USA > New York > Schuyler County > Gazetteer and business directory of Chemung and Schuyler counties, N.Y. for 1868-9 > Part 9
USA > New York > Chemung County > Gazetteer and business directory of Chemung and Schuyler counties, N.Y. for 1868-9 > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34
As respects anch horses, the more kindly you treat them the better you will be treat- ed in return. Nor will a horse of this de- scription stand a whip, If well fed.
If you want a safe horse, avoid one that in dish-faced. Ile may be so far gentle as not to scare ; but he will have too much go- ahead in him to be safe with everybody.
If you want a fool, but a horse of great bottom, get a deep hay, with not a white bair about him. If his face is a little dish- ed, do much the worse. Let no man ride such a horse that is not an adept in riding -they are always tricky and unsafe.
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If you want one that will never give out, never buy a large, overgrown one.
A black horse cannot stand heat, nor a white one cold.
If you want a gentle horse, get one with more or less white about the bead: the more the better. Many persons suppose the parti-colored horses belonging to the circuses, shows, &c., are selected for their oddity. But the selectione thus made are on account of their great docility and sen- tleness.
Measurement of Hay in the Mow or Stack .- It is often desirable, where conveniences for weighing are not at hand, to purchase and sell hay by mra.a .p. ment. It is evident that no fland rule will answer in all cases, as It would require more cubic feet at the top of a mou than at the bottom. The general rule adopted by those who have tested it. 1- 75 cubic feet of solid Timothy hay, as taken from mnow or bottom of stack. The rule may be varied for upper part of mow or stack according to preseure.
62
TWENTY YEAR CALENDAR.
Almanac or Calendar for 20 Years.
CB
A
G
F
ED
C
B
A
GF
E
1864
1865
1866
1867
1868
1869
1870
1871
1872
1873
D
C
BA
G
F
E
DC
F
E
D
1874
1875
1876
1877 1878
1829
1880
1881
1982
1883
1|
8 15 22 29
Sun.
Sat.
Frid'y.
Thurs.
Wed.
Tues.
Mon.
2 9,16,23 30
Mon.
Sun.
Sat.
Frid'y.
Thurs.
Wed.
Tues.
3 10 17 2431
Tues.
Mon.
Sun.
Sat.
Frid'y.
Thurs.
Wed.
4 11 18:25 . . .
Wed.
Tues.
Mon.
Sun.
Sat.
Frid'y.
Thurs.
5 12 19:26
Thurs.
Wed.
Tues.
Mon.
Sun.
Sat.
Frid'y.
6 13,2027
Frid'y.
Thurs.
Wed.
Tues.
Mon.
Sun.
Sat.
7 1421 28 .
Sat.
Frid y.
Thurs.
Wed.
Tues.
Mon.
Sun.
Jan. and Oct.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
May.
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
August.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
Feb., Mar., Nov.
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
June.
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
Sept. & Dec.
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
April & July.
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
EXPLANATION .- Find the Year and observe the Letter above It; then look for the Month, and in a line with it and the Letter of the Year; above the Letter find the Day ; and the figures on the left, in the same line, are the days of the same name in the month.
Leap Years have two letters : the first is used till the end of February, the second during the remainder of the year.
63
CHEMUNG COUNTY.
CHEMUNG COUNTY.
THIS COUNTY was formed from Tioga, March 20, 1836, and took its name from the principal river, Chemung, which signi- fies " Big Horn," or " Horn in the Water." This name was given to the river on account of the immense number of deer's horns which were found in the water. A part of Schuyler County was taken off in 1851. It lies upon the south border of the State, is centrally distant 153 miles from Albany, and contains 406 square miles. The surface is principally a hilly upland, broken by the deep ravines of the streams. The highest points are from 400 to 600 feet above the valleys and from 1300 to 1500 feet above tide. The ridges extend in a general north and south direction, and have steep declivities, in some places precipitous and broad rolling sum- mits. A deep valley, extending south from Seneca Lake, divides the highlands into two general systems, and forms an easy commu- nication between the Susquehanna Valley and the central parts of the State.
The Chemung River flows south-east through the south part of the County, entting the highlands diagonally. Wide alluvial flats ex- tend along the river through nearly its whole course. These flaty are bordered by steep hillsides, and are very productive. Catha- rine Creek flows north through the central valley into Seneca Lake. The other streams are Post, Sing Sing, Newtown, Goldsmith, Wyn- koops and Cayuta Creeks, from the north ; and llendy and Seely Creeks from the south ; all flowing into Chemung River. The val- levs of these streams are generally narrow, and bordered by steep hilis. The valleys of the smaller streams are mere ravines and gulleys.
64
CHEMUNG COUNTY.
The rocks of the County belong chiefly to the shales and sand- stones of the Chemung group. In the north part, along the ravines, the rocks of the Portage group are exposed. In several places the sandstone is quarried for building purposes, and for flagging, and is of an excellent quality. Bog iron ore and marl are found to somne extent. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam, intermixed with clay in some places. The valleys are covered with a rich deep al- luvium. The highlands are better adapted to grazing than to tillage.
Agriculture is the chief pursuit of the inhabitants. For many years lumbering was carried on to a great extent, 10,000,000 feet being floated down the Chemung and Susquehanna, from Elmira, annually. Since the disappearance of the fine forests, the attention of the people has been turned to stock raising, dairying and wool growing. Commerce and manufactures have received increased attention since the completion of the 'canals and railroads, though these are still subordinate to the agricultural interest.
The County seat is located at Elmira, on Chemung River. Up- on the organization of Tioga County, Elmira, then "Newtown," was made half-shire, and upon the formation of Chemung Co., in 1836, it was designated as the County seat, and the old county buildings were taken for the new County. The first county officers were Joseph L. Darling, First Judge ; Andrew G. Gregg, District Attor- ney ; Isaac Baldwin, County Clerk ; Albert A. Beckwith, Sheriff ; and Lyman Covill, Surrogate. The old county buildings have with- in a few years given place to new and commodious structures.
The County Poor House is located upon a farm in the south- east part of the town of Horseheads. The whole number of pau- pers present from November 6th, 1866, to November 6th, 1867, was 166. The average number kept for the year was 63, at an av- erage expense of $1.49 per week each. The whole amount ex- pended for the support of the poor during the year was $4,904.50.
The Chemung Canal extends south from Seneca Lake, through the central valley, to Chemung River, at Elmira, forming a direct connection with the great chain of internal water navigation of the State. A navigable feeder from Corning, Steuben County, forms a junction with the canal, on the summit, at Ilorseheads village. Junction Canal extends several miles along the Chemung, affording navigation at points where the river is obstructed by rapids and nar- rows. The Chemung Canal was authorized. April 15th, 1829, and its construction was begun the same year, and finished in 1833. The total lockages on the Canal and feeder are 516 feet, by fifty-three locks, and the original cost was 8344,000.
The New York & Erie R. R. extends along Chemung River, through Chemung, Southport, Elmira and Big Flats. The Chemung
65
CHEMUNG COUNTY.
R. R. extends north from Elmira, through Horseheads and Veteran. The Williamsport and Elmira R. R. extends south, through South- port, into Pennsylvania, forming a direct line to Philadelphia.
The first newspaper published in the County was
The Telegraph, at " Newtown," (now Elmira.) It was issued at an early period by Prindle & Murphy. In 1816 it was issued as The Vidette, and subsequently issued by William Murphy.
The Investigator was started at Elmira, in 1820, by Job Smith. In 1822 its name was changed to
The Tioga Register, and in 1828, to
THE ELMIRA GAZETTE. Its publication was continued by Mr. Smith, until 1831, when he was succeeded by Brinton Paine. It was published successively by Cyrus Pratt, Pratt & Beardsly, Mason & Rhodes, George W. Mason, Wm. C. Rhodes, S. C. Taber, F. A. DeVoe, F. A. DeVoe & Son, F. A. DeVoe and C. Hazard, when it passed into the handsof L. A. & C. Hazard, its present publish- ers.
THE ELMIRA DAILY GAZETTE, which has now reached its tenth volume, is published at the same office and by the same pro- prietors.
The Elmira Republican was started in 1820, and in 1828 wag changed to
The Elmira Whig, and published by James Durham. In 1829 it was again changed to
The Elmira Republican, and was issued by C. Morgan. It was soon after called
The Elmira Republican and Canal Advertiser. In 1831 it passed into the hands of John Duffy, and its name was changed back to
The Elmira Republican. It was subsequently published, success- ively, by Birdsell & Huntley, Ransom & Birdsell, Polly & Carter, Polly & Cook, Polly & Huntley, S. B. & G. C. Fairman, G. C. Fairman, Fairman & Baldwin, Baldwin & Dumas, and a Mr. Cal- houn, until 1857, when it was discontinued.
The Elmira Daily Republican was issued a short time in 1846.
The Daily Republican was issued from the Republican office from the fall of 1851 to 1855.
THE ELMIRA DAILY ADVERTISER was started in 1853 by S. B. & G. C. Fairman. F. A. De Voe, subsequently purchased an interest in the paper ; upon his retirement, L. Caldwell purchased an interest. After several changes it passed into the hands of S. B. Fairman and L. Caldwell, by whom it was published until the death of Mr. Fairman. It is now published by the survivors of the firm.
THE ELMIRA WEEKLY ADVERTISER was started at the same time as the Daily, and is issued by the same proprietors.
The Elmira Daily Democrat was issued a short time in 1851, by J. Taylor and S. C. Taber.
66
CHEMUNG COUNTY.
The Chemung Patriot was published in 1837, at Horseheads, by J. T. Bradt.
The Philosopher was commenced at Horseheads April 7, 1855, by Samuel C. Taber, and was continued until 1857, when it was merged in The Elmira Gazette.
The Chemung County Republican was issued during the campaign of 1856, edited by Florus B. Plimpton.
The Daily Press was started in 1859 by Dumas, VanGelder & Paine. It was subsequently discontinued.
The Temperance Gem (monthly,) was published at Elmira about 1850.
THIE HORSEHEADS JOURNAL was started in April 1866, by S. C. Clisbe and Charles Hinton. It is a weekly paper and now published by Charles Hinton.
The expedition of Gen. John Sullivan against the Indians in 1779, passed through this County. This expedition was organized for the special purpose of chastising the Indians and Tories, who, led by Brant and the Butlers, had been laying waste the settle- ments of the whites, plundering and burning their houses, murder- ing or carrying into captivity men, women and children, without regard to age, sex or condition. The most effectual way to check these barbarous incursions was supposed to be to send an army through the territory of the Six Nations, and, by fire and sword, teach them the power against which they were contending. The army of General Sullivan assembled at Tioga Point, August 22d, consisting of the brigades of Generals Clinton, Hand, Maxwell and Poor, together with Proctor's artillery and a corps of riflemen; numbering in all about five thousand men. The march from Tioga Point was commenced August 26th. The movement of the expe- dition had been so slow that the enemy were prepared to receive them. A short distance from Conwawah, where the city of Elmira now stands, and where the Indians had a considerable village, the enemy had thrown up works and were prepared to make a bold stand against the invaders. The Americans moved cautiously up the Chemung, having large flanking parties thrown out to guard against surprise by the enemy. On the march they destroyed a small Indian village, and on the 20th they discovered the enemy's works. The enemy were securely posted upon the east side of the river, upon a bend in the stream, which protected their right flank and rear, while their lett rested upon a high ridge, which extended for some distance nearly parallel with the river. The artificial de- fences of the enemy, consisting of fallen trees whose branches were clothed with foliage, tog ther with the shrubs of oak and pine grow- ing upon the ground, afforded a good protection against the attacks of the Americans. A vigorous attack in front was made by one division, while another attempted to turn the left flank of the enemy
1
67
CHEMUNG COUNTY.
posted upon the ridge. For two hours the firing was incessant, the Indians fighting behind the shrubs and thickets, cheered on by their leader, Brant, who appeared at all points, at length became demoralized by the artillery, and Brant, seeing that the day was lost, raised the loud retreating cry, Oonah ! Oonah ! and savages and Tories hastily retreated across the river, pursued by the Amer- icans. Considering the time occupied by the battle the loss was very small. Only five or six of the Americans were killed, and forty or fifty wounded ; some authorities setting the number even less than that. Nine Indians were found dead upon the field, the rest of the dead and wounded being carried off in the retreat. Sul- livan's army rested upon the battle field that night, and the next morning continued their march towards Catharinestown. The march was a difficult and dangerous one, lying along a deep, nar- row valley, traversed by a stream so tortuous that it had to be crossed several times, in some instances where the water was up to the waist. The enemy might have rallied upon the hills and greatly annoyed, if not destroyed or captured the invading foe ; but the Indians had become so alarmed at the artillery that they could not be induced to make a stand. The army arrived at Cath- arinestown September 2d, but found the village deserted. its in- habitants having fled in terror. The village and fields were des- troved by the Americans the next day. From this point the work of destruction was carried on without interruption; fields of corn, orchards of apples, pears and peaches, the growth of many years, fell before the hands of the invaders. The threat of Gen. Sullivan was fully carried out. "The Indians shall see," said he, "that there is malice enough in our hearts to destroy everything that con- tributes to their support." The Cayugas and Senecas had made considerable progress in civilization, had large villages, and culti- vated fields and orchards, and their houses exhibited many of the indications of civilized life. So great was the destruction and de- vastation made that the Indians afterwards called Washington " The Town Destroyer," fully understanding that the expedition was made by his order. Gen. Sullivan did not proceed to Niagara, as he at first intended, but after reaching the Genesee Valley, re- turned. The army arrived in the valley of Catharine's Creek, on the return march, September 24th, and the forage becoming short, Gen. Sullivan ordered a large number of the horses killed. The skulls of these animals being afterwards placed along the road, gave the name to the village in the vicinity, and subsequently to the town. The next morning the news was received of a declara- tion of war by Spain against Great Britain, and the occasion was celebrated with every demonstration of joy. Five oxen were killed, one delivered to each brigade, and one to the artillery and staff, with which to make merry.
63
CHEMUNG COUNTY.
A portion of this County was included in the Watkins & Flint Tract, which embraced also parts of Schuyler and Tompkins. The southern part of the County was included in a Royal grant made previous to the Revolutionary war. It was surveyed in 1788, by Commissioners of the Land Office, James Clinton, J. HIathorn and J. Cantine, as Chemung Township, and embraced 205 lots.
The first settlements were made in 1758-90, by emigrants from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, most of whom were with General Sullivan in his expedition against the Indians. They settled along the valley of the Chemung River, at Elmira, Southport and Big Flats. The early settlers were subject to the usual hardships and privations incident to a new country. Through energy and perse- verance the wilderness became a fruitful field, roads and bridges were built and the luxuries of civilized life were placed within the reach of all. Canals and railroads were subsequently built, opening avenues to the east and west, giving them an easy and rapid com- munication with all the great thoroughfares and business centers of the country. Manufacturing was introduced, giving employment to a large number of persons, and now the County is one of the most prosperous in the State.
When the news of the fall of Fort Sumter, and the Proclama- tion of the President calling for volunteers, flashed across the wires from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the loyal sons of Chemung rallied to the support of the old Flag, showing that they were not unwor- thy sons of illustrious sires, who fought to establish the Govern- ment which they were now called upon to defend against armed treason and rebellion. It is to be regretted that we have not the statistics at hand to show how many from this County served in the war against the Rebellion. Since we are unable to do this, it must suffice to say that Chemung was not behind the other counties in furnishing men and means, as the battle fields and prison pens of the South abundantly testify. Amid the excitements of party strife, men may forget their duty to their country, but its brave defenders will live in the hearts of all true and loyal citizens; and as the record of their deeds shall be transmitted from generation to generation, it will form a more enduring monument than the most imperishable marble. As we now honor the founders of the Re- public, so will future generations honor its defenders.
69
GAZETTEER OF TOWNS.
GAZETTEER OF TOWNS.
ASIILAND was formed from Southport, Elmira and Che- mung, in April 1867. It lies upon the south border of the County, on both sides of Chemung River. Broad, fertile, alluvial flats border the river, and in other portions of the town the surface is a hilly up -. land. South and Seely Creeks are the principal tributaries of Che- mung River in this town. The soil upon the hills is a slaty loam,. and in the valleys a fine quality of gravelly loam.
Wellsburgh, (p. v.) situated in the north-east part of the town,. on Chemung River, contains two churches and several manufactur- ing establishments. It is a station on the N. Y. & E. R. R., and coutains about 500 inhabitants.
Lowmanville (Lowman p. o.) is a hamlet, east of the center.
The first settlement was made at Wellsburgh, in 1788, by Green Bently. Abner and Henry Wells settled at the same place the next year. It is believed that the following persons settled within the limits of this town at an early day, viz: Ebenezer Green, Abi- jah Batterson, Samuel Westbrook, Abraham Bennett, Asa Burn- ham, Abiel Fry and Thomas Kenny.
The first birth was that of Eunice Kelsey, and the first death that of Stephen Kent. The first school was taught by Caleb Ba- ker; the first inn was kept by William Baldwin, and the first store by William and Henry Wells, at Wellsburgh .. The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1790, by Rev. Roswell Goff, the first preacher.
This town contains an area of 8,750 acres.
There are four school districts, employing five teachers. The whole number of persons between the ages of five and twenty-one years. during the last year, was 270, and the average attendance at school 103. The amount expended for school purposes was $1,- 009.66. E
70
GAZETTEER OF TOWNS.
BALDWIN was formed from Chemung, April 7th, 1856. It is situated south-east of the center of the County, a narrow strip extending to the east border between the towns of Chemung and VanEtten. The surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep val- leys of Baldwin and Wynkoop's Creeks. The soil is a shaly and clayey loam upon the hills, and in the valleys a gravelly loam.
Hammond's Corners (North Chemung p. o.) contains a church, a tannery and about twenty houses.
The first settlement was made in 1813, a little north of the vil- lage, by Henry Sice. Warren and Charles Granger settled at the village in 1814. The town received its name from Baldwin Creek, which received its name from Isaac, Walter and Thomas Baldwin, brothers, who settled at the mouth of the Creek. It was previous- Jy called Butler's Creek. The Baldwins were members of General Sullivan's expedition against the Indians in 1779, and Walter was wounded at the battle of Newtown.
The first child born was Simeon Hammond, and the first death was that of Thomas Wheeler, killed by the falling of a tree. The first school was taught by Polly Blandin, a short distance north of the village. D. R. Harris kept the first inn, and Miles Covel the first store, north of the village. The first church (Union,) was formed in 1852 by Dr. Murdock, the first preacher.
Iu 1865 the population of this town was 923, and its area 15,909 acres.
There are eight school districts, employing eight teachers. The number of persons of school age during the last year was 328, the Average attendance 105, and the amount expended for school pur- poses $1,745.88.
BIG FLATS was formed from Elmira, April 16th, 1822. It takes its name from the large flats extending through the town near the center. It lies upon the west border of the County, south of the center. The surface consists of a broken upland in the north and south, separated by a broad flat, which extends north-east of the Chemung River, through the center of the town. The Che- mung has several tributaries from the north, the principal of which is Sing Sing Creek. Upon the hills the soil is a slaty loam, and in the valleys a gravelly loam, very productive. Tobacco is raised to some extent upon the flats. The cultivation of this was commenced in 1850, by Sanford Elmore, from Connecticut. and since that its cultivation has been continued. In 1867, Mr. Mundy raised about twenty acres, averaging about 1500 pounds to the acre. It was sold at an average price of fifteen cents a pound.
Big Flats, (p. v.) situated on the N. Y. & Erie R. R., contains four churches, viz : Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Episco- pal; and a school, employing two teachers. There are also one store, four groceries, one hotel, two wagon shops, and several other
71
GAZETTEER OF TOWNS.
mechanics of various kinds. A short distance from the village is a grist mill, and a steam flouring mill is in process of erection.
The first settlement was made by Christian Miner, from Penn- sylvania, in 1787. Caleb Gardner and Henry Starell, from Penn- sylvania, settled on the river, below Miner, the same year or the next. George Gardner settled at the village in 1788; Clark Wi- nans in 1789, and John Winters, Jesse and Joel Rowley, and Geo. Gardner. Jr., all from Pennsylvania, settled in 1790.
The first birth was that of Christian Miner, Jr., in 1790; the first marriage that of William Applegate and Catharine Miner ; and the first death that of T. Dolson. Cornelius McGinnis taught the first school, near the village; John Hay kept the first store, and Capt. George Gardner the first inn at the village. The first gristmill was erected by Robert Miller, east of the village. The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1807. Rev. Roswell Goff was the first preacher.
The population of the town in 1865 was 1,891, and its area 26,- 097 acres.
The town contains eleven school districts, employing twelve teachers. The number of persons of school age was 502, and the average attendance the past year 179. The amount expended for school purposes was $2,611.54.
CAITLIN was formed from Catharine, Schuyler County, April 16, 1823. It is the north-west corner town of the County. The surface is a hilly upland, the highest summits being from 200 to 400 feet above the valleys. The principal streams are Post and Sing Sing Creeks and Hubbard's Run. The soil is chiefly a grav- elly loam, and better adapted to grazing than to tillage. There is no village in the town.
Post Creek is a post office.
The first settlers were John Martin, from Tompkins County, and Aaron Davenport, from New Jersey, who located in the south-west corner of the town. Among the other early settlers were N. Swick, Homer Tupper, Edward Beebe, Jacob Bucher, Alanson Owen, John Woolsey and J. M. Barker, who located in the south part. Jacob Bucher kept the first inn, on Post Creek, and Mr. Ostrander erected the first saw and gristmills, on the same stream. Reuben Beebe died in town in 1854, at the age of 105; his widow, Hannah Beebe, lived to a still greater age. Mr. Beebe served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
In 1865 the town contained a population of 1,444; its area is 23,304 acres.
The town contains fourteen school districts, employing fourteen teachers. The number of persons of school age was 519, the aver- age attendance the past year 184, and the amount expended for school purposes $2,382.37.
72
GAZETTEER OF TOWNS.
CHEMUNG was formed February 28th, 1789. Elmira was taken off in 1792, Erin in 1822, Baldwin in 1856, and a part of Ashland in 1867. It is the south-east corner town of the County. The surface is a hilly upland, broken by deep and narrow valleys. Chemung River is the principal stream, and flows south-east through the south part. Wynkoop's Creek flows south through the town, near the center, in a deep valley, bordered by steep hillsides. The soil on the uplands is a gravelly loam, and in the valleys, gravel mixed with alluvium. Broomcorn and tobacco are largely cultivated.
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