attract special attention until about 1855 or 1860, when a trading center was established and the post-oflfice was removed there from the springs. Since that time one or two good stores, a saw and a grist mill generally have been in operation. Ellis H. Morgan, L. D. Tyler, Washington Johnson, E. E. Monroe, Warren Gee and George Littlewood were among the more prominent factors in the early history of the place. The last twenty years, however, have witnessed many changes in Lamb's Corners. About ten years ago the name was changed to Nanticoke. Mr. Morgan's general store now is a THE TOWN OF NANTICOKE. 697 feed store. In 1892 Mr. Tyler was succeeded by W. D. Fuller, the lat- ter now being the principal merchant of the town. Washington John- son's saw and grist mills were taken down after the dam across the creek was washed away by the high water. The Monroe mill was burned in the spring of 1898, and was rebuilt by E. Green, the present owner. George Littlewood started a cheese factory in 1882. It now is operated by F. J. Doane. At the present time the village contains about twenty houses and 100 residents. The business interests are represented by W. D. Fuller, gen- eral store; E. H. Morgan, feed store; Anson Russell, grocery; F. J. Doane, cheese factory, and a new saw and shingle mill. The public in- stitutions are the district school and the Methodist Episcopal and Bap- tist churches. Glen Aubrey is a small hamlet of a few houses situate about two miles from Nanticoke, and is in the southeast part of the town. O. E. Couse, Nelson Swan, William H. Riley, Jackson Dyer and Charles A. Sly were among the early prominent factors in the history of the settlement. The Dyer store is now a Grange hall. Arthur B. Riley is proprietor of the store formerly kept by Wm. H. Riley. A creamery is maintained here, and now is under the ownership of Wells & Corwin. The public institutions are the district school and the M. E. and Baptist churches. On the highway leading from Glen Aubrey to Whitney's Point is a saw mill and creamery, owned by Duane Barnes. Schools. — There was little attempt to establish school districts in this part of Union previous to the creation of Lisle from the former town. Under the Lisle jurisdiction a regular system was established, and good schools afterward were maintaind. In 1832, after Nanticoke became a separate town, the districts were reorganized to suit the new conditions. In 1835 the territory comprised five districts; 120 children were attend- ing school, and the number of children of school age then living in the town was about 90. In 1899 (and as now disposed) the town contained eight districts, one of which had no school house in this county. The school census showed 150 children of school age in the town. In that year there was apportioned to the town from the state public school moneys the sum of $779.99, while the sum of $870.52 was raised for the benefit of schools by local tax. The amount paid teachers was $1,480.85. 698 THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. CHAPTER XXXI. THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. This town, formed from Windsor, April 2, 1821, contains 47,179 acres of land, and in area ranks third among the towns of Broome county. It comprises portions of Watts', Hammond's and Smith's patents, and a part of the Harpur tract, but the boundary lines of these several pat- ents do not appear to have influenced the action of whoever was in authority when the town was laid out; nor has there been offered any reasonable explanation regarding the irregular outline of the town, un- less the individual preference of each inhabitant was taken into con- sideration. Colesville is bounded north by Delaware county, east by Sanford and Delaware county, south by Windsor and a small part of Sanford, and west by Fenton. In the county the town occupies a northeastern posi- tion. Its principal watercourse is the Susquehanna river, which crosses the town from north to south and also forms a part of its southern boundary. The land surface consists principally of a high broken upland, divided into two parts by the deep valley of the river. The summits vary in height from 400 to 700 feet above the valley. The soil along the river is a deep, fertile, gravelly loam, while on the summits it con- sists of clay and slate, and is much better adapted to grazing than to general cultivation. The pioneer of Colesville was John Lamphere, who settled here in 1785, locating near the site of Harpursville. Pioneer Lamphere died in 1788, that being the first death in the town. His widow married Ben- jamin Bird in 1794, the first event of its kind in Colesville. Thus it is seen that the names of John Lamphere and his wife were associated with several "first events," yet the pioneers themselves have few rep- resentatives now in the town or county. Samuel and Nathaniel Badger and Casper Spring came here in 1786 and settled on the site of Har- pursville. The Badger surname has since been continued in the town, and some of its representatives are among the foremost men of the lo- THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. G99 cality. David Gurnsey and his family came from Litchfield, Conn., in 1788, hence was an early as well as greatly respected settler. Nathaniel Cole the pioneer of Cole's hill, came here in 1795, and afterward attained a standing of much prominence in the locality. In his honor the town was named Colesville. Vena Cole, a kinsman of Nathaniel, came about the same time, or perhaps a year or two later. Jedediah (more familiarly called "Jed") Merchant and Bateman Dick- inson also settled on Cole's hill in 1795, but Dickinson soon afterward located on the river below Center Village. Among the other early set- tlers in the vicinity of Cole's hill, all of whom were located there about 1795, were David Crofut, Titus Humiston, John Ruggles and Isaac Tyrrell. Descendants of nearly all of these pioneers are still living in the town or county. Robert Harpur (the name is spelled Harpur and Harper), proprietor of the Warren township patent, which included about 61,000 acres, and he for whom Harpursville was named, left the office of secretary of state in 1795 and came to live on and develop his vast tract of land in what is now this town. Some authorities state that Mr. Harpur came as early as 1787, which belief arose from the fact that the proprietor may have visited the land as early as that year. Mr, Harpur was an Irishman by birth, and came to America in 1761. At one time he was one of the professors in Kings (now Columbia) college, but he attained still greater prominence as a member of the convention of 1776 that framed the first constitution of this state; was one of the deputies of New York to the provincial congress of 1776 and '77; a member of the council of safety in 1777; member of assembly from 1777 to 1783; was secretary of the board of regents in 1784, and regent in the same year. Unquestionably Robert Harpur was the most distinguished pioneer who honored Broome county with a residence. He died in 1825, but his surname was worthily represented in the county in later years. It is related that on one occasion, being somewhat pressed for time and having no male agent at hand, Mr. Harpur sent one Peggy Lud- low, a woman, to supervise the erection of a grist mill on his tract; and it is further stated that the good woman proved an efficient agent and caused the construction of a substantial bulling. Through the Harpur proprietary much of the land on the tract was settled and opened for permanent cultivation. Among the settlers who came to this locality through that agency may be recalled the names of Jacobus Vosburg, who came in 1795 ; Ezra Pratt, who came about 1800, 700 THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. and whose descendants are now in the town ; Frederick Shafer, who located opposite Harpursville on the river about the same year; David Way, who came in 1801, and who was the father of Albert, Harvey and Hiram Way, the two first mentioned being afterward prominently con- nected with Binghamton history; Isaac Tyrrell, whose family name is still known in the county; Henry Thompson, an early storekeeper; Rufus Fancher, and others. Other early settlers in what is now Colesville, who may be mentioned without special reference to location, were Linus Allen (180G), Israel Williams (1800, an old Revolutionary soldier, who served under General Washington), Bartholomew Williams (who came from Connecticut pre- vious to 1800), Zebediah Chaffee (whose name is still well known in Colesville and Windsor), Levi Manville (whose son Levi was a colonel in the war of 1861-G5), William Scouten (a young man who lived with pioneer Harpur), Tenas Smith (1815), Jesse Marsh, Harry Martin, John Collington (a Vermonter who came in 1815), Joshua Baker, John An- drews, Charles Stringham, John Davenport, Ahimaaz Estes, Rev. Will- iam Way (familiarly known as Rev. " Billy "), Henry Wilder, Amos Wedge, Alvin Holcomb, Seth and Lyman Whitaker (who acquired more than 600 acres of land), and Isaac Hurlburt. Nearly all the settlers who have been recalled in the preceding para- graphs were farmers and incidentally were lumbermen until their lands were cleared. However, among the early residents of the locality were many whose principal occupation was lumbering, for this region of the county was once noted for its heavy forest growths. Indeed, many of the best farms of the town were paid for with money earned in lumber- ing and rafting. The Susquehanna afforded a ready means for ship- ping lumber and logs to market, and fortunes were gained in the lum- bering trade. However, the names of the owners of the first saw mills except Robert Harpur, Col. Mason, and a few others, are now unknown, but among those of later days, before the industry was abandoned, were Warren Doolittle, Nathan Mayhew, Peter Quick, Ansel Thurber, John Hendrickson, John Freeman, Barton Pratt, John Wakeman, Sam- uel Pratt, Ephraim Northcutt, Edwin North, Joel Morse, John Wiley, and perhaps others whose names are now forgotten. Among the early prominent lumbermen of the town, who carried on business on an ex- tensive scale, were Samuel Badger,' Leman Mason, Jeremiah Rogers, » Samuel Badger also built a grist mill at Center Village, where a mill ever since has been standing. Its later owners were Asel Barnes, Uri Doolittle, George Freeman, J. T. Peck and William Wedge. THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. 701 Warren Harpur and Judson Allen. The first dam across the river in Colesville was built by Dr. Little in 1810. The earliest grist mills in this region were on the Windsor side of the river, but after the lands here were settled similar enterprises sprung up on the Colesville side. Ezra Pratt had an early grist mill at New Ohio; Isaac Higby had one at Osborne Hollow; George Addis had one on upper Osborne Hollow creek. One of the earliest grist mills was run by Isaac Gano, while the Whitakers— John, William and Joseph— were owners of an early mill at Osborne Hollow. In wi iting of the early history of the town, it is proper that the names of the soldiers of the Revolution, who afterward came here to live, should also be especially mentioned. It is not claimed that the follow- ing list is full or complete, but it is believed to be reasonably accurate. According to the records of Tuscarora chapter, D. A. R., the survivors of the Revolution who settled in Colesville were Joshua Baker, Samuel Badger, Nathaniel Cole, Joel Curtis, Edmund Kattle, James Knox, Le- man Mason, Eli Nichols, Caleb Nourse, Ashbel Osborne, James Osborne and Israel Williams. Among the later factors in Colesville history, some of whom were early settlers or their descendants, and others more recent comers, may be mentioned ths names of James P. and Henry M. Abbott (father and son). Dr. Jas. D Appley, Bennett B. Allen, Egbert A. Baker, Dr. H. F. Beardsley (now ol:" Bingharaton), Aaron G. Beman (father of Elbert A. Beman, of Binghamton), Dr. John W. Booth, Riley Bush (for many years one of the county's most prominent men), Dr. Andrew J. Butler, Belden B. Badger (merchant and supervisor several years), James A. Chaffee (born in Colesville 1812), George Collington (a Vermonter by birth), Edgar Doolittle (descendant of one of Windsor's pioneers), Jo- seph D. Comstock (afterward a noted lawyer and journalist), James Davidson, John Davenport, John P. Dye (who died in 187G), Shervin F. Estes (a soldier of 1861-5, and a prominent man in subsequent town history), John W. Flansburg, William M. Francis, Darius Ferris (na- tive of Broome county). James Fuller, David B. Gurnsey (the oldOua- quaga postmaster). Dr. Ezekiel Guy, Joseph W. Hobbs (whose carriage manufacturing business in Nineveh was established in 1844; was con- tinued by the founder until 1868, and then was transferred to his sons, Geo. W. and Charles Hobbs, the present proprietors), Isaac A. Hurlburt (born in 1833), George A. Holcomb (born 1837), William Laughlin (settled in Colesville, 1852), Horace W. McCullough, Levi 702 THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. Manville, jr., (native of the town, born, 1814), Warren E. Martin (the old Harpursville merchant), Maurice O. Marsh (the old supervisor), Edwin Northrup, E. H. Odell (merchant), Charles Pease (hotel keeper and frequently town officer), Angus S. Reynolds, George Robinson, Stanley J. Skinner, Charles H. Stringham (native of the town), Daniel S. Seward, Charles S. Smith (of the firm of Smith & Webster, successors to Edgerton & Bush), Hiram Smith (a native of Vermont), Silas B. Ter- williger (native of Chenango; a former resident and town official in Vestal, and once proprietor of the Ouaquaga mills), John Warner (an extensive farmer), Henry J. Warner, Lorenzo E. Way (born in Coles- ville, 1820), John Watrous (settled in Colesville, 1834), Amos Wedge, Seth J. Whitaker (a large farmer), H. S. Williams (lawyer and surveyor), Henry B. Williams (born in Colesville, 1808), and Addison S. Wilder (born in Colesville, 1821). It is believed that in preceding paragraphs the principal factors in in Colesville history have been mentioned. Not all of them now live in town, but some still are here and are yet engaged in various useful pursuits. Many are now dead, but the vacant places have been taken by their descendants, and through their efforts in business life Coles- ville still enjoys the reputation long ago established as one of the first towns in the county. From the town there has been chosen to posi- tions of trust some of the best county officials, and a number of the residents have in like manner been elected to still higher places in pub- lic life. Organization. — In 1820 the territory comprising the town contained an aggregate of about 1,500 inhabitants, therefore it was only natural that a separate organization be effected for the convenience and welfare of residents in this part of Windsor. The act creating the town was passed by the legislature April 2, 1821, and the first town meeting was held at the house of Nathaniel Cole (for whom the town itself was named) in 1822. The early records of Colesville, unfortunately, were burned many years ago, and thus was also lost one of the writer's most fertile sources of authority. The officers elected at the first town meet ing were as follows: Supervisor, John W. Harpur; town clerk, Daniel Sanford; assessors, Ozias Marsh, Harvey Bishop, Gervais Blakeslee ; overseers of the poor, Nathaniel Cole, jr., Elisha Huntington; commissioners of highways, Amos Smith, Alpheus Goodenough, Daniel Sanford; collector, John Wasson; commissioners of common schools, John W. Harpur, Jeremiah THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. 703 Rogers, Harvey Bishop; inspectors of schools, Harvey Martin, Garry Ruggles, Joel K. Noble; trustees of the gospel and school lands,George Wilcox, Samuel Badger, Samuel Martin ; sealer of weights and meas- ures, Ira Bunnell; constables, John Wasson, Geoige Wilcox. The supervisors of Colesville since 1849 (the earlier records are de- stroyed) have been as follows: Timothy Ruggles, 1849; Riley Bush 1850; Timothy Ruggles, 1851; no record 1852; Mulfo'rd Northrup 1853; Hurd F. Brownson, 1854; Riley Bush, 1855; Wiley H. Scott 1856; Riley Bush, 1857-8; Fred H. Perry, 1859; Franklin Edgerton 1860-61; Robert G. Harpur, 1862-5; H. P. Bush, 1860; Edvvard F Northrup, 1867; Warren E. Martin, 1868-9; Edward Harper, 1870 Martin Ruggles, 1871; Edward Harpur, 1872; Abram Becker, 1873-4 Martin Ruggles, 1875; Warren E. Martin, 1876; Dr. Harvey F. Beards ley, 1877-8; Maurice O. Marsh, 1879-83; Charles H. Stringham, 1884 Maurice O. Marsh, 1885; Egbert A. Baker, 1886; Byron C. Barnum 1887-8; Dr. John W. Booth, 1889; Elijah Roe, 1890; George N. Weed 1891-2; BeldenB. Badger, 1893-1900. Population. — Colesville has been long noted for the substantial char- acter both of its interests and its population, and while the last three- quarters of a century has witnessed many changes in the town, the population was remained stable, a condition rarely seen among the towns of interior New York. However, let us have recourse to the census documents, and thereby note the growth of the town as indi- cated by the printed reports. In 1825 the population was 1,774; 1830, 2,389; 1835,2,230; 1840, 2,517; 1845, 2,829; 1850,3,061; 1855, 3,135; 1860, 3,250; 1865, 3,202; 1870, 3,400; 1875, 3,322; 1880, 3,208; 1890, 3,126; 1895, 3,065. Thus it is seen that the maximum population was attained in 1870, the inhabitants numbering 3,400, and that since that time there has been a gradual though not serious falling off in the number. While agricultural pursuits in Colesville, as in other towns, have received very little encouragement during the last thirty year.s, the people there have suffered from prevailing causes in a less degree than in many other towns similarly situated. At the present time Colesville is classed as an agricultural town, and as such in point of productiveness it ranks high among the civil divis- ions of the county. In the early history of the town nearly every owner of land was a lumberman in connection with his regular occupa- tion as farmer. Lumbering as a special industry ceased with the dev- 704 THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. astation of the forests about thirty-five years ago, yet to a limited ex- tent the pursuit ever since has been carried on. It is now more than twenty five since a single large log or lumber raft was sent down the Susquehanna from this town or from the adjoining town in Windsor. In 1835 the town contained 10,000 acres of improved and more than 32,000 acres of unimproved land, much of the latter being primeval forest. At that time there were twenty-two saw mills in operation. The other industries of the town were three grist mills, two fulling mills, two carding mills and four tanneries. In 1838 the town also contained 483 men who were enrolled as liable to military duty. (Twen- ty years later Colesville was called upon to contribute its best men for military service, and royally did the people respond.) In the same year also the inhabitants owned 1,794 head of neat cattle, 518 horses, 5,2G8 sheep, and 1,256 swine. There was manufactured in the town during that year 4,378 yards of fulled cloth, 4,451 yards of flannel, and 5,544 yards of linen and cotton cloths. In connection with this indus- trial period in the town's history, many internal improvements were accomplished. In 1821 Samuel Badger and Uri Doolittle were author- ized to construct a dam across the river at the " hemlock rift." On April 17, 1828, the Colesville Bridge company was incorporated, with authority to erect a toll bridge across the river, at or near the "Fish place." The leading spirits of the enterprise were John W. Harpur, Thomas Blakeslee, Hezekiah Stowell, Judson Allen, Samuel Badger and Jeremiah Rogers. The Harpursville Bridge company was incor- porated April 9, 1838, and was authorized to build a toll bridge "be- tween Robert Harpur's grist mill and J. Warren Harpur's distillery." The promoters of this measure were Robert Harpur, Judson Allen, Thomas Blakeslee, David Wilcox and Henry H. Shaffer. The Susque- hanna Bridge company was incorporated April 12, 1842, for the purpose of constructing a bridge across the river between the lands owned by Samuel Doolittle and JoVn Lackey. The persons prominently con- nected with this undertaking were Hiram Blakeslee, Jonathan T. Was- son, David Bartow, Jonas Abbott, Nathaniel Noble, John Freeman, Samuel Doolittle, Freeman Putnam and William Doolittle. Such of these old structures as were built were maintained for several years, but at length their owners were compelled to yield to the popular de- mand for " free bridges," upon which the town became the owner and the toll-gate charges were abolished. Schools. — Previous to the creation of Colesville the common school THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. rorj system was a part of the older town of Windsor. In 1822 both school commissioners and inspectors were elected, as provided by law, and un- der the direction of those officers the new town was divided into ten whole and four fractional districts. In 1838 the number of districts had increased to 20, and the number of children of school age in the town was 6*57. The amount of pubhc moneys received in that year was $382.33. According to the present arrangement, Colesville comprises 33 dis- tricts, 4 of which have no school house in the town. In 1899, as shown by the commissioners' report, the amount of state public money received was $3,212.33, while the town raised by tax for school purposes the sum of $4,690.73. During the year there was paid to teachers the sum of $7,038.93. School population 573; number of books in libraries, 527. VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. Colesville long has been known as a town of many villages, and in point of number in this respect it ranks first in the county, there being eleven hamlets and a like number of post-offices, yet none of these trade centers ever has become incorporated. Sanitaria Springs (formerly Osborne Hollow), New Ohio and Belden owe their existence entirely to the construction of the Albany and Susquehanna railroad, while much of the later-day importance of Nineveh is due to the same cause. How- ever, of each of these villages it is our purpose to briefly treat. Harpiirsville. — There appears to be a little uncertainty concerning the pioneer business men of this village, but according to the most re- liable information now obtainable, the distinction of having been the first merchant must be accorded either to Jeremiah Rogers, Henry Thompson or H, A. Olendorf, each of whom was a factor in local his- tory previous to 1830. Mr. Olendorf was identified with business his- tory from 1828 to 1882, a period of 54 years. Jesse Brown was a shoe- maker in the village previous to 1820, but old residents say that he "whipped the cat " throughout the township. Among the later busi- ness men and firms of Harpursville may be recalled the names of Rog- ers «& Vosburg, Allen, Olendorf & Ketchum, Ruggles & Ketchum, Ketchum & Monroe, Jeremiah Stowe, Edwin Ketchum, Bancroft & Martin, Martin Ruggles, J. E. Bristol, Barnes & Ruggles, Leverett Barnes, Pearsall & Pratt, Jesse Brown, J. Hurd & Sons, Hulburt & Brainard and P. A. Brainard. Other important factors in early and late business history were Judson Allen, Bartholomew Tyrrell, David 45 706 THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. Stow, Matthias Merwin, C. M. & J. Richards (founders), John F. Bishop, John Ayres, Samuel Brown, Edward Moore. The old Badger saw mill was established almost as soon as the village itself, and for many years was a scene of constant activity. In later years it was owned by James B. Frazer, miller, cabinet maker and un- dertaker. The Tyrrell Brothers (L. A. & L. H. Tyrrell) built a steam saw mill here in 1864. Among the old landlords of Harpursville may be mentioned the names of Lemuel Badger, Edwin Northrup, Walker Cole, Harmon and George Tyrrell, Simeon Groat and John Bouck. In 1865 the business men of the village were about as follows: R. G. Harpur, farmer and revenue assessor; Warren E. Martin and J. Brown, general merchants; J. B. Frazier, insurance agent and cabinet maker; C. M. Richards, machinist and iron founder; C. Pratt, grocer; J. F. Bishop, blacksmith and wagon maker; E. Harper, land surveyor; J. Viney, cigar manufacturer; Dr. E. Guy, physician; W. G. Baker, butcher; W. L. Mudge& Co., insurance; L. A. Alexander & Son, black- smiths; J. J. Morse, proprietor Norcutt house; Asa Yager, blacksmith. The present business interests are the foundry and machine shop of Charles M. and George Richards; the saw mill and handle factory of Everett Lockwood; Arthur A. Mudge, general store; Wm. E. Knox, New York cash (variety) store; Willard Brown, fruits and groceries; Robert Stow, drugs; James E. Bristol, drugs and groceries; Jesse Brown, general store; The Harpursville Hardware Co., George and Willard Demaree, proprietors; George Roe, meat market; Eldorado House, Barney Smith, proprietor; Myrtle hotel, George White, pro- prietor. The public institutions comprise the Protestant Episcopal, Methodist Episcopal and Baptist churches, and the excellent graded school of district No. 4. Nineveh. — This settlement was established between 1820 and 1830, and although it was a place of considerable note in the early history of the town, its period of greatest commercial importance was not attained until after the construction of the Albany and Susquehanna railroad, with Nineveh the junction point of a road leading to Windsor and thence into Pennsylvania. The originally surveyed route of the New York & Lake Erie railroad lay through the settlement, and under the belief that Nineveh would become a village of considerable importance a party of Otsego county speculators, the Unadilla company, purchased much of the land in this vicinity. A part of the tract afterward passed THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. 707 into the hands of Edwin Northrup, and from him to Wiley H. Scott, both of whom were active factors in village history. Daniel Northrup came to Nineveh in 1833 and until 1844 was a hotel keeper. The first hotel was built in 1831 by Hezekiah Stowell and Peter Dickinson, and subsequently passed through many proprietorships. In addition to the persons mentioned the other factors in early Nine- veh history were Riley Bush, Mr. Tice, Mr. Butler (whose Christian names are forgotten), Reuben Lovejoy, Charles Pease, J. W. Hobbs, the Lovejoys, Franklin Edgerton, Hial Edgerton, E. C. Healy, Arthur Mudge, and others. The company that constructed the first toll bridge across the river at this point was chartered in 1828. Since that time a bridge (now free) has been maintained here. One of the most permanent business interests here was the wagon factory which was brought from Delhi in 1844 by J. W. Hobbs, a prac- tical mechanic by trade and a lawyer by profession. Mr. Hobbs, how- ever, devoted his attention more particularly to the manufacture of car- riages and wagons, and built up a business which has endured to the present time, although since 1868, it has been carried on by the sons of the founder. The work of J. W. Hobbs, and also of his sons, always was their best advertisement. In 1866 the business interests of Nineveh were represented as fol- lows: J. W. Hobbs, carriage maker, blacksmith and lawyer; P. Cham- plin, farmer; S. S. Doolittle, merchant and insurance agent; Riley Bush, farmer; Dr. E. Guy, physician; W. H. Scott, proprietor of Nin- eveh hotel. The present business interests comprise the carriage works of George W. and Charles Hobbs, the stores of S. S. Webster & Co. and Olendorf & Pearsall, one good hotel and the several small shops usually found in country villages. The public institutions are the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal churches and the school of District No. 15. Centre Village is a small and enterprising hamlet on the line of the railroad between Nineveh and Windsor, the village, however, being chiefly on the opposite side of the river from the railroad. The hamlet was founded more than half a century ago, though the post-office was not established until after 1850. Among the. early factors in Centre Village history were John Flansburgh, John Eldred (who opened a hotel here as early as 1832), David Wilcox (proprietor of the old fulling mill in 1838), Simon Harper (who had a distillery), Lewis Northrup (who built a tannery in 1860, and also was an early merchant), E. P. 708 THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. Northrup, Nelson Stow, William Tice, James A. Barnes, John Hurl- burt, Charles E. Marshall, Stow Bros., Tice & Weeks, John Martin, Tripp & Pierce, Solomon Weeks, William Houghtailing, Walker & Knox, Alonzo Haynes, Walter G. Baker, George W. Austin (the latter the present proprietor of the village hotel) and others whose names are now lost. In 1865 Centre Village had more and larger business interests than at the present time. Then John J. Wiles kept the " Centre Village ho- tel "; Lewis Northrup's tannery was in full operation; Neri Pine was a village blacksmith and also practiced law; J. A. S. Austin was a lawyer; C. H. Knox was a prominent farmer ; Martin & Whitham and also Pierce & Tripp were village merchants, and Warren Brown had a broom fac- tory. The present business men of the village are William Wedge, grist mill; George W. Austin, hotel; John W. Weeks and C. Martin, merchants. The village has two blacksmith shops and several other interests. Oiiaquaga is a small village of about 150 inhabitants, and is situated in the southern part of the town, on the Susquehanna river. The orig- inal name of Susquehanna was given to the post-office here, which was established in 1820 under the postmastership of John W. Harpur. The name was changed about 1860. Among the early postmasters were John W. Harpur, William Watrous, Peter Pine, William Doolittle, Sid- ney White, Lewis H. Tyrrell, Jeremiah Ketchum, Uri T. Doolittle and D. B. Gurnsey. The first store was started about 1823 by Uri Doolittle and Eli Pratt. Later merchants have been George M. and Uri T. Doo- little, Jerry Ketchum, Harley Doolittle, Belden B. Badger, William Francis and S. A. Wright. The three last mentioned merchants now are in trade. The grist mill, three blacksmith shops and a stock com- pany creamery, comprise the remaining business interests of the ham- let. Here also is a M. E. Church and a good district school. In 1865 the business interests of Ouaquago included J. & M. Ketch- um's store; M. S. Stow's rake factory, wool carding and cider mill; Uri T. Doolittle's grist mill and G. R. Ayres' blacksmith shop. Sanitaria Springs. — This hamlet, the original name of which was Osborne Hollow, is the iirst station in Colesville on the line of the A. & S. railroad north of Binghamton. Eli Osborne, for whom the place was named, was an early and prominent resident in this part of the town. Jedediah Bump, Hiram Coller, Ezekiel Andrews, Stephen, Daniel, John and Silas Reynolds, were also early residents in the vicinity. Isaac An- THE TOWN OF COLESVILLE. 709 drews opened a grocery store about 1854 and in the next year E. H. Odell began business as general merchant, adding to hi? interests a hotel property in 1858. Thus the hamlet was founded. Among the other and later factors in the history of the village were A. Everett, merchant, Emory Andrews and George Van Zile (owners of saw mills), Cornelius Reynolds, Daniel Chapman and Martin Strickland (blacksmiths), Isaac Craver (merchant), A. S. Reynolds, and a few others. The construc- tion of the A. & S. railroad, the erection of an oil pumping station, and of Dr. Kilmer's sanitarium, have given increased activity to the busi- ness interests of the place. As now situated, the village contains about twenty houses, two stores (Odell Bros, and James Jewett's), a hotel (Wm. Horton, propr.),one feed store (Cornelius Reynolds), the Kilmer sanitarium (in allusion to which institution the name of the village was changed to Sanitaria Springs), three blacksmith shops, the pumping station of the National Transit Co., a Methodist Episcopal church, and the school house of district No, 11. Belden. — A small hamlet north of Harpursville on the line of the A. & S. railroad, has one store (Kellogg's general store), a blacksmith shop and a Reformed Methodist church. Tunnel Station, a few miles above Sanitaria Springs on the line of the A. & S. railroad, has a hotel, blacksmith shop, a creamery and two good general stores, kept, respectively, by Charles Waters and David Moat. Vallonia Springs, a small village in the northeast corner of the town, has attracted considerable attention as a summer resort during the last ten years. The business interests here are not extensive, consisting of Tupper Bros, creamery, James Sands' general store, William Cass' saw mill, one blacksmith shop, and the Vallonia Springs house, a popular and well patronized hostelry under the proprietorship of James Sands. A Baptist church is located at this place. The post-office at Vallonia Springs was established previous to 1850. Judge Betts erected the first tavern in the settlement. Neiv Ohio, on the line of the railroad, was originally known as Hol- comb Settlement, in allusion to one of the early prominent families in that part of the town. This point became a trading center and had a store as early as 1835. A post-office, too, was established and was maintained there many years, but upon the eventual removal of the office tojTunnel, New Ohio gradually declined. Among the early resi- dents in this vicinity may be recalled the names of the Holcombs, Elisha 710 THE TOWN OF MAINE. Kasson, Aaron Beman, David Waters and John Watrous. About 1830 John Wiley and Elijah Church started a saw mill here, and George Miller was a very early blacksmith. A Methodist church was founded here in 1825. Doraville is a small post station on the railroad about two miles south of Centre Village. The post-office was for many years kept in the house of Samuel Doolittle, an early settler. The hamlet now has a M. E. church and a post-office. North Colesville is a post-office in the extreme* northern part of the town. The hamlet now has a grange store, kept by Albert Waters, a blacksmith shop and a M. E. church. West Colesville is a post station in the southeast part of the town, in the locality where a Baptist church, which still stands, was founded in 1846, and where William Laughlin started a blacksmith and wagon repair shop in 1852. In the course of time a hamlet sprung up and a store was opened. At the present time the place has two merchants, George Woodward and Philo Clark, and a blacksmith shop. Colesville, a settlement named for the town, formerly existed near the geographical center of the township, but with the gradual growth of the other centers its few interests declined and were removed to more inviting localities. CHAPTER XXXII. THE TOWN OF MAINE. This town was formed from Union March 27, 1848. A small portion was set off to Chenango in 1856, but otherwise its boundaries have not been disturbed. Its area is 28,429 acres of land, of as good quality for general agricultural pursuits as can be found in Broome county. This is true notwithstanding the fact that the land surface is broken by sev- eral ranges of hills, varying in height from 400 to 600 feet above the level of the Chenango river. The valleys, which are narrow, extend generally in a north and south direction. The principal streams are Nanticoke, Bradley and Crocker creeks. According to accepted authority, Benjamin Norton was the pioneer THE TOWN OF MANIE. 711 of the town, he having made a settlement about three-quarters of a mile north of Maine village in 1794. Amos Howard is said to have settled in the town in the same year. In 1797 Alfred and Russell Gates, who had previously lived on Bingham's Patent, near the site of Bing- hamton, came and began an improvement in the northwest corner of the town, in the locality afterward known as Gates' Settlement. Daniel Howard and Winthrop Roe also came during the same year, but Roe was a settler in Union previous to 1791, as maybe seen by reference to the history of that town. Moses Delano, whose descendants ever since have lived in Maine, and Nathaniel Slosson came here about 1800. These were the pioneers of Maine, and although descendants of some of them are still in the county, little can now be learned of the early life and experiences of their ancestors. Among the first events of town history, past writers inform us that the first birth was that of Cynthia, daughter of Winthrop Roe, born July, 1797; that the first school was taught by Betsey Ward in 1802; that pioneer Daniel Howard built the first grist mill in 1810; that Jared Ketchum (whose family surname ever since has been associated with Maine history) opened the first store in Maine village in 1825; that Oliver Whitcomb (whose descendants still are m the town) opened a tavern in 1829. Maine comprises portions of three divisions of the Boston Purchase tract, known respectively as the Nanticoke township, the Chenango township and the Grand division. As a part of the vast tract owned by Samuel Brown and his associates, settlement was begun under the direction of the agents of the proprietary, hence nearly all the early and many of the later settlers were Yankees from New England. James Ketchum, from Connecticut, came to Chenango in 1790, and to Maine Centre in 1802. Timothy Caswell came about 1805, and was the first settler in the vicinity later known as Allen Settlement. Referring briefly to other settlers, mention may be made of Asa Curtis, tanner,, currier and farmer, who settled here in 1800. Thomp- son Lewis came in 1813. Samuel Stone, Heman Payne, Marsena Mc- Intyre, Timothy Caswell, Henry Marean (grandfather of Henry Marean, late county clerk), Joseph Marean and John Marean (1810) were here previous to 1820. Among the later settlers, all of whom were in the town previous to the time Maine was set off from Union, were John C. Curtis, Lyman Pol- lard (1829), John Durfee (1829), Andrew Taylor, William Flint, Captain Orange Arnold (1829), James S. Fisher,William Lincoln (1837), William 712 THE TOWN OF MAINE. Ashley (1837), Le Roy Benton (1838), Anthony W. North (1842), Moses Couse (1845), Frederick Andrews (1846), Prentice Fuller (1836), Dr. Wm. Butler (1830), Dr. Oliver P. Newell (1839), James Bean (1830), Dexter Hathaway (1837). William Hogg, a native of Scotland, born in 1807, came from his former home in Montgomery county to this town in 1836, and founded what afterward was known as the " Scotch " settlement. Soon after- ward others of the same name and nationality came to the settlement, upon which the name was changed to " Hogg" settlement; but the members of the little colony always called their location " Mt. Ettrick," in allusion to the birthplace of James Hogg, the Ettrick shepherd, of Selkirkshire, Scotland. William Hogg was for many years one of the foremost men of Maine, and was justice of the peace full thirty years. Still further, in connection with Maine history, mention also may be made of the names of Henry Sutherland, who was born in the town in 1831; of John J. Allen, born in 1838; Oren Holden, born in 1842, and who since has occupied a prominent position in county poli- tics; of Chester Pitkin and others. Still others who have been factors in Maine history are Eugene M. Andrews, William F. Bean, Leroy M. Benton, Adelbert G. Councilman, Asa U. Curtis, Henry S. Curtis, John C. Curtis, Aaron Delano, Eugene B. Dewey, Jefferson Ransom, Dr. C, N. Guy, William Hogg 2d, James Hogg, Norman P. Brown, James M. Howard, Ephraim Ketchum, William L. Leadbetter, Benjamin F. Lewis, Chester Marean, William H. Sherwood, Henry Marean, William A. Marean, George B. Smith, Peter C. Shafer, Nicholas Westcott, Frank N. Pollard, and others. Organization. — In accordance with the act creating the town, the first meeting for the election of officers was held in the school house in Maine village. The officers of the meeting were John C. Curtis, Sands Miles and Louis Gates, with Nathaniel W. Eastman as clerk. The fol- lowing town officers were chosen : Supervisor, Andrew H. Arnold; town clerk, John W. Hunt; superin- tendent of schools, Marshal Delano; collector, John T. Davis; justices of the peace, Cyrus Gates, John Blanchard, Hanan W. Mooers; assess- ors, Orange H. Arnold, Thomas Young, jr., William H. Tuttle; com- missioners of highways, Hanan Payne, Edward W. Ward; overseers of the poor. Dexter Hathaway, Matthew Allen; pound master, Lyman Pollard. The succession of supervisors in Maine is as follows: Andrew H. THE TOWN OF MAINE. 713 Arnold, 1848; Roger Wing Hinds, 1849-50; Granville Gates, 1851-53; Jefferson Ransom, 1854-55; John C. Curtis, 1856; Jefferson Ransom,' 1857-61; John Hovey, 1862; Jefferson Ransom, 1863-64; Almon R. Payne, 1865; Jefferson Ransom, 1866-67; Aaron Delano, 1868- 69; William H. Sherwood, 1870-71; Peter C. Shafer, 1872; Will- iam H. Sherwood, 1873; Henry Marean, 1874-77; Henry Curtis, 1878-79; Orrin Holden, 1880-81; Norman P. Brown, 1882-83*; Eugene M. Andrews, 1884; Henry Marean, 1885-88; Eugene M. An- drews, 1889-90; Edgar L. Vincent, 1891-95; Orrin Holden, 1896-97; Frank M. Pollard, 1898-1900. The town officers in 1899 were Frank M. Pollard, supervisor; W. J. Bronk, town clerk; W. F. Ingerson, Judson H. Riley, Aaron Delano, justices of the peace; Wellington Carley, James Riddell, T. T. Lawton, assessors; W, A. Pollard, highway commissioner; John N. Davey, over- seer of the poor. Among the civil divisions of the county Maine occupies a central po- sition on the western border. It is without railroads and other internal improvements, hence is a purely agricultural town. When set off from Union in 1848 the population of the new jurisdiction numbered about 1,800 persons, and from that time until 1880 the population gradually mcreased to the maximum number of 2,129 in the year last mentioned. In subsequent years there has been a falling off in number of inhabit- ants, yet in this respect Maine has suffered less than many other towns in the county and region. However, as evidence of the early growth and subsequent decline in the population in the town, the following ex- tracts from the census reports are a fair index. In 1850 the population was 1,843; 1855, 1,979; 1860, 1,609; 1865, 2,061; 1870, 2,035; 1875, 2,069; 1880, 2,129; 1890, 1,692; 1892, 1,649. It may be said, however, that the unofficial count of 1892 cannot be taken as a correct index of the town's population in that year, as the same was made for political purposes alone. VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. Maine Village.— Th.\s pleasantly situated hamlet of about 200 inhab- itants has been the chief center of trade in the town for more than half a century, yet during that period it has not attained sufficient promi- nence and population to warrant an incorporation. William Hovey, whose surname is still preserved in the town, was probably the first resident on the village site, but it was not until about 1825, when 714 THE TOWN OF MAINE. Capt. Stoddard built a mill in the village that a hamlet settlement be- gan to spring up, although the Presbyterian society had a house of worship there several years earlier. The names of all the early mer- chants, except perhaps Milton Taylor, who was in business from 1837 to 1840, are now unknown. In 1840 William Lincoln opened a stock of goods, and in the same year Niles & Perkins began business. Mr. Lincoln came to Maine in 1837 and went into trade three years later; and thereafter was identified with the business history of the town nearly half a century. Among the other early merchants may be men- tioned the names of John Hovey, John T. Davis and Henry S. Chase. One of the most prominent figures in early village history was Lyman Pollard, a native of New Hampshire, who came here in 1829 and began farming and lumbering, carrying on business on a large scale, for he was a man of determination and energy. He erected a store building in 1847, and thereafter was in trade in connection with his other enter- prises. His successors in the old location were Butler & Payne, How- ard & Payne, John Hovey, Pollard & Marean, L. Pollard, Wm. B. Mc- Auley, Thorne & Church, Church Bros., Church, Curtis & Co., Church & Sherwood, Wm. H. Sherwood, W. H. Sherwood & Son, F. A & M. F. Sherwood, W. H. Sherwood & Son, Sherwood & Brooks, F. A. Sher- wood, Brooks & Turner, L. L. Brooks & Son and L. L. Brooks, about in the order mentioned. The building burned in 1895, but was rebuilt by George Martin, its present occupant. Taylor Bros, began business in 1867 and continued until the death of R. D. Taylor, the senior part- ner. The business has since been conducted by B. L. Taylor. The Lincoln store burned in 1895. Mr. Lincoln was one of Maine's best business men and foremost citizens. Francis H. Marean began busi- ness in 1849, first as a clerk, but opened his own stock of goods in 1854; and thereafter he was in active trade many years, a part of the time in company with his son Henry. The old Marean store is now carried on by Fred A. Benson. In 18G5 Maine was a village of business activity, containing several large stores and a number of other important industries. In that year the merchants doing business here were A. R. Payne, William Lincoln, Lyman Pollard and F. H. Marean & Son. The lumbering and milling interests then were represented by W. C. Pollard, J. W. Councilman and D. C. Norton. Ephraim Ketchum was proprietor of the hotel, and Drs. William Butler and Carlton R. Heaton attended to the sick calls of the townsfolk. THE TOWN OF MAINE. 715 The first village tavern was built in 1825 by Oliver Whitcomb. An- other public house was afterward erected by Norman B. Smith, and still is occupied for hotel purposes, having passed through many pro- prietorships. Ephraim Ketchum became its landlord in 1860, and the house is still owned by his family. Among the other business characters of the village may be mentioned Halcom Brooks, A. J. Church, druggist; Albert Butler, druggist; Michael Moores, cabinet maker, established 1830; William Flint, who succeeded Moores in 1860; Leroy Bostwick, successor to A. J. Church; and Charles Bowers, cabinet maker, successor to Wm. Flint. Of the old time milling interests few now remain. The once busy Slosson mill passed into the hands of Carman & Green, who now operate it. The John Councilman mill has been gone three years. The Albert G. Councilman mill was eventually replaced with a new one, and the latter was burned about two years ago. A tannery was built in the village in 1832 by E. H. Clark, and was operated by him many years, during which time it was frequently en- larged and became the leading industry of the town. Its subsequent owners were William Sandord, 1862; Franklin Thorne, 1863; Sherwood & Co., 1866; Allison & Sherwood, 1871; W. H. Sherwood & Co., 1884, and still later by F. A. Sherwood. The buildings were torn down about 1895 and on the site now stands the Wells & Corwin creamery building. At the present time Maine has a less number and variety of business interests than were noticeable a quarter of a century and more ago, but those that remain are of a substantial and apparently permanent char- acter. The present business men of the village are George F. Mariin, Taylor Bros., A. U. Curtis and W. E. Dyer, general stores; Henry De- lano, variety store ; Leroy Bostwick, druggist ; E. S. Ellis and Herman Purtell, meats; F. A. Benson, merchant; Wells & Corwin, creamery. The institutions of the village are the Y. M. C. A., organized May 1, 1879, and now having a membership of 100 persons; Maine Lodge No. 399, F. & A. M., a strong organization; and a lodge of K. of H., organ- ized in 1877. Sherwood lodge. Knights and Ladies of the Golden Star, once a flourishing body, now is inactive. The village also has a good district school and three churches— Meth- odist Episcopal, Baptist and Congregational, all of which are men- tioned in another department of this work. Maine was made a post station in 1828. The postmasters in succes- 716 THE TOWN OF MAINE. sion have been John C. Curtis, Norman B. Smith, E. H. Clark, John H. Hunt, Lyman Pollard, D. S. Ball. F. H. Marean, George B. Smith, Freeman C. Curlhair, George B. Smith and Freeman C. Curlhair. Among the village physicians, past and present, may be mentioned Drs. William Butler, Oliver Newell, J. T. Clark, S. M. Hunt, W. H. Niles, A. C. Noble, George Young, C. R. Heaton, Clement H. Guy, Dwight Dudley and William Clark. Drs. Dudley and Clark now are practicing in the village. East Maine is a post station in the southeast part of the town, the post-office having been established for the convenience of the residents of the locality. The only store is kept by James Aker, who also is the postmaster. The East Maine creamery is the only industry of the vicinity. The public institutions are the Presbyterian and Methodist churches and the district school. North Maine is the name of a locality in the north part of the town, where a store is sometimes kept, and where also is a M. E. church and society. Bowers' Corners is the name of a settlement about a mile north of Maine village, in the locality where Gardner Bowers settled in 1822. A store was opened here in 1865 by J. M. & C. J. Bowers, but at the present time the place is without business interests other than one or two small shops. Schools. — In relation to the schools of the town little can or need be written. When Maine was set off from Union, the territory compris- ing the new jurisdiction was already divided into districts suited to the convenience of the inhabitants, hence little was required to be done other than to readjust the district boundaries. As now disposed, the town contains fourteen districts, two of which are joint with other towns and have no school house in the county. According to the com- missioner's report for the year ending July 31, 1899, the amount of pub- lic moneys apportioned to the town was $1,435.78, while the town raised by tax the sum of $1,584.65. During the year there was paid for teachers' wages the sum of $2,865.10. In the year mentioned the school census showed 272 children in the town of school age. THE TOWN OF VESTAL. 717 CHAPTER XXXIII. THE TOWN OF VESTAL. This town comprises portions of several large land patents, principal among which were the Hooper-Wilson-Bingham tract, the first and second tracts in Sidney township, and the Morris Edgar tract. A very- small part of the historic Boston Purchase tract lies in this town, includ- ing lots Nos. 204, 222 and parts of two others. This was the land on which pioneers Samuel and Daniel Seymour settled in 1785, and since that time, by reason of the prominence of these pioneers and their de- scendants, the locality of their residence is familiar ground to old resi- dents of Vestal, Union and Binghamton. Vestal was set off from Union, January 22, 1823. It contains 32,257 acres of land and occupies a position in the southwest corner of the county. Among the divisions of Broome county the town ranks fourth in size. Along the valley of the Susquehanna is found some of the richest agricultural land in the region, the soil being a deep, gravelly loam and alluvium, while on the hills is a good quality of slat/ loam, which is admirably adapted to grazing and grain growing. The princi- pal water courses, except the river, are Choconut and Tracy creeks, the latter originally having been known as Randall's creek. At the mouth of Choconut creek, not far from the present village of Vestal, was once the Tuscarora Indian village of Choconut, which to the soldiers of Clinton's and Poor's armies was known as " Chugnutt." On August 18, 1779, an army of 900 Americans under General Poor encamped on the site of the village and destroyed all the Indian habita- tions to the number of about 20 houses and cabins. According to the report of Major Norris, an officer of Poor's command, the Indians had abandoned the village and fled before the approach of the whites, but on the land in the vicinity the soldiers found growing crops, cucumbers, squashes and turnips in abundance, all of which were destroyed. General Poor's detachment comprised a small portion of General Sul- livan's main army, and was sent from Tioga Point (Athens) up the Susquehanna to reinforce the army under General Clinton, the latter 718 THE TOWN OF VESTAL. having proceeded down the river from Otsego lake, destroying all In- dian villages and crops, and driving the savages from the valley. Clin- ton's army was delayed in its journey, and was not at the rendezvous at the appointed time. This delay led Sullivan to believe that Clinton was meeting with considerable opposition, therefore he sent Poor up the river to assist and join forces with the army coming down. Poor's men arrived at Chugnutt on August 18, and on the same day Clinton's men were destroying the Indian village on the site of the city of Binghamton and another about a mile up the Chenango. On the following day the forces united at a point between Vestal village and the city, and thence proceeded down the river on their expedition of destruction and punishment. Poor's men, however, were not the first whites to visit this locality, as the valley long had been the route of travel between the upper and lower regions of the Susquehanna, and frequently was used by the Moravian missionaries. Also in the summer of 1 779, previous to the pass- age of the armies referred to, General Sullivan had sent a party of scouts with dispatches for Gen. Clinton. The party came up along the south side of the river, and evidently one of them became impressed with the lands here, as he afterwards came to live in the town and was one of its worthy pioneers. That man was John Rush, some of whose descend- ants ever since have lived in the county. In 1782, three years after the destruction of Chugnutt by the Ameri- can army, Amos Draper established a trading post at the mouth of the creek, and formed a friendly relation with the Indians, for he wanted their peltries and gave them trinkets and poor rum in exchange. While Draper perhaps was the advance guard of civilization he was not a pioneer, for he made no attempt to cultivate the land or to establish a permanent home. A year or two later James McMaster came down the valley from the Mohawk, visited Draper in a friendly way, and then went on to Ahwaga (Owego), where he settled and where Drap- er afterward joined him. Amos Draper probably was the first white settler within the limits of the town, but he was not its pioneer. That honor perhaps should have been accorded to John Rush,' for it is believed that his earlier visit determined him in favor of the locality, although his actual settle- 1 John Weston who lived in Vestal many years, was one of John Rush's companions on the trip from Tioga Point to General Clinton. His life in the town was quietly spent, and little is known of his history or antecedents. THE TOWN OF VESTAL. 719 ment was delayed until several years afterward. Now, briefly, let us see who were the earliest permanent settlers in Vestal. Major David Barney is said to have been the first permanent set- tler in Vestal, and that he came here in 1785, making the journey from Cooperstown in a canoe; and that an accident occurred in which his children narrowly escaped drowning. In the same year also came Daniel and Samuel Seymour, whom some writers have mentioned as brothers. It is doubtful if they were at all related, and if so very distantly. They settled on their lots on the Boston Purchase, the only portion of that tract which lay south of the river. Both were worthy pioneers and enterprising citizens, and were prominent factors in the early civil history of the town and county. Both had a substantial line of descendants, and the surname ever since has been represented by some of the county's best citizens. Asa Camp, whose surname afterwards was more prominent in Tioga than Broome county history, came in 1787. He was a patriot of the revolution, and frequently was addressed as "Colonel" Camp. Joshua Mersereau, whose descendants still are numerous in the county, came to Vestal in 1789. John Mersereau, the head of another branch of the same family, came in 1798, and built the first house on the farm after- ward occupied by Washington I. Weed. Bethias Dubious came about 1794. His son Daniel built the first grist mill at the mouth of Choco- nut creek, and the property remained in the family nearly a century. John Fairbrother came in 1796 and settled about a mile south of Vestal Centre. He was a famous hunter, and is said to have killed as many as 2,500 deer in his time. John La Grange came from New Jersey about 1795 and located on lands near Judge Mersereau, who was his uncle. The La Grange surname afterward was prominent in Vestal and Binghamton history. Abram Winans, a revolutionary patriot, came about 1796. He was father of Peter M. Winans and grandfather of Abram Winans, both of whom were afterward well known in Vestal history. David Willis came from New Jersey in 1796, and was the head of a large family whose descendants still live in the county. Amos and Samuel Morse came in 1797. Peter La Tourette, whose descendants were for many years connected with Vestal history, and incidentally with the history of Binghamton, came from New Jersey in 1802. Al- though once numerous the surname now has few representatives in the town or the county. Alfred Rounds, whose descendants still are fac- tors in local history, came about 1797. He built a mill on Choconut creek, the property being owned in the family for many years. 720 THE TOWN OF VESTAL. Jonathan Crane was the pioneer head of a prominent family in early Vestal history, but few representatives of the surname now are in the town or county. George W. Crane, supervisor of Vestal, and owner of the Vestal grist mill, is a descendant of the pioneer. Jonathan Crane kept the first store at Crane's Ferry, as the locality was once known, but about 1825 he removed to his farm south of Vestal village. He came to the town about 1799. The late Dr. Peabody married a daugh- ter of pioneer Crane. Ryerson Winans came about the same time and purchased a 500-acre farm. Among the other early settlers in Vestal were Thomas Eldridge (an old revolutionary soldier), John Baty (a native of Ireland), Elias Willis (who came with his widowed mother in 1796), Samuel Randall (a Ver- monter, for whom Randall's creek was named), Samuel Murdock, Rev. William Davenport, Joseph and Samuel Chidester, John Locke (a Rev- olutionary patriot and an active participant in the famous " Boston tea party." Mr. Locke was grandfather of the noted humorist, D. R. Locke, otherwise known as " Petroleum V. Nasby. " Nathaniel Locke, father of the writer, had a tanner}^ in Vestal between 1835 and 1840). Among the later factors in Vestal history may be recalled the names of Samuel A. Randall, Nathaniel Benjamin, Elijah Wheeler, Edwin D. Brown, Alvin Landon, Allen Benjamin (born in Vestal, 1821), Samuel Chamberlain, William A. Drum, Charles N. Castleman, Elias W. Crane (born in Vestal, 1819), Henry B. Leonard, Almon H. and Leonard W. Fairbrother, Thomas R. Gates, L P. Harvey, Peter La Tourette, Mar- vin Landon, Marvin M. Maricle, L. A. Mason, John A. Murphy, Jabez C. Newell, Hiram W. Peabody, Cornelius M. Pierce, George E. Ross, Theodore Randall (born in Vestal, 1833), Thomas J. Ross, Aaron S. Russell, Silas T. Swan, Parley Tilbury, David B. West and Abram Winans (born in Vestal, 1832). From the number of names and known quality of the men who have been mentioned on the preceding pages it must be seen that Vestal en- joyed a rapid and healthful growth during the early years of the cent- ury. Indeed, the town ever has been noted for the worthy character of its inhabitants, and their worth has been recognized, as the town has furnished a fair proportion of the strongest men of the county. With an ample population and all local interests firmly established, it was little wonder that the settlers early sought a separation from the mother town and the organization of a new jurisdiction south of the river. This result, however, was not accomplished until several years after THE TOWN OF VESTAL. 721 the first steps were taken in that direction, for Union did not favor the project looking to a division of its territory when the subject was first proposed. Organization.— kX the first town meeting in Vestal, held February 11, 1833, officers were elected as follows: Supervisor, Samuel Murdock; town clerk, David Mersereau; assessors, Daniel Mersereau, James Brewster, Nathan Barney; collector, Nathaniel Benjamin; poundmas- ters, Ephraim Potts, Nathaniel Benjamin; justices of the peace (appt'd by the governor), Lewis Seymour, John Seymour, Ezekiel Taylor. The succession of supervisors, since 1849 (the earliest county record attainable), is as follows: Benjamin Rounds, 1849-50; Cornelius Mer- sereau, 1851-52; Christopher R. Mersereau, 1853; Daniel M. Layton, 1854; Samuel C. Foster, 1855; Daniel M. Layton, 1856; Cornelius Mer- sereau, 1857-58; Jacob L. Rounds, 1859; Edward Barton, 1860; Samuel E. Weed, 1861-63; Jacob L. Rounds, 1864-65; George E. Ross, 1866- 67; Washington L Weed, 1868; George F. Coggswell, 1869; John Wheeler, 1870-71; J. L. Rounds, 1872; George E. Ross, 1873; J. L. Rounds, 1874-77; George E. Ross, 1878; Lucius A. Mason, 1879-80; D. H. Plough, 1881; E. B. Mersereau, 1882; Abram Winans, 1883; Samuel Chamberlain, 1884; Charles Shores, 1885; Samuel Chamber- lin, 1886-87; Henry D. Harrington, 1888-90; Oren J. White, 1891-92; Jacob B. Crane, 1893; Oren J. White, 1894-95; Wesley J. Osincup, 1896-97; Henry D. Harrington, 1898; George Crane, 1899. Town officers, 1899: George W. Crane, supervisor; Joseph C. Kel- lum, town clerk; E. B. Mersereau, Lee M. Winans, B. C Plough, James C. Brown, justices of the peace; Augustus J. Lester, collector; Fred A. Pierce, John D. Willis, Chester Brimmer, assessors; Halsey W. Noyes, highway commissioner; Tobias Plough, Harlan W. Leter, Orman Rhein- vault, overseer of the poor. The greatest growth in the history of the town, as indicated by the census reports, was between the years 1845 and 1850, the number of inhabitants then being increased from 1,017 to 2,054 during the period of five years. At that time lumbering was at its height, and in the production Vestal was among the leading towns of the county. The industry was maintained until about 1875 and then began to decline, although it never has been fully discontinued. In 1838 the town con- tained two grist mills, 15 saw mills, one fulling mill, one cotton mill, one distillery, one oil cloth factory and two tanneries. Now all these industries, except a flouring and grist mill and also one or two saw 46 722 THE TOWN OF VESTAL. mills, have disappeared, and Vestal is a purely agricultural town. Pre- vious to twenty-five years ago large quantities of hops were grown here and proved to be a fairly profitable crop. Still later, Harvey Westcott started an extensive brickyard in the eastern part of the town and car- ried on a successful business several years. The only special industry now in this locality is George L. Harding's fertilizer and poultry food factory. In 1825 Vestal contained 794 inhabitants. The subsequent fluctua- tions in population are shown by the following extracts from the census reports: In 1830 the population was 948; 1835, 1,124; 1840, 1,253; 1845, 1,017; 1850,2,054; 1855, 1,967; 1860, 2,211; 1865, 1,939; 1870, 2,221; 1875, 2,023; 1880, 2,184; 1890, 2,076; 1892, 2,118. Schools. — In 1823, when this town was set off from Union, the terri- tory was divided into four school districts by Commissioners David Mer- sereau, James Brewster and John La Grange. At that time the num- ber of children in the town between the ages of five and fifteen years was 210. In 1838 the number of districts had increased to 7, and the number of children to 325. Twenty years later the districts numbered 18, and the children 372. According to the disposition of school inter- ests at the present time the districts number 15, and the children be- tween the ages of five and sixteen years, 442. During the year ending July 31, 1899, the town received a total of $4,660.10 for school pur- poses, $1,944.89 of which was apportioned to the town from the state public school funds, and $2,451.77 were raised by town tax. In that year the amount paid teachers was $3,753.91. In the various district libraries of the town are 538 volumes of books. VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. Vestal. — While this hamlet never has attained the population or com- mercial importance to warrant a corporate character, it nevertheless has been an important trading center for about three-quarters of a cent- ury. To the soldiers in Generals Clinton's and Poor's armies the local- ity was known as Choconut, the men having a way of rendering the name as "Chugnutt. " When Jonathan Crane, who had much to do with founding the settlement, opened a stock of goods and a tavern the place took the name of Crane's Ferry. The worthy pioneer was inter- ested in that enterprise as well as merchandising and keeping a tavern. Jacob Rounds was another old storekeeper here, and succeeded Mr. Crane. A second hotel was built in 1844 by John and Jacob Rounds, who for a time acted as its landlords. THE TOWN OF VESTAL. 723 From these small beginnings Vestal village grew into a hamlet of considerable prominence, and in 1865 at least twenty residents of the town made it the center of trade of some sort besides farming. The dealers found a ready market for all their products inBinghamton, and vast quantities besides were shipped down the river. The opening of the D. , L. & W. railroad had an enlivening effect on all interests for a time, but it is doubtful if the results were of permanent benefit. The present merchants are J. S. Crane and W. S. Pierce, both of whom represent an element of pioneership in the town. The principal industry is the Vestal flouring mill, now owned and operated by George W.Crane, who is descended from Jonathan Crane, the pioneer. The mill is modern in every respect, yet the site on which it stands has long been used for milling purposes. The creamery and milk station com- prise the remaining interests of the village. The public institutions are the M. E. church and the graded school of District No. 2. During the period of its history Vestal has produced many strong men for the good of the county, and among them may be mentioned the names of Dr. Peabody, who eventually removed to Bingharaton and died there; Dr. Witherill, who settled here in 1835, and whose de- scendants now are factors in the history of this town and also of Union; Dr. Theo. P. Knapp, who still practices in Union; and Dr. Samuel B. Foster, who was born in Vestal in 1825, and who practiced many years in that vicinity. Tracy Creek. — At one time this hamlet was the rival of Vestal in business importance, but after the lumbering industry began to decline the place lost much of its old-time prominence. In this locality Henry Osincup was one of the earliest settlers, and his surname ever since has been well represented in the county. Samuel Campbell is said to have built the first dwelling house on the village site. Among the other and perhaps later factors in the history of the lo- cality were Daniel M. Clark, James Noyes (merchant), Henry Tucker (who came here in 1823). Peter Joslyn, William Boyce, Joseph and Samuel Chidester, Daniel Jenks and still others whose names are now forgotten. At one time Tracy Creek was the abiding place of a number of min- isters of the gospel, and their influence and example always had an ex- cellent effect on the moral status of the community. Among these clergymen were Revs. W. W. Davenport, B.C. Coffin, Edward Under- wood, Henry H. Cole, Daniel Warwick, Nathan Bacon, D. D. Brown, Hiram Gale and A. R. Campbell. 734 THE TOWN OF VESTAL. Richard Baker was an early store keeper, and was followed in later years by Robert Wheeler, James Tucker, Jerry Rowland, Noyes& Bul- lock, James Goodno, C. D. Burrows, Daniel Westfall and John Baker. Other factors in local business history were John Card (miller), Fred Pangburn, Alex. Mosher, Ira Brister, Joseph Rowland, Levi Gobleand G. Baker. The present business men of the hamlet are G. L. Manning, merchant; John Card, saw mill, and the Tracy Creek creamery, L. E. Russell, treasurer. The institutions of the place are the Methodist Episcopal and Re- form Methodist churches and the district school. Vestal Centre. — This hamlet is located on Big Choconut creek, four miles east of Tracy Creek. In this vicinity Jabesh Truesdell settled in 1804. Other early comers to the locality were Samuel and Silas Trues- dell, Aaron King, Daniel Price, Jacob Maricle, Lewis Rogers, John Simpson and Gilbert Roberts. In connection with local history the names of James Lathrop, Norman Rheinvault, Charles Swan, Samuel Wells, A. Piatt and Wm. Chase are also worthy of mention. Richard Gordon was an early merchant, doing business soon after 1840. Later store keepers were J. Crosby, Jefferson Piatt, Henry V. Batcher, Daniel Westfall, George Cooper and Coe Wells. The names of Silas T. Swan, Russell Miller, Simeon Westfall, N. Grippen and Samuel Foster are recalled in connection with milling interests in the locality. The pres- sent steam grist mill is carried on by Charles Pierson. Henry V, Batcher still is in trade, and is the only merchant of consequence in the hamlet. The institutions are the Methodist Episcopal and Baptist churches and the district school. Ross' Corners is the name of a locality in which David Ross once car- ried on extensive lumbering operations. He was in business between 1835 and 1850 and "rafted" vast quantities of lumber down the river. Rev. John B. White, a Methodist preacher, once carried on blacksmith- ing in the settlement. Ross' Corners now is hardly more than a name. THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. 725 CHAPTER XXXIV. THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. This town was formed from Chenango, March 2, 1807, including- all its present territory and also that of the adjoining towns of Sanford and Colesville, which were set off in 1821. A part of Conklin was an- nexed in 1831, and a small part of the mother town was annexed to Conklin (now Kirkwood) in 1851. Within its present limits the town has an area of 54,573 acres of land, and in point of resources and gen- eral productiveness it ranks first among the divisions of the county. Moreover, Windsor is the largest town in the county, with an area equal to that of two ordinary townships, a little more than eighty-five square miles of land. More than a century before the advent of the hardy New England pioneer, the town of Windsor was the temporary abode of several whites, one of whom, if history be true, was a \\"oman; but still earlier than that the valley of the Susquehanna in the vicinity of Windsor village was inhabited by the Tuscarora Indians. This people originated from the aborigines of New York, but broke away from the parent race and established itself in the far south, in the Carolinas, as history in- forms us. In the early part of the eighteenth century the Tuscaroras became involved in a v/ar with the whites in the south (the latter being allied to the Powhattans in the contest) and were driven from the region. They fled north and sought refuge with the Five Nations of the then province of New York, and were assigned to the country south of that occupied by the Oneidas and Onondagas, or, in other words, in the regions of the Susquehanna valley, where they established numerous villages. They came here sometime between 1712 and 1720, and the frequent attempts to ascribe to them an earlier occupancy of the valley is both erroneous and ill-advised. The Tuscarora village which we now call Ouaquaga and Oquaga (but which has been spelled and pronounced by historians in at least fifty different ways) was established by this people, and the numerous large and thrifty apple trees which the New England missionaries, and 726 THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. the still later arriving soldiers of Clinton's army, found within the lim- its of the town, were planted by these Indians after their arrival, and after their partial adoption of white customs, which virtually dated from the time of Sir William Johnson coming among the Iroquois about 1735. Writers have too frequently accorded to the Tuscaroras an antiquity to which they were not entitled, and the youthful mind in search of truth should not be longer misled. During his incumbency of the office of superintendent of Indian af- fairs, William Johnson (afterward Colonel William and still later Sir William Johnson) did much to spread the gospel among the Indians of New York, and encouraged the visits of the missionaries among all the allied tribes. But the politic superintendent was not vvholl}^ inspired with christian motives to the disregard of the interests of his sovereign, and many of his apparently philanthropic actions were performed in the earnest endeavor to form a permanent alliance with the tribes of the Iroquois in an impending conflict with the French. The powers sought control of the territory of this state, and the friendship of the Six Nations was eagerly courted by each. The French made friends with the Senecas, and the English, through Johnson, with the eastern tribes of the confederacy, and in extending frontier outposts in each direction the fort or castle at the foot of Oquaga hill was built about the time of the last outbreak between the English and the French, It probably was built about 1754, and was one of the strongholds es- established by the English on the frontier in this direction. Through the agency of Johnson a chapel or church edifice was erected at the village, and American missionaries were sent to the place to labor among the Indians. Thus it was that Rev. John Ogilvie, Gideon Haw- ley, Samuel Kirkland, Timothy Woodbridge, and Eleazer Wheelock in their narratives so frequently alluded to the Indian settlement at Oquaga. Here, too, for a time dwelt Mr. and Mrs. Ashley, who were sent to as- sist in missionary work, the latter being an interpreter and of great service to the missionaries, while Mr. Ashley did not find favor either with the Indians or their white teachers. According to Mr. Hawley's narrative, Mrs. Ashley died and was buried in Oquaga in August, 1757. Jonathan Edwards, when a boy of nine years of age, was sent by his father to the Oquaga mission to learn the Indian language. The same boy, when grown, eventually became president of Princeton college, and one of his grandsons, Edward Edwards, was among the pioneers of Lisle. THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. 727 During the French and English war, which closed in 1763, the Oquaga mission was regarded as an important outpost, but during the war of the revolution it acquired still greater prominence. From here a por- tion of the troop of Tories and Indians who perpetrated the slaughter at Wyoming prepared for that expedition, and on their return with booty and prisoners a brief stop was made at this place. Here, too, Brant and his merciless associates planned the massacre at Cherry Val- ley. So notorious indeed did Oquaga become during the early years of the war that in 1778 Col. Butler was sent with a strong force of Americans to drive out the occupants and burn the village ; which he did, and when Clinton's army came down the valley in the summer of 1779 only a few scattering habitations remained standing. On Saturday, August 14, 1779, the right flank of Clinton's army ar- rived at the fording place on the Susquehanna, two miles above the In- dian village. The water was found to be too deep for the men to ford the river, hence they had recourse to the boats in crossing over to the east side. They then crossed over a high hill and at 3 o'clock in the afternoon reached the principal village, where the men encamped " on very pretty ground," as one narrative says. Lieut. Beatty thus describes "Onoquaga" in 1779: This is one of the neatest towns on the Susquehanna. It was built on each side of the river with good log houses, with stone chimneys and glass windows. It likewise had a church and burying ground and a great number of apple trees. We saw the ruins of an old fort which formerly was here many years ago (meaning the fort previously described, which was built less than thirty years earlier). The Indians abandoned this town last fall, when they heard of our detachment coming to destroy it. They had just left it when we ' came in but we did not catch any of them, but burnt their town to ashes and the detachment returned. From the afternoon of August 14 to the morning of the 17th, Clinton remained in camp at Oquaga, giving his men needed rest and also awaiting reinforcements which had been sent to join him here. The expected troops were the New York levies under Col. Pawling, but they did not reach Oquaga until after Clinton's departure, upon which they returned to Warwarsing. On Sunday and Monday the men remamed m camp, and on the latter day Major Church with the 4th Penn. regiment went out to meet the hoped for reinforcements, but was disappointed. On Tuesday, August 17, at 8 o'clock in the morning, Clinton's men > Lieut. Beatty was with Col. Butler's force in 1778. 738 THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. marched from Oquaga down the river three miles to another Tuscarora village which Butler's men destroyed the year before. Here they waded the river, about four feet deep, and went on down one mile to the Tus- carora town (of 10 or 12 houses) of Shawiangto, which was burned. They then passed on down ten or twelve miles, over a very barren, mountainous country to the Tuscarora settlement called Ingaren, at or near Great Bend village. The Indian village called Shawiangto was within the limits of the present town of Windsor, and according to Mr. Conover's history of Clinton's expedition, was very near the site of Windsor village. The object of Gen. Clinton's invasion of the valley country of the Susquehanna was to drive out the Indians and to destroy every vestige of their habitation and growing crops. He scrupulously carried out his mission and then joined forces with Gen. Sullivan for a still more elaborate expedition against the Indians in the Genesee country. In the early part of May, 1779, in preparing for this somewhat elaborate campaign, a force was sent to open roads for the probable needs of the armies which were to operate. Accordingly, Col. Van Courtlandt's 2d New York regiment and Col. Spencer's New Jersey regiment were or- dered to precede the army and construct a road over the mountains in Pennsylvania leading most directly to Wyoming. They followed the Indian trails mainly, one of which led from Easton, by the way of Wind Gap, directly north along the high lands between the Delaware and Sus- quehanna rivers to the New York line near Oquaga, in the town of Wind- sor, This road, however, was not much used by the troops, but in the early civil history of the region it became a noted thoroughfare of travel for the pioneers. Within ten years next following the events noted on preceding pages, this part of the Susquehanna valley was again visited by the white man, but his mission was unlike that of his predecessors. John Doolittle came into the valley in 1786 or 1788 (on this point authorities differ, but the year first mentioned probably was correct) and located near the mouth of Doolittle creek, which was named in allusion to his family. Nearly all the persons bearing this surname and living in Colesville, Windsor and in Binghamton, are descendants from this worthy pioneer. Mr. Doolittle began an improvement and before much progress was made there came David Hotchkiss, with four stalwart sons, Amraphael, Cy- rus, Charles and Gilead, from whom have descended some of the fore- most business and professional men this county has produced, and who THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. 729 also are numbered among the prominent men of the county even to the present day. According- to authentic records, Frederick Goodell came in 1787, John Garnsey in 1788, Joel Guernsey in 1791, Samuel Stow in 1193, each being of New England ancestry and the head of a prominent fam- ily in subsequent Windsor history. Among the other early settlers in the town may be mentioned the names of Sebastian Comstock, who is said to have settled here in 1787; Paul Atwell, a revolutionary patriot, whose warrant for services as a soldier permitted him to take up land in the town ; Capt. James Knox, who came as early as 1790, and settled in the north part of the town, and from whom have descended a number of prominent men; Stephen Weeks, who came in 1805; Leverett Russell, whose settlement dated early in the century. In the same connection as early settlers and worthy men in the region may be recalled the names or Jacob Springsteen, Justus Beecher, Jas- per Edwards (1794), Roswell Higley, Ezra Barton, Col. Leman Mason (son of Capt. Luther Mason, a revolutionary patriot), John S. Eggles- ton, Elias Whittemore, Jarius Stewart and Thomas Judd. Wilkinson's Annals of Binghamton, in referring to the early settlers along the Sus- quehanna, mentions many men in connection with early Windsor his- tory, and whether or not all were within the present limits of the town it will not be amiss to reproduce their names in this brief chapter. Ac- cording to the authority of that careful writer, the dwellers in the val- ley in this region were Samuel and Edmund Badger, John and Jacob Springsteen, Capt. Knox, Wm. Moore, Isaac Churcher, John Stewart, Ed- ward Russell, Asa Judd, Nathan Lane and Azariah Hatch, all of whom were located on the east side of the river. On the other side he recalls the names of Ebenezer, Major John and Dr. Garnsey, Mr. Potter, Judge George Harpur, David Hotchkiss, Major Josiah Stow, Jonathan Andrus and John and Abel Doolittle. In the same manner, and drawing information from all reliable sources, the additional names of Timothy Beebe, Elmore Russell, Philip Weeks, Eri Kent, Allen Andrews, Selden Watrous, Peter, David and Derrick Van Duzer, Seeley Payne, Capt. Waller, Lyman Stillson (for whom Stillson Hollow was named), Daniel Blatchley (whose family have long lived in the vicinity of Randolph Center), Israel D wight, John Dusenbury (father of the late George and Harpur Dusenbury, two of Windsor's most successful business men in later years), Justus Beecher, Benjamin Alden, Alexander Rogers, Michael Hupman, Amos 730 THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. Griggs, Hiram Blakeslee, Samuel R. Garlick, John B. Watrous, Will- iam Riley, Henry M. Knowlton, Zaccheus Phillips, Stephen Stilwell, Joseph Brown, Abijah Wilmot, Charles Rose, and others, all of whom were connected in some way with the events of early history in Wind- sor, and many of whose descendants are among the present citizens of the town and county. Having thus recalled the names of as many as possible of the pioneers and early settlers in the town, it is proper that in the present connec- tion there also may be mentioned the names of men who have been identified with Windsor history in more recent years, as it is the pur- pose" of this chapter to recall those who have been factors in that his- tory, whether in earlier or more recent years. In this category men- tion may be made of Benjamin F. Alden, Matthew Anderson, Rev. Erastus Andrus, Robert Ash, Samuel C. Atwell, Silas P. Brown, Charles W. Brownell (of the 5th New York Heavy art. in 1861-5), James W. Bell, Clark Beebe, Thomas Bevan, Vernon C. Blatchley, (prominent in town affairs), Fred H. Blakeslee, Albert C. Blatchley, Joseph H. Brownell (lumberman, member of assembly, and several terms supervisor), Jarius S. Chase (better known as " Squire " Chase), Orrin W. Childs, Adin W. Coburn (founder of the whip manufacturing industry which has given employment to Windsor village workmen for more than 45 years), Sebastian Comstock, Chester Dwight (born in Wind- sor in 1821), Alvin Edwards (born in Windsor, 1832), Dr. Isaac C. Ed- son (the old practicing physician, supervisor and assemblyman), Will- iam E. Edwards (born in Windsor, 1846, and of revolutionary ancestry), Merritt Eggleston (born in Windsor, 1833), Pinckney English, Charles F. English, Charles E. Garlick, Isaac B. Hanson, Stephen W. Hill, Aaron P. Hupman, John Hupman, Leman M. Judd, Seymour L. Judd (captain, Co. G, 89th N. Y. Vol. inf.), Eri Kent (at one time one of the most extensive farmers and land owners in the town), George Knox (lumberman and farmer), Milton Knox (several terms supervisor and a successful farmer), Henry W. Knowlton (assessor and enumerator of federal census in 1870), Henry Manwarren (from whom has descended some of Windsor's best men), Sterne A, Mason (son of Col. Leman Mason, the pioneer), Myron Phelps, William W. Phillips, Zaccheus Phillips, Frank Plunkett (of Co. G, 89th N. Y. inf. ; wounded at An- tietam), Gambia Rider (father of Chas. A. Rider, the old postmaster, merchant, and prominent man in the town and West Windsor for many years. John A. Rider, county treasurer for the last fifteen years, is THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. 731 another worthy son among the eight children of Gambia Rider), Lewis Riley (better known as "Squire" Riley, the veteran justice'of the peace, and otherwise a valuable and prominent figure in Windsor his- tory for many years), William H. Roberts, John Rogers, Lewis S. Simpkins (of Co. E, 109th N. Y. Vols.), Gurley Springsteen (born in Windsor, 1833), Frank S. Smith (second captain Co. G, 89th vols., commissioned by order of Gen. Scofield. Capt. Smith now lives in Binghamton, and for several years has been superintendent of Ross Park), Stephen P. Stillwell (grandson of Stephen Stilwell, who settled in Windsor in 1825), Merritt Stow (son of Abel Stow, the pioneer), James E. Waite (a sketch of whose business life may be found among the factors in Binghamton history), John B. Watrous (whose family name is numerous in the town), Asa M. Watrous (son of Selden and grandson of John Watrous, the latter an early settler in Colesville), William W. Watrous (the old assessor, highway commissioner and lumberman; born in Colesville, 1829), Henry L. Watson, Robert B. Watson, William Wheeler (born in Windsor; lawyer; son of Franklin G. Wheeler, the latter a veteran lawyer in Windsor village, whose prac- tice continued several years after he was totally blind.) These were among the factors in Windsor history after the pioneers had laid the foundation for the permanency of the town and its institu- tions. In another chapter of this work will also be found a record of the lives and works of other persons who have contributed to local growth and prosperity in still later years. It is hoped, however, and verily believed that nearly every present resident in Windsor can trace relationship to some of the factors who have been mentioned on pre- ceding pages. Before leaving this branch of Windsor history it is appropriate that the revolutionary record of the town be furnished. Among the settlers were many men who served in the American army during the struggle for national freedom, and who afterward took up their abode in this part of the Susquehanna valley; and it appears that in Windsor in par- ticular they cast their lot, for the fertility of the lands was made known through the reports of Clinton's soldiers after the invasion of the val- ley in 1779. So far as is now known, the revolutionary soldiers, pat- riots every one, who came to live in Windsor were as follows: Paul Atwell, Israel Alden, Jonathan Andrus, James Brown, George Bay- less, Nathan Burlingame, John Bartis, Azel Bentley, Jasper Edwards, Seth Edson,Elnathan Fitch, Joel Garnsey(1791),Roswell Higley (1792), 732 THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. Joseph Heath, Garner Knowlton, Joshua Knowlton, Malachi Loveland, Edmund Russell, Elijah Smith (1789), John Stewart (also spelled Stuart), Samuel Stow, (1793), and Benjamin Warner. The foregoing list may not be fully complete, but many families now in the town can undoubtedly trace their ancestry to some of the old patriots whose names are recorded in this chapter. It seems hardly possible that nearly twenty-five survivors of the American revolution should have lived in Windsor during the period of its early history, yet the above record seems to prove the truth of the statement. Organization. — As has been mentioned in a preceding paragraph, Windsor was set off from Ghenango March 27, 1807, and was duly or- ganized in accordance with the provisions of the creating act. The names of the first town officers are now unknown, owing to the unfor- tunate loss of early town records. The supervisors of Windsor, beginning with the year 1815, have been as follows: Jesse Doolittle, 1815; Elijah Smith, 1816-17; no record, 1818; Thomas Blakeslee, 1819; Elijah Smith, 1820; Amraphael Hotch- kiss, 1821; Elias Whitmore, 1822-23; Joel Garnsey, 1824; no record, 1825; Elijah Smith, 1826-28; Barzilla Marvin, 1829-30; Neri Blatchley, 1831-36; George Dusenbury, 1837-40; Simeon Woodruff, 1841-42; Usebe Kent, 1843; Silas S. Sage, 1844-45; Anson Peet, 1846; John L, Graham, 1847; Henry L. Sleeper, 1848; John L. Graham, 1849; Horace Goodrich, 1850; Philo Comstock, 1851; Sheldon Buckingham, 1852; Horace B.Goodrich, 1853-54; James R.Belden, 1855; John L.Graham, 1856; Seymour L. Judd, 1857; H. B. Goodrich, 1858; Lambert Sanford, 1859; Whitmore Dusenbury 1860-61; William W. Dickson, 1862-64; William W. Hotchkiss, 1865-66; D. H. Hotchkiss, 1867-68; Joseph F. McCune,1869-71; Isaac Edson, 1872; George Dusenbury, 1873-74; Milton Knox, 1875-76; James E. Waite, 1877-78; Whitmore Dusen- bury, 1879; William Dusenbury, 1880; Milton Knox, 1881; James E. Waite, 1882-84; Austin B. Stillson, 1885-86; Jarius S. Chase, 1887-88; Joseph H. Brownell, 1889-90; Charles E. Van Arsdale, 1891; Joseph H. Brownell, 1892; William W. Watrous, 1893-95; Charles Dusenbury, 1896-97; Joseph H. Brownell, 1898-99. The first justices of the peace, appointed under the constitution of 1821, were William Seymour, David Bartow, Grover Buell, Daniel Blatchley and Isaac Turner. The officers of the town in 1899 are as follows; Joseph H. Brownell, supervisor; Maurice A. Tompkins, town clerk; Lewis Stannard, Jarius THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. 733 S. Chase, James M. Chaffee and Charles A. Rider, justices of the peace; James White, James C. Beavan and Walter B. Twitchell, assessors; Frank Plunkett, Charles B. Hotchkiss and George L. Holcomb, high- way commissioners ; Oliver Russell and A. A. Buell, overseers of the poor; A. A. Buell, collector. From the days of pioneership to the present time the town of Wind- sor has made an interesting historical record. Its civil history began with its separate organization, but its history in fact dated back to the arrival of the advance guard of white settlement. The pioneers found several large areas of cleared land, with abundant traces of the still earlier Indian occupation. In places they noticed large, thrifty fruit trees, which had escaped the destroying hand of Gen, Clinton's soldiers These trees are said to have been exceedingly large, from which it was reasoned that they must have been very old, whereas they were not in fact more than thirty or at the very greatest more than forty years old, and could not have been planted earlier than 1735. When the pioneers came a few Indians were found in the vicinity, for they were loth to leave their favorite resorts in this part of the val- ley, where game was plenty and the river almost swarmed with fish. On a later occasion, one of the Hotchkiss pioneers barely escaped a per- sonal encounter with an Indian who had returned to the place to de- stroy whatever remained of the earlier occupation, but who was driven from his purpose by the determined action of the settler. On frequent other occasions the red men returned to the locality, but they were less demonstrative in their actions, and were content to beg food from the settlers' wives. Finally they departed and were seen no more. A full blooded Tuscarora would now be a rare sight in the town. Indeed, it is doubtful if any such now are found anywhere under the old tribal name. Before leaving the branch of the subject relating to settlement, it is also proper to treat collectively of the physicians who have practiced in the town, and particularly of those who were early comers to this field of practice. Ozias Crampton is said to have been the pioneer of the profession, his coming dating as early as 1791. He died in 1797. Ezekiel Guernsey came previous to 1800, but in a few years returned to the the east. Dr. Enoch Alden came in 1799, but soon removed to Oneida county Dr. John Moore acquired his medical education in the town and was licensed to practice in 1799. In 1804 he removed to Pennsyl- vania; thence returned and lived in Windsor two years, after which he 734 THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. located in Canada. Dr. Ezra Seymour began practice in 1803 and con- tinued here eleven years. Dr. Lewis Allen settled here in 1805. Dr. Jonathan Gray came in 1806. Dr. Ammi Doubleday lived here a short time about 1810. Among the later physicians of the town may be re- called the names of Dr. Smith, about 1812; Dr. Daniel Barber, about 1813; Dr. Daniel Cole, 1816; Dr. Andrew H. Bronson, 1824; Dr. O. T. Bundy, 1830; Dr. Barker, 1838; Dr. Elam Bartlett, 1838; Dr. Christo- pher Avery, 1839; Dr. Jesse T. Hotchkiss, native of the town; Dr. Isaac C. Edson, born in the town in 1823, and still living here; Dr. Austin B. Stillson, born *in Windsor; Dr. M. N. Smith, and others of more recent date, who are elsewhere mentioned. An interesting element in the history of the town was its early rapid and permanent growth in population. In 1805, while the town was a part of Chenango, the inhabitants numbered about 1,000 persons, and in 1810, three years after Windsor was created, the number had in- creased to 1,979. Let us note the subsequent changes in population as indicated by the census reports. In 1814 the population was 2,224, and in 1820 was 3,354. In 1821 Colesville and Sanford were created from Windsor, taking more than one-half its territory, and a like proportion of its population, hence in 1825 Windsor had only 1,929 inhabitants; in 1830, 2,175; 1835, 2,167; 1840, 2,368; 1845, 2,490; 1850, 2,645; 1855, 2,637; 1860, 2,672; 1865, 2,697; 1870, 2,958; 1875, 3,219; 1880, 3,286; 1890, 3,035; 1892, 3,017. Thus it is seen that Windsor's growth continued until about 1880, when the maximum population of recent years was attained. Since that year the town has lost about 200 inhabitants from the several causes that have decreased the number in nearly all agricultural towns in the state. During the first half of the century Windsor enjoyed a special prom- inence as one of the leading lumber producing towns on the Susque- hanna. In connection with the period of this production the town was supplied with numerous saw mills, nearly all of which were run by water power. Later on came the steam saw mill, the latter not having en- tirely disappeared at the present day. The first saw mill is said to have been built by Nathan Lane previous to 1800, and he also is credited with having built the first grist mill in the town about the same time. " Lane's mills," a little way above Windsor village was for many years a place of industry. Pioneers Doolittle and Hotchkiss (Amraphael) were also early grist mill owners in the town, but to follow all the THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. 735 changes of the century of the town's history and note the ownership of each mill would be a task now impossible. It is therefore sufficient to state that in earlier years, in addition to those already mentioned, Jesse and Uri Doolittle, Julius Edwards, Henry Williams, Rodney and Will- iam Guernsey, Richard Randall, John Dusenbury, Grover Buell, Phineas Doolittle, Henry and David Doolittle, Isaac Higley, James E. Waite and Joseph H. Brownell have been in the past prominently connected with saw milling industries in Windsor. Stiles Hotchkiss was an early distiller, and the product of his still enjoyed an excellent reputation throughout the valley. ■ These industries, with the early rapid growth of the town, necessitated the establishment of several internal improvements, among the first being a ferry across the Susquehanna, on the old stage route. In 1813 George Wilson secured permission to construct a dam across the river at Windsor village. Uri Doolittle secured a privilege in 1831 for an- other dam, and Elmore Russell another in 1826. In April, 1831, George Harpur, Phineas Walker, Aaron Markham and others, were authorized to construct a toll bridge in Windsor, "at or near where the present road crosses the river at Wallersville postoffice." The bridge, however, was not built by the so-called " Wallersville company. " The Windsor bridge company was incorporated April 23, 1823, by Amraphael, Cyrus and Gideon Hotchkiss, Uri and Jesse Doolittle, John and William Edwards, John C. and Barzilla Marvin, William Seymour and Leverett Russell. This company built the first toll bridge, but in later years the structure was at least twice rebuilt before the toll system was abolished. As early as 1835 Windsor was a thoroughly progressive town, and had a great variety of interests. Then the town contained 13,297 acres of improved and 38,570 acres of unimproved land, and its total assessed valuation was $189,000 ($177,734 real and $10,266 personal). As evi- dence of subsequent material growth it is interesting to note that in 1899 Windsor was assessed $1,173,550 on real and $83,375 on personal prop- erty. In 1835 the inhabitants of the town owned 2,879 head of neat cattle 523 horses, 5,040 sheep, 1,675 swine. In that year there was made in the town 3,919 yards of fulled cloth, 5,351 yards of flannel, and 7,229 yards of cotton and linen cloths. The town then had two grist mills, 15 saw mills, 1 fulling mill, 1 carding machine, 1 distillery, 1 rope works, and two tanneries. A couple of grist mills and as many saw mills are now in existence, but no other of the character of indus- tries mentioned above now are in operation in the town. 736 THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. Fifteen saw mills were in operation in 1835; twenty years later the number had decreased to twelve, but lumbering as a special industry continued until the beginning of the war of 1861-5. During that period agricultural pursuits gained and ever since have maintained the ascend- ancy over other occupations. Soon after the war Windsor took a prom- inent p3sition among the farming towns of Broome county, and with the possible exception of Union, it has ever since ranked first. The lack of early transportation facilities operated against the people for many years, and the construction of the N. Y. , L. E. & W. railroad across the southeast corner of the town afforded very little relief. In 1872 the D. & H. railroad was built through the valley and furnished direct con- nection with the A. & S. and the Erie railroads, on the north and south, and thereby greatly enhanced the value and importance of all local in- dustrial interests. "Broome county in the war of 1861-65," is made thesubject of an ex- tended chapter in this volume. But in writing of Windsor history it is almost necessary to note briefly the military record of the town, which furnished a total of nearly 300 men for the service. In Co. C, 89th N. Y. Inf., were 89 Windsor men, under command, first, of Captain Sey- mour L. Judd, and, second, Captain Frank S. Smith, both Windsor men. In Co. B., 137th Inf., were 41, and in Co. F., 16 Windsor men. In other companies of the same regiment were 16 more men, while in other commands were 67 men from the town. Schools. — The inhabitants of this town ever have been mindful of the educational welfare of their youth, and on all occasions have made gen- erous provision for the support of public schools. Naturally, much in- terest attaches to the Windsor academy, which during its palmy days of ten was mentioned as a "nursery of genius," in allusion to the dis- tinguished prominence which was attained by several of its old-time pupils. The early records relating to the town schools have been im- perfectly kept, hence little that is of value can be learned of them. There was no real town system of schools earlier than 1814, and the earliest record dates back to 1817, when under Commissioners Joel Garnsey, George Wilson and Thomas Blakeslee the territory comprised 27 districts, and the school children within the prescribed ages, num- bered 694. In 1838 the districts numbered 15, while the number of children between the ages of 5 and 16 years, was 730. In 1838 there was apportioned to the town for school purposes $418.96. In 1899 the town comprised 24 districts, each of which was (and still is) provided THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. 737 with a suitable school house. In that year there were received for school purposes a total of $10,974.35, of which the sum of $3,114.48 was apportioned from the state public moneys and $5,965.65 was raised by tax. During the year the sum of $7,966.48 was paid to teachers. The school census showed 674 children; number of books in libraries 1,400. VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. Windsor.— This village was incorported in 1897, under the provisions of the act of the legislature passed in 1896. It contains 733 acres (1 and 93-640 square miles) of land and 800 inhabitants. However, the his- tory of Windsor as a trading center dates back to about 1830, when through the influence of Elias Whitmore the hamlet was removed from Oquaga to the settlement two miles further down the river, the latter then taking the name of "Windsor Village," by which it since has been known. John Dusenbury was a pioneer settler and probably the pioneer merchant at the upper village, having located there in 1816. The Doolittles and the Springsteens also were early families in the Oquaga locality. George Dusenbury's first purchase of real estate in- cluded the island in the river at this point, and in later years he became not only an extensive land owner in the town, but also one of its most influental, wealthy and prominent citizens. Previous to 1825 Oquaga had Daniel Stow's tavern, started in 1815, Harvey Perkins' tannery, John Dusenbury's store, one or two other and smaller stores, one grist and two saw mills, a school house and a postoffice. It was a flourish- ing hamlet and an important trade center, but when about 1830 Elias Whitmore laid out a village tract on the site of Windsor, he had little difficulty in attracting settlement to that more desirable locality. About 1831 both Elias Whitmore and George Dusenbury began mercantile business here, and within the short space of two years Windsor vil- lage gained the supremacy over Oquaga, acquired the postoffice and be- came the recognized trading and business center of the town . Mr. Whitmore had opened a tavern on the village site (where afterward stood George Dusenbury's residence) as early as 1815. Among the early factors in Windsor history, there may be recalled the names of Mr. Whitmore and Mr. Dusenbury, James R. Belden (merchant), Isaac A. Tompkins (boot and shoe dealer both at Oquaga and Windsor, and who was succeeded by his son Maurice A. Tompkins, a present merchant, also both town and village clerk), E. C. Sleeper 47 738 THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. (merchant), J. M. Chaffee (general store), J. E. Bennett (father of Wal- ton L. and Willard B. Bennett), Jarkis S. Chase (early and present merchant), Dr. Austin B. Stillson (physician and druggist), N. B. Chase (the old harness maker). There were also D. Beckwith, Mr. Osborn, Lewis Hulburt, Jacob Bullock, Benj. Burge and others, who, early and late, carried on blacksmithing. The old hostelry afterward known as the National hotel dates its history back to about 1830, when its landlord probably was Enos Rexford. Later proprietors were Sim- eon Woodruff, Bragg & Baldwin, Hiram Johnson, Mr. Garlow, George Booth, Albert Way and Montgomery & Crawford. The Eagle hotel also dates back to 1831, and was built by David Hoadley. In 1844 it was owned by Adin W. Coburn, but had several earlier and later proprietors. It undoubtedly is true that the business interests were as many and as important in 1865 as at the present time. Thirty-five years ago the village was filled with men w"ho were operating in various enterprises, and while some of them were not residents in the village they were counted as part of the local population. At the time mentioned the principal interests were as follows: J. W. Freeman, physician and sur- geon; R. W. Moore, prop'r National hotel; W. A. Haynes, prop'r Eagle hotel; A. W. Coburn, whip manufacturer; R. & W. Guernsey, house and bridge builders, and proprietors of planing, turning and saw mills ; R. Guernsey, justice of the peace; George Dusenbury, general store; English & Munger, groceries, flour and boots and shoes; William Doo- little, government assessor, commission dealer and lumberman ; H. L. Sleeper & Co., carriage makers; Hunt & Fisher, founders and plow makers; L. Sanford, house and bridge builder; G. W. Andrews, furni- ture maker; N. B. Beckwith and E. L. Smith, shoe dealers and mak- ers; H. A. & H. J. Darling, wagons, carriages and lumber; S. Corn- stock, lumberman; E. R. Barton, manf'r of well curbs; E. Carrier, lumber dealer; E. S. Man warren, stock dealer; D. B. Heath, rake fac- tory, three miles from the village. The manufacture of whips has been a notable industry of Windsor, and has brought both fame and money to the village. In 1854 Adin W. Coburn was a shoemaker in the town, and in connection with his work he began selling whips. He then learned how to make whips and found that his own product sold as well as those made outside the town. Having accumulated a little capital, he next employed a prac- tical whip maker, Rufus Morey, by name, whom he brought here from THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. 739 Westfield, Mass., and then set up a little shop in the village. The business soon increased to large proportions, and proved of great bene- fit to the village, and likewise brought a fortune to Mr. Coburn. In 1872 Mr. Coburn sold his works to I. G. Owen, and in the foll(nv- ing year built a new factory and began business under the firm name of A. W. Coburn & Co. But Mr. Coburn died in 1877, and the plant soon afterward passed into the hands of William Harris. The latter sold to John G. Fisher and he, in turn, to Randall & Goodnough, who disposed of the plant to the United States Whip company, otherwise known as the "whip trust." The works are constantly run at full capacity and employ 35 or 40 men. Now, let us briefly note the other present business interests of the village, not for the purpose of comparison with those of earlier years, but rather as a matter of reference for future use: George D. Brownell, stoves, furniture and undertaking; H. A. Barton, meats; Jarius S. Chase, furnishings, boots and shoes, groceries, and village postmaster; Cook & Buell, barbers and cigar dealers ; Dusenbury & Lyons, druggists ; Montgomery & Crawford, livery and pool room; Judd & Wheat, gro- ceries and provisions; Henry W. Manwarren, stoves and general hard- ware; Nathan B. Chase, harness maker; W, D. Osgood, publisher Windsor Standard; J. E. Bennett, general store ; Maurice E. Tompkins, boots and shoes, jeweler, town and village clerk; E. C. Sleeper, gen- eral store; J. C. Elliott, dry goods and notions; Charles A. Roberts, groceries; H. R. Rider, tinware; I. E. Simpkins, confectionery and notions; O. F. Prentice, flour and feed; W. F. Walters, cigar manufac- turer; F. O. Stearns, steam grist mill, established about eight years ago by Elmer King; Ira Stow, prop. Windsor mill, the old "water power mill," as best known; Herbert Woodworth, prop. Windsor house; W. S. Hinds, prop. Eagle hotel. The village also has four churches— Presbyterian, Methodist Episco- pal, Protestant Episcopal and Free Methodist— and an excellent aca- demic school, the latter being the outgrowth of the still older Windsor academy, which has been mentioned as a "nursery of genius," in allu- sion to the men of mark who once attended the school. Windsor Academy.— This once famous institution was incorporated in May, 1837, with Franklin G. Wheeler, Andrew J. Bronson, Carver Hotchkiss, George Dusenbury, Giles Orcutt, David Hoadley, Nathan P. Walker, Gideon Hotchkiss and Enos B. Rexford as the first board of trustees. Among the prominent men of the village who were mter- 740 THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. ested in the enterprise, but who were not of the officiary, were Dr. O. T. Bundy, James Y. Brown, James P. Abbott, Benj. H. Russell, Hiram W. Gilbert, Jeremiah Hull, Grover Buell, Julius Edwards and Henry L. Sleeper. The first academy building was the village Congregational church edifice, erected in 1800, torn down in 1840, and re-erected for the pur- poses of the school. It was formally opened for its new occupancy, Nov. 9, 1845, with a good attendance of pupils under the principalship of Mr. Parmalee. From that time until the latter part of 1867 the school was one of the best institutions of learning in the count}'-, and during that period its course of instruction was under the direction of Mr. Parmalee, Rev. W. H. Miller (with Mrs. Miller as preceptress), Morris P. Barteau, Charles J. Lathrop, Rev. Adam Craig (pastor of the " old school " Presbyterian church), Rev. Henry Osborne, James A. Robinson, Albert S. Wheeler, Rev. Adam Craig, Rev. Henry Rinker, Rev. Joseph B. Eastman, Charles Eastman, C. W. Cary, Nelson Wilber, who served in the order mentioned. On March 3, 1868, the trustees resolved to sell the building to the trustees of the Union school district, and soon afterward completed the transfer. The Windsor Union graded school (district No. 1) succeeded the academy and was opened in the spring of 1868. Since that time its affairs have been managed by a board of education from the foremost men of the village. In educational circles it is known as one of the best Union schools in Broome county, outside of the city of Binghamton. It is liberally supported, and draws a number of pupils from the towns outside of the district. Five competent teachers were employed in 1899. The census of the district shows 189 children of school age. In the year mentioned this school received $289.97 from the regents, and $160.45 from non-resident pupils. The new brick academy building was erected in 1884. The present board of education comprises A. M. Keys, president; W. S. Smith, secretary; and T. V. Furman, U. T. Wooster, George W. Cook, C. A. Roberts, H. W. Lynch, J. A. Pethick and W. H. Smith. Principal of the school, Charles W. Vanderberg. The Press. — The Windsor Times was founded in 1873 by William Haley, who, three months later associated in its publication with A. E. Benedict. Mr. Haley soon retired after which Mr. Benedict continued the paper about one year. The Windsor Advance started in 1875 by S. C. Clizbe, but at the end THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. 741 of three months the enterprising founder turned over the paper to his foreman, Lewis Brown, in payment for wages. In the course of a few more months an Afton lawyer seized the Advance establishment on a chattel mortgage, removed it from the village, and resolved the paper in- to the Afton Sentinel, a Chenango county publication. The Windsor Standard, one of the best country newspapers published in Broome county, was started in May, 1878, by Charles E. Babcock, a practical newspaper man, who made his venture a success from the out- set. He succeeded where his predecessors had failed, and to-day the Standard is a healthful, interesting paper, deservedly enjoying a good circulation, and what is still better, a liberal advertising patronage. Mr. Babcock planted firmly and well, continued the paper many years, and then was succeeded by W. D. Osgood, the present publisher of the Standard. The Windsor Cemetery association was incorporated May 15, 1882. The Windsor Village Cemetery association was incorporated February 27, 1889. The Windsor Fire, Hook and Ladder company was incor- porated December 15, 1890. The Windsor Water Works company was incorporated May 16, 1885, (capital $70,000), by Austin B. Stillson, president; W. H. Chubb, sec- retary; Simon P. Quick, Pinckney A. English, K. E. Hotchkiss, HA. Barton, C. M. Comstock, Jarius S. Chase and M. N. Smith. The company constructed a water supply system for the village, although in recent years its affairs were chiefly controlled by Isaac Ferguson. However, in 1899, the village became owner of the plant, paying therefor the sum of $20,000 (which amount also made certain extensions and improve- ments). The works are under control of the village trustees. The present village officers are as follows: T. V. Furman, pres- ident; B. S. Anderson and Charles Dusenbury, trustees; Maurice A. Tompkins, clerk; George B. Brownell, treasurer; James Fisher, collector, IVest Windsor.— This hamlet is located on a branch of Fitch's creek, about six miles west of Windsor village, and has been a post-office sta- tion on the stage route since about 1840. Originally this was a lumber- ing region and the operation of the mills led to the hamlet settlement. Among the men prominently connected with the history of the locality there may be mentioned the names of Charles Rose, Lewis Riley, Dan- iel Phillips, James Lovejoy, Jared Woodward, J. C. Lovejoy, Sherman Chase, B. Chase, Barney Alden, Lyman Stillson (for whom Stillson '742 THE TOWN OF WINDSOR. Hollow was named), John Weeks, Loren Dyer, Edson Pease, Albert Severson, Daniel Jackson, Hiram Estus and Charles A. Rider. Mr. Rider has kept a general store here nearly thirty years, and has been an active factor in the history of the place; and is at present postmas- ter. In this locality is a Baptist church and a district school. A good cheese factory, owned by an incorporated stock company, was estab- lished here in 1878, and still is in successful operation. East Windsor. — This hamlet and post-office is a station on the D. & H. railroad, three miles north of Windsor village. It practically owes its existence to the railroad. The post office was established about 1872, M. Dickinson being the first postmaster. Abel Tompkins and H. Dib- ble were among the early factors in local history. The present mer- chants are George H. English and J. W. Davenport. Damascus, formerly Tuscarora and still earlier Baldwinsville, is a hamlet comprising a cluster of dwellings, two stores and one or two small shops, situated about two miles south of Windsor village, in the vicinity where Horace Williams settled about 1815. William Crandall, for whom the settlement was first named, once owned a tannery here. Jarius S. Chase acquired an interest in the business in 1858, became owner in the next year, and operated the works until 1867. This once was a lumbering locality, and several saw mills were operated from time to time James E. Waite built a steam mill here in 1873, in con- nection with his extensive lumbering enterprises in other places. The present business interests of the hamlet comprise the stores of M. K. Whipple and E. H. Swingle. Lester, formerly Randolph Centre and originally Griggs' Settlement, is situated in a good farming locality, about four miles southwest of Windsor village, in the vicinity where pioneer Samuel Rexford settled previous to 1790, and in the vicinity also where Frederick Goodell, Jo- seph Griggs and Joseph Brown were prominent early residents. The settlement derived its original name from Joseph Griggs, who then was an important personage in the town. Among the later factors in the history of the place were B. H. Larrabee, Leman Judd and Alvin Ham- lin. The present interests of Lester comprise the post-office, the cream- ery and the Baptist church. Edson is the name of a post-office in the southwest part of the town, about four miles distant from the principal village of Windsor. It has one store, kept by A. B. Barton. Wake is a post-office in the south part of the town, across the river THE TOWN OP TRIANGLE 743 from Damascus, and is a hamlet of comparatively recent origin. The store here is kept by W. Benedict. Ocannum is a post-office about half-way between Windsor and West Windsor. It is without business interests other than that carried on by the thrifty farmers of the locality. Cascade Valley \s, a post-office on the line of the Erie railroad in the extreme southeast part of the town. State Line is a post-office in the south part of the town, a short dis- tance below Wake. CHAPTER XXXV. THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. On April 18, 1831, the legislature passed "an act to divide the town of Lisle," and thereby created three new towns, Triangle, Nanticoke and Barker, from the mother territory. The act also directed that the first town meeting in Triangle be held at the house of George Wheeler, and made similar provisions for the election of officers in the other towns. The triangular shaped region of country between the Chenango and Tioughnioga rivers and south of the Military tract and the Chenango Twenty townships, was patented by the state to Col. William Smith, and was named, or at least called, the " Chenango Triangle," in allu- sion to its psculiar outline. The tract comprised many thousand acres of land and included the towns of Smithville and part of Greene, in Chenango county, and Triangle and part of Barker, in Broome county. Triangle is one of the few towns in the county, the area of which has not been reduced by other formations. It contains 25,266 acres of land, of as good quality for general agricultural purposes as can be found in the county. The surface is comprised of rolling, hilly upland, the al- titudes ranging from 300 to 550 feet above the Chenango river. The soil in the valley is a rich loam, the quality being particularly notice- able in the valley of the Otselic, where is found the most durable and fertile soil in the county. The hilltops are less fertile, yet produce an excellent quality of upland grass and also afford superior grazing areas. The farmers evidently have fully appreciated this value of the pasture 744 THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. lands, for away back in 1835, when hardly more than 10,000 acres of the town's land was improved, they kept more than 3,000 sheep and more than 1,200 swine on these upland areas. Indeed it was this very thriftiness on the part of the early settlers that half a century ago placed Triangle among the foremost towns of Broome county. This standing never has been lost, although the town's people have had to contend against many embarrassing obstacles. The pioneer of Triangle was General John Patterson, one of the orig- inal proprietors of the Boston Ten Towns, a Berkshire county, Mass., Yankee of great determination and of excellent mental qualities. He had served in the American army during the revolution, and acquired the title of brigadier-general. General Patterson lived for a time on the Lisle tract, but in 1791 he built and occupied a log house on the site of Whitney's Point, his dwelling standing where the Beach house after- ward was built. He died in 1808, His wife was Hannah, daughter of Deacon Josiah Lee, another early settler who is said to have come to this locality with the pioneer. David Seymour, senior, with his sons, David and Ira, and also John Seymour, settled here in 1792, all locating on the site of Whitney's Point, in which vicinity they were prominent figures in early history; but John Seymour had previously lived in the town of Union, where he was a pioneer. Some of the best men of the county in later years were descendants from the Seymour families of Triangle. Thomas Whitney, for whom Whitney's Point was named, came here in 1802, and at once took a prominent position among the pioneers. Upon the death of Gen. Patterson, the local settlement lost its original name of " Patterson's Settlement," and in its stead was adopted the name of Whitney's Point, in allusion to the standing of Thomas Whit- ney in the community, for, being an innkeeper, he was a man of more than ordinary prominence among the settlers. He was a kinsman of the Whitneys who located first on the west side of the Chenango river, on Whitney's Flats, just north of Binghamton. Josiah Patterson, son of the general, came to this locality about 1800, and is remembered as landlord of a tavern on the Beach house site, where he lived several years previous to his removal west. His wife was a daughter of Gen. Hyde, the latter being one of the prominent family for whom " Hyde Settlement " was named. Having thus mentioned the names and recalled something of the works of the pioneers of Triangle, it is proper that some allusion be THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. 745 made to those who followed them into the territory of the town, for it was not alone the deeds of the earliest settlers that made the town what it was three-quarters of a century ago, but rather the result of the united action of all the thrifty inhabitants of the region. Our mention of these settlers, however, must be brief, for it is not the purpose of this work to descant at length upon the works of the pioneers alone to the disregard of factors in the subsequent history of the town. Charles A. Seymour, grandson of Gen. Patterson and descendant of the Seymours who have been mentioned, was born in the town in 1808, and afterward was a conspicuous figure in local history. Daniel A. Wheeler, another early settler, best served his townsmen in the erection of a grist mill on the afterward know Burghardt farm. This mill proved a great boon to all the settlers, for they previously were compelled to travel over to Castle Creek for the family "grist," or voyage down the river to the Tioga county borders. Martha Seymour, daughter of John Seymour, is deserving of mention in these annals, she having opened a little school in 1793. Later on the worthy teacher married Briant Stod- dard, one of Union's foremost men. Philo Pease was another worthy early settler. Captain Salmon Rose, who was anotherearly settler here, first came to the region in 1787 with his brother, Col.WilHam Rose, and purchased land from the Indians, intending to locate on the west side of the Chenango, about four miles above Binghamton. Under the law, however, the Rose title proved invalid, and thus being stripped of all their property they came up the river, Capt. Rose settling in this town, where he was an industrious, useful citizen. Among the other early settlers in the town there may be mentioned Ashbel Olmsted (1800), Nathaniel Hays (for whom Hays' Settlement was named), Benjamin Jackson (in whose humble domicile early relig- ious worship was held by the Methodist class), Benjamin Gibbs (a black- smith), Andrew Woodruff (whose son was the late Rev. Jeremiah Wood- ruff), David Gibbs (a carpenter), Timothy Clark (once a prominent jus- tice of the peace), David Clark (frequently called " Colonel " Clark, who started a small tannery in town), Levi Woodruff, Dr. Edwards, George Beckwith (land agent for Peter Smith, father of Gerrit Smith), Ira Slater (tavern keeper), Elisha Boyington (1811), Asa Whitney, Asa Taft, John Parker (an old revolutionary patriot), Edmund Hazard (for whom Hazard's Corners was named), Hamilton Boyington, Jared Taft, Samuel Terry (a grist miller), Samuel Ticknor, Reuben Hall, Francis Clough, Reuben Chase, Joseph Covey, Hope Covey, John Covey, Erasmus Ballard. 746 THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. In the Page brook locality the early settlers were Elon Green (who came to the region in 1792 and to this tov/n in 1804), Anson Dickinson, George Ashby, Orrin Dickinson, Alexander Ranney, Hadsall Johnson, Jacent Hall (who came from Connecticut and was an early school teacher), Solomon Page (who became a considerable land owner and a prominent man in the town ; and for whom Page brook was named), Stephen Bronson, Timothy Bidwell, Titus Page, John Page, J. G. Spencer, the Hall family. Miner Howland, B. Alton, Joshua Baker (1804), Asa Lewis, John Baker, the Lampmans, I. Elliot, Joseph Madison, Joseph Stick- ney, Solomon Johnson. Among the old residents in the Otselic valley were Seth Dickinson (who in 1800 came here with his family on an ox sled. Mr. Dickinson for years had a tannery in town), Capt. Obadiah Dickinson (father of Seth, who came later than his son, and who was father of eight chil- dren who were well known in subsequent Triangle history), Roswell Dickinson, William Whitney, Jacob Coburn (owner of an early saw mill), David Smith (who purchased the Coburn improvement and added to it a carding and fulling mill aud also a grist mill), Amos Smith, William Cook, Scott Baldwin, John Peck (1816), and others whose names are lost with the lapse of years. In the locality commonly known as "the Point," where the rivers join, the early residents were David Cornwall, Treat Spears, David Smith, Hector Craig, William Collins (father of Graves Collins, and the latter father of Alonzo Collins), John Johnson (a soldier of the revolu- tion, who came here in 1802 and died here in 1834. He was the father of John Johnson, the latter having gained both prominence and wealth in the town), Thomas Taber (a Quaker from Dutchess county, and one of whose daughters married J. Warren Merchant, formerly of De Ruy- ter and novv^f Binghamton), Ambrose L. Marcy (cousin of Gov. Marcy), Benjamin Smith (who came here about 1797), Sherman Page (son of Asa Page, and a native of the town), Aaron Day, Henry Burghardt (a blacksmith, who came in 1817), John Burghardt (tanner, miller and farmer), Rufus Park, Allen C. Jeffords (an old teacher), Daniel Spauld- ing, Ransom Thurston, Mr. Hackett, Samuel Hinman, Jonathan Lewis (a prominent man in town history), the Ticknors and the Richards (who were related by marriage), Ahial Clark (1819), Thomas Canfield, Lewis Perkins, John Hackett, Charles Burt (colored, born on board of a slave ship bound in from the Bermudas in 1775. His lands here he held un- der a life lease to himself and wife from Gerrit Smith. Burt attained the remarkable age of 108 years). THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. 747 In that part of the town in which is situated the once popularly known " Connecticut Hill " (so named from the fact that nearly all the settlers there came from the "Nutmeg" state) the early settlers were Walter Peck, Moses Rogers, George Sly, Ira Fuller, Capt. Nathaniel Rogers (settled here in 1808; a soldier of 1812-15, in which war he won a cap- tain's commission), Earlman Rogers, Captain Amos Johnson (who came in 1807 with his family, traveling the entire distance from Con- necticut on an ox sled. Capt. Johnson was an influential man in the town, and was prominently identified with the construction of the Cats- kill and Ithaca turnpike, in which work he, as contractor, lost his for- tune), Marcus Hart (one of the earliest settlers on the hill), Deacon William Shuart, Samuel Clark, Hezekiah Austin, Captain Daniel Sax- ton (who came from Long Island in 1823 and a settler on the turnpike), Martin Hastings, Leonard Rose, Albert Seymour, Stephen Austin, Solomon Page, P. Bliss, S. Alexander, Samuel Willard, Robert Austin, G. W. Mitchell, Samuel McKay, Eben and Robert Bliss, and others. Referring generally to other early settlers, without especial regard to their location in the town, there may be mentioned the names of William Johnson (an old teacher), A. C. Woodruff, Timothy Woodruff, David Fuller, Samuel Brockway, I. Dings and Mr. Black, the latter once being owner of a distillery. Before leaving this branch of our present subject, in order that the reader may know the names of as many as possible of the actual factors in Triangle history, it is proposed to add here the names of men who in more years contributed to the welfare and prosperity of the town. Many of those mentioned were descendants of pioneers and early settlers, while others came into the town in comparatively recent years, but all are entitled to some recognition in these annals. In this connection mention may be made of Fred E. Allen, the merchant, son of James Allen; Jesse P. Ames, a native of Nanticoke, son of John Ames, the pioneer; R. B. Arnold, the old deputy provost marshal and a prom- inent man in town affairs; S. E. Birdsall, the well known manufacturer, of whom further mention is made; Eli B. Black, George A. Day, the old supervisor and justice of the peace; William Deming, formerly of Parsons & Deming, merchants; Alonzo C. Graves, the well known farmer in the Upper Lisle district of this town; Franklin C. Hazzard, an extensive farmer, son of Edmund Hazzard; Frederick W. Martin, (sheriff), Henry A. Muckle, of the former firm of Birdsall & Muckle; Horace W. Parsons, Joseph S. Parsons, Cyrus Page, born in the town 748 THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. in 1830, an excellent farmer of 200 acres (Elmore G. and Maurice Page, lawyers in Binghamton, are sons of Cyrus Page); C, O. Parsons, mer- chant of Whitney's Point, and prominently identified for years with the County Agricultural society; Sherman Paige, who was born in Triangle in 1799 and died in 1882; Orrin Smith, grandson of Isaac and son of William Smith; Jasper Smith (supervisor six years), Isaac Taft, who came here in 1831; Lewis Taft, the merchant, born in Triangle in 1818, son of Asa Taft; George S. Ticknor, born in Triangle in 1827, son of Samuel Ticknor, and William D. Wilcox, who came to Triangle in 1852. Still other names might be added to the list, but they will be found re- called on later pages. The early physicians of Triangle were Dr. Daniel A. Wheeler, who came to the town about 1796 or '97; Dr. Isaiah Chapman, who settled at Upper Lisle in 1799 or 1800; Dr. Gains L. Spencer, who came here in 1817; Dr. Asahel Todd, who located at Upper Lisle in 1811, and in 1817 was partner with Dr. Pelatiah B. Brooks, who in that year began practice at the Upper village; Dr. S. M. Hunt, who left Upper Lisle and settled at Killawog; Dr. John Arnold, who came to Whitney's Point about 1826 and in the next year built the Dr. Hemingway residence; Dr. John Hall, who succeeded Dr. Hunt in 1830; Dr. Harry Heming- way, who came to the " Point " in 1837 and for many years afterward was identified with the best history of the village and town; Dr. Geo. A. Wattles, who practiced at Whitney's Point from 1832 to 1836; Dr. Saramis, whose stay here was very brief; Dr. R. O. Williams, who set- tled at Upper Lisle about 1861; Dr. A. F. Taylor, who came in 1869; Dr. F. D. Gridley, who is now in practice in Binghamton; Dr. C. R. Rogers, who removed from Whitney's Point to Newark Valley; Dr Sol- omon P, Allen, now of Lestershire; and also Dr, O. C. Hall, Dr. George N. Hall, Dr. Benj. Kinyon, Dr. G. W. Bosworth, and the others of more recent date in the town. The records of Tuscarora chapter, D. A. R., disclose the following names of patriots of the revolution who afterward came to live in the town of Triangle: William Cook, Thomas Green, Elijah Gaylord (1829), Ephraim Hodge (1807), John Johnson, Benjamin Johnson (1810), Gen. John Patterson (also mentioned in Lisle history), William Matthewson (1807), John Parker, Nathaniel Rogers (1810), John Seymour, Joseph Sanford, Stephen Seymour, Philo Woodruff, James Whitney. From all that is stated on preceding pages it must be seen that the settlement and development of the lands of this town was rapidly ac- THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. r49 complished, and that the division of the mother territory of Lisle in 1831, was actually necessary for the proper administration of affairs That division resolved Lisle into four nearly equal parts. Triangle con- stituting the northeast corner section, and having in 1830 about 1 000 inhabitants. The subsequent growth of the town is fairly indicated by the following extracts from the census reports: In 1835, the town, then being four years old (as a separate jurisdiction) contained 1,669 inhabitants; 1840, 1,692; 1845, 1,749; 1850 1 728- 1855* 1,784; 1860, 1,693; 1865, 1,875; 1870, 1,944; 1875, 2,119; 1880' 2073' 1890, 1,879; 1892, 1,879. It is a fact worthy of note that the federal census of 1890 and the " political " enumeration of 1893 showed Tri- angle to contain exactly the same number of inhabitants. From 1820 to about 1865 Triangle was one of the best lumbering regions of southern New York. Its territory originally was thickly covered with a heavy growth of timber, and lumbering and rafting were occupations as closely followed as farming; and the statement may be made with little fear of contradiction that fortunes were more quickly made in lumbering and its kindred pursuits than in farming. The Otselic was easily navigable for the largest log and lumber rafts, while the Tioughnioga for nearly half a century was a famous water- way for the operations of hundreds of enterprising lumbermen. In 1835 ten saw mills were in active operation in this town alone, and nearly the entire product of all of them was shipped down the river to markets in Pennsylvania and Maryland. But at that time lumbering was not the only industry of the town, as there were also two large grist mills, two fulling mills, two cotton machines, and four tanneries in constant operation. Agriculture was by no means neglected for 10,- 540 acres of land were under improvement, and the farmers owned 2,917 head of neat cattle, 486 horses, 3,068 sheep, and 1,329 swine. In the year 1835 there was made in the town 1,400 yards of fulled cloth, 3,118 yards of flannel cloth and 2,100 yards of cotton and linen cloths. Not one of these manufactured articles is now produced in the town ; few saw mills are now in operation; no fulling or cloth mills are here now ; the tanneries are things of the past, and the grist mills produce little more than buckwheat flour and feed. Yet during the subsequent years Triangle has not retrograded, and the passing of one industry has been followed by the establishment of others of equal importance, and thus the early enviable prominence of the town ever has been loy- ally maintained by its inhabitants. 750 THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. Schools. — The people of Triangle always have felt great interest in building up and maintaining schools of excellent standing. When the town was organized from Lisle the common schools of the region were a part of the system then in vogue in the older town, and Lisle always provided generously for the education of its youth. Triangle followed the custom thus early established, and its first town commissioners had only to rearrange the district boundaries to suit the new conditions. In 1835 there were eleven districts, and school was taught seven months during the year. The town received $187.87 of the state public school moneys. The number of children taught during the year was 584. The census showed 437 children of school age in the town. According to the present disposition of school interests, the town comprises 13 districts, two of which have no school house, being joint districts with towns in the adjoining county. As shown by the com- missioner's report for the year ending July 31, 1809, this town received from the state $2,014.26 for school support, and raised by tax for the same purpose the additional sum of $3,110.85. During the year there was paid to teachers $4,806.70. In the school libraries were 636 books. The school census was 363 children between the ages of 5 and 16 years. Organization. — The best memory of the old inhabitants is to the effect that the first town meeting in Triangle was held at the house of George Wheeler, as were provided by the act creating the town. Yet of this fact we have no positive proof, for, unfortunately, the early town rec ords were long ago destroyed by fire, hence the names of the early offi- cials cannot be given, and much else that always is of value must ever remain unwritten history. However, from county records the suc- cession of supervisors since 1849 is secured, and is as follows: Reuben Chase, 1840-50; Samuel Birdsall, 1851; Solomon Page, 1852- 53; S imuel Stow, 1854; Samuel H. Birdsall, 1855; Elijah Adams, 1856; Wesley Jackson, 1857-58; Henry H. Seymour, 1850; John E. Wentz, 1860; John B. Seymour, 1861; John E. Wentz, 1862; Celora E. Mar- tin, 1863; H. H. Saxton, 1864; Chauncey C. Bennett, 1865-67; Joseph S. Patterson, 1868; John Burghardt, jr., 1869-70; Ehrl Cartright, 1871; Milo B. Eldridge, 1872; Joseph S. Patterson, 1873-74; Milo B. Eldridge, 1875-76; De Forest B. Davis, 1877-79; George A. Day, 1880-81; G. G. Saxton, 1882; Benjamin Kinyon, 1883; Charles O. Parsons, 1884-85; Harvey Goetcheus, 1886-87; Eli B. Black, 1888; Luther I. Waite, 1889; Philo H. Landers, 1800-91; Jasper Smith, 1802-07; Michael Shanley, 1898-99. THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. 75^ The town officers in 1899 are Michael Shanley. supervisor- H C V'^^'n = ^^"^^"^ ^- ^^^^"^^' J^"^^^ P- W^'>«- J"stin L.John: son, W. D. Whitney, justices of the peace; William Waterman col- lector; Edwin D. Arnold George Ashley, James D. Eggleston. assess- ors; Charles Braeman, highway commissioner; Frank Canfield over seer of the poor. ' In mentioning the town officials, past and present, the writer recalls the remark once made by one of Binghamton's distinguished citizens who said that Triangle had sent to the county seat "some of the best material that ever graced a county office or honored the city with a resi dence. " Glancing back in the history of the town and noting the names of old Triangle families, the remark above quoted seems absolutely cor- rect, but the orator might have gone further and with equal truth ex- claimed to the effect that many of Binghamton's best men, whether in official station or professional or mercantile pursuits, have come from Triangle and in a good measure represents an element of substantial pioneership in that interesting town. Whitney's point.' In 1791 Gen. John Patterson came to the site of Whitney's Point and put up a log house near the junction of the Otselic with the Tioughnioga, on the site of the recently known Beach house. The next settlers on the village site were David Seymour and his sons David and Ira and John Seymour, who were the progenitors of a large line of descendants in this part of the county, and among whom have been and still are some of our most useful and enterprising citizens. David Seymour lo- cated on what in later years was known as the Graves Collins farm, while John settled on the farm ever since owned in the family. Gen. Patterson and the Seymours were the pioneers on the village site, yet they were not the founders of the settlement That honor be- longs chiefly to Thomas Whitney the pioneer of Whitney's Flats, just above Binghamton, and brother of Joshua Whitney, founder of Che- nango Point (Binghamton). The Whitneys came here in 1802, Thomas locating on Main street and William on Collins street, as those thor- oughfares were afterward named. Thomas Whitney, with others, be- gan operations by constructing a bridge across the Tioughnioga, and soon afterward opened a stock of goods for trade and kept public house J This article is prepared largely from F. C. Branday's souvenir edition of the Whitney's Point Reporter entitled •' Whitney's Point, Old and New," April 23, 1898. 752 THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. for the accommodation of travellers. Thus was the settlement founded, Thomas Whitney being the enterprising man of affairs, with William as his assistant, while the venerable Gen. Patterson looked with ap- proval on all that was being done. He was the pioneer, and being also a man of influence the little settlement was named "Patterson's Point," in compliment to the old revolutionary hero. He died in 1808, but the hamlet name was continued until 1824, when a post-office was established here under the name of Whitney's Point, in allusion to the more conspicuous works of Thomas Whitney. Previous to 1873 the village had no corporate limits, hence all dwell- ers in the locality who were concerned in the growth or interests of the place were looked upon as factors in its history. Chroniclers of early history give us no reliable information concerning the early business men of the village, or otherwise trace the growth of the hamlet into a flourishing corporate village. Both early and late the surname Sey- mour has been associated with local prosperity. Among the other and perhaps more prominent persons in contributing to the welfare of the village may be mentioned the names of Henry Seymour, Henry Whitney, Mulford Northrup, William and Graves Collins, Samuel H. Birdsall, Rev. Henry Ford, Dr. Harry Hemingway (who began prac- ticing medicine here in 1837), Stephen N. Stone, Uriah King, Asa Beach (who built the Beach House of former years), Milo B. Eldridge and others. In 1858, according to the Broome Gazette, the leading business men of the village were J. S. Patterson, general store; M. S. Simmons, " cheap cash store;" E. B. Smith, jeweler; John Hasleden, blacksmith; H. Salisbury, grocer, succeeded by C. S. Olmsted; S. H. Birdsall (father of S. E. and H, F. Birdsall), general store; C. E. Martin (now Judge Mar- tin, of the Court of Appeals), lawyer; F. D. Gridley (now of Bingham- ton), eclectic physician. Parker's Exchange was the principal hotel, and all the stages stopped there. In 1854 the S., B. & N.Y. railroad was opened for traffic, and a sta- tion was established in the village. This new means of travel had no noticeable effect on local interests until about three years after the road was opened, but in later years it proved to be a very important factor in the growth of the place, and in 1865 the business interests were two- fold greater than the years earlier. As a matter of historic interest let us briefly note the business inter- ests of the village in 1865 : G. A. Dodge, publisher of the Broome Gazette ; THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. 753 F. D. Gridley, physician and surgeon ; J. H. Burghardt, railroad and ex- press agent, and dealer in coal, lumber and produce; R. Perkins, steam sawmill; J. Hasleden, hardware, carriage ironing and blacksmithing; M. Rogers, proprietor hotel ; A. D. Chittenden, carriage ironing and black- smithing; N. Livermore, wagon maker; P. Guier, teacher of all kinds of wind instruments' music; J. S. Ireland, harness and saddle maker; C. A. Wheeler, hats and caps, furrier; S. S. Newell, tinsmith and dealer in hardware; S. Sparrow, prop'r Railroad and Stage hotel ; A. Stickney, surveyor and civil engineer, also bridge builder; F. W. Green, circular saw mill; A. B. Dodge, manufacturer and dealer in medicines and drugs. From this time to the end of the old and the beginning of the new village its history was a record of continued prosperity and substantial growth. Soon after 1880 the village attained its maximum of progress, and thereafter for a period of about twenty- five years its general condi- tion was normal, neither increasing nor losing, although during that time many changes in character of business and proprietorships were made. Between the years 1880 and 1890 the principal business interests were about as follows: Birdsall & King, clothing, successors to F. L. Dickinson, dry goods; C. H. Parsons & Co., succeeding Parsons & Pease ; Wells & Deyo, succeeding Davis & Wells ; Parsons & Deming ; Fred E . Allen, succeeding Allen & Davis ; L. Dunham, grocer ; Seeber & You- mans, drugs, successor toO. J. Pratt; Dr. Hemingway & Son, drugs and private bank; John Johnson, hardware, est. 1870; A. Cornell, successor toS. N.Stone; C. H. Parsons & Co., confectioners, succeeding C. D, Pratt; L.Taft, furniture, est. 1870; Chas. H. Emens, furniture, est. 1880 with R. Park ; Charles B. Morse, clothing. The Whitney's Point Cutter works was started in 1876 by Waite & Corburn, who occupied the Birdsall & Muckle shop. In 1878 the firm changed to Patterson, Waite & Corburn; in 1879 to Patterson, Smith & Muckle ; in 1880 to Muckle, Waite & Co., and in 1881 to Birdsall, Muckle & Co. This was perhaps the largest manufacturing concern in the vil- lage, and after a few years it was resolved into the Birdsall, Waite & Perry Manufacturing company that now does business in the village, producing high grade wagons, sleighs and carriages, and also some of the finest pneumatic work in the state. Landers Bros. & Co. began making carriages in 1883, but in the next year the firm was Landers & Wilcox. Other industries of the period 48 754 THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. (1880-90) were the Excelsior Tooth company, est. in 1865 by Eli Sweet, and afterward owned by Waite & Breemer; the sash, door and blind factory of D. S. Monroe and W. A. Rheinvault; and the McCallum marble works, succeeding Philo Page. Among the comparatively recent hotels of the old village (the new vil- lage dates from the time of the great fire in 1897) those most prominent were the Beach House, built in 1872; the Railroad House, and the Nioga House, of which George A. Quick became proprietor in 1883. Incorporation. — The village of Whitney's Point was incorporated in March, 1871, at a special election held at the office of attorney Ransom Rowland. The first village officers were Ransom Rowland, president; Alonzo Collins, Stephen N. Stone and Lucius A. Johnson, trustees; Samuel H. Birdsall, treasurer; Charles S. Olmstead, clerk; Dayton Church, collec- tor; W. R. Rogers, street commissioner; Jabez Johnson, poundmaster. The present village officers are Arthur W. Page, president; Amos M. Johnson and James B. Wells, trustees; David L. Maxfield, clerk; C. E. Morse, treasurer; Chester Eldridge, collector. The Whitney's Point Fire Department was organized August 20, 1873, and in that year a committee comprising Ransom Rowland, Duane Burgess, G. R. Daniels and Eli B. Black, purchased from the Owego department a serviceable "brake" engine. A hose company and an engine company were formed, the former consisting of 12 men under foreman Samuel E. Birdsall, and the latter of about 40 men un- der foreman Milo B. Eldridge. Both organizations, however, were known as Nioga Hose Co. No. 1. In 1883 the village purchased a steam fire engine; but not until April 8, 1889, was the department reorganized with reference to its use. On that date the trustees authorized the re- organization of Nioga Rose Co., and the formation of a combined steamer and hose company, limited to 60 members, whose duty was to take charge of the steamer and hose cart, and which should be known as " Nioga Rose and Steamer Co. No. 1." This organization has been maintained to the present time, and is in all respects an efficient body of fire fighters. The truth of this statement was fully demonstrated on the eventful morning of April 23, 1897. Resolute Rose Co. No. 2 was organized August 19, 1887, and was authorized by the trustees to number not more than 20 members. In January, 1894, the company petitioned the trustees to change the name to S. E. Birdsall Rose Co., which was done the following year. THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. 755 The Firemen's Hall on Main street was purchased in 1882 from S. N. Stone, who previously had occupied the building for storage purposes. The structure was burned in the "great fire," and was replaced with the present attractive village hall and fire station. The Great Fire. — Previous to the disastrous conflagration of April 23, 1897, Whitney's Point had suffered by fire in no greater degree than is usual to villages of its size and commercial importance. Fires were of occasional but not of frequent occurrence, and when we consider that the business portion of the village was chiefly built up with frame structures it is surprising that the serious visitation was so long de- layed. The details of the great fire of 1897 need no repetition in this chap ter, as the event was fully recorded in the press throughout the county and state, and has been made the subject of extended mention in a pamphlet edition of the Reporter and circulated in the family of every resident of Triangle, while thousands of copies were sent to outside persons for perusal and preservation. It is therefore sufficient to state that the property (buildings, merchandise, household goods or office equipments) of eighty-eight owners was destroyed, and not one busi- ness block in the commercial center was left standing. The total loss never has been fully estimated, yet the approximations reach far into the thousands of dollars. Although this disaster completely wiped out the business section of the village, the merchants were by no means disheartened, and within thirty-six hours after the first building was destroyed a very respectable western city had been built up on the Academy square and in other available places. The sites occupied by the ruined buildings were cov- ered with debris and burning timbers, thus preventing their immediate reoccupancy by former owners. But the public square served the pur- pose well, and the new village thus hastily erected rejoiced in the euphon- ious name of " Shantytown." Whatever it may have resembled in ap- pearance is unimportant, but the mere fact that an excellent business system was restored within twenty-four hours of a totally destructive fire shows something of the determined spirit of Whitney's Point mer- chants at that time. During the summer and fall of 1897, and the early part of the follow- ing year, much of the burned district was rebuilt with substantial and attractive brick structures, two and three stories in height, and a new Whitney's Point appeared on the site of the old village. The year 1897 756 THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE, dated the beginning of a new era in local history, and while considera- ble financial loss followed in the wake of the disaster of April 23, Whit- ney's Point in 1900 is a more prominent municipality than ever before during the entire period of its history, and is numbered among the most progressive villages in the county. Its present population is about 1,000 inhabitants. The business and mercantile interests are represented by about a dozen enterprising merchants, while four hotels accommodate the traveling public. These public houses are the Rogers House (Charles Lincoln, prop'r), which was not burned ; the Riverside House; Hotel Griffin, an attractive brick building occupying a convenient site in the business center, and now under the proprietorship of Frank J. Clarke; and Quick's Hotel, erected by George A. Quick, its landlord, in 1899. This unquestionably is the best hotel in the county outside the city of Binghamton. The merchants of the village are William Denning, F. E. Allen and Shanley Bros., dealers in general dry goods; Seeber& Youmans, drug- gists; C. E. Morse, clothing; F. E. Nowlan and John Johnson & Son, hardware; S. S. Parsons, grocer ; H. King, boots and shoes; Ray Lewis and Dell Dean, meat markets; F. E. Nichols & Son, furniture dealers; L. Bennett, hardware and horse goods. The principal buildings are the Wilcox block, at the corner of Main and Collins streets; the Page block, on the site formerly occupied by Quick's hotel; the Biddlecome block on Main street; the Stone block, on Main street; the Parsons block, on Main street; and the " Big Four " block, on Main street, oc- cupied by Messrs. Morse, Shanley Bros., Seeber & Youmans, and Fred E. Allen. In addition to the owners of the business interests referred to in pre- ceding paragraphs, there are many other men entitled to mention in this connection as factors in the history of the " New Whitney's Point," among whom may be recalled A. W. Page, Frank T. Wilcox, William W. Collins, D. S. Monroe, Frank E. Nowlan, Eli Black, Maurice O, Eggleston, Dr. R. A. Seymour, Dr. O. C. Hall, David O'Connell, L. N. English, George H. Daniels, James P.Wells, Amos M. Johnson, David L. Maxfield, Frank C. Branday, P. H. Landers, J. P. Northrup, Henry G. Grubel, Elmer Bosvvorth, H. H. Turner, M. M. Hollenbeck, Dr. Ransom J. Perry, John Elliott, Walter A. Ford and others. Educational. — The Whitney's Point Union Free school and academy has graduated some of the best intellect (and turned it into useful, THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. 757 practical channels) of which Broome county can boast. The excellence of the school long has been a subject of remark in educational circles, but the best compliment to its standing was the recognition extended by the State Regents in raising the institution from the senior grade to that of" High school." The academy was established in 1866, when the village became a Union Free school district under the provisions of the state laws. The first board of education comprised Celora E. (now Judge) Martin, Henry A. Seymour, Alonzo Collins, Asa Beach, Franklin Beach, Jacob Burghardt, Israel Stearns, Rev. William Gates and Dr. Frank D. Gridley, The present board comprises Fred E. Allen, P. H. Landers, Dr. R. J. Perry, Frank C. Branday and James P. Northrup. The succession of principals is as follows: David H. Carver, A. B., 1866-8; Erastus Beach, A. M., 1868-9; George Barton, 1869; Frank d! Blakesley, 1869-70; Timothy H. Roberts, 1870-3; Charles N. Cunning- ham, 1873-7; Ira M. Thatcher, 1877-8; Henry iM. Maxon, A. B., 1878- 9; Israel T. Deyo, A. B., 1879-81; Chas. M. Brink, A. B., 1881; Wm. Strasmer, 1881-3; H. Frank Miner, 1883-4; Henry Smith, 1884-5; JohnKelley, 1885-6; Maurice E. Page, B. A., 1886-7; Frank C. Shultis, 1887-8; Frank G. Gilman, B. L., 1888-90; Alva V. Wilson, 1890-1; Arthur R. Mason, 1891-4; Ernest P. Carr, 1894-7; Henry G. Grubel, 1897-99. Tlie Press. — The Broome Gazette was founded in 1858, under the proprietorship of G. A. Dodge. The first number was issued June 24, and from that time the paper was a financial success. In 1864 the office and paper were leased to Peter D, and Chester A. Van Vradenburg, who conducted the publication about one year, after which Mr. Dodge sold the plant to Charles A. S. Heath. In the course of a few years, however, the paper came back into Mr. Dodge's hands, and on Febru- ary 17, 18G9, the name of Milo B. Eldridge appeared as publisher. Several subsequent changes were made in the personnel of the man- agement, but Col. Eldridge was directly connected with the paper un- til the fall of 1876, when he sold out to the late Mark D. Branday. In the meantime, in 1871, while the paper was under control of A. S. Foote, the office was burned, but in the course of a few months Col. Eldridge revived the publication under the name of Nioga Reporter. Mr. Branday subsequently changed the name to Whitney's Point Re- porter, as since known throughout the period of its successful career. 758 THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. Frank C. Branday became partner with his father about 1878 or '79, and upon the death of the latter ( January 18, 1893), he succeeded to the sole proprietorship of the paper. This enterprising- journalist also publishes the semi-monthly " Practical Poultryman," which was found- ed by G. M. T. Johnson and passed into the hands of M. D. Branday & Son about 1888. The "Lewisiana," a monthly pubhcation, was started by Frank P. Lewis, and now is published monthly on the Reporter press by F. C. Branday. The Reporter is one of the leading county newspapers of Broome county, and deservedly enjoys a wide circulation and a large advertis- ing patronage. The ecclesiastical bodies of the village, of which mention is made in another department of this work, are the Methodist Episcopal church, incorporated April 4, 1843; the Presbyterian church, organized Sept. 7,1854; Grace Episcopal church, organized in 1870; the First Baptist church, organized June 2, 1842; and St. Patrick's church (Roman Cath- olic), formally established in 1872. The fraternal societies of the village are Whitney's Point Lodge No, 795, F. & A. M., instituted February 21, 1888; Amigo Lodge No. 439, L O. O. F., organized August 20, 1875; Eldridge Post No. 199, G. A. R.. organized March 9, 1881; Pocahontas Tribe No. 81, L O. R. M., insti- tuted 1887; Brinkman Tent No. 217, Order of Maccabees, organized May 15, 1893; Whitney's Point Grange No. 565, P. of H., organized March 18, 1898; and Nioga Council No. 47, R. T. of T., instituted June 15, 1878. The Broome County Agricultural society dates its history to January 29, 1858, when the first annual fair was held on the Johnson grounds near Lisle village. After three or four years the annual exhibition was held at Binghamton, and was continued to be held there until 1871 when the association found permanent grounds on the Collins farm at Whitney's Point. The society is an institution of the county, yet it has been chiefly supported by the enterprising men of Triangle for more than twenty years. Upper Lisle. — This small village of about 150 inhabitants is located on the Otselic river in the the northeast part of the town of Triangle, The settlement dates back in its history to the beginning of the cent- ury, when George Elliott opened the first store and when Moses Mun- son built the first saw mill in this part of the town. However, let us recall the names of some of the first settlers in this part of Triangle, THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. 759 for, in a way, each had something to do with early development and subsequent growth. It is said that Asa Rogers and Phineas Baker were the pioneers here, and that in 1794 they brought their families to the improvements they previously had made. At the same time came Jacob Smith, with his sons Nicholas and Hendrick J. Smith. Asa Rogers made his " pitch " (choice) of land on the east side of the river, half a mile north of the " Four Corners," as the settlement was first called. Among the other and later settlers in this locality were Timothy Shepard, who came before 1797, and who formed the Baptist society at Upper Lisle and also at Hazzard's Corners; Benjamin Smith, whose family name has been well known in town history; Mr. Lewis, with his sons Jesse, Seth and William; Jonathan, afterward "Judge" Lewis; Dr. Isaiah Chap- man, who came about 1803, and whose place afterward was sold to Joel Rouse; John Landers, who came in 1801; Moses Munson, who came in 1801 and built the first saw mill, and also the first grist mill, the latter in 1803; Conrad Sharp, who succeeded to the Munson mills, and for whom the locality became known as " Sharp's Corners; " Judge George Wheeler, who purchased the Sharp mills. About this time (1820) one Dodge started a cloth-dressing works here, and for a number of years the place was a scene of constant industry. Other factors in early history here were Simeon and Noah Rogers, Barnabas Kinney, Cornelius Van Arsdale, John Johnson, Jesse P. Ames, Mr. Mulligan, Amos Thurston, Mr. Lull (grandfather of Elder Abner Lull), Elijah Sweet, Reuben Hatch, Vincent Van Arsdale, Daniel Lull, Isaac Harrington, Reuben and Daniel Thurston, Aaron Thurston, Noah Rogers, Smith Hinds, John Ames, James Graham, William Birdsall, Ansel Thomas, Deacon Ephraim Hodge and others equally worthy of mention but whose names cannot now be recalled. A bridge across the river at Upper Lisle was built in 1807. Isaac Terry and Elijah Hatch had a plow factory here many years ago. George Elliott opened the first store about 1800. Dr. Todd built an- other store in 1812, and employed Thomas Gazeley as his clerk. Another storekeeper was Harry Green. Harry Van Vliet kept a tavern, and a Mr. Bradt followed later in the same business. Timothy Bradley and a Mr. Carew were the first blacksmiths. John Hinman came in 1814, and soon afterward followed his brother Samuel, who started a dis- tillery. The Universalist church was built in 1830. In 1810 James Stoddard 760 THE TOWN OF TRIANGLE. taught a winter school. Later teachers were Henry Coburn, Jonas Billings and Rachel Beckwith. Among the early merchants of Upper Lisle, in addition to those al- ready mentioned, were Samuel H. Birdsall, Welch & Holmes, Asa Aus- tin, Benj. Kingsley, Anson Peck. Other business factors were Wm. Walls, Wm. Button, J. Burghardt (tannery, 1864-78). In 1865 the business interests of the village were greater than at the present day. Then Finn & Campbell carried on the mills; J. Burghardt & Son the tannery; O. B.Campbell, a large general store; the McFarland Bros, were cabinet makers and undertakers; John E. Wentz carried on an extensive planing mill and carpenter shop ; G. H. Brown was a large produce and stock dealer; R. M. Burghardt dealt in stock and agricul- tural implements; O. J, Pratt was storekeeper and postmaster, and C. W. Woughter kept public house. Among the other prominent resi- dents of the immediate locality were W. Crandall, N. P. Baker, P. Stalker, N. Newell, H. B. Day, George W. Hurd,.G. M. Starkey, L. Dewey, P. Rockwell, Dr. R. O. Williams and Dr. J. Hall, all of whom at some time were identified with the business history of the village. Forty years have wrought many changes in the condition of affairs of Upper Lisle, and the hamlet people no longer can enjoy their old-time prestige. Here, now, are two good stores, kept, respectively, by Mrs. Beach and Frank Brannon ; a hotel, kept by De Lotus Elliott ; a grist mill, of which Charles Adams is proprietor, and a saw mill, owned by R. M. Burghardt. In the locality there still live many descendants of old settlers, all of whom loyally patronize the merchants of the village. The farmers are thrifty, for the lands here are among the best in the town. The public institutions are the Baptist and Universalist churches and the district school. Triaiigle. — In the southeast part of the town is some of the best agri- cultural lands of which Triangle can boast. The inhabitants here long needed a trading center and the construction of the turnpike with its inevitable " toll gate " made a settlement possible in the near vicinity. Among the early settlers and factors in the history of this locality may be mentioned the names of Comfort Jackson, the Amsbry, Hayes and Boyd families, Nehemiah Spencer, Jonas Standish, Lewis Beman, Julius Spencer (the basket maker), Isaac Taft and others. In the same manner there may be mentioned Col. Clark, the Eggles- tons, the Dunckels, the Beckwiths, the Woodruffs, the Chases, Jona- than Sweetland, Samuel Waldron, Frederick English and others. THE TOWN OF FENTON. 781 Dexter Whitney built and opened a store at Triangle in 1851, and Harvey Phelps built a second store in 1865. Daniel Clark built the hotel about 1867. A cheese factory was built here in 1874. However, among the persons connected with business interests here may be men- tioned (in addition to those given), G. Eggleston, M. E. Pearsall, Mar- garet Mills, E. W. Simmons, G. G. Saxton, Chandler Olmstead, Egbert Pearsall and D. S. Whitney. Thirty-five years ago these persons were interested in business pur- suits at Triangle: I. D, Meacham and E. B. Nash, physicians; N. Hayes, harness maker and hide dealer; D. S. Whitney, general store; G. Dunckels, carriage and cabinet maker; Phelps & Slater, general store; C. Love, blacksmith; I. Saxton, shoemaker and dealer, also post- master; C. Stiles, barrel, tub and firkin factory. The present business interests comprise the stores of Floyd J. Purdy and W. R. Shipman and one or two small shops. In this locality are three churches — Congregational, Baptist and Methodist Episcopal, and also a district school. Penelope is the name of a post hamlet in the northeast part of the town near the county line. Its business interests comprise a cheese factory and creamery, and a store, the latter kept by Frank Silvernail. CHAPTER XXXVII. THE TOWN OF FENTON. On December 3, 1855, the supervisors of the county made a division of old Chenango and created from it two new towns— Binghamton and Port Crane. The legislature in 1856 ratified the action of the board and authorized the organization of each new jurisdiction. The name Port Crane was given this town from its principal village, which originally was so-called in compliment to Jason Crane, one of the engineers en- gaged in the work of construction on the Chenango canal, he evidently having been in great favor with people of this locality. The name was worthily bestowed, yet in 1867 the board of supervisors saw fit to ex- change it for that of Fenton, in allusion to the name of Governor Reu- ben E. Fenton, chief executive of the state during the years 1865-67. 762 THE TOWN OF FENTON. The boundaries of the town never have been changed and its area is 19,576 acres of land; good agricultural land with excellent grazing dis- tricts where the slopes are too precipitous for easy cultivation. The narrow bottom lands along the river are exceedingly fertile, and back of them the hills rise to an elevation varying from 500 to 800 feet alti- tude. The Chenango river forms the western boundary and Page and Pond brooks are its principal tributaries, affording excellent natural drainage. The town comprises portions of three tracts of patented lands, known, respectively, as Jay & Rutheford's patent, Clinton & Melcher's patent and Watts' patent. The tract first mentioned was surveyed by Walter Sabin about 1792, and under that survey part of lot No. 3G was sold to Garret Williamson; part of Nos. 35-6 to Elias B. Miller, and part of No. 47 to Jacob Ketchum. The patent was subsequently divided, Jay taking the north and Rutheford the south part. In 1823 William Wentz resurveyed the tract, and the titles were afterward conveyed according to his plan of numbers and division. The pioneer of this town were Elisha Pease who settled here and made an improvement in a total wilderness in 1788. Chester Pease, son of the pioneer, was born here in 1793, that being the first event of its kind in the town. In 1797 the pioneer built the first saw mill, but other than is mentioned little is now known of his family life here. The next settlers were Jared Page (for whom Page brook is said to have been named) and a Mr. Vining, whose Christian name (and also early recollections of him) are not remembered. Soon afterward there came Garret Williamson (the pioneer of lot No. 36), Isaac Page, John F. Miller and Elias Miller, the latter taking parts of lots Nos. 35 and 36, just south of Ketchum's Corners (North Fenton, as now known). Garret Williamson had twelve sons and daughters, and his surname is still well known in town. He died in 1862. Elias Miller was William- son's brother-in law, and together they came and cleared a few acres of land, sowing it with wheat, and then returned to Westchester county for their families. William Miller also came from Westchester county, locating here in 1807, one year later than his kinsman just mentioned. He also became a prominent figure in town history, and was one of the old Common Pleas judges. His descendants, too, gained an enviable prominence, his grandson, Addison Miller, having served as justice of the peace and also as justice of the sessions for several years. Robert T., Hurd F. and Addison Miller were sons of John F. Miller, youngest son of the pioneer of the family. THE TOWN OF FENTON. 763 Michael McDonald, of Scotch ancestry, progenitor of the several per- sons of that surname who were in later years conspicuous figures both m Fenton and Binghamton, came here previous to 1800 and settled on a 50-acre tract of land. Caleb Ketchum located at North Fenton early in the century, but whether the settlement there was named Ketchum's Corners for him or for Jacob Ketchum is a doubtful question. Reuben McDaniels came in 180G. Lewis Demonstoy came in 1847. Simon Cook settled here in 1844. He served in the army during the war of 1812-15. Timothy Cross settled in the north part of the town in 1807, and attained a ripe old age, far beyond man's alloted span. The Hull families came into the town about 1836. Among them were John Hull, who attained a standing of prominence in the town; Charles Hull a tavern keeper and cigar maker here and later on a resident of Bingham- ton; George Hull, of Cardiff giant fame. Jeremiah Holt came to the county from Chenango county about 1830, and settled in this town in 1849. His son, Jeremiah Holt, jr., for many years has been a prominent man in town affairs, having been assessor and supervisor, serving in the latter capacity two terms. Richard Lewis, a native of Wales, was an early settler near Chenango Forks. His sons afterward took an active part in local affairs. John Kales and family came from Chenango county to Fenton in 1851. Henry Kales was born in Fenton in 1852, and afterward became prominent in town affairs, being supervisor in 1898. The surname Watrous also for many years has been well known in Fenton through the works of David Watrous and his son, Samuel B. Watrous, both old residents here. An- other old surname here is that of Baldwin, whose earliest representa- tive, Sylvester Baldwin, came to the county in 1835, He was the father of ten children, several of whom were sons. Among the early settlers and prominent old residents in the south part of the town may be mentioned Peter Shaw, who settled near Port Crane about 1800, and who died in 1804, leaving several sons — Frederick, Curtis, Richard and De Witt Shaw. Luman Holcomb, who attained the remarkable age of ninety-five years, settled two miles east of Port Crane about 1810. David Crocker settled in the Van Name locality about 1790. His son, Ebenezer Crocker, the old justice and highway com- missioner, was born in the town in 1814. Joseph Ogden settled in the south part of the town about 1790, hence was one of the pioneers. The surname Ogden has ever since been well represented in the town, and also in Binghamton and other parts of the county; and all these sub- 764 THE TOWN OF FENTON. stantial representatives were descended from Joseph Ogden, the pioneer. Rephah Randall came here in 181G. Gideon Lounsberry, a settler in 1826, was the head of another prominent family in Fenton history. Among the other early and prominent families in Fenton may be mentioned those of the late Roger Wing Hinds, who held the office of supervisor, justice of the peace, under sheriff and member of the legis- lature; Revilo Keeler, whose son, Job F. Keeler, was also a conspicuous figure in local history. There were also the Van Names, the Slossons, the Beviers, the Amsbrys, the Winns, the Morses, the Prentices, the Heards, the Shears, the Houghtailings, the Bixbys, the Ingrahams, the Silvernails, the Youngs, the Taylors, the Scotts (Marcus W. and Thomas Scott are sons of Garry V. Scott, who came to Fenton about 1847), the Greens ( James D. Green, father of Ex-Mayor George E. Green, of Binghamton, came to this town soon after 18G0), the Shufelts, the Glea- sons, the Canniffs (Marvin Canniff was one of Fenton's representative, men for many years), the Cooks, the Willards, the Walkers and a host of others, all of whom in some manner contributed to the growth and the development of the town. Previous to the opening of the Chenango canal in 18-)7, the inhabit- ants of Fenton were chiefly farmers and lumbermen, both of which pur- suits then were highly profitable. The Chenango river was a famous waterway for rafting logs and lumber to market, and Page brook was the chief seat of saw mill work for many years. Jared Page first "turned the waters" of the stream to milling enterprises, and his ex- ample was followed in later years by such operators as Elias Miller, Cloudy Hamilton, Christopher Eldredge (of Binghamton), Francis Mann, E. M. and Samuel Williamson, Henry Purdy, Henry Cole and others whose names are now forgotten. The canal, too, became a much used avenue for shipping lumber, and between the years 1840 and 18G5 Fenton prospered as never before or since in all its history. But with the gradual clearing away of the forests, and the ultimate closing of the canal, this became a purely agricultural town; but before the canal was abandoned the Albany and Susquehanna railroad was opened, and thus commercial interests did not materially suffer through the loss of the once noted waterway. However, old residents still assert that " times" in Fenton never were so good as during the period of opera- tion of the Chenango canal. Among the later-day factors in Fenton history, mention may be made of Samuel I, Baldwin, James J. Barnes (settled in Fenton in 1849), THE TOWN OF FENTON. 785 George W. Beckwith, Matthew Cook (drover, stock dealer, lumberman and fanner), Lewis N. Demonstoy (supervisor, town clerk, lumberman), Silas Hinds, Jeremiah Holt, James D. Hunt, Henry Kales, Job F. Keeler, Simmons J. Lounsberry, Addison Miller, Hurd H. Miller, Asa McDonald (father of Wm. H., Theo. F., Albert D. and Earl V. McDon- ald), Ambrose Og-den (father of Joseph D. Ogden), William Ogden, Benj. Potter, Hiram Prentice, James Rider, Dr. Lorenzo P. Roberts', Charles L, and Willard H. Shear,Thomas Scott, John Spendley, Thomas S. Taber, G. Harry Waite, Samuel B. Watrous, William Wil'liamson, Isaac C. Winn and others. Organisation. — Under the act which sanctioned the creation of the town, the first election of officers was held at Charles Hull's tavern in the spring of 1856, and was presided over by Daniel Hickox, Thomas Taber and Anthony W. Cole. The officers then chosen (with the ex- ception of supervisor, for which there was no election) were as follows: Town clerk, Herman V Waite; justices, John Bishop, Enos Puffer, Thomas Taber and Ebenezer Crocker; assessors, James A. Barnes, Israel D. Amsbry, George P. Miller; superintendent of schools, John B. Van Name; commissioners of highways, James Howland and Benj. A. Potter; overseers of the poor, William Slosson, Garry V. Scott; collec- tor, Hiram Silliman; constables, Henry Kark, Sherman McDaniel, John Jones, Leverett Jeffers, Willett Cross. The succession of supervisors is as follows: John Hull, 1856; Luke Dickson, 1857-58; Herman V. Waite, 1859-60; John Spendley, 1861; Lewis N. Demonstoy, 1862; Herman V. Waite, 1863-4; George P. Mil- ler, 1865-66; Roger W. Hinds, 1867; James E. Waite, 1868-69; John Hull, 1870-71; Marvin Canniff, 1872-73; Warren Bevier, 1874; Thomas Scott, 1875-77; James M. Edsall, 1878-79; Thomas Scott, 1880; Lo renzo P. Roberts, 1881-82; Thomas Scott, 1883; Lewis N. Demonstoy, 1884; George H. Waite, 1885-86; James M, Edsall, 1887-88; Jeremiah Holt, 1889; Charles Van Amburgh, 1890-91; Arthur D. Weed, 1892-95; Henry Kales, 1896-98; Jeremiah Holt, 1899. The town officers in 1899 are Jeremiah Holt, supervisor; Earl A. Barnes, town clerk ; Albert Pangburn, Seneca Shear, Alvin McDonald, assessors; Rufus P. Bunnell, Charles H. Wells, Smith Cross, Hiram Gee, justices of the peace; Reuben Cross, collector; Simon Parsons, highway commissioner; Edmund Cole and Milton B. Race, overseers of the poor. Population.— l^QO, 1,345; 1865, 1,503; 1870, 1,499; 1875, 1,558; 1880, 1,555; 1890, 1,280; 1893, 1,373. 766 THE TOWN OF FENTON. Schools. — The history of the early schools of this town belongs to Chenango. In 1856 it became the duty of John B. Van Name, as town superintendent in Fenton, to put in operation the machinery of the school laws then in force. Indeed, the town authorities had little else to do in regard to the schools, as the districts, except perhaps one or two on the south boundary of the town, were all formed as part of Che- nango and required no readjustment. As now disposed, the town con- tains eight districts, each of which has a good school house. Accord- ing to the commissioners report for the year ending July 31, 1899, there was apportioned to Fenton of the public school moneys, $977.12, while the town raised by tax $1,406.89. During the year there was paid to teachers $1,964.10. School census of the town, 211 children; number of books in libraries, 65. VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. When the town was set ofif and formally organized the only trading centers of any consequence were Port Crane and Ketchum's Corners, but during the period of operation of the canal, beginning about 1840 and ending soon after 1870, the entire course of that thoroughfare of traffic was a scene of constant activity. There were canal groceries, dry and repair docks and boat yards, with an occasional resort wherein the boatmen could find liquid refreshment. Then there were lumber- men (among whom Col. Van Name was a leading operator) and ship- pers, whose several enterprises were not a part of the industries of any special locality, but were carried on wherever occasion required. How- ever, after the canal was abandoned, and the lands were reclaimed by by adjoining owners, these transient interests were discontinued and trade gradually centered in the villages of the town. Port Crane. — This village, by reason of its location on the line of the canal, early became the principal trade center of the town, yet it is doubtful if the local population ever exceeded 200 persons. James Hunt and Samuel Andrews were among the early settlers in the im- mediate vicinity, the former being a farmer, and the latter a farmer and miller, having built what was known as the old "Shear" mill on Osborne Hollow creek in 1832. The first store at the " Port " was started by Wheeler & Yates, who were canal contractors. They were followed by Brown & Wright, and J. M. Edsall afterward occupied the same building. The Hulls — John, Charles and George — were early business men here, and all were for years actively identified with local THE TOWN OF FENTON. 767 interests. Other prominent factors in village history were Herman V Waite, Davis & Shear, James E. Waite, J. M. Edsall, Ansel Davis (who opened a tavern in 1836), John Monahan and others. In 1865 the business men of the place were Thomas Kilmer, physi- cian and druggist; James E. Waite, lumberman and storekeeper; Charles Hull, cigar maker; Truman H. Van Emburgh, boat builder'; E. W. Campbell, blacksmith; G. P. Miller, dentist; S. Miller, carpen- ter and millwright; Thomas Van Emburgh, dry dock and boat yard; W Randall, carpenter and millwright; I. Allerton, carpenter; 'Harvey Shear and J. N. Dodge, citizens. The abandonment of the canal had an injurious effect on Port Crane interests; and to-day there are not half a dozen business places in the village. The old Shear mill is still standing, but is idle, and now is owned by Wm. Shear. The Davis & Shear store now is occupied by Mr. English. J. M. Edsall retired in favor of J. D. Eaton. The re- maining interests comprise only the few small shops usual to country villages. The institutions of Port Crane are the Methodist Episcopal and Bap- tist churches, Chenango Tribe No. 58, I. O. R. M., and the school of district No. 2. In writing of the old-time interests of the town, it is proper to men- tion some of those in existence in 1865, but which were not located at a regular trade center. In this connection mention may be made of Col. Wm. Van Name, a general merchant, lumberman and stock dealer, whose seat of business was nearly two miles down the river from Port Crane; M. D. Beardsley, a farmer and manufacturer of boots and shoes; Warren Bevier, who carried on a farm in the south part of the town, and who also made brooms ; H. Prentice, farmer, stock dealer and car- penter; J. D. Brown, carpenter, now living in Chicago; Henry Shear, dealer in fat cattle and sheep ; L. Paddleford, farmer and carpenter at North Fenton ; and A. Cleveland, lumberman. North Fenton. — Previous to 1867 this hamlet was known as Ketchum's Corners, but when the name of the town was changed, the Corners at the same time became North Fenton, and a post-office was then (1867) established here, Wm. Lawton, postmaster. James Miller made this a trade center in 1862, when he opened the first store. Later prominent merchants here were William Lawton, Thomas Scott, Canniff & Miller, Melvin A. Macomber, Justin Morse, Abe Rosenthal, Addison Miller, John Miller and A. D. Roberts, the 768 THE TOWN OF BARKER. latter now being proprietor of a good general store. In the hamlet also is a good cheese factory, Charles Paddleford, proprietor. Here, too, is a Methodist Episcopal church, and the school house of district No. 4. CHAPTER XXXVI. THE TOWN OF BARKER. Barker, one of the most substantial towns of Broome county, was created April 18, 1831, under the act of the legislature that divided Lisle, and from its territory created three new towns. A small part of Greene was annexed to Barker April 28, 1840, but otherwise its bound- aries ever have remained unchanged. Within its present limits it con- tains 24,859 acres of land, the greater portion of which are devoted to general agricultural pursuits. The town is intersected by the Tiough- nioga river, and its entire area is well drained by that stream and its tributaries. The land surface consists of a high, broken plateau, and is divided into two distinct parts by the Tioughnioga valley. The hill- sides in places are very steep and precipitous, thus rendering many areas unsuitable for profitable cultivation, but affording excellent pas- turage for cattle and sheep. One of the highest points of land in the county is found in the northwest part of the town, where the altitude is more than 1,400 feet above tide water. The river valley is quite nar- row, but the small areas of bottom lands are exceedingly fertile, hence the town as an agricultural region averages well in the county. Half- way brook flows through a narrow valley in the east part of the town, and in its vicinity several salt and brine springs were discovered many years ago. About 1850 an attempt was made to obtain a market sup- ply of salt from these springs, but the product was too small in quan- tity to justify extensive operations in search of that commodity. The first white settler within the limits of Barker was Thomas Gal- lop (or Gallup), who came up the river soon after Amos Draper located at Chugnut (Vestal) in 1782, and a year or two previous to Capt. Leon- ard's settlement on the west bank of the Chenango, about on the site of Nimmonsburg. Gallop made a small improvement on the site of Che- THE TOWN OF BARKER. 759 nango Forks, but whether or not he held under title is unknown. He remained a few years and died in 1791. The real pioneer of the town was John Barker, an old revolutionary patriot, who in 1791 came from Brandford, Conn., and located on the east side of the river. In later years pioneer Barker was a man highly respected in the town of Chenango (of which town Barker then formed a part) and in compliment to him Barker was so named. The pioneer lived in the town until h"s death, Nov. 20, 1836, at the ripe old age of ninety-four years. He was twice married, and had these children: Triphena, Peter Silas, Mary, Asa and John. Nearly all these children eventually left the town, and now few, if any direct descendants of the pioneer of Barker are living in this county. Simeon Rogers came into the region very soon after the arrival of John Barker and began an improvement near that of the latter. In 1795 pioneer Rogers married Mary, daughter of John Barker, and by her he had seven children. They were Chauncey, John B. (one of the foremost men of the town in his time, a merchant at Chenango Forks from 1825 to 1875), William, Mary, Eliza, George and Charles Rogers, from whom have descended some of the leading men of this town and also of the city of Binghamton. Pioneer Rogers attained the good old age of ninety-four years, and died in 1856. His wife, Mary Barker, tradition says, was a remarkable woman, and possessed courage to a remarkable degree. During the early life of the family in this region she saw much of the Indians who still remained in the vicinity, and by frequent association with the squaws of the tribe she learned much of their habits and something of their language. When her huband opened his house as a tavern, according to custom, he established a bar- room and kept liquor for sale; and frequently, in the absence of the men, Mrs. Rogers would attend to the wants of customers. On one oc- casion the house was visited by a band of Indians headed by one David, who was drunk, and who demanded more drink. It was refused him, upon which he savagely attacked the good woman with his hunting knife, and she, hardly aware of the situation, sprang into the arms of Antonio, another of the Indians. The latter at once defended and saved her, but that was almost a miracle, as Antonio himself was a merciless savage and afterward was hanged at Morrisville for a murder he had committed. On another occasion, when Mrs. Rogers happened to be alone in the house, she was seriously threatened by a drunken savage, and was only 4'J 770 THE TOWN OF BARKER. saved from his murderous knife by the timely arrival of a stranger on horseback. Then as the guest was departing the Indian tried to kill him by stealth, but Mrs. Rogers discovered his purpose, and screaming loudly caused the stranger to turn and thwart the savage attack. After these events some of the male members of the household generally re- mained within easy call of the tavern until the Indians had permanently left the locality. John Allen, a Vermont Yankee, came into the Tioughnioga valley probably as early as 1790. He cleared a large tract of land and planted 500 young apple trees, and he also constructed a hand-mill for grinding grain. The birth of Truman Allen, son of John Allen, (July 11, 1792) was the first event of its kind in the town. Major Chauncey Hyde,founder of Hyde Settlement, came from Lenox, Mass., in 1793, and settled temporarily in the Genesee country, but, being stricken with fever he came further east to the site of Utica, where he saw little to tempt settlement. He then came to Chenango Point and found the region overgrown with scrub oak and pine, upon which he journeyed up the Chenango to this town, where the heavy growth of timber indicated a deep rich soil. The land he first cleared was directly in rear of Hyde Settlement M. E. church of later years. Major Hyde was a prominent man in early history and was elected to the assembly four terms. He died in 1847. Gen. Caleb Hyde (who as sheriff of Berkshire Co. , Mass. , executed the leaders of the insurrection known as " Shay's Rebellion,") came to Hyde settlement in 1795. Like his son, Gen. Hyde took a leading part in early county history ; was major gen- eral of militia; was twice chosen state senator, and in 180-4 was member of the council of appointment. He died Dec. 25, 1820. Among the other members of the Hyde family who figured as early settlers in this locality may be recalled by names of Capt. Calvin Hyde; Ebby Hyde (father of Dr. Frederick Hyde, of Cortland) who kept a store and tavern at Patterson's Point (afterward Whitney's Point) and later on removed to Hyde Settlement; Charles Hyde, eldest son of Gen. Hyde, who entered the U. S. military service and died in the Indian Territory in 1806. An entire chapter might be devoted to the members and interesting reminiscences of the Hyde families. They were numer- ous in the region during the early years of the century and also were prominent factors in passing events. The surname now has few repre- sentatives in the region, but wherever found it always has stood for general worth and integrity. m THE TOWN OF BARKER. 77j Still further pursuing the subject of early settlement in Barker we ay properly recall the names of Nathaniel Bishop (who came from Berkshire county, Mass., in 1802), Aaron Gaylord, Mr.Cadwell,"Dan." Hanchett, Joseph Burgess, Samuel Ames, Lemuel Foote, John Smith, John McCoy, (a witty, happy-go-lucky son of Ireland for whom McCoy Hill was named), Capt. Oliver Stiles (who came herein 1806, and after- ward was chosen one of the Common Pleas judges, and also was captain of militia, from whence came his title), Gilbert Shaffer (who in 181G succeeded to the lands of Ebby Hyde), Elijah Wood (1815), Stephen Foote (about 1818), Aaron Loomis (1826 or '7), Truman Slosson (1830), Abram Graves, Elias Shevalier, John Dunham (1832), John Wooster| Obadiah Stevens, Nelson Dunham, Morris Smith, Asa Beach (who came from Connecticut in 1805, and was a prominent figure both in town and county history), Pomeroy Johnson, Nathaniel Newell, Benjamin Fuller (1796, and for whom Fuller Settlement took that name), David Brown (father of the late Col. Robert Brown), Hiram Foote, Joel Taft, Alvin Dorchester, David Shapley (native, and one of the first white children born in the town), Jesse Atwater, Royal Shapley, Lot Sutherland, John Brown, Ozias Westover, Sherlock Wellard (an early storekeeper), Moses Waters, Jedediah Southwick, William Price, Peter P. Ockerman, Elias Newman and Ethan Allen (son of JohnAllen), all of whom were in some manner identified with the early development and therefore with the most interesting history of the town. In the same manner and in the same connection mention is to be made of the names of John Hurlbut (who is said to have come into this region in 1794, and settled in a complete wilderness), Elias Rummer, Mott Wright, John Rogers (who came in 1810), Asa Abbott, who built a saw mill in 1814), Reynold Kenyon (located at the "Four Corners" in 1806), Spink Kenyon (son of Reynold), Joel Thurston, Asa Taft and Stephen Pearsall (both early school teachers), David Thurston, Ebenezer Strick- land, Samuel Strickland, William and Blake Thurston, William Bates, Joseph Adams (the pioneer of "Adams' Settlement," and who came in- to the town from Dutchess county in 1800), Joseph Adams, jr. (who built a saw mill and made lumber for the settlers), Asa Lyons, Deacon Benj. Eldridge (grandfather of the late Col. Milo B. Eldridge, and also of Roxie Eldridge, principal of the New street school in Binghamton), Solomon Armstrong (a revolutionary patriot), John Stoughton (came to Adams' Settlement in 1808, was the first supervisor of Barker in 1832, and was member of assembly in 1839), Lewis Stoughton, Joseph Wood 772 THE TOWN OF BARKER. (who operated an early rope works), Daniel Twiss and Aaron Mansir (both of whom came from Tyringham, Mass., in 1816), Zenas Eldridge (son of Deacon Eldridge), Mr. Lamoreaux, Mr. Huddleston and others now forgotten, all of whom were once factors in the history of the town, and many of whose descendants still are numbered among its present residents. Among the pioneers and early settlers were several men who were soldiers in the American army during the revolution. The names of a number of them have been mentioned in earlier paragraphs, but refer- ring to the records of Tuscarora chapter, D.A.R., of Binghamton, it is found that these names are credited to the town, viz. : Solomon Arm- strong, John Allen, Jedediah Blanchard, John Barker, Christopher Coates, Caleb Hyde, Chauncey Hyde, David Jewett, Simeon Rogers, Lemuel Rogers, John Rogers and William Wood. Among the more recent factors in local history, many of whom are still living, there may be mentioned the names of Talcott Alderman, John H. Allen, Squire Allen, Franklin Beach (born in Barker, 1823, son Harvey B. Beach), William Beach (an old town official and a noted raftsman; son of John Beach), Parley M. Brown (son of David and brother of the late Col. Brown), Dr. Henry A. Carr (the old physician of Chenango Forks, and afterwards of Binghamton), Washington Conk- lin, Hiram Dunham (son of John Dunham), Hamilton Ellerson, David English, Jonathan English, Edgar D. Fuller (born in this town in 1851), Elias Gaylord (born in Barker in 1819; son of Aaron Gaylord), Charles Hall (born in Barker, 1853), Dr. S. H. Harrington (the well known phy- sician and merchant of Chenango Forks, and an important factor in town'history), William Hatfield, Charles Hyde (born in the town, 1825; son of Charles Hyde), Augustine Hayes, Charles J. Hayes (born in Barker in 1850), Nathaniel Kinyon (son of Nathaniel Kinyon), Enos Page, Franklin Parsons, (born 1837; son of Chauncey Parsons), Robert O. Edwards, Horace M. Parsons (son of Lorenzo Parsons), Alonzo Pease (native of Windsor and prominent town official in Barker), Walter B. Pierce (the old farmer and tobacconist), Eugene Potter, John W. Ockerman, Myron S. Root, Charles Rogers (son of Benj. Rogers and prominent in town affairs), John Barker Rogers (son of the pioneer and named for him; born in Lisle — now Barker — in 1796; father of Theo- dore S. and grandfather of George Tracy and John B. Rogers of Bing- hamton), Jacob Ockerman, Alfred Thurston (born in Barker in 1810; son of John Thurston), Asaph B. Walter (native of Triangle, and who THE TOWN OF BARKER. 713 came to Barker in 1856), Philo G. Walter, Dorres Westover (born in Barker in 1844; son of Ozias Westover), Charles Ockerman. From all that is written on preceding pages it must be seen that set- telment in Barker was begun as early and increased as rapidly as in other towns which were more level and more favorably situated. In- deed, it can hardly be said that Barker was without natural resources even during the early years of the century, for the Chenango and Tiough- nioga rivers were waterways and contributed materially to local growth and prosperity. For a period of about thirty years Chenango Forks was an important lumbering center and fortunes rewarded the efforts of the larger operators. In the course of time it became necessary to construct bridges across both rivers and in these enterprises local capital was chiefly employed. However, the two great internal improvements which contributed most to the prosperity of the town were the opening of the Chenango canal in 1837, and the operation of the Syracuse, Binghamton and New York railroad in 1854. The Utica and Chenango Valley road was a later acquisition, and thereby Chenango Forks gained a special prominence and advantage, the benefits of which have been permanent. Organization. — The act creating the town provided that the first town meeting be held at the house of David Brown. Accordingly, the election was held on the first Tuesday in March, 18:52, when these officials were chosen : Supervisor, John Stoughton; town clerk, Edward Hebard ; assessors. Woodruff Barnes, Hugh Cunningham and John Beach; overseers of the poor, William Osborn and Orlando Parsons, highway commissioners, Lorenzo Parsons, John P. Osborn, Jacob Lowe; school commissioners, Charles B. Beach, Reuben Winston, Franklin Hyde and Edward Hebard; school inspectors, John P. Osborn, Harry Seymourand Asa Hubbard; justices of the peace, Ransford Stevens, Oliver Stiles, Rufus Abbott and Daniel Sweetland; collector, David Barker; sealer of weights and measures, Rufus Abbott; constables, David Barker, Asa Hubbard, Charles Atwater and Lewis Cook. The succession of supervisors is as follows: John Stoughton, 1832- 35; John Hyde, 1836; John Stoughton, 1837-38; John B. Rogers, 1839; F. Hyde, 1840; John B. Rogers, 1841; Lorenzo Parsons, 1842; Oliver vStiles, 1843; Lorenzo Parsons, 1844; John B. Rogers, 1845; John Corn- stock, 1846-47; David Brown, 1848; Eliphalet Wheeler, 1849; Maurice Hagaman, 1850; David Boughton, 1851; Eliphalet Wheeler, 1852; Langley Terwilliger, 1853-54; John B. Rogers, 1855; Abraham Knapp, t74 THE TOWN OF BARKER. 185G; Robert Brown, 1857-58; Daniel Lowell, 1859-Gl; William H. Beals, 1862; Joseph P. Adams, 1863; Daniel Lowell, 1864; William H. Beals, 1865-67; Joseph S. Parsons-, 1868-73; John W. Kinyon, 1874-75; William H. Beals, 1876-79; Alonzo Pease, 1880-84; Parley M. Brown, 1885-87; Horace W. Parsons, 1888-89; Abel W. Beach, 1890-93; Maurice O. Eggleston, 1894-97; David B. King, 1898-99. The town officers in 1899 are David B. King, supervisor; James E. Weller, town clerk; Charles J. Hayes, Charles H. Parsons, Frank Par- sons, assessors; David B. King, Hubert F. Strickland, Abel W. Beach, Garret Smith Morse, justices of the peace; Fred R. Wooster, collector; Will H. Slack, highway commissioner; Talcott Alderman, overseer of the poor. Population.— X'^U, 1,150; 1840, 1,285; 1845, 1,379; 1850, 3,456; 1855, 1,324; 1860, 1,090; 1865, 1,339; 1870, 1,396; 1875, 1,427; 1880, 1,333; 1890, 1,100; 1892, 1,133. In 1835 the town contained 7,457 acres of improved and 16,307 acres of unimproved land 64 militiamen; 233 electors; 1,628 head of neat cattle; 2,702 sheep; 975 swine; 8 saw mills and no grist mills. In that year there were manufactured in the town 253 yards of fulled cloth, 2,395 yards of flannel, and 4,406 yards of cotton aud linen cloths. Then the post-offices were Chenango Forks and Hyde Settlement. Schools. — Previous to 1832 the public schools of Barker were a part of the system of Lisle, but in that year school commissioners Charles B. Beach, Reuben Winston, Franklin Hyde and Edward Hebard divided the new territory into districts suited to the convenience of the inhabitants. In ] 838 the number of children attending school was 373; while the children between the ages of 5 and 16 years were 364. In 1858 there were 14 districts and the number of children taught was 287. In 1899, as shown by the commissioner's report for the year ending July 31, the town contained 13 districts, each of which had a good school house. The amount of public moneys apportioned to the town was $1,859.95, while the amount raised by tax for school support was $2,728.37. The amount paid for teachers' wages was $4,284.87; school census, 311; number of books in libraries, 632. The early physicians of the town, with date of settlement, were Drs. Daniel Brainard, 1820 or '21 ; Alfred Cook, about 1828; Dr. Sheldon, about 1832; Reuben Winston, 1830; L. H. Haines, 1846; S. H. Harring- ton, 1856; William B. Squires, 1847; William Dorr, 1853; Royal R.Carr, 1844; H. A. Carr, 1878; Z. A. Spendley, 1868; Weller Ross, 1883; Clark W. Greene, 1873. THE TOWN OF BARKER. 775 VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. As has been stated Thomas Galhip and pioneers Barker and Rogers were the first occupants of the locality in which is situate the pleas- ant little village called Chenango Forks, but is not our purpose to here treat further upon the early history of the place other than to set forth the names of the men who had a part in passing events. The village is peculiarly situated, and although without corporate boundaries it lies in part in each of the towns of Chenango, Fenton, Greene and Barker, but chiefly in the latter town, of which it has always been regarded as a part. In the early history of the village Robert O. Edwards, John B. and Simeon Rogers were the leading developing factors, and through their energy the Forks early acquired an importance it otherwise never would have known. But speaking generally of the early factors in history here, mention may be made of the names of Faulkner, Bennett, Stephen Palmer, Jacob Ockerman, Gideon Rose, Oliver Willard (the old cloth dresser and grist miller), Dennison Hoadley (a shoemaker from Connecticut ; a very worthy citizen and the father of William and George Hoadley), Samuel Barker, Abraham Storms, Rev. Nicholas Lewis (an early minister of the M. E. church), and others whose names are men- tioned on earlier pages. Simeon Rogers, the pioneer, opened a stock of goods for sale in 1795, hence was the first merchant in the town, if not the very first in the county (either Tioga or Broome). His stock, hov/ever, was neither large nor extensive. Mr. Edwards, in the course of a few years, opened a large store at the settlement and controlled an exten- sive trade. John B. Rogers began business in 1825 and for many years afterward was a conspicuous figure in local history. Diodat Cushman, Daniel W. Lowell and Maurice Hagaman were other early village mer- chants. George Hoadley, senior partner of the present firm of George Hoadley & Son, began business in 1864. In still earlier village history George Hoadley 's father was a tanner. C. N. Hollister succeeded Mr. Lowell in 1875, and was in trade here many years. E. L. Bowe suc- ceeded him. The store building is now occupied by Dr. McLean. Charles Terwilliger opened a general store in 1872. He was followed by Ferris & Bennett and E. S. Rogers. John W. Kinyon opened a hardware store in 1868, and the name is yet known in trade circles, J. W Kinyon jr. being present proprietor. The elder Kinyon succeeded 776 THE TOWN OF BARKER. Daniel Smith. James Porter was a village tailor and clothier before the days of manufactured clothing. J. D. Seeber, furniture dealer and undertaker, began business in 1883. J. E. Weller, harness maker, opened a shop in 1870. He is the well known town clerk. T. R. Lakey opened a stock of boots and shoes in 1857, and afterward became owner of a large general store. Mr. Edwards, father of Robert O. Edwards, built a saw mill at the Forks in 1801, and Simeon Rogers built the first grist mill in 1805, the latter remaining in the Rogers family many years. Simeon Rogers also was the first postmaster, the office being one of the oldest in the county. Mr. R. was postmaster thirty years, and in Polk's administra- tion he was succeeded by Dr. Wm. B. Squires, Dr. Carr next suc- ceeded, then Theodore S. Rogers, Henry Rogers and the widow of the latter, in the order mentioned. In 1865 the business interests of Chenango Forks were represented as follows: Dr. S. H. Harrington, physician and druggist; Wm. H. and Geo. Hoadley, general store; J. H. Porter, general stock; D. Smith, hardware; D. Rogers, groceries and provisions; N. S. Kinyon, railroad eating house and saloon; J. English, bjot and shoe maker; O. H. Wil- lard, proprietor Willard's hotel, and dealer in groceries; E. H. and G. B. Edwards, canal contractors ; G. A. and H. F. Tuttle, harness makers ; N. S. Rogers, railroad station agent; G. Eldridge, carpenter and joiner; L. D. Copeland, master builder and carriage manufacturer; J. Palmer, blacksmith ; Theo. S. Rogers, postmaster; U. Richards, carpenter; S, A. Truesdell, citizen. The present business interests are chiefly represented as follows: Dr. McLean, physician and druggist; John N. Kinyon, jr., hardware; J. D. Seeber, furniture and undertaking; Charles and L. M. Peters, grist mill, successors to Johnson & Palmer; U. D. Strickland, saw and plan iug mill; E. L. Bowe, general store; George Hoadley & Son (managed by Wm. Hoadley) general store; H. F. Strickland, hardware; T. R. Lakey, grocery; N. R. Strong, proprietor Central hotel; S. P. Terwil- ligee, proprietor Terwilliger house; A. B, Elliott, jeweler. The village also has three churches — Protestant Episcopal, Congrega- tional and Methodist Episcopal — and a good graded district school. Another of the business enterprises of the village is the Broome County Herald, a live, flourishing weekly newspaper. It was estab- lished by F. D. Van Amburg, thence passed into the hands of W. E. Ames; thence to H. W. Crydenwise, and then again came into posses- THE TOWN OF SANFORD. 777 sion of Mr. Ames, its present owner and publisher. The Herald has a good circulation and a paying advertising patronage. The paper is worthy of the support of all good citizens. The other hamlets of the town are hardly more than postoffice sta- tions established for the convenience of the inhabitants of their respec- tive localities, and are of little consequence in local history, Willard'xs, a station near Chenango Forks, and its interests comprise a hotel and a creamery, the latter owned by non residents. Itaska is the name of a recently established postoffice in the central part of the town. The business men here are F. E. Beach, merchant and postmaster; Theo. Phelps, merchant and saw mill ; Adriance & New- man, sawmillers; Henry Ranch, milk station. Hydeville is a postoffice in the western part of the town, in the his- toric Hyde Settlement, of which mention has been made. Anoka is a recently established postoffice (L. W. Dunham, pm.) on Dunham Hill in the southern central part of the town. CHAPTER XXXVIH. THE TOWN OF SANFORD. Sanford, on the extreme eastern border of Broome county, bounded north by Chenango county, east by Delaware county, and south by the Pennsylvania line, is the largest town in this county, and in many re- spects is one of the most independent civil jurisdictions in southern New York. Its principal village, lying partly in Broome and partly in Dela- ware county, is distant nearly forty miles from Binghamton, hence naturally its people have cultivated friendly relations with those of the territory east of themselves, and in a great measure have been taught the desirable qualities of independence and self-reliance. However, Sanford has sent to the county seat some of the strongest men who have honored Binghamton with an official residence; has sent to the legisla- ture several of the best representatives the county ever had, and like- wise has contributed to Binghamton some of its most honored profes- sional and business men. ^ The town was created by an act of the legislature, passed April '., 778 THE TOWN OF SANFORD. 1821, dividing- the town of Windsor, and including within the limits of the new jurisdiction an area of 55,400 acres of land. The physical fea- tures of the town generally are similar to those of other towns in the eastern part of Broome county, and require no special mention in this chapter; yet in Sanford is found the high dividing range of hills which form the watershed between the Susquehanna and Delaware rivers. One at least of these heights attains the extreme altitude of about 1,700 feet, hence probably is the highest point of land in the county. The deep, narrow valley of Oquaga creek separates the highlands into two parts, and the stream itself, in its southerly course through the town, has numerous waterfalls, which in years past furnished an abund- ant water power for the saw and grist mills for which Sanford has been noted. The town comprises portions of several tracts of patented lands, chiefest among which were the Livingstone patent, which included the entire north part of the town, and with the sale of which Robert Harpur is believed to have been connected; the Fisher & Norton tract, which included a considerable area of land in the central part of the town ; the Randolph township, south of the tract last mentioned, together with several other smaller tracts owned by various proprietors, nearly all of whom acquired title from the commissioners of the land office, paying therefor a very moderate compensation. At that time, when the entire region of the state west of the "Line of Property " (this line was agreed upon at a treaty with the Indians at Fort Stanwix in 1768, and forms the eastern boundary of this town) was in the hands of speculating owners and proprietaries, each was constantly using every endeavor to effect the sale and settlement of his or their lands, and the prevailing custom was to have a resident agent on the tract as soon as the survey was completed. The survey of the Fisher & Norton tract was entrusted to William Macclure, an Irishman by birth, with a strong tracing of Scottish blood in his veins, a land surveyor by occupation, and the pioneer of Sanford by coincidence and circumstance. Mr. Macclure (later generations of the family abbreviated the name into McClure, hence the surname McClure as applied to families and also to one of the hamlets of the town) also became the owner of considerable land in the town, a part of which was probably " conceded " to him by the proprietors in compen- sation for his services and his good offices effecting settlement. The worthy surveyor came to the tract in 1787 and in the course of his THE TOWN OF SANFORD. 779 travels found a number of squatters had preceded him and were culti- vating the land to a limited extent. They did not claim under title and anxiously inquired if they might not be quieted in their possession. This assurance Macclure could not give them, but promised a friendly intercession in their behalf, and to that end addressed himself to the various proprietors; but with what degree of success history does not record. Pioneer Macclure established his surveying headquarters at the mouth of Oquaga creek, where once was the Indian village called "Coke-ose," which name was corrupted by the whites into "Cook- house," In the Indian tongue the name signified " Owl's Nest," or " Owl Land." This locality is now the enterprising village of Deposit. After having determined to locate permanently in the locality, Macclure built a log cabin at a point five miles west of the mouth of the Oquaga, and gave to it the name "Castle William," in allusion to his own christian name. Later on he replaced this cabin with a substantial log house, and here in the early spring of 1791 he brought his wife, whom he had married in February of that year. Thus was founded what ever since has been known as McClure Settlement, the descendants of the pioneer having adopted the more modern name of McClure for Mac- clure, as previously known. The surname, however, has since been known in Sanford history. The pioneer himself died in 1826, aged 100 years. His children were William, David, Henry, Walter, Sally, Thomas, Fanny and Prudence McClure, from whom descended the representatives of the surname known in later town history. The youngest daughter, Prudence, married Nicholas Hempstead, who was an early settler in the town. Capt. Nathan Dean, native of Massachusetts, and an officer of the American army during the revolution, came down the Delaware with his family and goods, and made a settlement on the site of Deposit in 1791. For a time he occupied a log hut which probably had been the habitation of Cornelius Hynback, the former Indian trader of Coke-ose. Capt. Dean purchased 200 acres of land at the mouth of the Oquaga, and during the summer of 1791 he built a saw mill on that stream. Three years later he built a grist mill adjoining the saw mill, the struc- ture being on the site of the " Oquaga Mills " of later years. The enterprising pioneer also established a blacksmithingshop at this point, and by his efforts in every direction founded the'village settlement. He kept a stock of goods and traded with the other settlers, but through 780 THE TOWN OF SANFORD. the evil schemes of certain sharpers and land grabbers he was nearly cheated out of all his property. However, through the timely assist- ance of William Macclure and David Hotchkiss (of Windsor), together with an enabling act of the legislature, the widow Dean (her husband having died at Easton, Pa., while returning from Philadelphia) regained nearly all the land on the Broome county side of the river, whereon stands the village of Deposit. The surname Dean ever has been pre- served in the town, and has been well and worthily represented. Capt. Dean's children were Nathan L., Joshua, Caleb and Zenas K. Dean, all of whom were closely identified wich the early history of the village and ^^^ the town; and their descendants have been known in later history in ' the same locality. Squire Whitaker, whose descendants for more than a century have been prominent figures in Sanford history, came to the Cook-house (Deposit) settlement in 1787. His family lived in the Wyoming Valley at the time of the "massacre," but having fled to Minisink, they es- caped the fate which befel others less fortunate. Squire and two of his brothers then joined with the volunteer force, whose purpose was to punish the Indians, hence his name is entitled to be enrolled with the patriots of the revolution. Mr. Whitaker's sons were John, Benjamin, Jesse and Stephen, and his daughters were Mary, Sally and Margaret Elizabeth. The latter married Conrad Edick at the Cook-house cabin of Squire Whitaker, that being the first marriage ceremony performed in the town. In subsequent years Mr. Edick was a worthy person in local annals, as indeed were all the children and descendants of pioneer Whitaker. Among them may be mentioned Stephen F. Whitaker, whose life was a worthy example for all men. Among the other early and prominent settlers in this part of the old town of Chenango (previous to the creation of Windsor Chenango was the mother town), were Moses Farnham, who located near the McClure Settlement about 1800; John Peters, who settled at Deposit about 1800; Simon and Zina Alderman, whose surname ever since has been known in Sanford history; Jonas Underwood, whose descendants gained a standing of prominence in the town; Silas Seward, a revolutionary patriot, who located on the road leading to Windsor in 1809, and in whose family were ten children; David Hempstead, who settled seven miles west of Deposit in 1809, and whose son Nicholas married the daughter of pioneer Macclure; John Radeker, a wheelwright, who came to build one of Capt. Dean's mills and who remained in the town THE TOWN OF SANFORD. 73, (the descendants of John Radeker have not been numerous in the county, but they have attained an excellent standing in professional, political and business circles in Sanford and Binghamton); Alfred Cor- win, another revolutionary soldier, who settled near Gulf Summit soon after the war of 1812-15, and in whose family were twelve children; Nathan and Eliab Austin, 1809; Seth Hall, who settled two miles above Deposit (Joel M. Hall, son of Seth, died in 1884); James P. Appling- ton, who settled in the vicinity of Sanford hamlet in 1800, and who was an early town official ; Nathaniel Blakesley, who came here about 1800; Luther Hulce, who came from Orange county about 1790 and who was an early justice of the peace; Benjamin and James Coburn, who settled in the town about 1800, the former at Sanford and the latter at North Sanford; Henry S, Hubbard, who came about 1812, and who had a large family of children ; John Pinney, an early settler near Sanford ; Comfort Pinney, brother of John; Mr. Potter, who soon removed to Pennsylvania; Luman Philley, the famous hunter who by an unfortu- nate accident killed a settler named Cornwall; George Plummer, who also enjoyed considerable fame as a hunter. Other early settlers, whose arrival in Sanford was somewhat later than that of those whose names have been briefly recalled in preceding paragraphs, were: Nicholas Gordinier (an extensive lumberman and farmer) ; Elisha Burrows (a revolutionary soldier, whose descendants are among Sanford's prominent men); Alfred T. Mosher, Nelson French, Eli King, Major Gilbert Dickinson (assemblyman in 18-13), Simeon Crane (a revolutionary soldier), William Thomson, Joel Crane, John Hamlin, Charles H. Stiles, Ezra Decker, Edward Atwell, Adam Kedzie, John, John R. and Sidney B. Merrill, Stephen Post and others whose names cannot now be recalled by descendants of the pioneers. In the same connection there may properly be mentioned, without extended comment, the names of other and later prominent factors in Sanford history: Matthias G. G. Valentine, Densmore Campbell, Lewis L. Russell, Levi Sexsmith, David Walker, John Aherns, Henry W. Wilcox, John Latham, Lewis Kniskern, Henry S. Jarvis, James M. Fletcher, Joseph Walker, Nelson G. Beers, Albert B. Tompkins, John W. Roberts, Robert L. McMurray, Killian Van Tassel, Elbert Allen, Bouton Booth, John Shiner, John C. White, George and Diar Baker (the latter supervisor since 1896), Eben N. Beardsley, Henry Bice, Charles K. Brown, Charles A. and Daniel E. Burrows, Alonzo Camp- bell, Hobart J. Adams, Galatia C. Valentine, Densmore Campbell, 783 THE TOWN OF SANFORD. George Cheeseman, John Q. Clark, David Corwin, Joel Crane, Nelson Crane, John P. Dean, Alva F. Decker, Ezra Decker, Henry C. De Money, Alvin Devereaux, Marcus W. DeWitt, James M. Fletcher, William L. Ford, Emerson French, Nicholas N. Gordinier, William M. Gregory, Joel M. Hall, Rev. Adam K. Hamlin, Adariah Hamlin, Will- iam H. Hamlin, Henry M. and David T. Hempstead, James S., George H. and Archibald A. McMurray, John R. Merrill, Wesson Mosher, John B. and Charles B. Perry (the former a deputy sheriff in Dutchess county and the latter for several years deputy sheriff of Broome county), Gro- ver Pinney, Stephen Post, Daniel B. Post, Solomon Robbins, Jonas Rivenburgh, John W. Roberts, John M. Roberts, Lewis L. Russell, Luman P. Seward, James H. Scott, John Shiner, Charles H. Stiles, John H. Stone, Stephen Thorn, Levi B. Towner, Joseph Walker, Ste- phen F. Whitaker, Daniel N. Walling, Andrew E. Wickwire, Henry W. Wilcox, Joseph A White, James P. Applington, Alexander Butler, Joseph Eddy, John Peters, Joshua Dean, David H. Nash, Henry Greg- ory, Henry P. Ensign, Alexander Gumming, Thomas Heath, Charles Knapp, James H., Herbert W. and Charles J. Knapp, Tames A. Graves, George D. Wheeler, Luther T. Freeman, Delos Axtell, W. P. Scutt, Charles A. Wheeler, and others, thus continuing the list almost indefi- nitely, did space permit. However, as our narrative progresses the names of still other factors will be disclosed, for it is the purpose of this brief chapter to present in some manner the names of as many as possible of the men who have been factors in Sanford history. The Revolutionary roster of Sanford includes the names of Captain Nathan Dean, Alfred Corwin, Elijah Dickinson, Moses Lyon, Silas Seward, Jonas Underwood, Squire Whitaker and Elisha Burrows. From all that has been stated in preceding paragraphs, the reader must understand that settlement in this part of the old town of Che- nango was begun as early and increased as rapidly as in other localities; and that notwithstanding the fact that much of the most rugged and hilly land of the region was within the limits of the town now called Sanford. Indeed, so rapid was the settlement in this eastern part of Chenango that in 1807 it became necessary to divide the territory and to create the town of Windsor, the latter then including the present towns of Windsor, Sanford and Colesville, and then having less than 2,000 inhabitants within the entire jurisdiction. During the next fif- teen years the development of Windsor was so rapid, and its population had increased to such an extent, that a division of the town was asked THE TOWN OF SANFORIX 783 for and was granted at the hands of the legislature, April 3, 1S21, at which time Colesville and Sanford were created, the former containing 47,179 acres of land and the latter 55,400 acres, leaving to the mother town 54,573 acres of land. When set off from Windsor in ISil, San- ford contained less than 600 inhabitants. Organization.— \3xi6.^x the act creating the town the first town meet- ing was held March 5, 1822, at the house William McClure, at McClure Settlement. Officers were chosen as follows: William McClure, supervisor; Joshua Dean, town clerk; James Ap- plington, Nathan L. Dean and William McClure, assessors; Nathan L. Dean, Alexander Butler, William McClure, jr., commissioners of high- ways; John Peters, James Applington, overseers of the poor; William McClure, Nathan Dean, Alexander Butler, commissioners of common schools; Jacob Edick, collector; Jacob Edick and Joseph Eddy, con- stables; Daniel Evans, Gershom Loomis, Michael Child, inspectors of common schools; John Pinney, Eli King, Nathan Austin, fence view- ers. The succession of supervisors of Sanford is as follows: William McClure, 1822-23; Nathan L.Dean, 1824-25; David H.Nash, 1826; Joshua Dean, 1827-28; David H.Nash, 1829; Joshua Dean, 1830- 31; William McClure, 1832-33; Joshua Dean, 1834-44; Wm. McClure, 1845-46; Henry Gregory, 1847; Wm. McClure, 1848-51 ; Joshua Dean, 1852; Wm. McClure, 1853; Henry P. Ensign, 1854-57; James E. Thompson, 1858; Henry P. Ensign, 1859-(;0; Alvin Devereau, 186J ; Henry P. Ensign, 1862-63; W. S. Russ, 1864; Thomas Heath, 1865- 66; William L. Ford, 1867; W. S. Russ, 1868; Alexander Gumming, 1869; W. S. Russ, 1870-71; John E. Knapp, 1872; Alvin Devereau, 1873-77; Taylor More, 1878; Daniel N. Walling, 1879; James A.Graves, 1880; Daniel N. Walling, 1881-83; Nelson Crane, 1884-86; Galatia C. Valentine, 1887; Hobart J. Adams, 1888-89 John H. Stone, 1890-93; Joseph A. White, 1894-95; Diar Baker,'1896-99. The town officers for 1889 are Diar Baker, supervisor (and chairman of the board); Silas G. Barnum, town clerk; Edward J. Moore, col- lector; G S. Williams, Matthew L. Kniskern, C. E. Scott, John Swart, justices of the peace; Andrew Brice, John P. Dean, Horatio N. French, assessors; Charles H. Sliter, highway commissioner; Wallace E. Mc- Clure, B. Andrus Col well, overseers of the poor; Charles B. Perry, game constable. The first justices of the peace of Sanford, appointed in 1822, were 784 THE TOWN OF SANFORD. Nathan K. Dean, Eli King, James P. Applington, Zina Alexander and Harvey M. Coburn. Population.— 1^=16, 692; 1830, 931; 1835, 1,143; 1840, 1,172; 1845, 1,618; 1850, 2,508; 1855, 3,060; 1860, 3,061; 1865, 3,262; 1870. 3,249; 1875, 3,653; 1880, 3,495; 1890, 3,265; 1892, 3,314. Schools. — Previous to 1822 the common schools of what is now Sanford were a part of the older town of Windsor, and were organ- ized in 1814 in accordance with the law enacted the preceding year. In 1822 the scattered inhabitants of Sanford were fairly well provided with schools for the instruction of their children, and commissioners McClure, Dean and Butler had little to do beyond a re-arrangement of the districts along the western boundary. The duties of inspec- tors Evans, Loomis and Child were still less onerous, and pertained only to the conduct of the schools. In 1823 the entire territory of the town comprised only five school districts, and many children were compelled to travel several miles to attend school. At that time, how- ever, there were only 138 children in Sanford between the ages of five and fifteen years. In 1838 the population of the town had so increased that the territory comprised 15 districts, and school was kept four months during the year. In that year the amount of public moneys apportioned to the town was $206.79, and the number of children between the ages of five and sixteen years was 347. According to the present disposition of school interests, the town comprises twenty-seven districts, five of which are joint districts and have no school house in this county. As shown by the commissioner's report for the year ending July 31, 1899, the amount of public school moneys apportioned to the town was $4,097.90, while the amount raised by local tax was $10,235.94. During the year there was paid for teach- ers' wages the sum of $11,248.16. The school census was 973; number of books in school libraries, 2,762. For a period of three-quarters of a century Sanford has been known as one of the most progressive and productive towns in southern New York; and an actual comparison with other towns will show as many men in Sanford who by enterprise, thrift and straightforward honesty have acquired fortunes and a position of influence as can be found in any town in the southern tier. This is not an idle observation, for it is a fact that Sanford has produced a splendid proportion of successful business men, and in comparison in this respect with other similarly THE TOWN OF SANFORD. 785 situated towns along the southern border of the state, it stands almost if not quite at the head. Many of these good results have been gained during the hist half century. In 1835 when the town was a little more than ten years old it contained only 5,119 acres of improved land, while the unimproved areas aggregated 48,671 acres. Then the assessed valuation of real property was $101,011, with no assessment whatever on personal prop- erty. In 1899 the assessed valuation of real property was $1,363,545; and of personal property $125,000. In the year first mentioned the town contained 234 qualified electors, and 114 men who were among the enrolled militia. The thrifty farmers then owned 1,056 head of neat cattle, 201 horses, 1,565 sheep, and 722 swine. During the year there were in operation three grist mills, 16 saw mills and one potash- ery. There were manufactured in the town 1,399 yards of fulled cloth, 3,118 yards of flannel, and 2,099 yards of cotton and linen cloths, all of which was used for domestic purposes. At the present time the char- acter of manufactures has wholly changed, the industries are far greater both in number and commercial importance, and Sanford, particularly the village of Deposit, has developed into an industrial center, manu- facturing for the general market vast quantities of products of labor. VILLAGE OF DEPOSIT. In the easternmost extremity of Broome county is situated the oldest incorporated village of the county, and also the oldest in point of set- tlement. Binghamton, the county seat, did not acquire the corporate character until 1813, and even that was limited in extent and no real municipal organization was effected under it. But Deposit assumed the dignity of a corporate village in 1811, at which time it was the prin- cipal seat of lumber operations on the Delaware river in this state, and also was the most important lumbering point along the northern bound- ary of Pennsylvania. However, in explanation of the preceding paragraph, the statement must be made that Deposit village comprises parts of Sanford in Broome county and Tompkins in Delaware county, and that the old vil- lage incorporated in 1811 lay on the Delaware county side of the division line. Still, in later years the village grew to the westward until nearly all the principal interests lay on the Broome county side. Deposit for more than half a century has been regarded as a Broome county muni- 50 786 THE TOWN OF SANFORD. cipality, and will be so treated in this work, without especial reference to the territory east of our county line. The village was named " Deposit" from the fact that it was an im- portant station, or place of "deposit" for logs and lumber preparatory to rafting in ' ' the spring freshets. " For many years this was the center of a large lumber business, and also was an important trading station and wood depot on the line of the N. Y. & E. railroad. In 1855 the total population of the village was 1,249 inhabitants, of whom 593 were residents of Tompkins and 656 of Sanford. On the old village site John Hulce undoubtedly was the first white settler, in 1789. Two years later Capt. Dean and Philip Pine located on each side of the "property line," the captain on the west and Pine on the east side. Capt. Dean built the mills, started a blacksmith and forging works, hence laid the foundation for the hamlet settlement. Among the other early settlers in the immediate vicinity were Daniel and Peter Pine, sons of Philip; David, Samuel and John Hulce, sons of John; William Walker, Benjamin Hawley, Isaac Gillett, Gideon Wiest, Samuel Butler, Thaddeus Mather, Henry M. Gregory, Thaddeus Bene- dict, Joseph Webb, Jonas Park, Henry Flint, Randall Briggs, Hub- bard, Peres, Elisha and Daniel Burrows and still others whose names are not now recalled. Nearly all, however, of the persons here men- tioned were settlers east of the property line, but nevertheless were factors in early Deposit history. Indeed, much of the business of the village was done east of the line until the construction of the N. Y. & E. railroad when trade naturally sprung up near the station, the latter being on the Broome county side. At Deposit the work of construction was begun in November, 1845, (one authority says November 7, 1835) and the road was opened for traffic between Port Jervis and Binghamton on Dec. 28, 1848; and within a year or two after that event the village on the west side began to draw business interests away from the older settlement. In 1851 the village charter was granted, and the corporation limits were thereby extended into Broome county. The board of trustees under the re incorporation comprised Uriah Gregory, Charles Knapp, P. K. Williams and G. D. Wheeler. Mr. Knapp was chosen president, and S. D. Hulce, clerk. In 1873 the village charter was materially amended and under its provisions the municipality has since been governed. The first merchants in the village on the Broome county side of the THE TOWN OF SANFORD. 787 line were Benjamin and Peter Gardner, who, away back in 1790, brought eight sleigh-loads of goods from New York and set up a store' in Capt. Dean's building which stood where now is the Oquaga house. Benj. Gardner died in 1797, after which the store was maintained by his part- ner and Fletcher Gardner until the increasing interests of the old vil- lage drew all trade to that side. However, the extent to which old mercantile interests should be written in this chapter is one of some doubt. It can hardly be expected that the name of every merchant of the village can be recalled, and if so, the record thereby made would not have any special value. During its history Deposit has been the seat of business of hundreds of men, many of whom were here for a time and then moved away. Others remained and became important factors in village history ; and it is the names of this class of residents that we hope to mention in this chapter. William L. Ford opened a general store in the village in 1864, from which time to the present he has been a prominent figure in local his tory. He has held various village and town offices; was supervisor in 1867, and was assemblyman in 1853, .1872 and again in 1873. In 1865 the firm of Ford & Perry (William L. Ford and John B. Perry) moved from the old village to the new, and thereafter were the leading mer- chants of the place for a period of twenty years. In 1882 Mr. Perry sold out to Mr. Ford, upon which the well known firm of Ford & Rogers was established, S. R. Morehouse was a grocer here in the early 'fifties. John D. Studdert opened a grocery store about 1867. Thomas Halpin began merchandising previous to 1860, and later on took his brother Michael as partner. Thompson & Demander, Devereaux & Clark and W. S. Russ are also recalled among the old-time business houses. The old firm of Putnam & Minor (Charles M. Putnam and James S. Minor) began business as partners in 1862, and from the firm has grown two strong mercantile houses of the present day. Among the other business men of the village mention may be made E. F. Smith, William Loder, D. L. Demoney, C. R. Demoney, J. T. Burrows, Radeker & Smith, John M. Smith, A. R. Vail (who began dealing in dry goods in 1869), C. E. Vail & Co. (C. E. and A. R. Vail, who at one time stood at the head of Deposit's business houses), J. B. Stow (who began business in the old village in 1847), H. W. Burrows (the first boot and shoe dealer in the new village), Sherwood & Male (successors to C. R. Male, who began business in 1870). Minor & Smith opened a hardware store about 1855. Albert P. 788 THE TOWN OF SANFORD. Minor succeeded the firm about 1878, and founded the present firm of A. P. Minor & Son. Wickwire & Russell (A. E. Wickwire and M. C. Russell) hardware merchants, began in 1867, and are now among the oldest business men in the county. Williams & Birge were the oldest druggists, beginning about 1850. Later merchants in the same line have been Charles K. Brown, who began business in 1859 as drug clerk, then as proprietor, and continu- ing many years. Henry Bixby, Charles Wheeler, G. North, S. D. Smith and Dr. B. G. McCabe are also to be mentioned among the more recent druggists of the \illage. Charles Watkins, J. C. McNaught, Henry T. Smith & Co., Thomas Gallagher, William Robertson, A. B. & C. E. Martin, Tiffany & Mosher, Henry Simpson, L. J. Hallock, Mr. Halpin and Mr. Stoddard have represented the grocery line of local trade. Walter Vail and A. L. Scudder represented the jewelry trade. William J. Freeman was the village cabinet and furniture maker as early as 1850, and was fol- lowed by Brown & Horton (Robert Brown and Silas D. Horton), Brown & More and George More, T. M. Bixby must also be noticed among Deposit's cabinet makers. Andrew Jackson, Walter Jackson and G. M. Babcock were old harness makers. George Demander was the first village blacksmith. Charles Tidd, Jacob Bullock, Eben N. Beardsley and Hallock & Miles also were old village blacksmiths. Among the old carriage makers mention may be made of Kingsley & Ives, I. C. Ball, Gilbert McClure, George Demander and John Smith. Now, for the purposes of more accurate record, let us see who were the business men of Deposit in 1865: Charles Knapp, banker; A. C. Moses, Alex. Gumming and Taylor More, attorneys; Heath & Smith, prop's Oquaga house; V. Hugunen, prop. Western hotel; L.-P. Allen, publisher Delaware Courier; J. L. Wager, dentist; Ford & Perry, Put- nam & Minor, W. S. Russ, B. E. Hadley, Gallagher & Dailey and B Radeker, general merchants; Clark & Brown, drugs and medicines; A. T. Burrows, hardware; Bailey & Scudder, jewelers; H. Burrows & Son, dealers in and makers of boots and shoes; J. Carle, saloon; George Demander, blacksmith ; G. L. & A. M. Babcock, planing mill, sash and door factory; A. White, tailor and clothier; J. M. Herring, sash, door and blind factory and planing mill; E. Van Fliet, prop. Oquaga mills; E. Beardsley, blacksmith; Alvin Devereaux, tanner, one mile from vil- lage; A. Jackson, harness maker, one-half mile from the depot. Alvin Devereaux, of whom mention has been made, was one of the THE TOWN OF SAN FORD. 789 largest employers of labor among Deposit's business men. He came to the town in 1847 and built a saw mill, adding to his extensive lumber- mg operations a large tannery in 1848. With tliese enterprises both he and his son were connected until about 1885. He also was a large land owner, and carried on extensive dairying interests. Six times Mr Devereaux was elected supervisor of Sanford, and twice was he the nominee of his party (Democratic) for the assembly. The milling industries of Deposit were interests both of the village and the town, as many of the buildings were located outside the corpo ration boundaries; yet, in this brief allusion to them they may be treated as local enterprises. The pioneer miller was Capt. Dean, of whom mention has been made. On the Whitaker farm John Stiles'and one of the Whitakers built a mill about 1840. About the same time Nelson Hotchkiss built a mill at Hale's Eddy, and Nicholas Gardinier another on Shad Pond creek. In 1845 M. R. Hulce had two mills on Butler creek, about two miles northwest of the village. The original Dean grist mill in the village passed from its first owner into the hands of John T. Peters, who operated it a full half century, and who was its owner when the buildings were burned in 1850. Henry Shelden rebuilt the mill, called it " Shelden's mill," operated it for a time, and was succeeded (probably) by Stephen F. Whitaker, the latter selling to Knapp Bros, in 1880. The present village grist mill is operated by the Deposit Milling company, (capital $30,000) which was incorporated July 9, 1897, by Charies P. Smith, E. Frank Smith and Andrew E. Lovejoy. Briefly noted, the other manufacturing interests of the village are as follows: The Deposit Manufacturing company, incorporated January 12, 1889, with $30,000 capital, for the purpose of manufacturing and selling children's sleds, shovels and other novelties. The prime movers of the enterprise were Daniel L. Demoney, Wm. R. Wilcox and Silas D. Horton. This is one of Deposit's substantial present industries. The Deposit Iron company, also incorporated, is about the only ex- tensive industry of its kind in the county. Its product is malleable iron castings of high grade. It is owned and controlled chiefly by local capital. The New York Condensed Milk company gives employment to few workmen, but takes from the farmers of the entire region all their sur- plus supply of milk, paying therefor a fair cash price. The works have a capacity to make 15,000 cans of condensed milk daily. 790 THE TOWN OF SANFORD. The Deposit Canning company is one of the prospective industries of the village, not yet being in full operation. The Deposit Pearl Button company is an industry of the Delaware side of the line, yet may be' mentioned among local interests. The Deposit Building and Improvement company was incorporated Nov. 16, 1891, for the purpose of buying, improving and selling real property. Its incorporators were Joseph White, Robert Brown, F. L. Weaver, Dr. W. B. Minor, Arba B. Evans, C. E. Scott and Robert S. Blything. The Deposit Electric company was incorporated Dec. 31, 1891, (capi- tal, $12,000) by C. M. Putnam, C. H. Putnam, Charles P. Knapp, Charles A. Wheeler, Charles R. Smith, John W. Kniskern, Paul Devereau, A. E. Wickwire, B. E. Radeker, Chas. N. Stow, E. F. Smith and A. S. Wickwire. The Deposit Board of Trade was incorporated March 18, 1895, for the purpose of promoting the manufacturing and mercantile interests of the village. Twenty eight prominent citizens joined in the move- ment and became members of the board. The first board of trustees comprised Chas. K. Brown, Chas. H. Pitnam, Herbert J. Adams, Sliter D. Smith, Charles N. Stow, Oliver T. Bundy, Joseph A. White, Henry W. Wilcox, Charles B. Perry, Charles A. Wheeler, Charles P. Knapp and Robert Brown. The present leading dry goods merchants are Chas. H. Putnam & Son, Edick & Masten, F. L. Perkins (lately succeeded by Bryant & Tucker) and Mrs. B. S. Wilcox & Co. The hardware merchants are A. P. Minor & Son, Frank Dunn and Wickwire & Russell. A. B. & C. E. Martin are proprietors of a general store, one of the largest con- cerns of its kind in the county outside the city. The Oquaga House was opened previous to 1850, and during the period of its history has passed through several proprietorships. At present it is in the hands of vS. D. Sawyer & Son. The Central hotel originally was a store building and was converted into a tavern by Tay- lor Sherwood, whose name it took. Under the later proprietorship of Seth Warrington the name changed with ownership. About 1880, un- der landlord Stetson, the house became known as the Central Hotel. Its present landlord is Mrs. L. M. Stiles. The Western hotel was built in 1853. The Exchange hotel is a later institution, and is under the proprietorship of Henry Quick. The Deposit bank was incorporated July 28, 185G, with a capital of THE TOWN OF SANFORD. 791 $125,000, by Charles Knapp, Charles Maples, Henry S. Jarvis, Henry Sheldon, Barna Radeker, Richard Knight and Peter R Wright.'not one of whom is now living, although forty years ago each was a prominent figure in Broome or Delaware county history. The bank continued in prosperous existence until 18G4, when it was converted into the " Deposit National Bank," with the old directors and officers. From that until the present time the bank has been regarded as one of the safe financial institutions of the southern tier, worthy of confidence and perfectly sound. This has been said of the bank ever since it first began business in 1856. The founder in fact of the Deposit bank was Charles Knapp, who came to Deposit in 1848, and then was a man of means and influence. He had been a successful lumberman, and engaged in some such enter- prises after settling in this village. In 1854 he opened a private bank, and two years later founded the Deposit bank. He was its president throughout the period of its existence, and also of the successor insti- tution, the Deposit National bank, until the time of his death in 1881. The next president was James H. Knapp, son of the founder, upon whose death Charles J. Knapp, another son, was elected to the position. For many years the Deposit National has been regarded as a " family" bank, owned almost wholly by the descendants of Charles Knapp, who indeed was principal owner of the old Deposit bank. However, of the sons of Charles Knapp (James H., Herbert W. and Charles J.) only one survives, and he, Charles J. Knapp, the present president of the bank, and also president of the Binghamton Trust company. The Deposit National bank has a present capital of $100,000. Its officers are: Charles J. Knapp, president, and Charles P. Knapp, cash- ier; directors, C. J. Knapp, C. P. Knapp, F. P. Knapp, Josie E. Knapp and Elsie Knapp Wheeler. The Deposit Courier, the leading newspaper of the region, and never more popular than under its present management, was started in 1848 by M. R. Hulce. About 1855 the name was changed to Delaware Courier, and the paper advocated Free Soil doctrines. Lucius P. Allen, the next owner, restored the old name and made its political tone thoroughly Republican. Blunt & Smith were the next owners, followed in 1869 by Charles N. Stow, the veteran publisher, under whom the paper prospered as never before, and wielded a wide influence in the community. Mr. Stow still is at the helm and is one of the oldest newspaper men in this part of the state. His service has been long and honorable, and he deservedly enjoys the respect of all our people. 792 THE TOWN OF SANFORD. In 1856 C. E. Wright attempted to get a foothold in county journal- ism with a newspaper in the village under the patronage of an associa- tion; but the effort was unsuccessful. In 1874 S. C. Clizbe started the Deposit Times and Democrat, but after two years publication was sus- pended. The Deposit water works system was established in 1885, at a cost of $30,000. One previous attempt to form a company to supply the vil- lage with water for fire and domestic purposes proved unsatisfactory, but the company afterward organized proved an efficient body and sup- plied "the long felt want." The present officers of the company are: E. F, Smith, president; A. P. Minor, treasurer; and C. K. Brown, secretary. The Deposit Agricultural society, now virtually a thing of the past, was organized in 1877, having its chief seat of operations in Deposit, although the society itself was an institution of the towns of Sanford, Tompkins, Hancock, Mason ville and Scott (Penna. ). Incorporation. — Referring again briefly to the subject of village in- corporation, it may be stated that the act of April, 1811, conferred only limited powers on the inhabitants of Deposit, in the county of Dela- ware, and was not an act of full incorporation within the present mean- ing of the term. Subsequently the village on both sides of the county line was regularly incorporated, as has been noted, but by the act of March 2, 1858, the corporate power was greatly enlarged by amend- ments. By the act of April 29, 1873, the village boundaries included 826 acres of land, 400 acres in Sanford and 426 acres in Tompkins. The principal feature of the amendment of 1886 (March 8) was the authorization of a village fire department, which was informally organ- ized away back in 1853 and reorganized in 1885. As now constituted the department consists of two hose companies, one hook and ladder company and two supply wagons. It is one of the most popular and efficient village fire organizations in the southern tier, and much of the credit for this excellent condition is due to the enterprising business men of Deposit and the suggestions and leadership of Chief Perry. The present department officers are: Charles B. Perry, chief engi- neer; G. W. Wheeler, first asst., and Henry Burrows, second asst. engineer. The village hall was built in 1899, and cost $7,000; lot cost $1,000. The present officers of the village are: Albert P. Minor, president; F. L. Weaver, A. E. Lovejoy, E. P. Halpin and W. E. Reynolds, trus- THE TOWN OF SAN FORD. 798 tees; Calvin Onderdonk, clerk; Albert P. Davis, collector; Charles B. Perry, treasurer; Charles B. Perry, street commissioner'; Robert B. Riggs, police justice. The village trustees are also village assessors. The population is 2,200; bonded debt, $8,000. Schools.— Th.Q first academic school in Deposit was erected in 1830, and was burned in 1835. In 1851-2 a seminary building was erected] and on March 17, 1854, the institution was incorporated by the regents under the name of Laurel Bank seminary. It afterward became a pri- vate school and finally the buildings were sold under process of law. In 1866-7 an academy was built on the Sanford side of the line. The institution was maintained several years with indifferent success, and in 1875 it became the property of the Deposit Union school and academy district, then recently organized under the Union school laws. The building was extensively remodeled in 1881, and since has been kept in excellent condition. In 1899 the district received from the regents the sum of $670.37, and from the tuition of non-district pupils, $375. Twelve teachers were employed during the year. The district census showed 489 children of school age. The present board of education comprises Albert P. Minor, president; E. P. Halpin, G. W. Wheeler, H. J. Adams, A. E. Lovejuy, W. M. Jackson, C. Van Schoyk, J. T. Burrows and C. H. Putnam. Deposit was made a post-office about 1813, the office of course being located in the old village. It was removed to the Broome county side about 1850. The postmasters have been William Butler, Simon Lusk, George D. Wheeler, Marshal R. Hulce, Addison J. Wheeler, C. E. Wright, S. D. Hulce, O. S. Dean, L. P. Allen, Ambrose Hunt, John B. Perry, J. B. Stow, E. B. Adams, E. G. Dean, J. A. White, C. T. Alverson and C. H. Putman, the latter being present postmaster. The village has six organized church societies, of which mention will be found in another department of this work. McClure Settlement dates back in its history to the time when Will- iam Macclure built his primitive cabin here during his surveying opera- tions, more than a century ago. Then the region was a dense, unculti- vated wilderness ; now it is the center of an excellent agricultural dis- trict. The hamlet is a station on the line of the Erie railroad, but from a business standpoint it has little prominence in local annals. The post-office was established in 1865, Charles Hewitt being the first post- master. Many years ago the Post Bros, had a large saw mill here, and manufactured 4,000,000 feet of lumber annually. 794 THE TOWN OF SANFORD. In 1881 the firm of Bayless & Berkalew (John Bayless and Jehiel W. Berkalew) established an acid factory at the settlement. It is still in operation and is the leading industry of the hamlet. Here, too, is the seat of operations of the Delaware Valley Milk company. The store is kept by Vernon P. Mace. The institutions of McClure Settlement comprise a M. E. church and a good graded district school North Sanford was made a post station soon after 1850, the postmas- ter being David Devol, who was the local merchant at that time. Among the factors in the history of this locality were the Wakeman and Mosher families, also Mr. Devol, Hiram Fuller, Silas Wakeman, Wesson Mosher, G. W. Bixby, Alonzo Campbell, Warren Walden, Theodore Campbell, F. Bixby, S. G. Barnum, Hezekiah Broad (grist and saw miller), Ebenezer Warner, Lewis Burlingame, Henry Hamlin, Joshua Belden, Alva Whitney, John Swart, Alexander Graham, Van Duzen & Knapp, George Whitlock, William H. Crawford, Charles A. Wheeler, W. A. Chamberlain and others, each of whom was identified with the succeeding business interests which have been established at the settlement and in its locality. Two creameries were built near here in 1881, and that now in operation, owned by S. S. Brown, is an indus- try of far more than ordinary note. The only merchant now in business here is Fred. E Hamlin, who has a large general store and who also is postmaster. William Hamlin has a steam saw mill. The other institutions of the village comprise the Baptist and Methodist churches, and the district school. In the village proper are about fifteen houses. Sanford is a hamlet near the center of the town, on Oquaga creek, from which fact it was originally known as the Creek settlement ; but when the post-office was established here, about 1830, the more digni- fied name of Sanford was adopteed. Forty years ago Sanford was a busy center "of trade. In 1865 the business men of the locality were: O. Jacobs, justice of the peace, tanner and currier; S. Fancher, tanner, one-fourth of a mile from the village; A. H. Philley, boot and shoe maker; E. Pinney, farmer; A. T. Mosher (or Mosier), hop grower on lot 12; W. H. Hamlin, hop grower on lot 24. Andrew Kedzie and G. Keyes were nearby promi- nent residents. M r. Jacobs kept the Plank Road house. Among the other factors in local history may be mentioned Samuel Whitney, Hiram Daniels, A. J. Ketchum, Thomas Culver, Uriel Pome- THE TOWN OF SANFORD. 795 loy and Matthew L. Kniskern, the latter having been a prominent figure here for many years, and the present postmaster. The local merchant is Sidney G. Scutt, who keeps a general store. There is a district school and a Methodist Episcopal church. Gulf Summit is a post-office and station on the Erie railroad, in the southwest part of the town, about seven miles from Deposit. A direc- tory of its business interests^ forty years ago would have mentioned the names of Williams & Wire, merchants; A. A. Kedzie, government assessor; S. H. Knapp, justice of the peace and blacksmith; L. Huga- boom, farmer and mechanic. To these there may be added the names of David Corwin and George S. Williams, who were later factors, and also the names of S. E. Hempstead and Charles Shiner, present mer- chants. In this locality are a district school and a Presbyterian church. Howe's is a post-office in the northwest part of the town, on the old plank road. Here is located the famous creamery that has brought such good results to Philo P. Howe, the proprietor, and for whom the post-office is named. The store in the locality is kept by R. B. Thompson. Oqiiaga Lake, at which place a post-office was established in 1884, has attracted considerable attention during the last ten years as a summer resort. The surroundings are pleasant and it only remains for some enterprising promoter to make this the most popular resort in the county. Dannville is a hamlet two miles southwest of Oquaga lake. Its inter- ests comprise the M. E. and Baptist churches. 796 THE TOWN OF CONKLI-N. CHAPTER XXXIX. THE TOWN OF CONKLIN. Conklin was formed from Chenango, March 29, 1824. A small part of i's territory was annexed to Windsor in 1831, and in 1851 a portion of the latter town was annexed to Conklin. Kirkwood was formed wholly from Conklin, November 23, 1859, taking all the territory of the latter which lay north and east of the Susquehanna river. The town contains 15,029 acres of land and, except Dickinson, is smallest in area of the county's civil divisions; but notwithstanding its comparatively small size, Conklin is by no means an inferior town in the county, and contains a good proportion of superior agricultural land and a quality of population that is unsurpassed in the county. The earliest settlers were themselves men of exceptional strength and their best traits appear to have been transmitted from sire to son through a series of several generations. Furthermore for many years the popu- lation appears to have been more fixed and permanent than in many other purely agricultural towns, and the embarrassments which reduced the number of inhabitants elsewhere have not been so seriously felt in Conklin, although to a limited extent their effect has been noticeable. The determination and thrift of Conklin farmers have overcome many obstacles and established a healthful condition of affairs for all its peo- ple. The town comprises portions of Bingham's and Thomas' patents, the Lydig tract and Floyd's patent. The principal watercourse is the Sus- quehanna river, with Big and Little Snake creeks as tributaries. Both of these lesser streams have their source in the town of Binghamton, hence intersect this town thoroughly draining its land surface. The pioneers of Conklin were Ralph Lathrop, Jonathan Bennett and Waples Hance, all of whom are said to have located near the mouth of Big Snake creek in the early part of 1788. But little of the subsequent history of these pioneers is now known. Lathrop is said to have died insane. Hance eventually moved further up the creek, where he opened a farm and where he attained a good old age. His descendants are THE TOWN OF CONKLIN. 797 found in the south part of the town of Binghamton and also in the city. David Bound, whose descendants are still in the county, came to the mouth of Snake creek in 1795 from New Jersey. Robert Corbett came from Massachusetts in 1796 and founded a family settlement at Cor- bettsville, the name still being maintained in the town, and descendants of the pioneer still living here. Cooper and Sewell Corbett were sons of Robert, and they perhaps were more prominently identified with the early history of the town than was their father. Frank Corbett, Ira Corbett and Julius S. Corbett were later substantial descendants of Robert Corbett. Marshall J. Corbett, of Corbettsville and New York city, is also a descendant of the pioneer. Robert Corbett's daughter Ruth married Daniel Leach, and early settler of the town. Among the other early settlers may be recalled the name of Noel Carr, who came about 1800. Asa Rood, who settled near Corbettsville about 1807, and from whom descended several prominent figures in local annals; Benjamin Horton who came from Chenango county and settled in the southwest part of the town, near Conklin Forks, where he built the first house; Daniel Brooks, father of Hiram K. Brooks, the latter having been born in Conklin in 1827; Ira Gardner, who came from Essex county in 1826, and who was prominently connected with early civil history; Isaac Bishop, a Connecticut Yankee, who came about 1828; John A. Severson, whose family came from Albany county about 1820, and whose descendants are still in the town and city. Edmund Lawrence came from Massachusetts in 1813 and settled in what is now Conklin. He was a prominent man in early history, just as his sons were equally important figures in the later history of the town. Decendants of Edmund Lawrence are now in the town and also are found in Binghamton, engaged in business pursuits. Hull Stratton came into the town from Massachusetts when there were hardly half a dozen cleared farms between Chenango Point and Corbettsville. Mr. Stratton had three children, Gould Stratton, the famous Susquehanna river pilot, being his only son. The Stratton sur- name is still preserved in Binghamton. Samuel Bayless came from New Jersey and settled in Conklin some- time previous to 1820. He had two sons, John and Henry Bayless, both of whom were prominent figures in early history here. John Bay- less was an influental man in county politics and was one of the leaders of the old Whig party. He became general of state militia, hence was 798 THE TOWN OF CONKLIN. always afterwards addressed as " General " Bayless. He died in Bing-- hamton about twenty years ago. John Bayless is the son, and ex-mayor George C. and also Frank J. Bayless are grandsons of General Bayless. Henry Bayless spent his life in Conklin and Kirkwood, dying in the latter town. In addition the names of Amos Brant, Friend H. Burt (member of assembly), Cornelius Winans, Nicholas Levee, Alfred Bagley (father of Church Bagley), Burtis J. Bayless, Aaron Van Wormer, Benjamin W. Lawrence, Nathaniel J. Finch, Henry H. Green, L. W. Badger, F. P. Badger, Jacob Banta, James Davis, John C. Fish (lawyer; practiced two years in New York and Pennsylvania, and retiring, settled in Corbetts- ville in 1857), Brewster Johnson, John O. Porter (settled in Corbetts- ville in 1860, and now an active business man of Binghamton), John Bayless (a former resident of the town and now of Binghamton), Elbert A. Beman (who began his business career here and then moved to Binghamton), James Woodside, John Woodside, Charles E. Fuller (former assemblyman, supervisor and for many years an influential man in Conklin history), Julius S. Corbett (who recently died in Bingham- ton), William Ruger, Julius E. Rogers, Neil Finch may also be men- tioned among the factors in Conklin history in later years. Through some now unknown cause settlement in this town pro- gressed very slowly during the first quarter of the present century. This was not because the lands were less desirable than in other locali- ties, for such was not the case. Settler Hull Stratton was offered land where is now the city of Binghamton at the same price per acre he paid for land in this town, but he preferred the heavily timbered tracts up the river to the scrub oak plains which then marked the city site. The theory has been advanced that the Lydig tract and the Floyd patent had no local agent for several years, and indeed it is well known that the Bingham lands had no agent until 1800, when Joshua Whitney was appointed. By that time, however, forty or fifty squatter families were scattered over the tract, and some of them were on the territory of this town. Nearly all of these Mr. Bingham "quieted in their possession," and they afterward became thrifty farmers. As evidences of the slow growth of the town during the period of early history, the statement may be made that in 1825 the entire region, including the part afterwards set off to form Kirkwood, con- tained only 635 inhabitants. However, let us have recourse to the cen- sus reports and note the changes in population since the town was created. THE TOWN OF CONKLIN. 799 Population.-\%To, 635; 1830, 908; 1835, 1,142; 1840 1471- 1845 1,869; 1850, 2,232; 1855, 2,539; 1860, 1,146 (Kirkwood was setoff in 1859); 1865, 1,282; 1870, 1,440; 1875, 1,290; 1880, 1,420- 1890 1 033- 1892, 1,033. ' ' ' ^^' Organization.— 'V\,^ early records of Conklin are lost, hence much that IS of value and interest relating to town history cannot be given. The act creating the town, which was entitled "An act to divide the town of Chenango, in the county of Broome," provided that the first town meeting should be held at the house of Benjamin Relyea on the first Tuesday in March, 1825. This, according to local tradition, was done and a full board of officers were chosen, but the loss of records precludes the possibility of a reproduction of the names of officials in this chapter. On November 23, 1859, the board of supervisors created the town of Kirkwood from Conklin. This proceeding was ratified at the next ses- sion of the legislature, at which time also it was directed that the fol- lowing town meeting in Conklin be held at the hotel kept by Wheelock Corby, and that John Darling, William Whitney and Nathaniel J. Finch preside at the election. The first justices of the peace appointed under the constitution of 1827 were John Bayless, William A. Conklin and Edmund Laurence. The supervisors of Conklin previous to 1849 are unknown, owing to the absence of records; but from county records the following succes- sion from that year is secured. Supervisors. — John Bound, 1849; Joseph Conklin, 1850-51; Alanson Wildey, 1852; David M. Langdon, 1853; Joseph Conklin, 1854; Henry H. Green, 1855; Theron Stoutenburg, 1856; T. Thompson, 1857-58; Theron Stoutenburg, 1859; Benj. W. Lawrence, 1860; Aaron Van Wormer, 1861; Nathaniel J. Finch, 1862-63; Elias Wilber, 1864; Benj. W. Lawrence, 1865-6; Julius S. Corbett, 1867-9; Benj. W. Lawrence, 1870; Henry N. Watson, 1871; Benj. W. Lawrence, 1872; Aaron Van Wormer, 1873; Julius S. Corbett, 1874; Benj. W. Lawrence, 1875; Julius S. Corbett, 1876; Charles E. Fuller, 1877-78; Julius S Corbett, 1879; Aaron Van Wormer, 1880-82; Benj. W. Lawrence, 1883; Aaron Van Wormer, 1884; William Ruger, 1885; John O. Porler, 1886; Ben- jamin W. Lawrence, 1887; Charles E. Fuller, 1888-92; Tie vote, 1893; Charles E. Fuller, 1894-95; Neil Finch, 1896-99. The town officers in 1899 are Neil Finch, supervisor; James L. En- glebert, town clerk; Wilber A. Vosberg, collector; Atwood P. Vining, 800 THE TOWN OF CONKLIN. highway commissioner; Edwin Mosher and Wilber A. Vosberg, over- seers of the poor; Jesse L. Rogers, Chas. Spafford, E. L. Campbell, assessors; Mortimer Lawrence, G. A. Hicks, Frank Brooks, T. J. Finch, justices of the peace; Hiram C. Wilber and Thomas J. Finch, justices elect. As has been stated, the town was organized in 1825, when its terri- tory was extensive and sparsely settled. The next ten years witnessed much development and a substantial increase in population. In 1835 the town contained 6,089 acres of improved and 24,338 acres of unim- proved land. In 1838 the assessed valuation of real estate was $111,- 944, and of personal property, $1,006. In 1899 the assessed valuation of real property was $668,500, and of personal property $20,175. The number of qualified electors then living in the town was 231, and 117 men were enrolled as militiamen. In 1835 Conklin was both a lumbering and farming town, the former pursuit perhaps being the more important, there being 13 saw mills in operation, while within the territory was only one grist mill. The other industries comprised a trip hammer and forge and two tan- neries. The saw mills now have almost wholly disappeared, and lumber is made only for domestic use. The available hardwood tim- ber is used chiefly in the manufacture of acetate of lime. The tanneries, owing to lack of hemlock bark and the centralization of tanning inter- ests, are no longer operated. Another manufacture of the period men- tioned was that of domestic cloths, which is now unknown in the town. In 1835 there was made in families in the town 1,225 yards of fulled cloth, 1,391 yards of flannel, and 2,104 yards of cotton and linen cloths. The latest important industrial pursuit established for the benefit of the farmers of the town, and also of the entire region, is the Bing- hamton Beet sugar refining company, the seat of operations of which is in the western part of the town, and for which the people are chiefly indebted to Julius E. Rogers, an extensive farmer of Conklin and a resident of Binghamton. In closing this branch of our chapter let us take a brief retrospective glance and learn who were the important factors in Conklin history in 1865, as their names were noted by an old resident, viz. : Rev. A. P. Worden, farmer and minister; Dr. G. S. Redfield, physician and sur- geon; TurnbuU & Co., props, pyroligneous acid works; S. E. Weed & Co., lumbermen; J. C. Fish, farmer and lawyer; A. Chalker, farmer and stock dealer; J. Banta, farmer and assessor; W. T. Hanagan, farmer THE TOWN OF CONKLIN. -01 and lumber dealer; J. Mead, farmer and justice; J. Watrous, farmer; H. Dillon, farmer; W. Lewis, blacksmith; H. Wilbur, blacksmith; M.' Wesley, farmer; J. Tarbox, farmer; L. S. Lenhenham, steam tannery; W. G. Holmes, farmer and lumberman; S. Snedeker, carpenter; S. c' Clement, farmer; N. Rowley, farmer; E. D. Tripp, resident; T. Roe, grist mill; Z. Knapp, farmer; W. Whitney, farmer and lumber dealer'; G. Lowe, farmer and assessor; R. Van Patten, farmer and lumber dealer; G. P. Waterman, farmer; J. D. Newton, carpenter; M. R. Lathrop, farmer and justice; C. S. Niver, farmer and stock dealer; T. Thompson, farmer and lumberman; J. Ryan, farmer and stock dealer; Elias Wilbur, farmer, lumberman and stock dealer; A. Parsons, farmer and stock dealer; B. H. Bone, farmer; J. Bag-ley, farmer; J. Becker, farmer; E. Lewis, farmer; G. H. Miller, millwright; H. Coons, farmer; I. Lawrence, farmer; J. Fuller, farmer and mechanic; D. W. Corby, farmer. Schools. — Owing to the fact that prior to 1825 this town was a part of Chenango, and the further fact that in 1859 the greater part of Conklin was set off to form Kirkwood, little that is of interest can be learned regarding the common schools of the town. In 1838, before Kirkwood was set off, the territory comprised 10 districts, and the number of children of school age in the town was 303. The town then received $115.58 of the state school funds. In 1858 there were 17 districts in the town, and 1,032 children were attending the schools. According to the present disposition of school interests in Conklin, the territory comprises 8 districts, and the school census shows 211 children of school age. In 1899 the town received $905.97 of public school moneys, and raised by local tax the sum of $1,632.09. During the year there was paid teachers the sum of $1,920. VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. Conklin never has been noted for the number or business importance of its trading centers, and it is a somewhat unfortunate fact that neither of them can now boast the trade enjoyed twenty- five and more years ago. Corbettsville is a small, pleasant village in the northeast part of the town, on the line of the D., L. & W. railroad. It became a trading centre about 1840, when the firm of B. & J. Smith opened the first store here. They were followed by Page & Conklin, and the latter in turn by Sewell & Ira Corbett. Ira Corbett built a new store in 1845. Later 51 802 THE TOWN OF CONKLIN. merchants have been F. Burt, John O. Porter, Frank W. Spaulding and J. C. Fish, the latter now being in trade here. The village was made a post-office soon after 1840, Sewell Corbett being the first postmaster. Ira Corbett then succeeded and held the office almost twenty years. Next came Daniel J. Murphy and John O. Porter. The Corbetts were lumbermen and merchants as well as farmers, from the time Cooper Corbett came here. He built the first mill, and his son Ira the second. The old steam mill on Little Snake creek was built in 1865. Ira Corbett built and started a planing mill in 1880. It was afterward owned by Mr. Fisher, but is now in the hands of M. J. Corbett. Sewell Corbett built a foundry in 1845. Later owners were Julius S. Corbett and Jeremiah Bull, the latter converting the building into a tannery. It afterward passed into the hands of George Belmy and thence to John O. Porter, under whom the business was discon- tinued. Among the other early and more recent factors in the history of the village may be recalled the names of Amos Brant and James McCan- non, blacksmiths; Ebenezer Carter, cabinet maker, about 1835; Cooper and Sewell Corbett, owners of a carding mill from 1820 to 1840; Cor- nelius Winans, the village shoemaker from 1820 to 1878; Cooper Cor- bett, jr., landlord, and Mr. Knapp, Daniel and John Murphy, Henry Sherman and H. H. Dunmore, later proprietors. Milburn^ better known perhaps as Conklin Station, on the line of the D., L. & W. railroad, is the largest business and residence center in the town. The first store here was started about 1840 by John Bayless, and soon afterward the postoffice at Conklin Centre was removed here. Henry Green, Eldridge Watson and B. J. Bayless were among the other early factors in the history of the village. The chief industry of the place for many years was the pyroligneous acid works, started by Turnbull & Co. in 1844, and thereafter continued under various pro- prietorships for many years. Mr. Turnbull, founder of the works, was lost at sea, and Abram S. Saxton afterward succeeded to the manage- ment. The plant was sold to Holmes, Edwards & Co. in 1878, which firm resolved into a stock company. The works were closed several years ago. Frank Bostwick opened a store here in 1876. Among the later mer- chants may be mentioned B. J. Bayless & Co., who were succeeded by E. P. Edmister & Son and Neil Finch in the order noted. The present merchants of Milburn are Neil Finch and E. C. Tomkins, general stores ; L. M. Parsons, groceries. THE TOWN OF CONKLIN. 803 In the village is a Presbyterian church and the school house of dis- trict No. 2. Conklin Forks is a settlement in the southwest part of the town, where now is a store, a blacksmith shop and a church, but in the local- ity where previous to about thirty-five years ago was little else than woods and lumbering. Benjamin and Reuben Horton began lumber- ing here in 1832, and afterward were followed by other operators, among whom were John Main, Zachariah Cotton, Thomas Chapel, Perry Tyler and Atwood Vining. Among the earliest settlers in this part of the town were the Coon families, among whom Jesse A. and Jesse J. Coon appear to have been the most prominent. The first store at the Forks was opened in 1873 by Fred Van Patten, whose father was an early resident of the vicinity and an old lumberman, as were nearly all the old settlers. Sylvester Finch, who afterward removed to Kirkwood, kept a store on his farm, half a mile from the Forks, as early as 1858 or '9. Finch also was the first postmaster at the settlement, and was succeeded by Milton Pearson and Samuel Clement, as mentioned. Mr. Clement is the present merchant at the Forks settlement. The acid factory which Finch & Rose built here in 1879 was discon- tinued several years ago. The M. E. society here was formed about 1870. Conklin Centre is a hamlet on the Susquehanna, between Milburn and Binghamton, in the locality where Edmund Lawrence settled in 1813, and where some of his descendants ever since have lived. Another early settler in the vicinity was Isaac Bishop, who came in 1814, while the Bagley, Levee, Finch, Van Wormer and Lowe families came here between 1830 and 1840. As an industrial center this hamlet has little prominence in the town. The business interests comprise a creamery and one small store, the latter kept by Benj. F. Lay ton. 804 THE TOWN OF KIRKWOOD. CHAPTER XL. THE TOWN OF KIRKWOOD. On November 23, 1859, the board of supervisors passed a resolution by which all that part of the town of Conklin which lay north and east of the Susquehanna river was erected into a new town, and was called Kirkwood in allusion to the surname of one of the engineers or contract- ors who during the days of the construction of the N. Y. & E. railroad had in some manner gained the respect of the inhabitants of the new jurisdiction. Thus it happened that the old town of Conklin, in the affairs of which Judge John Conklin was such a prominent figure, and in whose honor the town was named, was limited to territory south and west of the river, while Judge Conklin himself during his lifetime in this county dwelt on the Kirkwood side. The legislature in 1860 ratified the action of the supervisors and in accordance with the act passed in relation thereto the town was fully organized and began to make civil history. Within its boundaries are 18,789 acres of land. The boundaries of the town have not been ma- terially changed by the creation of other towns, but in extending the city eastward Kirkwood has lost some very desirable portions of its territory. Originally, the State Hospital (formerly the N. Y. S. Ineb- riate asylum) property was chiefly within the limits of the town, but now the buildings are within the city boundaries, while the vast state farm, several hundred acres in extent, lies largely in Kirkwood. This farm comprises several farm tracts which formerly were owned or oc- cupied by Kirkwood residents, and all of the lands were taxable in the town. Now, being state lands, these farms are exempt from taxa- tion, hence practically are of no value whatever to the town at large. Kirkwood comprises portions of several extensive tracts of patented lands, each of which tracts also includes parts of one or more other towns. They are the Clinton & Melcher tract. Watts' patent, the Bingham patent, the J. Lawrence tracts, N. Floyd's tracts, the Randolph town- ship, the Thomas patent, and small portions of one or two other tracts. THE TOWxN OF KIRKWOOD. 805 In the early history of the region the more extensive of these land tracts had an agent whose duty was to sell the lots and promote settle- ment to the best advantage to the owners. The most important of these tracts, in Kirkwood, were Clinton & Melcher's, Bingham's and Thomas' patents, while the others were outlying and remote from the desirable lands bordering on the Susquehanna. Thomas' patent included much of the southern portion of this town and Conklin, and extended south into Pennsylvania; and is said to have been granted previous to the revolution. Its area was more than 8,000 acres of land. The pioneer of Kirkwood is said to have been Gerrit (or Garret) Snedeker, who came from Tom's River, N. J., previous to 1790, and settled on the east bank of the river about one mile above the present village of Kirkwood. The sons of the pioneer were Isaac, David and James Snedeker, all of whom were prominent persons in early history, and from whom have descended nearly all the men now bearing the surname in the county. One of Gerrit Snedeker's daughters (Catherine) married David Bound, whose name was alsoprominent in early Conklin history. Another daughter (Elizabeth) married Andrew Johnson, and a third daughter (Abigail) married David Bayless, from whom also has sprung a thrifty and highly respectable line of descendants. Jonathan Fitch came from the Wyoming valley in 1789, and was set- tled at the mouth of Fitch's creek (which was named for him) about as early as the generally accredited pioneer himself. Judge Fitch repre- sented Tioga county in the first legislative session in 1792. In 1790 he built a grist mill at the mouth of the creek, and for a long time he ground the grist of all the settlers for miles around. Local tradition does not give extended information concerning the family or subse- quent life of Judge Fitch in the town, and as the surname now is in- frequently known here it is assumed that his stay was not long. John Peter Wentz, of whom much is written in the city history, and who was the progmitor of a large and respectable line of descendants in the county, settled on the site of Kirkwood village in 1793, and thence removed to the site of the afterward known Park farm in 1806. Pioneer Wentz died in Binghamton in 1833. His children were Eliza- beth, John, William, Justus, Peter, Catharine, Jacob, George L., Sally, Julia and George H. Wentz, each of whom, especially the sons, was closely identified with county history in later yeers. John E. Wentz, city assessor, is the grandson of John Peter Wentz, and the late Will- iam Wentz, of Binghamton, whose name as a land surveyor was known 806 THE TOWN OF KIRKWOOD. in every town and hamlet in this county, was the son of the pioneer. The story oE " Uncle Billy's " life is told at length in the city history, but he was such an important factor in early Kirkwood history that some brief mention of his career seems necessary at this place. In 1814 Mr. Wentz opened a store on the Park farm in this town and soon controlled quite a business among the settlers. His stock was ob- tained chiefly from Judge McKinney and Daniel Le Roy, who were ex- tensive tradesmen at Chenango Point, but as he had little cash and no means to tide over a period of adversity, he was forced into bankruptcy and sacrificed his entire real and personal property to satisfy the de- mands of his creditors. In 1818 he again turned to school teaching, an old vocation with him, but in 1823 he took up land surveying. From that time until his death (a few years ago) " Uncle Billy" was a familiar figure in Broome county history, and hardly a single "surveyor's stake" in the entire region was unknown to him. He assisted in the prelim- inary surveys on the route of the Erie railroad, and at one time was the company's engineer between Deposit and Bingham ton. In 1863 he located about thirty miles of the A, & S. railroad. Mr. Wentz lived many years in Binghamton. George Lane Wentz, son of John Peter, taught school in Windsor, and afterward in this town, in a little log school house that stood on Garret Snedeker's land. Later on in life he entered the Methodist ministry and eventually became the head of the " Methodist Book Concern." Among the other and more prominent early settlers in this town there may be recalled and briefly mentioned the names of Daniel Chap- man, who was a farmer and carpenter, and generally useful man among the settlers, and whose place of abode was about a mile north of the state line; Asa Rood, who in 1796 settled on the site of Kirkwood sta- tion, with a large family of children (the family came from New Jer- sey. The children were Aaron, Sylvia, Ira, Amos, Penina and Asa, jr.); Asa Squires, who in 1708 settled on the river, almost seven miles above Chenango Point, and among whose sons were Asa, jr., noted for his great physical strength, Zaccheus, Bird and Stephen Squires (Asa Squires' wife was a doctress, and her services were in frequent demand in the town); John Bell, who came about 1790; Silas Bowker, another early settler near Kirkwood Station, but who afterward moved west; Joel Lamoreaux, who located on the afterward known Edward Y. Park farm about 1798, and who later on settled in Windsor; David Compton, who settled on the river, four miles from Chenango Point, in THE TOWN OF KIRKWOOD. 80t 1798, and who was an early tavern keeper and a "second captain " of the militia company (Joseph Compton, brother of David, settled on the south side of the river); Noel Carr, who settled south of the river in 1794, and died in 1797, his being the first death in the town; Abraham Miller, who came here in 1798; Chester Wells, who came from Nor- wich, Conn., in 1812, when he was only eighteen years old, and who was a bridge builder and saw miller for one Burr; he also taught school. Eventually he settled in Binghamton, where he died in 1828. Chester Wells had five children, one of whom is Col. John Stuart Wells of Binghamton; Ebenezer Park, who cleared and located on the after- ward known Bartlett farm, about a mile above the "asylum " building (Mr. Park's daughter married Jonathan Miller, father of the late Ross Miller, who once was a prominent character in Binghamton history). The Bartlett farm just mentioned was purchased by Joseph Bartlett while he and his brother Robert were carrying on a gun factory on Washington street in Binghamton. Capt. Isaac Bartlett, the pioneer of the family in this locality, came from Ovvego to Binghamton about 1829, living for a time in the latter place, and then coming to his son's farm in this town. After the gun factory had ceased business in the early fifties, Joseph Bartlett came with his family to the farm. He had one daughter and eleven sons, several of the latter attaining positions of prominence in public life. Joseph Bartlett himself was once sheriff of the county and he also held an official position in the management of the Chenango canal. Further detail in this place is not necessary, as the Bartlett family history is fully written in the city chapters. In the vicinity of the Bartlett farm was the once famous Greenhorn tavern, a most noted hostelry in its time, but why named " Greenhorn " tavern never has been made perfectly clear, as no green- horn was ever connected with its management. The principal highway along the river between Binghamton and Great Bend was in itself a re- markable thoroughfare and public houses were hardly more than three miles apart, and it was not possible that the stage passenger or foot traveler could complain of lack of accommodation or refreshment. Now, all these houses are gone and the road traveler must journey from the city to Kirkwood village, passing the sites of the " Brandy wine " hotel and the " Greenhorn " tavern, before reaching a public house. William Jones settled about two miles below Kirkwood village in 1802. His surname is still represented in the county through the de- scendants of his children— Barney, John, Samuel, Edward, George, 808 THE TOWN OF KIRKWOOD. Elias, Mary and Lydia Jones. Thomas Carroll and Benajah Standley came about 1805 and located in the northeast part of the town. Stand- ley Hollow, more frequently known as " Stanley " Hollow, was named for Benajah Standley. Another early family in this part of the town was that of William Ray, a colored man, and the pioneer of his race in Kirkwood. Aaron Ray, son of William, is remembered as an indus- trious, thrifty farmer. His descendants are still in the county. Isaac Curran was an early settler in the town, but the year of his coming is not known. In his family were five children, one of whom is Benajah S. Curran, of the Binghamton bar. Henry Bayless, another early resident on the Kirkwood side of the river, was the son of Samuel Bayless who first settled on the Conklin side. Samuel had two sons, General John and Henry Bayless, the former of whom lived chiefly in Conklin, while the latter, when he branched out for himself, came over into what now is Kirkwood. Abraham Berkalew is recalled as one of the early settlers in Kirkwood, and also as one of its most successful men. He is said to have come here in 1806, and settled near Kirkwood village long before that hamlet was thought of. Mr. Berkalew was a large farmer, and by industry (which quality has been an inherent trait among his descendants) he acquired a competency. Abraham Berka- lew's sons were John, James O. and Peter, and his daughters were Nancy, Hannah, Peggy, Jane, Abigail and Anna Berkalew. The sur- name still is known in the town, and also in Binghamton, but has not many representatives. John Conklin, an old revolutionary patriot, and a former resident of Sullivan county, came into the Susquehanna valley and settled in what is now Kirkwood, in 1810. He was not a pioneer in the town, but he soon took a prominent place among the settlers and became their fore- most man and leader. He was frequently chosen to positions of trust, and in 1823, under the new state constitution, he was one of the first appointed justices of the peace in the town of Conklin. In truth the town itself was named for him, he then occupying the position of leader among its inhabitants. Joseph Conklin, son of John, was for many years a conspicuous figure in local history, and, like his father, was one of Conklin's (afterward Kirkwood) best citizens. He had nine children, six of whom grew to maturity, and four of whom are now living. The eldest surviving child is Thomas Conklin, born in Kirkwood (or what is now that town) in 1829, and has been a lifelong resident of the locality. Frank J. Conklin, inspector of customs, port of New York; Henry T. THE TOWN OF KIRKWOOI). 800 Conklin and Emma E. Conklin-Cline, are children of Thomas Conklin. of Riverside. Among the other early residents in the town there may be menti(jned the names of Barney and Philip Alden, Elias Conklin, John E. Reed, Horace Dwight, Richard W. Jones, Richard, James and Adam Hays, Edward Y. Park (an influential man in county history, and member of assembly in 18G0), Gambia Rider (who settled near the Windsor line in 1841 ; father of Charles A. Rider, merchant at West Windsor, and also of county treasurer John A. Rider, of Binghamton), David Langdon, Silas P. Chase, Jacob Brownell, Franklin Stow, Joseph Guernsey, Henry Smith, Marcus Doolittle, Daniel Evans (the old county clerk in 1823-6, and also one of the founders of the Broome County bank), and others whose names are perhaps equally worthy of mention, but have become lost with the lapse of years. However, before departing from this branch of our subject, it is proper that there be made at least a passing mention of the names of some of the men of Kirkwood who have been (and many still are) fac- tors in the later history of the town. In this connection mention may be made of Alanson Wildey, Henry A. Squires, David S. Newbury, Ed- ward L. Jones, Abram R. Park, William Murphy, Simon K. Wilsey, Nathan W. Brown, Joel Brown, George P. Ayers, George Saunders, Samuel Southee, Emory Pettit, Matthew Hays, Patrick O'Loughlin, Terry Springer, Norman Sherwood, Marshall Squires, J. D. Patch, George W. Berkalew, Nicholas Emmons, Lewis Jones, Edward Benn, James Adams, Henry P. Alden, Daniel C. Andrews, George P. Ayers, E. H. Booth, Dr. Wm. S. Beebe, C. P. Brink, B. J. Bayless, Isaac Bird, Thomas Conklin, E. W. Evans, Frank P. Hays, Myron Langdon, Frank Langdon, Leonard Gage, William R. Murphy, William A. McPherson, Dr. George E. Pierson, Robert R. Ritter, Reuben Stevens, Francis Robbins, Hiram Smith, Luke Smith, Franklin Stow, Eli W. Watrous, John H. Watrous, Alvah Wood, George Graver, Enoch Brown, Isaac Bound, William Park, Benj. Duell, Park Chamberlain, George Ger- mond, James Amory, Ira Shear and others, all of whom in some man- ner have contributed to the welfare and prosperity of the town. Organization.— In 1859, when Kirkwood was set ofif from Conklm, a majority of the population of the mother town was located within the territory of the new jurisdiction. The subject of building bridges to connect the divided portions of the old town was one which frequently created embarrassing situations, as the river at the most advantageous 810 THE TOWN OF KIRKWOOD. points for such structures happened to be of unusual width, with low banks, hence the work of construction would be attended with consid- erable expense to the taxpayers. Again, the territory of Conklin was large, and the convenience of the people demanded a division of the mother town; hence the action of the board of supervisors in the fall of 1859 and the enabling act of the legislature in 1860. The first town meeting in Kirkwood was held at the house of George Jones, February 1-i, 1860, at which time these officers were elected: Supervisor, Joseph Bartlett; town clerk, Daniel Casper; justices of the peace, Isaac Bound, William Park, Benj. Duel; assessors, Sylvester Barnes, Ira Shear, Rufus Whitney; comr's of highways, Barney W. Sherwood, David M. Langdon; overseers of the poor. Park Chamber- lain, Wm. H. Middaugh; collector, George Craver; constables, Enoch Brown, Henry Van Buren, George Craver, Robert Bartlett, Wm. W. Jones; sealer, Baltis Swartz. The succession of supervisors is as follows: Joseph Bartlett, 1861-62 ;AlansonWildey, 1863-66; Henry A. Squires, 1867; Silas P. Chase, 1868-69; Henry P. Alden, 1870; David S. New- burg, 1871-72; Edmund W. Barlow, 1873-75; Thomas Conklin, 1876- 77; Silas P. Chase, 1878; Abram R. Park, 1879; J.H. Sweet, 1880; Will- iam Murphy, 1881-83; Silas P. Chase, 1884-85; Abram R. Park, 1886; James M. Price, 1887; John Golan, 1888; A. T. De Witt, 1889; John H. Watrous, 1890-91; Frank Langdon, 1892-95; Samuel Bayless, 1896-97; Jerome Randall, 1898; Frank Langdon, 1899. The town officers in 1899 are Frank Langdon, supervisor; Adolphus G. Brink, town clerk; John Golan, James M. Price, Henry A. Trues- dall, Orrin B. Stone, justices of the peace; Emory Hall, collector; Solon Finn, John Smith, Samuel Bayless, assessors; Edwin Smith, highway commissioner; George W. Bound, John Y. Darling, overseers of the poor. Population.— 1%Q0, 1,389; 1865, 1,440; 1870, 1,402; 1875, 1,377; 1880, 1,344; 1890, 1,119; 1892, 1,134. Schools. — The common school system of this town was originated when the territory formed a part of the original town of Chenango; was continued as a part of Conklin, hence when Kirkwood was organized in 1860, the authorities in charge had little to do other than to renumber and arrange the existing districts to suit the convenience of the in- habitants. As now disposed the town comprises eleven districts. In 1899 there THE TOWN OF KIRKWOOD. gjl was received from the state public school moneys the sum of $1 203 G2 and $1,702.68 were raised by town tax. During the year teachers' wages were paid amounting to $2,544.80. School census 245. VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. The town of Kirkwood has two trading centers and five established post-offices within its borders; but neither of these hamlets has ever acquired more than one or two places of business nor more than about 100 inhabitants. Kirkwood village is the largest and most important of the village hamlets of the town, and is pleasantly situated on the Susquehanna river, and also on the line of the Erie railroad, to which the village m fact owes its existence. The early settlers on and in the vicinity of the village tract have been mentioned in preceding pages. About 1846 Marshall Squires became owner of much of the village tract, and soon afterward opened a store during the progress of the work on the rail- road. In 1851 the land was laid out in village lots, and the erection of Nicholas Emmons' large dwelling, and John Weeks' tavern gave the place the first appearange of a village. Among the subsequent factors in village history were J. D. Patch who took the store in 1857, and his son, J. B. Patch, who succeeded his father in 1868; Lewis Jones, who opened a store here in 18G8, and who was followed by his son E. L. Jones and the latter in turn by his son C. D. Jones, the present Kirkwood merchant. Nicholas Emmons also was a former merchant here. The hotel was built by Robert Hays, and was first kept by John Weeks, followed by Lewis Jones, Mr. Turner, John Church, Baltis Swartz and others. The present village landlord is C. P. Miller, who keeps an excellent country house, and one much patronized by bicyclists and pleasure carriage travelers. Job Bound was the first blacksmith. William Davidson (afterward of Binghamton) and William Lewis were followers of Bound. Marshall Squires was the first village postmaster, and was followed by John T. Doubleday, Peter T. Emmons, John Emmons, Nicholas Emmons and others of more recent date. The old physicians who practiced here were Dr. P. M. Way, Dr. Chase, Dr. Wm. S. Beebee, Dr. Lansing Griffin, Dr. Geo. E. Pierson. The present business interests of Kirkwood comprise the well stocked stores of C. D. Jones and William Roberts, the grist and feed mill of Ezra Griffith, and the hotel kept by C. P. Miller. The pubHc institu- 812 THE TOWN OF KIRKWOOD. tions comprise the Methodist and Christian churches, and the school house of district No. 2. Riverside is a pleasant little hamlet in the southern extremity of the town, in the fertile valley of the river near the Pennsylvania state line. From a business standpoint the hamlet is of little importance, but far back of the hamlet existence there dwelt in this locality some of the most substantial early families of the town, among whom may be men- tioned the names of Brown, Ritter, Conklin and McPherson, all of whom are referred to in earlier paragraphs. A post-office was estab- lished here about or soon after 1870, but a store has been kept in the locality many years. Thomas Conklin is said to have been the first merchant. The prc;sent storekeeper is Julius Brown. A Methodist society was organized here many years ago. Kirkwood Centre is the name of a post-office station about half way between Kirkwood village and Binghamton. The office was established in 18G1, with Eli W. Watrous, postmaster. Langdon is a post station on the Erie railroad a short distance below Kirkwood, and was named after David M. Langdon (for whom Lang- don's Corners was named). The office was established about 1877. The chief business here is the Langdon creamery, owned by New York city capital and managed by Frank Langdon. In this locality is a Christian church, having 35 or 40 members. Brookvale is the post-office name for the old settled locality in the northeast part of the town that originally was known as Stanley Hol- low. Here is found a blacksmith shop and a Universalist meeting house. THE TOWN OF DICKINSON. gi^ CHAPTER XLI. THE TOWN OF DICKINSON. The extension of the city limits in 1890 entirely separated the north- ern and southern parts of the town of Binghamton, hence necessitated the creation of a new town in the county. The measure, however, was the occasion of considerable discussion in the board of supervisors,' sev- eral of the city members opposing it with the argument that the county already had too great a representation in the county legislative body, while the city itself had not the proportion of members to which it was entitled under its population. This unquestionably was and still is true, yet the creation of Dickinson was a necessity (unless its territory was annexed to some adjoining town) rather than scheme on the part of the country members of the board to increase their numerical strength. The act, or ordinance of the board, by which the town was created, was passed December 12, 1890, and was reported to and confirmed at the next session of the state legislature. The town was named Dickin- son in allusion to its principal village, Port Dickinson, and also in mem- ory of that distinguished citizen of Binghamton — Daniel Stevens Dick- inson — who honored the city and county with his long and eminent public service. " All that part of the town of Binghamton lying north of the city of Binghamton," according to the wording of the act, constituted the new jurisdiction. The early history of the region is written in the history of Chenango, and- in a measure is further written in the chapter relating to the town of Binghamton . When the latter town was organized, both pioneership and early settlement had ceased, and in many cases the sec- ond and third generations of descendants were cultivating its lands and enjoying the fruits of the labor of their ancestors. Therefore, Dickin- son had no pioneer history, but when the town was created many old familiar surnames were found among its inhabitants; such names as Bevier, Dickson, Carman, Van Name, Brown, Stow, Lamb and others, on the east side of the Chenango. On the west side were such names as Gale, Conklin, Randall, Livermore, Gamble, Bailey, Cutler, Clonney, 814 THE TOWN OF DICKINSON. Seward and others living along the river road, v^^hile back in the interior regions were the Fairchilds, Bedells, Whitfords, Bishops, Tiers, Smiths, Wheelers, Beachs, Davis and others, now forgotten. Nearly all of the representati .ffS of these names were of the second generation of occu- pants, the pioneers in many cases being dead or removed to other localities. Organization. — In accordance with the provisions of the supervisors' act, the first town meeting was held at the hotel of Osborne & Winn, in Port Dickinson, February 10, 1891, at which time officers were elected as follows: Supervisor, James M. Holt, jr. ; town clerk, Edward H. Smith; col- lector, Elbert Bailey; justices of the peace, Philip Champlin, Wm. H. Gale, John T. Rozelle; assessors, Charles Brownson, Wakeley Jones; highway com'r. Perry W. Cutler; overseer of the poor, Charles Warner ; com'rs of excise, Edgar Dickinson, S. Melvin Baird, Erastus W. Smith. The succession of supervisors is as follows: James M. Holt, 1891; Frank W. Jewell, 1892-93; John W. Cutler, 1894-95; Myron L. Jones, 1896-98; James H. Holt, 1899. The town officers in 1899 are James M. Holt, supervisor; F. A. Wil- cox, town clerk; D. M. Merrill, collector; Philip Champlin, John W. Cutler, B. F. Bradley, I. H. Egbert, justices of the peace; Charles Lewis, Job Keeler, Edgar Dickinson, assessors; George W. Bennett, highway com'r; Fred. Alderman, Virgil Jarvis, overseers of the poor. As constituted in 1891, and now existing, Dickinson is a well ordered town of 525 inhabitants, and contains 4,006 acres of land; and although the youngest and smallest town in Broome county, it by no means is an inferior jurisdiction, as it contains some of the most fertile agricultural lands in the Chenango valley. Indeed, it is the only town in the county whose territory extends on both sides of the Chenango river. It has neither mills nor factories of consequence, and its people are devoted exclusively to the peaceful arts of agriculture and kindred pursuits. The town is divided into five school districts, each of which is pro- vided with a good school house. In 1899 there was apportioned to Dickinson $639.25 of the state public school funds, and during the year there was raised by town tax for school support the additional sum of $1,012.92. There was paid to teachers the sum of $1,391.46. The census shows 65 children of school age in the town. The County Farm, otherwise known as the Riverside Home for the indigent poor of the county who are supported at the general expense, is THE TOWN OF DICKINSON. 815 located wholly within this town, and is one of the best eleemosynary institutions in southern New York. The farm property was purchased from Seth Leonard in 1831, by Stephen Weed, Vincent Whitney and Marcus Sage, superintendents of the poor, acting on behalf of the county. The buildings originally were of wood, but beginning about 1870 the supervisors replaced the more important house structures with brick material. On November 1, 1899, the institution contained 129 inmates. VILLAGES. Port Dickinson, the only established village or trading center in the town, is one of the oldest incorporated municipalities in the county, and withal, is the smallest in population. On January 22, 1876, the inhabit- ants of the district, by a vote of 38 to 2, decided to incorporate in accordance with the general act of 1870. The village contains 600 acres of land, and extends northward from the city limits. The village was founded in 1837, about the time of the opening of the Chenango canal, and soon became an important trading center and shipping point on the line of that once famous waterway. Several stores were opened and began business and a number of important manufacturing enterprises were established, all of which materially contributed to local growth and prosperity. In 1865 the business inter- ests of the village included the Gary, Nash & Ogden paper mills, C. Bevier's broom factory, E. B. Wei ton «&Co.'s large general store, S. L. Guion's hotel and several other enterprises. Joseph Carman was an extensive farmer and also village postmaster, and Benjamin De Voe was collector of canal tolls. In later years the paper mill was continued as the leading industry, and in the meantime the large roller flouring mill of George Q. Moon & Co., the flexible shaft works of Nelson Stow and the whip factory of Russell & Hunt were put into operation, and then, between 1880 and '84 the village was at its best. In the year last mentioned the flouring and paper mills were destroyed by fire, soon after which the shaft works were removed to the city and the whip factory was discontinued, upon which the village relapsed into a condition of quiet. Its only existing industries comprise the comparatively small broom factories of Daniel Bevier and Myron L. Jones. The merchants are James M. Holt, jr., grocer; E. H. Clinton, grocer, and Fred. Greenwood, grocer and post- master. 816 ECCLESIASTICAL. In the village is a Baptist church and a well ordered, graded district school. In the southwest corner of Fenton, within a short distance from the village, is the " Ogden " M. E. church. The present village officers (1899) are Napoleon Beaty, president; Orville R. Bacon and William N. Slattery, trustees; E. H. Smith, clerk, and Isaac Egbert, collector. CHAPTER XLII. ECCLESIASTICAL. The church history of the towns of Broome county has been written and rewritten, correctly at times but often inaccurately, and the results of all attempts in this direction have been quite unsatisfactory. In a measure the fault lies in the insufficiency and uncertainty of individual church records, which frequently are imperfectly kept or not kept at all. The recollections of old members are not a safe guide, yet how often is the historian compelled to accept their statements as reliable. In view of all that has been done, and the result thereof, the present reader has little inclination to again peruse the old-time narratives with all their imperfections and misstatements of facts. All church bodies regularly organized and capable of holding property necessarily must be incor- ated according to the provisions of law enacted from time to time. Church societies assuming or performing the functional powers of full ecclesiastical bodies are either informal in character or imperfectly or- ganized. The claim is not made that the appended record shows the correct date of society organization of each of the church bodies therein men- tioned; on the contrary it is a known fact that many of them were in existence and held services several years before a house of worship was secured. The formal act of incorporation was generally accomplished when the society sought to acquire and control real property. The record shows the original corporate society name, but that in some cases may have been changed in later years. The most valuable informa- tion contained in the list is in the growth and outspreading of certain of the denominations, particularly that of the Methodist Episcopal ECCLESIASTICAL. 817 church, which shows a remarkable increase in number of societies and therefore in membership. The record shows the corporate name of the several churches of the county (exclusive of those in the city of Bing- hamton and also the town of Union) with date of incorporation as in dicated by the record of incorporated societies in the county clerk's office. METHODIST EPISCOPAL. First society of the M. E. church in Lisle; incorporated June 18, 1828. M. E. church in Windsor; December 39, 1830. First M. E. church and society in Vestal; July 4, 1831. First M. E. society in Chenango; October 18, 1832. First M. E. society in Barker; February 10, 1835; re-incorporated February 14, 1842. First M. E. society in Conklin ; May 1, 1838. First M. E. church on Page Brook; February 24, 1840. First M. E. church and society of Triangle; January 25, 1831; re- incorporated April 4, 1842, and September 19, 1853. First M. E. church in Sanford (McClure Settlement) ; September 11, 1873. First society M. E. church in Harpursville; March 12, 1844. The First M. E. church at Ketchum's Corners (North Fenton) ; April 4, 1844. The First M. E. church and society at New Ohio; March 19, 1844. First M. E. church in Maine Village ; August 19, 1845; re-incorpor- ated April 16, 1866. The First M. E. church at Osborn Hollow; November 18, 1844. The First M. E. church on Castle Creek ; August 30, 1847. The Second M. E. church of Castle Creek; August 31, 1847; re incor- porated April 14, 1857. The First M. E. society of Kattellville; November 27, 1849. The First M. E. church and society of Choconut Creek, November 18, 1852. First M. E. church in West Nanticoke ; December 12, 1857. The First M. E. church of Nineveh; March 21, 1853. North Windsor M. E. church; December 12, 1853. Port Crane M. E. society; March 28, 1854; re-incorporated March 16, 1868. The Hawleyton M, E. society; February 22, 1854. 52 818 ECCLESIASTICAL. The First M. E. society in Lisle; March 7, 1859. The North Windsor M. E. church; November 21, 1859. Kattellville First M. E. church; June 21, 1859. Windsor M. E. church; June 3, 1861. Vestal Centre M. E. church; October 26, 1865. Oquag-a society of the M. E. church ; November 28, 1865. Glen Aubrey M. E. church; March 20, 1867. First M. E. church and society at Killawog; May 20, 1867. First M. E. church of North Maine; January 15, 1869. Methodist Episcopal church at Port Dickinson; June 13, 1870. Adams street M, E. church of Barker; January 21, 1871. The M. E. church on Little Snake Creek (Conklin); February 22, 1872. The First M. E. church at North Sanford; February 10, 1873. Danville M. E. church (Sanford); February 10, 1873. McClure Settlement M. E. church; March 18, 1873. The M. E. church of Creek Settlement (Sanford); February 11, 1873. The M. E. church of Riverside (Kirkwood); January 6, 1880. First M. E. church of Vestal; January 24, 1889. First M, E. church of Brookvale; January 11, 1894. First M. E. church of Chenango Bridge, March 10, 1894. The Itaska M. E. church (Barker); November 24, 1897. The Ogden M. E. church (Fenton); September 26, 1897. BAPTIST. Fourth Baptist church in Lisle; incorporated March 14, 1829. Triangle Baptist church and society ; October 22, 1831. Baptist church at Whitney's Point; April 3, 1843. Baptist church and society of Barker and Chenango; January 16, 1844. The First Baptist church and society of Union Village (Lisle); Feb- ruary 7, 1844. The First Baptist church of West Colesville; July 1, 1848. Baptist church and society of Colesville; June 20, 1849. The First Baptist and Congregational church of West Nanticoke; January 14, 1852. The First Baptist church and society in Maine; May 1, 1853. The First Baptist church of Sanford; September 27, 1856. The Baptist society of Yorkshire; March 4, 1857. ECCLESIASTICAL. 819 The Baptist church in Vestal; December 2, 1857. The First Baptist church and society o' Windsor; January 8, 1859. The First Baptist church and society of Port Crane; June 23, 1860. The Baptist church of Port Dickinson; May 12, 1884. The Baptist church of Harpursville (reinc. ); July 9, 1891. The minutes of the Broome and Tioga Baptist association show the location and organization of churches in that jurisdiction as follows: Castle Creek, 1844; Conklin, 1857; Killawog, 1841; Lisle, First, 1802; Maine, 1835; Port Crane, 1860; Port Dickinson, 1884; Vestal Centre, 1834; West Nanticoke, 1854; Whitney's Point, 1842. FREE WILL BAPTIST. First Free Will Baptist society in Windsor; December 23, 1840. South Sanford Free Will Baptist church ; October 3, 1868. PRESBYTERIAN. Binghamton Presbytery was incorporated April 25, 1876. The Pres- byterian Union was incorporated June 23, 1890. Windsor Presbyterian society; incorporated January 2, 1816, as the South Presbyterian society of the town of Windsor. First Presbyterian society in Colesville; May 16, 1823. First Presbyterian church in Conklin; May 28, 1836. First Presbyterian society on Castle Creek; September 17, 1839. Bainbridge and Nineveh Presbyterian society; November 10, 1841. Presbyterian society of the town of Windsor; June 27, 1842. First Presbyterian society of East Maine; June 18, 1871. The minutes of the General Assembly show the Presbyterian churches (with membership) in Broome county (except in the city and the town of Union) as follows: Nineveh, 178 members; Conklin, 150 members; Windsor, 144 mem- bers; Deposit, 256 members; Whitney's Point, 76 members; East Maine, 24 members; Gulf Summit, 34 members, CONGREGATIONAL. Second Congregational society in Lisle; incorporated April 15, 1823. First Congregational society in Lisle; September 9, 1827. Congregational society of Barker; April 30, 1832. 820 ECCLESIASTICAL. West Congregational society in Lisle; July 3, 1832. The Chenango Congregational society (Port Crane); September 12, 1853. The Congregational Year Book for 1899 furnishes the location, year of organization and present membership of churches of that denomina- tion in this county (Binghamton and Union excepted) as follows: Lisle, org. 1797, fifty members; Maine, 1819, ninety-seven members; Triangle, 1819, fifteen members; Chenango Forks, 1821, eighty-seven members; Centre Lisle, 1830, forty-six members. PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL. St. Luke's church at Colesville; incorporated October 11, 1824. Zion church, Windsor; August 8, 1842; re-incorporated April 23, 1889. Christ church, Deposit; February 10, 1868. Grace church, Whitney's Point; December 19, 1870. vSt. John's church, Chenango Forks; September 20, 1880. St. Luke's church at Colesville dates back in its history to 1793, when the first services were read in the town ; and to 1799, when an organiza- tion was perfected under the name of St. Luke's church. Zion church, of Windsor, was organized in 1842. Christ church. Deposit, was organized in July, 1860, with 29 members. Grace church, Whitney's Point, was organized in 1870. St. John's church, Chenango Forks, was organized in 1877. ROMAN CATHOLIC. St. Joseph's, Deposit; incorporated March 16, 1881. This church was organized in 1848. St. Patrick's church, Whitney's Point; May 31, 1889. This church was organized in 1872. UNIVERSALIST. First Religious society of Universalists in Lisle; May 4, 1816. First Universalist society in Colesville; June 18, 1838. REFORMED METHODIST, First Reformed Methodist church in Vestal; August 7, 1838. First Reformed Methodist church in Colesville; December 5, 1883. ECCLESIASTICAL. 821 MISCELLANEOUS. First Wesleyan Methodist church of Windsor; August 25. 1869. The First Religious society in Harpursville; October 9, 1826. The Free church of Coles' Hill ; December 20, 1859. First Free Methodist church of Harpursville; February 17, 1873. First Free Methodist church of Belden (Colesville) ; April 28, 1874. Union Religious society of Lester (Windsor); August 31, 1887. First Free Methodist church of East Windsor; April 17, 1894. PART II. Factors in Binghamton History. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. Sisson, Benjamin F., was a conspicuous figure in the business history of Bing- hamton for a period of more than forty years, and was the chief factor in establish- ing a mercantile house which to-day stands at the head of the commercial interests of the city. Mr. Sisson was born in North Stonington, Conn., in 1811, and died in this city September 8, 1885. In early life he learned the trade of cabinet and furni- ture making, and when he came to Binghamton in 1843 he was a competent work- man and also the fortunate possessor of sufficient capital to enable him to start a small shop and salesroom on the north side of Court street, at the east end of the bridge. He was an industrious and prudent mechanic, and from the beginning to the close of his long business career, his efforts were rewarded with success. After about five years in cabinet making Mr. Sisson in 1847 opened a general merchandise store in the Exchange building, which stood just west of the present Sisson block on Court street. In 1848 he moved to the corner where the Granite block now stands, the lot having previously been the site of the once famous log cabin. Mr. Sisson purchased this property in 1849. About this time Oliver A. Sisson became partner with his brother in a general dry goods business under the firm name of B. F. & O. A. Sisson, and so continued until about 1856, when Isaac N. Hine and William Sis- son succeeded to the O. A. Sisson interest. Then the style of the firm was changed to B. F. Sisson & Co., and so remained until the spring of 1861, when Mr. Hine's interest was sold to Oliver A. Sisson, thus establishing the substantial dry goods house of B. F. Sisson & Bros. In August, 1862, the store and stock were destroyed by fire, but in the next year the Granite building, then one of the largest and most attractive mercantile structures of the village, was erected on the site. On May 1, 1864, business was resumed on a larger scale than ever before, and the firm was one of the largest and strongest in southern New York. In 1867 B. F. Sisson became sole proprietor and at once took Charles F. Sisson, his son, as partner, under the firm style of B. F. Sisson & Son. Three years later WiUiam W. Sisson, another son. came into the firm, upon which the name became B. F. Sisson & Sons. The stock was again damaged by fire m December, 1871. but was at once replaced without serious delay. In the spring of 1874, after thirty-two years of active and successful business life in the village and city, Benjamin F. Sisson retired from the firm. At the same time James K Welden became partner with Mr. Sisson's sons, under the name of Sisson Bros. & Welden. This firm is still in business, although Mr. Wel- den, who married with Mr. Sisson's daughter, is now dead. Neither the extent of the business nor the general popularity and wide acquaintance of the firm of Sisson Bros. & Welden needs any special mention in this work, as its reputation is thor- 826 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. oughly established and known throughout this section of the State. Benjamin F. Sisson, the founder of the house, built firmly and permanently, and his prudent methods were adopted and enlarged upon by the sons who succeeded him in busi- ness. In addition to the cares and responsibilities of mercantile life in a constantly growing municipality, Mr. Sisson found time to interest himself in public affairs. He was village trustee in 1855, and president of the village in 1856. In politics he was a Democrat, but he never sought political honors. He was interested in the welfare and growth of the city; was loyal to progressive measures, and devoted to his family and friends. Mr. Sisson was twice married. His first wife was Maritta York, a native of North Stonington, Conn., by whom he had six children, viz. : Mary E., who married with James K. Welden; Charles F. and William W., of the firm of Sisson Bros. & Welden; Julia, who died young; Benjamin F., jr., a business man of Oneonta, and one other, the eldest child, who died in Connecticut. His wife died in 1866, and in 1867 Mr. Sisson married with Margaret Hillard, of North Stonington. The children of this marriage were Fanny A., who died young; E. Carlton, of the " Jones of Binghamton" scale company; Cora, now dead; and Madge, of this city. Charles F. Sisson was born July 24, 1846. He was educated in the Oak Street School, Binghamton Academy, Susquehanna Seminary, Berkshire Academy, and the East- man Business College at Poughkeepsie. In 1863 he began business life as clerk in his father's store, and in 1867 became a member of the firm. His subsequent career is told in the preceding sketch, hence needs no repetition here. He has been senior member of the firm of Sisson Bros. & Welden since 1874. He is one of the City Hospital trustees, director and vice-president of the City National Bank and trustee of the Binghamton Savings Bank. His wife, with whom he married February 29, 1876, was Annie M., daughter of Sturgis Carey; eight children were born of this mar- riage. William W. Sisson was born in Binghamton, October 15, 1849. He was educated in the Binghamton Academy and High School, after which he worked as clerk in the store where he is now a partner. He became a member of the firm of B. F. Sisson & Sons in 1870. He was appointed treasurer of the Binghamton Fire Department April 1, 1898, and director of the City National Bank. On March 7, 1878, William W. Sisson married with Ida Bronson, of Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Sisson died October 20, 1882, leaving one daughter, Eva Sisson. Wilkinson, Charles A., who since 1870 has been identified with several of the best manufacturing interests of the city, was born in Berkshire county, Mass., September 24, 1846. He was educated in Drury Academy at North Adams and after gradua- tion in 1864 he worked three years in a hardware store and afterwards became a partner in the business. In 1870 he came to Binghamton and with his brother, Will- iam H. Wilkinson, purchased the Abbott tannery in Millville, as commonly known. In 1876 he sold his interest in the business and became a stockholder in the BoUes Hoe and Tool Co. He was superintendent of the works and also treasurer of the company for a period of about ten years. In 1883 in partnership with W. H. East- wood and the late Charles Davis he began manufacturing children's carriages, sleds and novelties. In 1886 he resigned his position as superintendent and treasurer of the Hoe and Tool Co. and bought the interest of Davis when the firm became Wil- kinson & Eastwood ; they began making chairs in 1889 and ever since then have FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 827 transacted a large business in that line. In 1889 the Winton Manufacturing Com- pany met with reverses and the Wilkinson Manufacturing Co. was organized to pur- chase the works and continue the business formerly conducted by the insolvent con- cern. The new company comprised William H., Charles A. and E. S.Wilkinson, W. H. Eastwood and two or three other stockholders. This manufacturing concern has done a large and profitable business. He was one of the incorporators of the Zenith Cycle Co. in 1895, and is now a stockholder and director in the Wilkinson & Bliss Shoe Company, the latter doing business in North Adams, Mass. Notwith- standing his close association with these several interests which have required almost constant attention Mr. Wilkinson has taken a commendable part in the public affairs of the city. He is one of the managers of the Susquehanna Valley Home, having acted as secretary for twelve years. He is a firm Republican though not in any sense a politician. He served one term as alderman of the Third ward; this has been the extent of his political holdings. On December 24, 18G8, Mr. Wilkinson married Lilian, daughter of S. E. Dean, a woolen manufacturer of Adams, Mass. ; of this marriage four children were born. Bayless, George C, was born in Conklin, Broome count}-, April 27, 1862, and was the elder of two sons of John Bayless, of whom special mention is made in this vol- ume. In 1869 the family removed to Binghamton. George was educated in the city schools and also at Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass., and left the latter institu- tion in 1881 to engage in business with the firm of Bayless & Berkalew in the con- struction of an acid works. Later on he was employed as clerk in the City National Bank of Binghamton, where he remained one year. In 1882 he became one of the firm of Bayless & Co., pulp manufacturers at Binghamton. This business was con- tinued until 1893, and was then succeeded by the Bayless Pulp and Paper Company, incorporated with a capital of $75,000. George C. Bayless has been president of the company since its incorporation. The other officers are A. J. Schlager, vice-presi- dent, and Frank J. Bayless, secretary and treasurer. For a period of more tlian fif- teen years George C. Bayless has been actively engaged in business pursuits in this city, yet during that time he has found opportunity to take part in the political affairs of the city and county. He is an ardent Republican, having full faith in the princi- ples of the party, but an especial dislike for all unsavory party methods. Mr. Bay- less was a city excise commissioner one term, and chairman of the board ; was alder- man of the Third ward in 1885-86, and mayor of the city in 1887. He was one of the original trustees of the Barlow School of Industrial Arts, and is now secretary of the board. In fact Mr. Bayless has been an active spirit of this worthy institution of our city since it was incorporated by the regents in 1889. Much more than this the writer might truthfully say, but refrains from further comment. Mr. Bayless is a young business man, and we cannot speak of him as of one of more advanced years, whose career is perhaps nearer its close. On April 27, 1886, George C. Bayless mar- ried Georgia E., daughter of Jacob F. Healey of Brooklyn, N. Y. One child has been born of this marriage — Stanley C. Bayless. Guilfoyle, John, our city assessor for the term beginning in 1870, came to live in Binghamton in 1849, and from that time to his death, June 4, 1878, he was closely 828 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. identified with our best interests, educational, business and social. He is remem- bered by our older citizens as an early teacher in St. James' parochial school, con- nected with St. John's parish, where his splendid mental qualities attracted much at- tention, not only in the village, but throughout the southern tier counties. After his connection with the school was severed, Mr. Guilfoyle engaged in mercantile busi- ness on Court street with Mr. Potter, and he was regarded as a man of excellent business capacity and undoubted integrity. In 1870 he was elected city assessor, in which office his record was clean, straightforward and honorable. In 1871, when Edward H. Ruloff, the condemned murderer, was about to be executed in punisli- ment for his crimes, Mr. Guilfoyle frequently visited the unfortunate criminal in his cell and conversed with him on philological subjects, in which both were well learned, and also earnestly endeavored to turn his thoughts to spiritual matters, in the hope that he might not die unrepentant. Courteously though unmoved the hardened man received the admonitions of our worthy townsman, and he went to his fate without a single manifestation of penitence or regret. John Guilfoyle was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1812, and was educated for the priesthood, but death in the family neces- sitated a change in his plans. In 1849 he came to Binghamton. The events of his subsequent life have been told in preceding paragraphs. Naturally he was of a quiet and conservative disposition, a close student and observer of men and measures. He was one of the best read men and a superior classical scholar. Moreover, he was an earnest, devoted Christian, and exemplary in all the walks of life. To such a man death cannot come untimely. Mr. Guilfoyle's wife was Margaret A. Fitz Gibbons, who survives him, with whom he married December 26, 1854. Their children were John M., Mary E. (who died in childhood), Winifred M., William P., Daniel J. and Joseph F. Guilfoyle. Bartlett, Arthur S., eldest son of Isaac L. Bartlett, and present senior member of the firm of Bartlett & Co., was born in Binghamton, April 2, 1847. He was educated in the Binghamton Academy and the High School, having graduated from the latter institution with the class of 1864. Two years later he was graduated at Lowell's Business College. Still later he was bookkeeper for the well-known packing and shipping firm of Morgan & Pratt. About 1867 he took charge of the books of Blanch- ard & Bartlett, and continued in the office of the firm until 1875, when he became head of the successor partnership of Bartlett Bros From that time to the present Mr. Bartlett has been the active, controlling manager of the business, and much of its success during the past twentj^-five years has been the result of his personal at- tention. He is one of the trustees of the Chenango Valley Savings Bank, a director of the First National Bank and of the Binghamton Beet Sugar Company. Mr. Bart- lett is a member of the park commission of the city, and president of the board. On October 23, 1882, Arthur S. Bartlett married Kate Mapledoram of Monticello, N. Y. Bartlett, James H., second son of Robert S. Bartlett, was born February 15, 1841, and has always lived in Binghamton. He went to school in the old Seymour build- ing at the corner of Washington and Hawley streets, and also attended the Bing- hamton Academy and the Susquehanna Seminary. After leaving school he worked for a time as clerk in a hat store, but in 1857 he was employed in the village post- JAMES H. BARTLETT FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 829 office under Postmaster Virgil Whitney; and from that time to 1894. with very brief intervals, he was continuously in the office in the capacity of clerk, deputy or assist- ant postmaster. In 1898 he was reappointed deputy postmaster, which position he now holds. During the incumbency of Edward B. Stephens, Mr. Bartlett was first appointed deputy postmaster, and was continued in that capacity under Col. Dunn, and was reappointed under Mr. Roberts. As a matter of fact, especially during the early portion of this service, the deputy really performed the duties of postmaster, as well as his own, and the responsibilities of both positions fell upon him. This long period of faithful service might and should have been better rewarded, and at least one term as postmaster should have been its compensation ; but in the dispen- sation of political favors in this city, as elsewhere, meritorious service has not al- ways prevailed with the appointing power in influencing its action Mr. Bartlett has been a life-long and earnest Republican, and has been an active factor in the political history of the city for more than twenty-five years He was alderman of the Fourth ward from 1873 to 1879, and in the latter year was elected mayor of the city, serving one term, and during that period showing marked executive ability. His membership in Fountain Hose Company dates back almost to boyhood, and hardly an office exists in the organization that he has not filled. He has been presi- dent of the company since the office was established, more than twenty years ago. On June 13, 1883, James H. Bartlett married Mary Doran ; three children were born of this marriage, of whom only one, Helen M. Bartlett, is now living. Mary Doran Bartlett died January 25, 1893. Davidson, John D., was born near Schoharie village, N. Y. , January 25, 1846, and was the fourth of twelve children in the family of James and Jane (Hungerford) Davidson. In 1851 the family came to Colesville, Broome county, where James Davidson died in 1891. When twelve years old John came to Binghamton and did boy's work in Page's and Hungerford's dry goods stores, but after about three years returned to Colesville, living at home on the farm and attending school. In a few more years he came to the village and worked in Isaiah S. Dunham's grocery. After a time he went into the oil regions of Pennsylvania, remaining some months and then returned to the more agreeable locality of Binghamton. His later employers here were such well known business men as D. C. Stryker, John Hungerford and A. S. Miner, all leading merchants. Mr. Davidson was in Miner's store ten years, and at the end of that time spent two years in Southern Kansas, but returning east he became connected with the Binghamton City Water Works, in the capacity of in- spector and clerk in the office. He has been thus employed since 1885, and is not only a faithful assistant in the performance of his duties, but is thoroughly acquaint- ed with all the details of the water works department of city government. Mr. Davidson is one of the veteran Masons of the city, his membership in old Windsor Lodge dating back more than thirty years. From Windsor Lodge he demitted to Binghamton Lodge. He is also a member of Binghamton Chapter, R. A. M. , and Malta Commandery, K. T. On June 12, 1871, John D. Davidson was united in mar- riage with Mary J. Smith, by whom he had two children. Middlebrook, Charles D., of the present firm of C. D. Middlebrook & Son, formerly 830 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. C. D. Middlebrook&Co.,isthe directorof one of the largest wholesale and retail lumber concerns in the southern tier. He has been in the lumber business continuously for forty-five years. In 1873 he came to Binghamton from Oswego, where for fifteen years he had been in the wholesale lumber business. Four years before removing from Oswego, Mr. Middlebrook had established a branch yard here, the nucleus of his present extensive industry. In 1879 he purchased the lot now covered by his yards, situated on Lewis street and bounded, at that time, on the west by the Che- nango canal. The following year he erected a well appointed brick lumber building capable of containing from two to three million feet of lumber — the largest of its kind in the State, if not in any State. The canal was abandoned a year or two later and the lands given to the city for a street to be called State street. Mr. Middle- brook is a Republican and though in no sense a politician, has always been inter- ested in public affairs and such improvements as are necessary to the healthy growth of the city. He joined the First Baptist church during the pastorate of the well- known Dr. Lyman Wright and has ever since been one of its leading members, serv- ing both as deacon and as trustee. Mr. Middlebrook is a native of Ballston, Sara- toga county. Phelps, Z. Bennett, comptroller of the Security Mutual Life Insurance Company, has been a resident and business man of this city since 1895, yet during that time he has become thoroughly identified with several of our best mterests. He is a director as well as comptroller of the Security Mutual and is also a director of the Susque- hanna Valley Bank and of the Ogden Brick Company. Mr. Phelps is a native of Wilkes-Barre, Pa , born December 7, 1870, and is a son of the late John C. Phelps (a former banker of Wilkes-Barre), and a grandson of Jaman H. Phelps, the latter a brother to the late Sherman D. Phelps, of Binghamton. In this connection it is in- teresting to note that the immigrant ancestor of the Phelps family in America was William Phelps of Tewksbury, England, who settled in Gloucester, Mass., in 1630, and who also was one of the founders of the settlement at Windsor, Conn., in 1636. Jaman H. and Sherman D. Phelps were among the seven sons of Alexander Phelps, and all of them were early settlers in New York and Pennsylvania. They were six generations in descent from William Phelps, the immigrant. Z. Bennett Phelps was educated in St. Paul's School, Concord, N. H., and at Yale College, graduating at the latter institution in 1895. In the fall of that year he became a resident in this city. He was elected comptroller of the Security Mutual in February, 1897, and is now one of the active managing officers of that remarkably successful corporation. Mr. Phelps' wife, with whom he married April 8, 1896, was Elizabeth D. Drown, daughter of William A. Drown, of Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps have one daughter, Elizabeth D. Phelps. Van Name, John B., president of the City National Bank, is a native of the old town of Chenango, born January 11, 1833. His father was Cornelius Van Name, who is well remembered as a substantial farmer and lumberman in northern Broome county, and an almost life-long resident of Chenango. The pioneer of the family in this part of the State was William Van Name, a seafaring man in his earlier days, whose ancestors settled in Ulster county and thence removed to Staten Island. He FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. gSl was induced to come to this part of Tioga countvahonn^on ft, ,, u • business career was begun in Sharon Conn iniSRi y "^ our municipahty. His uncle, aeorge A. KeJ, he openTa grer^l^t^ •i;th:t" v^^^^^^^^^^ n i !. ''^f ''^"' Chenango county, travehng by way of Binghamton He was pleased with our enterprising city and in 1874 he came here to live and engagrfn business. He opened a grocery store at the corner of Court and Carroll ftreets where he has ever since been located. Between 1870 and 1880 Bingham ^n en oved Its most healthful increase, both in population and commercial imp .rtance an 1 Mr Buck was one of the many men who came during that period and ontributed tt fhe m 1887. 1888 and 1889. serving on the committee on streets, walks and bridges, when the Court street bridge was built, at a time when men of undoubted charact;r and determination were needed on the board. It was fortunate for our city that Mr toThe ho' r '. ""''"'"'' "' '^"' """ '" '''' ^°^ ^^-^" '- 1«97. he was elected to the board of supervisors and has proved a valuable member of that body Mr Buck was an original Republican and cast his first vote for Fremont in 1856 He is still a firm Republican. George H. Buck was born in Afton. February 23 1885 and was the son of Noble and Sarah Ann (Kelsey) Buck, being the only .son in a family of four children. He lived at home on his fathers farm until twenty-eight years old when he went into business in Sharon with his uncle, as has been mentioned He married, November 5, 1863, Mary E.. daughter of Lancaster Putnam of Colesville Ut this marriage three children were born, of whom two are now living- Willard a" and Howard L. Buck, both of whom are in their father's store. Mr. Buck is a con" sistent and devoted member of the Centenary M. E. church; and is steward and ohe of the trustees of the society. Stone, Charles M.. a lawyer by education and profession, wholesale merchant and manufacturer by more recent choice and necessity, and a liberal public-spirited citi- zen by every inclination, was born in Binghamton. February 6, 1856. He was the son of the late Martin Stone, who was a prominent figure in local history and busi- ness circles for many years, and one of our most worthy men. Martin Stone's wife was Rebecca, daughter of John McKinney, the latter being a son of Judge Jacob Mc- Kmney. both important characters in early village history. Mr. Stone was educated in our city schools, and also at Yale College, where he was graduated in 1878. He studied law m the office of Gilman L. Sessions, and was admitted to the bar in 1880. He practiced only a short time, devoting himself chiefly to patent cases, and then engaged in manufacturing and business pursuits. He was an original partner in the hrm of Crandall, Stone & Co.. manufacturers of carriage hardware, one of the lead- 832 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. ing industries of our city. After the death of John Ray Clarke, in 1890, Mr. Stone, son-in-law of Mr. Clarke, took charge of the wholesale hat and cap business con- ducted by the John Ray Clarke Company, and has since continued it with gratifying success. Still earlier than this, in 1876, upon the death of his father, Mr. Stone took charge of the estate and subsequently enlarged it and increased its value. The erection of the Stone Opera House in 1892 was entirely his own enterprise, and for which our people owe him a lasting debt of gratitude. He was also one of the found- ers of the Court Street, East End and West Side Electric Street Railroads, and in many other ways has been and still is connected with the best interests of our city, a detail of which is unnecessary in this sketch. Politically Mr. Stone is a Republican, though taking no active part in city or county politics. He was one of the first trus- tees of the City Hospital and secretary of the board. This office he resigned to be- come school commissioner, which latter position he still holds. McVey, Rev. John, D. D., pastor of the North Presbyterian church of this city, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and when eleven years of age came to the United States. He was educated in New York University and Union Theological Seminary, New York city. For a period of eight years he was pastor of the Presbyterian church of New Lebanon, N. Y., and for two years pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Dayton, Ohio. He came thence to this city and on March 1, 1875, became officially connected with the North Presbyterian church. He was formally installed in the pastorate October 11, 1875, and still holds that relation to the church. The estimate of Dr. McVey's services in the church and society is best stated in the his- tory of the North church, for which see another chapter. Ford, Rodney A., was born May 16, 1817, in Fairfield, Herkimer county, N. Y. In August of the year 1840, he came to Binghamton, N. Y., as a member of the firm of Brown, Ford & Co., successors to Brown & Co., dealers in dry goods. Their place of business was on the corner of Court and Washington streets, where the City National Bank is now located. In 1841 Mr. Ford purchased the interest of Mr. Brown, and the new firm, R. A. Ford & Co., continued business until 1854. From 1855 to 1870 he was in the soap and candle manufacturing business and also in the general merchandise business in Bmghamton and Philadelphia, Pa. In the years 1847-49-50 and '62, he acted in the capacity of village trustee. In 1867 he was made city assessor and continued as such for six years. In 1875 Mr. Ford, always a staunch Democrat, was elected to the Assembly in this almost overwhelming Republican county; he was the first Democrat elected to this office in twenty-three years. In early village history Mr. Ford was identified with the health board, school board and fire department, organizing the present Protective Hose Company in the year 1867, at which time he was made its president, remaining such for many years, and he is at the present time a member of the company. When the Binghamton State Hospital was established, Mr. Ford was appointed by Governor Robinson as one of the trustees of that institution, and he was chosen president of the board at the first meeting of the trustees. He continued his connection with this institution for about six years. He was one of the promoters of the Albany & Susquehanna railroad and was a director at the time of the famous fight referred to in the Chapter RODNEY A. FORU. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 833 on railroads. Since the year 1870 Mr. Ford has been widely known in connection with the selling of the D. & H. C. Go's coal. In 1844 Mr. Ford married Mary Adeline Whitney, daughter of Virgil Whitney. They began housekeeping on the site of the Geo. A Kent residence on Court street, thence removed to Front street and in 1867 to the Virgil Whitney homestead on Frederick street, where they still reside. Hogg, Charles N.. chief engineer of the Binghamton Fire Department, was born in. Seneca county, N. Y.. July 7, 1854, and is the son of David Hogg, who came to this country from Scotland in the year 1834 and was for many years one of our busi- ness men and highly respected citizens. The greater portion of the life of Chief Hogg was spent in Binghamton where he attended the public schools and also the Central High School, after which he went West and engaged in railroad surveying in Iowa, Nebraska and Colorado, returning to this city in 1885 and entered the employ of Lester Bros., boot and shoe manufacturers, then located at the corner of Washington and Henry streets. In 1886 he accepted a clerkship in the freight department of the Erie Railroad Company in this city and remained with this corporation until his duties of chief engineer compelled him to resign his position at the freight office and devote all his time to the fire service. He joined the Binghamton Fire Department March 13, 1872, and became a member of Crystal Hose Company No. 1, of which he was foreman from July, 1887, until July, 1889, and was again re-elected their foreman in July, 1890, and held the office until March, 1891, when he was elected first assist- ant engineer of the Fire Department, which office he held until March, 1892, when he was elected to the office of chief of the Fire Department for two years and at the expiration of his term was appointed permanent chief by the fire commissioners. In this position the chief knows no rest, no regular hours of service, and is presumably on duty day and night unless temporarily relieved after due notice to his assistants and the fire commissioners. Thus it will be seen that Chief Hogg is one of the busi- est men in the city.'and the cares and responsibilities of his position can only be real- ized and appreciated by those who are connected with the fire service. McKmney, Sabin, son of Judge Jacob McKinney, the pioneer merchant of Che- nango Point, was born in Binghamton, March 7, 1816. After his preparatory course in Rev. Peter Lockwood's Classical School, and also in Oberlin College, he entered Amherst College in 1888, and was graduated in 1841. He finished his theological studies in Auburn Theological Seminary, and Union Seminary in New York in 1844_ After supplying the churches in Bath and Vernon Centre he went, in 1846, to Green wich, N. Y. In 1847 he married Elizabeth S. Corliss, of Greenwich. He had two pastorates, Fredonia and Bergen, and while performing their duties he developed chronic sore throat, and became so prostrated that he was unable to serve as pastor or preach without great suffering. Therefore, in 1857, he returned to Binghamton. where at first he engaged in commission business and afterward became a coal dealer for the D.. L. & W. Coal Company, and so continued to the time of his death, July 18, 1896. His son Charles was partner with him in the coal business. Mr. McKin- ney served on the first board of water commissioners, and was school commissioner several years, as the history of those branches of municipal government will fully 53 834 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. disclose. Of his family of six sons and six daughters, seven survived him. Silas McKinney was born in Binghamton, November 2, 1818. He began iiis college course in Amherst, and finished it in Union College, where he was graduated in 1842. He then began the study of law, but felt called to the ministry. He entered Auburn Theological Seminary in 1843, and graduated in 1846. Early in 1847 he married Fanny Nelson, and on April 29, following, he and his wife sailed as missionaries to South Africa. Mrs. McKinney and a daughter were buried on African soil. Mr. McKinney, being entirely broken in health, relinquished his missionary labors in 1863 and returned to America with his four children. He lived in Vineland, N. J., a few years, and died April 21, 1888, at his home, in Auburn, N. Y. He spent his last years in his own quiet way working for the Master as he had strength and opportunity. Gennet, Charles W., treasurer of the Binghamton Savings Bank, is a native of Fort Plain, Montgomery county, born September 24, 1848, and is the son of Aaron Gennet, who for almost half a century has been identified with the business history of Binghamton. In 1851 Aaron Gennet came to the village with his family. Charles was educated in the old Binghamton Academy, and also in Lowell's Business Col- lege, graduating at the latter in 18G8. On June 19 of the same year he was em- ployed as clerk, bookkeeper and teller in the Binghamton Savings Bank, and in one capacity or another he has ever since been connected with this solid financial institu- tion of the city. On March 5, 1895, he was elected to the board of trustees, and on May 7 of the same year was elected treasurer, vice Harris G. Rodgers, who died May 2, 1895. Mr. Gennet also has been" connected with various other institutions of the city. He became a member of Excelsior H. & L. Co. No. 1, in 1868, and his name is still on the company's honorary roll, although his active connection with the organi- zation ceased in 1888. In February, 1881, upon the organization of the city police commission, he was appointed secretary of the board, and still holds that position. In September, 1897, he was appointed school commissioner for a term of five years. On October 23, 1873, Mr. Gennet married Julia E., daughter of the late Edward Y. Park, of Kirkwood. Two children were born of this marriage, one of whom is still living. Cafferty, Lee M., one of our city supervisors in 1893, 1894 and 1895, is a native of the town of Union, and was born December 12, 1854. He was the son of Charles M. Cafferty, who for many years was identified with the best interests of the city, he having removed here from Union in 1856 to assume proprietorship of the old Che- nango House, formerly Peterson's Hotel, which stood where is now the Congrega- tional church edifice. Mr. Cafferty was also proprietor of the Exchange and Ameri- can hotels, and was one of the most popular landlords in this part of the State. He was a city supervisor in 1876. He died in 1877. The Cafferty family were among the pioneers of Union, and will be mentioned more at length m the history of that cown. Mrs. Charles M. Cafferty was the daughter of Lewis Dubois, and was de- scended from one of the pioneers of Vestal. Lucius D. (he is best known in the city as " Lute "), and Lee M. Cafferty were the only children of Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Cafferty. Lee was educated in our village and city schools, and also in a college FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 835 preparatory school at Amenia, Dutchess county. Leaving school, he became clerk and bookkeeper in the City National Bank, where he remained about eight years. In 1878 he succeeded to the livery business in which his father had been engaged for many years. In 1893 he built the pretty little Bijou Opera House on Water street. For many years he has been secretary and treasurer of the Binghamton Driving Park Association. He is a charter member of the Dolson Club, and is also a member of the several Masonic bodies of the city. Kane, Selden D., city clerk, was born in the town of Hamlin, Monroe county, N. Y., March 27, 1861, and was the son of Dewitt B. and Angeline (Tompkins) Kane, his father being a farmer. When Selden was nine years old his parents moved to East Hamlin village, where he was sent to the district school. His later education was acquired in the State Normal School at Brockport, and also in the Rochester Business College, where he graduated in 1883. In the following year Mr. Kane went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and for a year was a teacher in the academic depart- ment of the University of New Mexico. He then returned home and taught in the schools of Monroe county from 1885 to 1891. In 1892 he came to Binghamton and engaged in the jewelry business until 1897, when he sold out and opened a real estate sales agency. He was thus engaged until February, 1899, when he was elected city clerk. From this last statement we naturally infer that Mr. Kane, during his resi- dence in the city, has been a factor in local politics; and such in fact was the case. He is a firm and consistent Democrat, careful in making political pledges and faith- ful in their performance. He was twice elected alderman of the Fifth ward, defeat- ing the strongest candidates of the Republican party at each election. Mr. Kane served as member of the Common Council from 1896 to 1899, and during his second term was chairman of the finance committee. He resigned the office in January, 1899, upon his election to the clerkship. On March 6, 1884, Selden D. Kane married with Cornelia B., daughter of Samuel Spurr, of Holly, Orleans county; of this mar- riage four children have been born. Smith, William Sidney, youngest son of Joseph Clark Smith, esquire, of County Kerry, Ireland, was born in the year 1820. He came to this country in 1842, almost immediately engaging in active business in Binghamton, where he lived up to the time of his death in 1889. In the fall of 1842 Mr. Smith entered the drug store of Dr. Edwin Eldridge in the Court street building now numbered 55. In 1845 he formed a partnership with Dr. Eldridge, who in the meantime had removed to and was established in the drug business at the present No. 58 Court street, the same build- ing now occupied by Mr. Smith's sons, William and Edward, and which at that time rented for $150 a year. This partnership continued three years when Mr. Smith purchased Mr. Eldridge's interest and continued the business in his own name. It is a fact worthy of note that Mr. Smith remained in the same place of business nearly half a century. In 1854 George Dwyer, brother-in-law of Mr. Smith, became partner with the latter under the firm name of Smith & Dwyer, and continued until his death in 1876, Mr. Smith then taking into partnership his sons George O'D. and William T. Smith. On account of Mr. Smith's long and honorable mercantile career, coupled with an equable temperament and affable manner, few men in Binghamton were 836 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. more thoroughly liked and respected. He was up to the time of his death the oldest steamship agent in the United States, and also the oldest merchant doing business in Broome county. He was appointed by Governor Robinson one of the first board of trustees of the Binghamton State Hospital. He also was one of the trustees of the Binghamton Savings Bank and of St. Mary's Home. Well qualified for civic honors he declined all suggestions of preferment and found in his business and home and the companionship of an extended circle of acquaintance the fullest enjoyment and satisfaction that an active life can demand. In 1850 Mr. Smith married the tal- ented and accomplished daughter of George O'Dwyer, solicitor, of Tralee, Ireland. They had six children: Frank M., George O'D., WiUiamT., Edward C, JaneC. and Frederick S. Smith. Crary, Horace H., was born in the town of Liberty, Sullivan county, N. Y., August 29, 1824, and died at Binghamton, N. Y., June 10, 1898. Mr. Crary was in lineage, character and appearance, a typical New Englander. He was a man of fine physique and imposing appearance, standing six feet, four inches, in height, and weighing about three hundred pounds. On his paternal side he was of Scotch descent, but both his paternal and maternal ancestors were for so many generations residents of New England, that they rank as to the manor born. In 1800, Thomas Crary, the grandfather of Horace, settled near the village of Lib- erty, in what was then the town of Lumberland, in the county of Ulster, but is now in the town of Liberty, in the county of Sullivan. He soon after purchased a farm about two miles from the village of Liberty, on which some member of the family has ever since continued to reside. He represented Sullivan county in the State Legislature in the year 1836, was at one time chosen one of the associate judges of his county, and was commonlv known throughout the county as Judge Crary. Calvert Crary, a son of Thomas Crary and father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Liberty, N. Y., August 11, 1798, and spent his life on the homestead near Liberty. A prosperous farmer, honored and influential among his fellows, the head of a large family, his business and his family fully occupied his time and attention. In March, 1823, he married Eliza Hill, and died at the age of eighty years. His wife, Eliza, the mother of Horace, died at the ripe age of over ninety years. The early opportunities of Horace were not great. Sullivan county was yet largely in the back woods. Here and there, scattered through its borders, were small set- tlements. Liberty was a thriving little village; Monticello, the county seat, was twelve miles distant from Mr. Crary's home; and the nearest point of any impor- tance was Newburg, more than fifty miles away. Horace attended the district school quite regularly from the time he was five, until he became fifteen years of age ; and from that time until he was twenty, attended the same school in the winter when there was nothing else with which to busy himself. He had a genius for fig- ures, and was standing authority on these questions in school. In the summer time he varied working on the farm with cattle droving, speculation, and selling goods by auction at the general trainings. Sometimes in the winter he sold game and poul- try in the markets of New York city. At that time he could obtain the privilege of standing in Washington market during the day and selling his goods, on the pay- ment of a sixpence for his stand. At night he could nail his produce up in a box FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 837 and leave it with a watchman, who took charge of it without extra expense. From 1840 to 1850, he continued to reside at Liberty, and was engaged in selling goods at auction at the general trainings, following them up from day to day, sometimes driving twenty miles after the close of the day's work to be ready to open up busi- ness the next day at another training. This contmued until 1846, when the general trainings ceased. From that time until 1850, he was engaged in the butcher busi- ness and in droving, buying cattle and sheep in Central New York and driving them to Sullivan county, and buying horses in Ohio and Canada and bringing them East and selling them. In his business transactions he early learned to rely upon himself. His father's name was good in the surroundmg country for a considerable amount, and this credit he loaned to Horace in his business, by endorsement and otherwise, but the paper was always taken care of by Horace as faithfully as though it was the endorsement of a stranger. Farther than these good offices, he never had any as- sistance from home, or elsewhere. In 1850 Mr. Crary was elected supervisor of the town of Liberty, and performed the duties of the office for the year. In that year he went to Hancock, and in con- nection with others, under the firm name of Allison, Gregory & Co., built a tannery on Sands creek about two miles above Hancock village, afterward known as the Allisonville tannery. Soon after the commencement of the enterprise, one of the partners died, and the firm name was changed to Allison, Davidge & Co. The Erie railway had just been completed, and had opened up the Delaware valley to the out- side world. Crary was now about twenty-six years of age. He felt that the business of his life had opened before him, and took hold of it with a pluck and energy that never flagged or wavered until many years afterward, when the partial loss of his sight called for a halt in the more active efforts of his life. In the woods where the bark was peeled, about the tannery and everywhere else where the business interests of his firm called him, the effect of his industry, energy and push was felt and the business of the firm prospered. In October, 1853, Horace H. Crary was married to Polly Burr, of Liberty, N. Y. Dame Fortune smiled on Horace Crary at various times and in many ways, but never brighter or more propitiously than in the selection of his companion for life. For the great success which afterward came to him, both in his business life and in his home, his companion is entitled to her fair share of the credit. Of New England lineage, a woman of rare abilities, she proved the embodiment of all that could be desired as the helpmeet and companion of an active business man. The home built by Mr. Crary at the tannery near Hancock, in 1850, was occupied by him and his family until October, 1885, and he continued to be interested in the business there. In October, 1856, the firm was reorganized under the name of Allison, Crarj- & Co., with Walter Horton as junior partner. John Davidge went to Lake Como, in Wayne county. Pa., and together with the new firm of Allison, Crary & Co., built a tannery there, a one half interest in which was owned by the firm of Allison, Crary & Co. In 1866 Mr. Crary purchased a one- third interest in land located in Warren county, Pa., which had been taken up by Walter Horton and Webb Horton, and November 1, 1866, the firm of Horton, Crary & Co. was organized, to do business at Sheffield, Warren county, Pa. The next year they built the Sheffield tannery and were act- ively at work. This venture proved the beginning of a very extensive and success- 838 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. ful business, which afterward grew to be one of the most prosperous in that State. Mr. Crary's youngest brother, Jerry, who had been seriously wounded at the battle of Resaca, Ga., in 1864, and who was now so far recovered as to be able to do some work, was soon afterward admitted into the partnership, at once took a responsible and active part in the management of the growing business interests of the firm, and continued one of its most active and trusted members. Horton, Crary & Co. bought a controlling interest in the sole leather tannery, founded at Sheffield by J. F. Schoellkopf, of Buffalo. With this gentleman, they formed an independent partnership, under the firm name of Schoellkopf, Horton & Co. Soon after, Horton, Crary & Co. associated with John McNair and C. W. R. Radeker and built what was called the Tionesta tannery. They also bought the Brookston tannery, situated eight miles from Sheffield, and started under the firm name of the Forest Tanning Co. Later, they purchased the Arroyo tannery, at Ar- royo, on the Clarion river. Elk county. Pa. The firm built the Tionesta Valley rail- road, which opened up connection with the Pittsburg & Western railroad. Later the firm bought the Cherry Grove & Garfield railroad, and controlled and operated about seventy-five miles of roads and switches, of special service to its own business in moving lumber and bark, and of great value to the region through which it runs for transporting passengers as well as freight. In 1875, H. H. Crary, Wm. H. Garrett, James Horton and Edson Davidge, under the firm name of Crary, Garrett, Horton & Co., built a tannery at Westfield, Tioga county. Pa. William H. Garrett died in November, 1876. The firm was soon after reorganized under the firm name of H. H. Crary & Co. In 1881 H. H. Crary & Co. associated with Messrs. W. G. Garrett and L. R. Jackson, built the Harrison Valley tannery, at Harrison Valley, Pa., taking the firm name of Walter Horton & Co. Horton, Crary & Co. started a leather exporting house at 78 Gold street. New York city; and afterward Horton, Crary & Co., H. H. Crary & Co., and Walter Horton & Co., under the firm name of Walter Horton & Co., opened the leather house at 107 South street, Boston, Mass. In 1888 Mr. Crary, in connection with Walter Horton, James Horton, Walter G. Garrett, E. G. Davidge and L. R. Johnson, purchased the tannery at Salamanca, N. Y., and organized under the firm name of James Horton & Co. To add to the business interests of Sheffield, about 1875 petroleum was found in large quantities upon the premises, and the oil interest became one of the business matters of the firms. About the time of the discovery of oil, natural gas was found in abundance, and all the light and heat necessary for domestic and mechanical purposes about Sheffield and its vicinity, has since been furnished by the gas wells located upon the premises. Up to the fall of 1876 Mr. Crary was one of the most energetic and active business men in the country. His indomitable energy and push were felt in every business interest with which he was connected. In all his active business life, from the days of his boyhood until the day of the presidential election in 1876, he had never known what it was to be incapacitated for business for any length of time. Returning home from a hard day's work at the polls, his eyes, until then seemingly perfect, be- gan to pain him, and before the beginning of the new year, he was threatened with blindness Like a bolt out of a clear sky, this threatened calamity almost unnerved him, but soon the old will got the mastery and he resolved to make the best of it and FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 839 accomplish what he might be spared to do. Consulting the best oculists in the coun- try, he was informed that he must break loose from his direct and active connection in his business affairs, and that to do so would be best for him to leave home for a time. The winter of 1877 and 1878 was spent in Florida, and in May, 1878, he. to- gether with his wife and daughter Emma, now the wife of J. C. Young, of Liberty, N. Y., sailed for Europe, where they spent a considerable part of the year. July 4, 1878, was spent at Interlaken. At Mr. Crary's suggestion, the stars and stripes were hoisted above all other flags, and during that anniversary day floated over them all. The next season he made a trip to California, and since then has been quite a traveler. In 1885 he removed to the city of Binghamton, where he resided at the time of his death. He never fully recovered his sight, and for that reason was unable to take a direct and active part in the bu.siness of the several firms with which he was con- nected, but he never ceased to act as counsellor, guide, friend and organizer, and there was no time in which his experience, ability and energy was not felt in the conduct of the business. In the fall of 1892 Mr. Crary was associated with nine tanning firms and the mill- ing firm at Hancock. The output of the combined tannery interest was about four thousand sides of sole leather daily, requiring two thousand hides, and using about one hundred thousand cords of bark per year. The firm of Horton, Crary & Co. had acquired a very large export trade, which in 1888, to Europe alone, comprised twenty-four and three-fourths per cent, of all the leather which went out of the port of New York. The organization of the United States Leather Company, and several other companies in the State of Pennsylvania, wrought a great change in the tanning business. Mr. Crary and his associates took an active part in bringing about the change, and sold out all of their tanning properties to these corporations. The di- rect per-sonal control of the men who organized and operated these vast enterprises ceased, and their influence and power was exercised only as officers of a corpora- tion. In 1890 Mr. Crary took an active part in the organization of The Binghamton Trust Company, doing business at Binghamton, N. Y., and was, until his death, its vice-president, and an active member of the board of directors. He was also a member of the board of directors of the City Hospital (the private corporation first organized), president of the board of trustees of the Tabernacle M. E. church, and a member of the board of directors of the Y. M. C. A. His success was not a business success alone, but his influence as a sober, upright and industrious business man was felt far and near. Over the young men connected with him in business, in his employ, or associated with himself and family, Mr. Crary's influence for good was such as few men are able to exert. The success which he attained as a business man among his fellows was unquestionably to some extent the result of good fortune, but this was always met by an intelli- gence, power of organization, self reliance, energy and ability, which made the most of fortune's favors, gathered them in, and made them useful to himself and to his fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Crary had five children born to them, all of whom are living. The eldest daughter, Mrs. J. C. Young, resides at Liberty, N. Y. The eldest son, Thomas B. , married and resides in the city of Binghamton. The other son, Calvert, 840 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. who prior to the change was a member of the firm of Walter Horton & Co., at 107 South street, Boston, married, and still remains in Boston, in the employ of the United States Leather Co. One daughter, Grace, married to F. H. Haskins, resides in the city of Binghamton ; and the youngest daughter, Mary, married Harold Moore, a Methodist minister, Mr. Crary and his wife were members of the Metho- dist Episcopal church. Their influence and their means have been widely felt in church interests and church charities, both at home and abroad, while their home itself was an inspiration and a benediction to all who were so happy as to fall within the circle of its influence. Weed, Marshall H., was prominently identified with the business history of Bing- hamton for a period of more than twenty years. He came to our village from Litch- field, Coan., in which locality he was born in 1808, and started a tannery below the Rockbottom dam on the north side of the Susquehanna river on the site more recent- ly known as the Wilkinson tannery. In the course of a year or two he formed a partnership with Colonel Abbott, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work, which relation was maintained until about 1850, when Mr. Weed withdrew from the firm and started a steam power tannery on a portion of the site now occupied by the extensive works of J. B. Weed & Co. Originally Mr. Weed's tannery lot was sixty feet wide and extended from Susquehanna street south to the canal ; the present tannery plant now operated by Mr. Weed's sons covers about eight acres of land, and is one of the most valuable properties in Broome county. The first tannery building was erected at a cost of $900; the present finishing building of J. B. Weed & Co. probably cost fifty times that sum. Mr. Weed conducted the business until 1860, when he was succeeded by his sons, and the firm of J. B. Weed & Co., as now known, was then established. Marshall H. Weed died in 1866. James B. Weed was born in Connecticut in 1838, while his brother, Frederick M. Weed, is a native of Binghamton. Both were educated in our village schools, chiefly in the famous Bing- hamton Academy. They became partners, successors to their father, in 1860, and from that to the present time have been important factors in the history of the city. Their tannery on Susquehanna street furnishes employment to about 200 men, and in their works at Great Bend are about 100 employees. The total number of their employees, in both tanneries, and in their lumbering enterprises in Pennsylvania, which are incidental to the general business, aggregates about 500 men. James B. Weed was a member of the board of water commissioners from June 1, 1874, to Jan- uary, 1890, and trea.surer of the board from June 8, 1874, to January 2, 1890. Fred. M. Weed was alderman of the First ward from February, 1875, to February, 1878. Swink, Robert L., alderman of the Sixth ward and president of the Common Coun- cil, was born at Tammersville, Pa., March 6, 1854. and was the eldest of five children of Reuben Swink, who was killed by accident in a saw mill. As a boy Robert was sent to the public school of his native town, but after the death of his father it fell to him to find employment and thus assist his mother in keeping the family together. He worked as a farm hand until he was twenty-five years old and then was employed nearly five years as clerk in a grocery store in Gravity, Pa. He was appointed post- master of that village under Mr. Cleveland's first administration. Two years later EDWARD F. JONES. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 841 he became proprietor of a store at South Canaan, Pa., and was also village postmas- ter at that place. After two years in business he sold out, and in 1891 came to this city, where he was employed in the wholesale department of C. A. Weed & Co.'s clothing bouse. He remained with the firm until the fall of 1898, when he succeeded to the business formerly carried on by Mr. Fagan at the south end of the Rockbottom bridge. Mr. Swink is one of Binghamton's active business men. and takes an ear- nest interest in the political affairs of the city. In Pennsylvania he held several offices of minor importance, but in this city didnot aspire to an elective office until his successful candidacy for alderman in the fall of 1897. At the annual meeting in 1899 Mr. Swink was elected president of the Council, and in that position has served with credit to his party and the city. Of course Mr. Swink is a firm Democrat. On Jan- uary 29, 1875, Robert L. Swink was married to Elizabeth Webster; they have five children. Jones, Edward Franc. Born in Utica, N. Y., June 3d, 1838. Parents Lorenzo Baldwin Jones and Sophronia Chapman Jones. A direct descendant from Lewis and Ann Jones, Roxbury, Mass., 1640. Captain Josiah Jones, of Weston, Mass., in Colonial Wars, against the French, 1690. Captain Nathaniel Jones. Deacon Nathaniel Jones. Phineas Jones, who enlisted as a private four times in the Revolutionary War, His father, Lorenzo Baldwin Jones, no notable incidents in life. Born Feb. 18. 1794. Died Jan. 13, 1877. His mother, Sophronia Chapman, born July 20, 1800, died Jan. 29, 1883. Was de- scended from William Chapman, New London, Ct., 1657, The line runs, William Chapman, John Chapman, John Chapman, Jr., Abner Chapman, Isham Chapman, born Oct. 5, 1758, died 1824. Through his maternal grandmother he is descended from Rev. Thomas Hooker, founder of Hartford, Ct. When about four years of age his family moved from Utica to Norwich, Ct., where, at the age of five years, he remembers being present at the laymg of the corner stone of the LTncas Monument, where Gen. Jackson was present. Nov. 18, 1835, he well re- members seeing the president and directors of the Norwich & Worcester R. R. com- mence the building of the road with some very fancy pickaxes and shovels. Subsequently the family moved to Leicester, Mass., where he attended the district school and completed his school education with a few terms at Leicester Academy. At the age of sixteen he went to Boston, as a boy in a wholesale dry goods store on Milk street, where he received $50.00 for his first year's service. On his arrival in Boston he was met at the depot on Beach St. by an older brother, and they, taking hold of each end of their little trunk, proceeded through Boylston street to the Corner of the Common, and thence diagonally across the Common, around the State House to a boarding place in the rear of the reservoir. Most of the time, excepting a brief space in Albany, was spent in clerkships in Boston, up to 1850. Al- though in the spring of 1847, being out of employment, he thought to seek his for- 842 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. tune in the West Indies. Taking passage in a brig for Barbadoes, he safely arrived there, but finding no employment, went on down to Trinidad, thence to Turk's Isl- and, and back to Boston, without special incident. In the year 1850 he married Sarah Antoinette Tarbell, daughter of Luther Tarbell, of Pepperell, Mass., where'for several years he kept a country store. He was a private, Lieutenant and Captain of the Prescott Guards, named after Colonel Prescott, the hero of Bunker Hill, whose residence was in Pepperell. He was subsequently elected Major, afterward Colonel of the famous Sixth Mass. Regi- ment, which, under his command, was the first Regiment in the country to respond to the call of President Lincoln for 75,000 men. The Regiment passed through New York and Pennsylvania in advance of the N. Y. and Penna. troops, were attacked by a mob in Baltimore, arrived in Washington on the evening of April 19th, 1861, where the Regiment was met at the station by President Lincoln, who, taking Col. Jones by the hand, said, " If you had not arrived to-night, we should have been in the hands of the rebels before morning." Colonel Jones has been sometimes criticised for not avenging the death of his comrades and fighting it out with the mob in Baltimore, which he and his command were strongly inclined to do. On this subject. General Jones, in an interview, pub- lished some years since, said, " the most important and momentous epoch in my life- time was when, after the attack in Baltimore, officers and men gathered around me and begged that they might, then and there, avenge the death of their comrades. At that moment, when every instinct of manhood impelled me to lead where all would follow, the line was sharply drawn between desire and duty, by a telegram from General Scott, saying, ' Let nothing delay you.' By my side stood William Pres- cott Smith, Superintendent of the Baltimore & Ohio R. R., who appealed, 'For God's sake. Colonel, give orders to move, or it will be too late ; the track is now being torn up.' The surging crowd of thousands of maniacs, as far as the eye could reach, and so dense that their very bodies blocked the wheels of our cars, yelled defiance. Every impulse bade me accept the challenge, but I remembered that obedience to orders was a soldier's first duty." Although not realized at the moment, the fate of a Nation hung trembling in the balance. Of this occasion, the Rev. Dr. Babbidge, who was chaplain of the Regiment, in an interview some thirty years after the incident says, " I wish to speak of the bravery, judgment and skill which Colonel Jones exhibited in the memorable passage through Baltimore. Unused as I was, and indeed, all our soldiers were, to the rough usage of actual warfare, it would not have been strange if something had happened which would have. called down upon us the hatred of that vast and murderous mob who were waiting for the slightest excuse to tear us limb from limb. Through all the ex- citement Colonel Jones was the cool, calm and collected gentleman, respected by his men. who had confidence in their commanding officer, who was giving his orders without haste or excitement and showing a wonderful executive ability which few men have on such occasions. I hope to some time see appropriate mention made of his brave and noble conduct on that day, for I think sufficient notice has never been made." The capital was in imminent peril, and the situation was fully realized by the President and Cabinet, as well as General Scott. This is the only instance where FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 843 the President of the United States and a portion of his Cabinet left their official domiciles to extend a welcome. It is conceded that the non-arrival of the Sixth Regiment that night would have re- sulted in the occupancy of Washington by the confederates. That their possession of the capital would undoubtedly have brought recognition from several European Governments, and that all of the early battles of the war would have been fought north instead of south of the Potomac, and that such an advantage would have been gained by the confederacy as to have given success to secession. The world has but a faint conception of the critical condition of the affairs of this conntry at the time, but history is doing its work. Truth is becoming more and more fully revealed. The Regiment guarded the capital for a few days, until reinforcements arrived, when it was stationed at the Relay House, junction of the Baltimore & Ohio R. R., for the rest of its three months terra of service, which expired soon after the battle of Bull Run. At this critical moment the Government could not replace it, and the safety of Bal- timore and Washington demanded that the post should not be abandoned. It will be remembered that the Regiment left its home at a moment's call, and it was natural that they should be anxious to return. The Government asked the Regiment to stay until it could be relieved. Colonel Jones made a patriotic appeal to his command, admitting to them that they were free to go at the expiration of their enlistment, but he as.sured them that no matter what the Regiment did, he should stay on that hill until relieved. The result was a unanimous determination to stay, which they did for about a month longer. Colonel Jones immediately applied to Gov. Andrew for authority to recruit another Regiment. This he was successful in doing, and as a mark of confidence, Governor Andrew authorized him to appoint every commissioned officer in the Regiment. This was the 26th Mass. Regt., which was attached to General Butler's New Eng- land division, organized for the purpose of capturing New Orleans. The Regiment, with other troops occupied Ship Island for several months. After the taking of New Orleans, Colonel Jones was in command at Forts Jackson and St. Philip, until re- lieved on sick feave. After partially recovering from a severe and protracted illness and while conva- lescing, he was for a long time employed in recruiting, organizing and drilling Mass. Regiments. He was afterward brevetted Brigadier General of Volunteers. On May 7, 1863, he married Susan Annie Brown, of Boston. He was a member of the House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts for the session of 1865. In October, 1865, he removed from his home in Pepperell, Mass., to Binghamton, N. Y. , where he established the Jones Scale Works, which he has successfully con- ducted since that time, (34 years). Through his business relations he became known all over the world as " Jones of Binghamton " and " Jones He Pays the Freight," be- ing the author of the phrase "He Pays the Freight," which has since passed into our language, and is generally used to express liabilities of every description. He has ever been prominent in all charitable works in his locality. The only mu- 844 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. nicipal offices he ever held was that of Police Commissioner and President of the Board of Park Commissioners. In politics up to 1872, he was a Republican. He took a prominent part in the Greeley movement, and in that year was a delegate to the Cincinnati Convention, and took a very active part in the Greeley campaign. In 1872 and in 1874 he was a candidate for Congress, and of course defeated, as his district was overwhelmingly Republican. In 1885 he was elected Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York for the term of three years, and in 1888 he was re-elected for a second term, receiving a larger popular vote than had ever been cast for any competing candidate for a State office. At the close of his official career he received the universal commendation of having served faithfully the people of the State. For many years his eyesight has been gradually failing, still he continues at the head of his large and prosperous business. He is a member of the Order of Founders and Patriots of America, Society of Colonial Wars, Sons of the American Revolution, the Loyal Legion, a 83° Scottish Rite Mason, I. O. O. F., the Army and Navy Club, Washington, D. C, Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co., Boston, and several social clubs. Wells, John Stuart, whose name is variously mentioned in the pages of this volume as John S. Wells, J. Stuart Wells and Col. Wells, was born in Kirkwood, June 30, 1822. He was the son of Chester and Polly (Slyter) Wells, and the third of their five children. Chester Wells came to this county from Norwich, Conn., in 1812, when he was eighteen years old, and was employed by a Mr. Burr, a miller and bridge builder. He eventually became a farmer and trader and did much business in the village, to which place he removed in 1824 and made his home where his son, Col. Wells, now lives. His store was in the building which still stands at the southeast corner of Main and Front streets. In 1827 Chester Wells, in company with Wash- ington and Franklin Whitney, went to Steuben county, where they were merchants, millers and lumbermen. Mr. Wells died in that locality in October, 1828. His children were Gertrude, Caroline, John Stuart, Chester and Margaret Wells. J. Stuart Wells was six years old at the time of his father's death, and after that event he was taken to Marathon and brought up in the family of his uncle, William Church, a farmer. Much of his young life was spent in farm work and in attending district school. His early associations were with Marathon families, and the pleas- ant memories of that period can never be forgotten. It was this in part that im- pelled Col. Wells to present the Peck Public Library with $1,000 in cash besides an annual gift of $125. In the winter of 1839-40, then being seventeen years old, young Wells determined to quit farming and return to Binghamton and learn the carpenter's trade, and, if possible, to attend school. He informed his uncle of his plans, which were not op- posed, and in a few days set out on foot, walking the entire distance of thirty miles on a cold winter day. He reached his mother's house (the site of Col. Wells' resi- dence) after dark, the most completely tired out boy who ever walked into Bingham- ton. After working out and attending school two winters and one summer, young Wells learned the carpenter's trade with William Ogden, working under him two JOHN STUART WbLLS. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 845 years, and later on one year with John Lewis. In 1844 he went to New York and worked for four years as journeyman, but in the spring of 1848 he returned to Bing- hamton and became partner with Mr. Lewis in contracting and building. A year later Mr. Wells decided to do business alone, hence the firm was dissolved. From that time to the present Col. Wells has been as closely identified with the growth and prosperity of Binghamton as any living man, and during that period of years he probably erected more substantial buildings than any other contractor or firm of builders. Let us note briefly, as a matter of historic interest, a few of the many structures which Col. Wells has built: His first work of consequence was the erec- tion of the Erie depot at Susquehanna in 1848, when he and John Lewis were part- ners; Christ church edifice he built in 1853; the Oak street brick school house in 1854; the City National bank building and the Abel Bennett (originally McKenzie's) residence in 1855; the county court house (recently burned) and the large J. B. Lewis store in 1856; St. Joseph's convent in 1860; St. Patrick's church in 1868; and also the First National Bank building, the Congregational church, the Sampson building, the county clerk's office, and at least a score of other large structures had we space to mention them at length. In 1870 Col. Wells retired from active work as a contracting builder, yet he has by no means been out of business. In 1856 the firm of Wells & Brigham started a brick- yard west of the village. It is still in successful operation. Mr. Wells was one of the organizers of the Binghamton Oil Refining Company, and is still connected with it. The present firm of Shapley & Wells was formed in 1870. This active business life has been rewarded with a deserved competency, while Col. Wells himself enjoys the confidence and respect of all our people. He has also been an active factor in the affairs bolh of the village and city, and a glance at the several chapters of this work will disclose his connection with our political history ; was trustee in 1853, '54 and '56; was a member of the old fire department and foreman of Rescue No. 3; was supervisor in 1855; village president in 1860, and mayor of the city in 1883. It is just such men as Stuart Wells who build up prosperous cities. In politics he is a firm Democrat, but had his fortunes been cast with the Republican party, the highest political honors in the county would have been awarded him. On October 18, 1848, John Stuart Wells married Hannah Barnes, a native of Staten Island. They have no children. Moore, William, our trustworthy and competent chief of police, has been a resi- dent of Binghamton, village and city, since 1851, having come herewith his widowed mother and two brothers from his native place. Limerick, Ireland, when only two years old. He was born July 4, 1849. In youth he attended St. James' Parochial School, and at the early age of thirteen years, he began work at shoeniaking with Lester Bros , and soon afterward went into the factory of Stone & Knight, where he was employed many years. In 1864 he went south and worked with a railroad con- struction corps at Norfolk, Va., about one year. In 1865 he returned north and re- sumed work in the factory, where he remained until 1876, when he was appointed patrolman on the city police force. At that time all policemen were appointed by the Common Council, and politics was a controlling factor in retaining a place on the police force. In February, 1879, for political reasons only, Mr. Moore was dropped 846 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. from the force, but about that time his many friends in the city asked that he be appointed to a keepership in Sing Sing prison, under Warden Davis, which was ac- cordingly done. In 1881 our city police commission was established, and in Febru- ary of the same year he was reappointed to the force. He was always faithful to every duty, and an ever-watchful guardian of our merchants' interests and property, therefore in 1888 he was detailed as roundsman. In the next year was appointed assistant chief and served la that capacity until 1899, when he was elected chief of police. Further than has been stated. Chief Moore's career, whether as patrolman, roundsman, assistant chief or in chief command of our city police force, no comment by the writer can add one whit to his honor or to the confidence reposed in him by our people. He is in all respects a capable officer, alert to every duty and equal to every emergency. No man can do more than this. Mr. Moore's wife, with whom he married November 8, 1883, was Ellen Ti'odden. Of this marriage four children have been born, three of whom are now living. Roberson, Alonzo, was one of the foremost business men of this city many years, and was a leading manufacturer in .southern New York. In 1853 when he first came here he found work in the woods, cutting timber at $1.12 per day. A little later on he worked at his trade, as carpenter, but afterward was an employee in the old Marsh & Gilbert planing mill on Chenango street rand after the firm suspended busi- ness he finished all work then on hand. Soon afterward Mr. Roberson purchased the property, re-established the business and continued it with gratifying success un- til 1892,whenhebuiltan entirely new, larger and more modern planing mill, sash, door and blind factory on the western border of the city. In 1882 Alonzo Roberson, jr., became partner with his father, and has continued the business since the death of the latter in the spring of 1899. Alonzo Roberson was known in city industrial cir- cles as a straightforward, successful business man, ever active in his own interests, yet not unmindful of the obligations of every citizen to the public welfare. In 1876, '77 and again in 1884 he was elected alderman, and unquestionably he might have been chosen to the mayoralty had he consented to accept the nomination frequently urged upon him. But this honor he steadfastly declined, having no ambition for political preferment. At the time of his death Mr. Roberson was vice-president of the People's Bank, and otherwise was identified with the best interests of the city. He was twice married, his first wife being Lydia Titus, whom he married February 10, 1853, and by whom he had three children, only one of whom is now living. His second wife, whom he married September 13, 1870, was Sarah Eliza, daughter of Alfred and Mary A. Dunk. Alonzo Roberson, jr., was born in Binghamton, Nov. 16, 1861. He was educated in the city schools, and at the age of 16 years began work in connection with his father's business. At the age of 21 he became partner with his father, and the firm name of A. Roberson & Son still stands, although the senior partner died in the spring of 1899. Since that time the son has conducted the business alone. In local trade circles Alonzo Roberson, jr., is known as an energetic young business man, fully competent to successfully operate a factory that furnishes employment to 200 wage earners. Mr. Roberson is a member of the Binghamton and Dobson clubs and of Protection Hose Company. His wife, whom he married in December, 1888, was Margaret, daughter of Andrew Hayes, of this city. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 847 Drass, Stephen B.— Binghamton was a village of less than eight thousand inhab- itants when Stephen B. Drass, a native of Germany, moved here from Buffalo in 1862. Mr. Drass was a carpenter by trade and was the principal worker on the • First Presbyterian church, built in 1860-62, and on the Inebriate asylum, now the State Hospital for the Insane. He started in active business for himself as con- tractor and builder in 1869 and now has one of the most extensive building concerns in the city, having had at times from eighty to ninety employees. Scores of factories and blocks and many residences in all parts of the city, particularly on Front and Main streets, attest the skill of Mr. Drass as a builder. Mr. Drass is identified with many interests outside of business, has always been a firm Republican ; is an Odd Fellow; a member of four Masonic bodies; was chief engineer of the Fire Depart- ment in 1876-7; has held numerous firemanic offices— such as those of assistant chief and foreman of companies — and is now an active member of Fountain Hose No. 4 Fire Company. Hirschmann, Sigmund J., is one of Binghamton's oldest representative business men. In 1858, with his oldest brother, Frederick, he opened a small yet well stocked dry goods store on the south side of Court street, between Franklin (now Washing- ton) and Water streets. In that year the firm style of " Hirschmann Bros. & Co." was first known to the trade in the village; and it has continued practically un- changed from that to the present time, although during the long period of more than forty years the business of the firm has constantly enlarged until a .single department of the present establishment would more than contain the entire stock of 1858. At the end of about nine months the firm removed from its original location to the southwest corner of Court and Water streets, where now stands the commonly known "Arbor Hotel" building. In that location the firm of Hirschmann Bros. & Co. (Sigmund J. and Frederick Hirschmann and E. H. Dormaul) did business six and one-half years. In 1861 the junior partner removed to Elmira, and the style was changed to Hirschmann Bros. In 1S65 the stock was moved to Nos. 15 and 17 Court street, a part of the present place of business of the firm. In 1886 the capacity of the store was more than doubled by the purchase of the adjoining building (Nos 11 and 13 Court street, previously occupied by D. M. & E. G. Halbut), to which an ad- dition was made soon afterward. Still another addition was made in 1892, by the erection of a carpet room 30 x 120 feet in size. The firm at present occupies 28,000 square feet of floor space, with four street numbers— 11, 13, 15 and 17 Court street- comprising unquestionably one of the largest dry goods houses in Southern New York. Frederick Hirschmann withdrew from the firm in 1872, and was succeeded by Ludwig Hirschmann, who died in Germany in February, 1896. But notwith- standing the changes in the personnel of the firm, the partnership name of Hirsch- mann Bros, still stands and represents one of the best mercantile interests in the city. Sigmund J. Hirschmann, founder in fact and the ever active business man- ager of the firm of Hirschmann Bros., was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 15, 1837. During his boyhood, following the custom of his country, he was apprenticed to a mercantile and commercial house, and thus became educated to business pursuits, particularly merchandising and bookkeeping. The education thus acquired was the foundation of Mr. Hirschmann's subsequent success in business life, while his actual 848 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. cash capital comprised a few hundred dollars saved during less than five years' clerk ship in mercantile houses in Sj^racuse and New York. In 1854 Mr. Hirschraann came to the United States, and about the same time his brother Frederick also came. Sigmund worked as clerk one and one-half years in Syracuse, and two and one-half years in New York city. In 1858 he and his brother joined their capital, came to Binghamton and started in business on Court street, as has been mentioned in a pre- ceding paragraph. Such, in brief, is the record of an active business life in Bing- hamton, and one which has been rewarded with success. The controlling factors in the results thus achieved have been industry, straightforward honesty and temperate habits. The writer well remembers Mr. Hirschmann's store away back in the early sixties, when the sign of the bee-hive occupied a conspicuous place over the entrance. The sign was removed many years ago, but industry has ever been the watchword of the house. While constantly occupied with the affairs of business Mr. Hirsch- mann has nevertheless taken an earnest interest in the growth of the city, and is known as a liberal, public spirited citizen. He was a director of the Gas Company previous to its recent sale ; has been a director of the Susquehanna Valley Bank more than twenty years, and of the Binghamton Savings Bank since the death of Mr. Chapman, whom he succeeded. On October 13, 1865, Sigmund J. Hirschmann married Pauline Markstein of Mobile, Ala. Seymour and Edith Hirschmann are the children of this marriage. Scott, Marcus Williamson,' present president and business manager of the Herald Publishing Company, has been a factor in Binghamton history since 1873, his most valuable service during that period having been in connection with the city educa- tional system, in the capacity first, of principal, then as superintendent, and latterly as member of the board of education, with brief intervals, covering a period of twen- ty-seven years. Mr. Scott is a native of Greene, Chenango county, the son of Garry V. and Abi- gail (Williamsoj) Scott, and the youngest but one of their five children. Garry V. Scott was a native of Connecticut and came with his father to Chenango county in 1815, hence the family were pioneers in that region. Garry Scott married Abigail Williamson (a native of Westchester county, N. Y.,) and settled in Greene, where he was a farmer. In 1847 he removed with his family to the town of Chenango (now Fenton), locating at North Fenton, where he afterward lived and died. Marcus spent his young life on the farm, working during the summer months and attending district school in the winter. He was educated chiefly at the Susquehanna Seminary and Madison University. When about twenty-one years old he began teaching school, but after a short time he went to Madison, Wis., where he took a commercial course of instruction, and thence removed to Kansas. In 1859, during the prevalence of the "gold fever" in the western territory, Mr. Scott joined a mining expedition to Pike's Peak, and in his journeyings passed over the site of the now splendid city of Denver, Col., when not a single habitation marked the spot. The mining project, however, did not prove profitable to the am- bitious prospectors, therefore at the end of the summer months the party returned • This biography was written at Mr. Scott's request a few days previous to his departure for California, early in January. All Binghamton was shocked to hear of his sudden death, March 9, 1900. '^f^"'"j MARCUS W. SCOTT. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 849 east, to Manhattan, Kansas, where young Scott soon afterward was employed as deputy postmaster and also as deputy clerk of the U. S. Court. However, in the course of a few months these positions were resigned and he returned home and taught district school three winters, devoting his time to farm work during the grow- ing seasons Having determined to engage in teaching as a permanent occupation, he went to Newark, N. J., where he was employed as teacher and principal for a period of seven years, but in 1872, with a rich experience in his chosen avocation, Mr. Scott came to Binghamton and was appointed principal of the Carroll Street School. While here he became thoroughly acquainted throughout the city, while his position likewise gave him an extended acquaintance in the county generally. In the summer of 1876 he was the successful candidate for the county clerkship and was elected at the polls in November following ; and at the expiration of his first term of office he was renominated by acclamation and was re-elected for a second term, serving in all six years. But before the end of his last term the board of education had need of a competent superintendent of public schools to undertake the work of re-establishing and placing upon a secure basis the city school system which had be- come seriously disorganized by the unfortunate dissensions of preceding years. In this emergency the board turned to Mr. Scott (a former member of the board, as the civil list shows,) and without a dissenting voice offered him the plaoe. Marcus W. Scott was appointed to the superintendency August 7, 1882, and served in that capacity until June 19, 1896, a period of almost fourteen years, and one in which many advances were made in our educational system. During this period the population of the city was more than doubled, necessitating a corresponding increase in the capacity of the schools, yet all this work was accomplished by the board of education under the advice and direction of the superintendent, while the great ex- pense consequent upon the numerous enlargements of school buildings was annually paid without the issue of a single bond. Indeed, during this period the indebtedness incurred by the erecting of the high school building, amounting to about $100,000, was fully paid, and when Superintendent Scott was retired from office in 1896 the school property of the cit}?^ was of more than five-fold greater value than when he accepted the office in 1882, yet at the end of his service not a dollar of bonded in debtedness was left to embarrass the successor superintendent or the next board of education. During the same period, too, the standard of efficiency of our system was greatly advanced, beginning with a thorough reorganization in 1882 and gradu- ally and surely progressing with each succeeding year until the Binghamton public schools ranked with the foremost educational institutions of the State and frequently were referred to in other States by reason of their advanced standard. Throughout this entire period of constant progress Superintendent Scott labored earnestly and incessantly for the welfare of the schools and frequently made per- sonal sacrifices for their good. His capacity and worth were recognized both at home and throughout the State and his counsel and advice were often sought in be- half of schools in other localities. At the time of his retirement from office Mr. Scott was president of the council of State School Superintendents, the highest and most influential educational body in the State. Frequently during his incumbency of the office of superintendent Mr. vScott felt impelled to resign, thinking that perhaps a change in the head of the school system would still further tend to promote the cause of education in the city ; but as fre- 51 850 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. quently as the suggestion of his retirement was made, so often were the strongest influences of the city brought to oppose it. At least twice his resignation was placed before the board, but yielding to the persuasions of the commissioners and a multi- tude of friends outside the board, he consented to continue in office. At length, however, subtle political influences — intrigues as unwelcome as they were unworthy — worked their way into the councils of the board of education and began breeding mischief, with final result in the retirement of the superintendent without warrant and without excuse. Gladly indeed the superintendent would have resigned his office; his record was clean, honorable and in all respects worthy ; but he was now secretly attacked by a political force that could not control his action in relation to the schools, hence he must be overthrown and deposed to satisfy the greed of a jeal- ous, envious clique. Their evil end was accomplished, and on June 19, 1896, Mr. Scott was retired from the superintendency ; but the people of the city never lost con- fidence in the integrity of their faithful servant, as has been shown in unmistakable terms whenever opportunity has been presented. In September following his retire- ment from the office he had filled so long and so well he was elected school commis- sioner to serve in the councils of the board of education ; and in the following year he was appointed to the same office by Mayor De Witt, to serve a term of six years. In April, 1898, on the reorganization of the Herald Publishing Company, Mr. Scott was elected president of the company and business manager of the publica- tions; and in truth it may be said that while the Herald was a prosperous paper un- der the old management its greatest success has been achieved under the new and its present control. Mr. Scott has been a member of the M. E. Church more than twenty years, and was chorister in the Centenary Church four years. He is now and for several years has been one of the officiary of the Chenango Street M. E. Church. In 1892 he was the lay delegate of the Wyoming conference to the General conference of the M. E. Church held in Omaha, Neb. Mr. Scott has been twice married. His first wife, whom he married July 20, 1875, was Myrtis J. Corbett of Corbettsville, in the town of Conklin. The children of this marriage were Louie E. (wife of Willard Dibble), Anna May, George M. and Thomas C. Scott. His wife died May 9, 1891, and on July 19, 1894, Mr. Scott married Jessie G.. daughter of George F. and Martha M. Ells, of this city. Stevens, Urbane S., was born at Elk Lake, Susquehanna county. Pa., May 29, 1841, and was the youngest of seven children of Milton and Cynthia (Smith) Stevens. In the spring of 1846 Milton Stevens and his family came to Broome county, settling in the town of Chenango (about ten miles north of Binghamton), where both he and his wife afterward lived and died. Urbane lived at home on the farm until he was twenty-one years old, and received his early education in the district school at Castle Creek. In July, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, 109th N. Y. Vols., and was in the service with that regiment two and one-half years. The story of Comrade Stevens' army life is told in the history of the regiment itself up to July 30, 1864, when his right arm was left on the bloody battlefield of Petersburg, Va. During the period of his service Mr. Stevens was wounded twice; first in the furious charge of the 109th at Petersburg on June 17, 1864, when scores of loyal Broome county boys laid dov/n FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 851 their lives for their country. On this occasion Co. D was lying on the earth dodg- ing a shower of rebel bullets, and while in that position a shell passed close 'to the ground, cutting the uniform clean from Mr. Stevens' back and scraping the skin as well m Its passage. The projectile which wounded Comrade Stevens also killed four others, three on one side and one on the other, in its murderous course. This wound while not dangerous, was exceedingly annoying and for several weeks confined its victim to the hospital. When recovered Mr. Stevens immediately returned to his company, and soon afterward, on July 30, in the awful Mine Explosion engagement before Petersburg, he lost his right arm. In the early part of 1865 he was discharged for disabilities and returned home. Soon afterward, however, Mr. Stevens was ap- pointed to a position in the quartermaster's department and lived in Washington nearly two years. He then came to Binghamton and for about two years was em- ployed m xNoyes comb factory. In 1868 Urbane and David W. Stevens and Morris P. Blair purchased the Gilmore stables in rear of • Firemen's Hall. Later years wit- nessed many changes in the personnel of the partnership, but .since 1868 U. S. Stevens has been directly connected with the livery business in' this city. The present livery firm of Stevens & Seaman was formed in 1885, and has continued to the present time. In 1887 the firm began importing western horses for sale in the markets of the east; and since that time has brought to Binghamton more than 1,000 head of stock. Urbane S. Stevens has for many years been one of the reliable Republicans of Broome county He was alderman of his ward in 1890 and 1891. and was sheriff of the county from 1894 to 1897. On February 1. 1870, Mr. Stevens was married to Mary A., daughter of Melzer and Lucy Harrington of Binghamton, but formerly of Chenango county. Of this marriage three children have been born: Gertrude Ur- bane S., jr. (of the 7th Battery, U. S. Vols, in the war with Spain), and Edith Stevens. Evans, Edwin, steward of the Binghamton State Hospital since 1880, and a life- long resident of Binghamton, was born in Binghamton, March 16. 1840. He is the son and youngest child of the late Horatio Evans, who was one of the important early factors in local history, and was, withal, one of our most upright and respected citizens for three-quarters of a century. Reminiscences of the pioneer element of the Evans family will be found in another department of the work. Edwin (he is better known among our people as Captain Evans) was educated in the village pub- lie schools and also in the Binghamton Academy, and was just prepared for active business life at the outbreak of the war of 1861-5. In July, 1862, he enlisted as pri- vate in Co. D, 109th Vol. Inf , and served with that notable regiment throughout the term of its enlistment ; not, however, as private, for he was promoted to the com- mand of his company, having fairly won a captain's commission, as the history of the 109th will show. After the war Capt. Evans engaged in business in Wellsburg' about two years, after which, in company with his brother, John Evans, civil engi- neer and contractor, he engaged in railroad construction work about nine years. In 1870 he became partner with Rodney A. Ford, under the firm name of Ford & Evans, in the sale of D. & H. coal in this city, and also carried on an extensive busi- ness in selling the company's product generally in this State and New England. In 1880, when the old Inebriate Asylum was converted by the State into an asylum for 852 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. chronic insane, Capt. Evans was appointed steward of the institution, and has served in that capacity to the present time. In this way, and in many others as well, has the Captain been a factor in city history. As a soldier he was always ready for duty, and as a public servant of the State he has been faithful to every trust, hence enjoys the confidence of all our people. For many years he was prominently connected with the Church of the Good Shepard. Capt. Evans' wife, whom he married in De- cember, 1865, was Sarah D., daughter of William Moore, one of Kirkwood's respected early settlers. John Edwin and Horatio Evans are the children of this marriage. Worden, David M. — From Pennsylvania have come many of Binghamton's active business men, one of whom is Mr. David M. Worden. He was born near Wilkes- barre and came to Binghamton in 1863 when he entered the Broome County bank, remaining there four years. After spending two years in New York City he re- turned in the spring of 1869 to engage with the Chenango Valley Savings Bank where he was employed nine years. Mr. Worden has been in commercial life since 1891 when he left the office of City Treasurer, having served three years. He had previously served in that capacity from 1871 to 1876. The Tabernacle Methodist Church has his name on the roll of its charter members, but since residing on the east side of the Chenango river, he has been identified with the Centenary Church and has been its treasurer for a number of years. Mr. Worden is a graduate of the New York Conference Seminary formerly at Charlottesville, Schoharie count\\ Darling, Reeves, city treasurer, was born in the town of Tusten, Sullivan county, N. Y., June 17, 18G1, and was the .son of William and Susan Darling. His father was a farmer and lumberman, to which occupation Reeves gave his attention after having acquired a good common school education. In the spring of 1884 he came to Binghamton, where three of his brothers had preceded him, and became connected with the meat business in which they were engaged. He was (and still is) an active, energetic and capable young business man, and soon gained a favorable acquain- tance in the city. This fact was fully shown in his election to the office of city treas- urer in the spring of 1899. His term began on April 11, of the year mentioned. He has always been a Democrat, but in this has not been specially active in politics. On October 13, 1891, Mr. Darling married Bessie, daughter of J. Harvey Havens of this city. Alderman C. S. Darling is a brother to Reeves. The Darling family con- sists of ten children all living; the youngest is twenty-eight and the eldest fifty-two. The six brothers weigh eleven hundred and fifty pounds, and the weight of the four sisters is six hundred and seventy-five pounds. The Darling family have a reunion every year. - Lyon, Addison J., began his business career in Binghamton as partner with Ben- jamin Dennison in the livery business on Court street. A little later he associated with Ransom Hooper, his father-in-law, in the furniture business on Washington street. In the early part of 1857, in partnership with Alonzo Gatefield, he was pro- prietor of a liquor store, and while so engaged he also became interested in lumber- ing and rafting, in company with Beebe Cafferty, the firm's mill being located near Hawleyton. Later on Mr. Lyon and Austin W. Tyler carried on a lumbering busi- FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 853 ness at "Egypt," south of Red Rock. Pa., which enterprise kept him for a time in that locahty. In 1874 he returned to this city and purchased Eli Pratt's half interest in the Pratt & Tyler saw mill at the north end of the Rockbottom dam. The firm of Tyler & Lyon then established was continued until March 3, 1883, when Mr. Lyon became sole owner of the property and business. In the same year the mill was burned but was at once rebuilt on an enlarged plan. In 1892 they erected a large four story brick building on South street, the structure being occupied as a chair fac- tory by Stickley & Brandt. Mr. Lyon continued the business until his death. April 27, 1894, and was then succeeded by his sons, Walter S., Alfred H. (assistant engi- neer of our city fire department), and John A. Lyon. These enterprismg young men, under the firm style of Addison J. Lyon's Sons are proprietors of a large lum- ber and planing mill business, and thus are material factors in our city history. The pioneer of the Lyon family in Binghamton was Isaac D. Lyon, who came from the Hudson river valley more than sixty years ago and purchased the western slope of the now called Asylum hill. Mr. Lyon built his first dwelling between Court street and the railroad, as afterward laid out, but later on erected a more sub.stantial house on the site now occupied by the steward's residence on " the hill. " The pioneer cleared all the land included by his purchase. His children were Thomas W:, Addison J., Rebecca, Lavina, George A., James W. (city fire commissioner), Moses V. (who was several years city marshal in Boise City, Idaho), Tamer P. and Eugenia A. Lyon. Clark, Thomas Jefferson, was born in Masonville, Delaware county, N. Y., April 5, 1829, and was the son of Thomas and Polly (Wheeler) Clark. Thomas Clark came to Binghamton in 1842, and was a farmer. He lived to be a good old age and was much respected in the city. Thomas J. Clark was educated in the schools of Masonville, and also in the old Binghamton Academy under Principal Rollo and his assistant, Mr. Waldo, Mr. Clark took a special course of study and became a prac- tical engineer, but at that time engineering was not specially profitable to a young man not yet of age, therefore he learned harness making. He began business for himself in 1848 and continued it with success for ten years, when failing health com- pelled a change of occupation. Since leaving the shop in 1858 Mr. Clark has not en- gaged in any permanent business pursuit, yet during all subsequent j'ears he has been a prominent figure both in village and city history ; and he has devoted more time and attention to public affairs in the municipality, than perhaps any other per- son, and that in connection with positions which yielded no compensation. Fortu- nately, however, for Mr. Clark, his work in early life gave him a comfortable com- petency. Mr. Clark's official positions have been as follows: town clerk of the old town of Chenango, 1850-53; village trustee, 1858-61; school trustee, district No. 3, 1859-61; deputy provost-marshal and chief clerk 26nh Congressional District, N. Y., under Provost-Marshal Edward C. Kattell, 1863-65; school commissioner, 3d ward, 1866-78, during which term he was president of the board seven years; city super- visor, 3d ward, 1867-68; deputy collector of internal revenue, 1874-75; city superin- tendent of streets and acting city engineer, 1869-74, during which time he estab- lished a uniform system of grades for all streets of the city; member of the board of health, 1881-85. Mr. Clark has frequently been offered other places than these men- tioned, but has declined them. In this city, and throughout the county generally. 854 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. he is known as a perfectlj' honest and straightforward business man. No greater compliment can be paid any citizen of Binghamton. Politicall}' Mr. Clark is a firm and consistent Republican. On December 3, 1851, Thomas Jefferson Clark married Julia M., daughter of John De Voe. Mrs. Clark died April 9, 1856. Gale, Charles, has been a familiar figure in Binghamton for a period of almost half a century. He was born in Binghamton August 27, 1834, in the Rufus K. Park frame house (now the Binghamton Driving Park Hotel), and was the son of Captain Verdine Ellsworth Gale, a native of Goshen, Orange county, born 1797, and who settled in Binghamton in 1820. Captain Gale acquired his title in Colonel Abljott's militia regiment, he having commanded one of its companies. His wife was Lu- cinda Cuffenay, a niece of General Warren. Captain Gale died March 20, 1869. His children were Rufus, Charles, Asa, Sarah, Verdine E., Nehemiah H., Christina, George W., Silas H. and Lucia M. Gale. At the age of sixteen years Charles started out to make his own way in life. In 1852 he came to the village and learned the trade of blacksmithing, at which he has now worked for more than forty-seven years. In 1857 he began business for himself, and during the long period in which he has thus been engaged his partners, in succession, have been James W. Smead, Abner Van Arsdale, Charles D. Rogers, James W. Smead (a second time) and Charles M. Cafferty, all of whom were well known in Binghamton history for many years. In 1873, then in partnership with Mr. Cafferty, Mr. Gale came to his present location on Water street. Since the death of Mr. Cafferty he has done business alone. For many years he has been known as an excellent mechanic and has done a fair share of work in his line; and his effort in life has been rewarded with a com- fortable and deserved competency. Mr. Gale has also taken an active interest in many of the measures proposed for the benefit of the city and its people, and occa- sionally has been the candidate for the Democratic party for city office. He was al- derman of the Second ward in 1884 and '85. He joined the village fire department in 1853. On February 25, 1863, Charles Gale married Anna S. Lay, daughter of George Gilbert Lay, and granddaughter of Jonathan Ogden, a pioneer m the village. Of the marriage just mentioned six children were born, two of whom are now living. They are Charles jFrederick Gale, cashier of the Strong State Bank and receiver of the Elmira National Bank, and Richard Gray Gale, of this city. Lentz, William Frederick, president of Crystal Hose company and senior member of the board of fire commissioners, was born in the city of New York, June 10, 1849, and has lived in Binghamton since 1856. He is the son of the late Gottleib and Frederica (Young) Lentz, and the oldest and only survivor of their four children, William F., Charles Otto, Albert Augustus and Theodore Robert Lentz. Gottleib Lentz and his wife were natives of the city of Stuttgart, in the Kingdom of Wurtem- berg, Germany, and both came when young with their parents to America. Mr. Lentz became a skilled mechanic and was a manufacturer of surgical and dental in- struments. In 1856 he came with his family to Binghamton, and was engaged in business pursuits to the time of his death August 14, 1870. His wife, who was sister of the late William F. Young, died February 15, 1877. William F. Lentz acquired his early education in our public schools, and chiefly in WILLIAM F. LENTZ. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 855 the old Binghamton academy. Then for a time he held a clerical position in the New York city post-office, but the death of his father in 1870 necessitated his return home. In 1872-74 he was employed in the office of the assistant engineer of the Erie canal, at Utica, aud while temporarily residing in that city he was a member of the famous veteran fire organization, Tiger Hose Co. But i\Ir. Lentz's active connection with volunteer fire organizations antedated his membership in Tiger Hose Co. by several years. As early as 1860 he was a member of old Phoenix Engine Co., and in July of the following year he transferred his membership to Lawyer Hose Co. No. 1, the latter ultimately developing into Crystal Hose Co. No. 1, of which Mr. Lentz is the oldest living member, and of which he has been president since that office was established almost thirty years ago. In 1864 he was elected secretary of Lawyer Hose, and in the next year was chosen foreman of the company, serving in that ca- pacity until 1871, when he was elected president of Crystal Hose, which office he now fills with dignity and pardonable pride. In 1876 he was elected first assistant engineer of the fire department and in 1877 and again in 1878 he was elected to the more responsible office of Chief Engineer, and served with much credit in each capacity. Thus equipped with a thorough understanding of the duties both of a fireman and the chief officer of a department, Mr. Lentz' selection by Mayor Morgan as one of the first members of the newly constituted fire commission in July, 1888, was most for- tunate for the best interests of the city as well as of the fire department ; and all subsequent incumbents of the office of mayor have shown a just appreciation of com- missioner Lentz' unselfish interest in the welfare of the department, for he has been reappointed commissioner at the end of each term, his appointment dating first in 1888, next in 1892, again in 1896, and fourth in 1900. For many years "Billy" Lentz — by this familiar title he is widely known — has been a member of the Exempt Firemen's Association, and at one time was its vice- president. He was one of the founders and now is president and general manager of that unique organization, the " Umpville Fire Brigade." Mr. Lentz' acquaintance in fireman circles is not confined to Binghamton alone, but extends throughout this state and Pennsylvania wherever an interest is felt in behalf of the work of volunteer firemen; and wherever he has been known his voice always has been raised in the advocacy of the best and the noblest principles of friendship and brotherhood among firemen. Socially, he not only is popular through- out the department and the city, but he is also respected, and his counsel and advice frequently are sought and followed. Politically, Mr. Lentz makes no positive declara- tions, though naturally he leans toward Republicanism; and notwithstanding the frequent mention of his name in connection with political positions of trust, he never has yielded to the temptations of office and become the candidate of any party, evi- dently preferring his present position, enjoying the confidence and esteem of all our people. Mr. Lentz is not actively engaged in business pursuits, yet the demands upon him in connection with his property interests and the affairs of the fire department, oc- cupy much of his time. He is a member of several social and fraternal organizations, and is also a member of Spring Forest Cemetery association. William F. Lentz married Alida B., daughter of the late John N. and Mary A. Bogert, of this city, but formerly of New York. 856 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. Schnell, Joseph, has been identified with business interests in Binghamton for a period of more than thirty-five years, yet it seems hardly possible that it was away back in 1864 when he returned from the army and took charge of the Western Union telegraph office at the Erie railway station. With the exception of about three months spent in New York, Mr. Schnell was connected with the local telegraph office until 1874, when he purchased the drug store on the west side of the Chenango previously owned by C. H. Webster, sr. Since that time he has been one of our city druggists and active business men. Joseph Schnell was born in Clearfield borough, Pa., March 30, 1842, and lived in that part of the State until he came to this city. He became a druggist's clerk in 1856, and while so employed mastered the art of telegraphy, which was greatly to his advantage in later years. On April 17, 1861, he enlisted in the old Bellefonte Fencibles, one of the notable commands recruited in Central Pennsylvania during the early months of the war of 1861-5. At the end of his three months' terra of enlistment Comrade Schnell at once re-enlisted, and was soon detailed to service in the U. S. Military Telegraph Corps and assigned to duty at division headquarters. However, without referring to his army life and experi- ences, which were arduous and at times hazardous, it is sufficient to say that Mr. Schnell was connected with the telegraphic branch of the service, and faithfully and willingly performed every duty required of him. In 1863 he was detailed to provost- marshal duty at Williamsport, Pa., and remained in that city until mustered out in 1864. He then came to Binghamton, as has been stated, and has since been a factor in our city history. His connection with local institutions has been commendable. As district supervisor of the U. S. census of 1890 his business and executive capacity were fully shown, and his work was especially commended at Washington. He has been appointed for the same work for the 12th U. S. census for 1900. Mr. Schnell is regarded as one of our best and most loyal citizens, and one whom it is a pleasure to honorably mention in these annals. Johnson, Charles B., was born in Binghamton, October 28, 1839. He is the son of the late Thomas Johnson, and grandson of Dr. Charles Britten Johnson who came to live in the village about 1828, and of whom mention is made in the medical chap- ter of this work. The subject of this sketch was educated in the old Oak Street Dis- trict School, Binghamton Academy and Susquehanna Seminary, and while a portion of his business life has been spent in other cities no present resident of Binghamton has a more distinct memory of early scenes, events and characters in local history. He began his business career as boy clerk in Rexford's drug store. When about seventeen years of age he went to San F'rancisco, where he lived two j-ears, and then came to Chicago and was clerk in a wholesale drug house. Two years later he was in Galena, 111., but at the outbreak of the war of 1861-5 he was appointed field agent of Adams Express Company, serving at various stations of the army until the fall of Vicksburg, soon after which, and while on the Yazoo river, he was so severely sick with the fever that he was compelled to return home. He then served as clerk in the provost marshal's office and for a 3'ear following the end of the war he was in the Adams Express office in Richmond, Va. Returning then to Binghamton, Mr. John- son was employed in the local office of the Merchants Union Express Co., and still later by the Continuous Oil Refining Co. For the next five years he was employed FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 857 by Judge Phelps to take charge of the Binghamton Gas Works. In 1874 he became partner in the hardware firm of Carter, Porter & Johnson, doing business in the Bennett block on Washington street. In 1879 Mr. Johnson sold his interest in the firm and was not afterward activelj' engaged in business until he went west as super- intendent of a coal mining company in Colorado. He returned home in the course of a few months, was out of active employment owing to broken health for over five years and then became traveling salesman for M. W. Bosworth & Co., grain dealers. In 1886 he entered the firm of Wideman & Co., shoe manufacturers, but withdrew at the end of a year and became senior partner in the firm of Johnson & Lamb, manu- facturers of ladies' fine shoes. In 1894 Mr. Johnson became sole owner and has since continued the business. Thus has Charles B. Johnson been a factor in Bing- hamton history, and in this chapter it becomes a pleasant dutj' to briefly mention the part he has taken in business affairs. He is interested in Binghamton and its future growth and prosperit3% having observed its development from an unimpor- tant inland village to a large and growing city. On May 24, 18S4, Mr. Johnson mar- ried Mrs. Ruth C. Lewis, by whom he has two daughters. Mrs. Johnson is the mother of two sons by her hrst marriage. Johnson, David M., local superintendent of the Bradstreet Company, has been a resident in the city since 1882, and during that time has acquired an extensive ac- quaintance among our business men. He is a native of Norwich, Conn, and was born September 19, 1860. His business career was begun as cashier and soon after- ward bookkeeper in a dry goods house in Norwich, and when be came to this city in 1882, with Fowler, Dick & Walker, he was an employee in the office of the firm. In 1884 he went to Easton, Pa., but returned in 1886 and was employed in the office of Sisson Bros. & Welden, remaining there until July, 1895, when he was appointed manager and superintendent of the Bradstreet agency in this city and vicinity. Mr. Johnson's time is well occupied with the duties of his office, yet he is not wholly un- known in local political history, having served one term as city civil service commis- sioner. But he is perhaps best known in Masonic circles as one of the most active craftsmen of Binghamton. He has been a Mason since 1883, and since December, 1888, has served as secretary of Binghamton Chapter, No. 139, R. A. M. He was elected secretary of Otseningo Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M.,in 1889, and is still in office. On June 25, 1894, he was elected secretary of the four Scottish Rite bodies of the city and has been annually re-elected to the present time. On September 21, 1897, 'at Boston, Mass., Mr. Johnson was made an honorary thirty-third degree Mason. In March, 1884, Mr. Johnson married Margaret Simpson of Conklin. Bookstaver, Jacob Edgar, patent solicitor, real estate dealer, and building and loan operator, has been numbered among our active business men since 1883. He is a native of New Brunswick, N. J., and is a descendant of Jacob Buchstaber. who came from Germany m 1730, during the Colonial period and settled in what is now Orange county. Through his maternal grandmother Mr. Bookstaver is of French-Huguenot and English descent, and many members of the family, on both sides, have attained to high places in professional, business and political life. His father. Rev. Jacob Bookstaver, died in 1848, and Jacob E., his youngest child, was reared in the family 858 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. of his grandfather, Judge Booraem. He was educated in the public schools and also the Rutgers College grammar school, of New Brunswick, after which he took a business course in the famous Eastman College at Poughkeepsie. He then engaged in insurance, real estate, and building and loan business in New Brunswick, and at the same time gave considerable attention to journalism, at which he showed marked ability; but impaired health compelled him to temporarily lay aside this work and find rest and strength in travel in the south and west. His health being in a meas- ure restored, he returned to New Brunswick and resumed editorial work and at the same time read law with James H. Van Cleef, of that city. In 1883 he married, and soon afterward came to this city, where he became partner with Deacon Richard Ely, doing a general insurance business. Later on he purchased the Ely interest and conducted the business alone, but eventually sold out and devoted his attention to real estate and building and loan business, and also to patent work in the capacity of patent attorney. Mr. Bookstaver is a thorough Binghamtonian, and is a factor for much good in our city. Moore, Andrew, was one of the pioneers in the vicinity of Binghamton, but the exact locality of his first settlement is not now known. About the year 1800 he lived on the site of the present Clapp farm, south of the river and just east of the city limits. He was a son of Major Moore, the latter an old Revolutionary patriot. In Andrew Moore's family were eight children, the sons being John C, Frank and George. The daughters were Emeline, who married Solomon Orcutt; Elma, who married Alonzo Kattel, and Harriet, who married Cornelius De Witt. John C. Moore was one of the prominent men and a life-long resident of Binghamton. He was born in 1806, and died in 1864. In early life he studied medicine, intending to become a physician, but having a special dislike for surgery he changed his coxirse and taught school. He was first elected county clerk in 1840 and served until 1844; was again elected in 1846, and served to 1849. In 1825 Mr. Moore made an accurate and interesting pen map of Binghamton, showing its views, streets, dwellings and public buildings. It is one of the most interesting relics of old times in the village now in existence, aud is the property of Mr. Moore's daughter, Mrs. Ralph S. Dar- row. Mr. Moore married Betsey M. Severson; their children were Louisa, John A., George and Charles Moore. Ralph S. Darrow was born in Connecticut in 1840 and came to Binghamton when only a boy, with the family of his father, Asa B. Darrow. Ralph was left an orphan at the age of eleven years, and his subsequent life and splendid success was an evidence of what can be accomplished by a youth of spirit and determination Mr. Darrow was in the wholesale grocery trade with Mr. Way, but afterward dealt extensively in hay, having four presses in different places in this locality. He died December 13, 1889. His wife, with whom he married September 30, 1864, was Louisa Moore. Mr. Darrow was a leading member of the Centenary M. E. church, and for many years was its Sunday school superintendent. Mersereau, Theodore T., was prominently identified with the business history of this city for a period of almost thirty years. He was not only a factor in business history, but every measure proposed for the public welfare found in him an earnest, liberal supporter. He sought no political station, would accept none, yet he was an FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 859 ardent and loyal Republican. Mr. Mersereau was born in the town of Owego, March 23, 1840, the son of Joshua Mersereau and the grandson of Lawrence Mersereau and thus was descended from one of the most respected and prominent families of Union, for the surname Mersereau has been inseparably associated with the best history of the latter town for more than a century. At the time of Theodore's birth his par- ents were living in Campville, in the town of Owego. When about twelve or thir- teen years old our young man went to Brooklyn and attended a school taught by his uncle, Lawrence Mersereau, whom all residents of Union well remember. Later on Theodore came to Binghamton and acquired a business education in Lowell's Col- lege, after which he was employed as clerk and bookkeeper in the old Bank of Bing- hamton, now the City National Bank, but gave up his position for a clerkship in the treasury department at Washington, which he secured through the friendship of Daniel S. Dickinson, who knew the capacity of the young man and his sterling, hon- est qualities. However, in 1865, Mr. Mersereau returned to Binghamton and became partner in the farm of M. T. Morgan & Co. In 1869 Mr. Morgan retired from the firm, upon which the succeeding partners, George Craver and Mr. Mersereau, con- tinued business for thirteen years under the style of Craver & Mersereau. This firm was dissolved about 1882, and in the following year Mr. Mersereau became partner with E. W. Conklin, under the firm name of Conklin & Mersereau, dealers in wool, seeds and produce. This firm was in business at the time of Mr. Mersereau's death, February 4, 1892. It is thus seen that Theo. T. Mersereau was an active business man in Binghamton nearly thirty years, and throughout that period he was ever noted for his straightforward honesty and integrity. He began his business career with small means, and that the result of his own industry and perseverance. He was rewarded with success and richly deserved all the success he achieved. In his death Binghamton lost one of its best business men and most respected citizens. Mr. Mersereau was not a church member but was a liberal supporter of Christ church. His wife, whom he married June 7, 1870, was Annie E. Perry, sister of the late Charles B. Perry and also of George S. Perry, of this city. Landfield, Jerome B., came to live in Binghamton in 1889, then being past the middle age of life and having spent many years in active and profitable pursuits. At that time he had determined to retire from active business and locate in this city, where all the surroundings were congenial, and where his children might have the advantages of our High Scnool and life in a prosperous, growing municipality; but in less than a year Mr. Landfield found himself naturally drifting again into business enterprises, the owner of considerable real estate and bank stocks, as well as being a large shareholder in two street railway lines. In 1890 he became owner of the " Or- phans' Home" line, and also of the commonly known " Meagley " line of street rail- way, both of which afterward were consolidated with the Binghamton Street Rail- road Company, in the latter corporation Mr. Landfield being president, director and a large stockholder. Subsequently, as is fully narrated in another department of this work, the B. S. R. R. Co. was consolidated with the Binghamton Railroad Com- pany, by which all the lines of street railway in this city were united under a gen- eral system, with Mr. Landfield vice-president of the incorporated company. Still later, he was one of the organizers and incorporators of the Binghamton, Lestershire 860 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. and Union Railroad Company, and has been its president to the present time. In 1890 Mr. Landfield was one of the incorporators of the Binghamton Trust Company (the history of which will be found in the chapter relating to " Financial Institu- tions"); was at one time its treasurer and now its vice-president. He is also in various ways interested in other enterprises in the city, and although his residence here covers a period of hardly more than a half-score years, he is regarded as one of our public-spirited, progressive citizens. Mr. Landfield came to our city in 1889 with an excellent business and public record, and, indeed, was not then an entire stranger in Broome county. He is a native of Hancock, Delaware county, born November 6, 1827, the .son of Clark and Hannah (Thomas) Landfield, his father being a merchant, farmer and lumberman. At the age of twelve years Jerome began work, but did not neglect his studies (he was educated in the Delaware Literary Institute and Delhi Academy), and after his school daj's were ended he himself taught three winter terms of school. He then began lumbering and gradually drifted into mercantile pursuits, having a store at Harvard, Delaware county. In 1858 he became proprie- tor of an " upper leather" tannery and also of a flouring mill, with which enterprises he was connected until 1865. In this year he sold his interests in Delaware county and removed to Newark Valley, where he became a partner with John Dav- idge and George H. Allison in an extensive tannery business. During the twenty- five years of Mr. Landfield's residence in Newark Valley the personnel of the firm changed twice. The original partnership style was Allison, Davidge & Co., but afterward was changed to Allison & Landfield, and still later to Davidge, Landfield & Co. ; but under whatever name the tannery may have been operated, it was for many years the leading industry of Newark Valley and was a profitable investment for its owners. In 1889 Mr. Landfield sold his interest in the tannery to his partners and removed to Binghamton. Mr. Landfield is a thorough Republican, and has been a factor in the political history of at least three counties in the State. During the war of 1861-5, he was deputy provost-marshal under Provost " Sam " Gordon, of Norwich, and in November, 1863, he was elected to the Assembly from Delaware county. Ten years later, while living in Newark Valley, he represented Tioga county in the Assembly in 1873 and again in 1874. Mr. Landfield was postmaster at Newark Valley for fourteen years. He was county superintendent of the poor in Tioga county, and also supervisor of the town of Newark Valley. In fact, he has held all minor offices from con.stable up. In Broome county, and particularly in this city, he takes an earnest interest, political and otherwise, in all that pertains to the welfare of our people, yet he never has yielded to the persuasions of his party asso- ciates and become a candidate for public oflfice. Mr. Landfield has been twice mar- ried. His first wife was Mary Elizabeth Kanouse, daughter of Uzziel, and grand- daughter of Rev. Peter Kanouse, of Deckertown, N. J. Three sons, none of whom are now living, were born of this marriage. Mr. Landfield's second wife was Helen M. Rogers, daughter of Henry A. and Emma (Willard) Rogers of Chenango Forks, and a descendant from one of the pioneer families of Broome county, and of Revo- lutionary stock. Jerome Landfield, jr., and Grace H Landfield are children of the marriage last mentioned. Hopton, Edwin Franklin, proprietor of the well known meat market, 108 Court FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 861 street, has been a resident of this city since 1885, and during that period has become recognized as one of most enterprising and successful young business men. For two years he has been president of the local Retail Butchers' association, and on August 13, 1898, was elected vice-president of the eastern division of the National Associa- tion of Retail Butchers. No less prominently has Mr. Hopton been identified with our history in other ways. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran church, one of its deacons, and secretary of the church council. He was assistant superintendent of its Sunday school for a period of six years, and has been superintendent for the last three years. He is a valuable member of Calumet lodge, I O. O. P., and during his residence in the city has risen to the position of District Deputy Grand Master the highest office in the county. Edwin F. Hopton was born in Lancaster. Pa., March 25, 1861. He was educated m the Lancaster public schools, after which he received an excellent commercial education in Trimmer's Business college. He learned the confectioner's trade under J. C. Spaeth, of Lancaster, Pa., and for a faithful apprenticeship and devotion to his employer's interest, was awarded a gold medal. The medal bears the date of May 27, 1882, and appropriately marks the beginning of Mr. Hopton's real business career. Previous to coming to this city he worked in Philadelphia, New York, Bridgeport, (Conn.), and Newark, N. J. Ifi January, 1885, he became an employee in Lloyd & Shrimpton's (afterward Lloyd & Gardner's) wholesale confectionery establishment, taking charge of the manufactur- ing department. He held that position thirteen years and on March 1, 1898, pur- chased the Heller market, of which he is now proprietor. Thus has Mr. Hopton been a prominent factor in our city history for a period of fifteen years. The state of Pennsylvania has mdeed furnished Binghamton with a good proportion of excel- lent business men, and they are worthy of honorable mention in these pages. In 1884 Mr. Hopton married Elizabeth Single, of Lancaster, Pa. He has a pleasant home, made more enjoyable by two daughters, Alice and Jessie Hopton. Jackson, Edwin Eliphalet, was born in Cazenovia, Madison county, in June, 1830, and came to Binghamton in 1852. He was one of the first wholesale merchants of the village, doing business with William E. Taylor under the firm name of Taylor & Jackson — a name in trade circles that all our older residents will remember. Mr. Jackson afterward was a member of the wholesale firm of Jackson, Denton & Marks, aijd still later was partner with Byron Marks, junior member of the firm last men- tioned. He was a school commissioner in 1862-64, alderman of the Second ward in 1869; assessor in 1875, and deputy collector of internal revenue from October, 1875, to July, 1883. He died in March, 1895. Mr. Jackson's wife was Nancy L , daughter of Richard Mather and granddaughter of Mason Whiting, both of whom are promi- nently identified with early Binghamton histor3\ Edwin E. Jackson, of New York city, is the only survivor of six children, born to Edwin E. and Nancy L. Jackson. Haskins, Fred H., junior partner in the dry goods firm of Hills, McLean & Has- kins, was born in New Britain, Conn., April 1, 1859. He was the older of two chil- dren of Henry and Lucy (Cowles) Haskins, both native New Englanders, but who removed to Broome county in 1865. About 1868 Mr. Haskins purchased from Dr. J. Edward Turner a portion of the asylum property, which he developed into a market 862 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. garden, and which is now a valuable tract of land. For many years Henry Haskins has been one of our most respected citizens. Fred lived at home until he embarked in mercantile pursuits in 1894. He was educated in our city schools, and is known as an industrious and capable young business man. On April 26, 1894, he married Grace A., daughter of the late Horace H. Crary, Nelson, Benjamin H., senior partner in the banking firm of B. H. Nelson & Son, came to Binghamton from Barryville, Sullivan county, in 1867. He is a native of Sullivan county, born January 22, 1837, and spent his early life in that vicinty, doing business as lumberman and merchant. For a period of about six months during the last year of the war of 1861-5 he was employed by the government in the commis- sary department, but returned north after peace was restored. On coming to this city in 1867 Mr. Nelson engaged in the grocery business on Court street about two years, after which he became traveling salesman for McKinney & Co., wholesale grocers. Three years later he sold goods "on the road" for S. Mills Ely, but at the expiration of two years he started a wholesale and retail grocery store on the North Side, being one of the first merchants in that now busy locality. The grocery busi- ness was eventually discontinued and a wholesale fruit .store replaced it. Mr. Nel- son was in trade until 1890, when he opened a private banking house at the north- west corner of Chenango and Eldredge streets. It is said among business men that Mr. Nelson has been one of the most earnest developers of the North Side, and has by his efforts contributed in a large degree to the growth and prosperity of that in- teresting portion of the city. He has erected and is now the owner of several large business buildings, the first of which was that at the corner of Chenango and Dou- bleday streets, followed by that at the northeast, and still another at the northwest, corner of Chenango and Eldredge streets. He has also built several desirable resi- dences, and has been Ihe owner of still others, in the same locality. Indeed, his interest in the North Side has been as earnest as it has been commendable, and the entire city has benefited by his work. Mr. Nelson is a Republican, and although often urged to accept nominations for public office he has frequently declined. For more than twenty years he has been a trustee of the North Presbyterian Church. On February 26, 1866, Benjamin H. Nelson married Julia Helen Bross, of Johnson's. Orange county. Two children were born of this marriage, one of whom — George R. Nelson — is now living. Kent, Arthur E., city passenger and ticket agent for the D., L. & W. Railroad Company, is a native of Binghamton, born September 18, 1868, and is the son of the late Erastus W. Kent, the latter for many years a prominent business man in the city. Usebe Kent, grandfather of Arthur, is remembered as an old sheriff of the county, and a representative of one of our old substantial families. Arthur E. Kent was educated in the Pine Street School, and the B. C. H. S. , after which he became a practical shirt cutter, and as such was in the employ of Clinton McHenry, the shirt manufacturer, from 1885 to 1889. In August of the latter j^earhe was appointed night ticket agent of the Erie Companj'- in this city, and left that position in July, 1892, to accept the more desirable post of city passenger agent of the Lackawanna Company at Buffalo. On November 11, 1895, he was transferred from Buffalo to FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 863 this city, and has since acceptably performed the duties of city passenger and ticket agent for the company in this city, much to the gratification of our people, as Mr. Kent is a native as well as an active progressive young man. On October 9, 1895. while living in Buffalo, Mr. Kent married Elizabeth Anderson Cormack. Harding, George L., wool and hide dealer, manufacturer of fertilizers and high grade poultry foods, has been a factor in city history, industrial and political, for a period of almost twenty years. He is a native of Binghaniton and was born Novem- ber 12, 1856, in the old Harding homestead at the head of Court street. His father is Lowell Harding, who came to our then village from Med way, Mass., in 1839, and began his business career as a shoemaker, working for J. B. Abbott & Son and also for Aaron Williams. He began dealing in wool and hides in 1841, and from that time until 1892 he was an active business man in the village and subsequent city. From 1858 to 1863 Lowell Harding operated a tannery on the north bank of the Sus- quehanna river, just below the old Tompkins bridge. George L. Harding was edu- cated in our city schools, and also in institutions of still higher grade in the cities of Dresden and Hanover, Germany. He lived abroad about two and one-half years, then returned home and in 1876-7 went to New York where he was engaged on the staff of the New York World. Then for three years he carried on a job printing business in the city, after which he went West and with his brother Franklin founded and published the Wood River Miner. In connection with this enterprise these young journalists built the first cabin on the site of Hailey, now the county seat of Alturas county, Idaho. While in the West, to avoid the severities of winter in 1881, Mr. Harding went to Salt Lake City and took the position of assistant paymaster of the Denver and Rio Grande Construction Company, returning, however, to his newspaper work at the end of five months. In the winter of 1882 he returned to this city and engaged in business with his father, continuing until 1892 when the latter retired from active life. George L. Harding's subsequent career has been mentioned in preceding paragraphs, and he is now numbered among our successful business men. He began the manufacture of fertilizers in 1893, and in 1896 he put on the market his now celebrated high grade poultry food. He is a firm Republican, and as such represented the Seventh ward in the Common Council from February, 1893, to February 1895, serving as chairman of the committee on finance and educa- tion. On May 26, 1886, George L. Harding married Julia Monroe, of Unadilla, of which marriage two children have been born. Haskin, William J., senior partner in the firm of W. J. Haskin & Co., dealers in nursery stock, also of the firm of Haskin & Luce, manufacturers of the " Empire Laundry Blue," and of the Haskin Medicine Company, has been a resident and act- ive business man of this city since 1887. He is a native of Canada, born m Leeds, Ontario, July 18, 1856. He was brought up on a farm and was given only a limited opportunity to acquire an education, hence is a self made man. In 1878 he came to Centre Lisle, and for a time was employed as salesman for the nursery firm of J. Hammond & Co , of Geneva. After three years he formed a partnership with Na- thaniel B. Woodworth, under the name of W. J. Haskin & Co., and began business for himself. In 1887 the firm removed its seat of operations to this city, and has 864 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. since become known as one of the largest and most reliable concerns of its kind do- ing business in this section. Haskin & Luce began the manufacture of the Empire Laundry Blue in November, 1898, while the Haskin Medicine Co. dates its organiza- tion from the spring of 1899. Mr. Haskin is a Republican, but seeks no political preferment. He is a devoted member of the M. E. church, his membership therein dating back nearly twenty-five years. Mr. Haskin married Alice E., daughter of Nathaniel B. Woodworth, of Lisle. Lord, Alfred A., dealer in gentlemen's furnishings at No. 99 Court street, has been a business man in this city since April, 1893. Previous to that time, and after he was mustered out of the U. S. service in June, 1865, he was engaged in the manu- facture of whips in the flourishing village of Windsor, in this county. In Windsor Mr. Lord was an active figure both in public and business life. For five years he was president of the board of education, and for seven years he was commander of S. L. Judd Post, No. 377, G. A. R. Moreover, Comrade Lord is a native of Broome county, born near Nineveh, August 31, 1845, and is the son of the late Alonzo G. and Betsey (Austin) Lord, both natives of Connecticut, and settlers in this county in 1835. Alfred was given a fair common school education, after which he turned his atten- tion to farm work. He was thus employed at the outbreak of the war of 1861-65, and on October 16, 1861, then being only sixteen years old, he enlisted in Co. E. 90th N. Y. Vol. Inf. His subsequent army experiences were both severe and interesting, and form an important part of his life's history. He served one year at Key West, where he had yellow fever in its worst form. He served at the siege of Port Hudson and also at the battle at Coxe's Plantation (July 13, 1863) where he was wounded and captured by the enemy. A few days later he was released on parole, but later on was exchanged, and was discharged from service February 9, 1864. The very same day he enlisted in his old company and regiment and again returned to the field in the Shenandoah Valley. At the battle of Cedar Creek (October 19, 1864) he was again captured and afterward was confined in the horrible Pemberton prison, also at Salisbury, N. C. (four months) and Libby prison at Richmond before his final release on parole, March 13, 1865. On June 19, 1865, he was mustered out of service and returned to his home terribly broken in health and a mere skeleton weighing only sixty-five pounds, the results of starvation, typhoid fever, scurvy and other diseases contracted in confederate prison. From the.se army afflictions Comrade Lord has never fully recovered, yet he has labored manfully and successfully in the later fields of business life and action; and to-day he is numbered among our best and most loyal citizens. On September 26, 1866, Mr. Lord married Sarah Taj'lor, of Center Village. Four children were born of that union, one of whom, George E. Lord, is now in business with his father. His wife died May 10, 1891, and on April 26, 1893, Mr. Lord married Amelia, widow of the late Charles E. Brownell. Stilson, Manville S., grocer, doing business at No. 390 Chenango street, was born in Mayfield, Fulton county, February' 10, 1852. At the age of twelve years he left home and started out to make his own way in life, and while Mr. Stilson has not accumulated a large fortune or gained a high position in public life, he is neverthe- less as honorable a business man as we have in our city. His efforts in life have FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 865 been rewarded with a fair degree of success, and whatever he has accomplished has been the result of his own industry and perseverance. On leaving home young Stil- son went to Ontario county, where he did boy's work on a farm. He afterward came to Brisben, Chenango county, where he was an employee in a saw and shingle mill. He then went to Bennettsville and managed the large farm of the late Abel Bennett, of this city. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Stilson came to Binghamton, and on January 1, 1883, opened a grocery store at No. 390 Chenango .street, where he has been in successful business for seventeen years. In 1880 Mr. Stilson married Elvie A. Stilson, of Bennettsville. Seaman, Fred E., junior partner in the well known livery firm of Stevens & Sea- man, and also partner in the firm of Stevens, Seaman & MofEatt, dealers in western horses, was born in the town of Ithaca, April 25, 1859. He is the son and the eldest of three children of Oliver W. and Ellen Seaman. Oliver Seaman was a blacksmith in the town of Ithaca previous to 1864, and m that year removed to Castle Creek, this county, where he now lives. Fred was educated in the Castle Creek District School, and also in Whitney's Point Academy, but at the age of fifteen years he started out to work for himself and to make his own way in life. His starting capi- tal was a rugged constitution and a willingness to work. For six years he was a farm hand, after which he went to the pine woods of Florida, where he worked in a mill about four months; then he returned north and again took up farm work in this locality, also in Orleans county, but later was employed in Patten Bros.' market. He was always industrious and saved his earnings, and thus was able to buy out the livery business formerly carried on by John Foote. In 1885 Sheriff Stevens became his partner and from that to the present time the firm of Stevens & Seaman has been known in city business circles. The firm of Stevens, Seaman & Moffatt annually imports many western horses and finds ready sale for them in local and eastern mar- kets. The business has proved successful, and the gratifying results are well deserved. Gaige, Arthur H , the South Side druggist and one of the oldest active firemen in the Binghamton fire department, was born in Wright, Schoharie county, January 27. 1854, but came to this city from Albany county with his father's family in 18G9. Eg- bert M. Gaige, the father, (the greater part of whose early life was spent in Schoharie county) opened a grocery store on the south side, in the locality then best known as " Brighamville," in 1873, and was in trade until 1892. He erected the first large brick business block on the South Side, and was otherwi.se prominently identified with the growth of that part of the city. Served in two boards of school commis- sioners and' was a member of the board of aldermen in 1888-9. When Arthur was fourteen years old he left school and began work as clerk in his father's store in Rensselaerville, Albany county, and on coming to Binghamton in 1869 he was em- ployed in C. J. Brownell's drug store, remaining there until 1874. He then went to Morris, 111., working one year as druggist's clerk, and thence removed to Sycamore. 111., where another year was spent in like employment. In the spring of 1876 he re- turned to this city and opened a drugstore at the southeast corner of De Russey and South Main streets, thus being the pioneer druggi,st on the South Side. In 1882 he 55 86G FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. removed to his present location at the northwest corner of De Russey street and Ves- tal avenue (formerly South Main street). In 1870 Mr. Gaige became a charter mem- ber of Independent Hose Co. No. 5, but two years later transferred his membership to Excelsior H & L. Co. No. 1, in which organization his name is still on the active roll. For many years he has been one of the company's trustees. He has been a member of Calumet Lodge, I. O. O. F., about fifteen years, having passed all the chairs, and is also a P. C. P. of Binghamton Encampment and a member of Canton Binghamton, of the same order. He is a Redman, a member of Pawnee tribe. Osborn, Emerson, one of the leading photographers and perhaps the oldest repre- sentative of that art in the city, was born in Middlebrook, Schoharie county, Sep- tember 1, 1843, and was less than two years old when his father, Orris Osborn, set- tled in Colesville. The family is descended from sturdy New England stock and some of its ancestors gained enviable prominence in the war of the Revolution. (See sketch of Dr. A. J. Osborn in Medical chapter). Emerson Osborn spent his young life on his father's farm in Colesville, and was educated in the district schools and also the famous old Binghamton Academy. He afterward taught two or three win- ter terms of school, but soon left the farm, came to Binghamton and learned photog- raphy with A. B. Tubbs, whose name was once well known in village history. In March, 1865, Mr. Osborn began work with A. Hickox, and continued with him until the fall of 1870. Mr. Cobb then succeeded Mr. Hickox in business, and Mr. Osborn having become a skillful and practical operator, was retained by Mr. Cobb and re- mained with him until the winter of 1885, when he himself became proprietor of the gallery, succeeding Well. G. Singhi. Mr. Singhi was regarded as the best photo- graphic proprietor in the city in his time, yet Mr. Osborn has always maintained the reputation of the gallery previously established by his predecessor. Indeed, he has for many years been looked upon as one of the most competent and experienced photo- graphic operators in this part of the State. He has a prominent standing in Odd Fellow circles, having passed through all the chairs in the lodge, the Encampment, the Canton and the Rebekahs. He also enjoys the pleasant distinction of having been the only male past N. G. of the local Rebekah Lodge, I. O. O. F. His mem- bership in Calumet Lodge dates back more than twenty-five years. On December 24, 1863, Emerson Osborn married Hannah E. Whitham, by whom he has had five children. Hapgood, Chester M., pioprietor of a general dry goods and furnishing store on the North Side, began his business career in this city in 1898, and has taken a posi- tion among our best citizens. Although a young man Mr. Hapgood came to Bing- hamton with an excellent business experience, and whatever he has undertaken he has successfully accomplished. He was educated in the Clinton Grammar School and the Buffalo College of Pharmacy, intending to enter the drug trade, and after- ward for three years he was employed in the wholesale homeopathic pharmacy of Halsey Bros., at Buffalo. Early in 1898 he went to Rahway, N. J., and engaged in the manufacture of tent poles and stakes, having a government sub-contract for that work. In August of that year a disastrous fire destroyed his plant, entailing serious loss. He then started out in quest of a good business location and soon decided to FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 867 open a store on Chenango street, on the North Side. Subsequent results have shown the wisdom of Mr. Hapgood's choice of location, and Binghamton has thereby secured another good business young man. Mr. Hapgood was born September 9, 1873, and is the son of Addison D. Hapgood, formerly of Jamestown and now of this city. , Dunham, Rev. Samuel, pastor of the West Presbyterian church, is a native of Southington. Hartford county, Conn., born February 8, 1835, and is descended from an old New England family whose ancestry in America dates from the early years of the seventeenth century. Samuel acquired his early education in the common schools and also in the Southington Academy, where he prepared for college. He entered Yale in 1855, but was soon afterward compelled to relinquish .study by rea- son of an affection of the eyes. The next year, however, he returned to the college, completed his course and graduated with honors in 1860. Having determined to en- ter the ministry, our young Yale graduate next entered Union Theological Seminary, where he remained two years and thence went to the Theological Seminary at An- dover, Mass., where he was graduated in 1863. He was licensed to preach February 3, 1863, by the Essex South Association at Salem, Mass., yet pre- vious to that time he began ministerial work as stated supply in the West Brookfield Congregational church. He was ordained and installed pastor of the church October 4, 1864, and served in that capacity until the latter part of 1869, when on account of impaired health he was granted a six months' leave of ab- sence from pastoral work. However, a few months of European travel gave re- newed strength, and in November, 1870, he became a stated supply to the pulpit of the First Congregational church of Norwalk, Conn., remaining there two years. In November, 1872, Mr. Dunham was invited to Binghamton by the society of the West Presbyterian church, and from that time he has indeed been a factor for good in the history of both the church and the city. On November 24 he was called to the pastorate, and five days later he accepted the call and became the head of the church. In April, 1873, he was installed pastor, and now for a period of more than a quarter of a century he has been a part of the history of the church. His work, in season and out of season, has been for the welfare of the charge committed to his care under Divine guidance, and the splendid results achieved have been his great- est reward. He has witnessed the growth of the church from an original member- ship of sixty-five persons to a present total of more than seven hundred and fifty members; he has seen the old brick chapel outgrown, its material enlargement in 1886 and finally the erection of a new, larger and more beautiful stone structure in a more desirable location, and in this grand result he has been a leading worker, con- tributing largely of his time, his influence and his means. This elegant earthly temple of the Lord is erected as a memorial to a loving and devoted helpmeet — "the model pastor's wife"— as Sarah M Dunham was known throughout our city. Pre- vious to the public dedication of the new edifice (October 16, 1899), provision was made that, upon his retirement from the active duties of his pastorate, Mr. Dunham shall be retained as "Pastor Emeritus" during the period of his natural life. In the spring of 1890, Mr. Dunham's people generously granting him a leave of absence, he spent five months in Oriental travel, including Egypt, Palestine. Syria, Turkey and 868 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. Greece, ending with a trip across the continent and through England, Scotland and Ireland; the church, meantime, continuing his salary and providing for the supply of his pulpit. The history of the church is written in another chapter of this work. Sarah Maria Clark was born in Harwinton, Conn., June 18, 1839, and was the daugh- ter of Asaph and Clarissa (Wilson) Clark. She married Samuel Dunham, October 6. 1863, and four interesting children blessed the marriage, and gave promise of use- fulness in all the walks of life, but the Master entered the household and bore them all away; and in less than one short year after the death of the youngest child the mother, too, was called from earth to eternal rest. Sarah Clark Dunham died April 9, 1894. The children were Samuel Clark Dunham, born June 10, 1866, and died February 21, 1887; Clara Langdon Dunham, born July 28, 1869, and died October 11, 1870; Chauncey Wilson Dunham, born January 9, 1872, and died October 8, 1875; and Luther Langdon Dunham, born July 29, 1874, and died June 14, 1893. Rogers, John B., treasurer of the Binghamton Railroad Company and junior part- ner in the cigar manufacturing firm of Smith & Rogers, is a native of Broome coun- ty, born in Barker, April 14, 1865, the son of Theodore S. Rogers, grandson of John B. Rogers (for whom he was named) and great-grandson of Simeon Rogers, the lat- ter the pioneer of the family in the county and a patriot of the Revolution. In 1867 Theodore S. Rogers removed with his family from Chenango Forks to Binghamton and has since been identified with the business history of the city. • John acquired his early education in the city schools, after which he began work as clerk for Carter & Babcock, wholesale and retail dealers. Later on he was for several years in the employ of Crocker & Ogden, also general hardware merchants, after which he had charge of the Binghamton branch factory of Frank Miller & Sons, manufacturers of proprietary goods. During a portion of the latter period of employment, Mr. Rog- ers was "on the road" selling goods for Miller & Sons, and he also sold cigars for Reynolds, Rogers & Lay. He then acquired a knowledge of the cigar business in general that stands in good stead in his present connection with the firm of Smith & Rogers. In 1890 he left the road and became assistant treasurer of the Binghamton Railroad Company (as now known). In 1892 he was elected treasurer of the com- pany, which position he still holds. He is interested as stockholder in the city con- solidated street railroad companies and also in the Binghamton, Lestershire and Union Railroad Company. The partnership of Smith & Rogers was formed January 1, 1900. In city business circles Mr. Rogers is known as an ener- getic, capable and straightforward young man, worthy of the confidence of our people and deserving of all the success he has achieved. On May 31, 1894, John B. Rogers married Louise, youngest daughter of the late Judge Horace S. Griswold. Two children have been born of this marriage. Whitmore, John T., has been a prominent factor in Binghamton history for a period of more than half a century, having been identified with some of the city's best business interests. Mr. Whitmore was born in Morris count3% N. J., in 1830, and when two years old came to Binghamton with his father, Thomas B. Whitmore, once a well known meat dealer in the village. In 1852 John T. Whitmore opened a meat market and was engaged in that business until 1880. In 1881 he became iden- FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 869 tified with the Bolles Hoe and Tool Company. He continued in that capacity until August 1, 1887. when he was elected president of the company, which position he now holds. Mr. Whitmore for many years has taken an earnest interest in the wel- fare and growth of our city, though never for his own personal advancement. In 1842 he and John T. Robinson were torch boys in the original Fountain Bucket Com- pany, and as such had the honor to wear the first uniform made for that company in the village. The style of " suit" was afterward adopted as the company's uniform. Mr. Whitmore also was one of the first board of aldermen under the city charter of 1867, and represented the First ward in the Common Council in 1867, '68, '70 and '71. Mr. Whitmore is a firm and consistent Democrat. Wheeler, Fred B., director, general manager and assistant secretary of the Bing- hamton Gas Works, has been a factor in our city history since 1898. Mr. Wheeler's connection with the local gas supply company antedated his residence here, and he was called to the position of general manager from the fact that the local system re- quired an engineer of acknowledged experience and skill to direct its alTairs. That Mr. Wheeler possesses these qualifications is shown in the fact that after he was graduated from Yale College (1885) he was appointed assistant superintendent of the Derby Gas Company, holding that position more than two years, and was then in the same manner connected with the Holyoke (Mass.) Gas Company. Still later he was made superintendent of the East Chester Gas Company, of Mt. Vernon, and served as such five years. He was for one year manager of the Mohawk Gas Com- pany, of Schenectady, followed by about two and one-half years as superintendent and afterward general manager of the Consolidated Gas Company of Long Branch, N. J. From the latter city he came to Binghamton in May, 1898. Mr. Wheeler is a practical and scientific engineer and a mathematician of high standing in engineer- ing circles. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Gas Light Association, and also of the Western Gas Association. In Free Masonry he is a member of the subordinate bodies and also of Otseningo Con- sistory, A. A. S. R., a trustee of Kalurah Temple, N. M. S., and a governor of the Craftsman's Club. He is also a member of the Dobson Club. Cunningham, Pierre W., is one of Binghamton's old residents and an influential member of the Democratic party. He came here thirty years ago. Mr. Cunning- nam was born in New York city and was graduated from the New York University. On coming to Binghamton he engaged in the drug business which he carried on for twenty-one years at No. 146 Washington street. Notwithstanding his business in- terests, Mr. Cunningham has for twenty-five years been actively engaged in politics; was two terms overseer of the poor, and for twelve years was secretary of the Dem- ocratic County Committee. Though he retired from business some two years ago, Mr. Cunningham has by no means lost interest in the business and political activi- ties of Binghamton where his influence is still felt. Thatcher, Samuel N.— a pupil of Faff; W. S B. Matthews of Chicago; William Mason; P. P. Bliss; Bassini; O'Neil and Parker at the New England Conservatory —located in Binghamton in 1871 when he began his most successful career as m- 8t0 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. structor upon the piano, pipe organ and violin. Mr. Thatcher was one of our first music teachers and for a number of years taught also in neighboring towns making frequent driving tours of two or three days. Many of Binghamton's most prominent musicians, notably a majority of the church organists, have been Mr. Thatcher's pu- pils. Not only as a teacher, a tuner and dealer in musical instruments has Mr. Thatcher been prominent, but also as a singer, having given his services as choir leader and tenor singer in the North Presbyterian church for a number of years. Mr. Thatcher is a G. A. R. man and was a musician in the army. He is a charter member of the New York State Music Teachers' Association and has always served on the tuning committee, much of the time as chairman. Mr. Thatcher came from Harford, Pa., where he was born November 1, 1829. His wife, whom he married September 23, 1854, was Eleanor J. Barton, daughter of Ephraim A. Barton, an early settler in Windsor and at one time a resident in Binghamton. Didier, Jacob A., proprietor of the attractively appointed Opera Cafe, opposite the Stone Opera House on Chenango street, has been a resident of Bmghamton about seven years, although he first came to the city in 1889. Mr. Didier is comparatively a young man, yet as a compounder and dispenser of cafe refreshments he enjoys considerable celebrity, having been in business either as proprietor or employee nearly twenty years and in almost as many important cities in the country. He was born in Albany, April 21, 1865, and when five years old removed with his father's family to Gloversville, where the latter was a contractor and builder. At the age of sixteen years " Honest Jake," as he is best known among his many friends and ac- quaintances, went to Detroit and was employed in the cafe connected with the Rus- sell House. Two years later he went to work in Chicago for Chapin & Gore, and still later dispensed "good cheer" in the famous Continental Hotel in Philadelphia. In 1883 he returned to Detroit and became proprietor of Recreation Park saloon, but in the next year came to Syracuse, where he worked for a time for A. G. Courtney and later in the Vanderbilt House. In 1889 he came to Binghamton and worked in the Crandall House bar, but soon afterward went to St. Paul, Minn , remaining only a few months, and then returned to this city. He was employed successively by such popular proprietors as J. D. Stratton, Mott E.Boss and the Crandall House, but in 1893 he opened the Opera Cafe, a popular and well managed resort for men. The proprietor himself is a quiet and companionable gentleman and takes an earnest interest in all that pertams to the welfare of the city. In 1887 Mr. Didier married Anna, daughter of the late Jacob Fess, of this city. One daughter has been born of this marriage. Wales, Charles S., owner and proprietor of "The Wales," the only well equipped commercial hotel on the North Side, is a native of Union, born December 9, 1863. He is a son of Charles Wales, a veteran landlord of the city, whose proprietorship of the once famous Chenango House dates back to 1869. Mr. Wales still lives in the city on the north side in which busy locality he and his sons have been important factors in business life. Charles Wales built the "North Side" Hotel in 1884 and was its proprietor until 1889, when his sons A. G. Wales (now sheriff) and Charles S. Wales succeeded him in business. In 1894 A. (t. Wales became deputy sheriff FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 871 (and was elected sheriff in November, 1896), upon which C. S. Wales became sole proprietor of the hotel, the name of which was changed to " The Wales" in Febru- ary, 1899. Mr. Wales is one of the active young business men of the north side, and his popularity as a landlord is shown in the fact that his hotel is generally filled with guests. Its capacity is forty rooms. On November 28, 1883, Mr. Wale-; married Alice, daughter of Ira Gardner of Conklin. They have two children. Williams, Charles R., senior partner in the dry goods firm of C. R. Williams & Son, doing business on the North Side, has been identified with mercantile life in Binghamton since 1863. He is a native of New Milford, born September 11, 1839, and is a son of the late Solomon R. Williams, a Susquehanna county farmer for many years, but who died in this city. At the age of fifteen years Charles started out to make his own way in life, working as a clerk a few years and afterward learn- ing the tailor's trade in Marathon with his brother. He worked as journeyman tail- or in Marathon and New Milford, but in 1863 he became clerk in the dry goods store of I. N. Hine & Co. in the then village of Binghamton. After ten years with that firm he engaged with D. M. & E. G. Halbut, in whose employ he remained eight more years. In 1881 he became partner in the firm of Hills, McLean & Williams, one of the largest dry goods stores in the southern tier. Mr. Williams was the only member of the firm who was known to our people, and his name in the concern cer- tainly had a beneficial effect, for his acquaintance was both extensive and favorable among the people of the county. In June, 1895, Mr. Williams withdrew from the firm, and in November, 1897, opened a large and well stocked general dry goods store on Chenango street ; and we may here remark that not all the buyers living on the North Side find it necessary to trade with the large department stores " down town." Indeed, it is not necessary to go further than C. R. Williams & Son's store to find almost any desired article in the dry goods line. Mr. Williams is prominently connected with the Centenary M. E. church, having been a member since 1863 and an officer since 1870. On September 7, 1861, Mr. Williams married Almira Johnson, of Marathon, by whom he had four children. Doolittle, Joseph E., senior partner in the firm of Doolittle& Smith, proprietors of the well known Troy Steam Laundry at 152 State street, has been a resident in this city since 1890. But Mr. Doolittle is a descendant of one of the pioneers of Coles- ville, his great-grandfather having settled among the Indians in that part of the county during the early years of the present century. Mr. Doolittle was born in Colesville in 1858, and is the son of Stephen and the grand.son of John Doolittle. He lived in his native town until 1883, when he went to Lyons. Kansas, and worked two years in a pottery. He then returned home and soon afterward came to Bing- hamton. His first business in the city was proprietor of a towel supply, which he has conducted to the present time. In 1892, in partnership with George H. Smith he purchased the Troy Steam Laundry, re-established it upon a paying basis, and made it one of the best establishments of its kind in the city. Mr. Doolittle is an enterprising young business man and a factor for good in Binghamton. His wife, whom he married in 1881, is Mary J., daughter of the late Marvin Frear. formerly of Harpersville and afterwards of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle have three daughters. S72 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. Bishop, George A., surgeon dentist in this city for a period of thirty years, is a native of Binghamton, born March 2, 1847, and is the son of the late Beriah Bishop, the latter a carpenter by trade and an old resident of this vicinity. Nathaniel Bishop, father of Beriah and grandfather of George A., was one of the pioneers of Chenango, having settled near Kattelville (or Cape Street, as once known) early in the century. Beriah Bishop died in 1873. George A. Bishop spent his young life in the vicinity of Binghamton and attended the old Ashery District School. In the fall of 1861 he " ran away" from home and enlisted in Capt. Jay's Co. F, 27th N. Y. In- fantry, joining the regiment in camp on the Potomac opposite Washington. After McClellan's campaign on the peninsula. Comrade Bishop was taken ill with fever and was sent to the general hospital at Philadelphia, where he was honorably dis- charged for disabilities June 4, 1862. He then returned north and spent the next year at home, regaining health and strength, and on December 25, 1863, he enlisted in Co. E (Capt. Milo B. Eldridge, and afterward Capt. Bristol). 137th N. Y. Vol. Inf. With this regiment he again went to the front and shared the successes and hard- ships of that famous Broome county command in Sherman's historic " March to the Sea." In the engagement at Lost Mountain, June 15, 1864, Comrade Bishop re- ceived a serious bullet wound in the head, and again was sent to the hospital. On May 18, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn., by orders of Major-Gen. Thomas, he was honor- ably discharged from service. He then returned home and soon afterward became a dental student under Dr. Eli Sweet who was practicing dentistry in Whitney Point. Having become fully proficient in the art. Dr. Bishop began practice in this city in 1872, in partnership with Thomas J. Wheaton, who is still well remembered by our older residents. Dr. Wheaton removed to Wilke-Barre, Pa., in 1874, since which time Dr. Bishop has been in constant practice in this city to the present time. For a period of sixteen years his parlors were located over Sears' book store on Court street, but in 1890 he removed to the busy north side, No. 233 Chenango street. Dr. Bishop is not only one of the oldest and best dentists in the city, but he is numbered among our best citizens. He served ten years as school commis- sioner, and was president of the board of education two terms. He also served six years as member of the city board of health and otherwise has been an important factor in city history. He was master of Binghamton Lodge No. 177, from Decem- ber, 1887, to December, 1890, and is also a member of the Binghamton Chapter and Malta Commandery. On May 17, 1866, George A. Bishop married Elizabeth Spohn ; of this marriage six children have been born, of whom four are now living. Mead, Cyrus, was born in the town of Roxbury, Delaware county, N. Y. At the age of nineteen he entered into co-partnership with his uncle, Chauncey Keator, in the business of general merchants, under the firm name of Keator & Mead. He was first appointed postmaster during Millard Fillmore's administration and continued business in the town of Roxbury for six years, at the end of which time the firm was dissolved. In 1851 Mr. Mead opened a store at Margaretville, Delaware county, and in 1861 was again appointed postmaster, in which office he continued during both terms for which Abraham Lincoln was elected, and also during both terms of Gen- eral Grant. On account of ill health he resigned the office of postmaster in 1873 and retired from active mercantile business, thereafter devoting his time to his real FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 873 estate interests and securities. In 1877 he removed from Margaretville to Pough- keepsie, where he spent three years, coming to Binghamton in 1880. Since his resi- dence here he has devoted most of his time to the care of his numerous investments and real estate. He has been a Mason for forty years. Buckland, William O., was born in Coventry, Chenango county, October 16. 1862, and was the son of Selden L., and Clarissa L. (Gilmore) Buckland. His early edu- cation was acquired in the district schools, and at the age of twelve years he began to make his own way in life. In the fall of 1874 he came to Binghamton and learned the trade of cigar making. After working several years as a journeyman, he went into business with William Clark, under the firm name of Buckland & Clark, and put the famous " Druggist" cigar on the market. After about three years Mr. Buckland sold his interest in the business, and in April, 1893, became partner with William Slattery in a wholesale and retail tobacco business, under the style of Slattery & Buckland. This is one of the largest tobacco jobbing firms in the city, and con- nected with it is a cigar factory employing several workmen. Both partners are young and active business men, successful in their endeavors, and worthy of all the success they have achieved. Mr. Buckland is a prominent Mason, and recently pre- pared a concise history of the craft in Binghamton. He is one of our best types of the self made man of the present day, for whatever success has rewarded his efforts has been wholly the result of his own energy and perseverance. On June 6, 1886, Mr. Buckland was united in marriage to Emily Race of this city. Willey, Albert L. , has been a resident of Binghamton since 1894, yet by his exten- sive operations in real estate in Lestershire, and also in this city, he has taken a prominent place among our most energetic and successful business men. Mr. Willey is a native of Freeville, Tompkins county, born January 18, 1855, and is the son of the late Samuel B. Willey, a farmer of Dryden. Previous to coming to Bmghamton Albert L. Willey was a farmer, merchant and general dealer in produce and stock, with a seat of business at Freeville. In 1894 he exchanged a Schuyler county farm for a livery stock in the city, which transaction brought him to the city, thereby in- creasing our force of good business men. In less than two years the livery was sold, after which Mr. Willey embarked in general real estate enterprises. His name be- came especially well known in the spring of 1898 in connection with the purchase of the Allen tract of twenty-seven acres of land in Lestershire, which he subdivided into 168 lots. Of this number 110 lots were sold in 1898, a record rarely equalled in this locality even by our old and bold operators. In the spring of 1899, in company with Frank W. Boyce, Mr. Willey purchased the Cook tract in Lestershire (seven- teen acres in extent), which was subdivided and of which more than fifty lots have already been sold. Taken altogether, it is doubtful if this record of sales has ever been equalled in the history of this city or of its enterprising suburb of Lestershire. The results of both of these ventures have been entirely satisfactory to their pro- moters, and attest the business capacity both of Mr. Willey and Mr. Boyce. Mr. Willey married Helen E. Willey, widow of Samuel E. Willey. brother of the subject of this sketch. By her first marriage Mrs. Willey had two sons— Horace N. Willey, principal of the Union school at Tioga Centre, and F Ray Willey. merchant at Freeville. Mrs. Willey's maiden name was Helen E. Head. 874 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. Dunham, Martin A , who for the past six years has acceptably filled the important office of Great Chief of the Records, I. O. R. M. , was a native of Barker, this county, born February 22, 1858, and was the youngest of six children of Lewis and Lydia A. (Fuller) Dunham. During Martin's youth his father was a farmer, but about 1870 he moved to Whitney's Point and engaged in the meat business. Martin was sent to school at the academy, but before many years had passed he left his books and be- came a butcher and practical meat cutter, doing business with his father. Four years later under the firm name of Dunham & Son. they started a grocery and pro- vision store in Whitney's Point, and continued it three years. In 1880 Martin A. Dunham became a student at the Kingston Seminary, and in the early part of the next year was appointed to the charge of the M. E. churches at West Exeter and Schuyler's Lake, Otsego county. He remained on this charge three years, and was then appointed to the pastorate of the church at Chenango Forks, but at the end of a single year physical disability compelled his retirement from the pulpit. He then returned to Whitney's Point and engaged in a general meat business in partnership with his brother, Edwin Dunham, but at the end of one year he came to Bingham- ton and purchased an interest in a similar business in the city. After five years he sold out and for the next year was employed as salesman and in the office of the Binghamton Pork Packing Company. la 1892 he leased the Parlor City laundry and operated it one year. In 1893 he was elected Great Chief Keeper of Records of the Improved Order of Red Men, of this State, and has been annually re-elected to the present time. In 1896 and 1897, Mr. Dunham was one of the city supervisors. He is an earnest Republican though not specially active in politics. On December 30, 1879, Martin A. Dunham was united in marriage to Jennie Young, of Triangle. They have two children by adoption. Wentz, John E., city assessor since 1895, has been an almost life-long resident of Binghamton, and has in many ways been identified with the growth of the city. He was born in Springville, Susquehanna county. Pa., April 10, 1829, and in 1838 came with his father's family to the village. At the age of eighteen years he began work as carpenter apprentice under Lewis & Wells, and afterward followed the trade until 1854, when he removed to Upper Lisle. From the latter place, in 1868, he went to Englewood, N. J., where he was a member of the firm of Wentz & Bennett, contrac- tors and builders. In 1871 Mr. Wentz returned to this city and was identified with building operations in this locality until 1880, when he went to Pennsylvania and be- came an oil producer in the Bradford district; but he gradually returned to his old avocation and began building. In the years 1883, '84 and '85 Mr. Wentz, under a contract with a company of mining operators, built nearly 500 houses in a single locality called Peale, Pa. ; and from this fact he was afterward frequently referred to in that region as " the Father of Peale." In 1887 Mr. Wentz returned to Bingham- ton and resumed building. His time was thus employed until 1895, when he was elected city assessor to succeed Capt. Bray, and re-elected in 1899 for a term of four years. Mr. Wentz is a Republican of more than forty years' standing. While liv. ing in Upper Lisle he was supervisor of Triangle in 1860 and again in 1862, in the latter year being chairman of the board of supervisors. He was elected alderman of the Twelfth ward in 1890, and in the same office represented the Thirteenth ward in FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 875 1891, '92, '93 and '94, resigning January 14, 1895, on his nomination for the assessor- ship. From 1892 to the time of his resignation Mr. Wentz was president of the Com- mon Council ; and while it is contrary to the policy of this work to comment upon the career of any of our city officials, both candor and fairness compel the statement that Mr. Wentz was one of the best presiding officers ever chosen by the council. Mr. Wentz' wife is Charlotte, daughter of the late John Burghardt, of Triangle. Their children were Lottie, who married Dr. R. T. Davidson, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and is now dead; Mary, wife of James Lauder, of the firm of Isaac Lauder & Son, and John Emory Wentz, who died in 1873. Springer, Henry G., junior member of the grocery firm of Collins & Springer and also one of the most active young business men of the Fifth ward, is a native of Port Crane, this county, born October 1, 1869. He is the son of Edmund T. Springer, the latter a native of Colesville and a descendant of one of the substantial old fami- lies of that town. Henry was brought up to farm work, living at home and attend- ing school until 1883, when he came to the city and was employed as a clerk in Wra. H. Mosher's grocery store on Court street. In August, 1891, Mr. Springer in part- nership with James E. Collins, who also was a former employee of Mr. Mosher, went into business on De Russey street, under the firm name of Collins & Springer. The firm is now doing business at the corner of De Russey street and Vestal avenue, and enjoys a good share of the public patronage; and what is more, the confidence and respect of the entire locality. Mr. Collins served one term as supervisor, but Mr. Springer has not sought political honors. On October 4, 1893, Henry G. Springer married Bertha D. Edson, of Bingham ton, by whom he has two children, Roy H. and Ray E. Aldrich, Charles D., who has been city assessor since 1887, and for several years chairman of the board, is a native of Binghamton, born February 13, 1849, and is the son of Solomon Aldrich, the latter a life-long resident of Broome county. Charles was educated in the Binghamton public schools, but early turned his attention to farm work, having the management of several large farm tracts owned by his father. He was also at one time associated with his father in the real estate business, under the firm style of S. Aldrich & Son. In this way he became well acquainted with real estate values in general in the city, which fact led to his nomination by the Republi- can city convention in February, 1887, for the office of assessor. He was elected at the polls and has been re-elected at the expiration of each term to the present time. Mr. Aldrich is the owner and occupant of a portion of the old " Dr. Gandolfo farm." now known as "The Acorns," on the Hawley ton turnpike (Pennsylvania avenue). The tract formerlv comprised about ninety-five acres of land, eighty acres of which was sold by Solomon and Charles D. Aldrich for the purposes of a Commercial Traveler's Home. Hallock. Frederick M., deputy collector of internal revenue for the 21st district of New York, was born in Collinsville. Lewis county, November 2, 1840, and in 18oJ 816 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. came to Binghamton and was employed as clerk in the store of Kelley, Hallock & Cook (Mr. Hallock of the firm was the late Wallace B. Hallock, brother of Fred M. Hallock). In 1862 the young man left the store and enlisted as first lieutenant, Co. A, 137th N. Y. Vol. Inf. After about one j-ear's service with the regiment, Lieut. Hallock was ordered to duty on Gen John C. Robinson's staff, as aid with the rank of major, where he served until he was mustered out of service, June 19, 1865. For about three years following his return from the service Major Hallock was in busi- ness in Saginaw, Mich., after which in 1869, he came to this city and established the firm of Hallock Bros. & Co., continuing until 1879. The next ten years were spent in the Pennsylvania oil fields, but much of the time since 1890 Mr. Hallock has been identified with business interests in this city. His appointment as deputy collector of internal revenue for the 21st district of New York, dates from October 1, 1898. Felter, Darwin, superintendent of the city water works for the last twenty-five years, came to Binghamton to live in 1853, and from that time to the present he in- deed has been an important figure in local history. Mr. Felter came here when Binghamton was a village of hardly more than 5,000 population and has witnessed and been a factor in subsequent splendid growth and development into a city of nearly 50,000 inhabitants. At the age of about eighteen years Mr. Felter began work as an apprentice to the trade of millwright, and at the end of four years was a competent, skilled workman. He then started out to make his own way in life. He erected mills, tanneries and other factory buildings in southern New York and north- ern Pennsylvania and in other localities, making his home and seat of operations in New Milford, in the neighboring county .of Susquehanna, but in 1853, having in that year married the daughter of one of Binghamton's old families, he came here to live. He continued work at his trade of master millwright until 1875, when he was ap- pointed superintendent of the city water works, the system then being in such condi- tion that the .services of a skilled mechanic were absolutely necessary. Mr. Felter at once accepted the position and straightforward set about the work of building up and extending the water system to keep pace with the rapid growth of the city, and while the management of many departments of our municipal government at times have been seriously criticised very little fault has ever been found with the water supply system. The board of water commissioners is chosen from our active busi- ness men, who serve without compensation, hence devote very little time to the af- fairs of the office. Thus the actual duty of keeping all branches of the system in perfect running order has generally devolved on the superintendent, and the results of the last quarter of a century have shown that duty has been faithfully and satis- factorily performed. Mr. Felter has for many years taken an interest in the general affairs of the city outside of his present official connection. He was a member of the old fire department, serving with Independent Engine Co. No. 5, and he now is a member of the Exempt Firemen's Association. Politically he is a Republican and twice was elected supervisor of the Fifth ward. He also is a member of Otseningo lodge, F. & A. M., and Binghamton Chapter, R. A. M. Darwin Felter was born in North Blenheim, Schoharie county, September 17, 1828. His first wife was Sarah A., daughter of William S. Beard, one of Binghamton's worthy citizens for many years. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 877 Mr. Felter's second wife was Margaret S. Stannard, formerly of Elmira. Mrs Nellie E. Monroe and William D. Felter are childen of Mr. Felter's first marriage. Nichols, Rev. Gideon Parsons, D. D., whose official connection with the First Pres- byterian church in this city began in November. 1881, and has continued to the pres- ent time, and during whose pastorate the church has increased in strength and in- fluence far beyond its growth in any like period in preceding years, is descended from substantial New England ancestry, the only child of Abiel and Jerusha (Knight) Nichols. He was born July 30, 1837, and prepared for college at the Geneseo acad- emy, in Livingston county, N Y. He then entered Union college, and was grad- uated in 1860, taking the degree of M. A., soon after which he taught Latin and Greek in Warnerville academy, Schoharie county, where he remained two years. But our young teacher had previously determined to enter the Presbyterian ministry, and had devoted much time to earnest thought and preparation to that end. He then became a student in the Princeton Theological seminary, where he was grad- uated in 1865; and at Rochester, N. Y., in the fall of the same year he was ordained a minister of the gospel. His first charge was at Victor, Ontario county, where he remained three years, then accepting a call to the Olivet Presbyterian church of Chicago, but soon afterv^rard removing to Milwaukee in response to a pastoral call from that city. Here he united the Old and New School Presbyterian churches and added still further to their strength by receiving the membership of a troubled Con- gregational church. However, in 1881, Dr. Nichols yielded to the persuasions of the First Presbyterian church of this city and became its pastoral head in November of that year. That pastorate, extending over a period of almo.st twenty years, is not yet ended, and all our people are earnestly desirous that it may not end for many years to come, for through the Christian life, teachings and leadership of Dr. Nichols as the head of the mother society of Presbyterianism in Binghamton other churches of the same denomination have been established, while all Evangelical societies have been benefited by his kindly influence and advice. One of Mr. Nichols' recent biographers has truthfully said: " His reputation extends to all the churches, and his ministry has been of constant, increasing good and edification among the people of this city." On June 22, 1871, at Rochester, N. Y., Gideon Parsons Nichols and Delia B. Nichols were united in marriage. Their children are Robert Hastings, Margaret Parsons, Henry James, Content Shepard and James Knight Nichols, all of this city. Bean, Chauncey, first became identified with the business history of this city in 1868, when the original firm of Marks & Bean (Byron Marks, Robert Hooper, Jere- miah Bean and Chauncey Bean) started a wholesale grocery and provision house. In the course of a few years Mr. Marks retired from the firm, and was soon followed by Mr. Hooper, after which the business was continued by Jeremiah and Chauncey Bean under the partnership name of Bean & Co. Still later Jeremiah Bean retired from active business, upon which the present firm name of Bean & Co. was estab- lished. Chauncey Bean retired in 1885, yet he still retains an interest in the busi- ness of the house of which he was one of the founders more than thirty years ago. The present active members of the firm of Bean & Co. are Irving W. Bean, nephew. 878 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. and Arthur J. Bean, son of Chauncey Bean. Chauncey Bean was born in Solon, Cortland county, October 29, 1818, the son of Josiah Bean, the latter being a sturdy New Hampshire Yankee by birth and a pioneer farmer in Cortland county, N. Y. In Josiah Bean's family were six .sons and six daughters. When about eighteen years old Chauncey left the home farm and became a clerk in the store of his brother Jeremiah, remaining with him five years. In 1841 he went into business with John S. Dyer, the firm being Dyer & Bean, general merchants, at Willett, Cortland county. In 1850, the store at Willett having been sold, Mr. Bean became partner with his brother Jeremiah at Cincinnatus, carrying on a large country store under the firm name of J. & C. Bean. In 1856 this business was sold, and in the next year Chauncey Bean removed to Ottawa, 111., where he did business eleven years, then sold out and at the request of his brother came to Binghamton in 1868 (Jeremiah Bean having removed here with his family in 1867) and became partner in the firm of Marks & Bean, as before mentioned. Chauncey Bean is the only survivor of the old firm, and indeed is one of our city's oldest business men. Although now practi- cally retired from active pursuits, his interest in the welfare of the city has never abated, and every measure proposed for the public good finds in him an earnest sup- porter. In 1845 Mr. Bean married Jane E., daughter of Justin Morgan, of Brim- field, Mass. Of this marriage four children were born: Arthur J. Bean, of the firm of Bean & Co. ; Frank, who died in infancy; Mary, who married Charles M. Jarvis, president of the Berlin Bridge Co., East Berlin, Conn., and a native of this city; and Sarah J. Bean, wife of Rev. Archibald Hadden, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Muskegan, Mich. For many years Mr. Bean has been a member and of his means liberal supporter of the Congregational Church. Lyons, Daniel, at nineteen years of age began his business career in Binghamton with a cash capital of fifty cents. He first entered the store of the late Paul Pitts, but left him two years later to learn the trade of cabinetmaking under Chester Wells, brother of ex-Mayor J. Stuart Wells, and finished his trade at Schenectady. Returning to Binghamton, he was successively an employee in the grocery store of Erastus Ross; proprietor of the same business; proprietor of a commission, general merchandise and auction house; and jobber in notions, hosiery, crockery, etc. As town clerk Mr. Lyons began his official career when Binghamton was only a village. He was a member of the first board of aldermen of the city of Binghamton, was re- elected and during the first year of his second term served as president of the board. He was fire marshal for two years, and is now an exempt fireman ; was also railroad commissioner for the city. Mr. Lyons was a member of the board of education for more than sixteen years, and part of the time was its president. In 1884 he was the Republican candidate for mayor. Mr. Lyons helped to found the Church of the Good Shepherd, of which he is now a warden. He is a trustee of the House of the Good Shepherd and is akso a trustee of the Barlow Industrial School. He is an Odd Fellow, and a member of Otseningo Lodge, F. & A. M., and is a charter member of the board of trade. When Mr. Lyons' father, who was widely known as Deacon Lyons, and who finally settled in Great Bend, first passed through Binghamton there were but three houses here, two on the west side of the Chenango river and one — a hotel — where is now the Misses Hyde's School. Mr. Lyons married the daughter of the late S. J. Olmstead, who settled here in 1839. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 879 Aldrich, Solomon, was born in the town of Union, December 19, 1822. one of thirteen children of Charles Aldrich, the latter being descended from Vermont Revo- lutionary stock and a pioneer on Coxe's manor in Tioga county. Charles Aldrich made the first brick manufactured in Binghamton, working for Gen. Whitney. In 1840 Solomon Aldrich learned the carpenter's trade with Stephen Baxter, and'in the following year began work for himself; and from that time to about 1870 he was actively engaged in contract work in Binghamton. During the same period he en- gaged extensively in buying and selling real property, and continued the latter pur- suit after his building operations were discontinued. It is probably true that during the sixty years of his active business life Mr. Aldrich erected as many if not more buildings than any other contractor in Binghamton, and the county records will dis- close the fact also that he has been the owner of as many parcels of land as any dealer in the county. Mr. Aldrich was twice married, his first wife being Eliza Ann, daughter of Captain Coles Bloomer, of the town of Union and afterward of Bing- hamton. Four children. Coles B., Charles D., Lewis C. and Eliza Ann Aldrich were born of this marriage. His second wife was Josephine L., daughter of Solomon Orcutt. Talbot, James L. , is a native of Binghamton and is one of eight children of Joseph and Emily Talbot. All, save one, of these sous and daughters are settled in this immediate vicinity ; all are grown toman's and woman's estate, and are earnestly engaged in some honest avocation in business life. In 1862 James L. Talbot enlisted in the 114th N. Y. Vol. Inf., and served with that regiment throughout the war. Since 1866 he has been a prosperous contractor and builder in different places, but most of the time in Binghamton. In 1877-8 he served on the committee of twelve appointed by the New York State Senate to erect a §2,500 monument to the memory of the dead of the 114th Regiment. Mr. Talbot has been an active figure in city politics; is a firm Republican, and a full believer in honest political methods. For two years he represented the Fifth ward in the Common Council, and was chair- man of the committee on city buildings and property ; and it was largely due to his influence that the new city hospital was located in the Fifth ward. He was one of the leading spirits of the movement which resulted in the performance of city work by the day rather than by contract. Mr. Talbot is a member of Binghamton Lodge No. 177, F. & A. M., and also of Watrous Post, G. A. R. Bayless, John, who for more than thirty years has been identified with the busi- ness history of this city and also of Broome county, is a native of the town of Conk- lin. Broome county. He is the son of the late Gen. John Bayless, who for many years was a prominent resident of Conklin, and whose later life was spent in this c^'ty, where he died in 1873. The pioneer of the Bayless family in Conklm was Sam- uel Bayless, who came from New Jersey during the early years of the century, and who was descended from John Bayless of New Jersey, the latter being one of the grantees named in a deed from the Indians which carried title to 200,000 acres of land between the Raritan and Harlem rivers. John Bayless (of this city) left the home farm in Conklin when he was twenty years old, and thereafter spent several years in Kansas, engaged in several successful enterprises. About the beginning of 880 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. the war of 1861-5 he returned to Conklin and went into the lumber business at Cor- bettsville and still later became interested in several acid factories as generally known. He removed to this city in 1869. For many years Mr. Bayless has been business partner with Jehiel W. Berkalew, of Kirkwood, the firm having acid fac- tories near Deposit and Gulf Summit ; and for more than twenty-five years he was partner with E. A Beman, of this city. Mr. Bayless and his son George built the pulp and paper mill, now known as the Bayless Pulp and Paper Company. Mr. Bayless with Mr. Berkalew built the Rossville acid factory, which was one of the first industries of its kind in the region. In fact, he is one of the earliest acid manufac- turers in the country, his first factory ranking about third in order of construction. Mr. Bayless also has been and is connected with several other business institutions in the city. He is a director of the City National Bank, one of the trustees of the Binghamton Savings Bank, and also is a member and treasurer of che board of water commissioners of the city. He is a member of the First Presbyterian church and for several years was treasurer and trustee of the society. Mr. Bayless' s first wife was Amanda, daughter of Sewell Corbett, the latter for many years one of Conklin's fore- most men. George C. and Franklin J. Bayless are sons of the marriage just men- tioned. Mr. Bayless's j^resent wife is Addie, daughter of the late Ira Corbett, who also was for years a prominent figure in Conklin history. One daughter has been born of the marriage last mentioned. McCall, Charles W., D. D. S., is a native of Franklin, Delaware county, born Au- gust 24, 1850, the son of Dr. Simeon Howell and Martha (Squire) McCall. Dr. McCall, the father, was for many years a prominent figure in Binghamton history and is remembered as one of our most worthy former citizens. He was educated for the medical profession at Woodstock Medical college, and began his career at Frank- lin, Delaware county, thence removing to Batavia, where in connection with his practice he had charge of a sanitarium. However, after five years practice Dr. McCall studied dentistry with Dr. Fellows, of Albion, and -in 1854 came to Bingham- ton and opened an office. In 1855 he became partner with Dr. A. D. Turner, the firm continuing until 1861, when Dr. McCall formed a partnership with Dr. Hoal Hodge, the style being Hodge & McCall, a name known in Binghamton almost twenty years. The partnership, however, was dissolved in 1870, after which Dr. McCall practiced alone until 1877, when he became professionally associated with his son. Dr. Charles W. McCall, the latter then having recently entered the profession. This relation was continued until the death of the senior member, Decembr 10, 1882. Charles W. McCall was educated in the Binghamton schools, chiefly in the old academy, but on account of an injury to one of his eyes, he left school at the age of fourteen years and began work as clerk. At the age of eighteen years he began the study of dentistry with Hodge & McCall, continuing two years. He then went to South Orange, N. J., where he opened an office for general practice, devoting, however, onlj^ one-half of each day to actual work, the other half day being occupied with attendance at a coure of lectures at the Medical college. University of New York, and afterward with one year's attendance (a full course) at the New York Dental college. He was grad- uated in 1876, standing fourth in a class of thirty, which indeed was an excellent re- cord when we consider that the young graduate maintained himself throughout his FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 881 university and college course by devoting half of his time to actual work After naving graduated Dr. McCall continued practice a short time in South Orange and in 1877 returned to Binghamton and engaged in bu.siness with his father Upon the death of the latter, the son succeeded the firm and since has continued professional work in this city. Like his father, Dr. Charles W. McCall takes an active interest in the affairs of the Sixth Judicial District Dental society, having twice been its presi- dent and several times one of its censors. He has been one of the trustees of the Barlow School of Industrial Arts since the board was established, and also was a charter member (and has been president) of the Dobson club. On April 7. 1880 Charles W. McCall married Elizabeth Lyon, daughter of D. V. Mandeville, of this city. John Oppie McCall, now a student in Yale, is the adopted son of Dr and Mrs McCall. Doubleday. Rev. William Thomas, son of the late Dr. Ammi Doubleday. was born in Binghamton, March 28, 1818, and is one of the oldest living natives of the place. In 1818 Dr. Doubleday lived at the southwest corner of Court and Washing- ton streets, as now known. He was one of the foremost men in the village for many years, and possessed considerable means as well as a strong influence among our early village people. William attended several select schools in the village, notably that at the corner of Franklin (now Washington) and Park (now Hawley) streets, also in the second story of a frame building standing near where is now G. E. Hall's confectionery store; also at the southeast corner of Main and Front streets; also in the " Masonic Temple" building on the west side of Front street, about where now stands Lewis S. Abbott's residence. At the age of fifteen years William was taken by his father to Amherst, Mass., where he entered the Academic School. The late William M. Ely accompanied them on the trip and was also a student in the same school. Dr. Doubleday drove the entire distance with a double team of horses. In 1834 young Doubleday was a student in Amherst Academy, and from the close of that year until 1836 he was in Amherst College. In 1836 he entered Yale College and was graduated in 1838, hence is among the oldest living alumni of that cele- brated institution. He then determined to enter the Presbyterian ministry and in the fall of 1839 entered Union Theological Seminary, where he remained, with a year's absence, until 1843. In August following he accepted a call from the church at Bainbridge, Chenango county, .and from that time until his retirement from the pastorate in 1878 Mr. Doubleday was a faithful worker in the service of his Master, although during the long period he was frequently compelled by ill health to tempo- rarily discontinue his labors. It is not thought necessary in this sketch to follow in detail the itinerary of his several pastorates, yet it is proper to mention that he was either supply or pastor of the churches at Bainbridge, Truxton, Gilbertsville and Delhi in this State. In December, 1863, he went to the church at Goshen, Conn., but poor health compelled his early retirement from that field. In October, 1871, he removed to Vineland, N. J., for entire rest and change of climate. His health being in a measure restored, Mr. Doubleday was able to preach occasionally, but in 1878 he returned to Binghamton, where he has since lived in quiet and permanent retire- ment. On May 14, 1844, Mr. Doubleday married Frances M., daughter of Francis and Eliza Doremus of New York city; the children of this marriage were Susan 56 883 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. Oaldwell (now deceased), and Frances C. Doubleday. Mrs. Doubleday died in April, 1882. Dunn, George W., more frequently known among the public men in New York State and also throughout his widely extended social and political acquaintance as Colonel Dunn, is a native of Broome county, born in the old town of Chenango, No- vember 27, 1840. He is the son of the late John and Isabella (Black) Dunn, an early family in this locality. His father was a native of Albany county, and his mother was descended from sturdy New England stock. Colonel Dunn (thus shall we men- tion him in this sketch although his military title was not acquired until the closing years of the Civil war) spent his early life in the town of Chenango and the village of Binghamton, where he was educated in the district schools, the Susquehanna Seminary and also in a business college ; he was just prepared for active business life when war was declared between the North and the South. In May, 1861, he en- listed in Co. C, 27th N. Y. Vol. Inf., and was appointed sergeant. At the first Bull Run battle he was taken prisoner, and was thus held at Richmond, New Orleans and Salisbury until June 1, 1862, when he was paroled. He then returned to the Union lines and was afterward exchanged. Notwithstanding that Colonel Dunn's health was seriously affected by his confine- ment in southern prisons, he soon returned to army life. During the summer months of 1862, the 109th Regiment of Infantry was raised in Broome, Tioga and Tompkins counties, Broome furnishing the greater number of men. For this com- mand Colonel Dunn recruited Co. D, and was elected its captain, his commission, however, dating from October 10. The regiment was mustered into service August 27. The arduous service of the 109th began in May, 1864, in the Wilderness cam- paign, and was continued almost without even temporary relief until the final sur- render in 1865. At Spottsylvania Captain Dunn was wounded, though not seriously. On July 14 he was promoted major, and after the terrible mine explosion at Peters- burg, Va., July 30, Colonel Catlin having lost a leg and Major Stillson also being wounded, the command of the regiment devolved upon Major Dunn. For meritori- ous service as line and field officer Major Dunn was afterward advanced to the rank of colonel by which title he has ever since been known. On May 8, 1865, in accord- ance with general orders authorizing the retirement of officers who had served con- tinuously for three years, he was honorably discharged from service. Soon after returning home Colonel Dunn engaged in business in Elmira, but at the end of one year he joined a mining expedition to Honduras, Central America. The tropical climate, however, had a serious effect upon his health, compelling his return north in the fall of 1866. In 1868 he was appointed superintendent of public documents published by Congress, at Washington, and remained in that position until he was elected sheriff of Broome county in the fall of 1875. From the date of his election to the office of sheriff to the present time, Colonel Dunn has been a resident of our city, and it may truthfully be said he indeed has been an important factor in Binghamton history throughout the period. After the expiration of his term as sheriff, he became prominently connected with the consoli- dation of our leading daily papers, the Republican and the Times, and upon the re- organization of the publishing company then effected he was chosen treasurer and .-p^^ \'^ % GEORGE W. DUNN. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 883 business manager. This relation was continued until his appointment to the city postmastership December 20, 1881. He served until August, 1886, and during his term (in 1884) a free delivery system was established in the city under his supervi- sion. After the appointment of his successor. Colonel Dunn engaged in the real estate busmess in partnership with the late Peter K. Burhans, and at the same time he also became interested in several manufacturing enterprises. Indeed, in this re- spect the colonel has been a factor for good in the industrial history of the city for a period of twenty years, although his part in such enterprises has been such as to draw no attention to himself. In this connection we may mention that he now is or at some time has been president of the Binghamton General Electric Company; vice- president of the Bundy Manufacturing Company; director of the Susquehanna Val- ley Bank; trustee of the Chenango Valley Savings Bank; director and vice-president of the Strong State Bank; director of the Binghamton, Lestershire and Union Rail- road Company, and of the Binghamton Wagon Company. Incidentally, it may be stated that Colonel Dunn was at one time manager of the Equitable Accident Asso- ciation ; president of the board of trustees of the now known Binghamton State Hos- pital; and also member of the city excise and police commissions. On March 13, 1889, Colonel Dunn was reappointed postmaster and served until November 6, 1893. He was clerk of the Assembly in 1894, and on February 16, 1897, was appointed by Governor Black to the office of State railroad commissioner, which position he now holds. It must be seen from what is stated in preceding paragraphs that Colonel Dunn has been for twenty-five years an important figure in Broome county political his- tory and in the business history of our city nearly the same length of time. It seems hardly necessary to here state that he is an undeniably stalwart Republican and that all our people know him to be as loyal to his party as he is loyal to his friends. His time and his purse have been unstintedly devoted to the promotion of the party wel- fare, and the honors he has received from city, county and State appointing powers are only the deserved reward of party service and fealty. For many years he has been annually chosen as delegate to Republican State Conventions, and likewise has served as member of the State committee and also as county committeeman at large. On November 15, 1870, George W. Dunn married Sarah M., daughter of the late Wiley and Maria (Gilmore) Thomas, of Chenango. One daughter, Mabel E. Dunn, was born of this marriage. Paige, Clinton Freeman— better known in business and Masonic circles as Colonel Paige— became a factor in Binghamton history in 1861. in connection with the ex- tensive lumbering, milling and farming operations then carried on by Hazard Lewis; and from that time to the present Colonel Paige has been closely identified with the best history of the city although milling and lumbering enterprises have been re- placed with other pursuits. About 1863 Colonel Paige engaged in a general fire in- surance business, and in later years became associated with the late Joseph B. Chaf- fee, and also with John B. Babcock. the latter now a resident in Philadelphia. The old firm of Paige & Chaffee, and also Paige, Chaffee & Babcock. was long known in local insurance circles and formed an important element of city business interests. 884 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. For more than thirty years Colonel Paige was general agent and adjuster for the Imperial Insurance Company of London, in the States of New York and Pennsyl- vania, but retired from the company's service in 1896, having then been in some branch of active business for a period of almost fifty years. Mr. Paige was born in Dryden, Tompkins county, September 10, 1837, and was the eldest of three children born to Dr. Daniel D. and Lavina (Ballard) Paige. When fifteen years old Clinton was left an orphan, after which he went to Cortland to live with his uncle, Horatio Ballard, by whom he was educated in the old Cortland Academy, and with whom he read law. He was admitted to practice in 1848 and soon afterward went to Syracuse, where he became connected with the Syracuse and Binghamton Railroad Company, holding the position of secretary during the con- struction period and for about two years after the road was completed. About 1856 he was elected superintendent of the road and served in that capacity until he came to Binghamton in 1861 and engaged in business with his father-in-law, the late Col. Hazard Lewis. Colonel Paige's Masonic record forms an interesting element of his career and is worthy of more than incidental mention for he stands among the highest craftsmen in the whole country, and has been honored many times with elevation to positions of distinguished prominence in the fraternity. Briefly noted, his Masonic record has been as follows : March 24, 1853, was made a Mason in Syracuse Lodge No. 102; June 7, 1853, became a charter member of Central City Lodge No. 305, and was its first junior deacon, then senior deacon, and in December, 1855, became its master, continuing in that office until 1860; June 17, 1853, was made R. A. M. in Central City Chapter No. 70, and became a captain of the host and king; June 8, 1858, re- ceived the degrees of R. & S. master in Central City Council No. 13; December, 1861, affiliated with Binghamton Chapter No. 139, and within two weeks was elected high priest, continuing in that office ten years; December 16, 1853, was knighted in Utica Commandery No. 3; March 17, 1856, became a charter member of Central City Commandery No. 25, K. T., was its first commander and so remained until Decem- ber, 1861 ; April 17, 1863, affiliated with Malta Commandery No. 21, and on the same day was elected commander, continuing until 1871. Grand Lodge record: 1856, junior grand deacon; 1857, grand marshal; 1858-9, junior grand warden; 1860-61, senior warden; 1862, deputy grand master; 1863-4, M. W. grand master; 1865, unanimously re-elected grand master but decHned longer service. In 1875 and '76 Colonel Paige was grand captain of the host in the Grand Chapter of the State. A. A. S. R. record: June 4, 1862, received degrees from 4th to 32d in the Supreme Council of N. M. J., and on the following day received the 33d degree and from that time to October, 1864, was the deputy for the State of New York, when the union of the Supreme Councils was effected ; October 20, 1864, was elected an active member of the Supreme Council, ad vitam; 1867-73, was grand minister of state; 1873, was elected grand secretary general and has ever since held that position by unanimous re-election ; 1867, Otseningo Lodge of Perfection was chartered with 111. Bro. Paige first senior grand warden, and so continued until elected master; 1867, Otseningo Council, Chapter of Rose Croix and Consistory, were chartered with Bro. Paige first deputy master of council, first senior grand warden of chapter, and first commander- in-chief of the consistory, continuing commander-in-chief of the latter body to the present time, and also being the presiding officer of the other bodies in the interim. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 885 In the A. A. S. R. Bro. Paige has been representative of the Supreme Council of England and Wales, and also of New Granada, and an honorary member of the Su- preme Council of Mexico and Canada. He is an honorary member of Holland Lodge No. 8, and Independent R A. Chapter No. 2. of New York city; Binghamton Lodge No. 177, and Otseningo Lodge No. 435. of Binghamton, and also of Clinton F. Paige Lodge No. 620, of Otto, N. Y. This record of membership and prominence is rarely equaled in the annals of Free Masonry in this State. On June 19, 1855, Clinton F. Paige married Caroline, daughter of Hazard Lewis, of Binghamton. The children born of this marriage were Lewis Ballard, Jane (now Mrs. Ross) and Edith (now Mrs. Comstock) Paige. Beach, George S., was born in Hartford, Conn., January 24. 1837, and is a de- scendant from the family of Thomas Beach, the latter being one of three brothers (Richard, John and Thomas) who emigrated from England to America in 1638. Thomas was granted land in Milford, Conn., in 1652, and died there in 1662, leaving five children. His grandson, John, removed with his family in 1738 to Goshen, Conn., where he became a man of prominence. He was chosen moderator of the first town meeting in Goshen in May, 1757; was deacon in the church; was appointed " prosecutor of encroachers on public lands," and remained in civil office until his death in 1773, in his eighty-third year. Col. Miles Beach, son of John, and grandfather of George S. Beach, was an officer in the revolutionary army, served throughout the war, and afterwards settled in Hartford. John Beach, son of Miles, and father of George S , was born in 1792. He engaged in the manufacture of wire, in wh'ch business his son was associated with him. George S. Beach came to Binghamton in 1860, and now lives in the home then purchased by him at " Sunnyside," on Mt. Prospect. On January 24, 1860, Mr. Beach married Caroline Elizabeth Lawyer, daughter of the late Jacob Lawyer of Binghamton. Three children were born of this marriage: Mary Danforth ; George William, a practicing physician and surgeon in Paris, France ; and Clarence Edward, manager of the Star Electric Company of Binghamton, in whose works on Front street about thirty workmen are employed. The pioneer of the Lawyer family was Johannes Lawyer, who was born at Dur- lach, on the Rhine. He came to this country in 1709, settled in Schoharie county in 1711, and died in 1763. He left four sons, Jacob Frederick being the ancestor of the branch of the family of whom we write. John, son of Jacob Frederick, had twelve children, and five of his sons (John, jr., Jacob, Abram, Lambert and David) served in the American army during the revolution. Jacob Lawyer, jr., son of Jacob, and grandson of John, was born in Fultonham, Schoharie county, in 1806. He mar- ried Magdalene Banks in 1826, came to Binghamton with his family in 1839, and died here in 1842, aged thirty-six years, leaving four children: Margaret Jane (now Mrs. Asa B. Parsons, of Conklin), William S. and George L. Lawyer (of the Binghamton Democrat), and Caroline Elizabeth (now Mrs. George S. Beach). His widow sur- vived him forty-nine years, dying in 1891, aged eighty-two years. Sullivan, James, senior member of the contracting and building firm of Sullivan & Badgley, has been a factor in the growth of this city, and of Lestershire for a period 886 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. of more than twelve years. The firm just mentioned was organized sixteen years ago, and became identified with Lestershire history in 1889. Since that time the firm has erected twenty-one prominent buildings in the village, among which may be mentioned the splendid combined municipal building, fire station and firemen's club. For several years Sullivan & Badgley have maintained business offices in this city and by their works here have contributed largely to local prosperity, evidences of which may be seen in the construction of the West Presbyterian chapel, St. Mary's church, the Binghamton Savings bank building, and other large structures. In ad- dition the firm has constructed many large public buildings in other localities, and is justly entitled to recognition among the successful contractors in southern New York. Mr. Sullivan, of the firm, is in other respects identified with city history. He deals extensively in real estate, and has purchased and plotted eight tracts of land, comprising about 300 building lots, in Binghamton and Lestershire. He is a director of the Home Mutual Loan and Savings association, also of the Binghamton Building company, and a member of the board of managers of the city hospital. Mr. Sullivan was born in Windham, Bradford county. Pa., in 1852, and came from Owego to this city in 1888. He is a practical mason by trade and thoroughly understands every detail of building construction, hence his success as contracting builder. Mr. Sulli- van's family consists of a wife and three children. Johnson, George F. , general superintendent and resident manager of the Lester- shire Manufacturing Company, is a native of Milford, Mass., born October 14, 1857, and is the son of Frank A. and Sarah J. Johnson, both of whom now live in Lester- shire. The father himself is a practical shoemaker, and to that occupation his sons were brought up after leaving school. In Milford, George became a thorough workman, and when in 1882 he was employed by Lester Bros. & Co., of this city, as foreman of their "treeing" and packing department, the firm knew a competent workman had been secured. From 1882 until the organization of the Lestershire Boot and Shoe Company, which was the outgrowth of the firm of Lester Bros. & Co., Mr. Johnson continued in charge of the treeing and packing department, and in 1892, soon after the Lestershire Manufacturing Company succeeded the former con- cern, he was advanced to the position of general superintendent. Then the com- pany employed less than 300 workmen in all departments, but during the years fol- lowing, under his management the capacity of the plant has been several times in- creased, and the works now employ an aggregate of about 1,600 workmen and pro- duce about 18,000 pairs of boots and shoes per day. In 1894 Mr. Johnson became a stockholder in the company and subsequently added to his interest in the works and acquired considerable real estate in the village, still maintaining, however, his residence in the city. In the early part of 1900 he suc- ceeded by purchase to all the real estate in Lestershire formerly owned by Henry B. Endicott, and rented by the Lestershire Manufacturing Company, and at the same time became the owner of nearly one-half of the company's capital stock. Lester- shire and Binghamton business men know that the wonderful success achieved by the company in a great measure has been due to the excellent business capacity and foresight of the superintendent and manager — George F. Johnson. (For a more de- tailed narrative of the company's history and Mr. Johnson's connection therewith, see the chapter relating to Lestershire). GEORGE F. JOHNSON. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 887 Kennedy, William P., civil engineer, railroad contractor and present member of the firm of Bennett & Kennedy, wholesale and retail dealers, first became a factor in Binghamton history when he with associates built twelve miles (from this city west- ward) of the now known D. L. & W. railroad. Since that time he has resided in this city. Mr. Kennedy is a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born in 1844. His early education was acquired in the common schools and the Christianna (Penna.) academy. He fitted himself for civil engineering and continued in that profession four years, until the collapse of the proposed St. Croix and Lake Superior railroad, in which enterprise he occupied the position of principal assistant engineer. After one year's service as contractor's clerk on the Lehigh and Susquehanna railroad, he engaged on the work of construction of the Union Pacific railroad in the capacity of auditor and cashier. Still later he engaged in contracting, continuing at intervals to the present time. The extension of the D. L. & W. railroad brought him to Bing- hamton, to engage in building the section of road above mentioned. In the same connection he also built some miles of the westerly part of the road, and in subse- quent years he and partners have made a greater portion of the road's heavy im- provements, including the Factoryville tunnel and filling the Buffalo "trestles." For several years past Mr. Kennedy has been business partner with Fred Bennett, in his railroad contracts as also in the handling of coal, etc. He has been a member of the Binghamton Board of Trade since its incorporation, and for four years past one of its trustees. He is a member of the Binghamton and Dobson clubs, and a member of Christ church. Mable, Frederick J., was born in Croyden, England, March 9, 1856, and is the son of the late Charles Mable, who came to America with his family in the fall of 1869, and settled in this city. Mr. Mable died in 1872, and his wife died in 1882. Fred- erick acquired his early education in England, and soon after coming to Binghamton he was employed as clerk and timekeeper for George Smith, a master painter whose place of business was on Commercial avenue. One year later he worked for Augustus Wiley, and still later for the firm of Smith & Wiley, but during the period of these several employments, young Mable learned the painter's trade, and learned it well. In fact, in 1876 he became one of the firm of Stone, Sullivan & Mable. succeeded in 1877 by Sullivan & Mable, the latter firm dissolving in 1878 and Mr. Mable continu- ing business alone until 1887, when he entered the firm of Lawrence & Mable, dealers in paints and painter's supplies. This firm continued until 1890 and then dissolved, upon which Mr. Mable came to his present location on State street, and established himself as general contracting painter, paper hanger and decorator, employmg a number of men. Mr. Mable is a thirty-second degree Mason (Binghamton Lodge and Chapter. Malta Commandery, Otseningo Consistory, and Kalurah Temple. A. A. A. O. N. M. S.) For twenty years also he has held an Odd Fellow membership. For many years he has been a member of the Centenary M. E. church, and for twelve years a member of its official board. On June 10, 1885, Frederick J. Mable married Belle, daughter of James H. Dunn, of this city. Four children, three of whom are living, have been born of this marriage. Carpenter. William E., a member of the city board of street commissioners, senior 888 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. partner of the firm of W. E. & E. D. Carpenter, general coal dealers, has been a resident of Binghamton since the summer of 1875, when he began " running bag- gage" on the D. L. & W. road between this city and New York. Mr. Carpenter, however, was a "railroad man" for almost thirty years, and is recognized as having been one of the veterans of the Lackawanna system. He was born in Lenox town- ship, Penna., August 27, 1850, and was brought up on a farm. On April 1, 1869. he was first employed by the D. L. & W. company in the capacity of first helper in the freight house, but the youngster had no idea of remaining permanently in the freight handling department, hence during his unoccupied hours he learned telegraphy. He was kept in the freight house less than a year and a half, and then was employed two and one-half years as train dispatcher in Scranton, but failing health compelled him to drop office work. In 1872 he was made conductor of a coal train ; in 1875 was promoted to baggage master between New York and Binghamton. and in 1878 he was made passenger conductor and run the first " night line" between the points mentioned. In August, 1891, Mr. Carpenter was offered the "run" on the new branch between Alfred and Montrose, and accepting the offer he was on that line until March 4, 1897, when he resigned his position, and in partnership with his brother established a general coal office on the north side. Mr. Carpenter is a firm Democrat. His appointment to the street commission dated in February, 1899. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, having a membership in all the Masonic bodies of the city, and also in Kalurah temple, of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, and is secretary and treasurer of the local branch. At Foster, Penna., on February 10, 1873, Wm. E. Carpenter married Elva E. Bell, daughter of Truman Bell, a merchant and farmer, and one of the most highly re- spected and prominent men of Lenox township. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have one daughter, Nellie B. Carpenter. Welden, Benjamin F., secretary of the Sisson Bros.-Welden company, the latter the succes.sor to the dry goods firm of Sisson Bros. & Welden, is a native of Bing- hamton, born February 28, 1875, and is the son and elder of two children of the late James K. and Mary Sisson Welden. He was educated in the city schools and also at St. John's Military school, at Manlius, N. Y., having graduated at the latter in- stitution in 1893. He came at once into the employ of Sisson Bros. & Welden, and upon the death of his father in 1895, he thereafter represented the estate in the firm. On March 7, 1900, the Sisson Bros.-Welden company was incorporated and Mr. Welden was elected its secretary. He is one of our city's active young business men, and seems to have inherited many of the best traits of his grandfather, the late Ben- jamin F. Sisson (one of Binghamton's pioneer merchants), for whom he was named, and also of his father, the late James K. Welden, who was an active factor both in the business and political history of the city for many years. Mr. Welden is the present master of Otseningo lodge, F. & A. M., youngest master in the State, a thirty-second degree Mason, and a member of Kalurah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. Loveland, Charles H., wholesale and retail druggist on Upper Chenango street, is a native of this city, born June 23, 1867. He is the son of the late Mordecai Love- land, who is remembered as one of Binghamton's old substantial- residents, having FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 889 come here about 1850 and for many years carried on a carriage and wagon making biisi ■ □ess. Charles was educated in the city schools, and began his business career as clerk for James McDougall, druggist, in the old "Medical hall" at No. 55 Court street. Later on he was employed in the wholesale drug store of Corbin & Son for three years, after which he went to Kansas City, Mo., and was similarly employed about two years. He then entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, where he was graduated in 1891. In the spring of the same year he established a drug store on the North Side, where he has ever since been in business. In 1893, in company with his brother, William H. Loveland, he started a drug store at the corner of Court and Liberty streets, and two years afterward removed the stock to the Barlow block, corner of Court and Rutherford streets. This business was afterward bought by William H. Loveland, and was removed to the corner of Chenango and Henry streets. On April 1, 1898, soon after the Corbin & Son failure, Charles H. Loveland organized and fora year and a half was the active business manager of the Elk Drug company. In 1899 he sold his stock in the company and since that time has devoted his time solely to the management of his store on upper Chenango street, where he does a successful wholesale and retail business. On June 36, 1895, Mr. Loveland married Edith, daughter of John Hungerford, of Princeton, Ills. Kendall, Thaddeus Richmond, who is remembered by our older residents as senior partner in the firm of Kendall, Harrison & Co., was engaged in active business in Binghamton for a period of about twelve years. He was born in Mt. Vernon, N. H., November 27, 1811, and was descended on both sides from substantial New England Revolutionary stock. During his youth his parents removed from New Hampshire to Montreal, Canada, and thence to Vermont. His early education was acquired chiefly in the famous University of Vermont, at Burlington, where he was graduated. He read law with the distinguished George P. Marsh, of Burlington, and after being licensed to practice, located in Sumter county, Alabama. In the south Mr. Kendall practiced law for a time, and afterward drifted into mercantile pursuits and dealing in cotton. After his marriage he lived many years in Mobile, until two years after the Civil war, when he removed with his family to Keokuk, Iowa, thence to Concord, N. H., and to this city in the latter part of 1869. In the following year he engaged in business with A, S. Gaskin and the late William E. Taylor, manufacturing tobac- co and cigars under the firm name of A. S. Gaskin & Co., the style, however, chang- ing to Kendall, Harrison & Co., when James Harrison succeeded to Mr. Gaskin's interest in the business. Subsequently his son, George W. Kendall, came into the partnership, replacing Mr. Harrison, upon which the name of the firm again was changed, but throughout the entire period of more than twelve years, under whatever name, Thaddeus Richmond Kendall was the capitalist and head of the house, and was an extensive employer of labor, and was, as well, one of the most respected men in the city. The firm was dissolved by the death of its senior mem- ber in September, 1883. Although a man of strong political convictions, Mr. Ken- dall did not take an active interest in public affairs after his return from the south, but devoted himself wholly to business and the comfort of his family. He was a member of the First Presbyterian church of this city. In August, 1842. Mr. Kendall married Mary A. Hutchins, daughter of James Hutchins, a cotton planter of Sumter 890 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. coun'y, Alabama. Of this marriage four children were born, two of whom — George W. and Mary Kendall, both of this city — are now living. Morgan, Major Chauncey, who is mentioned in another department of this work as the pioneer printer of Binghamton, was the brother of Major Augustus Morgan, and like him, was entitled to be addressed as Major. Both were sons of a Revolu- tionary patriot — Gaius Morgan — and both have descendants still living in Bingham- ton. Chauncey Morgan came originally from Connecticut, to Steuben county, and thence to Binghamton, in 1812. He was a practical newspaper man, combining the fortunate qualities of editor, publisher and compositor. Indeed, he was one of the few editors in his time who could (and he frequently did) stand at the "cases" and " set up " his editorials from memory alone. After living several years in Bingham- ton Mr. Morgan removed to Oxford, and in 1840 returned permanently to this place. His business life was devoted entirely to newspaper work. He possessed splendid ability, yet he never became wealthy. His wife was Elizabeth N., daughter of Will- iam John Bessac. The father of the legal profession in Orleans county was Benja- min L. Bessac, a nephew of Mrs. Morgan. Major Morgan's children were Charlotte A., who married John J. Youmans, and who alone of Major Morgan's children is now living; Henry Augustus, Catharine Sophronia, who married Joseph Barlow; and Harriet Elizabeth Morgan, who died young. Major Chauncey Morgan died in 1859. John J. Youmans was for many years a prominent figure in Binghamton history. He came here from Unadilla in 1839, was an architect and builder, and was closely identified with the growth of the village soon after its incorporation. He was one of the founders of Spring Forest Cemetery Association, and for many years was super- intendent of the cemetery. Mr. Youmans died in this city January 5, 1883. His wife, whom he married in 1840, was Charlotte A. Morgan. Their children were Robert and Frederick Youmans, both of whom are now dead. Bardwell, Darwin L., superintendent of schools of this city, is a native of Shel- burne, Mass., born March 30, 1860. His early education was acquired in the district schools, and he prepared for college at the Greenfield High School. He entered Amherst College in 1879, and was graduated in 1883. He then began his career as teacher, his first engagement being in a large district school in Champaign, 111., where he remained one year. The next year he taught Latin and Greek in a pri- vate academy at Greenwich, Conn., after which, for a period of five years he was prmcipal of the Union School at Greenport, Long Island. In 1890 he was appointed to the charge of the department of science in the State Normal School at Cortland, where he remained seven and one-half years. At the end of his term of service Prof. Bardwell was appointed by the Regents to the position of inspector of acad- emies in the State ; but about the same time was offered the position of institute con- ductor by Mr. Skinner, State superintendent of public instruction. This offer was accepted, Prof. Bardwell thereafter engaging in institute work until he was called to the superintendency of our city school system in March, 1899. On December 28, 1885, Darwin L. Bardwell married Alice, daughter of John Babb, of Champaign, 111. Two sons have been born of this marriage. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 891 Sherwood, William H., was born in Fairfield county, Conn., December 10. 1829. but in 1835 his father, Amos O. Sherwood, removed to Wayne county. Pa., where William was brought up, educated and began his business career. He worked on his father's farm and soon after having attained his majority he began lumbering on his own account ; first on a one hundred acre tract and later on a nine hundred acre tract of land, both of which ventures proved successful and gave him a fair start in life. In 1866 Mr. Sherwood purchased the Thorn tannery in Maine village, and in that year he first became a factor in Broome county history. For about twenty-one years he carried on a successful tanning business in Maine, and during much of the same period he also conducted a large general store in the village. After the bark supply was exhausted Mr. Sherwood discontinued the tannery, disposed of his mercantile interests and removed his family to Bingbamton, but in the meantime he had pur- chased a tannery property in Jerdeu Falls, town of Crogan, Lewis county. With this enterprise he was connected about nine years and then sold out to the United States Leather Company, whose agent Mr. Sherwood then became, in the capacity of superintendent of tanneries. After two or three years Mr. Sherwood resigned his position and returned to this city, where he has since lived in comfortable retire- ment. While living in Maine Mr. Sherwood served three terms as supervisor, but in the city he has not taken an active part in political affairs. In September, 1850, Mr. Sherwood married Donna Maria Clark, of Preston, Wayne township. Five chil- dren were born of this marriage, four of whom are still living, viz. : Ferdinand, of the firm of C. E. Hathaway & Co., produce dealers; Ina, wife of Edson B. Rich; Elva, wife of O. C. Kingsley ; and Lalah, wife of F. H. Beach. Waite, James E., became an active factor in Binghamton history in 1885, when he removed to the city and started an extensive lumber dealing business at the corner of Wall and Ferry streets, on the site where he soon afterward erected a large fac- tory building. However, Mr. Waite was a prominent character in county history many years before he came to live in the city. He was born in Orange county, Sep- tember 17, 1837, the son of Herman V. Waite, who came to Binghamton in 1853 and engaged in mercantile pursuits two years before removing to Port Crane. James was educated in the old Binghamton Academy, soon after which he began his business career with his father. In 1869 he engaged in lumbering in Windsor, and the history of that town shows he was generally identified with local annals, and rep- resented the town five terms in the board of supervisors. The same office he also held two terms while living in Fenton, as the chapter relating to that town will show. In connection with his milling enterprises, Mr. Waite engaged in lumbering opera- tions in Tioga and Potter counties, Pa., where he still retains large land and lumber interests. In 1885 he took up a residence in this city, and at once engaged in active business, as has been stated. In the city, as in Fenton and Windsor, he has been a known factor in political history and represented his ward in the board of supervis- ors six terms (See City Civil List); and it may be said with truth that James E. Waite was one of the safest and most influential members of that body. It is hardly necessary to state that Mr. Waite is a thorough Republican. He is still engaged in business and owns several desirable parcels of real estate in the city. He is a mem- ber of Windsor Lodge, F. & A. M., and of Malta Commandery, K. T. (of this city); 892 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. and also is a member of Pawnee Tribe, I. O. R. M. Mr. Waite's wife, whom he married September 10, 1868, was Sarah J. Brezzee, by whom he has two children, Arthur J. and Helen Waite. Ingraham, William John, D. D. S., is a native of St. Charles, Mo., born June 28, 1873, and is the son of William H. Ingraham, who for many years has been employed as chief engineer at the pumping station of our city water supply system. When William J. was about two years old his parents removed from Missouri to this State, and settled in this city about 1875. He was educated in our public schools, and was graduated at the B.C. H. S. in 1894. He then studied dentistry with Dr. H. D.Whitmarsh and later took a three years' course in the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, where he was graduated, D. D. S., in 1897. He at once began practice in this city and now is numbered among Binghamton's active young professional men. Green, George E., is perhaps one in many thousands of the present generation who have practically participated in the " hard knocks" associated with the life of a backwoodsman. He is a native of Broome county, and the first fourteen years of his life were spent in a log house entirely surrounded by woodland, at the outset a clearing sufficient only to permit the erection of a log house of a truly primitive style, and the log shed in which the oxen were stabled, but before he left the old home, more than 100 acres had been cleared and improved as farm land. The old house still stands, being located in a neighborhood known as Ballahack in the old town of Port Crane (now Fenton) Mr. Green first became a factor in city history in 1877, when he was employed as clerk in Jerome Shaw's grocery store. Main and Edwards streets, having formerly been employed by James E. Waite in his general store and lumber camp at Tusca- rora, N. Y. His employment with Mr. Shaw was of brief duration and his next en- gagement was as traveling salesman for S Mills Ely & Co. Mr. Shaw one day re- marked to a friend concerning his former clerk: "That youngster will some day be one of the best business men in Binghamton." So it has proved, for to-day George E. Green is one of our city's foremost men. and it is doubtful if any citizen of Bing- hamton enjoys a wider acquaintance than he. Mr. Green soon found an opportunity to better his position by entering the employ of Ford & Evans, general coal dealers, working in the office and traveling on the road. He built up an extensive bituminous coal trade for the firm, and soon after Major Edwin Evans was appointed steward at what is now the Binghamton State Hospital, the firm of Ford & Green naturally succeeded the old membership. Four years later Mr. Green succeeded to the proprietorship of the wholesale coal business, and the firm of Ford & Green was dissolved. The office was then located at 74 Court street, and soon afterward Mr. Green opened offices in the Perry building di- rectly representing the Berwind- White Coal Mining Company of Philadelphia and New York, as exclusive sales agent for the State of New York and Canada. The first bituminous coal sold by Mr. Green was produced by this firm, whom he has rep- resented, directly and indirectly, for upwards of twenty years. It is unquestionably v'^8^^^*^^3Pi!SSwP GEORGE E. GREEN. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 893 true that Mr. Green enjoys the largest bituminous coal trade of any dealer in the State, the business being conducted under his personal supervision. Mr. Green and Harlow E. Bundy in 1889 brought to this city a small manufactur- ing plant, which is now one of the greatest industries of this section— the Bundy Manufacturing Compan3^ manufacturers of workmen's time recorders, etc., which are known the world over. Offices are maintained in the principal cities of the United States, and the British Bundy Company, with offices in London, is directly conduct- ed by the Bundy Manufacturing Company, of which Mr. Green has been president since its organization. The Binghamtou Cigar Company is conducted solely under the direction of Mr. Green, Hon. R. A. Ford owning an interest in same. Mr. Green is the treasurer of the Harris Safety Company of New York and Chicago, manufacturers of the Harris system of fire escapes, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers. He is vice-president and director of the New York Casualty Company of New York, and one of the directors of the Security Mutual Life Association of this city, and principal stockholder and director in the Doremus Machine Company of New York, also stockholder and di- rector in the Hollenbeck Saddle Company of Syracuse, and is interested in other business enterprises, among which is the Home Magazine of New York, of which he is .sole owner and which is conducted under his direction by Mr. J. K. Adams as business manager and Arthur T. Vance as editor. Besides his real estate interests in Binghamton and Broome county, he has large interests in Bufi^alo and Erie county. Mr. Green has frequently been entrusted with business responsibilities of unusual magnitude, and is at present the chairman of a board of trustees in New York city charged with the settlement of an estate exceed- ing half a million dollars. In the political history of the city, Mr. Green has been a conspicuous figure for a number of years, and in the councils of the Republican party, both in county and State politics, he has enjoyed a special prominence. He is, and has been for many years the chairman of the Broome County Republican Committee. In 1887 he was elected alderman of the Third ward, and in 1888 was elected president of the Com- mon Council. In his representative capacity as alderman. Mr. Green was the lead- ing spirit of a movement which led to the marked public improvements in the city, and it was during his term of office that our present admirable sewer system was established, improved pavements adopted and constructed, and the full-deck bridge across the Chenango river at the foot of Court street was projected. This was only a small beginning of a work that was carried on to still greater extent in later years, all of which gave the city an enviable prominence among the municipalities of the State. In 1889 Mr. Green was the Republican candidate for the mayoralty, though not of his own seeking. He was defeated at the polls, through the treachery of dis- gruntled members of the party, who were undoubtedly jealous of the rising promi- nence of the new young leader. In 1893 he was again nominated for the same office and was elected by an over- whelming and unprecedented majority, and thereafter by re-election Mr. Green was mayor of the city five years consecutively, and we might well say almost the first real incumbent of the office who gave to the public interests the same careful atten- tion that a prudent man will give to his own personal concerns. Indeed George E. 894 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. Green was — and we say it without hesitation — the best mayor Binghamton ever had, and for his services our people owe to him a lasting debt of gratitude. Of all the improvements and reforms accomplished during his term we have no space for detailed mention; hence allusion to a few must suffice. The adoption of the appointive system of school commissioners, in place of the previous elective method which was rapidly drifting our school management into the foulest mire of politics, secured for the measure an opposition both widespread and bitter. The mayor himself was the chief object of wordy assault on the part of the so-called lov- ers of the "sacred ballot" system; but now when all passion has subsided, it is doubtful if any of the honest opponents of the appointive system would desire a re- turn to the old method. All of our citizens will remember Mr. Green's earnest endeavors to secure a via- duct at Chenango street over the various railroad tracks. The State Legislature readily enacted a law ordering the construction of the viaduct ; but the subject was referred for confirmation to a vote of the taxpayers, and by the strenuous opposition of corporate interests and some local and sectional prejudices, the project was de- feated at the polls. The plan as then proposed stipulated that the city should bear only twenty per cent, of the cost of said viaduct. After a few years have elapsed, it seems to have been almost the unanimous opinion of our citizens, including many of the strongest opponents of the viaduct when proposed by Mr. Green, that a similar plan should now be put through without delay. Fortunately, by reason of subsequently enacted State laws, which received the strong sup- port of Mr. Green, and because of the favorable action of the State railroad commissioners, of whom Col. George W. Dunn of this city is a member, the viaduct will be built; but the plan will be no better, if indeed as good, as the one originally proposed, and our citizens must necessarily, under the State law, pay twenty-five per cent of the cost, this being the most favorable law that could be secured. Among the marked improvements may be mentioned the new municipal building. It required force and almost arbitrary power, to raze to the ground the old Fire- men's Hall and erect thereon the present beautiful and adequate municipal building. The plan of securing architectural designs and awarding contracts for the construc- tion of the building has frequently been referred to by experienced judges as one of the most exemplary systems that could possibly be adopted to prevent jobbery and corruption. The present city hospital, a most magnificent institution, not yet fully understood and prized at its true value by our citizens, is a tribute to Ex-Mayor Green, who at first fought single-handed and alone in favor of such an institution to be controlled and maintained solely at the expense of the city taxpayers. The modern bridges across the Chenango river at Ferry and De Forest streets were the outcome af his incessant and vigorous work. The fight to do away with the old and dangerous suspension bridge and to erect instead a modern structure was one of the hardest and most bitter in the annals of our city and was finally ac- complished by the co-operation of the Common Council with Mr. Green's plans, and he personally paid the expenses of the experts whose reports in showing the true character of the suspension bridge at just the right moment caused the taxpay- ers to vote in favor of the improvement. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 895 The Central fire station, new hose rooms, and additions and improvements to the old ones were adjuncts to his admmistration as mayor. The plan whereby sewers may be constructed under direction of the city authori- ties and by the employment of citizens of Binghamton only, and which system has thus far demonstrated a great saving to the taxpayers and the employment of many citizens at good wages, was first proposed by Mr. Green and the plan only put into successful operation after he had repeatedly vetoed actions of the Common Council to award sewer construction on the old contract system. Many further improvements and reforms in municipal government were the direct outcome of his careful and studious research and practical application. Mr. Green has traveled widely and devoted a large part of his life to the study of municipali- ties and the methods most practical and beneficial to true municipal progress. Mr. Green was an early member of the Commercial Travelers Home Association of America and when mayor took a special interest in securing the home building for our city, and with equally devoted co-workers, he labored earnestly and success fully to that end, it being conceded that his speech at the Syracuse convention (held in Alhambra Opera House), secured the unanimous vote of said convention in favor of the Binghamton site. In 1894 he was elected president of the Home Association and served in that capacity until 1899, then declining re-election, but still serving on the board of managers, and assuring the public that the home, in the interest of which he has spent many thousands ot dollars, will yet be completed. Mr. Green is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Otseningo Lodge F. & A. M., Malta Commandery, Knights Templar, Otseningo Consistory and Kalu- rah Temple, Knights of the Mystic Shrine. He was a charter member of Wamsutta Tribe No. 37, Improved Order of Red Men, andjrose from one degree to another, in that fraternal order, until he reached the highest position within the gift of the members of the State of New York— Great Sachem— and from that continued to pro- gress until he was unanimously elected Great Incohonee of the Great Council of the United States, which position he now holds, Mr. Green is a member of other fra- ternal and social organizations in the city of Binghamton and elsewhere. George Edward Green was born in the town of Kirkwood, Broome county. August 30 1858 the son of James D. and Frances (Wisner) Green, who soon after his birth moved to the town of Port Crane, now Feuton. On February 37. 1880, George E. Green married Sara E. Cole. One daughter, Frances Gertrude Green, who died April 25, 1897, at the age of fourteen years, was born of this marriage. Aldrich, Moses B., surgeon dentist of this city since 1892, is a native of Thompson Pa., and was born September 23, 1842. He was the son of Horace Aldrich and the grandson of Major Aaron Aldrich, the latter a sturdy New Hampshire \ ankee and an early settler in northern Pennsylvania. Moses B. Aldrich spent ^^ young life m Pennsylvania and was educated m the Jackson village high school, and also in Prof^ Hawley's select school in Gibson. On August 5, 186 , ^e -listed in Co.J,UU, Penn. In 1864, on account of disabilities, he was transferred to the Vet^ f " ^1° P'; and afterward served as clerk for Gen. Auger, and still later Gen. Hooke He .^ also on detached service during the Ohio riots. He was 7^^-- J^ J^^^f ^'f ^: at Cincinnati, Ohio. Returning thence to the north Comrade Aldrich became a 896 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. tal student in the office of Dr. Thomas J. Wheaton, who is well remembered by all our old residents, and in 1872 began practice for himself in Marathon, N. Y., where he remained more than twenty years. In December, 1892, he returned to this city and has been in active and successful practice in his profession. In Marathon Dr. Aldrich was town clerk, justice of the peace, chief engineer of the fire department, member of the academy board, and two years president of the village. In this city he has been less active in municipal affairs, and devotes himself wholly to profes- sional work. However, he is prominently connected with our Masonic and Grand Army organizations, and generally with the be.st interests of the city. On June 28, 1876, Dr. Aldrich married Clara, daughter of Orson H. Smith, of Marathon, by whom he has two children. Cornell, William T., became sole proprietor of the general undertaking business on Chenango street, on the North Side, in April, 1895, succeeding the firm of J. C. Cornell & Son. John C. Cornell was one of the oldest funeral directors and under- takers in this county, having established the business at Port Crane thirty years ago. In 1878 he removed to Castle Creek and lived there five years. He next located in Port Dickinson, where he did business in the village, and also in the city until 1888, when he established undertaking rooms on the north side, his son being associated with him under the firm name of J. C. Cornell & Son. In 1895, as above mentioned, the son, William T. Cornell, succeeded the firm; under the present and conservative methods strictly followed by his father, William T. Cornell became thoroughly con- versant with all the details of undertaking in general. The new proprietor used modern methods, completely revolutionized the business and set an example which has in a measure been imitated by others. He can display to the caller thirty-five different styles of burial caskets, ranging in price from the cheapest to those which per- sons of wealth alone can afford. More than that, the equipment of the entire estab- lishment, which is far more extensive than appears to the passers-by on Chenango street, has been entirely remodeled and renewed. The applicant for Mr. Cornell's services can now select the finest casket, the most beautiful burial robes, and the most elegant funeral car that ever appeared in any city in interior New York. All appointments are in full harmony, and the best possible service and attention are here obtainable. It is no more than the exact truth to say that William T. Cornell is proprietor of the best undertaking rooms, and director's supply auxiliaries, that modern enterprise can offer; and all this splendid condition is the result of energy and good business judgment. Mr. Cornell now ranks among Binghamton's foremost business men, and certainly has become an important factor in city history. His wife, whom he married June 1, 1886, is Etta M., daughter of Walter M. Holt of Port Dickinson ; they have one daughter. Hubbard, Andrew W., whose large grocery and provision store is one of the busy centers of trade on the North Side, has been in business in this city since 1885. He was formerly a farmer in Colesville, in which town his father, Clark Hubbard, set- tled in 1869. The family came from Walpole, Cheshire county, N. H., where both Clark and Andrew Hubbard were born, the latter in February, 1851. About 1873 Andrew Hubbard began farming for himself in Colesville, and was so engaged until FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 897 1885, when he sold his farm and came to the city. Mr. Hubbard has been twice married. His first wife was Margaret, daughter of Luther Edwards, of Colesville. She died in 1884, and in 1887 Mr. Hubbard married Stella, daughter of Edmimd Os- trom, the latter being recalled as an old resident and prominent business man of this city. Mr. Hubbard is an enterprising, prudent and successful busmess man, of such quality as New England has always furnished to this city. He is prominent in fra- ternal circles, being a member of Otseningo Lodge, F. & A. M., Hinghamton Chap- ter, R. A. M., and Malta Commandery, K. T. He also is a member of Parlor City Lodge, No. 702, I. O. O. F. Green, Almeron D., is a native of Broome county, having been born a little above Port Dickinson, where he lived until removing to Binghamton in 1864. He married the daughter of the late Brazilla Kent. After twenty years of familiarity with the furniture business, he became a partner in the well-known firm of Severson, Culhane & Green, succeeded by the firm of Culhane & Green. The latter firm handles a large retail furniture trade, carrying about thirty thousand dollars worth of stock. Mr. Green has confined himself very closely to the management of his busijess, letting few outside interests interfere and it is, no doubt, to this steady application on his part and that of his partner, that much of the success of the firm is due. Mr. Green has been an Oddfellow for twenty-five years. Culhane, James, came to Binghamton in 1847 and his son, James J. Culhane, the subject of our sketch, was born here in 1856. Like his partner Mr. Green, Mr. Cul- hane had become thoroughly familiar with the furniture business before he went into trade for himself in 1885. In June, 1898, the firm of Culhane & Green entered their new store at No. 161 Washington street, where their fine retail stock of furniture is most advantageously displayed. Mr. Culhane is an active Democrat, having been alderman of the Eighth ward since January 1, 1898. He holds the responsible position of treasurer of Division Number 1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and is also county treasurer of the same order. Mr. Culhane married the daughter of Philip Roach. Gaylord, Willis H., practical heating and ventilating engineer, came to Bingham- ton in 1881 to construct the heating and ventilating system in the Asylum for Insane persons (now Binghamton State hospital). Two years later his employers. Bates & Johnson, of New York, established a branch of their house in this city, with Mr. Gaylord in charge. The business was continued until 1888, when the present firm of Gaylord & Eitapenc was formed. Mr. Gaylord is a native of Holyoke, Mass., born September 17, 1863, but spent much of his young life in Geneva, N. Y., where his father, John Gaylord, was a contractor and builder. In 1878 Willis went to New York and learned the trade of scientific heating and ventilating with W. H. Warner, and afterward was employed by the firm of Bates & Johnson, which succeeded Mr. Warner. Since 1881 Mr. Gaylord has been an active factor in business circles in our city, and is known as a skilled workman in his special line as well as an enterprising citizen. The large fine brick and stone building at the corner of Lewis and State 57 898 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. streets was built by Gaylord & Eitapeuc. Mr. Gaylord's wife, whom he mar- ried April 15, 1882, was Mary H. Stintsman, of Wilkesbarre. They have four children. Brockway, Abner M., assistant superintendent of the Binghamton Railroad com- pany, came from Trumbull county, Ohio, to this city in 1885, and for about a year was an employee in Lester Bros. & Go's, shoe factory. In 1890 he entered the ser- vice of the Street Railway company, serving as conductor until 1893, when he was advanced to the position of assistant superintendent, which he still retains. Brown, Robert, or as more familiarly known to his many friends in this city. Colo- nel Brown, is a native of the old town of Lisle (,the portion thereof now known as Barker) and was born February 26, 1822. He was the son of David Brown, who came from Connecticut in 1811, and settled in the northern part of Broome county. David Brown was employed as a clerk in a lumber mill in Lisle, and was an apt account- ant. His wife was Eliza Sutherland, by whom he had seven children, all of whom, except one, grew to maturity. They were Reuben, John, Lot, George, Robert, Ru- fus and Franklin Brown, but only Robert and Rufus are now living. Robert was a farmer and lived in Barker and adjoining towns until he entered the army. He was supervisor of his town in 1857 and 1858. On September 9, 1861, he enlisted in Co. F, 89th N. Y. Infantry, and on the organization of the company he was elected captain. He served three years in the army and was continuously on active duty, never shirk- ing and not afraid to face any danger, He was exceedingly kind to his men, and never asked them to go where he would not lead them. He was mustered out of ser- vice October 20, 1864, after which he returned to Barker. In the fall of 1866 he was elected sheriff of the county, served three years and was then deputy to Sheriff Mar- tin during the latter's incumbency of the office. Then he was elected constable and served about fifteen years in that office. In 1887 he was elected city assessor and has been re-elected at the end of each term to the present time; and occasionally he was about the only successful Republican on the ticket. This fact attests both his popularity and competency. To all our citizens he is known as Colonel Brown, which title came to him through his connection with a regiment of militia which ouce had an existence in the county. On January 12, 1845, Colonel Brown married Jane Holiday of Barker, by whom he had four children: Henrietta, M. Fillmore, Charles and Edith Brown. M. Fillmore Brown, the only surviving child of this marriage, was one of the leading lawyers of the city bar previous to his removal to Genesee county, where he now lives. His office is in the city of Buffalo. Westcott, Harvey, began his business career in Binghamton in the early spring of 1858, and from that time to the present day he indeed has been an active factor in the history both of the village and city. He was born near Milford Center, Otsego county, November 10, 1831. At the age of twelve years he started out to make his own way in life, and to-day all his former business associates, thousands of em- ployees and equally as many of our best citizens can attest the truth of the fact that his career has been abundantly successful and that honesty and fair dealing have been his characteristics. Mr. Westcott h^s been one of the most extensive employ- FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 899 ers of workmen in this city, and it is unquestionably true that he has trained more successful business partners than any other manufacturer ever in Binghamton. Moreover, he never had a partner who invested a dollar in business at the outset, while one of them on retiring from the firm took out no less than $48,000 after a part- nership of about ten years' duration. In March, 1868, the firm of Westcott, Benedict & Co. leased the old Congdon hall (the third floor of the building next west of the McNamara building, on the south side of Court street) and one ground floor, and began the manufacture of cigars, em- ploying about fifteen workmen. (Thirty years later the firm of H. Westcott &• Co. em- ployed 500 cigar makers.) The several firms in which Mr. Westcott was a member — and always the senior member — during the thirty years of his active business life, were known, in succession, as Westcott, Benedict & Co., H. Westcott & Co., West- cott, Wise & Kent, Westcott & Kent, and H. Westcott & Co., the last firm comprising Harvey Westcott, Fred W. Grummond and FredH. Westcott. This firm went out of business in 1890, since which time Mr. Westcott and his son have devoted their atten- tion to the care andmanagementof their real estate interests. Thus, for more than forty years has Harvey Westcott been an active factor in Binghamton history, always ear- nestly engaged in his personal affairs, yet devoting a full share of time to the public interests, though not in any way calculated to draw attention to himself. He was one of the founders of the Binghamton City Hospital, and he also gave to the city and county the splendid clock in the dome of the court house. Mr. Westcott began his business career in Fair Haven, Vt, where he worked for a short time on a farm. He then traveled on the road for a paper manufacturing house, and later with a cigar and confectionery firm. In 1853 he began manufactur- ing cigars in Burlington, Vt., but at the end of four years sold out his interests and came to Binghamton, where he has lived since the early part of 1858. In October, 1854, Mr. Westcott married Harriet E., daughter of Ephraim Winchell, of Unadilla. The children of this marriage are Fred H. Westcott, and liattie, wife of Leslie M. Merchant, of this city. Stratton, David P., who for the last thirty-five years has been buying and selling real estate, building houses and business blocks on the busy North Side, was born m Conklin in 1835. The pioneer of the Stratton family in this county was Hull Strat- ton who came with his wife (who was Lydia Comstock) and family from Connecticut to Conklin when the whole region was a wilderness. Mr. Stratton was offered his choice of land on the village site between Brandyvvine creek and the Chenango river at $5 per acre, but this offer he declined and chose the heavily timbered lands of Conklin. Pioneer Stratton had three children, Gould Stratton being the only son. He came to the village in 1838, and for twenty-two years was a pilot and lumberman on the Susquehanna river. He was connected with General Waterman's saw mill in MillviUe, and while there he invented a four-foot lath machine, the first invention of its kind in the country. Gould Stratton dealt in real estate and was a man of promi- nence in his time. His wife was Cynthia Russell, by whom he had three sons and eight daughters, and some of whom are now living. David P. Stratton is the only living son of Gould Stratton. He was originally a miller, then a carpenter, and afterward naturally drifted into real estate operations. For thirty-five years he has mo FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. been building up and developing the North Side, and it is very doubtful if any resi- dent in that part of the city has contributed more than he to the growth and pros- perity of that busy locality. Mr. Stratton is an enterprising and straightforward business man and is earnestly interested in the welfare of the city. Mr. Stratton's wife was Lucinda, daughter of John and Julia Paddock, a prominent old family of the North Side. Mrs. Stratton died in 1898. Bloomer, James F., was born in North Salem, Putnam county, June 22, 1821, and in 1837 came with his father, Capt. Coles Bloomer, to this county, settling on land purchased from Joseph Chambers in the town of Union. In 1848 James purchased of Martin Stone the tract of land on which the little hamlet known as East Union is now built up, in which locality he established a store and kept a hotel. He also dealt somewhat in real estate in that part of the town, buying and selling on his own account and managing various tracts for other proprietors. At length, however, having disposed of much of his lands, Mr. Bloomer came to Bingharaton and there- after was engaged in business many years. Indeed, he was one of our city's suc- cessful businessmen and worthy citizens. Mr. Bloomer's first wife was Mary Tyler, daughter of Abram Tyler, who came from Orange county to Union in 1839. Three children were born of the marriage just mentioned. His second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Jesse Richards and granddaughter of one of Union's pioneers. Gibson, Durward W., was appointed local agent and manager of the Wells, Fargo & Co. Express January 1, 1898, and has since been a resident of Binghamton. His service with the company began in 1889 when he was appointed to a position in the Rochester, N. Y., office. One year later was transferred to Buffalo, N. Y., where he remained until 1898 when he came to this city. Mr. Gibson is a descendant from substantial Steuben county stock, and is the grandson of Ira Gibson, who emigrated from Seneca county, N. Y., in the year 1824 into the wilderness of the west shore of Lake Keuka, town of Pulteney, Steuben county, where he lived the last sixty years of his life in the vicinity of Gibson's Landing on Lake Keuka, from whose descend- ants it takes its name. Durward W. Gibson was born in the town of Pulteney, September 25, 1868, and his school days were passed at Franklm Academy at Prattsburg, N. Y. He is the son of Capt. John Gibson, who served with distinction as a commissioned officer in the army during the war of the Rebellion. Mr. Gibson lived at home among the vineclad hills surrounding charming Lake Keuka until called into the Express Com- pany's service in 1889. His early life was devoted to grape growing and later to lake steamer service. On January 7, 1897, Mr. Gibson was married to Susie E., daughter of Charles A. King of Buffalo. Truesdell, RoUin B., was born in Liberty, Susquehanna county, Pa , December 20, 1839, and was the youngest of six children of Samuel and Lucy (Upson) Trues- dell. His father was a farmer and a prosperous citizen of Susquehanna county. Rollin's young life was spent on the farm at work and attending district school. In April, 1861, being then twenty-one years old, he came to Binghamton and enlisted FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 901 in Co. F, 27th N. Y. Vol. Infantry, which was being recruited in the village. He served with the regiment throughout its entire term of service (two years) and was mustered out as sergeant in 1863. Soon afterward Mr. Truesdell came to live in Binghamton, working first as a carpenter and joiner, then as traveling salesman for the grocery and provision firm of Whitney, Pratt & Co. About 1872 he acquired an interest in the business, the firm name then being changed to C. A. Whitney & Co. Two years later Mr. Truesdell sold out his interest in the business to his partners (Charles A. Whitney and David L. Brownson), and soon afterward opened a grocery store on Conk- lin avenue, at the end of the Rockbottom bridge. He carried on a successful business in that location about eight years, then sold out and in 1890 succeeded to the business formerly carried on by William Pugsley. Since that time Mr. Truesdell has been a general dealer in leather and findings, and horse and harness goods. Thus it IS seen that Mr. Truesdell has been identified with business interests in the city for a period of thirty-five years, beginning as carpenter at day's work and then progressing step by step as his means would allow (for he always made his own way in life) until he is now numbered among our substantial business men. This success is the result of Mr. Truesdell' s individual perseverance and capacity. Naturally, such a man, having an interest in the welfare of the city, has been a prominent fac- tor in local politics, though never for his own advancement. He served as school commissioner in 1871 and 1872. He is a member of the First Presbyterian church, and also a member of Bartlett Post, G. A. R. Mr. Truesdell's first wife, whom he married September 2, 1863, was Janette Summers, by whom he had one son. Edwin S Truesdell, of the wholesale grocery house of McTighe & Truesdell. Mr. Trues- dell's second wife was Triphena E. Barnes, by whom he had three children. His third wife was Helena Howell, who died childless. His fourth wife was Elizabeth N. Gushing, whom he married March 22, 1881. Beman Frank, organ builder and musician, was born in this city in 1856. and is the son of the late Orson D. Beman, whom our older residents will remember as a watch maker and jeweler, and also as a musician of note in local circles. Thus ,t is through the latter quality in the father that Frank Beman's musical talent (for he plays any string or wind instrument and plays it well) is in part inherited and m pari acquired. Previous to his return to Binghamton in 1870 O. D. Beman and his family lived five years in Harpursville and ten years in Montrose. In the latte place Frank acquired his musical education under the instruction of a student rom the famous Stuttgart Conservatory. At the same time he worked with b^s father assisting him in the construction of pipe organs and thus acquired a knowledge of Te LrLte mechanism of such instruments. In 1888 Frank hi„.self becameaprac- tical organ builder, and since that year has built thirty-eight pipe organs Best of ^his work is appreciated at home, as is shown by the fact that many of his organ ar; in use in this'dty. The largest and perhaps his best piece of work >s seen m grand organ that adorns St. Mary's church and which cost about ^^00^";^:°;^ fsalso seen in Christ church, Trinity, the First Baptist, North and West Presbj tertn churches, in the Masonic temple and several ^t^^" P-^-^^^^^^l^ng city His factory on Doubleday street employs several workmen and is exceeding > we^; eq^ljped for his work. In all local musical circles Mr. Beman is well koo.n. &02 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. while his general reputation as a skilled musician and organ builder extends through- out Southern New York and Northern Pennsylvania. On December 3, 1880. Frank Beman married Fanny L., daughter of Lewis S. Abbott and a descendant from three of the most respected pioneers of Binghamton, Selah Squires, Myron Merrill and Col. Jo.seph B. Abbott. Brown, Joseph W., the pioneer laundry proprietor in Binghamton, came to the city in 1867 and began his business career as bookkeeper. Later on he was an em- ployee in the Bartlett & Blanchard mill, but in 1873 he started che first laundry in the city. This was a somewhat hazardous undertaking at the time, and our people were a little slow in showing their appreciation of the enterprise through patronage. When the business was begun Mr. Brown had very little laundry equipment of any kind, but soon built for himself several machines with which he managed to perform all the work which was sent to him. His present laundry — Mr. Brown is still in the business — is one of the best equipped establishments of its kind in this part of the State. Mr. Brown was born in Windsor, October 10, 1836, and is the son of the late Dan- iel Roe Brown, who came from Long Island and was an early settler in Windsor. Joseph was brought up on a farm and was educated in Windsor Academy. He be- came a bookkeeper and as such was for several years employed in Virginia and also in New York city. In 1867 he came to Binghamton and has since been identified with the best history of the city. For more than thirty years he has been a member of the First Presbyterian church, and for more than twenty-five years was secretary or treasurer of its Sunday school. He has been a deacon in the church since 1882. On June 19, 1862, Mr. Brown married Harriet Huse Eastman, daughter of the late Rev. Joseph B. Eastman, a former pastor of the Windsor Presbyterian church and at one time principal of Windsor Academy. Of the marriage just mentioned five children have been born, four of whom are now livmg. Signor, John M., proprietor of what is frequently called the " Rubber tire " livery, conceded the best appointed establishment of its kind and size in the State, has been a resident in this city since 1878. Mr. Signor's reputation as a horseman and livery- man preceded him in Binghamton, for he was brought up to the business many years ago. He conducted a livery first in Moravia — his native town — then in Auburn, next in Cortland and from the latter village came to this city twenty-one years ago. Mr. Signor has three sons, all of whom are employed in his stables, the eldest son, Arthur M. Signor, being manager of the business, and one of the most popular young liverymen in the city. John M. Signor was born in Moravia, in 1839, and was the son of Peter and the grandson of Albert Signor, the latter an old pioneer of Onon- daga county. Mr. Signor's wife, whom he married February 22, 1864, was Mary Kellogg, by whom he had three sons and one daughter, the latter dying young. The sons are Arthur M., Fred D and J. M. Signor. Arthur M. Signor was born in Mo- ravia September 16, 1867, and like his father was brought up in the livery business, and possesses the rare faculty of successfully handling carriages at all home and public receptions. In October, 1889, he married Cora Adams, by whom he has two children, a son and a daughter. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 903 McMahon, Michael, has been a factor in Binghamton history for a period of more than forty years. He is a native of Ireland, the son of John McMahon, a respectable farmer, who died when Michael was a child. In 1855 Michael and his mother came to Binghamton. Two years later the son, then being fifteen years old, was appren- ticed to learn the trade of wagon making with Amos D. Stockwell, whom all our older residents will remember with esteem. At the end of his four years apprentice- ship, Michael worked as journeyman two or three years, and then became partner in the firm of Finley& McMahon, with works at the northwest corner of Evans basin, where the Voorhees factory now stands. Fiuley & McMahon were in business dur- ing the years 1866-68, and in 1869 the firm of Stockwell & McMahon was formed and began business on Eldridge street, where Mr. McMahon's works now stand. Mr. Stockwell died in 1881, and since that time the .surviving partner has continued busi- ness alone. As is well known throughout Broome county, Mr. McMahon is a wagon and carriage builder of unusual merit, and his work is his best advertisement. In- deed, when the city fire department is in need of an exceptionally substantial hose wagon, Mr. McMahon's shop is first visited and an order placed; and as it is with the fire department, so it is with business men generally in the city. Mr. McMahon has taken an active interest in the civil history of the city, serving four years as alderman and several years as park commissioner, being president of the latter board two years. Mr. McMahon's wife is Ellen, daughter of John Gorman of Susquehanna county. Pa. Six children have been born of their marriage. Harris, Frank E., proprietor of Harris' Flavoring Extract works, in the Gaylord & Eitapenc building on State and Lewis streets, began his business career in the capacity of commercial traveler, selling extracts "on the road" for a Utica house. In 1889 he came to this city and started in business for himself and is the most ex- tensive manufacturer in his line in Binghamton, and one of the largest in the United States. Mr. Harris is a native of Jersey Shore, Lycoming county, Pa., born in 1867. He was educated chiefly at the Whitney's Point academy, after which, in 1885 he began traveling with a line of extracts. In this city Mr. Harris' time is devoted en- tirely to business. In Marathon, Cortland county, on December 25, 1886, Mr. Harris married Carrie B. Goodale, daughter of the late George W. Goodale, of that village. Three children have been born of this marriage. Sears, Oliver W., general coal dealer, has been a factor in local history nearly thirty- five years. He was born in Newark Valley in 1846, and first came to Bing- hamton in 1860. Five years later he became a permanent resident, and was clerk for his brother, Charles W. Sears, bookseller and stationer, until 1874. In the year last mentioned the name of O. W. Sears appeared over the door of a store on the south side of Court street, where he carried on a book and stationery business about one year. Later on he was connected with R. A. Ford's coal office. He then suc- ceeded Fred M. Hallock, merchant tailor, in the Perry building, where he was in business about two or three years, after which he rented the Pope coal yard on the west side. In 1884 Mr. Sears purchased land, erected buildings and established a coal yard and business at his present location at the corner of Oak and Clinton .streets. In city business circles he is looked upon as a thorough and straightforward business 904 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. man, and of such men who in fact have contributed to the prosperity of the city it is the purpose of this work to make mention. Mr. Sears's wife, with whom he married November 19, 1875, is Georgianna Bartlett, daughter of the late Robert S. Bartlett and granddaughter of Captain Isaac Bartlett, a pioneer in Tioga county. Mr. and Mrs. Sears have two children. Talbott, Page W., came to Hve in Binghamton in 1878, and from that to the pres- ent time has been a factor for good, both in the civil and business history of the city. In the year mentioned the firm of J. B. Talbott & Co. began dealing in wool and hides, at No. 173 Water street, and while at first the business of the house was com- paratively small it has grown and increased with each succeeding year and is now recognized as one of the leadmg concerns of the southern tier. April 1, 1900, J. B. Talbott and L. W. Potter retired from the firm and P. W. Talbott became sole owner. The three proprietors of the original firm are among our prominent citizens, active in every measure proposed for the benefit of the city and its people. Indeed, Bing- hamton to-day owes its prosperity to just such men as the Talbotts, who came from adjoining counties and by their efforts have established a healthful and constantly growing condition of business life. Page W. Talbott was born in Lapeer, Cortland county, October 11, 1849, and is the son and fifth of eight children of Joseph B. and Emeline (Page) Talbott. All of these children except one (Delos Talbott, who was killed in New Orleans during the war of 1861-5) are now living, and several of them are engaged in successful business pursuits in this city. Page W. Talbott is owner of the property on Water street, where the firm of J. B. Talbott & Co. does business. He has been for more than ten years a member and now is one of the trustees of Fountain Chemical Co. of the Binghamton Fire Department. He is also one of the vestrymen of the church of the Good Shepherd. As an earnest Republican Mr. Talbott takes an active interest in political affairs, and in 1896-7 he represented the Sixth ward in the Common Council. In 1877 Mr. Talbott married Celestia Paige. They have two sons, James Franklin Talbott, a graduate of Wyommg Seminary and now engaged in the coal business in this city, and Charles Warren Talbott, a student in our city schools McLean, William M., of the dry goods house of Hills, McLean & Haskins, is a native of Cherry Valley, N. Y., and was born May 8, 1858. He was the son of Will- iam and Phebe (Webb) McLean, his father being a printer by trade. The young life of William M. McLean was spent chiefly in Cooperstown, where he was educated in the village high school. At the age of sixteen years he began working as a clerk in a grocery, but afterward changed to a dry goods store. He was thus employed seven years. His earnings were saved and formed his starting capital in business life. In 1861 Mr. McLean came to Binghamton with the late E. Delavan Hills, and under the firm name of Hills, McLean & Williams opened a general dry goods store on Court street. Mr. Hills and Mr. McLean were former acquaintances in Otsego county, and in Binghamton Mr. Williams was taken into the firm by reason of his extensive acquaintance in the city. In 1895 the junior partner was succeeded by Fred H. Haskins, and the firm name was thereupon changed to Hills, McLean & Haskins, as now known, although Mr. Hills was removed by the hand of death in PAGE W. TALBOTT. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 905 February, 1890. The firm of Hills, McLean & Haskins is well known in business circles in this city and generally throughout the country. Our people remember the comparatively small stock carried by the house when it began business a few doors below the present location. Subsequent years have witnessed a marvelous growth in the operations of the firm, and now it occupies more greund floor space than any dry goods concern in the city. This certainly indicates that the business has been prudently and successfully managed, and that the proprietors have the confidence and respect of our people. Mr. McLean has striven faithfully to accomplish the de- sirable results thus attained, for during the last ten years he has virtually been the business head of the house. His time is devoted chiefly to business, yet his interest in the affairs of the city is earnest and commendable. He is a director of the Y. M. C. A., president of the board of trustees of the Tabernacle M. E. church, treas- urer of the Broome County Bible Society, and a member of the city Board of Char- ities. On July 22, 1882, in Springfield, Otsego county, Mr. McLean was united in marriage to Emily J. McLean. They have five children: Floyd D., Charles Moss- man, Grace Elizabeth, Elinas Delavan and William McLean. Dunning, Julius O., has been a prominent factor in Binghamton history almost twenty years. In 1880 he opened a meat market on Main street, and afterward as partner in the firm of Morse & Dunning, carried on a grocery and meat business at No. 4 Main street. In 1884 he sold out and opened a new store at No. 16 Court street, continuing until 1890, when the well known firm of Dunning Bros, began business at the same place. In 1896 a constantly increasing trade demanded larger quarters hence the firm then removed to 186-8 Washington street, with store room extending through to State street. In 1897 the Dunning Grocery Company was in- corporated, with a capital of $'20,000, and with J. O. Dunning, president; J. E. Dunning, treasurer, and J. B Dunning, secretary. The Dunning Grocery company is unquestionably the largest concern of its kind in the city and one of the largest in the State outside the metropolis. The Dunning brothers in Binghamton are numbered among our first business men, and all of them are natives of the county. The pioneer of the family in this State, was James Dunning, an old Connecticut sea captain who settled in New York city in 1824. In 1842 James B. Dunning, son of James, settled in Otsego county, where he was a carpenter. About 1850 he came to Kattellville, Broome county, and con- tinued work at his trade until advanced years compelled his retirement from active pursuits. He is remembered as an earnest, hard working man and an upright citi- zen. He married Julia E. Handy, who bore him eight children: Julius O. Dunning, president o£ the grocery company, was born October 16, 1857: Judson E. Dunning, treasurer, was born March 25, 1867; and Joshua B. Dunning, secretary, was born March 24, 1870. These brothers are of the quality and character of men who have made our city what it is to-day. Wadsworth, Charles W., Binghamton freight agent of the D. and H. Canal Com- pany, began his career in the company's employment in 1871 as clerk in the office at Cooperstown Junction, where he remained about a year. He was then appointed station agent at Oneonta, where he lived two years, and was in 1874 transferred to 906 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. this city. In railroad circles Mr. Wadsworth is recognized as a competent official and upright business man. He does not take an active part in the public affairs of the city, yet he is known as a thoroughly loyal citizen, deeply interested in all that pertains to the welfare both of the city and its people. For twelve years he has been chairman of the R. R. Y. M. C. A., and for nearly fifteen years a member of the First Presbyterian church of this city. Mr. Wadsworth was born in Auburn, N. Y., August 13, 1850, and is the son of Daniel and Amanda (Allen) Wadsworth, his father being a farmer with land adjoining the Auburn city limits. Charles was brought up on the farm and was educated in Auburn academy. After graduating he learned the printing trade, and for three years worked in the office of the Auburn Daily Adver- tiser. He was thus employed previous to his connection with the D. & H. C. Co. On November 12, 1874, Mr. Wadsworth married Louise M. , daughter of William Scudder, of Hamilton, Ohio. Of this marriage two children, a son and a daughter, have been born. Ostrom, Earl D., was born in Binghamton, January 23, 1857. He is the third in a family of seven children of Edmund B. Ostrom, the latter having been a resident of Binghamton and its vicinity since 1847. Edmund B. Ostrom for several years was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Albany, from which city he removed to Bingham- ton. For many years he was engaged in the livery business, and now is one of our oldest citizens. Earl was educated in the Binghamton public schools, after which he was for ten years shipping clerk in Geo. A. Kent & Co.'s cigar factory. He was next engaged in the manufacture of soap with the late R. H. Meagley, and spent about four years on the road as salesman. In 1886 he began the manufacture of cigars, as senior partner in the once well known firm of Ostrom, Barnes & Co. Two years later the firm changed to E. D. Ostrom & Co., and in 1890, upon the death of Mr. Meag- ley, Mr. Ostrom continued the business as sole proprietor until February, 1896, when he sold his manufacturing interests and devoted himself exclusively to the retail trade. Thus, for many years Mr. Ostrom has been identified with the city's leading industry, and in all his transactions he has been regarded as an active, enterprising and straightforward business man. In Masonic circles he stands high, having a membership in all the subordinate bodies, also in Malta Commandery, Otseningo Consistory and Kalurah Temple of the Mysiic Shrine. As a Mason Mr. 0.strom has taken the thirty-second degree. For many j^ears also he was a member of Excelsior Hook and Ladder Co., B. F. D. , and now is enrolled in the Exempt Firemen's Asso- ciation. Mr. Ostrom's wife, whom he married October 9, 1878, was Frances M., second daughter of the late John A. Meagley, an old and well known citizen of Bing- hamton. Two children have been born of the marriage just mentioned. Abbott, Joseph Barker, was born August 5, 1837, in Binghamton in the same house, 139 Court street, in which he now resides. His parents were William Edwin and Susan Abbott. The family are of good old New England stock, the Abbotts having come to America with the Pilgrims in 1630, This branch settled in Connect- icut. In 1822, William Edwin Abbott and his brother Charles N. came overland on horseback from Connecticut to Broome county and joined their brothers. Col. Joseph and James Abbott, who had preceded them. Aaron Abbott, the father of the four FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 907 last named, was a resident of New Canaan, Conn., from which place each of the four brothers started on their long trip through the primeval forest. Aaron twice enlisted and served in the Revolutionary war, and was one of the party which placed the chain across the Hudson river to obstruct the British fleet. He was engaged in several battles on the Connecticut coast of Long Island Sound, and died at the ripe old age of ninety-seven years. Pine Street School, then a wooden structure on Pine street between Carroll street and Fayette street, the old Binghamton Academy and an academy at Westport, Conn., furnished Joseph Barker Abbott his education. After finishing his school work, for several years he was clerk in the Binghamton post-office. Col. J. B. Abbott being postmaster. He was called to the position of deputy postmaster at Syracuse in 1856, and remained there until the breaking out of the war. With the change of administration he returned to Binghamton, but before leaving the Saline city he aided Colonel Waring in raising a company for " Les Enfants Perdu" Regiment. Upon his arrival in the city, Mr. Abbott enlisted in the 137th N. Y. Vols., and was appointed sergeant-major of the regiment before it left the city for the front. He obtained a knowledge of military affairs while belonging to the Syracuse Citizens Corps and was thus able to drill the non-commissioned officers of the 137th Regi- ment. Shortly after the regiment reached Washington he was appointed and com- missioned adjutant and served in that capacity until mustered out by order of the secretary of war, March 4, 1863, on account of sickness. Up to this time he was continually with his regiment on all its marches and all its engagements and has the New York State Gettysburg medal. Upon recovering his health, Mr. Abbott again entered the army, this time in a staff department, for which he was eminently fitted He served first in North Caro- lina; then m front of Richmond with the 10th Army Corps; then at City Point, Grant's headquarters, and at the latter place Mr. Abbott remained until the surren- der of Lee, entering Richmond two days after that event. Previous to this, January 1, 1864, he was present at the blowing up, by General Butler, of the bulkhead of the Dutch Gap canal. After Lee's surrender, Mr. Abbott was stationed at Baltimore, Md., then General Hancock's headquarters, commanding the Middle Military Department, and in 1866 was transferred to Fort Riley, Kansas, where the famous 7th Cavalry was being or- ganized by General Custer. In 1867 he was in the Indian campaigns with Generals Hancock, Smith and Custer, and in 1868 was stationed at Fort Harker, Kansas. In the fall of the same year he was transferred to Fort Union, N. M., it taking thirty-one days to drive over the plains, mountains and table lands. At the end of a year's ser- vice at this point he left the army and returned to Binghamton for a short time. After two years in the flour and grain business in Baltimore, Md , Mr. Abbott again returned to Binghamton and accepted a position in the Erie ticket office where he remained ten years. For the past five years he has been cashier of the Security Mu- tual Life Insurance Company— a very responsible and exacting position. At Lee. Mass., February 13, 1873, Mr. Abbott was married to Mary Cornelia Stevens, daughter of John C. and Caroline Brewer Stevens. They have no children. As a charter member of Joseph J. Bartlett Post No. 668, G. A. R., Mr. Abbott has served his organization with zeal. He was three years adjutant, one year, IbJb, senior vice-commander, one year, 1897, commander, and held by appointment the 908 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. position of acting assistant adjutant-general, thus making hira commander of the Broome County Battalion in the great parade at Buffalo, 1897. The office walls of numerous societies and corporations— also private residences in many States of the Union— show evidences of Mr. Abbott's skill as a penman and his artistic capabilities m engrossing resolutions. In fact he has a many sided na- ture, having great ability as a woodcarver, stained glass worker, and the evidences of his skill at painting abound in his home. Moon, George O., whose sudden death on December 27, 1898, took from our busi- ness life one of its foremost members, was a resident of this city almost thirty-five years; and during that period, in his own quiet way, he was one of the most impor- tant factors in our municipal history and growth. Mr. Moon never worked in a man- ner calculated to draw attention to himself, for such a course would have been en- tirely foreign to his nature; nor did he ever accept any political position, although frequently urged to become a candidate of his party (the Republican) for the mayor- alty when men of his especial strength and unquestioned integrity were needed on the ticket. Mr. Moon was a native of Woodstock, Ulster county, and was born August 12, 1829. He was educated in the district schools, and at the age of eighteen years he learned the carpenter's trade. Soon afterward he went with his step-brother, whose surname was Gulnac, to Liberty, Sullivan county, where he worked several years, and where he first met his wife, whose maiden name was Augusta Young. They were married February 28, 1854. Five years later, having saved all his earnings of earlier years, Mr. Moon went to Narrowsburg, where he carried on a general country store for five years, doing a large and remunerative business. He then sold out and in the spring of 1865 came to Binghamton, where he ever afterward lived. In that year he, in company with Mason W. Bosworth, became proprietors of the Lewis Mills, at the head of Water street, and established the firm name of Geo. Q. Moon & Co., a name which has since been known in milling circles in this part of State, although during the period several partners have been associated with the head of the firm. Mentioned in order, these partners were Mr. Bosworth, Darius S. Ayers, Alvah Ayers, Robert J. Bates, all excellent business associates, but all of whom, like the founder of the firm, are now dead. About or soon after 1870 Geo. Q. Moon & Co. purchased the large Weed Mills at Port Dickinson, which the firm eventually turned into a roller process flouring mill, with a very large capacity. These mills were burned in 1884, after which the firm purchased the elevator propert}^ on North Depot street and converted it into a roller mill with a daily capacity of 500 barrels of flour. Mr. Bates was partner with Mr. Moon more than twenty years, during which time the firm was counted among the foremost business houses of Southern New York. Both partners are now dead, yet the old firm name still stands. The business is now managed by Walter J. Moon and Watts Bates. Mr. Moon, while a successful miller, was a natural carpenter and builder and took a special interest in that work. On four different occasions he erected a four-story building on his home property at the corner of Lewis and Chenango streets. His last work in this direction was in 1898, when the large stone building was erected. It is one of the finest buildings of its kind in the city, and has proved an excellent investment. GEORGE Q. MOON. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 909 The children of George Q. and Augusta (Young) Moon, whose marriage has been previously noted, were Lizzie, who died young; Walter J., for many years in the mill office and now one of its managers; William Y., of the Bank for Savings of New York city; Fred, a cigar manufacturer of this city; George A., an employee of the flour mill office and S. Augusta Moon, of this city. Lewis, Edward L., more frequently known to his acquaintances as Captain Lewis, came to Binghamton from Oswego in 1858, and from that time to the time of his re- tirement from business pursuits a few years ago, he was an active factor in city his- tory. He is the son of the late Edward H. Lewis, who at one time was a well known figure in Binghamton village history, and who perhaps is best remembered as pro- prietor of the American Hotel. On May 3, 1861, Edward L. Lewis, in company with an acquaintance, walked into the old Brighara Hall where Joseph J. Bartlett had just opened a recruiting station, and enrolled themselves as members of Co. C, 27th N. Y. Vol. Inf., Captain Lewis first "signing the roll." This was the first en- listment in Broome county. He was commissioned first lieutenant May 21, 1861, and was promoted captain to succeed Captain Bartlett, who was commissioned major. Later on Captain Lewis resigned, returned to Binghamton and recruited Co. E, 109th Regiment. As the military chapter shows, he afterward resigned from the service, and, returning home he engaged in mercantile pursuits nearly thirty years. Captain Lewis's wife is Mary B. M., daughter of the late Erasmus D. Robinson, of this city. Jones, Gerry, vice-president and general manager of the Jones of Binghamton Company, and member of the city park commission, is an almost lifelong resident of Binghamton, and is the only son of Gen. Edward F. Jones. He was born in Pep- perell, Mass., in 1864, and came with his father's family to this city in the following year. He was educated in the city schools and was graduated at the B. C. H. S. with the class of '82. He was prepared for Harvard but abandoned the idea of a college course and became an employee in the scale works ; and although his father was president of the company and he might have taken an easy position in the office, he nevertheless went into the shops and learned every detail of scale making from the foundry to the finishing room. In 1885 he was made manager, and in 1886, un- der the reincorporation of that year, was elected secretary and treasurer of the com- pany. He continued in that capacity until January 1, 1899, when he was chosen to his present responsible position of vice-president and general manager. For several years Mr. Jones has been a member of the city board of trade and was one of its trustees from 1887 to 1890. He also is a member of Excelsior H. & L. Company of several years' standing. His term as city park commissioner began January 1, 1899. Mr. Jones is a member of Otseningo I^odge, F. & A. M. ; was raised up in 1886, and knighted in 1887. Goff, Henry A., came to Binghamton from Connecticut—" the land of steady hab- its"— in 1852 with Horace N. Lester, who was for so many years a manufacturer of and wholesale dealer in boots and shoes. Mr. Goff traveled for Mr. Lester and was practically the first traveling shoe salesman that went out of Binghamton. He con- tinued his connection with that house for twenty-five years during the firm's various 910 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. changes as Horace Lester, Way & Lester, Lester Brothers, Lester Brothers & Co. The subject of our sketch was for ten years a member of the firm of Lester Brothers & Co., succeeded in 1877 by J. M. Stone & Co., of which firm also he was a member. After a period of about twelve years, Mr. Goff purchased Mr. Stone's interest and the firm Stone, Goff & Co. became wholesale jobbers m boots, shoes and rubber goods. Three years later a new firm, Goff & Macomber, was formed and after an- other year, by the admission of D. A. Smith, the firm became H. A. Goff & Co. In 1896 T. B. Crary took an interest, the firm remaining as before, H. A. Goff & Co. The present firm- is one of the strongest and most popular shoe concerns in the south- ern tier, doing an extensive business throughout New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Though most of Mr. Goff's time has been devoted to business, outside in- terests have had a share in his attention. He has for a number of years been a member of the board of trustees of the First Congregational church with which he has been connected for more than forty years. Truman, James C, whom citizens of Binghamton remember as one of the best post- masters the city ever had, and who afterward gained and still holds a distinguished prominence in New York State Democratic politics (for he is a natural political leader and safe adviser), first became a factor in local history in 1872, when, having the preceding year lost almost his entire property in the Chicago fire, he cast his lot in Binghamton and engaged in the produce business. Soon afterward he became asso- ciated with the management of the Daily Times, but gradually he drifted into other enterprises of greater importance and magnitude, which took him away from this city for several years, although he always maintained a residence here. (The various operations in which Mr. Truman was engaged were carried on outside of this city, hence a detail of their character is unnecessary in this place). While living tempo- rarily in New Orleans in 1884-5 (commissioner representing this State at the World's exposition) Mr. Truman contracted malaria, which prostrated him and nearly cost him his life, and from the effects of which he never has fully recovered. When health was in a measure restored he resided for a time in Washington having a po- sition in the Treasury department. In 1888 he was appointed postmaster at Bing- hamton, and during his incumbency of the office the efficiency of the postal service in the city was greatly increased. Later on, after his successor was appointed, ]\Ir. Truman engaged in business pursuits in other localities than this city, and in con- nection with them, and his wide acquaintance with men and measures, he attained an enviable prominence in the councils of the Democracy both in State and national politics; and when retired from active pursuits he returned again to the city and occupied the elegant Phelps mansion on Court street, of which he had become the owner, and where he now resides. On June 6, 1863, Mr. Truman married Serena Wilbur, of Fall River, Mass. Of this marriage six children were born; two of whom are still living. Balcom, George N., contractor and builder, has been a resident of Binghamton since 1882, and of the county since 1856. He was born in Sherburne, Chenango county, April 29, 1846, the son of Benjamin G. Balcom, who settled in Vestal about 1856 and was a lumberman and farmer in that town and afterward a farmer near FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 911 Hawleyton. in the town of Binghamton. George spent his youth on a farm, and acquired his early education in a district school. When si.xteen years old, on August 4, 1862, he enlisted in the 16th N. Y. Ind. Battery and served three years as a private; and was mustered out of service in July, 1865. He never applied for a pension. Returning from the service, he completed his education in the Clinton Liberal insti- tute and the Cortland Normal school, after which he taught district schools nearly ten years. He also learned the carpenter trade and worked as journeyman about ten years, when he became a contracting builder. He came to the city in 1882. Mr. Balcom is among the prominent business men of the North Side. He is a firm Republican, though in no sense' a politician. In town affairs, while living in Haw- leyton, he took a more active part and was frequently elected to town office. He is prominently connectedwith Watrous post, G. A. R., and served as commander two years. He is also a member of Binghamton lodge, F. & A. M.. of Binghamton chap- ter, R. A. M., and Malta commandery, K. T. On August 14, 1867. Mr. Balcom married Adelia, daughter of Theodore Gage, of Hawleyton. Four children were born of this marriage, two of whom are now living. Darling, Charles Stephen, Binghamton, has always been a resident of the south- ern tier of counties in the Empire State He was born in historic Sullivan county in 1855. His father was William Darling and his mother Susan (Barnes) Darling. Those cradles of American liberty, the public schools, furnished Mr. Darling with his education and upon leaving school he immediately embarked in the meat business in his native town. It was in 1879 when Mr. Darling started in the meat business in Binghamton, which business he has uninterruptedly and successfully conducted to the present time. Politics claim a share of Mr. Darling's attention and ability. He is a Democrat and has twice represented his ward, the Fourth, in the Binghamton Board of Alder- men. In Masonic circles he also stands high, having taken all degrees up to and in- cluding the thirty-second degree. In the year 1879, Mr. Darling was united in marriage to Lottie E. Myers, of Sulli- van county. They have three children, Ida E., Edith M., and Agnes. Knapp, Martin T., proprietor of the general machine works on State street, is a native of Broome county, and has spent his whole business life in the city. He was born in Chenango, August 13, 1849, and is the son of the late William Knapp, the latter being remembered as a competent machinist in the city for many years, and also as senior member of the old firm of Knapp, Shultz & Heath, who began business in Millville in 1878. About five years later Mr. Shultz retired from the firm, and in 1889 Martin T. Knapp succeeded to Mr. Heath's interest. The firm of Knapp & Son was then established, and was continued to 1894, when William Knapp died. In 1861 the elder Knapp came to Binghamton and was employed in the machine shops of Shapley, Dunk & Co. Martin was educated in the old Pine street district school, but early went out to farm work. In 1865 he enlisted in Co. A, 50th N. Y. Engineers, but on account of his youth he was discharged at the end of about six months. Re- turning home he was employed in the Noyes Comb factory about five or six years, after which he learned the trade of machinist with his father. Mr. Knapp is a thor- 912 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. oughly loyal Binghamtonian, taking an interest in all that promotes the city's wel- fare and growth. In the fall of 1897 he was elected to the board of supervisors, serving two years. In October, 1873, Mr. Knapp married Olive, daughter of the late William Bennett, an old resident of Binghamton. One son, Arthur Knapp, who is employed in his father's shop, was born of this marriage. Spaulding, Evander, for almost two generations one of the most prominent and popular residents of Binghamton, was born in Ithaca, N. Y., December 17, 1810, and died in Binghamton, March 28, 1900, in a residence he had occupied for over fifty years. While in Ithaca he was a very active member of the fire department and on taking up his residence in Binghamton, in 1845, he associated himself with the firemen here. His manner, always affable, combined with a wealth of anecdote and story, made him a central figure and his sound judgment and the sterling qualities of his man- hood inspired his associates with a deep respect and confidence. For eighteen years he was city overseer of the poor and county superintendent of the poor. While county superintendent the present county house was constructed under his charge. He filled these offices in a highly creditable manner. In religious belief, Mr. Spaulding was a Unitarian. Among the fraternities, he was a member of Otseningo lodge, F. & A. M., of Calumet lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the Exempt Firemen's Association. Mr. Spaulding was first married at Ithaca to Martha O' Daniels, who died in 1851. He subsequently married Sally C. Sweet, of Gibson, Susquehanna county. Pa., who at the age of ninety-two years survives him. By his first wife, Mr. Spaulding had six children, of whom one daughter, Mrs. Ella Wells Newton, and one son, Judson M. Spaulding, survive him. Both were born in Ithaca, and came overland from that place with their father fifty-four years ago. Judson M. was educated in the public schools and when fourteen years old commenced work in the Binghamton Democrat office, then owned by John R. Dickinson, the foreman being W. S. Lawyer, the ed- itor of this work. For twenty years he was foreman of the Republican job printing department, and afterward for five years conducted a printmg business of his own. He is now connected with the printing department of the Security Mutual Life In- surance Company. During the Civil war he was employed in the commissary de- partment of the United States military railroads, being stationed at City Point, Va. From 1891 to 1895, he was a member of the Binghamton Excise Board, and has always taken an active interest in politics although he never sought public office. Among the fraternities, Mr. Spaulding is an Odd Fellow of thirty-five years standing. June 7, 1868, Mr. Spaulding was married to Ella L. Tiffany, of Harford, Pa. They have no children. Bloomer, John Ellsworth, principal and proprietor of the Lowell School of Business, has been identified with the educational interests of the city since 1881. Prof. Bloomer, for by this title he is best known, is a native of Lapeer, Cortland county, born December 17, 18fi0, the son of Ronald A. and the grandson of Isaac Bloomer, the latter being the son of one of the pioneers of Cortland county and of New Eng- FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 913 land stock. When Prof. Bloomer was a boy his father, who was a manufacturer, removed from Lapeer to Whitney's Point, and in the latter village his young life was chiefly spent. He was educated in the Whitney's Point academy, completing the regular course and afterward taking special post-graduate studies preparatory to a Cornell university course. However, in 1879 he came to Binghamton and for the next two years was principal of the Union school in the eastern part of the town of Union, now the Helen street school in the city. In 1881 Prof. Bloomer became in- structor in Lowell's Commercial college, and continued eight years, having charge of its business department. In 1889 he became principal and also succeeded Prof Lowell in the ownership of the school. At that time the curriculum of the institu- tion included courses of study in bookkeeping, business methods and penmanship, but in later years, under the new management, the college course also included telegraphy and short-hand, or stenography ; and thousands of bright young men and women have acquired a thorough education in some useful branch of commercial business in this recognized institution and are securely established in profitable po- sitions. In 1897, in conformity with a recently enacted State law, the name Lowell's Commercial College was changed to " The Lowell School of Business," as now known throughout southern New York and northern Pennsylvania. More than that, the school is registered by the regents department, and is the only institution of its kind in this county which is so recognized. Thus, for a period of almost twenty years has Prof. John Ellsworth Bloomer been a factor for good in the educational history of this city . In 1889 he became proprietor of a business college which stood high among its kindred institutions in the State, and during his period of principalship the stand- ard of former years has been both maintained and constantly elevated. Prof. Bloomer is a member of the Binghamton Academy of Science. On December 25, 1883, Mr. Bloomer married Anna, daughter of Henry Gardner of this city. Four children have been born of this marriage. Bloomer, Elijah F., son of Capt. Coles and Louisa Ferris Bloomer, was born in Kent, Putnam county, June 29. 1829, and in 1837 came with his parents to Broome county, settling on the river road in Union. In 1848 Elijah came to Binghamton and learned the trade of carpenter with Solomon Aldrich. In 1852 he began business for himself, and in 1856 bought the property he now owns at the corner of Hawley and Collier streets About 1875 he discontinued building operations and has since dealt in building materials and supplies. Mr. Bloomer is the oldest living active Free Mason in the city, having become a member of Binghamton lodge in 1853. For four years, from 1868 to 1871, he was a member of the board of education. Mr. Bloomer's wife, whom he married March 1, 1853, was Emma, daughter of Abram Tyler, of Union. Three children, Ella, Jennie and Charles R. Bloomer were born of this marriage. Mrs. Bloomer died August 5, 1896. Matthews, Isaiah S., was for many years identified with the history of the village and subsequent city of Binghamton, and was, withal, one of its most honorable bu.si- ness men. He was born in Washington county, January 14, 1816, and in 1820 came with the family of his father— Isaiah Matthews— to Tioga county, settling in the town of Nichols. About 1828 Ephraim F. Matthews came to Binghamton and start- 58 914 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. ed a plow factory on the west side of Chenango river, the site of the afterward known Cushing & Sanders factory, and where now stands the High School building. Isaiah S. Matthews soon followed his brother to the village and became his partner in the plow works. After the canal was opened the firm moved to the east side of that once famous thoroughfare of traffic and resumed business about on the site where now stands I. S Matthews Sons' store. About 1840 Isaiah S. Matthews became sole proprietor of the business formerly carried on by his brother and himself, and in the course of time dropped the manufacture of plows and became a general dealer in agricultural implements, seeds and farm supplies. He continued in active business to the time of his death, March 21, 1887, and was succeeded by his sons, Frederick H. and Charles D. Matthews, who comprise the present firm of I. S. Matthews' Sons. Mr. Matthews' wife was Hannah, daughter of Col. Daniel Stow, of Afton. Their children were Frederick H. Matthews, born January 27, 1861, and Charles D. Mat- thews, born December 31, 1862. Both were educated in our city schools and were brought up in the business conducted by their father. Frederick became partner with his father in January, 1882. Charles was for five years an employee of the Merchants National Bank, and became his brother s partner in April, 1887. Harley, Connell, Binghamton's popular restauranter, came to this city from Phila- delphia in 1869, and for about two years, until he became well acquainted with the building trade of the locality, he worked as a journeyman carpenter. He then be- gan contracting and for nearly twenty-five years afterward he was closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the city. He framed and put up the State Armory on State street and Prospect avenue, constructed the present foot bridge at the foot of Exchange street, and also erected many business buildings and residences in various portions of the city. In 1893 his health failed, and in 1894 Mr. Harley estab- lished a restaurant and dining hall on Chenango street. He removed to his present location on Washington street in January, 1900. Mr. Harley was born in Allegany county in 1844. At the age of about five years his father died, after which Connell lived with the family of relatives. After his twelfth year he practically made his own way in life. He learned the carpenter's trade in Delaware, and afterwards en- gaged in business in Philadelphia, where he began contracting and building in 1866. In 1869 he came to this city, as has been stated. Mr. Harley was twice supervisor of the Fifth ward. In 1868 he married Adelia J., daughter of the late Peter Wentz, and a descendant from one of the pioneers of Kirkwood. Smith, Frank S., superintendent of Ross Park, first became a factor in Bingham- ton history when he removed to the city from Windsor and took charge of the lum- ber business carried on by Waite, Quick & Atwell, by whom he was employed sev- eral years. Later on he was in the employ of the late Alonzo Roberson about two years, but in the spring of 1892 the park commissioners had need of a reliable super- intendent to take entire charge of Ross Park and all its property and improvements, and Captain Smith was .selected for the place. The statement may be made here that the commissioners then in office never had occasion to regret their action in the choice of superintendent, while all subsequent park boards have shown a just appre- ciation of Captain Smith's untiring energy aqd faithfulness, and have kept him in FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 915 office to the present day; and thousands of our city's people heartily commend the course pursued by the commissioners. Frank S. Smith was born in Windsor, September 26, 1836, the son of Norman Smith, who emigrated from Litchfield, Conn., to the Wyoming valley in Pennsyl- vania, and removed thence to the upper Susquehanna valley soon after settlement was begun in the latter region. Frank lived on the home farm in Windsor until he was nineteen years old and then began lumbering in the service of James Bigler & Co., of Newburgh, with whom he continued seven years, working in this State and also in Virginia. In the first year of the war, on October 3, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Co. G, 89th N. Y. Vol. Inf. In November following he was promoted corporal, and while the command was stationed at Folly Island he was made " Lance Sergeant " and ordered home on recruiting service. Corporal Smith was promoted quartermaster sergeant in the summer of 1863; first lieutenant in December, 1863, and in January, 1864, on the recommendation of Major-Generals John Gibbon and George W. Getty, he was commissioned captain of his company. In this capacity he served until mustered out in December, 1865, but in this connection it may be stated that throughout the entire period of his army service Captain Smith was ab- sent from duty only sixteen days, and that on special furlough granted by Major- General John A. Dix. Returning home after the war. Captain Smith resumed his former occupation as lumberman and so engaged he came to Binghamton, as has been stated. In 1867 Captain Smith married Emma Catharine Watrous, who once was a teacher in the Binghamton public schools, and a daughter of John B. Watrous, of Windsor. Two children were born of this marriage: Norman J. Smith, now of the Philadel- phia Record, and Edgar S. Smith, who died at the age of thirteen years. Gitchell, Hollis M., came to Binghamton in 1890 and for the next six months was employed as compositor on the Daily Republican. In 1891, in company with F. E. Stillwell, he became proprietor of the Imperial Hotel, on the busy "North Side." After about seven months Mr. Gitchell succeeded to the sole proprietorship of the hotel and successfully conducted it about three years. (In this connection it may be said that Mr. Gitchell is one of the few landlords who made a business success in conducting this hotel) In 1895, in partnership with O'Brien & Roberts, lawyers, and George W. Little, Mr. Gitchell became interested in the Columbia brewery, on Collier street, and largely through his efforts the business was re-established and placed upon a paying basis. He was connected with the brewery about four years, then sold his interest to Mr. Little, and in August, 1898, opened a large wholesale store on Washington street. He now is numbered among the city's successful and progressive business men, and whatever he has accomplished during the ten years of his residence in Binghamton has been the result of his own energy and capacity. Mr. Gitchell's wife is the daughter of the late Ira Wales, an old and respected citizen of the town of Union. Mr. and Mrs. Gitchell have one son. Bush, Amos J., a veteran both of the war of 1861-5 and the Spanish-American war. has been an active factor in Binghamton history more than thirty years He is a native of Damascus, Wayne county. Pa., born January 1, 1847, son of John C. and 916 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. Sarah Ann (Beard) Bush, and a grandson of William Bush, the latter a Hollander by birth, a patriot of the Revolution, who was killed in battle at Lackawaxen, on the Delaware river. While Amos J. Bush was a boy in school he left his books and on October 18, 1863, enlisted in Co. H, 56th N. Y. Inf. Her served until October 17, 1865, when he was mustered out of service. He then returned to school at the Da- mascus academy, where he completed his early education. In the fall of 1869 Mr. Bush came to this city and for fourteen years was employed as spoke maker in Amos G. Hull's hub and spoke factory. On April 1, 1884, upon the completion of the state armory in this city, he was ap- pointed armorer, which position he still holds. Previous to that appointment, how- ever, and on September 21, 1870, Mr. Bush became a member of the Binghamton Veteran Battery, N. G. S. N. Y., with which organization he is still identified, being one of the very few surviving members of the old command. In this connection it is pleasant to note that Sergeant Bush is the fortunate possessor of two valuable medals, one in bronze and the other of solid gold, which were presented to him by the State, as a reward for long and faithful service in the National Guard of the State of New York. The first of these medals was presented at the expiration of twenty and the other at the end of twenty-five years' service. Thus it appears that Sergeant Bush has been a member of the famous Sixth Battery thirty years, and the efficiency and popularity of that command in the State is in a good measure due to his service and the work he has done for its welfare. On July 15, 1898, Sergeant Bush was commissioned second lieutenant of the 7th Battery of Light Artillery, N. Y. Vols., and served at Camp Black and Rochester until mustered out of service November 30, of the same year. On June 26, 1870, Amos J. Bush married Abbie, daughter of Samuel Latourette, of Wayne county, Pa. Of this marriage five children have been born. Perry, Isaac G. , who was recently retired from the office of Capitol Commissioner, has been a resident of Binghamton more than forty-two years. Mr. Perry was born in Bennington, Vt., March 24, 1822, the son of Seneca Perry, a carpenter and joiner by trade, who removed with his family to Keesville, Essex county, N. Y., in 1829. Isaac was given a good common school education after which he himself learned the carpenter's trade. At the same time the young man showed considerable ability in the preparation of drawings, plans and estimates for various buildings and thus naturally became an architict as well as a carpenter. In 1848 he left Keesville and took up his residence in the city of New York, where he worked at his trade and con- tinued his architectural studies until about 1856, when the name of "I. G. Perry, Architect," appeared on an office door at the corner of Broadway and Barclay street, where he continued professional work for a period of fifteen years. About the be- ginning of this period Mr. Perry became acquainted with Dr. J. Edward Turner, who, with his partner, Dr. T. Jefferson Gardner, was then practicing medicine in New York. Dr. Gardner had previously lived in Keesville, where he and Mr. Perry were boyhood acquaintances, and through his friendly offices Dr. Turner and Mr. Perry were brought together. It was a fortunate meeting for both men, and equally fortu- nate for Binghamton, for Mr. Perry was asked by Dr. Turner to prepare designs for an Inebriate Asylum proposed to be erected on a commanding elevation east of our ISAAC G, PERRY. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 917 then village. With the assistance of his wife Mr Perry made the drawings and spe- cifications and prepared the estimates for the magnificent Castellated-Crothic struct- ure which now stands on the eastern border of the city, and which was built wholly after his designs and under his immediate supervision. In later years, when the State acquired title to the property and converted the building into a hospital for in- sane persons, Isaac G. Perry was supervising architect of that work, and also in the construction of all other building subsequently erected by the State in the vicinity. Mr. Perry was in Binghamton much of the time during the progress of work on the asylum building, although he maintained an office in New York until about 1863 or '64. He then became a resident architect of Binghamton. The first business building erected here after his plans and under his supervision was the " Commercial Block," built for Cyrus Strong in 1864, but in later years the public, manufacturing and mercantile buildings constructed under Mr, Perry's supervision might be num- bered by hundreds. Among them may be mentioned the Sisson building, Phelps Bank building, the Hagaman building, the McNamara building and the Perry build- ing, the latter being an iron structure and the first of its kind in the region. But Mr. Perry's professional work during all these years was by no means confined to Binghamton alone. He formed an extensive business acquaintance throughout the State, while in Pennsylvania his fame as an architect preceded him and he was fre- quently called to design and supervise the erection of many large structures in that region. But throughout his entire career the one building which above all others made his name famous was the " Inebriate Asylum." That work stands a lasting monument to his genius as an architect. It was only through his acknowledged skill as an architect, and his unquestioned integrity as a citizen, that led to his appoint- ment to the responsible office of Capitol Commissioner by Governor Cleveland in April, 1883. The chief executive had no previous personal acquaintance with Mr. Perry, neither had the latter any political influence with the governor. The appoint- ment was both unexpected and unsought; yet it was a most worthy and fortunate appointment for the State, for it resulted in the practical completion of the capitol building without the waste of a single dollar of the public funds. In his official capacity Mr. Perry was authorized to employ labor, purchase mate- rial and make contracts, and millions of dollars were annually disbursed on his order. His .salary was large and the place was much sought when the opposite party hap- pened to be in power. Three times during his incumbency of the office Mr. Perry was searchingly investigated by Republican administrations for political purposes, but not so much as a dollarof public money was unaccounted for; and thus being unable to find any cause forhis dismissal from office, the opposition loaded all the State archi- tectural and construction work upon the commissioner, without providing any addi- tional compensation, with the evident intention to cause his retirement. This scheme also failed, but finally, in the spring of 1899, Mr. Perry was officially retired. He then returned to his home in this city where he now lives in the full enjoyment of the comforts of life with family and friends. On December 19, 1848, Mr. Perry married Lucretia, daughter of Humphrey Nelson and Asenath Sargeant (Woodbury) Gibson. Of this marriage three children were born, all of whom died in infancy. Wheaton, Dr. Washington W., who was well known in professional and family 918 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. circles in Binghamton for a period of almost forty years, was born in Jackson, Sus- quehanna county. Pa., in 1811, and was the son of Moses P. Wheaton, a prominent teacher for many years in Harford academy. The doctor acquired his early educa- tion in the Susquehanna county schools, and also was under the private instruction of a retired invalid college professor. He afterward read medicine with Dr. Streeter, of Harford, and attended lectures at the Central Medical college of Rochester, where he was graduated June 5, 1850. Previous to his graduation, however, the young doctor began practice in Warren, Bradford county, Pa., and lived in that locality about eight years, practicing in five counties and thirty towns. In 1852 he came to live in Binghamton, and was thereafter one of our most popular and successful phy- sicians until the time of his death, October 13, 1888. Aside from his practice, which was always large and remunerative, the doctor took an earnest interest in all agri- cultural pursuits, particularly in stock growing. He owned one of the largest and finest herds of Jersey cattle in this part of the State, and bred many premium cattle. He possessed six good farms at one time and at the time of his death he left twenty pieces of real estate. He was one of the most generous and liberal hearted of men, having an especial love for children, although none were born of his marriage. During the married life of the doctor and his wife more than forty children were given a home in their household, and remained with them from one to twenty years. On January 6, 1850, Dr. Wheaton married Elizabeth B., daughter of William Bowen, the latter one of the pioneers of Bradford county. Pa., and of honorable New Eng- land stock. Noosbickel, Nicholas, a well known figure in Binghamton, particularly on the "■ North Side " where he was also a pioneer, was born in Volksheim, Hesse-Darm- stadt, Germany. He was the third son of Frantz and Mary Noosbickel. He had two brothers, George and William; also a step-sister, Catharine, and two step- brothers, Jacob and John, all deceased but John of Philadelphia, and George of Corry, Pa. Until about twenty years of age he lived at home, assisting his father who was a farmer and vineyardist. In 1848 he came to America with his older brother, Jacob. A short time was spent in Delhi, where he was employed on a farm. It was there he had his first experience in learning to speak English and many were the jokes he was fond of relating. After his father's death his mother disposed of her German home and moved to America. After their arrival Mr. Noosbickel and his brother purchased a farm near Maine, Broome county. To this place he took his mother and her family. He was always very devoted to his mother, who was an invalid. Mr. Noosbickel in 1853 moved to Binghamton and found employment with the late William R. Osborn. During this business connection his mother, and ten months later his favorite sister, died. His youngest brother, William, whom he had influenced to learn the barber's trade, re- moved to New Yord, where he died in 1893. About 1858 he went into the service of the Erie Railroad Company, first in the freight depot, then in the passenger department as baggage master. It was while thus employed that opportunities were given him to show his sympathy for the un- fortunate immigrants who frequently landed at this station without money, friends, FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 919 or sometimes even an idea of where they wished to go. These unfortunates he gladly befriended as interpreter and often took them to his home where they were always made comfortable. When roads were blockaded by storm, he and his faith- ful wife have at different times cared for as many as four in their little home. It was not an infrequent occurrence to have one for months until suitable employ- ment could be found for him or her. The position of baggagemaster he held eight years, when an accident unfitted him for work in that capacity; but the company appreciated the faithfulness of their old employee and provided him with a position as guard at the Chenango street crossing. Here he was enabled to be helpful espe- cially to the feeble and timid. Rewards were often offered him by some grateful pedestrian whom he had rescued from a horrible death, at the lisk of his own life, but were never accepted, he considering he did nothing but his duty. Mr. Noos- bickel was in the employ of the Erie Company until his death, serving them faith- fully nearly forty years. He passed away March 16, 1897, respected by all. In 1861 he became a member of Calumet Lodge No. 62, I. O. O. F. The following year, October 10, he married A. Elizabeth Bentzien, the youngest daughter of Peter and Catherine Bentzien, natives of Altona, Germany. Miss Bentzien lost her parents while quite young, and came to America, in 1856, with an older sister to join their brother, who had preceded them several years. To this union three chil- dren have been born: George Frederick, who died in infancy; Elizabeth B., a grad- uate of the Oswego State Normal School, for two years a teacher in Farmingdale, Long Island, and now a teacher in our city schools; and Johanna Dorathea, who died aged ten years. Mr. Noosbickel, always a kind and indulgent husband and father, was a man of quiet habits, a good hearted, upright citizen and a worthy Christian. His character was above reproach and those who knew him best never questioned his integrity. He was a sincere member of the Lutheran church and often regretted that he was deprived in his later days from attending services as he wished. Powell, Edward E., of the firm of Ford, Beach & Powell, sole agents in Bingham- ton for the celebrated Delaware and Hudson coal and one of the leading business houses in this city, was born September 10, 1870, in Wales, while his parents were on a visit to their native country. When about one year old his parents returned to this country and took up their residence in, or near, Hazelton, Luzerne county, Pa. His early days were spent in that place and Shenandoah, Schuylkill county. Pa., where his father was a large and prominent coal operator. Mr. Powell's early edu- cation was procured in this place, going through the local high school at an early age. When about nineteen years of age his parents moved to Philadelphia, where they now reside. While in Philadelphia Mr. Powell was a traveling representative for a large Philadelphia house and in August, 1894, he was married to Helen J. Ford, youngest daughter of Hon. R. A. Ford of this city. He immediately entered into partnership with his father-in-law in the wholesale and retail coal business, which was established by Mr. Ford in 1870 and is now the largest business of its kind in the southern tier. Mr. Powell has besides his wife a family of two children: Beatrice Whitney and Helen Ford Powell. Mr. Powell is very popular, not only in business, but in social and political circles 920 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. and as a Republican he is recognized as one of the most loyal and hard working "young Republicans" in Broome county. Since taking up his residence in our city he has served with great credit to himself and profit to the city one term as a mem- ber of the board of health and two years and a half on the street board, having been appointed to both positions by the Hon. George E Green while mayor. He has represented the Fourth ward for the past two years as a member of the Republican County Committee. He was one of the originators of the Binghamton Athletic As- sociation and worked hard to create a desire for athletic training among the young men of the city. As a young man, he was considered one of the best all-around athletes in his class and even to-day takes great interest in all such sports. He is a member of the Binghamton Club; the Broome County Country Club and is also a member of Otseningo Lodge No. 435, F. & A. M., and of Calumet Lodge No. 62, I. O. O. F. He is a member and regular attendant at Christ Episcopal church. O'Neill, James, contractor and builder, was born in Binghamton, June 6, 1853, the son of the late John O'Neill, the latter being well remembered as a shoemaker in the village and subsequent city. James was educated at St. James' Parochial school, after which, beginning when he was twelve years old, he worked three years in the Anderson & Gregg shoe factory. He then served two years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, under D. J. Donnelley, and then worked as ' jour" three or four years. Still later he was foreman for D. J. Sullivan until the death of the latter, and afterward was foreman for Sullivan & Clark from 1880 to 1890. He then began work as contracting builder and during subsequent years he has erected many sub- stantial structures in the city, prominent among which may be mentioned the com- pletion of the Republican building, McTighe & Truesdell's wholesale grocery build- ing, the recently completed Boston Store building, the George F. O'Neil seven story Court street building, and others. He also was the builder of the splendid residences of Edmund O'Connor, C. F. McCormick, Dr. Hutchinson, George L. Harding, and as well scores of others in various parts of the city ; all of which are substantial evidences of his enterprise and business capacity. Mr. O'Neill takes little active in- terest in city politics, yet he is thoroughly loyal to Binghamton and all that pertains to its welfare. He is a member, and the present presiding officer of that popular fraternal organization known as the Knights of Columbus. On September 15, 1880, James O'Neill married Martha L. , daughter of William Tucker. Seven children were born of this marriage, six of whom are now living. Beman, Elbert A., senior partner in the present firm of Beman & Co., and former- ly partner in the still older firm of Beman & Bayless, began business in this city in 1868 as a manufacturer of cheese boxes, tubs and firkins, his partner at that time be- ing the late Julius S. Corbett. The latter went out of the firm after about a year and Mr. Beman continued the business alone until 1871, when John Bayless acquired an interest, thus establishing the firm of Beman & Bayless, which was known in trade circles until 1897. Clifford W. Beman then became partner with his father under the firm name of Beman & Co., as above mentioned. The firm employ about eight}' men. While Elbert A. Beman is now one of our city's oldest manufacturers, he is also a native of the county, having been born in Colesville in 1834. He is the son of the FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 921 late Aaron G. Beman, and grandson of Reuben Beman, the latter a settler in that town in 1820. Previous to locating permanently in this city E A. Beman was a farmer in the town of Conklin, and also to a limited e.xtent manufactured tubs and firkins. He also spent about two years in the Pennsylvania oil fields. While always actively engaged in his business interests in the city, Mr. Beman has devoted a fair portion of his time to municipal affairs for the public welfare. In 1881 and 1882 he represented the Second ward in the Common Council, and was also for several years a member of the board of street commissioners, as the municipal civil list will show. In 1861 Mr. Beman married Emily Watrous, of Greene. Of this marriage five chil- dren were born. Hanrahan, Edward M., was born in this city, September 21, 1866, and is the eldest of five sons born to Michael and Hannah (Gorman) Hanrahan. Michael Hanrahan is, also, a native of Binghamton, and is widely known and highly respected through- out the city. Edward was educated in the public schools and also in Lowell's Busi- ness College. In 1886, in partnership with his brother, James L., Mr. Hanrahan started in the grocery business at No. 227 Court street. The stock was sold in 1890, and, in the same year, the firm of Hanrahan Brothers succeeded to the wholesale liquor business carried on by J. H. Rourke, on Washington street. James L. Han- rahan died in April, 1898, upon which Edward became sole proprietor. He is count- ed among our city's most active young business men. On September 10, 1890, Ed- ward M. Hanrahan married Julia, one of the five daughters of the late Patrick Stack, who was formerly one of the prominent business men of Binghamton; being a mem- ber of the firm of Stack & Allen, grocers. Two children — a son, Edward M., and a daughter, Marion Louise — have been born of this marriage. Sisson, Edward Carlton, youngest sou of the late Benjamin F. Sisson, was born in this city, March 11, 1870. He was educated in the city schools and is a graduate of St. John's Military School, Manlius, N. Y. He then entered the Sheffield Scien- tific School of Yale University with the class of '91. He is a member of the college fraternity Phi Gamma Dalta. He then went abroad and devoted about two years to travel. Returning home, he was for several years connected with the dry goods house of Sisson Bros. & Welden, but in 1895 took his present position in the manage- ment of Jones of Binghamton, scale manufacturers. Mr. Sisson is one of Bingham- ton's active and competent young men and enjoys the confidence of all his business acquaintances. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Binghamton Club, and one of the vestrymen of Christ church. On August 22, 1895, Mr. Sisson married Edith, daughter of Gen. Edward F. Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Sisson have two sons. Ackerman, Cornelius A., first came to Binghamton about 1856 to attend school and also to look after certain real estate of which his father, Capt. John G. Ackerman, was the owner. After a short time young Ackerman returned to his home in Allendale, but soon came back here and took up the work of bricklaying on the large building that Colonel Wells erected for J. B. Lewis on Washington street. After a year Mr. Ackerman went to New York and entered the office of Rembrandt Lockwood, archi- 922 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. tect of that city. Later on during the Civil war he was in the employ of the govern- ment in various capacities, after which he went into the Pennsylvania oil fields. Still later he was an architect and builder at Goshen, N. Y.. but after a short resi- dence in that place he returned again to this city and engaged in business as con- tractor and builder, both in State and railroad. In 1880 he formed a partnership with John Evans, the firm being Evans & Acker- man. This firm secured the contract for converting the New York State Inebriate Asy- lum into an asylum for chronic insane, and afterward, until Mr. Evans' death, engaged in extensive construction enterprises, both on public buildings and in railroad work. However, from the time Mr. Ackerman came permanently to our city in 1879 he has been prominently identified with local interests. He erected and now owns the Ackerman building on the corner of State and Henry streets. He also has been identified with the Lestershire Water Works, as its executive officer, with Floral Park Cemetery As.sociation, as one of its original and present trustees, and with the Strong State Bank, as an original and present director. In politics Mr. Ackerman is a firm Democrat, but never has yielded to the persuasion of party leaders and be- come a candidate for public office, although frequently urged to do so. Mr. Ackerman was born in Allendale, N. J., in September, 1840, and is descended from Holland ancestry. His father. Captain Ackerman, bought property soon after the Erie railroad was built in the village of Binghamton and in connection with this property his son first came here as above mentioned. On August 18, 1870, Cornelius H. Ackerman married Lizzie McKinstry, of Morris county, N. J. One son, Robert McKinstry Ackerman, was born of this marriage. Barrett, Stanford W., dealer in musical instruments and music goods of all de- scriptions, is one of the oldest business men of our city, and also (we may say it with- out any hesitation whatever) is one of our most respected citizens. In 1860 and the early part of 1861 Mr. Barrett was teaching music in the public schools of Cincin- nati, Ohio, and in the summer of the latter year came east to visit with relatives and friends in Susquehanna county. Pa., where he was born and brought up. Incident- ally, he came to Binghamton about the time the free educational systehi was estab- lished, and naturally, he was asked to teach vocal and instrumental music in the public schools of the village. He accepted the offer made by the board of education and from that time to the present day has been a resident of Binghamton, village and city. In 1862 he opened a music store on lower Court street. The well known firm of Barrett Bros, was organized in 1872, and is still known in local business cir- cles although the junior partner, Volney B. Barrett, died in July, 1895. He was succeeded by Harry S. Barrett, son of the senior partner. Stanford W. Barrett was born in Jackson, Pa., April 27, 1838, and is the son of the late William Barrett, a New Englander by birth and an early settler in Susque- hanna county. In the spring of 1866 S. W. Barrett married AdeUa Hopkins, sister to the late Peter W. Hopkins. Two children, Harry S and Emma Barrett, were born of that marriage. Mr. Barrett's second wife was Frances A., daughter of Dr. Thomas W. Walsh, of Port Jervis. Bayless, Franklin J., .son of John Bayless, grandson of Gen. John Bayless and FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 923 great-grandson of Samuel Bayless, the latter being the pioneer of the family in this county. His mother, who died in 1880, was Amanda Corbett, a granddaughter of Robert Corbett, who came from Connecticut and settled at Corbettsville in 1795. Mr. Bayless was born at Corbettsville, February 12, 1865. He was educated in the Binghamton city schools, after which, in 1881, he went to Eau Claire, Wis., where for two years he was teller and bookkeeper in the Chippewa Valley Bank. In 1883 he returned to Binghamton and for the next three and one-half years was teller and bookkeeper in the Merchants National Bank. He then resigned the position and became partner with his brother, George C. Bayless, in the manufacture of pulp and paper in this city; and when, in 1893, the partnership became an incorporated com- pany he was elected its treasurer. This position he now holds, but in addition to his connection with the Bayless Pulp and Paper Company, Mr. Bayless is engaged in various other busmess enterprises, among which may be mentioned the manufacture of Wood Alcohol by the firm of Berkalew & Bayless (est. 1892), having works in Mc- Kean and Elk counties, Pennsylvania. This firm built a wood alcohol refinery in Buffalo, N. Y.. in 1893. the latter bemg known as F. J. Bayless & Company Incor- porated, of which Mr. Bayless is president and manager. He is a director of the American Charcoal Company of Bradford, Pa. ; president of the Central Commercial Company of Chicago, and also of the American Printing Ink Company, of Chicago ; vice-president of the People's Bank, of this city, and secretary of the Broome County Country Club. He is a trustee of the First Presbyterian Society and treasurer of that board. On June 6, 1894. Franklin J. Bayless married Cleone Eraser Wilson, daughter of George and Jane Eraser Wilson, of this city. Mason, William, resident, manager of the Standard Oil Company, but better known to our people, perhaps, by reason of his faithful services in the Common Council, both as alderman and president of the board, came to live in this city in 1886. In addition to his earnest interest in the political welfare of Binghamton. Mr. Mason has shown a commendable zeal in the affairs of the local branch of the C. T. H. A., whose object is so well understood by all our people. Indeed he was one of the chief promoters of the Home enterprise itself, and devoted much time to the laudable undertaking- and in connection with his services he was appointed to important po- sitions in the State and national branches of the association. He was appointed a member of the board of managers of Binghamton State Hospital by Governor Black, and on January 1, 1900. he was elected president of the board. Mr. Mason was born in Boston, Mass., April 14, 1847, the son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Parker) Ma- son both formerly of Boston but more recently of this city. William began his busi- ness career as commercial traveler, selling oils in New England. New York and Pennsylvania. Having been elected general manager of the Standard Oil Company. Binghamton department, Mr. Mason was first located in Scranton, from which city, in 1886, he came to Binghamton. Mr. Mason's wife, whom he married April 1 . . 18,2. was Annie M. Bigelow, of Quincy. Mass. Lawrence B. and Bertram A. Mason are children of this marriage. Ring John F., foreman of the moulding department in the works of the Osgood Scale Company, is a native of Binghamton. born November 24. 1854. and is the son 924 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. of the late James and Catharine (Welch) Ring. He was educated in St. James' Paro- chial School, after which he learned the moulders' trade with the firm of Jones & Osgood, the founders of the scale manufacturing industry in this city. Mr. Ring was employed by Jones & Osgood from 1863 to 1872, after which he spent one year in Elmira. Returning to Binghamton he was in the employ of Shapley & Wells from 1874 to 1889, and during at least six years of that period he was foreman of the foundry department. In 1889 Mr. Ring became foreman of the foundry department of the Osgood Scale Works, which position he still holds. Politically Mr, Ring is a strong Democrat. In 1898-99 he represented the First ward in the Common Council, He is a member of Osseo Tribe, I. O. R. M., the Knights of Columbus, Ancient Or- der of Hibernians, and also of the Iron Moulders' Union. In 1877 Mr. Ring mar- ried Katie, daughter of John Collins. Hecox, William H., general fire insurance agent doing business at No. 45 Court street, has been identified with Binghamton history since 1878. He is a native of Buffalo, born February 9, 1861, and is the son of the late William H. Hecox, a pio- neer practicing lawyer of this city, and of whom mention is made in the Bench and Bar chapter of this work. Mr. Hecox's family came to Binghamton in 1870, and William, the son, was educated in our city schools. In 1878 he left the B. C. H. S. and was employed as clerk in the hardware store of Carter, Abbott & Johnson. On April 1, 1879, he became clerk in the First National Bank, which position he held nine years, and then engaged in the fire insurance business. On April 1, 1890, the firm of Boss, Stoppard & Hecox, general insurance agents, was formed, and was continued until May 1, 1899. Mr. Hecox then purchased Mr. Stoppard's interest in the business, upon which the former partnership was dissolved and he opened an office at No. 45 Court street. Mr. Hecox is one of Binghamton's active business men and loyal citizens. He is a charter member and present secretary of the Dobson club. Lacey, Joseph W., proprietor of the extensive cigar box factory on upper Water street, came to this city in 1877. He then was a carpenter by trade, but soon after coming here he engaged in the manufacture of cigar boxes, beginning in a small way at first and gradually increasing the capacity of the works as the demands of trade required. The first partnership in which Mr. Lacey was a member was that of Lacey & Wilkinson whose place of business was on Commercial avenue about two years. At the end of that time Mr. Lacey sold out to his partner, and after being out of business about a year he established a new and larger plant at the foot of State street, where he remained about five years. He again sold out in 1892, and was practically out of business until March, 1895, when he started a new factor}^ in Lee's building on Water street. He removed thence to his present location in October, 1899. Here he employs an average (under normal conditions of trade) of about fifty work- men, and in addition to being an extensive employer of labor, Mr. Lacey is one of the largest cigar box manufacturers in southern New York. Moreover, by careful attention to all the details, the business has been a gratifying success. In 1899 his factory produced more than 600,000 cigar boxes for the city trade alone. Mr. Lacey was born in Bradford county, Penna., September 22, 1848, but when abcmt eight FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 925 years old he removed with his parents to Auburn township, Susquehanna county, where his young life was chiefly spent. He was educated in the .select schools at Laceyville and Camptown. He first engaged in business as lumberman in the win- ter and farmer in the summer, and afterward took up carpenter work as mentioned above. He came to Binghamton in 1877, and has since been an active factor in city industrial history. On October 26, 1882. Joseph W. Lacey married Emma Flummerfelt, of Rush town- ship, Susquehanna county, Penna. Mr. and Mrs. Lacey have one daughter, Eva Lacey. Leonard, Miles, contractor, builder of the Broome county court house, which structure will long stand as a monument to his capacity and faithfulness, has been a resident of our city since 1871. He is a native of Nichols, Tioga county, and was born December 19, 1849. He was the son of Peter Leonard, who was for years a familiar figure on our public streets and who had a host of friends. After Miles left school he worked on the Chenango canal extension, and afterward on the Southern Central railroad, having charge of a gang of men on construction work. In Septem- ber, 1871, he came to Binghamton and learned the carpenter's trade, and worked as a "jour" about two and one-half years. Then, in a small way at first, he began erecting buildings on contract, and did much work for Martin Stone. Later on he was foreman for Sullivan & Clark, master builders, and did a vast amount of work outside of the city. Returning, however, to Binghamton, Mr. Leonard soon took up a prominent posi- tion among our leading contractors. He built the Court Street and East End rail- road and was its first superintendent after it was opened for traffic. He built the works of the Binghamton Wagon Company, the Stone Opera House, the power house of the B. R. R. Co., the First Baptist church edifice, the Masonic Temple building the new court house, and is now engaged in the largest contract undertak- ing in his whole career, the construction of the buildings for an iLsane asylum on Long Island, costing nearly $1,000,000. Although Miles Leonard has lived m our city only since 1871, he has nevertheless been an important factor in local history, and has done much to build up, improve and enlarge our municipality. Mr. Leonard was superintendent of streets in 1886. Reynolds Audley W., has been a factor in city history for a period of tvventy-five years In 1875 he came to Binghamton from Montrose and began to work as jour- neyman carpenter, continuing about eight years. During that period he had charge of Ihe work of two contracting builders, preparing plans and drawings and mak n estimates for various structures. While thus employed Mr. Reynolds reasoned that f this work could be done for another, it could be done ^^-^%)'''\'?'^\'r'f^;^ Therefore m 1880 he became an architect and contractor, and it is evident that n this determination he made no mistake. In proof of this statement one need only o point to the Wilkinson building, the Westcott building, the Central Fire station the Odd Fellows temple, the Waldron block, the elegant residence of Robert H and the late Edward L. Rose, the Wales apartment house, and -^^^ ° -;^^^™;^^,^.^^ residence structures in the city, which are a better advertisement of Mr. Reynolds s 926 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. business capacity than any written notice of the fact. Mr. Reynolds was born in Mont- rose in 1848, soon after which his father, Francis J Reynolds, removed with his family from Susquehanna county to Canada. He returned to Montrose after about twelve years. Landon, Samuel G., principal of the Binghamton Central High School, first be- came a factor in city history in 1897, when he was called to his present position by the board of education; and never at any time have the people of the city had occa- sion to criticise the action of the school commissioners in their selection of principal at that time. Mr. Landon is a native of Herrick, Pa., born February 12, 1865, the son of George and Catharine (Smith) Landon, In December, 1880, he entered Wy- oming Seminary, and was graduated in June, 1885, being valedictorian of the class. He entered Wesleyan University (Middletown, Conn.) in September, 1885, and was graduated with the degree of B. A., and member of Phi Beta Kappa, in June, 1889. During the years 1889-91, Prof. Landon was superintendent of schools in California, Mo., and in 1891-2, was professor of Latin and Greek, and also acting president of Puget Sound University, Tacoma, Washington. In 1892-94, he was superintendent of schools of Puyallup, Washington, and in 1894-97, was principal of the High School in Harrisburg, Pa. From the city last mentioned Prof. Landon came to the princi- palship of the B. H. S.. in August, 1897. Gibbs, Charles W. , came from Oak Hill, in Union, to Binghamton in 1882. He worked for a time as journeyman carpenter, then for several years as foreman, and in 1890 became a master workman and contractor. His specialty is interior finishing and hard wood work, in which respect he controls many of the best city contracts. He has a good shop, with power and machinery on Ferry street. Mr. Gibbs is a native of Union, born July 9, 1855, the son of O. M. Gibbs, and the grandson of Barnabas Gibbs, the latter being a pioneer on Oak Hill. The family came originally from Connecticut. On October 21, 1889, Charles W. Gibbs married Georgia Little, of Kalamazoo, Mich. They have one daughter. Mr. Gibbs is a member of Wam- sutta tribe, I. O. R. M., and has taken the Haymaker degree. Dedrick, Harry E. , proprietor of the extensive house furnishing establishment which occupies the entire ground floor and basement and also a portion of the second floor of the Windsor hotel building on Washington street, has been a business man of this city since 1891. In that year Mr. Dedrick came to Binghamton and became partner in the firm of Carver & Dedrick, but at the end of two years he became sole proprietor. Two years later, in 1895, he removed to his present quarters and put in a stock of goods that occasioned some surprise among neighboring men and caused the wiseacres to shake their heads in doubt; but the business, which is conducted almost wholly on the installment plan, has steadily increased with each succeeding year, and is now one of the best concerns in the city. The proprietor is a young, capable and straightforward business man, ever watchful of his own interests and perfectly fair in his dealings with customers. Best of all, he is a native of the county, and is descended from one of the substantial old families of Union, his grandfather, Garrett Dedrick, having come from Coventry about 1830 and settled near the "Ash- FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 927 ery," or Stella, as now knowu. The old homestead farm is now owned in the fam- ily. His mother was Mariette Hulbert, daughter of Henry Hulbert, an early settler in the county. Harry E. Dedrick was born April 28. 1863, and is the son of Moses Dedrick, a farmer of Union for many years, and twelve years proprietor of a hotel at Slaterville Springs. In this hotel business our subject was partner with his father. Harry E. Dedrick's wife, whom he married April 1, 1891, is Lilla, daughter of Charles Whit- temore and also a descendant of one of Broome county's old families. Blewer, Claron M., senior partner in the firm of Blewer & Whiting, dealers in coal and wood and also proprietors of the Riverside mills, came from Slaterville to this city in 1889. He was born in Tioga county and was educated chiefly in the Owego Academy. He afterward taught school for a period of about fifteen years, and left that pursuit when he came to Binghamton. The Riverside mills were started by Jennings, Bisbee & Whiting in 1888, but in the next year the firm changed to Bisbee, Blewer & Whiting. The present firm of Blewer & Whiting became sole proprietors in 1891. The mills produce an excellent quality of buckwheat flour, meal and feed. Mr. Blewer was a member of the Binghamton Common Council during the years 1898 and 1899 and at present is a member of the health board. In Speeds- ville, N. Y., in 1878, Mr. Blewer married Persa J., daughter of Samuel Whiting, of that place. Eitapenc, Fred, of the firm of Gaylord & Eitapenc, began his business career in this city in 1888. He was born in Utica, November 12, 1849, and at the age of thir- teen years beganlearning the tinsmith's trade. At sixteen he began work as "jour," and was employed in the villages of Oneida, Franklin, Sidney and Cooperstown. In January, 1877, he established a tin and hardware business at Davenport, Dela- ware county, N. Y., and continued it until 1887. He then lived for a time in this city, but was not in active business. He went to Oneonta and became partner in the general hardware firm of Stevens & Eitapenc, but in 1888 sold out and returned to Binghamton. For about a year he was partner in the wholesale provision firm of Taylor, Shaw & Co., but in 1889 became partner in the steam heating and ventilat- ing firm of Gaylord & Eitapenc. The large brick and stone building at the corner of Lewis and State streets was erected in 1899 by this firm. In city business circles Mr. Eitapenc is known as an enterprising and substantial man and a loyal citizen. At Sidney Centre, on August 15, 1872, Mr. Eitapenc married Sarah Finch, daughter of Joseph Finch, by whom he has one daughter, Margaret Eitapenc. Ogden, J. Sherman, was born in Binghamton in 1839 and died June 7, 1897. From 1872 to the time of his death he was actively engaged in business in the manufacture of cigars, for many years being a member of the firm of George A. Kent & Co., and afterward a member of the firm of Wm. H. Ogden & Co. Although a native of this city Mr. Ogden was for eight years engaged in business in Syracuse and for one year in Milwaukee, Wis., before he was connected with the house of George A. Kent & Co. Mr. Ogden was one of five children of William Ogden, the latter being for many years an active factor in Binghamton village and city history and one of its most re- 928 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. spected men. He now lives with his daughter (Mrs. M. E. Anderson) in Buffalo. J. Sherman Ogden's wife was Beulah Carter, who survives him Their children were Helen S. (now Mrs. W. S. Liddell, of Charlotte. N. C): William H. Ogden, cigar manufacturer of this city, and Robert M. Ogden, also of Binghamton. Rogers, Julius E., president of the board of education, is a native of Stockbridge, Vt., and was born October 25, 1850. He was the son of Elisha Rogers, a farmer, who left Vermont about 1853 and settled in Schoharie county, N.Y. Julius was edu- cated in the schools of Schoharie and Delaware counties and also in Cornell Univer- sity, but taught school two years previous to his course in Cornell. He then went to New York city, and was engaged in the milk, butter and general commission busi- ness about eight years, after which he returned to Delaware county. In 1879 he came to live in this city, having previously visited several other cities in the State with a view to selecting the most desirable place of residence. Mr. Rogers' first business venture in Binghamton was in a general grocery store, as part- ner with his brother under the firm name of J. B. & J. E. Rogers. Still later he was senior partner in the firm of Rogers & McMurdy, and after this copartnership was dissolved Mr. Rogers carried on a general shipping and produce business. In the meantime he had purchased a farm in Conklin, and gradually turned to agricultural pursuits, in which he has always taken great interest. He has been a member of the State Agricultural Society more than twenty years. In 1891 he was one of the founders of the Binghamton Dairy Association, of which he has ever since been secretary and treasurer, and in fact its managing oflficer. He was also prominently identified with the organization of the Binghamton Beet Sugar Company, which industry, like the Dairy Association, has proved a source of much benefit to the farmers of the region. In Binghamton and Broome county Mr. Rog- ers is known as a patriotic, public spirited citizen, taking an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the city. Since 1891 he has been a member of the board of education, and president of the board since 1894. He was an active factor in founding the original City Hospital; was connected with it throughout the period of its existence, either as trustee or officer, and was one of the first board of manag- ers of the institution under municipal control. On January 9, 1876, Mr. Rogers mar- ried Nellie, daughter of Morris Baldwin of Stanford, Delaware county; of this mar- riage five children were born. Bundy, Willard L., superintendent of the Bundy Manufacturing Company, has been a resident of this city hardly more than ten years, yet through his instrumen- tality Binghamton is possessed of one of its best and most promising industries, and one which in many respects has no equal in the United States. Mr. Bundy is a na- tive of Otego, Otsego county, born December 8, 1845, the son of Douglass Bundy, who removed from Otego in 1847 and settled in Auburn, in which city Willard was educated and began his business career. At the age of fifteen years he left school and began to learn the jeweler's trade ; but instead of learning the single trade of a jeweler, he in fact learned four trades and became a jeweler, engraver, gold plater and silver plater. At the age of twenty-two Mr. Bundy began manufacturing jew- elry and at the same time turned his attention to mechanical arts, inventing and FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 929 patenting several devices of importance before he was twenty-five years old. In the aggregate Mr. Bundy probably has secured from forty to fifty patents, but among all of them those which protect the several parts of the famous "Bundy Time Re- corder" are by far the most valuable and important. Mr. Bundy began his work on this device about 1887 and in the course of the next two years had it perfected, patented and ready for manufacture. In 1889 he visited this city, and exhibited his patented "Time Recorder" to a numl^er of our enter- prising citizens; and almost before he bad quite decided to locate here, Mr. Bundy was informed that our capitalists were willing to invest all necessary means to es- tablish a plant and begin the work of manufacture. Operations were begun in a little building on Commercial avenue, but the company was soon compelled to remove to larger quarters on Water street. Here, too, the building was soon outgrown, but was enlarged and now is the tallest factory building in the city. Yet even these quarters are cramped and soon must again be enlarged to meet the requirements of the company. The " Bundy" was the first automatic time recorder invented and placed on the market, the manufacturers being compelled to educate the commercial public up to the use of what is now considered invaluable in all large establishments. In a patent suit recently decided, the Bundy Mfg. Co. were granted the exclu.sive right to man- ufacture a key time recorder. A combination of time recorder manufacturers has just been formed, and the works of the other concerns will be moved to Binghamton, thus making it necessary to double the present capacity of the Bundy works Mr. Bundy, as superintendent of the works, devotes himself exclusively to that department and exercises constant supervision over 135 skilled employees. He takes only a passive interest in city politics, but in Auburn he served two years as alderman. He also was for eight years superintendent of the Auburn fire alarm system. On March 22, 1871, Willard L. Bundy married Etta D. Sweet, of Auburn. Of this marriage two sons have been born, both of whom are employees of the Bundy Manufacturing Company, one as bookkeeper and the other as assistant superinten- dent. Baird, Simon Melvin, surveyor and civil engineer, having a business office in the city and residing in Port Dickinson, is a native of Onondaga county, born Septem- ber 7, 1852, and the son of the late Benjamin Baird, a farmer of Fenton for many years. Benjamin Baird removed from Onondaga county to Cortland county about 1856, and was a farmer in Marathon and McGrawville for a period of thirteen years previous to his removal to Fenton in 1869. Melvin, his son (he is commonly known by this name), was educated in the Marathon Academy and also in McGrawville Academy, in the latter institution making a special study of civil engineering. He lived at home until he attained his majority and for two years he carried on his father's farm in Fenton. He then went to Port Crane and for more than ten years was station agent and telegraph operator in the service of the Albany and Susquehanna R. R. Co. In 1885 he came to Port Dickinson to live and has since been a surveyor and civil engineer, having a principal office in Binghamton, where he is well known and much respected for his straightforward and correct business methods. Although comparatively a quiet figure in local politics, Mr. Baird at one time was village trus- 59 930 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. tee in Port Dickinson, and is known as a sterling Republican. Mr. Baird's wife is Hattie L., daughter of Linas White, of Fenton. They have no children. Moflfatt, George M., of the contracting and building firm of Moffatt Bros., came to this city from New Milford, Pa., in 1887, and was one of the Susquehanna county contingent of business men who, during the last twenty years have added so greatly to Binghamton's population and prosperity For about two years Mr. Moffalt worked at his trade as a carpenter, when, in 1809, his brother, Crosby J. Moffatt, also came to the city, upon which the partnership of Moffatt Bros, was formed. The firm has since been in successful operation, and several substantial business buildings and scores of residences attest the capacity of its members. Moffatt Bros, also are ex- tensive builders on their own land in the northern part of the city, and by constant development have proven factors for much good. Both are earnest Republicans and have been called upon to serve the party in municipal ofhce, Crosby J. Moffatt hav- ing been supervisor, and George M. Moffatt alderman in 1896-7, being president of the board in the latter year. In the council. Alderman Moffatt proved a valuable representative of the city's best interests, and as president of the board his record was one of perfect fairness and straightforward honesty. Mr. Moffat was born in Susquehanna county, Penna., October 12, 1859. His father, Mortimer Moffatt, was a native of Ulster county, N. Y., and an early settler in Sus- quehanna county, where he was for many years a successful and much respected farmer. He served two years and nine mouths during the war of 1861-65, and was a member of the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Mr. Moffatt died in August, 1887. His wife, who survives him, was Sarah Ann Eckert, also a native of Ulster county. Their children were Anna, wife of Henry Sherman, of Franklin, Pa. ; Crosby J., of the firm of Moffatt Bros, of this city; George M., of the firm of Moffatt Bros. ; Jona- than F., who lives on the old home farm in Susquehanna county; and Charles, who died aged eleven years. George lived at home on the farm until he was of age, and then learned the carpenter's trade. He worked as journeyman in Susquehanna county until 1887, when he came to this city. He is a member of New Milford lodge. No. 507, F. & A. M., and of Ute tribe, I. O. R. M. On June 17, 1885, Mr. Moft^att married Serua M., daughter of Hiram Wise of New Milford. They have one daughter. Delavan, Erastus C , inspector of agencies for the Travelers Life Insurance Com- pany of Hartford, Conn., was born in Guilford, Chenango county, N. Y., September 4, 1855. He was educated in Oxford Academy, and in 1870 began his career as clerk in the store of Clarke & Co., Oxford, N. Y., general merchants and forwarders, re- maining in their employment nine years and latterly having charge of the storage and forwarding branch of the business. Later on he lived three years in Norwich, working as clerk for Chapman & Co., general dry goods dealers. On January 1, 1882, he came to Binghamton, and for the next three years was floor walker in the store of Sisson Bros. & Welden. He then became partner with T. P. Calkin in the firm of Calkin & Delavan, hatters, furriers and dealers in men's furnishing goods. In January, 1888, Mr. Delavan succeeded to the sole proprietorship, and continued the busmess until 1896, when he sold out and engaged in the service of the Travelers FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 93] Life Insurance Company, of Hartford, Conn., in the capacity of local agent. In July, 1898, he was made inspector of agencies of the company in this State, which position he still holds. Thus, for a period of nearly twenty years Mr. Delavan has been a factor in the business history of this city. Politically, he is a stalwart Republican, and while fre- quently he has been asked to accept municipal office, he as often has declined. The extent of his political holdmgs has been confined to a brief period of service as mem- ber of the city police commission. In Masonic circles he enjoys an enviable promi- nence, as may be seen by reference to the chapter on Free Masonry in another de- partment of this work. He was made a Master Mason in 1885 ; a Royal Arch Mason in 1886, and a Knight Templar in 1887. He was elected Eminent Commander of Malta Commandery in 1890; grand warder of the Grand Comraandery of the State of New York in 1894. He received the degrees of Royal and Select Master in Ithaca Council in April, 1892; received the thirty-second degree in Syracuse Consistory in April, 1890, and the thirty-third degree in Pittsburg, Pa., in 1896. He received the degree of A. A. O. N. M. S. in 1887. From December, 1896, to December. 1897, Mr. Delavan was master of Otseningo Lodge No. 485, F. & A. M., of this city. Mr. Delavan was one of the founders of Trinity church and has been one of its vestrymen throughout the period of its history. He is a member of the Binghamton and Craftsmen's Clubs, and also of the Society of Sons of the American Revolution. On October 9, 1895, Mr. Delavan married Emma M., daughter of the late Joel Fuller of this city. Sehenck, Theodore B., a native of Smithville, and a former resident of Greene. Chenango county, came to Binghamton in 1864, and from that time to January, 1899, was actively engaged in business as a master painter. On the date last mentioned he abandoned bis former avocation and began dealing in coal. During this long period of thirty-six years Mr. Sehenck has taken an active, earnest interest in the civil and political history of the city, and it is doubtful if any citizen of Binghamton has shown a more unselfish interest in the welfare of the city. As the municipal civil list shows, he was for about fifteen years a member of the board of health, and was several times its president. For eight years he was a member of the board of education, and for three years a member of the plumbing board. Miller, Charles Scott, president of the City Coal Company, is a native of New York city, born February 9, 1865, and is the son of the late Jacob M. Miller, a native of Germany, and who came to Binghamton with his family in 1867. Charles was edu- cated in our city schools, but left before his course was fully completed and found employment in the book store of Stephens & Perry. He afterward learned the tail- or's trade, serving three years under Louis Heineman, and still later worked about one year as journeyman tailor. From 1887 to 1894 Mr. Miller carried on a merchant tailoring business in the city, and during a portion of the same period he also was partner with Frank Snyder in a broom and brush manufacturing business. In 1894 he disposed of his interests in the city and went to California, determined to locate permanently on the Pacific slope. However, in 1895, he returned to Binghamton and became senior partner in the firm of Miller, Snyder & Co., general coal dealers. 932 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. In 1899 the partnership was resolved into the City Coal Company, with a capital stock of $50,000, and with Mr. Miller president and Mr. Snyder vice-president Although comparatively a young man it is seen that Mr. Miller has indeed been an active fac- tor in city history ; and while his time has been much occupied with affairs of busi- ness he occasionally has yielded to the persuasions of his party — the Democratic — and become its candidate for office. He was nommated for the city assessorship and afterward for the office of county treasurer. Of course he was defeated at the polls in a locality so strongly Republican as this city and Broome county, yet his "run" certainly was gratifying both to Mr. Miller and his party. Mills, Myron H., the well known Front street florist and horticulturist, came to Binghamton from Cortland, having been a hardware merchant in the latter village from 1860 to 1870, and in company with the late D. C, McGraw established the Riv- erside gardens, on Upper Court street. In 1873 the partnershij^ was dissolved, upon which Mr. Mills came to his present location on Front street, where he is patronized by the best trade in the city. Mr. Mills was born in Marcellus, Onondaga county, April 29, 1826. At the age of fifteen years he went to Cortland and became a clerk for his brother-in-law, H. P. Goodrich. In 1849 he went to Norfolk, Conn., and for five years was manager of a mercantile business. From 1854 to 1860 he was proprie- tor of a store in Northville, Cayuga county, and from 1860 to 1870 he was a merchant in Cortland village. In 1850 Mr. Mills married Louisa M. Popple, of Weedsport, N. Y., who died leaving one daughter, Ada L. Mills, of this city. His second wife, whom he married in 1861, was Augusta D. Webb, of Washington. D. C. who died March 31, 1889. Two daughters were born of this marriage ; Christine (now Mrs. Tracy B. Fuller) and Jennie A. Mills. Barnes, Frederick E., senior partner in the cigar manufacturing firm of Barnes, Smith & Co , first became a factor in Binghamton history in 1889, when he came to the city and succeeded Colonel Dunn in the firm of Burhans & Dunn, general real estate and fire insurance agents. The partnership of Burhans & Barnes was con- tinued about five years, when Joseph M. Johnson replaced the senior partner, upon which the firm name changed to Barnes «& Johnson. About three years later Mr. Barnes retired from the real estate and insurance business and succeeded Mr. Clark in the firm of Clark, Smith & Co., cigar manufacturers doing business on Water street. The firm now employs between 300 and 400 workmen, the capacity of its plant having been doubled during the past year. The partners comprising the firm are young, energetic and reliable men, and their efforts in business life have been deservedly rewarded. Mr. Barnes is a member of all the Masonic bodies of the city, including Kalurah Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He has taken the thirty-second de- gree in Free Masonry. He is also a member of the Dobson Club and of the Broome County Country Club. Mr. Barnes is a native of Moravia, Cayuga county, born June 10, 1867, and is the son of Lieut. Benjamin F. Barnes. He was educated in Moravia Academy and the Peekskill Academy, graduating at the latter institution in 1887. On June 27, 1894, he married Mary Innes, youngest daughter of Dr. John G. OrtoQ, of this city. One son, Orton Spaulding Barnes, has been born of this marriage. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 933 Williams, Wellington W.. the genial city passenger and ticket agent of the Erie Railroad company, has b3en a resident of Binghamton since 1873, having come to this city from Susquehanna, situated in the adjoining Pennsylvania county. He is the son of Samuel and Sodemia (West) Williams, descendants of old New England stock, who emigrated from Connecticut and settled in the Keystone State. The founder in America of this branch of the Williams family was no less a personage than that famous exponent of religious liberty, Roger Williams. One of Wellington W. Williams' ancestors was in the Revolutionary war, his great-grandfather having fought at the battle of Bunker Hill. Both his parents are now dead and he is the only survivor of their three children. A portion of his young life was spent as clerk in the country store of John Smiley, Gibson, Pa., and also teaching winter terms of school. His early education was ob- tained in the public schools, New Milford academy and private boarding schools. At the outbreak of the Rebellion in 1861, his brother was in Company A, of the 56th Penn. Vol. Infantry, and Wellington, as a drummer boy, did good service in helping to raise the regiment. On account of his age, and being lame, the above regiment, and others, refused his repeated ofters to go to the front with them. Later on, how- ever, when on the staff of officers, he went to Washington, Alexandria and other points, returning home in the spring of 1865. Upon graduating from the Lowell and Warner's Commercial college, he spent two years in Gibson, Pa., as a clerk in the store of S. S. Ingalls. after which he became iunior partner in the firm of Williams, Pope & Co., Susquehanna, Pa. His interest in that firm was disposed of in 1869, and he purchased the fire insurance business previously conducted by Timothy Boyle. While engaged in this line of work he was adjuster for the Niagara and Home fire insurance companies, a position requiring a thoroughly reliable man of tact and good business judgment. He continued in the insurance business until 1871, when he connected himself with the Erie Railroad company's office at Susquehanna. This was in the palmy days when Gould and Fisk administered its affairs. Two years later he accepted a position with the dry goods house of B. F. Sisson & Sons, Binghamton, and in July, 1874, he engaged with Hine & Shales in the same line of trade. In the fall of the same year, the Erie again sought his services and he became em- nloved in the Binghamton office, then under the management of E. Van Tuyle, who was both freight and passenger agent. Mr. Williams has been with the Erie ever since In 1879 the present Erie passenger building was erected, and soon after the management of the freight and passenger business in this city was divided and Mr. wTams was appointed the passenger and ticket agent for Binghamton, being the fir t th^ Erie hid here. At his desk in his office agent Williams is ever to be ound during appointed business hours. He has been faithful to every duty and always alert to the interests of the road, and his twenty-six or more years of continuous ser- vice IS the best commentary on the value the officials of the road place upon his ser- vices Moreover, he is loyal to our city and its best interests, being quite extensively Ingaged in lumber and other manufacturing interests. He is a director of he Peo- X s Ban" and is stockholder, officer or director of several other business institutions fnthe city or county. Indeed, W. W. Williams is one of the strong contingent of SusqLT/nna country Pennsylvanians who, during the ^-t twenty-five years, have added so materially to the population and commercial importance of our citj. 934 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. In July, 1868, Mr. Williams married Emily R. Baldwin, daughter of Jonathan Baldwin of Susquehanna. Winifred Alice Williams, whose rich contralto voice has won for her a high reputation in musical circles, is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Osborn, William R., was born in Waterville, Oneida county, August 18, 1814, and died in Binghamton, December 21, 1893, at the close of a long, honorable and suc- cessful business career. He was the youngest son of Amos and Rosanna (Swetland) Osborn, his father being a pioneer farmer in Oneida county and one of its most in- fluential and wealthy citizens. On his father's side Mr. Osborn was sixth in descent from his English ancestor, Richard Osborn, one of the Free-planters of New Haven in 1639, and fourth in descent from David Osborn and Dorothy Bulkley of Fairfield. On his mother's side he was of the fourth generation in descent from John Hancock and Anna Webb of Springfield, Mass. William was given the advantage of a good education and proved to be an apt pupil even in his early childhood, and at the age of four years he was presented with a " reward of merit," attesting his good conduct and progress in the school room. Leaving home, Mr. Osborn completed his education in the Clinton Grammar School and the Hamilton Academy, after which, in 1830, he became a clerk in the store of his brother-in-law, Julius Candee, of Waterville, and still later was his busi- ness partner. Candee & Osborn, for such was the firm name, were general mer- chants in Waterville from 1835 to 1848, when, on account of the death of his father, Mr. Osborn retired from the firm and thereafter during his residence in Oneida county he engaged in agricultural pursuits with his brother Amos on the home- stead farm. Although born on a farm and the son of a farmer, agriculture was not congenial to the taste and business training of Mr. Osborn, hence, in 1853, at the suggestion of prominent citizens he removed to Binghamton to take a leading part in the organiza- tion and capitalization of the Bank of Binghamton, and soon afterward was com- fortably settled in our then village. He subscribed to $35,000 of the bank's $150,000 of capital, and through his influence Waterville business men took an additional $70,000 worth of the stock. On the organization of the bank in July, 1852, Dr. Amnii Doubleday was elected president, Charles W. Sanford vice-president, William R. Osborn cashier; on July 1, 1865, the bank was reorganized as the City National Bank, the officers remaining as first mentioned until 1868, when Mr. Doubleday died, upon which Mr. Sanford was elected to the presidency. The latter, however, retired in January, 1878, and Mr. Osborn was chosen in his place. He retained the office until January, 1893, when feeling no longer able to perform all its duties he resigned and was succeeded by Harris G. Rodgers, whom he had brought to Binghamton in 1854 and trained him in banking business. Indeed, for two years previous to his retirement from the bank Mr. Osborn had felt that his physical strength was declin- ing, therefore in full keeping with his characteristic methods he refused to accept the president's salary for that period. In the capacity of cjshier and also that of president, Mr. Osborn was the active managing officer of the Bank of Binghamton and of its successor, the City National Bank, for a period of forty years. He was chosen to the position of cashier on ac- . WILLIAM R. OSBORN. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 935 count of his conceded business qualifications and his special fitness for the place and his subsequent election to the presidency was only additional evidence of the regard in which he was held by the directors and stockholders. The City National Bank long has been known as one of the most substantial financial institutions of Southern New York, and throughout the entire period of its history it never passed a semi-an- nual dividend. Mr. Osborn uniformly trained his own clerks and his accurate knowl- edge of human nature enabled him to select as assistants young men who ultimately became numbered among the best financiers of the city. As a citizen of Binghamton outside of business circles, Mr. Osborn is remembered with affection by all our people. He was thoroughly loyal to all our institutions, particularly the schools, in the welfare of which he manifested a deep interest. Po- litically, he was a Republican and while he often was asked to accept municipal office he as frequently declined it. During his residence in the city he gained a reputation as an estimable citizen in all respects. He was of a retiring disposition naturally, though at ease in any circle and possessed the rare qualities that made a stranger feel as if he had long known him. Dignified in manner, possessed of sound common sense and excellent judgment, he quickly won friends and their confidence, to which it was his nature to remain steadfast. Mr. Osborn was a willing contributor to all worthy causes and for many years was a generous supportor of the Protestant Episcopal church. Indeed, he and his brother were the principal founders of Grace church in Waterville in 1840, and soon after his removal to Binghamton he was elected vestryman and still later warden of Christ church, serving many years in one capacity or the other. It was largely through his contributions and his efforts that the present Christ church edifice was erected. On May 24, 1838, William R. Osborn married Melinda M , second daughter of Noah and Elizabeth Birdsall Ely of New Berlin, Chenango county. Of this mar- riage three children were born: William Ely Osborn, who died in 1862, aged twenty- three years, and twin daughters, Grace (Mrs. Jaffray) and May Osborn, both of this city. Mrs. Melinda Ely Osborn died in Binghamton, December 3, 1899. Whitney, George, fourth in the order of birth among the children of Gen. Joshua Whitney (founder of Binghamton. and its pioneer), was born August 12, 1801, and spent his whole life in this locality. After his marriage he removed to the town of Chenango, where he was a farmer. He married Sophia Silk Evans, daughter of James Evans. Their children were Mary, who married Charles White; William Henry, now living in Mexico; Sophia, who married Dr. Thomas Webb; James Evans, of Bay City, Mich.; Jane Olive, who married Orby O. Keeler, late of the town of Chenango; George, a prominent member of the Broome county bar for many years; Thomas W., for many years a merchant in this city; Franklin, who died young, and Rhoda, of this city. Robinson, John Tracy, was born in Binghamton, May 4, 1831, and died March 6, 1889. He was the eldest of three children of the late Erasmus D. and Mary P. Robin- son, his father being a son of Dr. Tracy Robinson and brother of Maj.-Gen. John C. Rob- inson. Erasmus D. Robinson's children were John T., Augustus, Mary B. M. (wife of Capt. Edward L.Lewis), and Charles H. Robinson, all of whom, except Mrs. Lewis, are 936 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. now dead. John, or " Jack," as more familiarly known to his friends, was educated in the Binghamton village schools, after which he entered the service of the New York and Erie Railroad Company as conductor, " running " west of Hornellsville. After several years he resigned his position and returning to Binghamton continued in the com- pany's service, first as express and station agent, having an office for many years on South Depot street, where he carried on an extensive and profitable business. Mr. Robinson during his life was one of the most popular residents of Binghamton. He was thoroughly loyal to his city and took an earnest interest in all that pertained to its welfare. His wife, whom he married January 6, 1854, and who survives him, was I^ockie La Grange Mersereau, daughter of Major David Mersereau, the latter, one of Union's foremost men. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson had no children of their own, but Miss Louise Gray, daughter of Arthur and Stella Williams Gray, was adopted by them. Hait, Charles E., chairman of the Broome County Democratic Committee, and one of the most popular leaders of his party in the city, has been a factor in Binghamton history since 1881, when he became proprietor of the brewery establishment at the corner of Wall and Dwight streets. Mr. Hait continued the business about two years and then, owing to the limited accommodations of the building, he discon- tinued the brewery department and has since devoted his attention to the wholesale bottling trade, in which enterprise he has built up an extensive patronage. For a period of about fifteen years Mr. Hait has been a conspicuous figure in the councils of the Democratic party in this city. In 1888 he was the nominee of his party for the office of alderman of the old Second ward, and while he was defeated in that then Republican stronghold his "run" was gratifying to himself and his friends. In 1894, in recognition of his services to his party, he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue for the 26th district of New York, and in all respects he proved a reliable public officer. In 1893 he was first chosen chairman of the Democratic county committee, and in 1900 he was again selected for the same office. Charles E. Hait is a native of Seneca Falls, N. Y., born in 1849, the son of the late Israel Hait and the youngest of his eight children. Charles was brought up on his father's farm and was educated in the district school. When old enough he himself began teach- ing winter terms of school and worked on the farm during the warm months. He taught two winters in Onondaga county, two winters in Seneca county and a like term in Kansas, where he lived about two years. When he began his business career it was as a farmer in company with his brother on a large farm m Onondaga county. He then traveled on the road for the National Yeast Company of Seneca Falls, in whose employ he continued five years, or until about the time he came to Bingham- ton, in 1881. In 1884 Mr. Hait married Margaret Cooney, by whom he has six chil- dren. Newing, Judson Shultz, one of Binghamton's self-made and successful business men, and whose new jewelry store at the corner of Court and Collier streets, is by far the most attractive establishment of its kind in the city, was born in Ellenville, Ulster county, in 1862, and came with his parents to this city in 1868. His father, John W. Newing, is a carpenter by trade, and previous to his retirement from busi- FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 937 ness was for many years an active factor in the industrial history of this locality. Judson was educated in the city schools, but early left his books that he might learn a trade. He became a practical jeweler, and from 1882 to 1889 he was in the employ of the late J. H. Mason. In the spring of 1889 he went into business at No. 138 Court street, continuing in that location until the spring of 1900. when he removed to his present store in the McNamara building. Mr. Newing is a prominent Red Man, and also is a member of the Knights of Pythias order of this city. Stone. James M., who died in this city July 17, 1899, was prominently identified with local progress and history for more than thirty years. He came to Binghamton in 1865, and with his brother, Frederick F. Stone, started a boot and shoe factory on Water street. In 1868 William E. Knight was taken into the firm, the style of which then became J. M. Stone & Co. and so continued until January 1, 1877, when it was changed to Stone, Goff & Co., by the admission of Henry A. Goff to the partnership. F. F. Stone died in the fall of 1879, and in January, 1880, Herbert E. Stone became a member of the firm. Other changes were subsequently made in the personnel of the firm and the business eventually passed into the hands of Stone & Germond. When this was done Mr. Stone retired from active business pursuits and devoted himself to personal affairs and the various corporations with which he was connected. He was for many years a director in theSusquehanna Valley Bank; was one of the founders and incorporators of the Security Mutual Life Association, one of its directors and its vice-president and was president of the Co-operative Building and Loan Asso- ciation of Binghamton. In fraternal circles Mr. Stone was a member of Otseningo Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M., Binghamton Chapter, No. 139, R. A. M., and Malta Commander y. No. 21, K. T. He was a devoted member and elder and one of the chief supporters of the West Presbyterian church. These were the principal local interests and institutions with which Mr. Stone was identified. He was born in New Braintree, Mass., February 11, 1830, and lived at home, at- tended school and worked on a farm until he was twenty-two years old. In 1852 he went with a party to the California gold fields, where he remained about three years. His efforts there were successful, yet in 1855 he returned east and engaged in the boot and shoe business at North Brookfield, Mass., as junior partner in the firm of Gulliver & Stone. In 1865 the partnership was dissolved, upon which Mr. Stone came to Binghamton and established the industry which so long prospered in our city. But now the founder, and his brother, and Mr. Knight, are all gone, and the firm name is no more known in business circles. James M. Stone was one of our best citizens and did much for the welfare of the city. His wife, whom he married in 1855, was Phebe Jane Cleveland. Herbert E. Stone, of Cleveland, Ohio, but formerly of this city, and Mrs. Charles C. Jackson are children of the marriage above noted. Bennett, Jacob M., proprietor of a flour, feed and seed store, and former alderman of the Sixth ward, has been a resident of Binghamton since 1870, having come here a few years after his father, the late William Bennett, located in the city. Jacob worked for a time as a carpenter, then had charge of John Evans' paper cabinet fac- tory, and still later was for five years proprietor of a cigar box factory. In 1894 he 938 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. started a general flour, feed and seed store near the south end of the Rockbottom bridge and has since been numbered among our successful and enterprising business men. Mr. Bennett is a strong Republican, always active in the interests of the party, though not in any sense is he an othce seeker. He was elected alderman of his ward in 1889 and served with entire satisfaction to the party and the city. In 1872 Mr. Bennett married Josephine, daughter of Samuel N. Thompson, an old and respected resident of the city. Grummond, Fred Wilber, son of Nathaniel and Harriet (Barrows) Grummond, was born in Kattellville, town of Chenango, September 14, 1854. When Fred was about five years old his mother died, upon which he was sent to Macdonough, Che- nango county, to live with his grandparents. His father remarried four years later, and in 1863 came to live in Binghamton, removing thence to Windsor about 1870, but eventually returning to this city, where he now resides. Fred acquired his early education in the Binghamton schools and began his business career as salesman for Charles Butler, travelling about southern New York and northern Pennsylvania with a horse and peddler's wagon and a stock of cigars. He was thus employed two or three years, and notwithstanding the primitive method then employed in selling cigars the business was successful, and Fred Grummond, even then was regarded as a good salesman. At all events he was soon afterwards employed by Westcott & Kent to sell cigars on the road, and enjoys the pleasant distinction of having been the first regular commercial traveler to start out of Binghamton with a line of cigars for the wholesale trade. After the partnership last mentioned was dissolved Mr. Grummond traveled for George A. Kent & Co., and still later became partner with Harvey Westcott and Fred H. Westcott in the extensive cigar manufacturing firm of Westcott, Son & Co. At the end of five years Mr. Grummond withdrew from the firm and with John Hull and the late Charles A. Hull established the well known house of Hull, Grummond & Co., the latter being now one of the largest concerns of its kind in the city. Thus, for a period of more than twenty-five years Fred W. Grummond has been actively identified with Binghamton's leading industry, and in his various business connections has been an extensive employer of labor in the city. His efforts in life have been well rewarded and in the estimation of all business men he has gained an excellent standing. In social and fraternal circles also his position is enviable. He became a Mason, a member of Otseningo lodge, in 1889, and later acquired a membership in all other Masonic bodies in the city. As a member of the A. A. O. N. M. S. he is united with Mecca Temple of New York city. He took the thirty-third degree of Masonry in Buffalo in September, 1895. On April 28, 1887. Mr. Grummond married Emily T., daughter of Dr. Hial and Ann E. (Race) Hodge, of this city. Hodge, Hial, was born in Coventry, Chenango county, January 9, 1829, and died in Binghamton March 21, 1883. His young life was spent in Coventry and Greene. In the latter village he first engaged in business in partnership with his brother, who was a jeweler and also a dentist. Hial became proficient in dentistry, in which branch he diligently applied himself, and in 1800, four years after his marriage, he came to Binghamton to practice. In 18G1 he became partner with Dr. S. II. McCall, and FRKD W. GRUMMOND. 1 H^^Rr^^lgl^^^^^^H j!^^' . ^^^ 11 H^Bl 1 1 ^^j ^j| DR. HIAL HODGE. FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 939 from that year until 1870 (when the firm was dissolved) Hodge & McCall were the leading dentists both of this city and of the southern tier. In later years Dr. Hodge was partner with Dr. G. A. Denike and Dr. Charles A. Perkins, in succession, both of whom were former students and graduates of his office. During the last two or three years of his life Dr. Hodge suffered seriously from failing eyesight and finally became totally blind. He died March 21, 1883. Throughout the period of his resi- dence in this city Dr. Hodge, professionally and socially, was one of our most pop- ular citizens, and in his death almost every personal acquaintance felt that he had lost a near friend. The doctor was a member of Otseningo lodge, F. & A. M., and also was a Sir Knight in Malta Commandery, K. T. Dr. Hodge's first wife was Emily T. Race, who died leaving no children. His second wife was Ann E. Race, who survives him and by whom he had two daughters: Emily T., wife of Fred W. Grummond of this city, and Cecelia, wife of William C. Willis, of Saginaw, Mich. Bean, Chauncey, first became identified with the business history of this city in 1868, when the original firm of Marks & Bean (Byron Marks, Robert Hooper, Jere- miah Bean and Chauncey Bean) started a wholesale grocery and provision house. In the course of a few years Mr. Hooper retired from the firm, and was soon followed by Mr. Marks, after which the business was continued by Jeremiah and Chauncey Bean under the partnership name of Bean & Co. Still later Jeremiah Bean retired from active business, upon which the present firm name of Bean & Co. was estab- lished. Chauncey Bean retired in 1885, yet he still retains an intere.st in the busi- ness of the house of which he was one of the founders more than thirty years ago. The present active members of the firm of Bean & Co. are Irving W. Bean, nephew, and Arthur J. Bean, son of Chauncey Bean. Chauncey Bean was born in Solon, Cortland county, October 29, 1818, the son of Josiah Bean, the latter being a sturdy New Hampshire Yankee by birth and a pio- neer farmer in Cortland county, N. Y. In Josiah Bean's family were six sons and six daughters. When about eighteen years old Chauncey left the home farm and became a clerk in the store of his brother Jeremiah, remaining with him five years. In 1841 he went into business with John S. Dyer, the firm being Dyer & Bean, gen- eral merchants, at Willett, Cortland county. In 1850, the store at Willett having been sold, Mr. Bean became partner with his brother Jeremiah at Cincinnatus, car- rying on a large country store under the firm name of J. & C. Bean. In 1856 this business was sold, and in the next year Chauncey Bean removed to Ottawa, 111,, where he did business eleven years, then sold out and at the request of his brother came to Binghamton (Jeremiah Bean having removed here with his family in 1867) and became partner in the firm of Marks & Bean, as before mentioned. Chauncey Bean is the only survivor of the old firm, and indeed is one of our city's oldest business men. Although now practically retired from active pursuits, his in- terest in the welfare of the city has never abated, and every measure proposed for the public good finds in him an earnest supporter. In 1845 Mr. Beau married Jane E., daughter of Justin Morgan, of Brimfield, Mass. Of this marriage four children were born: Arthur J. Bean, who married Nellie James, of St. Louis, Mo., of the firm of Bean & Co. ; Frank, who died in infancy; Mary, who married Charles M. Jarvis, president of the Berlin Bridge Co., East Berlin, Conn., 940 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. and a native of this city; and Sarah Bean, wife of Rev. Archibald Hadden, pastor of the First Congregational church of Muskegan, Mich. For many years Mr. Bean has been a member and of his means a liberal supporter of the Congregational church. Richards, Dan S., was born in the town of Union, September 24, 1830, the son of " Squire" Jesse and Mary (Forker) Richards, being the second of their nine children. His grandfather was Henry Richards, who came from Pennsylvania and made a permanent .settlement on the Boston purchase in 1791, and therefore was one of the pioneers of this part of the Susquehanna valley. The early life of Dan S. Richards was spent in Union, on his father's farm and he was educated in the old Binghamton academy. He read law with Horace S. Gris- wold, and in January, 1854, was admitted to practice. He at once began began professional work in the then village of Binghamton and was soon recognized as one of the keenest young lawyers of the. county bar. This standing he afterward main- tained throughout the period of his active professional career. For more than twenty years he has been resident attorney for the D. L. & W. R. R. company. Although now virtually retired from active work, Mr. Richards visits the ofhce almost daily, where, as one of the oldest members of the city bar, his counsel and advice are frequently sought by younger members of the profession, and also by many of his old clients. Mr. Richards' first partner was Corydon Tyler, followed by William Barrett, George A. Northrup, Benajah S. Curran, Gilman L. Sessions and Robert B. Richards, in the order mentioned. Mr. Richards has also been an active factor in local Democratic politics and served as village attorney in 1853, alderman in 1869-70 and school commissioner in 1879-81. In October, 1857, Mr. Richards married Mary C. Merchant, who died childless. His second wife was Ellen H. Bostwick whom he married in June, 1862. Three sons, Robert B., Ferdinand B. and Dan S. Richards, jr., are the children of this marriage. Inloes, Alfred J , M. D., was born in Baltimore, Md., October 6, 1844, and was the son of Joseph S. and Martha A. (Reed) Inloes. At the age of eight years Alfred's education was begun, and he was kept at a boarding school until he was prepared for college, his father, who was a lawyer, intending to provide him with a full course in the University of Virginia About that time, however, the war of 1861-65 was begun and on May 17, 1861, the young student enlisted in Co. A, 1st Maryland In- fantry (afterward merged into the 10th Virginia Infantry) C. S. A., with which regi- ment he served one year. He was mustered out in 1862, and soon afterward enlisted in Co. B, 43d Virginia Battalion of Cavalry, serving with that command until the close of the war. Returning from the service Mr. Inloes became a student in the ofhce of Dr. Ed- ward Warren of Baltimore, after which his medical education was finished in the University of Washington, where he was graduated February 22, 1868. He prac- ticed medicine six years in Washington, D. C, after which he went into the oil region of Pennsylvania and became managing clerk in a large wholesale and retail drug store in Titusville. In 1873 he came to Binghamton, and in company with A. N. Perrin and Marcus FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. on Brownson, purchased the Brownell & Stocking drug store ; for the next ten years the firm of A. J. Inloes & Co. wtis well known in business circles in southern New York. At the end of that period the firm went out of business, after which the senior part- ner, who was in fact the active member of the firm, resumed the practice of medi- cine. In 1885 he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue, and served in that capacity five yeais. Still later he was teller in the private banking house of Erastus Ross & Sons about four years. On December 2, 1895, Dr. Inloes was appomted sec- retary of the board of education, which position he still holds. Dr. Inloes' connec- tion with the city board of education began in September, 1893, when he was elected a member of that body; but his interest in the city and its institutions dates from the year he became a citizen of Binghamton. He is a conservative Democrat, not tak- ing an active part in political contests. In 1881-83 he was elected to the board of supervisors from the First ward. Alfred J. Inloes married Sarah E., daughter of Joseph Walker of Providence, R. I. Of this marriage two children were born, one of whom is now living. Wales, Alexander De Witt, who is known as one of the most forcible and thorough trial lawyers now at the bar in this city, was born in Liberty, Sullivan county, De- cember 16, 1848. He was the son of Blake and Adeline (De Witt) Wales, his father being well remembered in the city, where the later years of his life were spent. Alexander (he is better known to our bar as A. De Witt Wales) passed his youth in New York city, where he attended .school, but about 1864 his parents removed to Delaware. In the fall of 1869 he entered the University Law school, and was ad- mitted to practice in New York in 1871. The same year he located in this city and has since been a member of the Broome county bar, and one of its best representa- tives. He was clerk of the board of supervisors in 1876, and corporation counsel from 1878 to 1886. Politically Mr. Wales is a Democrat, and perhaps the strongest exponent of his party's principles in the county. As a public speaker, or as an advocate before the jury, his manner is easy, his utterances forcible, and his reasoning always sound and logical. He occasionally has been the nominee of his party for high public office, when it was hoped his professional and personal popularity might turn the scale of contest in a county and congressional district which were almost hopelessly Repub- lican. On July 30, 1876, Mr. Wales married Lizzie H. Hart, daughter of Charles G. Hart, and granddaughter of the late venerable Dr. Paddock, of the M. E. church. Of this marriage six children were born. Jackson, David Post, M. D., is a native of Montrose, Pa., born November 10, 1841, and is the son of the late Thomas Jackson, who is mentioned at length in another part of this work. In 1842 Dr. Jackson removed to Binghamton, and David (he is best known in professional and social circles in the city as D. Post Jackson) was educated in Binghamton Academy and the Susquehanna Seminary, both of which were once famous village institutions. He was also a student m Hobart College three years, after which he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, where he was graduated in 1865. 942 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. Dr. Jackson has always practiced in Bingham ton, and is known as a thoroughly competent physician. In many ways he has been identified with the city and its in- stitutions. For six years he was a member of the city board of health and also at one time served as health officer; was coroner and United States pension examiner four years (1885-89). He is past sachem of Seminole Tribe, I. O. R. M., and past master of Binghamton Lodge No. 177, F & A. M. He became a member of the County Medical Society in 1865, and was its president in 1888-89. He was elected a fellow of the Academy of Medicine in 1865. For more than twenty-five years Dr. Jackson has been local examiner for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, and is also the examiner for the Travelers Life and Accident Companies of Hartford, Conn. Hand, George F., M. D., was born in Binghamton, November 28, 1842, and is the eldest son of the late Dr. Stephen D. Hand, the latter one of the leading disciples of homeopathy in Southern New York. George was educated in the Binghamton Acad- emy and also the Susquehanna Seminary, where he prepared for a collegiate course. He then began the study of medicine under his father's instruction, and supple- mented his office education with a course of lectures in the medical department of Columbia College of New York city and also in the New York Homeopathic Medi- cal College. He was graduated at the latter institution in 1865. Returning to Binghamton he formed a partnership with his father which con- tinued to the deaUi of the senior partner in 1879. Since that time Dr. Hand has practiced without a partner. He certainly has been a successful physician, and his elementary instruction in both schools of medicine has been an important factor in in that success. He is a member of the County and State Homeopathic Medical So- cieties and also of the American Institute of Homeopathy. Dr. Hand has been an important factor in Broome county politics, though he is not in any sense a politician. He believes in temperance in all things, and that belief with him is an immovable principle. Politically, he is classed with the Prohibition party and has been its can- didate for several public offices Dr. Hand has been twice married. His first wife was Emily S. Caldwell, who died October 29, 1874; a daughter, Julia, survives. His second wife wasS. Delia Gifford, by whom he has had three children, two of whom, George G. and Irving F. Hand, are living. Johnson, Joseph M., is a native of Hoosic Falls, N. Y., born April 3, 1840. His parents were Rev. Leonard and Harriet N. (Hatch) Johnson, and of their nine chil- dren he was the sixth. His father was a Presbyterian clergyman, and lived m Bing- hamton from 1846 to 1851, when he removed to Triangle, at which place he died in 1858. His mother was a daughter of Judge Hatch, of the Vermont Supreme court. Joseph was educated in the famous old Binghamton and Windsor academies, after which, in September, 1858, he entered the county clerk's office as copyist under Will- iam C. Doane, county clerk, where he remained until January 1, 1859, when he found employment in Pratt's bookstore, in Binghamton, remaining there about two years. He then read law one year in Judge Griswold's office, and in 1862 was appointed deputy county clerk under Charles O. Root. He was thus engaged four years, de- FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. 943 voting his leisure hours, however, to the study of law under Judge Griswold's in- struction. In November, 1865, he was admitted to practice law. On May 15, 1874, he was admitted to practice in the United States court. He practiced in partnership with George Whitney about two years, and in the fall of 18G7 was himself elected county clerk, serving two terms of three years each. He then resumed practice alone, but in 1875 became partner with David H. Carver, under the name of Johnsem & Carver. This firm continued about si.K years, when the senior partner retired from profes- sional work by reason of impaired health. He was then out of business several years, but devoted his time to the care of his own and his wife's property. In February, 1866, he was elected mayor of the city, serving in that capacity one year and was one of city's most popular officers Soon afterward Mr. Johnson be- came senior partner in the wholesale grain dealing and shipping firm of Johnson & Comstock, and was in business about five years. In 1892 he opened a general fire insurance agency in the city, in which business he is now engaged. On May 2, 1873, Joseph M. Johnson married Anna E., daughter of the late Darius S. Ayers of this city. Three children were born of this marriage. Millard, Stephen C, has been a lawyer of this city for a period of more than thirty years, and during that time has advanced solely through his own efforts from the humble position of law student to the elevated professional station of leader of the city bar. It was a peculiarly fortunate circumstance in Mr. Millard's career that he was a student in Orlow W. Chapman's office, as he was there first brought into di- rect association with the best element of our people ; and it was equally fortunate that he should have been chosen from the younger members of the city bar as the business partner of that legal giant, Giles W. Hotchkiss, after the death of Lewis Seymour. At that time, in 1873, Mr. Hotchkisshad known Mr. Millard hardly more than five years, but he know that he came of sturdy New England stock; that his educational qualifications were ample; that his personal character was unquestion- able. Hence the partnership and its pleasant period of uninterrupted association until Mr. Hotchkiss' death in 1878 (the firm of Millard & Stewart succeeded Hotch- kiss & Millard). Mr. Millard was born in Stamford, in historic Bennington county, Vt.. January 14. 1841. He was the son of Stephen C. and Harriet (Richmond) Millard, and the grand- son of James Millard, who was one of Bennington county's substantial early settlers. Stephen was educated at Powers institute and Williams college; and was graduated at the latter in 1865. He read law with Pingree & Barker, attorneys at Pittsfield, Mass., but later on was a student at the Harvard Law school. In February. 1867, he came to this city and continued his studies in Mr. Chapman's office, as his previous legal education had been practicallv theoretical and in accordance with the old com- mon law practice of New England, while in this State the code of 1848 governed the practice. In May of the same year he was admitted to the bar. Thus equipped, Mr. Millard applied himself diligently to the labors of the profes- sion and soon assumed and up to this time has maintained a prominent position among the ablest lawyers in this section of the state. His career is not yet closed and we cannot write of him as of one retired from active work, yet in mentioning 944 FACTORS IN BINGHAMTON HISTORY. briefly the characteristics of the members of the city bar, one or two of Mr. Millard's personal traits are proper. In the conduct of his legal business he is both cautious and methodical, but never laborious. He will discourage rather than promote liti- igation, and in his intercourse with clients, deliberation always precedes counsel. He occasionally indulges in rhetoric, but never in oratorical display, and always approaches the subject in hand with dignity, self-possession, and in the light of prin- ciple and common sense. Withal, Mr. Millard is recognized as a strong trial lawyer and a pleasing and logical advocate. During the period of his practice, he has been associated as counsel, or attorney of record, with several of the most important cases tried in our courts, and enjoys the pleasant distinction of having obtained the largest judgment ever ordered in Broome county (Dunn, as receiver, vs. O'Connor, assignee of Ross & Sons), the amount of which was $166,227.34. Another important case was that of Turner vs. The Trus- tees of the N. Y. State Inebriate Asylum, in which Mr. Millard was retained by the defense, and was successful. The action was tried in the U. S. Circuit Court, before Justice Blatchford. In the Delong murder trial he was senior counsel to District Attorney Curtiss. He successfully defended Lewis Furman, also charged with murder. In 1883-85 and again in 1885-87 Mr. Millard represented his district in Congress, having been twice elected as the candidate of the Republican party. His record in the hou.se of representatives was entirely satisfactory to his district, and he was re- garded by his political associates as a valuable member of that legislative body. He secured the passage of an act appropriating $150,000 for the Federal building in this city. In 1888 he was a delegate to the National Republican convention whicn nomi- nated General Harrison for the presidency. On December 27, 1871, Mr. Millard married Helen J., daughter of Abel Bennett. Three sons, Norman B. , Stephen C. and Richmond Millard, were born of this marriage. FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. Kattell Thaddeus A., son of Alonzo E. and Elma Moore Kattell, was born m Kat- tellville N Y.. November 17, 1839. Alonzo E. was a son of Elias Kattell, a na- tive of Vermont who came to Kattellville about 1800. and purchased one thousand acres of land, two hundred of which are now owned by Thaddeus and Char es W Kattell Alonzo E. was quite extensively engaged until quite late m hfe in lumber- ing merchandising and farming. Thaddeus A. had tl- -Vantage ocomrnon schools until 1858. when he went to Sioux City. Iowa. -^ ^ --;"7^^^;;Tn mercial school, mastering double entry bookkeeping. He a so took a c -^« ^° mathematics and the English classics, closely applyvng himself -^d the Pring of 1861 when he engaged in teaching. He enlisted in Sioux City Independent Cavalry n he Ll of 1861, which was soon afterward consolidated with the Seventh Iowa Cavahy He was in Brigadier-General Alfred Sully's expedition agamst the Sioux Indians in 1864 and was promoted to the office of commissary-sergeant. 1° 1864 ^e Ls stationed at Sioux City for the purpose of forwarding supphes -^ -- J^f^^^^ out in the fall of 1864. He then joined a company which engaged m cotton raising on a laree plantation near Murf reesboro, Tennessee. The company made money in 86 .bufthewt having ended, four thousand acres of better -ton^-^^^^^^^^^^^^ wer^ purchased at Floyd Smith Landing, Arkansas. ^>-;- ^^^^^^^^ ^ ^at ,- and tvvo thousand six hundred acres were planted in 1866. Mr battel macie overland trip to the interior of Texas, during the late summer, returning wrth about onetlred colored cotton pickers, cooking and sleeping -^^^^J^-^^f J^ c- trip. The '• cohn pones," barbacued meats and wild game with ^^t coffee ana ompaniments, together with the effective tonic of an entirely -;^-;;^^^^^ pyed beyond any menu of «- first class hostelries. ^^^^^ ^7/; ^^^^^^^^^^ L. and other causes, the business showed a loss in 1866 and m the spr g Kattell came north and met. for the ^^^\f-^%'^^''^'Z'7'^^^^^^^^ re- Trump, daughter of the Hon. Philadelph ^^ J^^-P' "^^Jj-- fj^^^^^^^^^^^ to turned to Arkansas for the purpose of planting in l^^J'^/^^J^^^;/^^^ ^^ eame to procure the necessary labor in ^i-. the enterpnse ..^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^^. New York. In the autumn he returned to Tennessee ana ^j^cullough, secre- ment as United States Revenue ^^ore-keeper from Horn Hugh Mc^^^^^ tary of the treasury, and was placed in charge of a bonded --^hoj^^^^^^^ J ,,^, ery county, near Clarksville. He was afterwards called to the headq district and made deputy and cashier and remained --^til the col e _^^^^^^^ was appointed, when ^^ assis.d the Ho^ijrn. B^ S -^^^^^^^ ^ ^ revenue, in turning over the office. Un uecerauci . 60 946 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. commissioner by Hon. Connolly F. Trigg, of the District Court of the U. S. for the Middle District of Tennessee. He afterward came north again and was soon noti- fied of an appointment as U. S. store-keeper, but did not accept. He was soon en- gaged in the Erie Railway office at Binghamton, and was, within a short time, to be appointed private secretary to Col. Bowman, purchasing agent of the road, but it went into the hands of a receiver and he resumed his former duties at Binghamton. Mr. Kattell was married in October, 1873. Mrs. Kattell was born and reared at Lancaster, Ohio, educated at Kee Marr College, Hagerstown, Maryland, and for some years after the death of her mother, had charge of her father's home and fam- ily. Her father, Hon. P. Van Trump, was born in Lancaster, O., November 15, 1810, and received a public school education and later learned the art of printing and edited " The Lancaster Gazette & Enquirer." He was a delegate to the National Whig Convention which nominated Scott and Graham, in 1852, and in 1856 was a candidate for senatorial elector for Ohio on the Fillmore ticket. He was president of the Bell and Everett State Convention in 1860 and the Democratic candidate for supreme judge in the years 1863, 1864 and 1865. He served as judge of the Court of Common Pleas from 1862 to 1866 and was elected to the Fortieth and Forty first Congresses. He was also re-elected to the Forty-second Congress, receiving 14,123 votes against 10,265 for C. E. Brown, Republican. In the winter of 1875, Mr. Kat- tell and family removed to Chicago, where he entered the lubricating oil business in which he was engaged until May, 1883, when he disposed of the business, purchas- ing and removing to the old homestead at Kattellville, where he has since resided. He is now serving his fifth year as supervisor from Chenango. Mr. and Mrs. Kat- tell have one son, Thomas B., born at Binghamton, N. Y., September 9, 1875. He attended the district school at Kattellville until the fall of 1890, when he entered the employ of his uncle, Charles W. Kattell, in New York city, as assistant bookkeeper, which position he resigned in September, 1894. In May, 1895, he commenced the study of law in the office of Hon. George F. Lyon, at Binghamton, was admitted to the bar March 7, 1899, and is now engaged in the practice of his profession. Peck, Dr. H. C, was born at Rockwell's Mills, Chenango county, N. Y., December 19, 1853. His father, Benjamin P. Peck, was a native of Oneida county, N. Y. His mother, Caroline Chamberlin, was born at Mt. Upton, N. Y. His grandfather, Rev. Henry Peck, was born in Connecticut. In his early days he was a Methodist Circuit rider. In later years he became a clergyman of the Episcopal church and died in that faith, at Mt. Upton, N. Y., Bishop Huntington officiating at his funeral .services. Dr. Peck received his literary education at Cazenovia seminary and Union college. His medical education was received at Albany and Cleveland Medical colleges, graduating at the former college December 23, 1875, with the honors of his class. In 1894 Dr. Peck came to Port Dickinson, where he has enjoyed a lucrative practice. In the fall of 1899 he was elected a coroner of Broome county. He married Elma A. Castle of Chenango Forks. He has one child, Inez N. Peck, who is married and liv- ing in Brooklyn, N. Y. Hatch, O. W., was born in Fenton, on the farm he owns, August 2, 1857, a son of O. W., and grandson of Elnathan Hatch, who spent his last days in the west. Mr. FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 947 Hatch's father came to Fenton from Nelson, Madison county, in 1837, and here died in 1886. He married Lucy P. Porter, born in Coventry, N. Y., daughter of Elisha Porter, a native of Connecticut, and who spent his last days in Greene. Mr. and Mrs Hatch had six children, five now living. In politics he was a Republican, and was justice of the peace and highway commissioner; he died January 14, 1886, and his wife January 9, 1897. O. W. Hatch, the subject, was educated at Whitney's Point academy and followed teaching three terms. He was engaged in the mercan- tile business with Thomas Scott at North Fenton for three years, but now carries on farming. In 1886 he married Florence E. Elliott, daughter of A. Jackson and Mary E. (Horton) Elliott. Mr. Elliott was born in Greene, N. Y., in 1829, and died August 29, 1872. Mr. Hatch is a Republican and has been collector and inspector. He is a member of the I. O. R. M., and attends the M. E. church. Walters, Herman D., p. o. Lestershire, was born in the town of Owego, Novem- ber 3, 1868. His father, William Walters, was a native of Gaskill and was engaged in farming and lumbering. He was asses.sor of Owego for two terms and postmaster of Gaskill for several years. He married Margaret Phillips, and their children are Elizabeth Walters Foster, James P., Callie R. Walters, Bennett and William A., who died in 1897. Mr. Walters died January 31, 1887, and his wife December 20, 1895. Herman D. Walters was educated in the common schools and Owego acad- emy. He studied law with George F. Andrews of Owego, and was admitted to the bar May 1, 1891. He came to Lestershire in April, 1896, and is now engaged in a successful practice making a specialty of real estate law. He built a brick block on Main street which is known as the Walters block and has also erected a fine residence on Grand ave. He was elected trustee of the village for two years and served as treasurer for one year. Mr. Walters married Laura E. Andrews, of Owego, N. Y. ; they have two children: Edith and Herman, jr. Mersereau, Clair M., p. o. Union, was born in Union, November 11, 1861. His father, Aaron Mersereau, was a native of Vestal, and was engaged in the mercantile business in Union for thirty-five years ; he was elected president of the village for two years and trustee of the Union school for eight years. He married Mary E. Robbins and died June 21, 1888. C. M. Mersereau was educated in the Union school and then engaged in business with his father for eight years, and for four years was engaged in the Union Hardware Company and was elected trustee of the village for two years. He was president of the village one year. He married Stella Laura, daughter of Henry H. Lipes, and they have three children: Bessie, Genevieve and Helen L. Mr. Mersereau is one of Union's representative business men, of sterling integrity and has always been identified with the best interests of his town. Loomis. A. G., was born in Bainbridge, September 25, 1847, a son of Alonzo and Mary (West) Loomis. Mr. Loomis came to Deposit in December, 1871, and engaged in the livery business; also carried on an extensive farming business and is a gen- eral dealer in horses and cattle. He married Emma, daughter of Samuel Rosen- crans, of Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of Lewis A., Juvia and Albert Gurdon. jr. Mr. Loomis is one of Deposit's representative business men and of sterling integrity. 948 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. Dibble, Tyler E., was born January 17, 1866, a son of Aiken V. and Emalinda (Tyler) Dibble, whose children were George, Grace, Horton, Frank, Tyler and Charles Tyler E. Dibble was educated in the common schools of Windsor and when eighteen years of age engaged as a telegraph operator on the Boston, Hoosac Tunnel & Western Railroad ; later he engaged with the Delaware & Hudson Rail- road, also the N. Y. C. & H. R. Railroad as agent and operator. He is interested in farming and carries on a farm in the town of Windsor. February 25, 1894, Mr. Dibble married Etta May Stanton, who lived only six months, and on December 4, 1896, he married Emma May Dershimer; they have two children, both natives of the town of Windsor. Mr. Dibble is an active member of the Prohibition party; he is also interested in school and educational work and at present is a trustee of the school. Faatz, William G. , founder of the Faatz Brush and Felting Company, of Lester- shire, is a native of Honesdale, Pa., born December 22, 1864, the son of Henry Faatz, a glass manufacturer and a grandson of the pioneer window-glass maker of the United States. William was educated in the Honesdale public schools and academy, after which he learned the saddler's trade. Having served his apprenticeship, Mr. Faatz worked one year as journeyman and then started in business for himself in Susquehanna borough, Pa. In 1889, at the solicitation of G. Harry Lester, founder of Lestershire, Mr. Faatz and his brothers Frank and Gilbert H. came to the village and engaged in the general manufacture of saddlery goods, beginning in a small way at first and gradually increasing the capacity of the works as the demands of the trade required, until the Faatz Brush and Felting Company is now the largest concern of its special kind in the country and furnishes regular employment to about 100 workmen. A good measure of success has rewarded Mr. Faatz's efforts in busi- ness life, and all the success he has achieved has been the result of his own industry and perseverance; and to-day he is regarded as one of the half-dozen men who have made Lestershire. Although constantly occupied with the affairs of business, Mr. Faatz has found time to take an active part in all the measures proposed for the welfare of the village and its people, but he never has been in any sense a seeker after political honors. He was one of the first village water commissioners, is still a member of the board, and was its president one year. He has an excellent Masonic record, an active membership in Otseningo Blue lodge, Bingharaton Chapter and Otseningo Consis- tory, also in Malta Commandery, Knights Templar. By reason of his membership in the latter body, Mr. Faatz also is a member of Kalurah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of the Oasis of Binghamton. Mr. Faatz married Rose Moore, daughter of J. E. Moore of Buffalo. Their children are Raymond W. , Priscilla and Pearl Faatz. Hoadley, Aubert David, was born on the farm where he now resides, in the village of Windsor, September 23. 1837, a son of David and Sally (Knox) Hoadley ; Mrs, Hoadley was a daughter of Capt. James and Lydia Stratton Knox. David Hoad- ley's first wife was Mary Moore; their children were Amanda Jane, Mary Ann, Har- riet, Catherine, Mary, Ann Eliza and Edna E. ; by his second wife he had two chil- dren: Aubert D. and Henry A. David was a son of Daniel and Mary (Moore) WILLIAM G. FAATZ. FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 949 Hoadley; their children were Daniel, Irey, Noah. Asa, David, Abel, Jared, Olive and Elizabeth Mary, wife of Gillard Hotchkiss. Daniel came here from the east with his family about 1800 and settled on Hoadley Hill. Aubert D. Hoadley spent his early life on the farm with his parents, and was educated in the Windsor Academy. When about ten years of age his father died and when sixteen years of age he took charge of his father's estate under the supervision of his mother until her death, when he came in possession of the farm and now carries on general farming. Mr. Hoadley has been active in town and county affairs and for twelve years was high- way commissioner; he has also been active in school and educational work and for three years was a member of the board of education. On October 2, 1861, he en- listed in Co. G, 89th Regiment N. Y. Vols., and served as a private for two years; was promoted to first sergeant and was mustered out October 15, 1864. He is a charter member of Judd Post, of which he has been commander, senior vice and junior vice. Mr. Hoadley was one of the hundred men of the 89th Regiment who volunteered to cross the river at Fredericksburg and dislodge the sharpshooters at that point. Smith, Charles H., was born on the farm where he now resides, August 11, 1854, a son of Edgar O. and Joanna E. (Hathaway) Smith, who had three children: Charles H., Jennie, wife of Brizella Phillips, and Addie F., all natives of Windsor. Edgar O. was a son of Milo and Malinda Bunnell Smith; they had two children: Emily, wife of Selah Moore, and Edgar O. Milo was a native of the town of Colesville and a descendant of Puritan stock. Joanna E. was a daughter of Samuel and Cynthia (Kent) Hathaway; the Hathaways were of English descent. There were three brothers who came from England ; Samuel was a soldier in the war of 1812. Charles H. Smith spent his early life with his parents; he was educated in the common schools of the town of Windsor and also took a business course in Eastman's college " at Poughkeepsie, from which he was graduated in 1878. When a young man he was associated with his father on the farm about a mile east of where he now lives. In 1883 he moved to Halstead, where he worked on the railroad for about six months, then entered the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Co. ; he was engaged with them about a year, when he returned to the old homestead, which he worked until his father's death in November, 1897, then took possession of same and followed general farming. November 17, 1880, Mr. Smith married Ella A., daughter of Henry and Esther Ann (Hathaway) Snedaker; they have two children: Arthur and Lula. Mr. Smith takes an active interest in town and county affairs and has been connected with the school as trustee and clerk for over ten years. He is a member of the Lester Union church ; and of Friendly Hand lodge, I. O. O. F. Benjamin, S. M., was born in Vestal, February 12. 1849, a son of Allen and Louisa Murdock Benjamin, and was educated in Wyoming Seminary and Eastman's Busi- ness college. He was employed in the county clerk's office for a time and taught school in Vestal for one term. In 1873 he came to Union and engaged in the hard- ware business and is now conducting the leading store of the town. Mr. Benjamin served as president of the board of education from 1891 to 1893, and is a member of Round Hill lodge; is past master and member of Binghamton Chapter No. 139, R. 950 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. A. M. ; Malta Commaudery No. 21, K. T., and a member of Kalurah Temple, A. A. O. M. S. He married Rose, daughter of George Brown ; they have two daughters, Louisa A. and Ella C. Mr. Benjamin is one of the charter members of the fire de- partment, having served as fireman for fourteen years. Cafferty, Enoch B., was born in the town of Union, December 1, 1830. His father, Enoch Cafferty, was born in New Jersey and came to Union in 1795, where he was engaged in farming and was pilot on the river for over thirty years. He married Betsey Preston of Rutland county, Vt. ; he died i-i 1871 and his wife in 1876. Enoch B. was educated in the common schools and then engaged in farming and lumber- ing. He was commissioner of highways for four years and inspector of election for fifteen years. In 1895 he came to Lestershire and engaged in the mercantile busi- ness and later the real estate and building business. Mr. Cafferty married Martha E. Whittemore, born December 1, 1831, and they had two children: Erwin D., who is engaged in the grocery business in Lestershire, and Minnie E., who married, March 25, 1889, N. V. Debow of Newark, N. J., wholesale commission merchant. Mrs. Cafferty died May 3, 1887. Mr. Cafferty is one of Lestershire's representative business men and a man of sterling integrity. Ballard, Dwight, p. o. Upper Lisle, was born in Triangle, on the farm he owns, October 26, 1839, a son of Erasmus, and grandson of Sherabiah and Sarah Emisan Ballai'd, who lived and died in New Hampshire. Erasmus Ballard was born in New Hampshire and came to Triangle in an early day, being one of the first settlers. His wife was Tannison Pellett, born in Connecticut and came to Barker with her parents when a girl. Mr. Ballard died m 1863 and his wife in 1899. Dwight Ballard was educated in the common schools and is one of the leading farmers, having a farm of 165 acres and a dairy of twenty cows. Mr. Ballard married Harriet G, Skillin, of Greene, N. Y., and they have two children- Claire A. and Nellie. Mr. Ballard is a member of Upper Lisle Lodge No. 388, F. & A. M. Smith, Dr. M. M., Lestershire, was born in East Union, Broome county, February 4, 1876. His parents, Wellington D. Smith and Ellen Andrews, were both natives of Broome county. His father was for many years a school teacher, later was employed in the Binghamton post-oiifice and for several years past has been in the employ of the Lestershire Manufacturing Company. Dr. M. M. Smith was educated in the common schools of Binghamton where he graduated from the High School in 1893. After leaving school he took up newspaper work, being employed on the Binghamton "Call," under the editorship of E. H. Freeman. Later he served as private secre- tary to Major-Gen. John C. Robinson of Binghamton. In 1895 he entered the den- tal department of the University of Buffalo, from which he was graduated with honor in 1898. Soon after his graduation he located in Lestershire and is one of the prominent business men of the town. He married May, daughter of David W. Youngs. Dr. Smith is a man of sterling integrity and is always identified with the best interests of his town. Smith, Jasper, p. o. Upper Lisle, was born in Triangle, November 4, 1841, a son FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 951 of Erastus, and grandson of Hendrick J. Smith, a pioneer of Broome county. Hen- drick J. was captured by the Indians when a boy of eight years and lived with them until thirteen years of age. Erastus Smith was born in Triangle on the farm Jas- per now owns, and here died in 1888. Jasper Smith was educated in the common and select schools. In 1861 he enlisted in the 16th N. Y. Light Artillery and served three years. At the close of the war Mr. Smith spent fourteen years in the West in the mining and lumbering regions; he now lives on a farm of 200 acres of land. In 1886 Mr. Smith married Ella Frey, and their children are Ethel M., Seth L. and Catherine. Mr. Smith is a Knight Templar, a Mason, and a member of the G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He was supervisor of Triangle six years in succession. Harding, Fred M., was born in Nicholson, Pa., September 12, 1861, a son of Lem- uel, and grandson of Lemuel and Polly (Wheat) Harding. Lemuel Harding, jr., was born in Orange county in 1829, and moved to Pennsylvania with his parents, who settled in Susquehanna county near New Milford, thence to Nicholson, where he built the first store in company with I. S. Little and was engaged in the mercan- tile business there and a few years in Scranton. In 1888 he came to Binghamton, where he was in business for some time, but now lives a retired life. He married Hannah E. Hallstead, daughter of O. L. Hallstead and Mary (Rivenburg) Hallstead ; they had five children, two now living: Fred M.. and Ogden L., station agent at Chenango Forks. Fred M. was reared in Nicholson, educated in the graded schools and Scranton High School. At the age of fifteen he was employed by the D., L. & W. Railroad, and in 18S0 came to Chenango Bridge as station agent, which position he still holds; he'is also engaged in the sale of coal and lumber, fertilizers and build- ing material. ' He owns a fine residence in Chenango Bridge, with five acres of land. In 1887 Mr Harding married Jannet Smith, daughter of Robert Smith, mentioned in this work • they had one daughter, Jannet. Mrs. Harding died in February, 1892. and in September, 1893, Mr. Harding married Laura N. Everett, daughter of New- ton F Everett- they had two children; Charles E. and Mary E. Mr. Harding is a member of Chenango Tribe No. 58, I. O. R. M., and Binghamton Castle No. 1, K. of M C Newton F. Everett was born in Sharon, Conn., September 26, 1832, a son of Gamaliel and grandson of Isaiah Everett, born in Connecticut and lived and died there His great-uncle, Eliphalet, was a steward in General Washington's family. Mr Everett was educated in the common schools of Connecticut and taught four winters there In March, 1885, he came to Chenango, where he has followed farming. In politics he is a Repubhcan and has been assessor, overseer of the Poor and super- visor. He married Mary, daughter of Silas Dutcher; they had three children: Ed- ward, Alice S. and Laura N. Van Slyke, Elmer W., was born in the town of Eagle, Wyoming county N Y April 11, 1861. His father, Peter J. Van Slyke. was a native of New York State and a farmer. He married Hannah M. Edwards of Ceres. N. Y. They were the parents of Clara Van Slyke Daley (deceased), Everett E.. Cortland H. (deceased) Bertha (deceased), and Josephine Van Slyke Klostermeyer. E. W. Van Slyke was was educated in Hamilton (Mo.) High School, and then engaged m the carpenter 952 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. and joiner work ; he also took up the architect business and is now a large contractor and builder. In 1892 he was elected one of the first trustees of Lestershire and helped draft the by-laws of the village. Mr. Van Slyke married Eva Gardner, who died July 15, 1885, leaving one daughter, Lydia Kate, who survives; he married, second, Mary E., daughter of J. H. Swort, and their children are Adista J. and Yuna E. Mr. Van Slyke is one of the representative business men of Lestershire, of sterling integrity and has always been identified with the best interests of the town. Dunham, Thomas L., postmaster and business man of Lestershire, was born on Dunham Hill, in the locality now known as Itaska, February 28 1852, and was the eighth in a family of ten children of Albert Dunham. Mr. Dunham was a native of Dutchess county, a farmer by occupation, and in 1830 settled in the locality named for him Dunham Hill. Thomas spent his young life on a farm and was educated in the district schools and the Whitney's Point Academy. In April, 1874, in company with his brother Elias, he opened the first meat market in Maine village, and was engaged in business in that pleasant little hamlet sixteen years. In 1890 he came to Lestershire and was one of the pioneers of that now thriving village, opening a mar- ket on Maine street and otherwise taking an active part in all the measures proposed for the welfare of the place. As the civil list shows, Mr. Dunham was president of the village two years, member of the board of education several years and its presi- dent two years, and in many other ways has been closely identified with the best in- terests and history of the village. Moreover, he was one of the charter members and at one time foreman of the J. R. Diment Chemical Fire Engine company, and still retains an active membership in the successor organization, Henry B. Endicott Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 1. He also was a charter member of Golden Scepter Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Broome Lodge, A. O. U. W., while his connection with Red- manship antedates the founding of the village itself. He was also one of the original trustees of the Lestershire Baptist society and still is a member of the board. Indeed, the statement may be made with much truth that Thomas L. Dunham is recognized as one of the men who have made Lestershire. His appointment as postmaster was made in 1897. Politically Mr. Dunham is a firm Republican and is said to be the balance wheel of the party in the village when occasional dissensions arise. In Maine he was constable thirteen years and also served two terms of deputy sheriff under Sheriffs Dunn and Black. Mr. Dunham's wife, was Minnie L. , daughter of Joseph and Olive L. (West) Chauncey of Maine. They have one son, Chauncey W. Dunham. Amsbry. James Hawley, was born in Fenton, December 26, 1830, a son of Anson and grandson of Israel Amsbry, born in Connecticut, and who came to Onondaga county in an early day and to Broome county about 1820, where he lived and died. Anson Amsbry was born in Onondaga county near the Indian Reservation, and came to Broome county, where he died in 1887. He married Lydia Crocker, and they had four children, three now living. James H. Amsbry was educated in the common schools, is a farmer and owns fifty acres about four miles from Bingham- ton. In politics he is a Republican and served as assessor six years. In 1857 he married Mary, daughter of Ebenezer B. Greene. Ebenezer B. Greene was born in THOMAS L. DUNHAM, FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 953 Dryden and died in Binghamton, August 22, 1871; his wife was Ellis Spendley, born in England in 1810. To Mr. and Mrs. Amsbry were born three children: Fannie, wife of Lewis Ball of Pennsylvania, and have four children ; William, married Clara Parsons, and have two children; and Fred S., who resides at home. Bertine, Robert I., p. o. Lestershire. was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., July 23, 1877. His father, R. D. Bertine, was a native of Dutchess county, and was engaged in the grocery business ; was also postmaster for about twenty years. He married Corolie, daughter of Amos Rowe, and are the parents of Louis B., Gertrude M. and Robert I. Robert I. Bertine was educated in Binghamton High School. He mar- ried Clara Schoonmaker of Lestershire. For four years Mr. Bertine has been a member of the Independent Hose Co. He is one of the enterprising men of Lester- shire and a man of sterling integrity. Whitaker, Sylvester S. , p. o. Port Crane, was born in Bradford, Pa , in 1829, a son of Clark and Catharine (Beardsley) Whitaker. Clark Whitaker came to Broome county about 1869 and died in 1887 ; his wife is now living at the age of ninety-five years. Sylvester Whitaker owned about 200 acres of land in Broome county and died there in 1898. He was married twice, first to Osee McKeeby, by whom he had five children, three now living, viz., F. L. Whitaker of Binghamton; Rev. A. H. Whitaker of Kingston, Pa., and Matthew C, a farmer of the town of Binghamton. Mrs. Whitaker died February 19, 1887, and in 1888 he married Adelia Sagendorff, by whom he had two sons: Sylvester, jr., and Lloyd B. In politics Mr. Whitaker was a Republican, and he and his wife were members of the High Street M. E. Church of Binghamton. He held most of the offices in the church. He assisted in buildmg the High Street Church and also the Tabernacle at Binghamton. Butler, Charles S., M. D., was born in ColesviUe, March 29, 1870, a son of Dr. Andrew J., son of Stephen W. Butler, a native of Chatham, N. Y., who came to Binghamton about 1866, and now lives at Oquago, aged ninety-five years; he was a Congregational minister; and his wife was Mary Nesbit, by whom he had four chil- dren, one now living. Dr. Andrew J. Butler was born in Roxbury, N. Y., April 18, 1832, educated at Roxbury Seminary, and was graduated from Bellevue Medical College. He then came to Oquago, where he had a very successful practice. He was an active Republican and served as health officer for some years. He was a member of I. O. O. F. and I. O. R. M. He married Mary J. Booth; they had five children, all now living; and by a former wife he had one child. Dr. Butler died May 4, 1896. Dr. Charles S. Butler was educated at Windsor High School and stud- ied medicine with his father; he was graduated from the Albany Medical College in 1895, taking a course at New York Polyclinic in 1899, and began his practice at Nineveh, N. Y., where he has had a very successful practice. Dr. Butler is an active Republican; is a member of Alton Lodge No. 360, F. & A. M. ; Vallonia Chapter No. 80, R. A. M. ; a member of Oquago Tribe No. 9, I. O. R. M., and of the Beta Chapter of the Phi Sigma Kappa. His wife was Jessie L. Bushnell. Crane, George W., was born in New York city, July 4, 1845, a son of Ryerson W., 954 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. and grandson of Jonathan Crane, a native of Elizabeth, N. J., who came to the town of Vestal, N. Y., in a very early day. Jonathan owned a large tract of land and in an early day was owner of a ferry called Crane's Ferry; he also conducted an exten- sive lumber business. In politics he was a Democrat and served as justice of the peace. Ryerson W. Crane was born in Vestal, and moved to Elizabeth, N. J., when a young man, where he learned the carriage making trade. He then engaged in the railroad business for some years and later returned to Vestal and engaged in the manufacture- of carriages, which he was engaged in until his death. He was a Democrat in politics and served as town clerk for several years. He married Amelia A. Woodhull, by whom he had two children; Esther A. (deceased), and George W. George W. Crane was reared in Vestal and educated in the common schools; he was graduated from the Albany Normal College and followed teaching for twenty-eight years. He was professor of physics and physiology and hygiene in the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; in the meantime he took a course of medicine, and was duly graduated. He was also general manager, treasurer and secretary for the Gold Cup Mining and Smelting Co. of 89 Water street, New York city. In 1897, Mr. Crane's health failing, he resigned this position and came to Vestal and is at present looking after his property here, consisting of houses and lands, also the Vestal Steam Mills. Mr. Crane also has considerable interests in Greater New York. He married Emma L. Semon of New York city; they had three children: Florence W. , Louise A. and Adaline S. In politics Mr. Crane is a Republican, and supervisor of his town. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Crane became a Mason and was made a member of Round Hill Lodge No. 53, F. & A. M., of Union, N. Y. Lathrop, Mrs. Huldah E. , daughter of Alfred Jennings and Hannah Squires, and granddaughter of Seth Jennings and Hannah Balch, was born in May, 1831. From a record written by Seth Jennings the following data are taken: Seth Jennings, born May 26, 1760; married, November 24, 1785, Hannah Balch, who was born October 8, 1765. They had children as follows: (1) Alfred, born November 23, 1786; (3) Rufus, born January 30, 1789; (3) Betsey, born May 23, 1791; (4) Harry, born August 12, 1794; (5) Patty, born May 26, 1799, died June 18, 1814; (6) Linda, born July 26, 1804; (7) Seth, born September 11. 1820. Of this family Alfred Jennings (father of Mrs. Lathrop) married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Lawson, who bore him these children: (1) Patty, who married a Mr. Butterfield and had children Elizabeth, Fay- ette, John, Lucy and Alfred; (2) Orlando, who married Harriet Sessions and had children Esther (wife of Charles Taylor) Frederick (married Mary Bloomer and had children Carrie and Orlando); (3) Letitia (married Mr. Knickerbocker, had four children) ; (4) Philander (married Ellen Hart and had one child, Carrie). The second wife of Alfred Jennings was Harriet Squires and their children were: (1) Henry (married Martha Pickney and had three children, James, Matty and Purdy); (2) Huldah (the subject of this sketch) ; (3) Dan R. (married Emily Luce and had chil- dren Emma, Ida and Frank) ; (4) George (married Sarah Mackey and had two chil- dren, Cora and Bertha); (5) Sarah (married Edwin Burgess and had children Cather- ine and Clara). Mrs. Huldah E. Lathrop has been twice married. Her first hus- band was Jirah P. Spencer, born in Cortland county, June 13, 1819, married Huldah E. Jennings in 1850, who bore him three children as follows: (1) Louvet D. (born FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 955 September 20, 1852, married Rosena Youugs on April 19, 1875, and had two chil- dren, Fred and Eddie; married, second, Jennie Phillips and had four children, Del- phine, Arvine, Grace and Jennie); (2) Maiden R. (born August 30, 1855, married Hannah Greves and had three children, Jennie, Clarence and Lelia); (3) Julia S. (born November 27, 1863, married Andrew Jennings and had two sons Glenworth and Spencer E.) Jirah P. Spencer died November 2, 1876. He was a prominent man in his town, being justice of the peace several years and an active member of the M. E. church in which he held various offices and was in every respect a worthy citizen. In 1883 Mrs. Huldah E. Spencer (the subject) was married to Ezra Lathrop, an extensive dealer in live stock and the owner of 300 acres of land. Mr. Lathrop died in 1892, aged seventy-six years. Bosworth, William J , was born in Triangle, November 28, 1870, a son of George G., and grandson of James Bosworth, who lived and died in the town of German, Chenango county, N. Y. George G. was born in the town of German and came to Triangle, where he practiced medicine for a short time, then went to Cortland county, where he died in January, 1873. He married Lucy E., daughter of William W. Barnes, a son of Woodruff Barnes, a pioneer of Triangle, where he came in 1803. Wdliam W. Barnes married for his first wife Rh^da Jackson, daughter of Benjamin Jackson, and granddaughter of Comfort Jackson, a pioneer of the town of Greene. William J. Bosworth was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He follows general farming, having a farm of seventy acres near Triangle village. November 28, 1893, Mr. Bosworth married Margaret Terwilliger, of Chenango Forks; they have three children, William H., Hazel L. and Helen E. Zimmer, Delmer S., p. o. Lisle, was born in Newark Valley, Tioga county, N. Y., March 12, 1867. He attended the common schools in his native town and subse- quently attended the Newark Valley High School, and the Cortland Normal School, from which he was graduated in the classical course in June, 1891. He taught the common schools two years before attending the Normal. In September, 1891, he assumed the principalship of Lisle academy, where he remained five years. About five years ago he became interested in the creamery business, and now owns and runs two creameries, and averages 18,000 pounds of milk daily for the spring and summer months The style of his business is the Excelsior Creamery Co. His reputation for making a fine article of butter will not exaggerate the business; his calls are greater than the supply. Mr. Zimmer is a self-made man. starting for himself with- out a cent and acquiring a competency. His paternal grandfather was born m Ger- many and his maternal grandparents were English. He inherits the unflinching tenacity of the German and fine executive ability of the Livingstons of Connecticut, one of whom signed that immortal document the Declaration of Independence. The genealogical records, paternal and maternal follow: father and mother still living aged fifty-uine (only three days difference in their ages), residing at Newark Valley, ^Lrnal Grandfather, Henry Zimmer, born April!, 1804; Mary Potter, his wife, born February 28. 1804; united in marriage December 25. 1824. Children: Sally Maria born May 2, 1826; Hannah Eliza, born December 4, 1827; Esseck, born August 7, 956 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 1839; Peter A., born June 1, 1831; Ezra G., born February 25, 1833; Miner S., born November 14, 1834; Nelson M. , born February 17, 1837; Daniel, born April 28, 1839; Seymour E. (father of the subject), born December 3, 1840; Clarinda, born May 13, 1844; Alanson and Alonzo (twins), born April 27, 1847; and John Martin, born Au- gust 5, 1848. Father, Seymour E. Zimmer, born December 3, 1840; Esther D. Whittemore, his wife, born November 29, 1840; united in marriage January 6, 1863. Children: Sherman, born January 4, 1865; Delmer S., born March 12, 1867; and Edward, born August 7, 1870. Maternal great-great-grandfather, John Livingston, born April 23, 1768; Magda- line, his wife, born November 14, 1777. Children: Jacob Livingston, born June 10, 1796; Sally, born November 2, 1797; Peter, born November 11, 1799; Caty, born December 17, 1801; Anna, born April 8, 1803; John, born February 28 1805; Polly; William, born May 24, 1810; Hannah, born June 1, 1812; Christiana, born August 27, 1814; James, born December 20, 1816; Michael, born February 1, 1819; and Cor- nelius, born June 19, 1821. Maternal great-grandfather, Peter Livingston, born November 11, 1799; Christi- ana Becker, his wife, born November 7, 1799. Children: Catherine, born Septem- ber 28, 1818; Peter, born September 20, 1820; John, born January 26, 1825; Margaret, born March 30. 1827; Hannah, born July 25, 1829; Chancelor, born April 22, 1832; Elizabeth, born October 8, 1834; Margaret, born November 11, 1823; George, born May 17, 1837; William, born January 28, 1840; and Anna, born January 6, 1843. Maternal grandfather, William Whittemore, born June 9, 1816; Catherine Livings- ton, his wife, born September 28, 1818, united in marriage February 20, 1840. Chil- dren: Esther D., born November 29, 1840: Edgar, born April 2, 1843; Hannah, born June 14, 1846; John, born July 11, 1848; Maryette, born July 16, 1851; James, born December 22, 1853; Olive, born May 13, 1856; Mark, born July 10, 1858; and Octa- via, born January 3, 1863. Hill, William Henry, Lestershire, N. Y., was born in Plains, Pa., March 27, 1877. His parents are the Rev. W. J. Hill, of the Wyoming M. E. Conference District, and Elizabeth (Lowden) Hill. Mr. Hill was educated in the schools of Binghamton, passing through the various grades. In 1897 he was appointed assistant postmaster at Lestershire, which place he resigned to attend more pressing duties of a political nature, as he is, at this writing (February, 1900), secretary of the Republican County organization, president of the Young Men's Republican Club of Broome county, and a county committee- man, representing the town of Union. He is also a member of various fraternal or- ganizations:— Otseningo Lodge, F. & A. M., Golden Sceptre Lodge, I. O. O. F.. Willawanna Tribe, I. O. R. M., and a Knight of the Maccabees. An an active member of Lestershire's fire department, he has held several offices in Independent Hose Co. No. 1. and is one of that thriving village's representative men, of sterling integrity, having been elected president of the village soon after reaching his major- ity, defeating his opponent, a business man of large manufacturing interests, by a majority of 267, the poll showing a very large vote. In December, 1899, he became the proprietor and editor of the " Record." the only paper at present published in W. H. HILL. FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 957 the village, and has pushed its circulation and influence to the front with rapid strides. As a partisan, he is a Republican in politics, though exceedingly liberal in his views upon most local matters, aud is an active worker in that party as well as a public speaker of recognized force and ability. It is of such component material that Lestershire's citizens consists, and accounts, in a measure, for her prosperity and enterprise. Tamkins, Edward C, was born in Fishkill, Dutchess county, N. Y., January 21, 1840, a son of John and Amy (Harris) Tamkins, who came to Binghamton about 18r)0 with their family of four children, Edward C. , John, jr., Charles H. and Mary Jane. John Tamkins, sr. , m early life was a superintendent of the Rockyglen Cotton fac- tory at Glenburn ; after he moved to Binghamton he worked in the Empire works and in 1851 he purchased an interest in the Conklin Flouring Mills and in 1859 formed the John Tamkins Co., dealers in meats and provisions. In 1884 Mr. Tamkins retired from active life ; he died in 1896. Edward C. Tamkins was educated in the common schools of the town of Conklin and Binghamton academy. He lived with his parents until 1858, when he went to Newburg as a clerk in a store, remaining there until 1860, then returned to Conklin and entered the employ of his father. In 1883 he engaged in the general mercantile business at Conklin, which he has fol- lowed to the present time. In April, 1861, Mr. Tamkins married Mary, daughter of Jeremiah Bull; they had five children: Carrie, wife of Christopher Banta (deceased), Norris C, Edward C, Nettie and Mary, both deceased. Later Mr. Tamkins mar- ried Emma, daughter of Thomas J. and Annie (Perry) Earle. Mr. Tamkins has taken an active interest in town and county affairs; has been postmaster, and served as justice of the peace for sixteen years. He enlisted in Capt. George S. Redfield's Independent Co. and was assigned to the 137th N. Y. Vols. ; he was discharged with his regiment June 9, 1865. He was a member of Henry J. Bayless Post of Conklin and later of Bartlett Post. He is a member of Winona Tribe of Red Men and is also a Mason. Mosher, Edwin, was born December 24, 1840, a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Stevens) Mosher, she a daughter of Isaac Stevens of Schenectady county, who for the last few years of his life was a resident of the town of Kirkwood. Benjamin Mosher had twelve children: Mary, Jane, Henry, Augusta, Edwin, Emily, Cornelia, Ezra, Phillip, Isaac, Albert and Walter, all of whom were residents of Broome county. Edwin was educated in the common schools of the town of Conklin and Binghamton. His early life was spent with his parents, attending school winters and assisting on the farm summers. When about twenty-one years of age he started in life for himself as a farm laborer. December, 1862, he enlisted in the 16th Bat- tery, N. Y. Volunteers, and served for three months, when he was discharged for disability, and in December, 1863, he enlisted as a private in the 137th N. Y. Vols., was afterward transferred to the 102d and discharged July 21, 1865. July 14, 1868, Mr. Mosher married Julia M., a daughter of Cyrus and Caroline (Hudson) Wilcox; they have three children: Emily Louise, wife of Charles P. Tobey; Cyrus WW. and Thomas Hudson, all born on the farm where Mr. Mosher now lives. Mr. Mosher has always taken an active interest in town and county affairs, has served his town as 958 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. highway commissioner, and is now serving his fifth term as overseer of the poor. He is interested in schools and education, having been connected with the'school many years as its trustee. Mrs. Mosher's great-grandfather, Abner Wilcox, served as a private in Capt. John King's company in the Revolutionary war, enlisting August 9, 1777, at Killingworth, Conn., in the Sixth Troop, 2d Regiment of Light Dragoons. He moved to Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1800, where he lived the remainder of his days. Buell, George J., was born on the farm where he now resides, January 9, 18(30, a son of Albert and Caroline (Johnson) Buell, the youngest of six children as follows: Mary C, Lydia M. , Ella M., Charles, Augustus and George J. The girls were born in Chenango county and the remaining children in Broome county. The Buell fam- ily are of Welsh descent; they moved from Wales to England and were soldiers un- der Cromwell. Two brothers immigrated to this country by the name of William and Ralph; William settled in New Jersey and Ralph in Stonington, Conn. William raised a large family of children, one of whom was killed at the battle of Ticonderoga, and Elijah settled in Dutchess county about 1804. Elijah was born in 1797 and came to King's Settlement about 1804, with his earthly possessions, which consisted of a rifle, ox team, a pair of saddle bags and a horse; he died in 1867. Albert was a son of Elijah and Charlotte (King) Buell, who had nine children: Lydia, Albert, Elijah, Simon, Betsey Ann, Charlotte, Charles, William Riley and George. George J. Buell spent his early life on the farm with his parents, assisting his father sum- mers and attending school winters. When about twenty-three years of age he started in life for himself. In 1883 his father died ; his mother having died January 31, 1860. In 1886 he purchased the home farm, and married Jennie H., daughter of Joshua and Eliza Bevier; they have one son, Albert J. Mr. Buell takes an active interest in town and county affairs and is also interested in school and educational work. English, Charles F. and George H. — Charles F. English was born in the town of Windsor, December 4, 1851, a son of Albert and Cornelia Bedient English, whose children are Ella, born July 8, 1853; Clarence, born August 4, 1854; Lucius L., born June 22, 1856; George H., born September 7, 1858; Dewitt Clinton, born August 16, 1860; Martin L., born September 18, 1862; Carrie M.. born November 16, 1864; W^illis M., born April 5, 1867; Kate B., born June 6, 1868, and May, born December 30, 1874, all natives of the town of Windsor. Albert English was a son of Nathaniel and Betsey English, who came from the town of Hunter, Greene county, N. Y., about 1835 ; their children were William, Abraham, Daniel, Albert, Pinkney, Nancy. Julia and Amanda. Albert died January 4, 1884, at sixty-one years of age. Charles F. Enghsh spent his early life on the farm with his parents. He was educated in the common schools of Windsor and started in life for himself when twenty-one years of age. March 29, 1888, he married Blanche, daughter of Almond Marshall and Harriet Russell ; they had one son, Roy, who died at the age of eight months. Almond Marshall died July 19, 1896, aged seventy-four years; his wife died Febru- ary 17, 1857. Mr. English is active in town and county affairs and has held most of the offices in Windsor; he is an active worker in the M. E. church of East Windsor. FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 959 George H. English married, October 27, 1881, Emma A., daughter of Harvey and Mary (Doolittle) Doolittle; they have one son. Albert, and one adopted daughter. Leona. Mr. English is active in politics and was appointed deputy postmaster Feb- ruary 1, 1888, at East Windsor; he was appointed postmaster September 1, 180.5. He conducts a general merchandise store at East Windsor, which he opened June 30, 1886; previous to that he carried on farming with his father. Pease, D. E., was born in the town of Windsor, August 17, 1859, a son of Edward and Catherine Chase Pease, whose children were Emily, Harlan, Delbert, Lucian and Laurie, wife of Foster Seabolt. Edward was a son of Isaac and Hannah Hall Pease, who came from Massachusetts with his family about 1826; their children were Lewis, Newell, William, Emma and Edward. Edward was engaged in buying and selling stock, mostly cattle and sheep, which he shipped to outside markets. Del- bert Pease spent his early life on the farm with his parents, assisting his father sum- mers and attending school winters. When twenty one years of age he started in life for himself as a farm laborer with the Shaker Company, with whom he remained six years, then worked a farm on shares and in 1896 purchased the farm he now owns; he is also superintendent of the Thomas Crary farm, which is located near Damas- cus. April 2, 1882, Mr. Pease married Amelia, daughter of Grover and Mira Humis- ton of Windsor. Mr. Pease is active in school and educational work and for the past three years has been trustee of the school. He attends the Windsor Presbyterian church, and is a member of the Windsor Lodge No. 442, F. & A. M. Sraethurst, Joseph, was born in Chorley, Lancashire, England, November 24, 1821, a son of Joseph, son of Richard Smethurst. His father was a cotton spinner and manufacturer, as also were his ancestors. Joseph Smethurst, the subject, was edu- cated in England and was a sailor when a young man. In 1845 he, with his wife, sailed from Liverpool, England, and arrived in New York, going from there to Al- bany, where Mr. Smethurst had a brother residing. After staying in Albany a short time he came to Chenango and bought the farm on which he now resides, at times adding to it. At present he owns 140 acres. February 28, 1843, Mr. Smethurst married Sarah Grimshaw, born June 6, 1820, in Chorley, Lancashire, England, and they lived together fifty-seven years. Mr. Smethurst is a Democrat and was the first town clerk of the present town of Chenango. He and his wife attend the M. E. church; he was superintendent of the Sunday school for thirty-five years and his wife has been a Sunday school scholar and teacher for upwards of seventy years. Mr. Smethurst's mother was Miss Lonsdale, daughter of Dewhurst Lonsdale, farmer and tanner. Burghardt, Andrew L., was born in Berkshire, N. Y., July 1, 1851, a son of John and Huldah J. (Clark) Burghardt, and grandson of Peter Burghardt, a pioneer of Lisle, who came from Massachusetts, where his father had settled after his immigra- tion from Germany. John Burghardt was born in Lisle, where he spent his life, and held the confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen, being repeatedly elected to offices of trust; his wife was Huldah J. Clark, born in Orange county, N. Y. John Burghardt died March 5, 1897, aged seventy-nine years, and his wife in 1854. Their 960 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. family consisted of two children : Adeline (deceased), born in 1849, wife of Wilber Rowland, by whom he had three children, Ella, Jane and Anna, the last two de- ceased; and Andrew L., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Burghardt received a com- mon school education and attended the Cortland Normal School. At the age of twenty he began teaching school winters, which vocation he followed several years. In 1873 he bought the farm he now occupies, but continued teaching winters and at- tending to his farm summers, until 1895, when he assumed the position of teacher of the intermediate department of the Lisle Academy, which he still fills. He has been assessor ten years, and is a member, and at present master of Riverside Grange No. 507, of which is wife is also a member. On February 1, 1879, Mr. Burghardt was married to Debbie J. Clark, who was born in Center Lisle in 1861. They have four children: Clark C, born 1880; Wilmot H., born 1883; Roy, born 1890; and Ad- drew, born 1892. White, Le Roy S., is of New England stock. His grandfather and great-grand- father were in Washington's army. He was born in West Hartford, Conn., April 5, 1841, a son of Seneca and Elmira (Wilbur) White, and was educated in the common schools. He learned the trade of machinist, and for many years was superintendent of carriage hardware manufactories. In 1883 he came to Union with two other gen- tlemen and started the Union Forging Company, which, under their management, has been very successful, Mr. White serving as president of the company. He has been a trustee of the village, elder of the Presbyterian church for ten years and is a member of the Commandery of Knights Templar. Mr. White married Jennie L., daughter of Lemuel Elton, and are the parents of Charles E., Franklm and Lillian E. White. Todd, Hiram, was born in Delaware county, September 7, 1829, a son of John and grandson of Samuel Todd, who enlisted in the Revolutionary war when fifteen years of age, and at the close of the war moved to Ulster county, where he died at the age of 105 years. John Todd was born in Ulster county, N. Y., was a farmer and died in Delaware county; he married Zella Ballard, and they had eight children, six now living. Hiram Todd was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He followed farming and owned 143 acres of land. He made his own property and lived in Triangle twenty-five years. In 1850 he mar- ried Mary J. Morse, and they had two children: Emma E., of Rome, Pa., and Eber, deceased. Mrs. Todd died in 1854, and in 1857 Mr. Todd married Elsie Chamber- lain ; they had two children: Melvin and Edie. In politics Mr. Todd was a Demo- crat, and he and his family attended the M. E. church. Mr. Todd died on December 30, 1899. Taft, Charles G., p. o. Triangle, was born in Triangle on the farm he owns, Au- gust 2, 1835, a son of Isaac, and grandson of Job Taft, who came from Schoharie county, and settled on the farm where Charles G. now lives. Isaac Taft was born in Schoharie county in 1807, and came to Triangle with his parents; he married Ruth Ann Spencer, and they had four children: Mary J., Job, Charles and George; Mr. Taft died in 1892 and his wife in 1874. Charles G. was reared on the farm and LEROY S. WHITE. t FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. Of.l educated in the common schools. He owns 300 acres of land and follows general farming. In 1867 Mr. Taft married Ellen Whitmarsh, daughter of Luther and Ma- linda (Winchell) Whitmarsh : their children are Lucy M., Luther E., Lottie M., John H., Floyd L., Clari.ssa E., Verna M. and Sarah I., all now living. Hotchkiss, C. W., p. o. Triangle, was born in Chenango county, N. Y., October 14, 1859, a son of George W., and grandson of Amos Hotchkiss, a pioneer of Smith- ville. George W. was born in Smithville in June, 1819, and died m Chenango county, May 26, 1892; he married Almeda Shaddock, and they had five children, four now living. C. W. Hotchkiss was educated in the common schools of Triangle. He has a farm of ninety-five acres and follows general farming. In politics Mr. Hotchkiss is a Democrat and has taken an active interest in his party. February 3, 1886, he married Mary E. Vroman. They have no children. Johnson, F. N., p. o. Whitney Point, was born in Lisle, July 29, 1819, a son of John Johnson, born in Middlesex county, Conn., in 1745, and was a captain in the Revolutionary war. John Johnson came to Broome county, N. Y., in 1802, and bought a large tract of land, where he lived until his death in 1834. He married Clarissa Parker, born in Wallingford, Conn., June 22, 1779, by whom he had two children ; by a former marriage he had six sons and three daughters. F. N. Johnson was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He followed farming until 1875, since which time he has lived retired. He at present owns 300 acres of land. September 19, 1849, he married Sophronia B. Rogers, born in Upper Lisle, June 17, 1825. and they had three children: Frederick L., born June 23, 1850, a farmer and has charge of the farm; Charles M., born May 13, 1852, a merchant and farmer m Castle Creek; and Chester, born January 10, 1860, traveling salesman. Wilcox, F. T., was born in Chenango county in 1835, a son of Thurston Wilcox, who moved to Cortland county and for many years was a successful farmer there; in 1863 he removed to Marathon and lived a retired life until his death at the age of eighty-eight years; his wife was Lydia Townsend of New Hampshire. F. T. Wil- cox was educated in the common schools. In politics he is a Democrat, and while living in Cortland county he held numerous town offices, which he filled with satis- faction to the people and credit to himself. In 1873 he. came to Whitney Point, where, in 1870, he had bought 225 acres of land, cornering into the village. Of this land he has sold considerable for village lots, as well as other small parcels, retaining a homestead of forty acres, where he now resides. He also owns the Postoffice block_ which he built in 1897, and several houses and lots and other property, located in Whitney Point and Marathon. His time is fully occupied in looking after his various interests. He has been twice married ; his first wife was Matilda Salisbury, who died leaving one son, Leroy. His second wife was Ida Smith, who has borne him one daughter, Mary L. Mr. Smith thinks he is an exception to the general rule, in that he has made a success at many different kinds of business, but would not advise every one to try the same methods. Watrous, Samuel B., was born in Connecticut, September 19, 1820, a son of David 61 963 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. Watrous, born in Connecticut, and who came to Broome county in 1823, settling in Colesville, where he lived and- died ; he married Patty Church, and they had eight children, three now living. Samuel B. Watrous was educated in the common schools and is a farmer; he has made his own property and is one of the leading farmers of the town. He has been twice married; his first wife was Rosetta A. Merrill, by whom he had three children : Violet (deceased), Floretta, wife of Seba A. Holcomb, and Libbie (deceased). His second wife was Eunice L. Parker, who bore him one daughter, Libbie E., wife of William A. Way ; their children are Samuel L. and Flor- etta W. Hunt, C. B., was born in the town of Fenton, March 27, 1848, a son of James D. Hunt, born in New Hampshire in 1818, a son of Charles and Mary (Ford) Hunt. James D. married Loretta Maben, born in Greene county, in 1817; they had two children: C. B., and Mary D., who married John Sanford. James D. Hunt was one of the leading farmers of his day, owning 260 acres where C. B. Hunt now lives and also owned other farms. In politics he was a Democrat and was assessor of his town. Mr. Hunt's maternal grandfather, Benjamin Maben, served in the war of 1812. C. B. Hunt was educated in the common schools and is a farmer. He owns about 140 acres of land. In 1874 he married Elizabeth Hill of Delaware county, and they had five children: Retta M., Martha (deceased), Bert and Bertha (twins), and Elizabeth. Mr. Hunt is member of Chenango Tribe No. 53, I. O. R. M., has been a member of the Grange and was secretary for some time. Weaver, Fred L. , was born in the town of Sanford, September 7, 1853. Hisfather, C. W. Weaver, was born in Fonda and was a farmer. He enlisted in August, 1862, at Binghamton, in Co. E, 109th N. Y., and was killed July 2, 1864, in front of Peters- burg. Mr. Weaver married Harriet E. Burrows; their children are Charles M., Ella Weaver Marshall and Nettie Weaver Head. Fred L. Weaver was educated in the common schools and in the fall of 1870 began clerking in a clothing store. March 1, 1891, he engaged in business for himself aud is conducting the leading gents furnish- ing and clothing store in the town. He is a Mason and Knight Templar. Minor, Albert P., was born in Coventry, Chenango county, January 11, 1830, a son of George and Lydia M. (Wattles) Minor. His father was engaged in the lumber business in Deposit for a number of years, then returned to Coventry, where he died. Albert P. was educated in the common schools and Oxford academy. He was en- gaged in a hardware store in Deposit for four years and then became a partner in the firm of Minor & Smith. He was supervisor of the town of Tompkins and has been a member of the school board for twenty-five years; was elected president of the village in 1898 and re-elected in 1899. Mr. Minor married Emily L., daughter of John Ogden; thay have one son, Clinton S. , who is engaged in the hardware business with his father. Clinton S. married Ida S. Dean, daughter of John P. Dean of Deposit. Post, Stephen, sr., was a native of Orange county, and was born in 1804, and was FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 9G3 married to Louisa Bull, his first wife, to whom were born eight children, viz. : Wick- ham, Daniel, David, Stephen, Charles, Joseph. Sarih and Mary. His wife died and he next married Hannah Bull and their children were MiHcent and Emily. He moved to Broome county in 1849, where he built a saw-mill and engaged in the lum- ber business. He died February 14, 1885. Stephen B. Post, jr., was born June 22, 1834, was educated in the common schools and Binghamton Semmary. He bought the hotel at Deposit which he conducted for six years. He then went to California and engaged in the mining business; in 1864 he returned to Deposit and engaged in the lumber business and is now running a saw-mill and farm. He married Frances, daughter of James Johnson, and they have six children: Edith, Mattie, Kittie J., Henry. Emily and Olga. Barnum, Silas G., was born in the town of Union, May 21, 1846. He was a son of Lucas Barnum, who was a native of Schoharie county. His mother was Lucas Bar- num's second wife; her maiden name was Maria H. McCoUum. He has a brother, William H., and a sister, Lydia A., also a half brother, Enoch, and two half sisters, Melissa and Lucy M. He was educated in the common schools. On September 6, 1863, he enlisted in Co. E, 50th N. Y. Vol. Engineers, and was discharged at Fort Barry, Va., June 18, 1865. He was married September 4, 1867, to Jane, daughter of Samuel E. Gallup. They had two daughters; one died in infancy, the other, Leolie M., died November 13, 1884, aged sixteen years. He was a farmer until 1884, when he engaged in the mercantile business with G. W. Bixby at North Sanford, and in 1888 bought his partner's interest. In 1894 he sold the business and purchased of Mrs. M. L. Kniskern the insurance business of J. W. Kniskern, deceased, which business he is still conducting. In 1875 he was elected superintendent of the M. E. Sunday school and is now serving his twenty-fifth year as superintendent. In Feb- ruary, 1899, he was elected town clerk, which office he now holds. McNaught, James C. , was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, December 12, 1822, a son of George and Margaret (Barnhill) McNaught. Mr. McNaught was edu- cated in the common schools and then learned the blacksmith trade. After three years he engaged in railroading and was engineer for thirty-one years on the Penn- sylvania State Road and the Erie. In 1862 Mr. McNaught came to Deposit and in 1877 began the grocery business in which he is now engaged. He married Elizabeth Hagaman of Columbus, Pa. ; their children are Chester H., who is an engineer on the Delaware division of the Erie; Jay G., of Brooklyn, and Edith. Mrs. McNaught died in January, 1882. Mr. McNaught is one of Deposit's representative business men and a man of sterling integrity. Adams, John B., was born in Barker, January 21, 1836, a son of Amos and grand- son of Joseph, born in Connecticut and came to Barker in 1803, where he died in 1853. He ran away from home to join the Revolutionary war, but after serving fourteen dajswas wanted by the army to grind feed, his father being a miller at Pomfret, Conn. Amos Adams was born in Pomfret, Conn., May 17, 1793, and when ten years old came to Barker, where he died in 1877. He married Katie Barr, who died in Barker in 1839, leaving three children; he married second, Susan Seaman, 964 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. who had two children (both deceased), and third, Roxie Tompkins, who bore him seven children, two now living. John B. Adams has a farm of 235 acres and carries on general farming. In October, 1861, he married Sarah M., daughter of Richard Shevaher; they had seven children: Richard J., born July 9, 1862; Alice G., born February 22, 1864, married James Walter; Roswell H., born in 1866; Kate E., born March 22, 1868, married Delos Walter; Polly E., wife of Archy Thornton; Willie L., died April 10, 1890, aged sixteen years; and Cora N., who died April 13, 1890, aged fourteen years. Lincoln, George D., was born in Massachusetts. June 5, 1850, a son of Daniel and Cemantha Kenfield Lincoln. George D. Lincoln was educated in the common schools and then engaged in machinist business. In 1883 he came to Broome county and.estabhshed the Union Hardware Co., which company he is now serving as treas- urer. Mr. Lincoln married Adaline, daughter of Minor Briggs of Connecticut, and they are the parents of George H., Henry D. , Edward C, Warren N. and Leslie. Mr. Lincoln is one of Union's representative business men, of sterling integrity and has always been identified with the best interests of his town. He is now serving in his sixth year on the board of education. Whitney, J. B., was born in Triangle, N. Y., December 19, 1835, a son of Dexter, and grandson of Asa Whitney, who was a pioneer of Triangle. Dexter Whitney was born in Triangle and was a farmer; he married Eliza Day; they had thirteen chil- dren, four now living. J. B. Whitney was educated in the common schools, and carries on the old homestead farm of seventy acres. He married Emerett Brewer, who bore him three children: one died in infancy, Flora M., and Ernest. Flora M. married C. H. Turner of Binghamton, N. Y. Pease, Clarence, p. o. Whitney Point, was born in Killawog, Broome county, N. Y. , June 3, 1872, a son of Sidney, son of William, son of Isaac and Hannah (Hall) Pease. The children of Isaac were Lewis, born March 22, 1804, died January 1, 1836; Newell, born May 28, 1806, died January 22, 1881 ; Hannah E., born May 9, 1810, died Septem- ber 24, 1830; William, born January 28, 1815, died September 23, 1894; Edward, born August 28, 1819, died December 22, 1874. William Peasecameto Windsor from Massa- chusetts and then to Barker; his wife was Eliza Wait, who died in Barker, April 30, 1896 ; they had seven children. William Pease built the first mill in Barker. Sidney Pease was born on the homestead in Barker and educated in the common schools. He was also a saw mill man and now resides in Marathon ; his wife was Emma J. Foster, by whom he had four children, all now living. In politics Mr. Pease is a Republican and has held office of highway commissioner for three years. He is a member of the I. O. O, F. Clarence Pease was educated in the common schools, and followed carting at Whit- ney Point for some years, and for five years has followed farming on the old home- stead of sixty-seven acres of land. November 17, 1890, Mr. Pease married Lizzie Hill, daughter of James D. Hill, and they have one son, Roy S., born June 3, 1892. Slack, W. H., was born in Chenango, Broome county, N. Y., July 23, 1852, a son of Nathan, son of James Slack, a pioneer of Nanticoke. Nathan Slack was born in GEORGE D. LINCOLN. FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 965 Broome county, June 25, 1812, and died in Nanticoke, July 17, 1891; he married Phoebe Johnson, born May 10, 1822, and died December 30, 1862; they had six chil- dren, two now living. W. H. Slack was educated in the common schools and now is engaged in farming, having a farm of 134 acres in Barker. July 1, 1877, Mr. Slack married Roxsa Adams, daughter of Amos Adams, by whom he had three children : Hetty, Mamie and Charlie. In politics Mr. Slack is a Republican and was collector one year, assessor six years and is now serving his fifth year as highway commis- sioner. He IS a member of Whitney Point Lodge No. 795, F. & A. M., and Red Men at Castle Creek ; also a member of Chiefman's League of Binghamton, N. Y. They attend the M. E. church. Atwater, Chester, p. o. Whitney Point, was born in Barker, May 31, 1821, a son of David and grandson of Jesse Atwater, who came to Barker in 1800. David Atwater was born in Washington county, town of Granville, June 14, 1777, and came to Bar- ker with his parents, and died here February 17, 1861 ; he married Mary McKinzy, born in 1784 and died in 1839. Chester Atwater was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer by occupation and has seventy acres of land where he lives and 114 acres in another farm. In April, 1861, Mr. Atwater married Aura Eldridge, born in Barker, January 11, 1829, a daughter of Zenas and Diana (Heath) Eldridge. In politics Mr. Atwater is a Republican and has been assessor twelve years in succession. He has made his own property and besides the land in Barker has 100 acres in Cattaraugus county. Pease, Fred, p. o. Whitney Point, was born in Barker, March 30, 1862, a son of Lewis, and a grandson of Newell Pease, who came to Barker in 1825 from Massachu- setts, coming on foot from New York city. Lewis Pease was born in Barker in 1838 and educated in the common so' wis. He was a carpenter by trade and a farmer; he married Eliza Rose, born in Windsor, Broome county. Mr. Pease died in 1896. Fred Pease was educated in the common schools and Binghamton Institute. He worked in a furniture store in Binghamton four years and in Syracuse three years, and now takes charge of the homestead of 248 acres, and has a dairy of twenty cows. On April 12, 1893, Mr. Pease married Lora Lull, and they had two children: Irene and Lewis H. In politics Mr. Pease is a Republican and has been inspector or clerk since the new ballot law came into effect. Mr. Pease is a member of Whitney Point Lodge No. 795, F. & A. M., and of Pocahontas Tribe No. 81, I. O. R. M. Hayes, Charles J., was born in Barker on the farm he now owns, July 3, 1850, a son of Augustine, son of Caleb Hayes, who came from Chenango county to Barker in a very early day, about 1813; he was a Baptist minister. He married Annie Cooke : they had twelve children. Augustine Hayes was born in Greene, Chenango county in 1807, and died in 1877. He married, first, Betsey Fuller, who bore him four children; second, Hannah Fairchild, who bore him two sons. Henry and George; and third, Marcia (Loomis) Doubleday ; they had three children: Charles J., Ella D and Idella C. Mr. Hayes was a Republican in politics. Charles J. is a farmer and owns seventy-six acres of land. In 1873 he married Mary R. Howland. who died in 1874- in 1876 he married Arvilla Spencer, who died in 1879; and in 1880 he married 966 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. Mrs. Mary J. (Peck) Staupfler; they have one son, Henry C. Mr. Hayes is a Repub- lican, served as highway commissioner for some years and is one of the present as- sessors. He is a member of the Baptist church of Castle Creek, N. Y. Alderman, Talcott, was born m Chenango, Broome county, May 17, 1832, a son of Bradley, son of Gad Alderman, who lived and died in Connecticut. The latter served in the Revolutionary war, enlisting when sixteen years old. Bradley Alder- man was born in Connecticut and came to Chenango in 1828, where he died in 1871, aged 75 years; his wife was Sarah, born in 1799, daughter of Judah Phelps, a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Alderman died October 7, 1894, aged 95; they had ten children, eight of whom are now living: B. J. Alderman, Castle Creek, aged 78; I. P., Castle Creek, aged 76; E. B., California, aged 74; Sarah A. Cunningham, Jones county, Iowa, aged 72; Amarett Hosmer, South wick, Mass., aged 66; Judson, Anamosa, Iowa, aged 64; Julia E. Rockwood, Castle Creek, aged 62, which is re- markable as longevity. E. B. Alderman, who at the breaking out of the Civil war was residing in Iowa, raised a company of volunteers, with whom he served until peace was declared. Talcott Alderman owns a farm of 111 acres and follows gen- eral farming. In politics he is a Republican, has been highway commissioner two years and is now serving as overseer of the poor. January 17, 1857, he married Mary J., daughter of Nelson and Nancy (Gaylord) Dunham; they had three children: Fred L., Ella E. and Minnie A. Smith, John, was born in Otsego county, a son of Ephraham and Betsey (Kimball) Smith, who had ten children: Daniel K., Emily, Sylvester, Putnam, Betsey, John, Benjamin, Franklin, Phoebe, and two others who died in infancy. John Smith was educated in the common schools of Otsego county, and when twenty one years of age he started in life for himself as a farmer, which occupation he has followed to the present time. Mr. Smith married Charlotte, daughter of Nathan Gardner ; they had three children: Carrie, wife of Fred Parsons, and Edwin, who lives on the same farm, and one deceased, Frank E., who died at the age of forty years. Mr. Smith came to Broome county in 1866 and settled near where he now lives, moving on to the farm he now occupies in 1869. He is actively interested in town and county affairs ; at present is assessor, serving his second term, and has also been highway commissioner. He also takes an interest in educational work and is a contributor to and supporter of the Kirkwood Christian Church. Bayless, Samuel, was born in the town of Conklin, before it was divided, July 25, 1827, a son of Henry C. and Abigal (Berkalew) Bayless. Henry C. was a native of Trenton, N. J., and from there moved to Wilkes-Barre, Pa., then to Broome county. He was a son of Samuel and Helen Bayless, who came here with their family, which consisted of General John, Mrs. Cornelia Corbitt, Elizabeth, wife of Chester Rood, Amy, wife of Ezra Carrier, Annie, wife of Henry Vandewater, and Henry C. Sam- uel Bayless was educated in the old academy at Binghamton, and was associated with his father on the farm until his father's death ; he now follows farming and has a milk route. In 1858 Mr. Bayless married Matilda, daughter of David M. Langdon ; they had three children: Carrie, Ida, wife of John C. Freese of Montrose, Col., and FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 967 one who died in infancy. Mr. Bayless married second, M. Adelia Chase, daughter of Adam Hays; they have three children: Henry A., Lillian A. and Ella M., wife of Robert Stuart. Mr. Bayless has been active in town and county affairs; he repre- sented his town on the board of supervisors in 1896 and 1897 and is at present asses- sor of the town of Kirkwood. He was justice of the peace twelve years, highway commissioner six years, and is also interested in school and educational work, hav- ing been connected with the school as trustee many terms. Watrous, John A., came to this county from Waterbury, Conn., about 1814, with his wife, Eunice Welton Watrous, and family of eight children. Their earthly pos- sessions consisted of a team of horses, a yoke of oxen and one sled. After consider- able hardships they arrived in the town of Colesville, where they purchased 100 acres of land. Their children were Ransom, Rintha, Laurie. Selden, William, Eunice, Eli W., John, Hiram, Sarah, Angeline, Polly, and two who died in infancy. Eli W. Watrous spent his early life with his parents, farming and clearing the land, and when fourteen years of age he worked as a laborer at $6 a month. When twenty- four years of age he married Jaue Olmstead, and in 1837 moved to Bing- hamton, where for eight years he was keeper of the county house. Their children were John H. and Marvin. He married second, Eliza Olmstead; their children were Smith B., Jennie, Jessie, Frank, Legrand and Eliza Jane. John H. Watrous was born in the city of Binghamton, September 18, 1837, and educated in the common schools of Broome county. His early life was spent with his parents, assisting his father on the farm summers and attending school winters. At eighteen years of age he started out as a laborer and school teacher. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. D, 109th Regt. Vols., and served until December, 1863, when he was transferred to Co. D. 36th Regt. serving as a lieutenant in that company until January, 1865, when he was promoted to captain; he was then assigned to Co. F, 103d Regt., Colored, and served as judge advocate at the trial of James R. Duncan of Andersonville prison fame He was mustered out in May, 1866, and two weeks later his muster out was revoked- he received a commission as judge advocate and was sent to Raleigh, N. C and was then mustered out November 30, 1866. On March 9, 1870, he married Margaret daughter of David M. Langdon; they have had four children, two hving. Blanche and Jane, and two deceased, Marian and Hattie. After his marriage he worked his fathers farm on shares for nine years, then purchased the farm where he now resides He represented his town on the board of supervisors m 1890 and 1891 ; also has been town clerk. He takes an active interest in educational work; is a Mason and was a charter member of the Kirkwood Grange. Place, Andrew Hart, was born at Stanford. Dutchess county, on February 10, 1830. a son of Joseph and Sarah (Tompkins) Place, who had eleven children: Maria Amy^ Louisa, Sarah, Welcome, Margaret, Edwin, Nancy, John, Phoebe Ann and Andrew H. Andrew H. Place was educated in Dutchess county, and -^^^l^ f ^^^^f ^^ learned the trade of mason. On September 10, 1854, he was married to Catherme Wilbur, it Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, and their first child, a -■ wa b on May 5, 1855. In the fall of 1856 they removed to Broome county. J^^^''" -^^ll^^^^ are WUb^r, Charles, Welcome. John. Walter and George. Joseph Place, father of 968 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. Andrew H., came to Broome county in 1857, and died in 1876, aged ninety-four years; his wife died in 1875, aged eighty-eight years. Andrew H. Place's grand- father, also named Joseph, enlisted in the Revolutionary army at Providence, R. I., and was honorably discharged under Washington at New York ; he received his pay in government scrip, amounting to eighty dollars, forty of which he paid for his pas- sage from New York to Providence, where he went to a hotel and for a drink of rum, paid the remaining forty — showing that while the government meant to do right by its defenders, they received but little benefit for their services. The ancestors were of French Huguenots, and the family name was originally De la Place. Abraham Tompkins, maternal grandfather of Andrew H. Place, enlisted in the Revolutionary army at Poughkeepsie as first lieutenant and was promoted from grade to grade to colonel, which office he held when the army was disbanded. Mr. Place has been ac- tive in politics, has served as justice of the peace nine years and justice of sessions three years. In educational affairs he has been much interested, being connected officially with the schools for twenty years. Johnson, C. Fred, was born in Milford, Mass., August 29, 1856. His father, Frank A. Johnson, was a native of Massachusetts and engaged in the boot and shoe busi- ness; he married Sarah J. Aldrich, and they are parents of Lottie M., Oscar E., C. Fred, George F. and Harry L. Mr. Johnson was captain in the army and was hon- orably discharged in 1865. He was a prominent fireman, serving about twenty years. C. Fred Johnson was educated in the common schools and was then em- ployed in a shoe factory. He came to Binghamton in 1884 and was engaged in the Lester Shoe Company; he came to Lestershire in 1890 and built the first house in Lestershire and is now assistant superintendent of the Lestershire Mfg. Co. Mr. Johnson was one of the organizers of the fire department and is now chief engineer. He married Ida, daughter of Benjamin F. Bullard; their children are Maud E,, Mary F. and Charles F. Mr. Johnson is one of Lestershire's enterprising busmess men, of sterling integrity and is identified with the best interests of his town. Conklin, Thomas, was born in what is now known as the town of Kirkwood, March 11, 1829, a son of Joseph and Emily (Thomas) Conklin, whose children were Amanda, Thomas, Emily, Theodore, Orville and Oscar, and two who died in infancy. Thomas Conklin was educated in the common schools of the town of Kirkwood. His early life was spent with his parents, assisting his father on the farm summers and attend- ing school winters. When twenty-one years of age he started in life for himself as a farmer. Mr. Conklin married Sarah C, daughter of Tobias and Eliza Van Buren ; they have three children living: Frank J., Henry T. and Emma E., and three de- ceased; Edgar B., who died June 3, 1877, at twenty-six years of age; he had studied for a lawyer and was admitted to the bar ; Ida E. and George M. In 1885 Mr. Conk- lin engaged in the general merchandise business at Riverside, which he conducted for Some years, but now lives retired. He has always been active in town and county affairs and has represented his town on the board of supervisors in 1876 and 1877; also served as assessor. He is also interested in educational work, having been trus- tee of the school for twenty years, and is active in the Riverside M. E. church, at the present time acting as steward, trustee, secretary and collector; he has held office in C. FKBD JOHNSON. FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 960 the church many years. Mr. Conklin is a member of the Great Bend F. &: A. M. No. 338. Park, Edward Y., came to this county in May, 1836, from Amenia, Dutchess county, N. Y., with his wife, Almira (Rundall) Park, and his two sons, Abram and Edward. They had three children born in this county: Ellen, wife of Edmond W. Barlow; Mary Virginia, who lives with her two brothers on the homestead; and Julia, wife of Charles Gennett. Edward Y. followed general farming until his death in 1870. The first of the Park family to come here was George, uncle of Edward Y., who came with a party of surveyors in the employ of the State. He settled in Bing- hamton, where he was a civil engineer and attorney. He had two sons, Hobert and Charles, and two _daughters, Catherine and Julia. Abram R. and Edward attend- ed school at the Binghamton Academy and later went to the Amenia Seminary; they now live on the homestead and carry on general farming. Abram R. has represented his town on the board of supervisors two terras; also served as town clerk. The homestead consists of about 200 acres of land and is considered one of the best farms in the vicinity. These present members of the Park family are the ninth generation in descent of Robert Parke of Preston, England, who came to this country in 1630 with Governor Winthrop in the ship Arabelle, as his private secretary and personal friend. They landed at Salem, Mass., on June 17, 1630. With Robert Parke came his three sons: William, Samuel and Thomas. Reaching manhood, William Parke settled in Roxbury, Mass. ; Samuel settled in Stonington, Conn., and Thomas, the direct ancestor of this present branch, lived and died in Preston, Conn. Rob- ert Parke died in New London in 1665. Elijah Park, fifth in descent of Thomas. and grandfather of Edward Y. Park, was a captain in the Revolutionary army. Chase, S. P., p. o. Port Dickinson, was born in the town of Windsor, N. Y., Feb- ruary 15, 1833. His father, Daniel Chase, was a native of New Hampshire, was jus- tice of the peace of Windsor for twenty years. He came to Broome county about 1830; he married Delilah Vail, and died in 1830; she died in 1843. S P. Chase was educated in the common schoils, ajd worked on his father's farm summers and taught school winters. In 1854 he went to Wisconsin and engaged in the lumber business, returning in 1858, and has since been engaged in farming. He was elected supervisor from the town of Kirkwood five different times and inspector of election several times. He married Harriet M., daughter of David and Harriet Langdon of Kirkwood ; they have one daughter, Lizzie M. Chase. Peck, Theodore C, was born in Lexington, Greene county. May 17, 1833. His father, Samuel T. Peck, was a native of Lexington also, and a farmer, and a de- scendant of the party that came early to this country in the Mayflower. He married Amelia Cornish, and their children were Theodore C, Arthur, Marion M. and Horatio A. Arthur was killed by a horse in 1850 at the age of sixteen years. Theo- dore C. was educated in the common schools and in 1852 engaged in steam boat- ing, firing on the ill-fated steamer Henry Clay that was was burned the same year on the Hudson river, while on her passage from Albany to New York. The winters of 1853 and 1853 Mr. Peck was employed by the Eighth Avenue R. R. Co. of New 970 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. York. In 1855 he fired on the steamer Maj. Reybold, between Philadelphia and Salem, N. J., and the season of 1856 on the steamer Elm City between New York and New Haven, Conn., and later quitting the business while second engineer of the steamer Geo. Pratt, after which he turned his attention to tanning. In the spring of 1858, on account of poor health, he went to California and engaged in mining, where he remained until June, 1862, when he returned to tanning again. In 1863 he again embarked as fireman on the U. S. mail steamer Thomas A Morgan, run- ning between Fortress Monroe and Yorktown, and on emergency occasions acting as a transport, and on one occasion took Gen. Fitzhugh Lee a prisoner of war from Whitehouse, Va., to Fortress Monroe. The year 1864 he was employed in the Ezra Pratt tannery at Jewett Centre, N. Y., and the following year by Hoyt Bros, in their celebrated Monroeville tannery; being made foreman of the tannery in the spring of 1866, and later general superintendent, remaining in that capacity until 1893, during which time he tanned and shipped to market two and a half million sides of sole leather, Mr. Peck married" Sarah J. Botchford, and they are the parents of Luella E. (Mrs. S. Mack Smith), Adelbert J , and George A., who is a naval apprentice, and is now on the U. S. flagship Brooklyn at Manila in the Philippine Islands. Mrs. Peck died in 1898, and in November, 1899, Mr. Peck married for his second wife Miss Minnie Kennedy, and are now living in Port Dickinson, N. Y. Wilson, W. H., M. D., p. o. Lestershire, was born in Choconut Center in 1864. His father, Alexander Wilson, was a native of Scotland and always a farmer; he married Nancy J. Cartwright. and they are the parents of Charles M., a lawyer in Wisconsin; Frank E., Mary Wilson Hinman, Orman E., of Choconut Center, Eliza A., a teacher, and Charles S. Dr. Wilson was educated in the schools of Bingham- ton and Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and was graduated from the latter in 1888. He began his practice in Whitney Point and in 1890 came to Lestershire, where he is one of the leading physicians of the town. In 1896 he was elected presi- dent of the village and has been health officer ever since it was incorporated. He is past grand of the I. O. O. F., is medical examiner for the Knights of Maccabees and Ladies of Maccabees, for the I. O. of R. M., and medical examiner for a number of life insurance companies. He married Ida J. Stalker. Rogers, H. M., p. o. Port Dickinson, was born in New York city, January 7, 1866. His father, Gen. H. C. Rogers, was a native of Oneida county, N. Y. He married Sarah Mather, and their children were Sarah and H. M. Gen. Rogers died in 1897 and his wife in 1867. H. M. Rogers was educated in the U. S. Military Academy and Columbia Law School. Later he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1890; he is now engaged in farming. He married Emma, daughter of Norman A. Phelps, and they have three children: John M., Norman P. and Philip A. Chambers, J. F. , p. o. Lestershire, was born in the town of Mount Morris, Liv- ingston county, February 14, 1867. His father, James Chambers, was a native of St. Lawrence county, and was engaged in farming, making a specialty of dairying and hop raising. He married Amanda T. Batterson, and they are the parents of Mary E., Emily J., John F., Grant, Melvin, Charles and Delia. John F. Chambers WILLIAM H. WILSON, M. b. FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 971 was educated in the common and high schools of Nunda, N. Y. He taught school for four years and in 1889 came to Lestershire, and worked in the Lestershire Manu- facturing Co. He was elected first assistant engineer of the fire department and in 1899 was appointed fire commissioner. Mr. Chambers is one of the pioneers of Les- tershire and one of the representative men of the village. Cook, Ira S., was elected superintendent of the poor of Broome county in 1889 and re-elected in 1892, but died in March, 18955, at the age of fifty-five, soon after enter- ing on his second term. His father, James Robert Cook, the youngest of thirteen children, was married to Sarah Slater of Triangle, in 1837, and three sons were born to them: Ira, James, jr., and Joseph. The father, after the death of his wife (the youngest boy, Joseph, being dead also), left his two sons with friends and went to Chicago, where he conducted a stage route for several years till his death. James, jr., lived at Cooperstown with an uncle, Julius Warren, until grown to manhood, when he went to Minneapolis, where he now resides. He has been connected with the Minneapolis Linseed Oil Paint Co. for years. Ira S. remained at Centre Lisle with his uncle, Joseph Cook, until sixteen years old, then taught school for two years. After this he attended the academy at Cooperstown and went from there to Eastman's Commercial College at Rochester, from which he graduated in 1857. He came back to Centre Lisle in 1859 and purchased the farm where he had lived when a boy. In ' the same year he married Eliza J. Lusk, daughter of Simon and Rebecca Mersereau Lusk. Two children were born to them, Dellaphine and William. The daughter grew to womanhood and married Dr. E. A. Pierce, now of Salem, Oregon, but lived only a short time afterwards. The son, William, married a sister of Dr. Pierce and is now in business at Lestershire. Like so many others, Mr. Cook left his wife and little children that he might fight for his country. He enrolled as a private in Co. D, Fifth Regiment N. Y. Cavalry Volunteers, with Lieut. R. A. Perkins. They were in the Fourth Division of the Shenandoah under General Sheridan, and for his gal- lantry and bravery he was chosen one of Sheridan's body guard and served until the end of the war. He returned to his home and was elected town clerk of Lisle by the Republican party in 1868; held this office until 1877, and was then supervisor for two years, after which he was appointed by Milo B. Payne, superintendent of poor, as keeper of Broome county almshouse and insane asylum. Mr. Cook and his estima- ble wife labored here faithfully for ten years, making many changes and improve- ments, which made the place one of the best of its kind in the State, and a pride to the county. He resigned this position to take that of superintendent of the poor. which he held at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs .Cook were both communicants of the First Congregational Church of Binghamton, of which Mrs. Cook is yet an active member. He was a man of broad mind, of gentle kindly disposition, of rare good judgment and tact and a staunch, true friend. Coleman, Coe O., p. o. Binghamton, was born in New Jersey, August 7, 1837, a son of John P. and Mary (Small) Coleman, and was educated in the common schools. He clerked in a store in Owego, and in 1861 enlisted in the war as corporal. He was discharged on account of being wounded in 1803, and was appointed postmaster in 1867 at Nichols, Tioga county. In 1871 he went to Susquehanna and engaged in the 972 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. mercantile business, and was elected school director for one term. In 1880 he came to Binghamton and engaged in the mercantile and real estate business. He opened the first block of lots west of Dr. Orton Hill, built the first business store in Lester- shire and has been clerk of the school district from the first. He married Martha Van Gordon, and they are the parents of Mary L. Coleman-Chalker, Ina M. and Alan B. Adams, S. B., was born in Nichols, Tioga county, May 24, 1856. His father, George Q. Adams, was a native of the town of Barton and was a farmer, also was engaged in the lumber business; he married Maria F. Beardsley at Odessa, Schuyler county; they had one son, Stephen B., as above. Mr. Adams died in 1873. S. B. Adams was educated in the common schools and Lowell Commercial School at Bing- hamton. He then engaged in the harness business and later in bridge building for the D., L. & W. Railroad for two years, also for other railroads. In 1894 he came to Lestershire and built a laundry on Main street and is now engaged in real estate, contracting and building. Mr. Adams married Evalyn C, daughter of George Roe; they have two children. Donna Mae and George. Mr. Adams is one of Lestershire's representative men and a man of sterling integrity. Kales, George R., was born on the old homestead, June 20, 1854, a son of John Kales. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and owns the homestead farm of 158 acres. In 1886 Mr. Kales married Au- gusta Miller of Colesville, and they have one son, William H. In politics Mr. Kales is a Republican and has served as assessor for twelve years in succession. He is a member of Chenango Tribe No. 58, I. O. R. M. A brother of Mr. Kales and one of the leading farmers of Fenton is Henry Kales, born in Coventry, N. Y., December 13, 1842, a son of John, and grandson of John Kales, of German descent, but who lived and died in Ireland. John Kales came to Chenango county in 1842 and in 1851 to the town of Fenton, where he died in 1876, at the age of sixty-four years; he mar- ried Mary A. Armstrong, born in Ireland, by whom he had five children, four now living. Mr. Kales was an active Republican, but not an aspirant to public office; his wife died in 1894, aged eighty years. Henry Kales was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. B, 137th N. Y. Vol. In- fantry, and served for three years. He was at Chancellorsville, Lookout Mountain, Sherman's march to the sea, being captured on the march and held a prisoner for three months at Florence, South Carolina, and many other battles of note. Since the war he has followed farming and in 1868 bought the farm he owns of 180 acres and has since added to it until now he owns 230 acres. In 1868 he married Angeline, daughter of William Page of Fenton; they have three children: James H., Minnie E. and Mary A. Mr. Kales is a Republican and was supervisor of Fenton in 1896, 1897 and 1898. He is a member of Bartlett Post No. 668, G. A. R.. Dept. of N. Y. Williams, Guy W., was born in Sanitaria Springs, July 17, 1865, a son of Nathan K. Williams. Nathan K. Williams was born August 23, 1815, died April 28, 1888 ; he was a son of Bartholemew Williams who came to Colesville from near Stamford, Conn. His second wife, Laura A., was a daughter of William H. (from Connecticut) FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 973 and Eunice Blatchley ; he was a mason by trade and a teacher of vocal music for many years Guy W. Williams was educated at Sanitaria Springs and at the age of eighteen years engaged as fireman for the Standard Oil Co. and at the age of twenty- one was promoted to telegraph operator and has since held that position. In 1893 Mr Williams married Nellie Whitham, and they have one daughter, Leah L. Mr. Williams is independent in politics; he is a member of Chenango Tribe. No. 08. I. O. R. M. Garrow I. Jesse, was born in Colesville, September 10, 1844, a son of Isaac and grandson 'of Jesse Garrow. who came to Broome county in an early day and spent his last days in the west. Isaac Garrow spent most of his life in Colesville a farmer ; he married Margaret Whitham, born in Leeds. Eng. Isaac Garrow died in 18.6 and his wife in 1891. I. Jesse Garrow was reared on a farm and educated in the com- mon schools. He was a farmer, havmg 280 acres. In politics Mr. Garrow was a Republican and served as assessor six years. July 12^ 186 .he --ned Eleanor Whitham- they had four children: Margaret, Sarah. Edward H. and Ella M^ Ed- ward H . was born February 5, 1875, educated in the Binghamton schools and Frank- Un college Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1897; he also graduated from the Albany Normal school in 1899. Mr. Garrow died January 14. 1899. A. M. and Ouaquaga Tnbe No^ "^^ J' °- ,^. '„> „.„„] • they have three children : Amelia C daughter o£ Horace a d J , i^^^^^^^'^^-^y ^^ „,^„,, ,,. .,, Bruce W., bornjune 7, 18/4, educatea in n p educated at HarpursviUe. at Erie railroad; George A., born September 28^ 88^-^^^^^^^^^^^ Harpur'sville. Mr. home; and Nellie J., born November 12, 1883, also educate j ^^^^^^^ Cheeseman makes a specialty of potato raising and has taken pr of fairs. • roiP<;vine N Y March 9, 1860, a son of Edwin, son Badger, B. B., was born ^'^ C^'^-;^;/- ^,;^., g^.g^r was born in Colesville of Miles Badger, a pioneer °^^olesvil^^ Eds g^^^^^^ ^^^^^.^ ^^^^^^^^^ ^^ where he died in February, 1865, ^^ J^^'''^^ ^. ^^^^t, died when he was Peter Martin. B. B. Badger was reared «" ^ fj^^^^.f JP"/; ^t eighteen years of young and he was brought up by his --;' f^^^^/^^^TsfJ^gaged in'the mercantile age he began clerking in O-^uaga and on Ma^ 1^^^^^^^^^ ^/oecember, 1887. Mr. business, which he has earned on very ^"^^^^^'^ ^^ Ouaquaga. Mr. Badger is Badger married Ella, daughter o ^e-ce H^^^olittle^o^ O ^^q^^g ^^ ^^^ ^ ^ ^ a member of the Ouaquaga Tribe No. »*, i- ' ^^ ^^ litics he is a Demo- F. ; also a member of Wmdsor lo ge "^ ^„^,^^;^^^-^„^ /,,,, ,f ,ge. which he crat and was elected 3-f «« ;^^;X^^;;d ..pervisor.'still holding that ofhce. his held for one term ; in 189-i he was eic^, r 974 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. present term expiring in 1901. He was postmaster under both of Cleveland's admin- istrations. Lockwood, Everett, was born in Otsego county, N. Y. , November 20, 1857, a son of Everland and Martha J. (Barber) Lockwood. He was reared in the village of East Worcester, N. Y., and educated in the common schools and a State Normal school. In 1881 he came to the town of Colesville and after farming for six years en- gaged in the lumber business and also as bridge contractor. In February, 1881, Mr. Lockwood married Cora L. Babcock of Otsego county; they had three children: Edith, Julian and Vernon. In politics Mr. Lockwood is a Republican and has served as highway commissioner. He has twenty-four acres of land where he resides, on which he follows general farming. Hobbs Bros , manufacturers and dealers in carriages, harnesses, sulkies and bicy- cles. — The firm is composed of George W. and Charles H., sons of J. W. Hobbs. J. W. Hobbs was born in Delaware county, October 8, 1831, a son of Samuel, son of Jonas Hobbs, a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Samuel Hobbs came to Delaware county in an early day and there lived and died, at the age of thirty-three years. He married Catherine Williams and they had five children, all now living. J. W. Hobbs was reared in Andes village and educated in the common schools; he learned the carriage making business and soon took up the study of law and has practiced that for forty years. He carried on the carriage business until 1868, when his sons started in and have since carried it on in an extensive and very successful way. In 1845 Mr. Hobbs came from Delhi, where he was in business, to Nineveh, where he has since resided. In politics he was identified with the Democratic party until 1855, when he assisted in organizing the Republican party and was with that part}' until 1872, since which time he has been independent. He has served as justice of the peace for twenty years in succession. July 37, 1842, he married Mary E. Williams, born in Delaware county, December 25, 1823, and they had two sons, mentioned above. Mrs. Hobbs died May 31, 1898. George W. Hobbs was born in Delhi, N. Y., No- vember 2, 1843, educated in the common schools and Harpursville Seminary. He followed teaching several years and studied law two years, under instruction from Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson, but the Civil war coming on he abandoned the idea of practicing and engaged in the carriage business with his brother. November 2, 1864, he married Ellen S. Buck, daughter of Lyman Buck, and they had one daughter, Mary E. (deceased). Mr. Hobbs began his political life with the Republican party, and while always alive to the political issues of the day, has never aspired to public office. Since 1872 he has been independent in politics, affiiliating usually with the Democratic party. In 1896 he received the nomination for member of assembly ; he was active in organizing the Susquehanna Valley Telephone Co. in the spring of 1898, and has been secretary and general manager of the company since. Charles H. Hobbs was born April 22, 1845, educated in the common schools and grew up in the carriage business, in which he has continued to the present time. In 1892 he en. gaged in life, fire and accident insurance and has been very successful. He is inde- pendent in politics and a Universalist in religion, as the whole family are. He mar- ried Theodora Buck of Afton. Hobbs Bros, have added to their business during 1899 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 975 a banking department, doing the usual discounting of notes, issuing checks, and work done by private banks. Reynolds, Cornelius O., was born in Colesville, N. Y., November 14, 1873, a son of Angus S., and grandson of Cornelius Reynolds, born in Westchester county, N. Y , who came to Delaware county and to Broome county about 1849. He was a black- smith by trade and was first station agent at Sanitaria Springs, which position he held until his death in 1893, aged eighty-three. Angus Reynolds was born June 22, 1844, and assisted his father as station agent for about twenty-five years. He mar- ried Mary, daughter of Luke English; they had three children: Cornelius O., Luke E. and Rosette M. He married for his second wife Etta V. Osborne of Milwaukee, Wis., in August, 1894. Cornelius O. Reynolds was educated in the common schools and at the age of sixteen began Assisting his father as station agent and has re- mained in the office ever since. He was the youngest station agent under the D. & H. R. R. Mr. Reynolds owns the old homestead, also had his grandfather's place, which he has recently sold. Mr. Reynolds is a member of Parlor City Lodge No. 702, I. O. O. F. On January 4. 1898, he married Mary A. Marshall, daughter of Edward Marshall; they have one son, Angus M. Churchill Augustus, was born in Colesville, December 4. 1860. and educated in the common schools. In 1885 he engaged with the Standard Oil Co., and is at present fireman November 27, 1884, Mr. Churchill married Addie M. Cator, and they had one daughter, Louise, born January 19, 1889. Mrs. Churchill died March 9, 1898, and on May 16, 1899. Mr. Churchill married Julia E. Berray of Colesville. Mr. Churchill owns a part of the old homestead, forty acres of which he rents. Kark J. Asa, was born in Colesville, November 6, 1854, a son of Abram, son of John Kark, who came from New Jersey to Sanitaria Springs when sixteen years old, coming on foot. John Kark was a farmer; in politics a Republican ; his wife was Melissa Negus, a direct descendant of Col. Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary fame. Abram Kark was born April 10, 1824, and educated in the common schools; a car- penter by trade and contractor, he did much work in Binghamton. He was a Re- publican, always active and served as assessor and collector. His -fe was M.nerva Eldred, daughter of Asa Eldred, who served in the war of 1812 J. Asa Kark the subject was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He «as en- gaged in the meat business for .seven years and for a while in farming at Sanitaria ipfings. In 1891 he engaged in the undertaking business, which he has followed ?nce f he also kept a grocery store until 1899, when he sold out and moved to Harpur. ville and bought the undertaking business and now has con rol °^ ^^^ J^;;;"^ ^^ both nlaces In 1878 Mr. Kark married Alice Carpenter of Colesville , they have two so"s 'Ha:rv G and Arthur C. Mr. Kark is an active .^epu^Hcan a d h stable, collector and assessor eight years in ^^^^^^^^^^^ .^^^'ll'^^^^^ ^^ present time (1899). He was appointed postmaster at S-'tana Sprrngs -^er^^^^^^ ^ ■, • 1 i,„^ u^ />Qmp tr> Haroursville; he was census laKer lu dent McKinley and resigned -hen l^e -ame .,0 Harpv ^ ^^^ 1890. Mrs. Kark is a member of the Baptist cnurca ai port the same. He still owns the old Kark homestead ot 100 acres. 976 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. Leach, Samuel S., was born in Tioga county, N. Y., May 14, 1854, a son of Samuel H. and Sophia A (Smith) Leach. Samuel H. Leach was born in Tioga county and there lived and died in June, 1857. He and his wife had four children, two now liv- ing. Samuel S. was reared in Owego and there educated. He worked at various occupations and was with the Erie Railroad for eight j^ears. In 1881 he came to Sanitaria Springs and engaged with the Standard Oil Co., and has been with this company since with the e.xception of three years; he was promoted to head engineer in 1887 and has held that position since. He owns two residences in Sanitaria Springs and a farm of fifty-three acres In politics Mr. Leach is a Democrat. In 1S79 he married Mary A. Tanner; their children are John A , Viola S., Zaida A. and Edna L. Mrs. Leach was a daughter of Eliah and Elizabeth (Thomas) Tanner, na- tives of Vermont, who settled in Tioga county and there lived and died. Mr. Leach's grandparents were James and Eleanor (Harkness) Leach, of Scotch-Irish descent, born in Ireland and emigrated to Tioga county about 1825. Meacham, George, was born at Hopkinton, May 22, 1827, a son of Moses and Sophia (Williston) Meacham, who came to this county with their family about 1843, and settled in Millville, a part of Binghamton, where he followed his trade of mason. George Meacham's early life was spent with his parents and he was educated in Binghamton in what was known as the old academy which stood where the county clerk's office now is. When about fifteen years of age he started in life for himself as a laborer in the lath mills at Pond Brook and remained there one year, then went boating on the old canal. In 1846 he went whaling on the northwest seas, which he followed for about three years and then returned to Millville. He went to work as a laborer and lumberman, which he followed for about three years and then engaged in the grocery business; in 1854 he started as a commercial traveler and was so en- gaged until 1896, and is now living retired. On June 23, 1851, Mr. Meacham mar- ried Jane, daughter of Edmund Titchner; they have three children: Henry C, Jen- nie E. and George L. Mr. Meacham is a Mason and takes great interest in public enterprises. Clement, Samuel, was born in Schoharie county, January 13, 1828, a son of John S. and Gertrude (Lyker) Clement, who had five children as follows: Margaret, Cath- erine, Samuel, Eliza and Mary. Samuel was educated in the common schools of Schoharie and Montgomery counties and lived with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he started in life for himself as a carpenter and builder. This trade he followed until 1864, then moved to Broome county and engaged in the gen- eral merchandise business. He has served as postmaster for twenty years and has also held several of the town offices. He is interested in school and church work, be'ng a member of the Conklin Forks M. E. church. On October 5, 1859, Mr. Clem- ent married Julia A., daughter of Frederick and Hannah (Smith) Shoefelt; they have one daughter Jessie Gertrude, wife of Jesse M. Rowley, who is also a merchant at Conklin Forks. Van Wormer, Aaron, was born in Albany county, N. Y., February 23, 1832, a son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Severson) Van Wormer, who came to this county about FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 077 1837; they had nine children: Isaac, Abraham, John, James, Aaron, George, Al- bertus, Mary and Margaret. George and Albertus are natives of Broome county, the rest of Albany county. Aaron's life since he came here has been spent on the farm where he now lives, with the exception of four years, two of which were spent in the West and two in the town of Kirkwood. When twenty-one years of age Mr. Van Wormer started in life for himself as a farmer, which he follows at the present time. On September 8, 1854, Mr. Van Wormer married Sarah, daughter of Alanson Wildey; they have four children living: Charles. Fred, Viola, wife of Charles Law- rence, and Jessie. Aaron Van Wormer has represented his town on the board of supervisors for several years; also held several other town offices. He has always been active in school and educational work and was deacon of the Baptist church for about twenty years. He is a member of the Winona Tribe of Red Men No. 222. and has held most of the offices in the lodge. Banta, Christopher J., was born in the town of Conklin, January 18, 1857, a son of Jacob and Arminda (Perry) Banta, who came from Susse.x county and settled here about 1842. They had eight children: Mary, Sophia, J. Edward, Christopher J., Nettie, Minnie, Fannie and William. Christopher J. remained with his parents on the farm until about twenty-four years of age when he started in life for himself as a butcher and produce dealer and farmer, which business he still carries on. July 3, 1882, Mr. Banta married Carrie, daughter of Edward C. and Mary (Bull) Tompkins (deceased); their children are Nettie, Charles and Carrie. Mr. Banta married, sec- ond, Gertrude Deyo. and they have one daughter. Alice May. Mr. Banta takes an active part in all public-spirited enterprises, being much interested in schools and education, also church work. Manwarren, Albert, was born in Coventry, Chenango county. N. Y., August 21, 1845, a son of Henry and Hepsey (Martin) Manwarren, who had four children: Al- bert S., Elizabeth, wife of Edwin C. Sleeper, Charles H. and Hattie, wife of Alexaii- der Gardinier. all natives of Chenango county. Henry came to Windsor, with his family, in 1865, and was one of the largest land owners in that town. Albert Man- warren was educated in the common schools of Chenango county and later in the Windsor academy. When twenty-one years of age he started in life for himself as a farmer, about one and one-half miles from Windsor village, where he remained four years, then moved to the village of Windsor, where he has since resided. In 1871 he opened the first meat market in Windsor and two years later added a stock of gro- ceries; in 1875 he sold his interest in the meat market and carried on the grocery business for sixteen years, then engaged in the hardware business. In 1892 he sold out his mercantile interests and has since lived mostly retired. In 1899 Mr. Man- warren purchased the flat land near the village of Windsor and is interested in farming. May 20, 1867. Mr. Manwarren married .Margaret, daughter of Henry (de- ceased) and Magdaline Van Ness; they have four children: Mary, George A.. Henry W. and Etta, natives of the town of Windsor. Mr. Manwarren is interested in town and county affairs and was one of the first trustees of the village ; he has also taken an active part in schools and educational work and at the erection of the graded 62 978 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. school building was chairman of the finance and building committee, and gave about one year of his time superintending its erection. Brown, Silas P., was born on the farm where he now resides, September 24, 1844, a son of Joseph and Sophia (Sweezy) Brown, who had ten children: Julia, wife of Thomas Brown, both deceased; James S., Jason C, Hattie, wife of Richard Jones (deceased); Austin, Ruth, both deceased; Silas P., Cordelia (deceased), Charles (de- ceased), Clarrissa (deceased), all born on the farm where Silas P. resides. Joseph followed farming; in 1813, when he was twelve years old, his father, Daniel Brown of Long Island, purchased a tract of land a mile square, of which the old homestead was a part, and moved here. Silas P. Brown spent his early life with his parents on the old homestead; he was educated in the common schools and Windsor academy. When twenty- two years of age he took charge of the homestead and his father re- tired from active life, but father and mother resided on the homestead with the son until their death. Mr. Brown died in 1887 and the mother in 1894. The homestead contained 110 acres, but Mr. Brown has made additions until the farm contains 230 acres. In 1873 Mr. Brown married Ellen, daughter of Dwight and Mary Ann (Knowlton) Stilson. Mr. Brown has been active in town and county affairs, having held the office of justice of the peace for twelve years, and other minor offices. He is an active worker in the Union church of Lester, where he resides, and was one of its charter members; he is clerk of the board and one of the advisory committee. He was formerly a member of Windsor lodge F. & A. M, No. 442. Edson, Isaac C, M. D., was born in the town of Windsor, July 3, 1823, a son of Harley and Phoebe (Heath) Edson, who had three children: Joseph C, Isaac C. and Emily, wife of Garry Stillson ; later she married Lyman Treadwell. Harley was a son of Seth and Desire Edson, who came from Tyringham, Mass., with their family about 1806. Seth Edson served as a private in the Revolutionary war. Joseph Heath, father of Phoebe, served as a musician in the Revolutionary war and later moved to Broome county, about 1806, with Patience, his wife, and was one of its pioneer settlers. By trade he was a blacksmith and his shop that he worked in still stands, but is used as a dwelling house. Isaac C. Edson spent his early life on the farm with his parents and was educated in the Windsor schools. When nine- teen years of age he took up the study of medicine and graduated from the Pennsyl- vania Medical college at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1861 ; later he studied under Dr. P. M. Way's instructions and was graduated from the Albany Medical college in 1868. He also attended a course of lectures in the New York Polyclinic college, taking a course in gynecology, laryngology, surgery and general medicine. Dr. Edson passed the State civil .service examination, which entitled him to hold the office of health officer, which he has held for many years. When he commenced the practice of medicine he located at Cincinnatus, N. Y., where he remained for about one year, then moved to West Colesville and three years later moved to the town of Windsor, where he has been located and practiced since. He is a self-made man, depending upon his own resources since he was fifteen years of age. September 25, 1841, Dr. Edson married Lydia A., daughter of Piatt and Polly Crofut ; they have two children : Dr. Charles C. and Lucia A. He married second, Sarah, daughter of Gurdon and FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY IIIST(JRY. <)7'J Laurie Knowlton ; they had one daughter, Ella (deceased). Dr. Edson is a member and ex-president of Broome County Medical Society and member of New York State Medical Society, and medical examiner of New York Life, Equitable Life and others. He has been active in town and county affairs ; represented his town on the board of supervisors two years ; coroner two terms and member of assembly two terms. He was formerly a mfember of Windsor A. F. & A. M. No. 442. He has been active in the growth and development of the village of "Windsor, having built several houses and is the oldest practicing physician in the town and county, having practiced for about fifty years. Furraan, Taber V., was born in the town of Colesville, December 11, 1856, a .son of James R. and Harriet A. (Shove) Furman, who had two children: Lucinda S.. wife of Charles P. Stevens of Harpursville, N. Y., and Taber V. James R. was a native of Otsego county and a son of William Furman, who was also a resident of Otsego county and a farmer by occupation. In 1867 the parents of T. V. moved to Har- pursville, where they resided for about four years, James R. following the painter's trade, after which they moved to Milford, Conn., where Mr. Furman accepted a posi- tion as superintendent of one of the departments of a large hat manufactory, which position he held for ten years, after which he followed his trade until his death, which occurred February 21, 1894. Taber V. spent his early life with his parents and first started in life as a drug clerk at Milford, Conn., where he was employed for four years, after which he accepted a position as a druggist in Binghamton. N. Y., where he remained for five years. In 1881 he moved to the village of Windsor, N. Y. , where he purchased a drug store, and successfully conducted the business for twelve years, disposing of the same in 1893, since which time he has given a portion of his time to the purchase, manufacture and sale of lumber. In 1882 Mr. Furman married Florence E. Howe of Binghamton, N. Y., a daughter of Smith and Caroline (Harris) Howe. Smith Howe enlisted in Co. G, 137th Reg., and died at Harper's Ferry soon after his enlistment. Mr. Furman is president of Wmdsor village, which office he has held since its incorporation in 1896. He is active in church and educa- tional work, being a trustee of the M. E. Church, and has been a member of the board of education for the past seven years. Watrous, William Wallace, was born in the town of Colesville, September 5, 1829, a son of John B. and Annie (Barnes) Watrous; their children were William Wallace. Mary P., wife of Isaac Ryan; Emma C, wife of Capt. Frank Smith; Frances M , wife of John R. Comfort, a member of the Montana Legislature and resides at Twin Bridge, Montana; Ada C, wife of Henry W. Lynch; James Edgar, who enlisted in Co. G, 89th Regiment, N. Y. Vols, and died in service at Folly Island, S. C, at twenty years of age, and Leonard Harrison, who died when about eight years of age, all natives of Broome county. John B. was born May 5, 1805, at Ridgefield, Conn., and died February 26, 1895. He was a son of James S. and Sarah (Boughton) Watrous, she a daughter of Seth Boughton, a Revolutionary soldier and at one time a member of the Connecticut Legislature. In 1815 the family moved to Harpers- field, N. Y. ; John B. was the first to come to Broome county in 1823 and he was fol- lowed by his father. When a young man he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he 980 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. followed for ten years, after which he gave the most of his time to lumbering and farming. While working at his trade he married Annie, daughter of Isaac Tyrrel; she lived but a few months and in 1829 he married Annie, daughter of Abijah and Phidima Barnes. Mr. Watrous was a man that was much respected, a friend to the oppressed and of a kind disposition. William W. Watrous spent his early life with his parents, assisting his father on the farm summers and attending school winters. His farm was near State Line, bought and moved onto in 1837, a part of which is now owned by W. W. Watrous. Soon after he became of age he started in life for him- self as a farmer and lumberman, which he has followed to the present time. Sep- tember 10, 185], Mr. Watrous married Delia A., daughter of Sebastian and Hannah (Benn) Comstock; their children are Dora R., wife of James F. McKune; Hannah A., wife of Jaline W. Terry; Charles E., Katie C. and an adopted son, Frank, who is now a lumberman in Alaska, also owns a half interest in a mine in Colorado. Mr. Watrous has always taken an active interest in town and county affairs; has held the office of assessor six years; represented his town on the board of supervisors three years; highway commissioner three years and inspector of election several j^ears; he also takes an active part in educational and church work. Birdsall, Watson H., p. o. Binghamton, was born in Friendsville. Pa., August 21, 1860. His father, Herman Birdsall, was a native of Pennsylvania, was supervisor of Middletown for four years, and school trustee for a number of years. He came to Vestal, Broome county, in 1897. June 27, 1849, he married Julia Candfield. Watson H. Birdsall was educated in the common schools and worked on a farm for a number of years. Later he engaged in the saw milling business, working as foreman in New York State and Michigan. In 1889 he came to Binghamton and engaged in the car- penter business; in 1891 he came to Lestershire and was appointed superintendent of Floral Park Cemetery, and is still holding that position. July 24, 1884, W. H. Bird- sall married Minnie E. Mix, of Union, N. Y. Robbins, Frank, was born in Union, September, 1844, a son of Allen L. and Han- nah (Rockwell) Robbins, who were the parents of Charles C, Thomas R., David L., Sai-ah Robbins Crane, Lois Robbins Watterman and Nancy Robbins Dean. Mr. Robbins died December 31. 1850. Frank Robbins was educated in the common schools and learned the mason trade, but is now engaged in farming and contract- ing. He served as justice of the peace for a number of years and commissioner of highways for two years. Mr. Robbins married Sarah Rockwell ; they have one son, D. Earl. Heath, Morgan, was born in Union Centre, August 10, 1844, a son of Major R. Heath and Philla A. Stow, his wife, who were the parents of Elizabeth, Ogden R., Alva, Antoinette, Morgan, Levi, Orson and Edwin. Morgan Heath was educated in the common schools and in 1862 enlisted in the army in the 137th N. Y. Vols., serving for three years and was wounded in the battle at Wauhatchie, Tenn. He was married to Josephine L. , daughter of George and Betsey Spencer Johnson of Maine, September 11, 1867. He then engaged in the manufacture of rakes in Union Centre, FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 081 then went next to Maine and built a factory which he conducted with marked suc- cess for over twenty years. In 1889 he came to Union and erected a flour and feed mill, saw mill, planing mill and rake factory combined. They have one daughter, Myrtle E., born in Union Centre, July 7, 1868; she was married to Frank O. Hokirk, January 22, 1890, and has one son, Lynde D. Hokirk. Warner, Job M., was born in Hooper, town of Union, September 28, 1848, a son of David C. and Sarah E. (Mersereau) Warner, who were the parents of Sarah A. War- ner, Clark Lockey, Amelia Warner, Mersereau Hooper and Job M. Mr. Warner died February 4, 1859; his wife in August, 1890. Job M. was educated in the com- mon schools and then engaged as a clerk in a general store at Union. In 1872 he engaged in business for himself and is now conducting the leading grocery store in the town. Mr. Warner served as town clerk for five years. He married Lavina H. Brown, and they are the parects of David C, who was elected town clerk in 1899; Laban J., who died in November, 1878; and Emraett E., born August 7, 1888. Mr. Warner is one of Union's representative business men, and a man of sterling in- tegrity. Fisher, James G., was born in Delhi, Delaware county, January 22, 1815, a son of Matthias and Annis Fisher, who lived their entire life in Delaware county; they had nine children: Julia, Henry, James G., Christina, Horace, William P., Electa, Mat- thias and John Edwin, all since deceased except James G. and Electa. James G. Fisher spent his early life with his parents, attending .school winters and assisting on the farm in summens. His father was a son of George Fisher, who was of Ger- man descent; he left Germany on account of trouble of enlistment in the army and moved to England, later to Columbia county, N. Y., where he married the widow Ray and soon after they started overland with an ox team and cow for Delaware county by Indian path. When they arrived at Hobart, he constructed a raft of timber and brush and floated their household goods to the village of Delhi, Mrs. Fisher driving the ox team and cow overland. The farm which they located on is now the village of Delhi. James G. Fisher when twenty-five years of age married Maranda B., daughter of Nathan StiLson ; they have had three children; Jane, wife of George Raitt (deceased); Annis Sophia, wife of Dwight H. Benedict (both de- ceased, leaving one son, James Benedict); and Nathan S. (deceased), who married Sarah A. Fryer, and had children, Edna M. and Nathan S. The children of George and Jane Raitt were Burton C, who married Ida S. Hosford (deceased); Fannie. wife of Walter M. Jackson ; and George D., editor of the Unadilla Times, who mar- ried Tacy Bentz. The first year of Mr. Fisher's married life he worked a farm on shares and then purchased a farm in the town of Franklin ; he lived in that vicinity for about twenty-eight years, and also speculated in farm produce and stock. In 1872 he purchased a farm near Windsor village, where he lived eight years, then traded for property in the village— the Coburn Whip Co., which he conducted for two years and then sold to F. L. Goodenough and Richard Randall, since which time he has lived mostly retired. Mr. Fisher is a public-spirited man, interested in educational matters and is a liberal supporter of the Windsor Episcopal church. 982 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. Ogden, Charles, was born in the town of Binghamton, October 22, 1875. His father, Joseph Ogden, was a native of New Jersey, and a farmer; he married Mary Van Name, and died in 1863. Charles Ogden was educated in the common schools, and at one time was engaged in the manufacture of paper. He married Louise V., daughter of Joseph and Esther Nash of Columbia county, and they had one daughter, Sarah, who died in 1893. Mr. Ogden is one of the representative business men of Port Dickinson, and a man of sterling integrity. Snell, John, was born in England, in September, 1880. His father, John Snell, was a native of England, and came to Leraysville, Pa., in 1843; he married Ann Martyn, and they were the parents of Robober, Ebenezer, Mary Ann, Sophia (who died in 1890), and John. John Snell was educated in the common schools and came to America with his father at the age of twelve years. He learned the tanner's trade and in 1856 built the tannery in Potterville, Bradford county, Pa. ; later he sold his interest to his partner, Mr. Taylor. In 1866 Mr. Snell came to Binghamton and is now superintendent for Mr. Weed. In August, 1893, he came to Union to live, and is identified in the tanning business. Mr. Snell married Amelia F. Miller, and they are the parents of Willie L., who travels for the Bennett Overall Co. ; John F., who is in the tanning business; Fred M., Lena Snell Parke and Stella J. Snell Clarke of Denver. Christopher, Drs. E. N. & W. B. — Ernest N. Christopher was born January 21, 1863. His father. Rev. W. B. Christopher, was born in Union in 1817 and first preached at Union Center; he married Lucinda Pine, daughter of Rev. N. Pine, and they had three children: William B., Hannah and Ernest N. Mr. Christopher died October 9, 1879. Dr. E. N. Christopher was born in Galena, 111., educated in the schools at Binghamton and then entered the medical department of Syracuse Uni- versity, from which he was graduated in 1887. In 1896 he located at Union, and is now practicing with his brother. Dr. Christopher is a Mason, Odd Fellow and Red Man. He is one of the elders of the Presbyterian church; in 1899 he was a commis- sioner to the General Assembly at Minneapolis, Minn On December 13, 1889, he married Eva C, daughter of John and Mary Mix; their children are Agnes L., born April 12, 1898; Ernest R., born February 18, 1893; Lee Irving, born April 17, 1895; and William, born August 9, 1898. Dr. W. B. Christopher was born January 11, 1860, in Galena, 111. He was graduated from the medical department of Syracuse University in 1891. In January, 1898, he formed a partnership with his brother, Dr. E. N. Christopher, locating at Union. Dr W. B. Christopher is an Odd Fellow and Red Man, a member of the band, and a fine man. Barton, G. W., was born in Union, August 1, 1850. His father, Nathaniel W. Barton, was a native of Schoharie county and a farmer; he married Polly Crane, who bore him five children: Jane Barton Thornton, Edmond W., Morris E., Henry S. and G. W. Mr. Barton died in 1897,' and his wife in 1886. G. W. Barton was ed- ucated in the common schools and was employed as fireman in a steam mill at the age of sixteen years. At the age of nineteen he engaged in business for himself in the milling and lumber business and is now conducting a large flour mill, planing FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 983 mill and lumber yard. Mr. Barton married Rosaline Tyler, who bore h.ni five chd- "ren Corl who died in 1896; Harry G.. Dana. Frank and Lena. Mr. Barton ,s one of Union's self-made men and a man of sterling mtegnty. Cafferty. Emma L., was born in Vestal, N. Y. Her father, Milton T Cafferty. was born in Union. March 29, 1833; enlisted in the Civil war m 1861. and served to he end • he was wounded, and a prisoner five months. He was superintendent of a arriumber yard seventeen years in Jersey City, and is now a residen of Union He mlrrtd Martha Emily Williams. Their children were Emma L. Ahce E. and Jannfe H (the latter deceased). Mrs. Emily L. Cafferty has traveled extensively. She was in Havana at the time the Cuban war opened and experienced some diffi- culty in getting away. ■ Hanson, Archie B.. wa. born ,n Delaware county, D--'""^^'' '^^J;^^ »°°;; T A T?r.^na r^nllivan) Hanson, whose children were Inez, Charles. Alice, Isaac ^''^.^^^°^''\^^'f'Zl Isaac ^ame to Broome county with his family about George, Lillian and Aichie B Isaac came to ^ ^.^^ ^^ jannary 1 1884. *- "Xd-Tr ave^ ^^ S.e- 1,^ .-^ WiUorO. Mr, Sato: isTntrted ir:r^anT:auoaaona, .or. and a n.en,ber o, *e Nat.ona, Protective Legion of Waverly, N. \ . Bwight, colonel Walton, a gallant '^^]^^ Zo^'Z^y^l" Y.: severaf years a citizen of Binghamton. was bon. at W-d or B ,^ ^^^^^ ^^ December 20, 1837. Colonel Dwight was ^ "^^'^^n Jh^'^^ ^^ was educated; he the rich. His early life was spent ^^ "^^^^'J^^'J^^^ ^^^^^^ successful. At first engaged in the lumber ^---^^^^ .^^^ ^^^^ "^^ Penn. Vols., and on his the breaking out of the Civil ^:'^^ ^^^^^i^^'^"';^^ ,^^^ regiment was known as the own account enlisted over one ^-^red ^en --^f^Jf ^.^ ,^,,, received Bucktail regiment; he was -^f^^'^'^rTll^^^^^^^^ splendid honors at the batUeoGet^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ business until obliged to return home. After he rec-ove 1^^^^^ the Orchard estate, the 1868 when he moved to Bingham on, where he pur^ ^^^^^^^ ^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^ former home of Hon. Daniel S. ^^^^^^^.^^^^^^^f ^w ghtville. His beautiful home is now all built over by -/l^-^^^^^^^/f^^^ed 1 summer hotel with fifty cottages was consumed by fire ^^^ m its stead he e^ec^ed a ^^^ Owight was elected surrounding it and is called the D-^^^^f;;:,%enevolent man to the poor and mayor of the city of Binghamton. He was a .^V^.^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^ „,t ^ .recess and was a most lavish giver to charity, /^ij^ ^ i878 he returned to Bingham- .e was obliged to ^Xtl^i^L ln::n:hich proved fatal and he died Novem- ton, where he was attackea wuu ^ ber 15. 1878. 984 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. Randall, Richard N., was born in the town of Coventry, Chenango county, N. Y., October 9, 1832, and died February 15, 1897. His childhood and youth were spent with his parents in his native town, and in New Ohio, where the family moved when he was yet a lad, where he learned the shoemaker's trade under the instruction of his father. In 1856 he moved to the village of Windsor, where he worked at his trade for about one year, thea entered the employ of James R. Belden as a clerk in his store. In the spring of 1860 he entered the employ of A. W. Coburn and began the work to which he gave the best part of his life, in the manufacture of whips ; he was soon made foreman of the factory. December 10, 1879, with F. L. Goodenough. he formed a copartnership and purchased the whip business of James G. Fisher, which they conducted to the time of his death. In 1886, under Mr. Goodenough' s patent they commenced the manufacture of carpet beaters as a side line. March 20, 1893, the Coburn Whip Co. consolidated with the United States Whip Co. and Mr. Randall managed the affairs of the company at Windsor. He was a public-spirited man, identified with all advancements connected with the village and was a great worker and liberal supporter of the church. Mr. Randall married Mary E. , daughter of Rodney and Ann Guernsey. Mr. Randall was of most commanding personality, of persistent purpose, decided opinion, of few words, of generous impulses, of large heart and noble deeds, of sterling integrity and an upright Christian. Goodenough, Franklin L., was born near the village of Windsor, September 2, 1849, a son of Jonas R. and Harriet (Knox) Goodenough, who had six children : Ed- ward, Adelbert, Francis, Franklin, Herbert and Hattie, natives of the town of Windsor. Mr. Goodenough's early life was spent with his parents; he was educated at Windsor Academy and when about nineteen years of age started in life for him- self as a dealer in meats and live stock, which he followed about one year. In 1869 and 1870 he speculated in farm and timber lands and in 1871 was located in Ketch- umville as a clerk; in 1873 he entered the employ of the Coburn Whip Co. as travel- ing salesman, and in 1879 purchased a half interest and in fourteen years their prod- uct increased several times. The Coburn Whip Co. was consolidated with the United States Co. in 1893, and at the present time he is vice-president and director of the United States Whip Co. and manager of their interest at Windsor. He is a large land owner, having about 1,000 acres of farm and timber land. In 1893 Mr. Gooden'ough patented a carpet beater and has also patented several machines for the manufacture of whips. In the fall of 1874 he was married and has one son, Ralph A., who is now attending Princeton College. He has been actively interested in school and educational work and is a member of the Presbyterian Church, also a member of Windsor Lodge No. 442, F. & A. M. Kent, Eri (grandfather of the subject of this sketch), was the first of the Kent fam- ily to come to Broome county, coming here about 1800 with his family. His chil- dren were Ph'lo, Phila, Usebe, Laurie, Betsie, Malinda, Beacher, Emily, Lucinda. After Eri settled here he was followed by his father, Seth. Seth and Eri Kent were Revolutionary soldiers. Eri (the subject) now has the three hundred acres of land upon which his grandfather Eri settled in Windsor. Usebe's children were Johiel, Eri, Achsa, Malinda, Erastus, Berzella, Jane, Merritt and Charles. Useba was edu- FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. <»85 cated in Connecticut and Windsor; by occupation he was a farmer and dealt in lum- ber on the Delaware river. When fifty- five years of age he moved to Binghamton. where he resided until his death. While in Binghamton he conducted a storage warehouse and carried on a commission business near the old canal. He lived in different parts of the city, but finally built a fine residence where he lived until his death. He was an active man in politics; was constable and deputy sheriff while he lived in Windsor and after he moved to Binghamton was elected sheriff. He mar- ried Patty Woodruff; they nad nine children. Brazille married Susan Day and had two children; he married, second, Kate FoUett; they had five children. Eri Kent was educated m the common schools of Windsor. When twenty-one years of age he engaged in farming and lumbering; he had at one time $162 which he had saved, and from that, through his own exertion, he is to-day the largest land owner in the town of Windsor, owning 2,200 acres, most of which is tillable. He has 100 cows, 150 sheep, 20 horses and harvests 150 tons of hay. He has 20 head of yearlings growing to maturity; in the year 1898 he harvested 2,200 bushels of oats. Septem- ber 24, 1845, Mr. Kent married Amanda B. , daughter of Samuel and Betsey Adelia (Olmstead) Howell ; their children are Alice, wife of Eli Stowe; Jane, Charles, James, Nellie, Mary, Alida and Martha, and two deceased, Charles and George. Mr. Kent is actively interested in town and county affairs, also school and educational work and for over twenty years was trustee of the school. Quick, Simon P., one of the most prominent lumbermen in this section, who owes his success to his own industry and exertion, was born in the town of Rochester, N.Y., June 27, 1850, a son of James and Jane (Wheeler) Quick, and was one of four children: Simon P., Jeremiah R., Jacob M., and Annie M., wife of Edward Dwy, who is also a lumberman. Mr. Quick was educated in the common schools, but through his own exertion and study has acquired a fine practical education. His father died when he was young, and Simon P. being the oldest, the main support of the family fell on him and by hard work he managed to keep the family together. His first labors were on the Delaware and Hudson canal, where he received $3 for his first month's work, but through perseverance and pluck he attained a position where he could command a larger salary. He began in early life to speculate in timber lands and purchased a large tract of land in the towns of Windsor and Coles- ville, where he erected a saw mill and manufactured lumber. He soon became con- nected with the firm of Waite, Quick & Atwell, with whom he was associated for about two years; they employed from 50 to 150 men. Later he engaged in the mer- cantile business with John Davis & Co. He resided in Colesville until 1890. when he moved to Windsor, where he has since been engaged in the lumbering busi- ness and was for a short time proprietor of the Eagle Hotel, which he now owns but rents to other parties. Since Mr. Quick came in possession of the hotel it has been rebuilt and now has all the modern conveniences. He is a public-spirited man, be- ing connected with the improvements of the village; when the first water system was placed in the village he was one of the principal movers, and the village is indebted to him for its present new system of water works. January 1, 1871, Mr. Quick mar- ried Mary, daughter of William and Sally (Washburn) Bowen ; they have an adopted daughter, Bird Alice. Mr. Quick is a man who enjoys traveling and during 1896-7 986 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. he traveled through England, Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy. He is edu- cated in music and a member of the Windsor band ; he is also a member of Windsor Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 442; Malta Commandery No. 21; Knights Templar of Bing- hamton, Zyara Temple of Union, Kallurah Temple of Binghamton, Mystic Shrine. i Wright, George H., was born in Madison, Madison county, N. Y. , August 28, 1855, a son of Henry and Ann M. (Law) Wright, whose children were Harriet, wife of David Fritchley; George H., Samuel A., Mary E., wife of Frank Cotton; Charles, Alton (deceased), and Alton, the latter born in Broome county. Henry Wright (son of Henry, who was a British soldier, of the 95th Foot Rifles, wounded at Bajados and a Victoria medallist, and Margaret Wright), came from Colchester, England, when twenty-four years old and settled in Oneida county, whence he removed in 1867 to Colesville, where he was engaged in farming for thirty years, then moved to the town of Windsor, where he now lives retired. George H. Wright, when about two years of age, went to live with his aunt, Jemima Tokley, with whom he lived eight years, then returned to his parents. He assisted his father on the farm sum- mers and attended school winters and when twenty-four years of age engaged in farm work for himself. January 11, 1882, he married Sarah J., daughter of Charles and Selina Adams; they have one son, Lyman. Mr. Wright was associated with Charles Adams on the farm for many years; Mr. Adams died September 36, 1896, and his wife January 16, 1893. After Mr. Adams's death Mr. Wright purcha.sed the farm and now follows general farming. Mr. Adams was a brother of John Adams, who was known as " Grizzly Adams, the bear tamer." Mr. Wright is a public spirited man and is interested in all county affairs; he is an active worker in the M. E. church of Ouaquago; has been class leader eight years and superintendent of the Sunday school for twelve years. The Adams family are descendants of President Adams. Beach, Abel W., p. o address Itaska, N. Y. , was born in Barker, on the old homestead, March 12, 1836, a son of Charles B. , and grandson of Isaac L. Beach, a native of Connecticut, who died in Barker at the age of eighty-two years. Charles B. Beach was born m Connecticut in 1794 and in 1827 came to the farm Abel W. now owns, where he died in 1853; his wife was Fannie Mansir, daughter of Aaron Man- sir, a pioneer of Barker. Abel W. Beach was educated in the Binghamton Acad- emy and followed teaching a short time. He is a farmer and owns 207 acres of land. In 1858 Mr. Beach married Polly A Westover, who died in 1885; then he married Lucy A. Hine, who died in 1887, and third Mary E. Wooster In politics Mr. Beach is a Republican, has been supervisor four years; justice of the peace and justice of sessions. He is now serving his eighth term, making thirty-two years as justice of the peace. Mr. Beach is a member of the Grange, Good Templars and the M. E. church. Guernsey, Jacob, son of David Guernsey, was born in Schoharie in 1818 and came to Broome county with his parents. He was married to Elnor Snooks of Wind.sor, and to them six children were born ; she died in 1848, Lucy Ellen having died be- fore, and Alexander and Hannah a few years later, and three still living. Elizabeth FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 987 Ritter lives at Riverside, Broome county; James lives at 23 Sturges street, Bing- hamton, is baggage master on the D., L. & W. R. R., and a Republican; Milo M. Guernsey was born in Kirkwood, N. Y., April 28, 1843, and was brought up by Henry Hall, his mother having died when he was about five years of age. At twenty-one years of age he began working by the month and in 1864 went to work for the government in a construction corps, serving about one year. He was en- gaged iu the saw mill business for ten years and has since then followed farming. In 1870 he bought the place he now owns, near Whitney's Point, N. Y., and followed general farming. In the same year, February 3, he married Amelia Pease (daughter of William and Eliza Pease), and they have one daughter, Ettie E.. born October 16, 1874, married October 16, 1895, to Earl B. Eldridge of Barker. His father made it his home with him from 1886 until his death, which occurred February 6, 1888; he was a strong Democrat. Milo M. Guernsey is a Republican in politics and has served as highway commissioner for two years and assessor three years. He is a member of Pocahontas Tribe No. 81, of Whitney's Point, N. Y. Page, Frank H., was born November 13, 1858, educated in the common schools, and is one of the successful farmers of Barker, having lOU acres of land on which he follows general farming. In politics he is a Republican and has been collector and inspector In 1887 he married Minnie E. Lee of Castle Creek. Enos Page, his father was born in Chenango county, N. Y., October 6, 1826, a son of Stephen, and grandson of Stephen Page, born in England and came to America durmg the Revo- lutionary war and was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill. Stephen Page, jr., was born in the State of New York; his wife was Annie Wicks, and they had nme chil- dren Mr Page was in the war of 1812. Enos Page worked on the canal until eiehteen years old; he came to Barker in 1886, where he owns 130 acres of land and now lives retired. He married Malissa Crowel, by whom he had four children: Frank H , Alta A., Alfred E. and Adelbert E. Eeeleston 1 W., p. o Triangle, was born in Triangle, September 21, 1842, a son of Frederick C. and grandson of Fred E. Eggleston, who came from Connecticut to Triangle in 1806, and took up a farm. Frederick C. Eggleston was born in Connec- ticut in 1800, and came to Triangle with his parents. He was a leading farmer with 130 acres of land. He married Lora Warner, daughter of Joseph Warner and they itd twe ve children, two now living. Mr. Eggleston died August 1. 1880. and his wife Z 1876 J W. Eggleston was reared on the farm and educated in the common :lol He his follolfd farming and lumbering and now has a farm of 300 acres. In 1864 he married Marian Shipman, and .heir children are Leland. Fred Frank Lydia wife of Wilson Hall of Oneida Lake and Came, wife of Dover Hubbard of THangir N. Y. In politics Mr. Eggleston is a Republican and has served as asses- Jor of Triangle for three years. He is a member of Triangle Grange and his family attend the Methodist church. Landers P H p o. Whitney Point, was born in Willett, Cortland county N Y Jute 13 1857,- and Educated in Uie Whitney Point academy ^arkeT aughT r o several years. In December, 1881, he married Libbie A. Starkey. daughter 988 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. George M. Starkey, one of the early settlers of the town of Triangle. To Mr. and Mrs. Landers was born one daughter, Bessie M., born March 27, 1888. Mrs. Landers died April 4, 1888. Mr. Landers has lived in Triangle since 1881 and the village of Whitney Point for seven years. He was a farmer for several years, but at present is a speculator and buyer of produce, also deals in horses. Mr. Landers was super- visor of his town in 1880 and 1881 and is a member of the school board; also of Whitney Point lodge No. 795, F. & A M., and was master of Upper Lisle lodge. No. 388 for two years. He attends and supports the Baptist church. He is interested in the progress and growth of the village. Marcellus Landers was born in Cortland county, N.Y., January 3, 1835, a son of Charles, son of John Landers, pioneer of Broome county, settling at Upper Lisle; his wife was Lottie Patterson. Charles Landers was born in Afton, Broome county; he was a farmer, in politics a Democrat and served as assessor many terms. His wife was Lucinda Shepherd, and they had two sons and one daughter. He was an extensive farmer, having about 600 acres of land. Marcellus Landers was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools; he came to Whitney Point from Upper Lisle in 1895 and now lives retired. He married Mary Ann Salisbury, and they had three children: P. H. Landers of Whitney Point; A. F., dealer in feed at Whitney Point; and Minnie L., wife of Adelbert S. Babcock. Mr. Landers is a Democrat in politics and has served as jus- tice of the peace of the town of Willett, Cortland county twelve years, also highway commissioner for a number of years. He is a member of Upper Lisle lodge, No. 388, F. & A. iM. Dickinson, Cyrus, was born in Triangle, June 21, 1829, a son of Rockwell, and grandson of Seth Dickinson, who came from Connecticut to Triangle about 1800; he was a tanner by trade and shoemaker. Rockwell Dickinson was born in Connecti- cut and came to Triangle when a child three years old; he married Serepta Rose, by whom he had eight children, six now living. He was a farmer, shoemaker and tan- ner and served several years as assessor. Cyrus Dickinson was educated in the common schools and since then has followed farming. He married Harriet M. Ames, and they have one son, Frank L., of Syracuse, who is head bookkeeper for W. S Peck & Co. of that place. In politics Mr. Dickinson is a Republican. Frank L. married Georgia Waterman, and they have one son, Charles C. Youmans, A. H , of the firm of Seeber & Youmans, druggists, was born in De- posit. N. Y., June 11, 1851, a son of Isaac H. and Belinda A. (Austin) Youmans. Mr. Youmans was an only child and was reared and educated at Whitney's Point. Early in life he clerked for O. J. Pratt, druggist and banker of Whitney's Point, and in 1876 was taken in as a partner and had charge of the drug department until 1880, when the firm dissolved and the firm of Seeber & Youmans was formed and has con- tinued in business since, it bemg one of the oldest drug firms in Broome countv, as it was started by O. J. Pratt some time m the Fifties, at Upper Lisle, N. Y. After the fire of 1897 the firm at once erected the building they at present occupy. In politics Mr. Youmans is a Republican. He was secretary of Whitney's Point fire depart- ment many years and treasurer of Broome County Agricultural Society for five years. He has been a member of the board of education for a number of years; is also a FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. 080 member of Whitney's Point Lodge No. 795, F. & A. M. Mr. Youmans was first married to Stella Seeber, daughter of James D. Seeber. in 1878. She died about two years after marriage and in 1885 he married Mary E. Cary, daughter of John and Adaline Cary of Union, N. Y. ; their children are Stella, aged ten; John, aged eight, and Mildred, aged seven. Whatever has been for the best interests of the town has had Mr. Youmans' hearty support and he also is interested in business enterprises elsewhere. Whitney, A. R., was born in the village of Triangle, April 0, 1847, a son of Dexter and Eliza Whitney, mentioned in this work. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is farming, and a breeder of thoroughbred Jersey cat- tle and is engaged with his brother, William D. Whitney, dealmg in and breeding fancy poultry, an occupation they have followed for the past seventeen years. In politics he is a Republican and has frequently been elected to office in his town, and was appointed deputy sheriff under the administration of Sheriff Ockerman. He is now postmaster at Triangle. He was made a Mason in Western Light Lodge. located in the village of Lisle, and is now a member of Whitney Point Lodge No. 795 being a charter member, aqd was elected master two years in succession, de- clining further honors. He was made a Mason at the age of twenty-two in the year 1868 In 1864 Mr. Whitney enlisted in Co. M. 1st N. Y. Vet. Cavalry, an^ s^y.^ed until the close of the war. He married Marintha C. Baker, a daughter of William Baker of Triangle. They have two children: E. B. Whitney, the present schoo commissioner of the Second District, and Nora M., wife of Eugene f^- P^eps of Binehamton N. Y. Mr. Whitney's brother, William D.. was born in Triangle v.l- lac^e January 9, 1849, educated in the common schools, and for a time was engaged in^he mercantile business in Triangle and has since been engaged in the fancy poultry business with his brother, A. R. Whitney, for the past seventeen years In SoUtcs he is a Republican, has served as and is now justice of the peace and was 'nc T-'ce of sessions. He is also an F. & A. Mason and ^^^^^^^f ^^^^Z Lieht Lodge No. 126, located at Greene, Chenango county, N. \ Mr. Whitney mafrLd Ma'ry R. Parsons. They have had three children. NinaM., Fayette W. and OraV. (deceased). Bunnell R P was born in Greene. Chenango county. N. Y.. April 21. 1855. a son ^Edward Bunnell, a machinist of Smithville. Mr. Bunne„ was educa ed Pouehkeepsie at Eastman's Business College, graduating in 18.o. He then went to CalifornTa'and was receiver for the City R. R. Company ^^^J^^J^^^^^^^^^^ ^ out with a surveying party ^^z^:^^ ^::^:zT:^:::^:r^^ ^:^n ment. land and -n-a surv ^o '.e ^^^^^^^^^^ '^^^^^.^ ,,^ ,,,,. P,,,, ,,,„, of^a^s and flwgre^al farm In 1885 Mr. Bunnell married Nettie Par- Is of Fenton by v7hom he had four children : Georgia. Fred. Florence and Mar>^ n pontic Mr Bunnell is a Republican, has been collector three years, constable ^ve in poiiuch ii notary public. He is a member of the I. O. O TaTsXi:: : Pa :„■; C.e„tgo T.Lli Red M.n at Port Crane Mr. Bun- °ein, on tt staff „£ the Broome Co„„ty HeraM. and has he.d respons.ble pos.t.ons with the West WinfieM Star and Chenango Telegraph. 990 FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY. North, W. T., was born in Silver Lake, Susquehanna county. Pa., October 2, 1833, a son of Anthony and Hannah North, who emigrated from England m 1818. He was a Republican and served as town treasurer. W. T. North is a farmer; he came to Broome county in 1874, and lived in Binghamton one year, at Port Dickinson four years, and then moved to the town of Fenton, where he has since resided. In poli- tics he is a Republican and has served as assessor for six years. In 1865 he married Sarah Beale, who was born in England in 1834 and came to America with her parents, William and Hannah Beale, in 1841. W. T. North and wife have had four children: Tracy W. was born in 1867, educated at Brockport Normal School, and is now fore- man in the Wales Goodyear Rubber Manufacturing Company ; Robert B., educated at Brockport Normal, is now engaged with the Wales Goodyear Company ; Frank J., educated at Oneonta Normal School, is a farmer; and Carrie A , deceased. Page, Richard, was born in Chenango county, town of Greene, February 20, 1815, a son of Jarred, and grandson of Jarred Page, who came fr9m Connecticut in an early day to Chenango county. Jarred Page, jr., married May Sprague, who died March 7, 1875; they had six daughters and two sons, Richard the only one living. Richard Page was educated in the common schools, and has since followed farming. In 1877 he purchased the place on which he now lives, three and one-half miles from Binghamton. In 1838 he married Polly Winston and they had two children: Orrin J. and Almira. Mrs. Page died in 1850, and he married, second, Charlotte Burrows, by whom he had one son, Charles W. Orrin J. married Clarissa Beman, and for his second wife, Alice Kelley. Charles W. married Ida E. Rowe, and had one son, Arthur, who married Harriet Volk. Glezen, John Jesse. — Ezra Whitelsy Glezen, great-grandfather of John Jesse, was born in Stockbridge, Mass., and was an early settler of Lisle, settling the farm where the subject was born ; his wife was Wealthy Hawley and their children were Mar- cena, Marcellus, Caroline, Ezra, Solomon, Benjamin, Angeline, Levi and Wealthy. The name of Whitelsy is a family name taken from Ezra's mother, whose brother was a captain in the Revolutionary war. Marcena Glezen, grandfather of John Jesse, was born January 6, 1797, and died in 1875 ; he married Matilda Briggs, and their children were Jane M., Marshall M., Jarvis, Emma A., John Carver and Charles A. John Carver's wife was Martha Ann Brown, who died October 8, 1873, aged thirty-six years; they had five children: William J., born August 6, 1859; James H., born October 15, 1862; John Jesse (as above), Orrin R., born March 18. 1872; and Martha Ann, born September 20, 1873. John Carver married for his sec- ond wife Jane Woolford, a native of Orleans county, born August 15, 1847; their children were Sophia E., born February 16, 1878; Andrew W., born May 4, 1882; and Joseph W., born September 4, 1888. John Jesse, the subject, was born Decem- ber 1, 1865, and educated in the common schools. He bought and sold stock, which he shipped to New York and owned and operated a grocery store for one year. Jan- uary 1, 1889, he engaged in partnership with Frank Hotailing, conducting the Crj's- tal Spring Creamery at Center Lisle. He married Cora A. Potter, born February 15, 1870, and they have one daughter, Alice Rosalie, born October 29, 1887. FACTORS IN BROOME COUNTY HISTORY.