History of Tioga, Chemung, Tompkins and Schuyler counties, New York, Part 104

Author: Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.) cn; Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Ensign
Number of Pages: 1112

USA > New York > Chemung County > History of Tioga, Chemung, Tompkins and Schuyler counties, New York > Part 104
USA > New York > Schuyler County > History of Tioga, Chemung, Tompkins and Schuyler counties, New York > Part 104
USA > New York > Tioga County > History of Tioga, Chemung, Tompkins and Schuyler counties, New York > Part 104
USA > New York > Tompkins County > History of Tioga, Chemung, Tompkins and Schuyler counties, New York > Part 104

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).

The Legislature soon after appropriated the sum of $50,000 to be divided among the several counties in pro- portion to the number of eleetors, and each county was required to raise by taxation a sum equal to one-half the amount allowed by the State. Notwithstanding Governor Clinton's urgent appeal to the people in behalf of the schools much inactivity was manifested, and in some localities the movement met with positive opposition.

The cause was early espoused by Peck, Comstoek, and Hawley, who, co-operating with the Governor, so far ad- vanced the system that in 1819 there were 6000 sehool districts, and nearly 250,000 scholars. In 1871 there were 11,372 school distriets in the State, with 28,217 teachers. The value of school-houses and sites was $20,426,412.

The following exhibit shows the present status of the common schools of this county :

CAROLINE.

Twenty districts ; 38 teachers employed, 12 males and 26 females ; number of ehildren between the ages of five and twenty-one, 737; number attending school, 614; av- erage daily attendance, 210; value of school-houses and sites, $5500.

Ulysses ..

345

340

198

671

669

...

373

Dryden ...

201

228

Senator.

Isaac Allen,

381

AND SCHUYLER COUNTIES, NEW YORK.

DANBY.

Seventeen distriets; 37 teachers, 13 males and 24 females ; children, 623 ; scholars, 537; value of school-houses and sites, $7427.

DRYDEN.

Twenty districts ; 52 teachers employed, 13 males and 39 females ; number of children between the ages of five and twenty-one, 1299; number attending school, 1114; average daily attendance, 559 ; value of school-houses and sites, $25,540.

ENFIELD,

Thirteen distriets ; 24 teachers, 5 males and 19 females ; children, 464; scholars, 388; value of school-houses and sites, $7300.

GROTON.

Twenty-two distriets; 37 teachers employed, 13 males and 24 females; children between the ages of five and twenty-one, 1028; number attending school, 955 ; average daily attendance, 510; value of school-houses and sites, $18,350.

LANSING.

Twenty-two districts; 37 teachers employed, 13 males and 24 females ; number of children between the ages of five and twenty-one, 893; number attending school, 693; average daily attendance, 377; value of school-houses and sites, $8575.

NEWFIELD.

Twenty-two distriets ; 40 teachers, 12 males and 28 fe- males ; 784 children ; 676 scholars ; value of school-houses and sites, $11,330.

ULYSSES.

Fourteen districts ; 1054 children; 839 scholars; 31 teachers, 12 males and 19 females ; value of school-houses and sites, $12,450.

The following exhibit shows the condition of the churches, financially and numerically, in Tompkins County, compiled from the census of 1875 :

Baptist .- There are 14 organizations ; 14 ehureli edifiees, valued at $75,400, with a seating capacity of 5075; valuc of other real estate, $3500; membership, 1447; amount paid clergy annually, $8250.

Christian .- Two organizations ; 2 church cdifiecs, val- ucd at $4500, with a scating capacity of 1000; member- ship, 75 ; salaries paid elergy annually, $800.

Congregational .- Five organizations ; 5 church edifiecs, valued at $22,500, with a seating capacity of 1675; vahic of other real estate, $8000; membership, 476; salaries paid elergy annually, $4000.

Free- Will Baptist .- Two organizations; 2 church edi- fiees, valued at $5000, with a seating capacity of 625; value of other real estate, $300 ; membership, 61. (Salaries paid elergy annually, no record.)

Methodist Episcopal. - Thirty-one organizations; 31 church cdifiees, valued at $141,400, with a seating capacity of 10,700; value of other real estate, $29,850 ; salaries paid clergy annually, $16,185.

New Jerusalem Church :- One organization ; 1 church cdifiee, valued at $2000, with a seating capacity of 200. (Membership and salaries of clergy, no record.)

Presbyterian .- Five organizations ; 5 church edifices, valued at $61,500, with a seating capacity of 3000; value of other real estate, $5800; membership, 955; salaries paid elergy annually, $6750.

Protestant Episcopal .- Four organizations; 4 church edifiees, valued at $39,100, with a seating capacity of 1280 ; value of other real estate, $17,300; membership, 313; salaries paid clergy annually, $3350.

Reformed (Dutch) Church in America .- Two organiza- tions ; 2 church edifices, valued at $12,000, with a seating capacity of 500; membership, 150; salaries paid clergy annually, $3000.

Roman Catholic .- Four organizations; 4 church cdifices, valued at $25,000, with a seating eapaeity of 1650; value of other real estate, $4300; membership, 1580; salaries paid elergy, $1250.

Unitarian .- One organization ; 1 church edifiec, valued at $15,500, with a seating capacity of 350; membership. (no record) ; salary paid clergy annually, $1300.

United Methodist Free Church .- One organization ; 1 church edifice, valued at $4000, with a scating capacity of 350; membership, 25; salary paid clergy annually, $450.

Universalist .- Two organizations ; 2 church edifices, val- ued at $7000, with a seating capacity of 750 ; membership, 150 ; salary paid clergy annually, $300.

CHAPTER LXIL.

THE TOMPKINS COUNTY PRESS.

The Seneea Republican-The American Journal-The Ithaea Jour- nal-The Ithaca Journal, Literary Gazette and General Advertiser -The Jeffersonian and Tompkins Times-The Flag of our Union -The Ithaea Daily Journal-The Ithaea Chronicle-The American Citizen-The Tompkins County Demoerat-The Weekly Ithacan -Rumsey's Companion-The Fireside Companion-The Dryden News-The New York Confederacy-The Weekly Ithaean and Dryden News-The Lake Light-The Anti-Masonie Sentinel- The Trumansburg Advertiser-The Trumansburg Advertiser and Tompkins County Whig-The Trumansburg Sun-Trumansburg Gazette-Trumansburg Herald-The Trumansburg Weekly Inde- pendent-The Trumansburg News-Trumansburg Sentinel-The Republican Chron iele-The Western Messenger-The Philanthro- pist-The Jeffersonian and Tompkins Times-The Ithaen Herald -The Christian Doetrinal Advocate and Spiritnal Monitor-The Tompkins Volunteer-The Flag of the Union-The Templar and Watehman-The Western Museum and Belles-Lettres Repository -The Ithaean-The Ithaea Daily Leader.

THIE ITHACA JOURNAL.

Ir has been recently said that a newspaper has no his- tory ; that it is the thing of a day or week, and its con- tents having been read, its ephemeral life as well as mission is ended. Differing entirely with so absurd and summary a conclusion, without stopping to combat its fallaey, we in turn issue our dictum, which is, that the history of a county paper is the history of the county itself. It is the biography of a biographer.

With this view, then, we proceed to the limited mention of the Tompkins County press within the brief compass that our space unfortunately confines us; first in order taking the Ithaca Journal, because of its superior age and larger

382

HISTORY OF TIOGA, CHEMUNG, TOMPKINS,

AAL SLOC 1872

JOURNAL STEAM

PRINTING HOUSE.

ITHACA JOURN JOB

PRINTING.

UNITED STATES EXPRESS CO

J. F. LENNON. AUCTION & COMMISSION.

AMERICAN EXPRESS CO

ARILY

JOG

SUUR

ITHACA JOURNAL BUILDING.

circulation,-equaling, it is claimed, that of all the other papers published in the county by its weckly edition alone.

George P. Rowell & Co., authority upon American news- papers, in the Reporter of January, 1878, summarize the Journal thus :

"ITHACA JOURNAL, published every evening except Sunday, and WEEKLY, Thursdays, by the Ithaca Journal Association ; Republican ; four pages. Size, daily, 26 by 38; weekly, 28 by 48. Subscription rates, daily, $7; weekly, $2. Established, daily, 1872; weekly, 1816. Circulation, daily, 1208; weekly, 2504."

RETROSPECTIVE .- The Ithaca Journal was established nearly two years before the county of Tompkins was formed. Its first issue was made on Independence Day, 1815, as the Seneca Republican, by Jonathan Ingersoll. Early in the year following its name was changed to the American Journal, and was purchased by Ebenezer Mack and Sear- ing, who early in 1823 changed the title to Ithaca Journal. From this time until December, 1833, it was published by Mr. Mack and his different business partners. In 1827 the title was the Ithaca Journal, Literary Gazette and General Advertiser ; about one year later a portion of this name was dropped, and it became the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser.

At the date last given it was sold to Nathan Randall ; in 1837, Randall sold to Mattison & Barnaby; and in 1839, A. E. Barnaby became sole proprietor. In 1841, Barnaby sold to Alfred Wells, who soon after sold to J. H. Selkreg, who from that time until February, 1877, con- tinued its publication.

The Journal has merged into itself many rival publica- tions : the Jeffersonian and Tompkins Times, in 1837 ; the Flag of our Union, in 1849; the Ithacan, in 1870, being of the number. Other interesting data in this connection may be found on the pages following.

For nearly twenty years Wesley Hooker was connected with the Journal, and for several years prior to 1870 acted as its editor.

From 1870 until Nov. 15, 1875, D. J. Apgar was as- sociated with Mr. Selkreg in the capacity of business man- ager and partner. D. C. Bouton served as editor of the daily Journal from its initial number until March, 1877.

George W. Wood, who was one of the four original in- corporators of the Journal Association, was connected with the same only about ten months. J. T. Sutor was the first local or city editor of the daily, succeeded by C. C. Wood, who in turn was in December, 1877, succeeded by Percy W. Wood, who now acceptably fills that position.

ADVENT OF THE DAILY .- After many unavailing efforts to start a daily paper in Ithaca and make it live, the Daily Journal made its début on the first day of July, 1872.

It risked the large membership fee and the heavy weekly dues necessary to secure connection with the Associated Press ; large investments in fast-running presses, type, and other material and paraphernalia; and the salaries of an in- creased force of writers and compositors required by such an undertaking.

The previous several attempts had whetted the public appetite and prepared the way for this effort, and although not a profitable venture in its earlier ycars, owing to the considerable expenditures necessarily incurred in its estab- lishment, it has gradually but constantly gained in public appreciation and patronage, until it has already become more than self-sustaining ; one of the most important institutions of the county, with a prospect of great prosperity and use- fulness.

THE JOURNAL ASSOCIATION .- In February, 1877, the business of the daily and weekly journals, with the large job-printing and other incidental departments, had attained such proportions that an increase of capital and division of labor became imperative.

A stock company was formed under the general laws of the State, and incorporated as the Ithaca Journal Associa-

383

AND SCHUYLER COUNTIES, NEW YORK.

tion. Of this organization John H. Selkreg is President ; Charles M. Benjamin, Vice-President; and George E. Priest, Secretary and Treasurer. It is generally under- stood that all the stock is owned by these three gentlemen, who, working as one, and each in his own department, are rendering it every year more valuable.

GROWTH AND POLITICAL POL- ICY .- The contrast between the hand-press on which the earlier Journal was laboriously worked and the rapid steam cylinder- presses it now employs affords no greater idea of the march of im- provement than the primitive third-floor office-sanctuni, com- posing, and press-room, all in one -of 1815 compared with the stately Journal block erected in 1872, with its elegant appoint- ments and every convenience.

In its long career the Journal has never been neutral in politics, but for the greater time strongly partisan. Originally Democratic, it continued so until 1856, when the slavery question becoming the paramount issue, it became Repub- lican, and has ever since cspoused the best interests of that party, and has wielded no small influence in the county and State.

Truly yours

creating their favorite paper. We therefore briefly speak of those who are now responsible for the Ithaca Journal. John H. Selkreg is at this writing the oldest living newspaper editor continuously at- tached to any one paper west of Albany within the State limits, with one exception. His connec- tion with the Journal since 1842 has been unbroken, although his editorial work has been interrupted at frequent intervals by public ser- vice in many stations of trust, as will be seen by reference to the political chapters of this book.

He continues regularly to exer- cise his duties as editor, and the ripe experience of his sixty-five years is invaluable to the corps of younger assistant writers who sur- round him. He is, strictly speak- ing, the managing and political editor of the daily and weekly Journals.

C. M. Benjamin brought to his office as vice-president and cashier an extensive acquaintance in the county and a thorough knowledge of its needs in the form of a family newspaper. His merean- tile education and experience peeuliarly fitted him for taking charge of the branches assigned to his custody by his asso- ciates.

yours truly C.M. Benjamin

Seo & Priest

PERSONNEL OF THE JOURNAL .- Subscribers and readers invariably evince great interest in those controlling and

Upon him devolve mauy of the multifarious details of the business office,-thie accounts with over five thousand

384

HISTORY OF TIOGA, CHEMUNG, TOMPKINS,

people, subscribers and advertisers; the collections; the pay rolls; the carrier routes and the mail lists ; the " stops," " starts," and changes due to removal, revenge, or death.

George E. Priest, business manager, had for two years read law, for five more served the government in an impor- tant capacity in New York City, and previous to the forma- tion of the association was general agent of this and many foreign countries for the Ithaca Calendar Clock Company. It is among his present duties to purchase material, make the contracts for supplies, advertising and publishing; su- pervise the job-room ; cause repairs ; conduct the correspond- ence, and in short devise ways and means for the business success of the association and superintend its workings.

.As occasion requires and other labors permit he does much of the " special" reporting and writing of the Journal. In the absence of the political or city editor he creditably fills either chair without allowing his proper department to suffer from neglect.

THE ITHACA DEMOCRAT.

In 1820, three years after the organization of Tompkins County, Mr. D. D. Spencer commenced the publication in Ithaca of the Ithaca Chronicle. In 1828 Mr. Anson Spencer became associated with him in its publication, and it was continued by them until 1853, when Anson Spencer became sole proprietor, by whom it was published until 1855, when it passed into the hands of A. E. Barnaby & Co., and was issued as the American Citizen. It subsequently came into the possession of Anson Spencer, who was its publisher at the time of its consolidation with the Tompkins County Democrat on the 25th of February, 1863.

The Tompkins County Democrat, above referred to, dates its existence from 1856, when it was started by Timothy Maloney, who continued its publication until his death, which occurred in the autumn of 1860. In the following year the paper was purchased by S. C. Clisbe, who soon after sold a half-interest to B. R. Williams, and it was continued by Clisbe and Williams until its consolidation with the American Citizen. The papers thus consolidated were issued by Spencer and Williams as the Ithaca Citizen and Democrat, until July 4, 1867, when it was enlarged and name changed to the Ithaca Democrat. Mr. Spencer succeeded to the sole ownership, and remained its editor and proprietor until Dec. 1, 1873, when Ward Gregory became associated with him in its publication, and Jan- uary 1, 1874, assumed the editorial charge of the paper. Mr. Spencer died July 26, 1876. Mr. Gregory then be- came sole owner of the Democrat, and immediately in- augurated a thorough renovation of the printing establish- ment, and by energy, perseverance, and close attention to business, has placed the office upon a paying basis, and the Democrat now ranks among the leading weekly journals of the State. Politically the Democrat is uncompromisingly Democratic, and is under the editorial management of Mr. Gregory, who is a fearless and trenchant writer. It is the only Democratic paper published in Tompkins County, and justly merits its present success.

The Weekly Ithacan, a large, handsome, and popular eight-page newspaper, published at Ithaca by Asahel Clapp, dates its origin in May, 1856, when it was established at Dryden, by H. D. Rumsey, under the name of Rumsey's

Companion. It was soon after changed to Fireside Com- panion, and again, in a few months, to the Dryden News. In 1857 it was purchased by G. Z. House, and the title changed to the New York Confederacy, and soon after dis- continued. Ia July, 1858, Mr. Clapp resuscitated the paper as the Dryden Weekly News, which he continued to publish at Dryden, several times enlarging, and otherwise greatly im- proving it, until April, 1871, when, in company with Messrs. Cunningham and Norton, the paper, with the half of its entire subscription list, was removed to Ithaca, and there issued as the Weekly Ithacan and Dryden News. In six months this partnership was dissolved, Mr. Clapp resuming the entire control. In June, 1874, the paper was sold to George Ketchum, under whose control the large circulation was greatly reduced and its influence much impaired, and Mr. Ketchum failing to meet his engagements, the office was closed by the sheriff, in less than nine months after changing hands. After much damaging delay, the right of ownership again reverted to Mr. Clapp, who held a mortgage on the property, and who again, at a heavy expense, resuscitated the paper, and by dint of enterprise and industry restored the Ithacan to its former standing, and very largely increased its circulation. The Ithacan is a large, handsome, and popular eight-page paper, and under the able editorial man- agement of Mr. Clapp ranks among the prosperous and leading literary and local journals of the State.

The first paper issued in the village of Trumansburg was the Lake Light, a violent political and anti-Masonic sheet. It was started by Phelps & Broome Oct. 10, 1827. It was continued until February, 1829, during which time it had the following editors and proprietors : Clark & Bloomer, St. John & Clark, and R. St. John. The Anti-Masonic Sen- tinel, the second paper published in the village, was estab- lished by R. St. John Feb. 5, 1829. It was short-lived, continuing but a few weeks. The Trumansburg Advertiser was started July 4, 1832. David Fairchild was editor and proprietor five years, when, in 1837, it passed into the hands of Erastus S. Palmer & Corydon Fairchild. It was continued under this management a short time, when it passed into the control of Mr. Palmer, who issued it until June 27, 1838, when it was changed to the Trumansburg Advertiser and Tompkins County Whig, a political paper. It was published by Mr. Palmer until June 26, 1839, when Charles H. Mason became associated in its publication. It was issued by Messrs. Palmer & Mason until June 17, 1840, when it passed into the hands of Palmer, and was soon after discontinued. The Trumansburg Sun was issued Dec. 2, 1840, by John Gray, editor and proprietor. Oct. 15, 1843, it was changed to the Trumansburg Gazette, a neutral sheet, edited and published by John Creque, Jr., who con- tinued it until March 7, 1846. The Trumansburg Herald was established March 7, 1846, and continued one year ; S. M. Day editor and proprietor. The Trumansburg Weekly Independent was issued Nov. 5, 1851, and discon- tinued in 1852; W. K. Creque editor and proprietor. The Trumansburg News was started in 1860, by E. Himrod & A. P. Osborn. It soon after passed into the possession of A. O. Hicks and W. W. Pasko. It was subsequently owned by W. J. Van Namee, who was in possession at the time of its destruction by firc, Feb. 22, 1863.

385

AND SCHUYLER COUNTIES, NEW YORK.

The Trumansburg Sentinel was established April 5, 1866, by Oscar M. Wilson, who has published it continuously to the present time. The Sentinel is the first and only sue- cessful journal issued at Trumansburg, the others having a short-lived career, none continuing under one management more than three years. The Sentinel is prosperous, and, under the able management of Mr. Wilson,-who is editor and proprietor,-it occupies a front rank among the local journals of the State.

The following is a brief mention of the obsolete publica- tions :

The Republican Chronicle was established at Ithaca in June, 1820, by Spencer & Stockton, by whom it was con- tinued until 1823, when David D. Spencer became sole pro- prietor. In 1826, S. S. Chatterton became associated in its publication, and two years later sole proprietor. It was soon after changed to the Ithaca Republican, and later to the Tompkins American, and in 1834 discontinued.

The Western Messenger was started at Ithaca in 1826 by A. P. Searing, and continued about two years.

The Philanthropist, a Universalist sheet, was started at Ithaca by O. A. Bronson in 1831, and continued about one year.

The Jeffersonian and Tompkins Times was established at Ithaca in 1835, by Charles Robbins. It was a political sheet, and advocated the cause of Van Buren and Johnson. In 1836 it was purchased by George G. Freer, and name changed to the Ithaca Herald. In the following year it passed into the possession of Nathan Randall and was merged with the Journal.

The Christian Doctrinal Advocate and Spiritual Moni- tor was started at Mott's Corners in 1837, under the ans- pices of the Seventh-day Baptist denomination, and was issued several years.

The Tompkins Volunteer was started at Ithaca in 1840 by H. C. Goodwin, who soon after sold it to J. Hunt, Jr. In 1843 it was issued as the Tompkins Democrat, and soon after removed to Chenango Co., N. Y.

The Flag of the Union was started at Ithaca in 1848 by J. B. Gosman, and two years later was merged in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser.

The Templar and Watchman was established at Ithaca in 1853 by Orlando Lund. It-soon after passed into the hands of Myron S. Barnes, and was continued but a short time.

The Western Museum and Belles-Lettres Repository was started at Ithaca in 1821 by A. P. Searing, and was con- tinucd about two years.

The Ithacan was organized Nov. 28, 1868, with George C. Bragdon as editor and publisher, and Haines D. Cun- ningham associate editor. This paper differed materially from those preceding it, by devoting the greater part of its columns to literary intelligence and matters of loeal interest. As a local paper it obtained a large circulation, but not sufficient to insure its success financially. Mr. Bragdon re- tired in 1869, and Mr. Cunningham, who succeeded to his interest, disposed of the Ithacan to Mr. Selkreg in 1870, and it was merged with the Journal.

The Ithaca Daily Leader was started Nov. 1, 1869, by William A. Burritt. It was a small sheet, 63 by 93 inches

printed matter, two columns on a page. February 1, 1870, it appeared as a three-column sheet, and the pages enlarged to 82 by 11 inches. It subsequently passed into the hands of H. D. Cunningham and E. D. Norton, by whom it was enlarged. It was published by them until Dec. 31, 1872, when it was discontinued, to be succeeded by the Ithaca Daily Journal.

The Dryden Herald was started in 1871 by William Smith, who published it a few months, when it passed into the hands of Osborn & Clark. In 1876 it was sold to Ford & Strowbridge, and subsequently passed into the pos- session of Mr. A. M. Ford, who controls it at the present time. It is a good local paper, and deserves its present popularity.

The Groton Balance was started in January, 1831, by H. P. Eels & Co., who issued it a few months, when it passed into the hands of E. S. Keeney, and its name changed to the Groton Democrat. It was discontinued in 1840.

The Groton Journal was established by H. C. Marsh, Nov. 9, 1866. He continned its publication until January, 1872, when it was purchased by A. T. Lyon, who issued it until December 9 of the same year, when it was sold to its present efficient editor and proprietor, Mr. L. N. Chapin. It is ably conducted by Mr. Chapin, and is a sparkling and prosperous local journal.

CHAPTER LXIII.

THE BENCH AND BAR.

Pioneer Attorneys-Prominent Members of the Profession from 1812 to 1840 : David Woodcock, Ben Johnson, Charles Humphrey, An- drew D. W. Bruyn, Amasa Dana, F. G. Stanley, Samuel Critten- den, Jr., William Lynn, D. B. Stockholm, Caleb B. Drake, Samuel Love, Stephen Mack, E. G. Pelton. Arthur S. Johnson, Augustus Sherill, J. Newton Perkins-Later Attorneys : Benjamin G. Ferris, Henry S. Walbridge, Levi Hubbell, Alfred Wells, William II. L. Bogart, Moses R. Wright, William R. Humphrey, Stephen B. Cush- ing, Samuel B. Bates, Charles G. Day, George D. Beers, O. G. Howard, John A. Williams, Douglass Boardman, F. M. Finch, Milo Goodrich, Harvey A. Dowe. Marens Lyon, Samuel D. Halliday, Miles Van Valker burg, Henry D. Barto, P. G. Ellsworth, J. De Motte Smith, Merritt King, Samnel II. Wilcox, William Anstin, Jerome Rowe, John A. Williams, Simeon Smith, James L. Baker- The Younger Bar.

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History of Tioga, Chemung, Tompkins and Schuyler counties, New York, Part 104

Author: Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.) cn; Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Ensign Number of Pages: 1112

Author: Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.) cn; Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Ensign
Number of Pages: 1112