A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 114

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102

USA > New York > Allegany County > A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York > Part 114

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Down to 1869 beside the district school there were in the village of Cuba at different times select schools of more or less ability and merit. The older people will readily recall the names of Mr. H. H. Lee, Misses Emily Elliott and E. Culver, Mr. Vosburgh, Mr. McIntyre, Hon. J. N. Davidson, Hon. H. M. Teller, Hon. O. T. Stacy and others who have taught the village school.

In 1869 the people of Cuba decided upon a change from what was called the old school law to the union school law, leading citizens became interested, and set about the improvement, the new district was described, and a board of education elected with E. D. Loveridge president, and H. A. Mead secre- tary. This was the most important step ever taken in school administration and the benefits derived have been very apparent. A large and conveniently arranged school building was soon erected, a regular course adopted, and classes have been graduated nearly every year since. Many who have begun their education here have won success in college and university and achieved distinction in the different professions and in trade.

The real and substantial growth of the school dates from the change in 1869, since which time its progress and growth has been so great as at two different times to make necessary enlargements of the building to accommo- date the increasing attendance. Since 1869 the principals have been: Profs. Lewis, Blakeslee, Rogers, Clark, Wells, W. W. Bean, Kinney and Dewey. The present board of education is Dr. G. Whipple, president; E. A. Bartlett, Frank B. Sibley, George H. Swift, and A. A. Lawrence, secretary. The present corps of instructors is: Prof. J. E. Dewey, principal; Miss Eugenia Eaton, preceptress; Miss Mary Shepard, assistant; Jno. D. Jones, gram- mar; Miss Mariette Presho, advanced intermediate; Miss Elizabeth Stowell, B. intermediate; Miss Jessie Record, advanced primary; Miss Evaline Richey, B. primary. Number of registered pupils 400. The school ranks as a High School in the classification of the "Regents " University of the state of New York, to which it was admitted in 1881.

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y

FIRE DEPARTMENT .- Cuba has suffered greatly from fires. A list of about 30 fires, with dates and particulars, appeared in the county history published in 1879. One thing is noticeable, however, that in every instance the burned buildings were replaced with better structures, which often were permanent and substantial brick buildings. Since 1879 several bad fires have occurred, notably the burning of the tannery building of W. P. Stevens about 1891. It was then used as a butter package factory. This was the third building burned on that site which is now occupied by the cold storage warehouse of Ackerly, Sill & Co. The mills of Ackerly, Sill & Co. were burned in 1888, but immediately rebuilt.

The pioneer fire company of Cuba was the "Hook and Ladder " of which Reuben Hills was captain, in 1866. Before that the village had only the " leathern bucket brigade." In 1867 a fire department was organized, E. D. Loveridge was president; Russell Smith, "chief "; E. B. Hunt, foreman; J. H. Hallock, assistant foreman; Horace Eaton, foreman of hose; Jasper Pal- mer, assistant; R. H. Moses, treasurer; and Joseph Palmer, secretary. The company was called Rescue Fire Company, and the " Red Jacket," a second- hand engine was purchased in Elmira, and a supply of hose secured. In 1873, the village purchased a lot and erected a substantial brick building on Genesee street; the lower story for an engine house, and the upper one for a town hall. In 1874 a tower was erected and a bell placed in it at a cost of $286. In 1877 the engine and hose companies were incorporated, and E. R. Nash and Edward Adams elected delegates to the State Firemen's Associa- tion. The first fire to which the Cuba firemen were called was Jan. 13, 1868, when Russell Smith's barn was burned. They have since been called out many times, have been quick to respond and brave and daring in perform- ance of their duty. Since the introduction of the water works, no need exists for engines, hose and hook and ladder being all that is required. Of the Cuba Fire Department, Walter Amsden is president, A. E. Drew, secre- tary, and A. A. Arnold treasurer. Three hose companies and a hook and ladder company are the present efficient equipment for service. RESCUE HOSE Co. No. 1 .- R. H. Grady foreman, L. L. Burns assistant, Ralph Fay secretary. D. B. WHIPPLE HOSE Co .- Clarence Thompson foreman, Ches- ter Olin assistant, William Merritt secretary. GLENN HOSE Co .- John Hammond foreman, W. H. Smith assistant, Harry Kelly secretary. E. D. LOVERIDGE HOOK AND LADDER CO .- George Kinney foreman, F. A. Hicks assistant, A. E. Underwood secretary, C. S. Davis treasurer.

CUBA WATER WORKS .- Down to 1889 the people of the village depended upon wells, springs and cisterns for their water supply. The most import- ant event of 1889 was the construction of the superior gravity system of water works. These works cost $33,000, raised by bonding the village at the rate of 3} per cent interest. This enterprise met with bitter opposition, was accomplished only after much hard fighting, and has proven one of Cuba's choicest blessings. The reservoir is located on the Enos Keller farm on Prospect street, and the elevation is 198 feet above the corners in the busi-

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ness part of the village. The water, obtained from several springs at an average distance of three miles, is unexcelled for purity, and the pipes are so arranged that the water supplied to the houses comes direct from the source of supply, while that for extinguishing fires is taken from the reser- voir. The rentals in 1893 exceeded $2,000, and there is no doubt that the system will pay for itself without cost to the village, and when paid for that the revenue will pay most of the village taxes.

CUBA FAIR ASSOCIATION .- To the late Russell Smith belongs the honor of being the originator of the Valley Point Agricultural and Mechanical So- ciety. He conceived the idea in 1866, and to carry out the project began work on what has so long been known as Smith's Driving Park, which has a track a mile long and is noted as being one of the finest in the state. In 1867 the track and the buildings suitable for holding a fair were completed, and the use generously tendered to the people free of charge. Aug. 6, 1868, the society was organized. Hon. E. D. Loveridge was made president, Geo. H. Eldridge secretary and James A. Story treasurer, Samuel H. Conant 1st vice president. The first fair was held Oct. 13, 14 and 15, 1868. There were 530 entries at this fair; ten years later the entries numbered 3,000. The receipts the first year were $1,707.50, before 1879 the annual receipts were $5,213.77. Mr. Loveridge was president for five years and declining to serve longer was succeeded by Hon. Marshall B. Champlain who died in the sixth year of his presidency. He was succeeded by Hon. Harlan J. Swift. So it is seen that the leading men have taken great interest in its success. Present officers, George Amsden president, Frank B. Lyon sec- retary, H. C. Morgan treasurer; Wm. Ormiston, W. M. Bennett, C. M. Mc- Dougal, L. T. Hendryx, A. A. Arnold, directors.

CUBA CEMETERY .- In 1841 a cemetery association was organized, and two acres on a gentle elevation in the east part of the village bought of Lewis Nash, at a price of $300. The trustees of the association were Warner Hast- ings. C. H. Matthews and Elisha Webb, for the terms of one, two and three years in the order named. The grounds were soon partly laid out in lots, and trustee Warner Hastings was the first one buried in the cemetery. Dr. Stephen Maxson was chosen trustee. In 1850 although many interments had been made, the grounds still remained unpaid for. A new board was elected, consisting of W. P. Stevens, Lewis Nash and N. Hatch. Of this board Lewis Nash discharged the duties of clerk, treasurer and salesman from that time till 1879 and later. Funds were soon collected and the land paid for and improvements begun. An addition to the grounds at an ex- pense of $130 was made in 1854, and then ensued a period of laxity in the administration of its affairs. The association was again re-organized in 1869, with these trustees: Reuben Moses, Selah B. Bostwick, Lewis Nash, E. D. Loveridge, E. S. Bruce and John C. Adams, and more additions to the grounds were made so that in all there was about five acres. Immediately on the east is the consecrated ground of the Catholic society. This cemetery was started before much had been done in laying out burial grounds with a

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

view to making them attractive by gracefully curving walks and drives, and so was laid out after the old style, regular and precise, and yet the lots, many of them, have been much improved, and greatly beautified by planting trees and shrubbery. Many fine monuments and stately columns are found in these grounds. The present officers are, E. D. Loveridge president, Walter D. Ormiston secretary, W. O. Phelps treasurer, who are also trustees, and N. H. Briggs and Arthur Kinney other trustees.

PHYSICIANS .- See page 230.

DENTIST .- V. W. Alexander.

ATTORNEYS .- See "Courts and Lawyers."

NEWSPAPERS .- Patriot, Republican, W. J. Glenn, proprietor. Post, Independent Republican, J. F. Coad, proprietor.

CUBA NATIONAL BANK .- M. J. Green & Co. were the first to establish a regular banking business in Cuba. This was in the early fifties. In 1855 Mr. Green with other leading men took measures to organize a state bank, $100,000 of stock was subscribed, and June 1, 1855, " The Cuba Bank " was organized with these directors: Hon. Benjamin Chamberlain, George W. Robinson, Robert Norton, Smith Parish, Silas S. Seely, J. B. Spaulding, Marvin J. Green, Joseph Palmer, C. P. Bissell, Samuel W. Merrill, Robert Smith, Edwin W. Park and Edward H. Johnson. The officers were: presi- dent, Hon. Benjamin Chamberlain; vice president, Smith Parish, who de- clined and C. P. Bissell was elected; cashier, M. J. Green. Mr. Bissell re- signed Oct. 3, 1855, and Robert Smith was elected and held office until his death in 1857. Jan. 4, 1858, Edward H. Johnson was elected vice president. Henry R. Kendall was made book-keeper June 4, 1860. About the same date Mr. Green resigned and Joel W. Rowley was elected cashier and Major A. C. Bishop book-keeper. The latter was succeeded by C. G. Har- mon on June 15, 1863. General C. T. Chamberlain was elected president June 20, 1864, in the place of Benjamin Chamberlain, resigned. April 13, 1865, the board of directors decided to come under the U. S. banking sys- tem and the Cuba National Bank was soon created. Jan. 9, 1866, Gabriel Bishop was made book-keeper and Dec. 26, 1867, was elected cashier. He died Feb. 12, 1882. Jan. 22, 1868, Gen. C. T. Chamberlain resigned as presi- dent and his brother, Hon. Benj. Chamberlain was re-elected, but he died in February and Hon. E. D. Loveridge, then vice president, acted as president until Jan. 12, 1869, when he was elected president and S. W. Cole, vice president. C. M. Colwell was made book-keeper June 27, 1869. January 8, 1878, Charles S. Davis was elected to the position. In 1882 Mr. Davis was elected cashier, which position he still holds. August 27, 1873, the capital stock was increased to $150,000, but Aug. 30, 1876, it was reduced to $100,000. On the whole this bank has been eminently successful, often giving large dividends to its stockholders, one year paying them 18 per cent. It has always been sound and strong, and under the long and efficient ad- ministration of President Loveridge it has inspired unlimited confidence in the business community. The directors are E. D. Loveridge, president; O.

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J. Elmer, vice president; C. S. Davis, cashier; C. A. Ackerly, assistant cash- ier; C. S. Whitney, P. B. Reid, Gardner Whipple, C. A. Wheeler, J. C. Leg- gett. The condition of the bank is: Resources .- Loans and discounts, $267 .- 111.64; U. S. bonds, 4 per cent, $107,000; banking house, $8,000; cash on hand, with banks and U. S. treasurer, $33,752.22; total, $415,863.86. Liabilities .- Capital stock paid in, $100,000; surplus fund, $50,000; undivided profits, $10,535.38; deposits, $165.328.48; circulation, $90,000; total, $415.863.86.

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CUBA had its inception in the organ- ization of the Cuba Banking Company in September, 1866, with A. W. Miner president, L. F. Lawton cashier, and capital stock of $25,000, increased in January, 1870, to $50,000, when S. H. Morgan was made assistant cashier, and in September, 1871, he succeeded Mr. Lawton as cashier. In January, 1876, the Cuba State Bank was organized from the above company with $50,000 capital and these officers: A. W. Miner, president; M. B. Champlain, vice-president; S. H. Morgan, cashier. The State Bank was succeeded in January, 1880, by the FIRST NATIONAL BANK, with these officers: Elmer M. Bond, president; William P. Stevens, vice-president; Mortimer W. Potter, cashier; Henry C. Morgan, assistant cashier; Timothy J. Car-

mody, bookkeeper.

Mr. Bond resigned July 5, 1886, and William P.

Stevens was elected to the position. He was succeeded as president by George H. Eldridge. Dr. Seneca Allen was made vice-president. He was succeeded by A. Miner Wellman. Mr. Potter resigned as cashier in January, 1881, and Henry C. Morgan, the present incumbent, was elected. A. Emmet Thompson is bookkeeper. The stockholders have always declared a semi-annual dividend of 5 per cent, and an accumulated surplus of $50,000, which makes the capital stock equivalent to $100,000. Mr. Morgan has held the position of bank cashier the longest of any man in Allegany county. The First National Bank has always been considered one of the soundest financial institutions in the state. The present officers are: George H. Eldridge, president; A. Miner Wellman, vice-president; H. C. Morgan, cashier. The condition of the bank is: Resources, -Loans and dis- counts, $171,347.57; overdrafts, secured and unsecured, $1,707.71; U. S. bonds to secure circulation, $12,500; stocks, securities, etc., $4,445.07; banking-house furniture and fixtures, $7,500; due from national banks (not reserve agents), $658.69; due from state banks and bankers, $792.76; due from approved reserve agents, $7,981.98; checks and other cash items, $1.454.94; fractional paper currency, nickels and cents, $104.48; specie, $6,175; legal-tender notes, $3,256; redemption fund with U. S. treasurer (5 per cent of circulation), $562.50; total, $218,486.70. Liabilities,-capital stock paid in, $50,000; surplus fund, $50,000; undivided profits, less expenses and taxes paid, $6,627.55; national bank notes outstanding, $11,250; due to state bank and bankers $4.75; individual deposits subjects to check, $100,604.40; total, $218,486.70.

BOARD OF TRADE .- Some years ago the merchants and business men of Cuba organized a board of trade, with these officers: D. B. Sill, president;

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

George D. Whipple, secretary; Charles A. Ackerly, treasurer; J. H. Setchel, vice president; W. P. Stevens, E. D. Loveridge, D. B. Whipple, George H. Eldridge, F. M. Todd, C. M. McDougal, J. S. Webster, executive committee. It is the province of this board to look after the material interests of the town, endeavor to establish manufactures and industrial enterprises, and stimulate village improvements. Its effect has been felt in reduced trans- portation, an excellent system of water works, an abundant supply of natural gas for light and fuel, good churches, a first class school, cheap rents and building sites. The present officers are D. B. Sill, president; Frank H. Sib- ley, secretary; Charles A. Ackerly, treasurer.

HOTELS .- No town of its size has two such houses of entertainment as Cuba can boast of, Hotel Kinney, Arthur Kinney, proprietor and the St. James, J. S. Patterson, proprietor.

MERCHANTS PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION .- This association was organized in November, 1895, for mutual protection against persons willfully negligent in the payment of their accounts. About 30 business men belong to the or- ganization. Officers: C. A. Wheeler, president; T. S. Thomas, treasurer; Oscar Underwood, secretary.

CUBA GAS COMPANY .- This was organized early in 1884 with capital stock of $50,000. This company furnishes natural gas for fuel and lighting purposes from wells in Clarksville and Wirt. This village is largely warmed and lighted by gas obtained from this company. J. B. Bradley of Bolivar is its president, and Harry Bradley of Wellsville, secretary .. The office in Cuba is in charge of A. C. Fisher.

The Cuba Marble and Granite Works were established in 1857 by William H. and Alonzo C. Bartholomew, brothers. Ten years later the partnership was dissolved, A. C. Bartholomew moving to Titusville, Pa., where he died in March, 1877. William H then conducted the works alone, was burned out twice, the last time in 1881. All kinds of monumental and cemetery work are designed, of both marble and granite. The late proprietor was identified with the business over 45 years until his death in September, 1892. Edward O'Malley then became the proprietor and carries on the business at the same location.

Ackerly, Sill & Co. In 1871 Daniel B. Sill, Hosea B. Ackerly and An- drew J. Ackerly came from Rushford to Cuba and began buying cheese. Later they took up the lumber business, forming the company with O. T. Higgins, under firm name of Ackerly, Sill & Co., which has always been re- tained although Mr. Higgins sold out in 1885. In 1886 they consolidated the cheese and lumber business, doing all under one name. The lumber trade has included operations in various parts of this state as well as in Pennsyl- vania and Michigan. In 1886 they bought the old Smith mill which was burned in 1888, but was soon rebuilt larger, and with better machinery. Now it is equipped with all kinds of wood-working machinery and is one of the best plants of the kind in this part of the state. They rank among the largest cheese buyers in the state and annually save thousands of dollars to

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the farmers of Western New York by their direct purchase from the fac- tories. They have opened new markets for New York cheese, especially throughout the South. Their trade with individual customers, small hand- lers and jobbers as well, ranges from five to 5,000 boxes a week. To their cheese and lumber trade they have added salt and coal, handling the finest grades of dairy salt, and the standard coals. Their cold storage building is described on another page. They have wire connections, and a switch of the W. N. Y. & P., in their yard.

J. M. Barnes & Co. began manufacturing cutters, sleighs, buggies wagons, etc., in 1881. This has grown to be one of Cuba's large industries, which has employed from 25 to 30 men steadily and has produced from 1,200 to 2,500 cutters and sleighs in a year and from 200 to 300 wagons. The buildings are located near the bridge on West Main street. The main build- ing contains 21,400 feet of flooring and is three stories high standing 160x40 feet. There is another building known as No. 2, which is 40x80 feet and is two stories high, containing 6,400 feet of flooring. There is also a black- smith shop which occupies 2,000 feet of flooring.

Phelps & Sibley's Merchant Flouring & Feed Mills .- The firm of Phelps & Sibley began business May 1, 1884, the members being Warren O. Phelps and Frank B. Sibley. Mr. Phelps had, at the time, nearly completed a brick flouring mill closely adjacent to the station of the W. N. Y. & P. railroad and the new firm at once began milling operations here. Since 1884 additions have been made and the plant now consists of a three storied building, 40 by 60 feet in size, with a brick addition containing an 80 H. P. engine and boiler which supplies the motive power of the mill. This mill has a grinding capacity of 150 bbls. of flour and 70 tons of meal every 24 hours. Connected with the mill is a frame elevator with storage room for 25,000 bu. of grain. The lower part of this elevator was formerly the frame of the canal ware- house which stood on the south side of the canal, opposite the railroad station. On the site of this mill once stood another mill, owned and operated by Russell Smith, which was burned. In 1891 Phelps & Sibley purchased the site of the old Chamberlain & Kirkpatrick mill on Mill St. near the Erie rail- road, which was erected in 1844 and burned in 1878. Here they built a second mill, of wood, with a grinding capacity of 48 tons of meal and feed in 24 hours, and a storage capacity equal to 75 carloads of grain. This is a water and steam power mill, deriving its water power from the original head-race of the burned mill. The record of the business of these mills shows a gradual increase each year, principally in the wholesale trade. Using the first year 103 cars of western grain, the past year required 800 cars, and 20 employees to handle the product. This increase has required additional grinding and storage capacity, which they have met by building in a solid and substantial manner as the extending trade demanded, until now they have the largest storage capacity of any like concern in Western New York. The brick flouring mill has two switches on the W. N. Y. & P. railroad leading to its doors. The water and steam power mill, on the Erie

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HISTORY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY, N. Y.

railroad, has switches running directly into the third floor, with room for five cars under cover at the same time, to facilitate loading and unloading. In erecting these mills it has been the aim and study of the proprietors to build them so that they can handle their product with the greatest economy. With this end in view they have utilized both water and steam for power and adopted various labor saving devices for handling grain, feed and flour, believing that whoever could supply the trade with promptness and with the least expense, would command the best patronage.

The business of the W. A. Bates M'f'g Co. was established in 1886 by W. A. Bates to manufacture tin-lined butter tubs, etc. He commenced work with 3 men. From 1889 to 1893 the firm was Bates & Hoyt. Since then Mr. Bates has been sole proprietor. The factory located on Water street gives employment to 30 hands, used 300,000 feet of hard wood in 1894 and made over 140,000 oil cans and butter pails. This is the largest manufactory of these goods in the United States, the buildings of the plant covering an acre of ground. Mr. Bates is the inventor and patentee of the goods made, and also of the machinery used to produce them.

Peck's Marble Works, located on Bristol street, were established by Allen Peck in 1894. G. W. Peck manager.

The City Steam Laundry was established in 1890 by B. A. Hammond. In March, 1893, the present proprietor, Frank A. Hicks, purchased the business.

The Cuba foundry, machine shop and cider mill is owned and conducted by A. H. Graves.

Goodrich & Conderman's steam granite works were established in 1894.

CHEESE BUYERS: Ackerly, Sill & Co., George H. Harris & Co. and Demcey & Sibley are large operators and dealers in cheese.

MERCHANTS. Dry Goods, etc .- George H. Eldridge has been in mer- chandising since 1865, first as a grocer, then as a dealer in clothing and as drygoods merchants since 1867. In 1876 he erected his present store, a two-story brick building, and carries a full stock of drygoods, cloaks, car- pets, boots, shoes, etc. He hason the north side of East Main street one of the most complete department stores in all this section. Orris Merrill has been in business since 1858. He was in trade when a $10 license was necessary to do business. December 12, 1891, the firm of Orris Merrill & Co., was established. In 1884 C. A. Wheeler engaged in the grocery business on Main and South Sts. In 1889 he established his drygoods store at No. 5 Palmer block, West Main St. Clothing .- A. Unger, M. A. Cofran (succeeding Boston Clothing Co.) in the store lately occupied by A. M. Young & Co. Grocers .- A. D. Hatch com- menced trade in 1884, in 1894 with N. T. Guilford formed the present firm of Hatch & Guilford. O. D. and A. E. Underwood, as Underwood Bros., suc- ceeded A. A. Arnold in 1893. G. H. Brooks has been in trade here since since 1885. E. A. Enos Parlor grocery, Wasson Block. Jewelry and Clothing .- W. F. Robie, proprietor of The Odd, No. 5, East Main St., commenced trade in

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November, 1890, in the Story block, soon removing to his present location in the Stevens Block. Jewelry and Crockery .- T. F. Rude, corner South and Main, in trade since 1869. Farm Implements, etc .- Grant Ingalls. Millinery. -Mrs. A. A. Colwell, Mrs. M. R. Rice, Mrs. M. L. Quinn. News and Gro- ceries .- C. A. DeKay.

Hardware, Stoves, etc .- Sisson &: Ackerlys. (B. G. Sisson, C. A. and W. B. Ackerly) succeeded Mr. Sisson in the hardware trade in January, 1891. The present stand was started by H. A. Mead, and the successive owners have been Mr. Wilcox, Perry & Pettit, Pettit Brothers, Crippen & Ackerlys, Hermance & Sisson, Gideon Sisson, Jr., B. G. Sisson and Sisson & Acker- lys, which also succeeded the Pettit Hardware Co. They deal in general hardware and agricultural implements. They have two stores, on West Main street and on Genesee street. J. G. Olive has a hardware store on West Main street.

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A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 114

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co. Number of Pages: 1102

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102