USA > New York > Chemung County > A brief history of Chemung county, New York > Part 6
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The "Hedding" Methodist Church was organized from the First Church on August 31; 1852. The "Centenary," another development of Methodism
100The Rev. William Paret, at one time rector of this church became the Bishop of Maryland. The Rev. George H. McKnight, who became rector of the church in 1869, served as such for thirty-six years. He died on March 15, 1905.
101The Rev. W. T. Henry came as pastor of this church in 1877, occupying the pulpit for the first time on March 27 of that year. He has served the church for almost thirty years.
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was organized in 1872, and its church edifice was erected in 1884. Another church has recently been organized, and a church built on Maple Avenue.
There was a "Freewill Baptist Church" organized in 1869; and a church building erected by them in the same year. The first pastor was the Rev. Schuyler Aldrich.
A German Evangelical Church was organized on November 8, 1874, its pastor being the Rev. Mr. Loesch. Its church was subsequently located on Madison Avenue. The Roman Catholic Church has been prominent in Elmira and unusually active. The church of St. John the Baptist was organized in 1867. Its church building was built in 1891, and was consecrated on May 1; 1892. St. Patrick's is one of the most conspicuous churches in the city. It was built in 1871, and consecrated on December 13, 1875.102 St. Mary's Catholic Church was first built in 1872, which was replaced in 1874. The church of St. Charles of Borromeo, located at Elmira Heights, was consecrated on November 2, 1904.
Those of the Hebrew faith have two places of worship. The congregation of B'nai Israel was organized in 1860, and their synagogue was built in 1863. The other congregation is called Shomer Hadoth.
There are also two churches for the colored peo- ple. The African Union Methodist Protestant
102This church is indebted to its pastor, the Rev. Father J. J. Bloomer, who to a Christian character adds a business tact and judgment that has made his career very successful both as a clergyman and man. He is much beloved by his people, and enjoys the confidence and respect of the whole community. He is the dean of the Elmira clergy, having served as pastor longer than any other minister now living.
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Church was organized in 1850. Their first church building was erected in 1852, and the one built to replace it in 1879 and dedicated in August, 1880. An African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church grew out of this society in 1870. They built their church in 1871.
As closely allied to the work of the churches is the Young Men's Christian Association. A society of this name was organized in Elmira, the only one in the county, in July, 1858.103 It occupied rooms for ten years, and in 1892 a building was erected for its use, and very recently another one was pre- pared for and occupied by it.
A Railway Young Men's Christian Association was organized in Elmira on May 12, 1878, and a well-equipped building was prepared for it in 1881.
Fraternal orders and associations. - Chemung County has been a rich field for the organization of secret orders for fraternal and charitable pur- poses. 104 Masonry in Elmira, in 1828, suffered an
103The first officers of this organization were: President, H. M. Partridge; vice-president, Seymour B. Fairman; recording secretary, Samuel R. Van Campen; corresponding secretary, A. R. Wright; treasurer, Socrates Ayres.
104 All through the county there are organizations of goodly numbers, all showing much interest in the objects for which they were formed. In CHEMUNG Township Chemung Lodge No. 350, F. and A. M., was chartered on August 23, 1854, and Chemung Grange, No. 204, of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized in May, 1874. In HORSEHEADS a lodge of F. and A. M. named Horseheads Lodge, No. 364, was chart. ered, and held its first meeting on July 21. 1855. James A. Christie was designated as W. M. In 1862, the buildings the order occupied were burned, and the work of the lodge intermitted for two or three months. The Horseheads Chapter, No. 261, R. A. M., was instituted in April, 1871. The Chemung Valley Equitable Aid Union of Horseheads was organized in June, 1880. BIG FLATS has a lodge, No.
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eclipse for fifteen years. In 1843, the old Union Lodge No. 30 was resuscitated, and under the new number, 90, again began its work. The Royal Arch Chapter, No. 42, had been chartered on April 4, 1815. It, too, suffered an eclipse along with Union Lodge, and in 1844 sprang again into life. The Commandery of St. Omers, No. 19, was insti- tuted in 1852; the first commander having been
Thomas C. Edwards. A new lodge in masonry, Ivy; No. 397, was instituted in 1856.105 It was largely composed of young men. An adjunct of the Masonic order, called The Southern Tier Masonic Relief Association, was organized in 1868. The Masonic Temple, where all these bodies named have
378, F. and A. M., which was instituted in July, 1855. Dr. Corbett Peebles was its first W. M., and the meetings of the lodge were held at his house. There was a Masonic Lodge established in this township in 1810, holding its meetings in an upper room of Capt. George Gordon's tavern. Daniel E. Brown was its W. M. But the fact has almost faded away from memory, as it has in fact. Other organizations in this township are as follows: The Big Flats Ancient Order of United Workmen, organized in March, 1879; an Equita- ble Aid Union, instituted on December 16, 1884, and the Seeley Post No. 554, G. A. R., chartered April 25, 1885. VAN ETTENVILLE has a Mount Lebanon Lodge, F. and A M., chartered on July 12, 1877; the Van Ettenville Lodge, Knights of Honor, organized April 19, 1879; a lodge of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, instituted in 1883; an Equitable Aid Union, organized in 1880; a "Provident Shield Society," which began business on July 9, 1880, and the Maxwell Post, G. A. R., organized in March, 1884. BALDWIN has at North Chemung the North Chemung Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, No. 277. VETERAN has, at Pine Val- ley, Fidelity Lodge No. 157, I. O. G. T., organized on Febru- ary 5, 1869, and Pine Valley Lodge No. 157, Order of Good Templars, chartered in January, 1891, and at MILLPORT The Old Oak Lodge No. 257, F. and A. M., organized on June 7,1852.
105 It held its first meeting on November 22, 1856. Its first master was Thomas C. Edwards.
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their meetings, was completed and occupied Janu- ary 1, 1880. The post-office occupied this build- ing twenty-three years.
Another order, the I. O. O. F .; occupies no incon- siderable position in the annals of the county. Chemung Lodge, of this body, No. 127, was char- tered on October 11, 1844.106 The Fort Hill Encamp- ment of this order, No. 18, was organized on Febru- ary 13, 1846. Southern Tier Lodge, No. 344, was instituted on January 21, 1873. John T. David- son was the first noble grand of this lodge. A Ger- man lodge of Odd Fellows, Donau; No. 363; was organized on June 30, 1873. Its first noble grand was Jacob Snyder. Another encampment, Elmira No. 86, I. O. O. F .; was organized on September 24, 1875, and from both the encampments was formed the Queen City Uniformed Patriarchs; on August 1, 1879. In Horseheads and Millport there were lodges of this order, but they were discontinued. In Breesport there was a lodge, Breesport No. 219, organized on February 11; 1875. Its first noble grand was George S. Sadler.
Patriotic organizations .- Baldwin Post; No. 6, G. A. R., was among the very first of the Grand Army Posts that were organized, as its numerical designation indicates. It was organized June 11; 1868, its first commander having been Col. Gabriel L. Smith.
There have been many other organizations formed in Elmira with many purposes and objects
106The first officers of this lodge were: R. B. Sharpstein, N. G .; E. J. Horne, V. G .; D. C. Mallory, secretary; George P. Tyler, treasurer.
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in view. In the musical way there have been many brass bands that enjoyed high reputations; in their time. The mention of the names of "Wis- ner's," "La Franc's," "Updegraff's," "The Em- mett," and "Hager" during this period brings up pleasant recollections in the minds of many. The Germans were the most successful in undertakings of this kind. Their Sangerbund, organized in 1856; has had a long career along the lines for which it was formed. Ernst Schidlen was its first president, and Charles Mosgau its first leader.
Until 1878, when the paid Fire Department was established in Elmira with Miles Trout as the first chief engineer, there had been five fire companies. Besides those already named there was organized in 1854, "Young America" Company, No. 4, and in the same year "Eureka Company; No. 5." The first steam fire-engine used by the old Volunteer Department, was bought the same year that Elmira became a city. In 1850 two brick engine-houses were built. In 1867 the Market Street hose tower was erected, and the new building in the same place was occupied in 1891.107
The military affairs of the county were well cared for after the war. It was included in a regimental district; the chief officer in command being Col.
107The other portions of the county had little or no protec- tion from fire other than that of a most primitive character, excepting Horseheads and Van Ettenville. In the first named town, the Horseheads Steam and Hose Co., No. 1, was organ- ized on August 22, 1873, John W. Lovell being foreman. Acme Hose Co., No. 2, was organized on November 14, 1877. The department was incorporated in June, 1876. Pioneer Hose Co. was organized in 1874. In Van Ettenville the Canfield Hook and Ladder Company was formed in January 1889.
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Stephen T. Arnot. In 1874 the 110th Battalion was organized with Luther Caldwell in command. In Elmira there were three companies; one in Wellsburg; and one in Horseheads. There was also a battery of artillery organized. But the system lasted only until 1878. The Thirtieth separate company soon after was formed, and is still in exist- ence. The Armory, on Church Street; was built in 1886. In 1884, the brigadier-general command- ing in this part of the State was taken from the Thirtieth Separate Company in the person of Gen. Edmund O. Beers. During the Spanish War this company served as D Company in one of the regi- ments from the western part of the State.
The Elmira Reformatory, which marked a new era in the penal institutions of the State, if not of the world; was occupied in 1876. The idea, of which the institution is a materialization, originated with Z. R. Brockway.108
Four charitable organizations mark the public interest manifested for the weak, the aged, and the unfortunate. The "Southern Tier Orphans' Home" was organized in 1868; the "Home for the
108 MR. BROCKWAY had made the subject a study for forty years, and has seen it developed and successful. The amount of good it has accomplished is incalculable in the reclama- tion of many youths and young men who seemed to be way- ward, but were set in the right path by the system adopted in the institution. A very unique publication is issued from the institution called The Summary, all of the work for which is done by the inmates. Its first number was printed on Thanksgiving Day, 1883. Mr. Brockway was elected Mayor of the city of Elmira in 1906, as the head and front of what has become known all over the United States, and formed a model in many communities, as "the Elmira Compact," a movement entered into by the political parties of the city to purify local politics and keep them clean.
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Aged" had its first meeting in May; 1874; three years afterward its building was begun, and on July 1, 1880, it was completed and ready for occu- pancy. The "Industrial School" had its inception in 1877; but it was not until seven years later, in 1884, when the new building for its use was ready to be occupied. The Arnot-Ogden Hospital, ad- mirably situated and perfectly equipped, was delivered in trust to its Board of Managers in Decem- ber, 1888.
Along these same lines for doing good; with the charitable element eliminated, is the "Elmira Academy of Medicine," which was founded on June 29; 1852. Although its name indicated its locality; the membership was not confined to the city of Elmira.109 The first president of the society was Dr. Erastus L. Hart. Among the out-of-town members was Dr. William Woodward, of Big Flats; a highly-esteemed man and physician. One object of this society was the collection and preservation of vital statistics. By this means; Elmira possesses a store of valuable information that runs farther back in the history of the valley than is possessed by very few cities or counties in the country.
The "Academy of Sciences" was established in September; 1861; by a number of gentlemen who desired to "look into things" that were curious and valuable. Its first president was the Rev. T. K. Beecher. It possesses an astronomical
109The constituent members of this organization were: Drs. H. S. Chubbuck, T. H. Squire, Ira F. Hart, Erastus L. Hart, Jotham Purdy, Uriah Smith, N. R. Derby, William C. Wey, J. K. Stanchfield. All of these stood high in the community, and with one exception are not now living.
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observatory; in which is placed a large telescope; and the inquiries made by the organization extend to about all subjects in which it is aided by suit- able apparatus of all kinds.
Bridges over the Chemung .- The Lake Street bridge suffered from fire in 1850, and was rebuilt. In 1853 another bridge was built from Main Street across the river, but it had many mishaps, being badly damaged by the great flood of 1865. In 1872 arrangements were made for substituting iron or steel bridges for these two. The Main Street bridge was finished on September 15, 1873, and the Lake Street bridge on October 1, 1874. An- other new Lake Street bridge was constructed in 1905. Two other bridges, one at Madison Avenue, and the other at Walnut Street, were erected within the last decade of last century.
New banking facilities .- An institution called "The Bank of Elmira" was established in 1853. Its first president was David H. Tuthill; and its first cashier, Anson C. Ely. Out of this grew "The Second National Bank of Elmira," which was organized on December 14, 1863. Its first officers were: Henry M. Partridge, president; Daniel R. Pratt, vice-president; William F. Corey, cashier.110
There was a "First National Bank of Elmira" organized in 1863. But its life was of short dura- tion. It fell into difficulties and went under the control of the Chemung Canal Bank.
There was a Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank
110This bank was the one hundred and forty-ninth institu- of that nature organized under the national banking laws. It has been a United States depository almost since its establishment.
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established in Elmira in 1876; by Lewis M. Smith and Henry L. Bacon, but it is no longer in exist- ence. The same may be said of the Elmira Na- tional Bank that was established in September; 1889. A private banking institution, established by the F. W. Dinniny influence about 1880, meets the wants of business men in the western part of the city.
Horseheads also has a bank, established about twenty years ago under the influence of the Ben- nitt family, of which John Bennitt, a descendant of Comfort Bennitt, who came very early into the valley; is at the head.
The Chemung Canal Bank for some years was a National Bank, but it withdrew its charter and became a State institution again about 1869. Re- cently, in 1903, it was consolidated with and became a part of the "Chemung Canal Trust Company," the first president of which was Ray Tompkins.
Amusements .- Elmira was always well provided with places for the amusement and entertainment of its citizens; some of which have already been mentioned. The old Opera House was built and occupied in 1868. It was succeeded by the Lyceum; which with the " Auditorium" was burned on March 6, 1904. The two buildings have been replaced; the first one having been occupied in 1905 and the last in 1906.
It seems strange that circus tents have been stretched on almost every prominent lot and cor- ner in the city, and it is in the memory of many still living that the tall poles and white canvas could be seen on squares where now stand some of the
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fairest blocks and even churches that are in the city.
Racing has always been a favorite sport in the county, and some of the finest bred horses in the country have had their origin therein. From the very first settlement there have been tracks in the county that were famous in their time all over the State. Some of these were straightaway, like the one in Southport, or the one in Elmira starting at the foot of Lake Street and stretching north without a curve toward the lake, most of them, however, were circular or oval. There were two or three in Horseheads whose location can still be pointed out. One in Elmira, just west of the location of the "Rebel Prison" camp, a mile track, was immor- talized in horse annals in 1860, during the continu- ance of a horse fair in the valley, by the appear- ance there of the famous mare "Flora Temple," who made one of her fastest miles then. In 1874 the Elmira Driving Park Association was organ- ized, receiving the countenance and support of the best people in the city.'1' In July, 1886, the Maple Avenue Athletic Association for similar purposes was formed.
A notable event for the valley occurred in 1855, when the first fair of the State Agricultural Society was held in Elmira.112 It had two features which
111At the inaugural meeting in the fall of 1875 one of the horses entered was "American Girl," who had a very fast record. During the race she fell forward dead at the three- quarter post. There was a slight rain falling at the time and a very distinct rainbow was formed. From the grand stand hundreds saw that the eastern end of it seemed to be resting on the dying mare's head.
11ªThe address on this occasion was delivered by Governor
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were subsequently dropped by the society on occa- sions of this kind, a formal address and a ball! There have been since five other State fairs held in the county, the last one in 1883.
The County Agricultural Society, which gives annually county fairs, was formed as early as 1853, Charles Hulett, of Horseheads, being the first presi- dent. In 1871, in conjunction with the State Society, 400 acres of land lying halfway between Elmira and Horseheads were secured and laid out for holding the fairs.
Farmer's clubs .- In December, 1869, there was held a meeting of farmers in a wagon shop, at Carr's Corners, in the suburbs of Elmira, that was destined to exert a great influence on the agricul- tural interests of the whole country. It was the first time that practical farmers got together and discussed matters about the farm that they were familiar with in their everyday life and knew from their own eyes and hands what they were talking about. Then was organized the "Elmira Farmers' Club," the model of a great many others all over the country.113 Its first president was George W.
Grimes, of Iowa, a stately Daniel Webster style of man of the old school of oratory. The ball was in Floral Hall, and was one of the social events of the countryside that had never before been equaled in the valley, and has never since been very much surpassed.
113GEORGE W. HOFFMAN was a son of the William Hoffman who came very early to the valley. He has served as Alder- man from his ward in the Common Council of the city of Elmira, and has been president of the State Agricultural Society. W. A. Armstrong established in 1874 the agricul- tural newspaper that he called the Husbandman, which at- tained a very wide circulation. He was at one time the head of the State organization of the "Patrons of Hus- bandry."
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Hoffman; and its first secretary, W. A. Armstrong. There were no changes in these officers for many years. In 1873 the club built its hall in the near neighborhood of the place where it had held its first meeting, and it formed a pleasant and con- spicuous object in the landscape.
In June, 1889, an organization calling itself the "Interstate Fair Association," was formed114 for the purpose of giving annual exhibitions similar to county fairs. Its grounds were the same as those belonging to the "Maple Avenue Athletic Association."
The baseball annals of the valley deserve recog- nition, for they are regarded with much interest. Some of the most conspicuous citizens of Elmira were adepts at the game in their school and col- lege days. In 1880, a team backed by the Tele- gram newspaper, achieved great prominence and success, and during the season of 1906 the "Father Mathew" nine made a great record.
In 1872, largely through the efforts of Geo. M. Diven, Esq .; a street railway company was formed, and tracks laid connecting the city of Elmira and the village of Horseheads. In 1886 the company was sold to interests represented by Col. D. C. Robinson, and the tracks were greatly extended.
Electric lighting was introduced into Elmira in 1883, the company becoming the "Elmira Illumi- nating Company."
An Elmira Water Company was formed on April
114The first officers of this organization were: Judson H. Clark, president; George M. Robinson, secretary; D. C. Robinson, treasurer; George Brand, general superinten- dent.
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14; 1859; and ten years afterward; in 1869; it was reorganized and called the Elmira Water Works Company, at whose head was Gen. A. S. Diven.
All of these companies; with the gas company added thereto; came under the control of a large corporation, and more recently were all taken over by the Elmira Light, Water, and Railroad Com- pany. This corporation has recently very greatly extended its business, and in 1906 formed connec- tion with a trolley line connecting Elmira with Watkins and the head of Seneca Lake.
On August 29, 1879; the centennial of the Bat- tle of Newtown was celebrated by the dedication of a monument to General Sullivan; near the spot where the engagement was fought.115 It was located on a practically inaccessible spot, and could not have the care it called for and was entitled to. It has therefore largely fallen to pieces. An effort has recently been begun to have a new and more suit- able memorial raised in a more conspicuous loca- tion.
Public journals .- The newspaper field in the county was well occupied during this period. In 1869, a weekly journal, called the Saturday Review; was started, but it was too fine and delicate to live. It touched subjects that did not appeal to the mass of the citizens. In 1879 there was a little
115This celebration was attended by the largest concourse of people ever gathered together in the county. It was estimated that between 25,000 and 30,000 persons were present. Among the distinguished men who delivered speeches were Gen. W. T. Sherman; Governor Henry P. Hoyt, of Pennsylvania, and his staff; Governor Nat. Head of New Hampshire and staff, and Governor Lucius Robinson, of New York, and staff.
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daily; with the striking and attractive name of the Midday Sun, run for a while in the interest of the Greenback political organization. If it carried out its name it should have been very bright. It was. Too bright to exist long. It turned itself out. It was followed the next year by the Bazoo, con- trolled by Hugh Coyle, and in the interest of the same political organization. Its name was changed to the Evening Herald, and then it passed into the "pi" box. In 1873 the Weekly Free Press was started in Horseheads, which was removed in 1878 to Elmira, and a daily issued in 1880. In 1884 it was consolidated with the Gazette. In 1874 the Southern Tier Leader was issued weekly for three years, and then stopped. The Chemung County Republican was published in Horseheads in 1856, being discontinued in 1858, and consolidated with the Elmira Advertiser. The Horseheads Philos- opher was started for political reasons in 1856, by Samuel C. Taber. 116 It didn't last long although it won. The Horseheads Journal was first printed on April 16, 1858. In 1878 it was removed to Elmira, and espousing the Greenback theories changed its name to the Chemung County Green- backer. It was removed back to Horseheads on April 14; 1887; and is now called the Chemung Valley Reporter; is published by a company under the editorship of George L. Mulford, a clean, bright,
116MR. TABER came to the valley in 1847 from Herkimer County, N. Y., and was engaged on several newspapers, especially on the Elmira Advertiser, where he won what might easily be called fame as a wit and genial companion with all. No man in the county enjoys the friendship, almost affection, of so many prominent men of the day.
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well printed local sheet. There was a little news- paper published in 1874 called the Elmira Enter- prise. It was a very creditable sheet being in the hands of a young woman. But she married, and the newspaper was no more. During the "Know- Nothing" excitement of 1856, there was a weekly issued called the American's Own. It did not flour- ish any more than the notions it advocated. There was a newspaper printed in the German language; called the Chemung County Journal. Its first num- ber was issued in 1875; and it lasted just three years. There have been several unsuccessful at- tempts to establish Sunday newspapers in Elmira. The Sunday Times, begun in 1878, didn't last a year. The Sunday Tidings ran several years. It didn't stop; but emigrated to Buffalo; N. Y., and the Sunday Republican came out three or four times and then disappeared.
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