Landmarks of Steuben County, New York, Part 26

Author: Hakes, Harlo, 1823- ed; Aldrich, Lewis Cass. cn
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 1180

USA > New York > Steuben County > Landmarks of Steuben County, New York > Part 26

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In the same year in which the first village officers were elected the Erie Railroad was completed to Corning and opened for traffic This was by far the greatest acquisition in local interests and contributed largely to early prosperity. Within another year or two the road was completed to Hornellsville and points farther west, thus giving the vil- lage a trunk line of railroad with all its accompanying advantages. In 1852 the Rochester branch was also opened, and the products of both Canisteo and Conhocton valleys poured into the village on their way to Eastern markets. The Chemung Canal was in full and successful operation at the same time. In less than another quarter of a century the Syracuse, Geneva & Corning Road was ready for business, afford- ing ready connection with the New York Central Road and also points in New England. In view of these things it is not surprising that Corn- ing was a business center of much importance previous to the outbreak of the late war, and when peace was restored renewed activity added still other interests to the village. In 1868 the now celebrated glass works were removed from Brooklyn to Corning, bringing to the village at least one hundred experienced workmen, many of them having fam- ilies. One industry led to another, each succeeding family increased the importance of the municipality, and we find as early as 1888 popu- lation and volume of business sufficient to warrant a city charter, with all its attendant prestige and advantage. Of this the people began to speak at least two years before the act in fact passed the Legislature, and among the more prominent factors in bringing about the desired

WILLIAM W. ADAMS.

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result were F. D. Kingsbury, Franklin N. Drake, Amory Houghton, jr., Harry C. Heermans, John Hoare, sen., E. D. Willis, F. R. Brown, Stephen T. Hayt, George W. Pratt, Q. W. Wellington, Dwight A. Ful- ler, George B. Bradley and others. The bill creating the city became a law and received the executive sanction on the 20th of March, 1890. Within the city limits were about 1,800 acres of land.

The first election of city officers was held April 2, 1890, with result as follows: William E. Gorton, mayor ; D. F. Browne, recorder; L. B. Robinson, chamberlain ; Thomas O'Brien, overseer of the poor ; George Hitchcock and Thomas Hiffernan, justices of the peace ; William A. Foster, Peter Griffin and S. C. Robertson, supervisors. Aldermen : John Peart and William Hunt, First Ward ; John W. Fedder and Will- iam T. Brady, Second Ward; E. Clisdell and William T. Rubright, Third Ward ; John Cogan and James McMahon, Fifth Ward; George Clark and Albert Pritchard, Fifth Ward.

Mayor Gorton found the work of organizing the several departments of city government to be a rather arduous undertaking, yet he applied himself industriously to the duties of his office, and within a very short time all branches were working smoothly and well. Doctor Gorton's term of office covered two years, and his administration of affairs proved very acceptable to the people.

In 1892 Benjamin W. Wellington was elected mayor, and showed himself to be an entirely capable and efficient public officer. His was the first Republican term in the mayoralty, the change contemplating several new appointments, yet all were satisfactory and worthy. Under Mayor Wellington the new city hall was built, in 1893, at an expense of nearly $40,000.

The present mayor, William W. Adams, was elected in the spring of 1894, and although a new man in public office, his administration has been clean, careful and conservative, with an aim to promote the wel- fare of the city rather than for personal advantage.

In all departments of city government Corning has been fortunate in the selection of officers, and to-day ranks among the best and most liberally conducted municipalities of the State. To a great extent poli- tics is subordinate to the public good, the heads of departments and commissioners being chosen with reference to fitness rather than party

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affiliation. The popular plan of delegating the control of the several arms of city government to constituted commissions has shown bene- ficial results in the aptly called "Crystal City." However, let us here note the names of present officials connected with local government, and then refer briefly to some of the more important branches which have made for our city its excellent standing.

Mayor, William W. Adams; city clerk, William L. McGeorge ; cham - berlain, John Greentrup; city attorney, E. D. Mills; street commis- sioner, Rufus C. Palmer ; city engineer, Harry C. Heermans; recorder, W. J. Tully ; acting recorder, George Hitchcock; chief of police, James Ryan; captain of police, John Brennan. Aldermen: C. H. Lovell, George Walsh, First Ward; Dr. H. A. Argue, C. H. Duerlin, Second Ward ; Valentine Rettig, W. J. Cheney, Third Ward ; Peter Farrell, T. F. Reilly, Fourth Ward ; Dr. G. W. Lane, A. A. King, Fifth Ward. Assessors, S. B. Nichols, N. D. Rowley, P. D. Haradon ; justices, George Hitchcock, B. F. Marriott ; overseer of the poor, James Peart.

Police commissioners-James A. Drake, Henry Beck, Edward P. Graves, C. G. Cole.

Sewer commissioners-F. D. Kingsbury, president; H. P. Sinclair, secretary ; Q. W. Wellington, treasurer; Samuel T. Hayt and Thomas Dwyer.

Excise Commissioners-W. T. Brady, Joseph F. Moore, Charles W. Hayt, W. J. Tully.

Board of Health-C. A. Rubright, E. W. Bryan, M. D., John B. Dailey, H. M. Bourne, Charles W. Fassett, J. L. Miller. W. S. Cobb, health officer and clerk of the board.

Fire Department Companies-Alliance Hook and Ladder Co , No. 1 ; Pritchard Hose Co., No. 1 ; Crystal City Hose Co., No. 2; Independ- ent Hose Co., No. 3; Corning Protectives, No. 4; Magee Hose Co., No. 5.

The educational branch of city government in Corning is one in which every loyal citizen feels a just pride, and for the maintenance and sup- port of the public schools the local authorities make generous provision. In this action the board of education has ever received the approval of the taxpayers, as the appropriations are worthily applied, and there is no evidence whatever of prodigality. The present admirable school

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system is the outgrowth of a beginning made as early as the year 1839, when a public meeting was held at the house of S. B. Denton, at which time Judge Johnson, William L. Waller and Charles Clark were chosen trustees of old district No. 14, of the then town of Painted Post. A school house was thus provided, in fact two of them, but in later years a consolidation of school interests was effected. On April 13, 1859, a special act of Legislature constituted a board of education in district No. 9, which, of course, was the village school district. At that time the free school system was put in operation, although the academy build- ing was not completed and occupied until September 1, 1873. This structure, known as the Corning Academy, or High School, needs no extended description in this place ; it stands to-day a monument to the generosity of an intelligent public. The building has been repaired and enlarged as occasion has required, and within the last year nearly $30,000 has been expended in enlargements and sanitary improvements.

In district No. 9 are three good schools, one of which is the academy just mentioned. When the city was created it included within its lim- its district No. 13, town of Corning, or at least so much of that district as comprises the present Fifth Ward. This was formerly Knoxville, and by the acquisition Corning gained another excellent school. However, this district is separately supported, receiving no support from the city other than from its own territory. Its affairs are controlled by a sepa- rate board of education and at the expense of the district known as No. 13.

The personnel of the board of education in district No. 9 is as follows : Amory Houghton, jr., George R. Brown, Edward Clisdell, O. P. Robin- son, David S. Drake and William E. Gorton. Officers of the board : Amory Houghton, jr., president; George Hitchcock, secretary ; Q. W. Wellington, treasurer. Superintendent of schools, Leigh R. Hunt.

The board of education in district No. 13 comprises Luman S. Con- over, Dr. George W. Lane, Charles Billinghurst, Frank H. Viele, Will- iam A. Pierce, John McBurney and T. H. Cole, jr.

Corning is abundantly supplied with pure and wholesome water for domestic and public purposes. The system was established in 1871 and '72, at an expense of about $25,000, but for some reason it was a con- stant source of expense instead of profit to the village. Further im-

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provements entailed additional outlays of money until the public had invested nearly $40,000 in the plant, and yet the concern was con- tinually a source of expense. In order to be relieved of this burden the trustees offered to lease the works, but without success for some time, and not until young Harry Heermans, law student, determined to establish it on a paying basis. He associated with T. L. Lawrence, and the two leased the plant and system for thirty years, beginning Janu- ary 1, 1877. Their capltal consisted chiefly of energy and good judg- ment, and within three years the works were on a self-sustaining basis. Soon afterward a profit was realized, and to-day, notwithstanding the large outlays for extensions and maintenance, the firm are lessees of one of the best enterprises in Steuben county. The city is well supplied with excellent water from a large reservoir on the hill on the south side, while connected with the system is a pumping station of equal utility. From 500,000 to 800,000 gallons of water are pumped daily, and the number of taps is about 800.

The Corning Gas Company was incorporated August 1, 1862, to furnish the village with gas for illuminating purposes. This is an im- portant adjunct of municipal welfare although electric lighting has in a measure displaced gas. The officers of the company are C. S. Cole, president ; F. D. Kingsbury, treasurer and general manager ; E. B. Seymour, secretary. Superintendent, W. H. Christie.

As a manufacturing and mercantile city, Corning ranks exceedingly well among the industrial centers of the State. This fortunate con- dition of affairs is largely due to the railroad facilities, by which the local product is easily and quickly shipped to markets in any direction. Indeed our enterprising city has two recognized trunk lines of railroad -the Erie and the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, while the Fall Brook system is so complete and important to local interests as to be of equal value with the lines mentioned. In addition the Fall Brook Company have here their central offices for business management, while their construction and repair shops furnish employment to hun- dreds of workingmen.

One of the most important industries of Southern New York is the Corning Glass Works, which, with its allied interests, furnishes em- ployment to about 1,000 persons, and also, through its pay rolls,

HARRY C. HEERMANS.

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provides the means of subsistence to at least 3,000 more. In Corning these works were established by the removal of the Brooklyn Flint Glass Works in the year 1868, being induced to such course through the representation of Elias Hungerford that coal, rents and employees could be procured in this village at less expense than in the former location. At that time the company comprised Amory Houghton, sr., Josiah Oakes, George P. Bradford and Amory Houghton, jr. As an inducement to the removal, the village, through individuals, took $50,- 000 of stock, while the company took $75,000, and also brought to Corning 100 regular and skilled employees. A reorganization was effected at the time of the removal and the concern became known as the Corning Flint Glass Company. For three years at least the com- pany did business at a heavy loss, finding the Cumberland coal not suited to their purposes, and being brought into direct competition with the large Pittsburg factories; and in 1871 it became necessary to dispose of the local plant, which was purchased by Nathan Cushing, of Boston, and placed in charge of Amory Houghton, jr., as manager. With an exceedingly doubtful future before him, Mr. Houghton began. the operation of the works, on borrowed capital, running economically, devising and introducing specialties, endeavoring in every way to place the works on a paying basis. Subsequent results showed the wisdom of his policy, for the end of the year showed a small profit. In 1872 Mr. Houghton purchased the works and became the sole proprietor. Three years later, in 1875, the "Corning Glass Works" was incorporated with a capital of $50,000, Amory Houghton, jr., president and treas- urer; Charles F. Houghton, vice president, and Henry P. Sinclair, sec- retary. From the time of the purchase in 1872, under the new man- agement, this enterprise has been successful from every point of view, and is now regarded as the leading industry of Corning and one of the most noted in the State of New York. As originally established in 1868, the works covered two acres of ground, and employed about 150 men, boys and girls; as now constituted the works cover six acres, and employ regularly about 400 persons, and occasionally as many more. Connected with this splendid industry are the cutting shops, although under different ownership and management, but taking the raw product from the glass works and finishing it so beautifully that Corning is known throughout the land as the "Crystal City."

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The well known glass cutting firm of J. Hoare & Co., whose wares are sold throughout the United States, and in many foreign countries as well, was the outgrowth of a business established in Corning in 1868, by John Hoare, he coming to the village with the Brooklyn Flint Glass works. Mr. Hoare began in a small way and increased the capacity of his shops as rapidly as the demand for his products increased, and it is a fact well known that the output from the Hoare works is among the best in the world, while the proprietor himself was the pioneer manufac- turer of rich cut glass in this country ; and he was the first man who ever turned glass in a lathe, and also the first who ever made glass for store window sashes. At the noted exhibitions of fine goods at Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore, Mr. Hoare was awarded the first prize in each case, and generously turned over the exhibit to his principal cus- tomer in each city. At the Columbian Exposition he was awarded four medals for superiority, in design, finish and general beauty. The works of J. Hoare & Co. are an important industry in Corning and furnish employment for about 250 persons.

In 1890 T. G. Hawkes & Co. was incorporated for the purpose of carrying on a general business in cutting and selling fine glassware. However, since 1880 the name of T. G. Hawkes has been known in local manufacturing circles, and during the period from that until the present, the product of the Hawkes factory have found their way into almost every civilized country where fine cut glass is appreciated and used. Previous to 1880 Mr. Hawkes was an employe of John Hoare, but in the year mentioned began business for himself in Corning, in a small way at first, but enlarging the capacity of his shops as demand for for his product has increased ; and in the short space of fifteen years he has built up a business that requires the employment of 245 workmen. As evidence of the superior excellence of his goods, we may state that at the Paris Exposition, in 1889, the Hawkes exhibit was awarded the grand prize in open competition against the entire world. Nearly all the articles comprising that exhibit were eagerly sought and taken by the nobility of Europe.

Among the other substantial manufacturing industries of this pro- gressive city we may mention the Corning Brick and Terra Cotta Works, which, in its special product is a noted concern in the country,

STEPHEN T. HAYT.

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and one of great importance in local circles, employing many persons in its various departments. The officers of the company are C. A. Rubright, president ; H. O. Dorman, vice-president ; C. W. Rubright, general manager, and Morris E. Gregory, secretary.

The Southern Tier Mills are also worthy of special mention, and were built in 1868 by Hayt & Olcott, the firm being succeeded by Mr. Hayt in 1869. The buildings were burned in 1879, and immediately rebuilt, with brick, far more substantial than the old building, and equipped with modern machinery for the manufacture of flour. The present capacity of the mills is 200 barrels of flour per day.

The Preston and Heermans foundry and machine shops were estab- lished in 1867.

The Corning Iron Works were founded in 1889 by William E. Gor- ton and manufactures all kinds of cast iron work and railway specialties. The officers of the company are William E. Gorton, president, and E. D. Mills, secretary and treasurer. The company was incorporated in 1893; capital $100,000. The Corning Lumber Company is another substantial business enterprise of the city, officered as follows: Glode Requa, president ; George W. Foster, secretary ; W. H. Clark, treas- urer. The Corning Manufacturing Company are builders of the popu-

lar "Victor Warm Air Furnace." The officers are E. P. Graves, presi- dent; V. Haischer, secretary, and E. R. Stasch, superintendent. The Corning Stone Company, whose extensive works are southwest of the city, was organized many years ago, and is therefore one of the old in- dustries of the locality. They produce fine building and dimension stone. The officers are Jared Pratt, president ; E. C. English, secretary and treasurer. The Corning Stove Company manufactures the well known Garnet stoves and ranges, do a large business and employ many workmen. The officers are George W. Drake, president; L. D. Streeter, vice president; L. H. Drake, treasurer. The Hood Furnace and Supply Company, manufacturers of hot air furnaces, is another staple industry of the city. Its officers are C. S. Hood, president; W. A. Adams, vice-president, and James C. Hood, secretary.

In addition to the industries thus specialiy mentioned are many others of less magnitude, yet all combine to promote local growth. In mer- cantile pursuits all branches appear to be well represented, with compe-

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tition in each line of trade sufficient to prevent monopoly. The stores, blocks, and public buildings of Corning surpass those of any other municipality in the county, and the number of commercial men who daily register at the principal hotels indicate a heavy volume of trade in retail as well as wholesale houses. Much of this prosperous condition is due to the energetic efforts of the Board of Trade, which comprises a number of the best and most liberal men of the city. The board is a large body in point of membership, and its object is to promote the growth and welfare of the city in every direction. The officers are Stephen T. Hayt, president; Quincy W. Wellington, vice-president ; William Walker, treasurer; John L. Lewis, secretary; and Q. W. Wellington, Amory Houghton, jr., S. T. Hayt, George J. Magee, Austin Lathrop, T. S. Pritchard, George W. Pratt, George Hitchcock, John Hoare, Thomas G. Hawkes, William Walker, John Peart and Justin M. Smith, trustees.

The city is well supplied with hotels, in fact appears to have more public houses than the demand requires. The traveling patronage is distributed among the three principal houses, the Dickinson, the St. James, and the Wellington, the first mentioned being the largest and best equipped.

The history of Corning's banks, past and present, may be briefly stated. The old Bank of Corning, the pioneer of the financial institu- tions of the village and city, was organized and began business June 10, 1839, being then founded and supported chiefly by the Corning Com- pany. Its career covered a period of about twenty years, with varied successes and reverses, yet useful on the whole. It went into liquida- tion about 1856, and its currency was redeemed by stockholders, who also paid the depositors. Next came the George Washington Bank, organized under the State law by J. N. Hungerford and George W. Patterson, with $50,000 capital. This bank first began business in Concert block, and later on built and occupied the present First National Bank. The life of the George Washington Bank was comparatively brief. Mr. Hungerford withdrew from the concern in 1859, and organ- ized what was known as the "J. N. Hungerford Bank," which he continued until his death. His executor, Mr. Hadden, took the assets and un- dertook to pay the creditors, but his tragic death only served to further

Quincy, WoWellington

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complicate the affairs of the bank, and it finally passed out of existence in 1883, and was soon forgotten. The Corning Savings Bank was organized by Cole & Thompson about 1856 or '57, and did business about five years.

The banking house of Q. W. Wellington & Co., known throughout the entire State as an entirely safe and reliable private bank, was organ- ized under the laws of New York, on the Ist of September, 1862, and issued currency until the arbitrary provisions of subsequent legislative enactments necessitated redemption and retirement of its bills. The members of the original firm were Quincy W. Wellington and Samuel Russell, jr. After four years Mr. Russell withdrew, and Mr. Welling- ton operated the bank as sole owner until 1884 when his son, Benjamin W. Wellington, acquired an interest and became partner. However, the old firm style of Q. W. Wellington & Co. has ever been the desig- nation of the bank's management, and its standing in financial circles is too well understood to require any comment in this chapter. Glancing over the last report of the condition of business in the bank, we notice a surplus of nearly $105,000; undivided profits, $38,000, and an aggre- gate of deposits, $690,000. Of a truth this bank needs no further com- ment at the hands of the present writer.

The First Nantional Bank of Corning was organized in May, 1882, by the late Franklin N. Drake, assisted by Judge Bradley, C. C. B. Walker and others. However, Mr. Drake was the leading spirit of the enterprise, a large stockholder, and held the office of president from the organization until the time of his death, December 28, 1892. He was then succeeded by his son, James A. Drake, the present chief officer of the institution, and at the same time Judge Bradley was elected vice- president. The first board of directors comprised F. N. Drake, O. W. Bump, George B. Bradley, Edwin C. Cook, James A. Drake and C. C. B. Walker. The original capital was $50,000, later on increased to $100,000, but subsequently reduced to the amount first mentioned. The first cashier was O. W. Bump, who was succeeded by James A. Drake, and on the election of the latter to the presidency, D. S. Drake was appointed in his place. This bank is an entirely safe, successful and well managed institution, enjoying the confidence of business men throughout the region. Its accumulated surplus amounts to $75,000.

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The present directors are James A. Drake, George B. Bradley, D. S. Drake, C. M. Hyde, C. E. Drake and G. W. Bump.

By an act of the State Legislature, passed July 19, 1853, the village of Corning was designated as the seat of justice for the second jury dis- trict of Steuben county. This was a fortunate event in the early history of the place and one which contributed much to local growth and im- portance. The court-house was built during the years 1853-4, at an expense of $14,000. It stands on a commanding elevation of land just outside the business center, and is a comfortable structure though now quite old and hardly in keeping with the beautiful dwelling properties in the vicinity. However, the supervisors of the county have authorized an appropriation of $10,000 for a new court-house in the district, to which the city will undoubtedly add a considerable amount for the same purpose,

The First Presbyterian church of Corning, as now designated, was originally organized as the Presbyterian church of Painted Post, and lo- cated at Knoxville. The society was formed in 1810, but not until 1832 was a church home provided. A second edifice was erected in Corning village in 1842, and in 1843 the name was changed to First Presbyterian church of- Corning, and incorporated as such. The pres- ent substantial church edifice was built in 1867. A second Presbyte- rian church was organized in Corning in 1845, by withdrawing mem- bers from the mother society. The only pastor of the new church was Rev. Horatio Pettingill, D.D. The offshoot united with the parent church in 1849. The succession of pastors of this church has been as follows : Clement Hickman, 1812-16; Thomas Lounsbury, 1821-23 ; Mr. Gilbert, 1823-25 ; Reuben Sanborn, 1826-27 ; David Harrower, 1827-29; David Higgins, D.D., 1829-31 ; John Barton, 1832-35 ; John Smith, 1835-38; F. W. Graves, 1838; Samuel M. Hopkins, D.D., 1840- 42 ; Joshua B. Graves, 1842-47 ; Job Pierson, 1847-49; A. L. Brooks, 1848-51 ; R. E. Wilson, 1851-55 ; Darwin Chichester, 1856-59 ; Will- iam A. Niles, D.D., 1858-72 ; Anson G. Chester, 1872-75 ; M. L. P. Hill, 1875-82 ; John S. Bacon, acting pastor from 1882 to 1893. Rev. Dr. Alfred J. Hutton, the present pastor, was installed in February, 1895. This church has 300 members. Its elders are Uriah D. Hood, Cyrus S. Hood, Charles E. Benedict, Edward Clisdell, and Francis A.

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Landmarks of Steuben County, New York, Part 26

Author: Hakes, Harlo, 1823- ed; Aldrich, Lewis Cass. cn Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co. Number of Pages: 1180

Author: Hakes, Harlo, 1823- ed; Aldrich, Lewis Cass. cn
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 1180