Landmarks of Steuben County, New York, Part 27

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 27

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).

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Williams. The deacons are Rollin P. Perry. Noble Hill, and C. W. Ecker. Trustees, George B. Bradley, William W. Adams, John H. Lang, H. C. Heermans, David S. Drake, Alfred M. Gannon, Edward Clisdell, F. D. Kingsbury, and H. P. Sinclaire, jr.

Christ church, Episcopal, and its parish, in Corning, were organized April 2, 1841, by Rev. Richard Smith. The Corning Company donated to the church a lot on West Market street, on which a chapel was built, and subsequently used until the erection of the stone edifice on the cor- ner of Walnut street and East avenue in 1854. However, the congre- gation and society at length outgrew the church home, and during the years 1893-94 the present beautiful church edifice was erected. This is without question one of the most elegant and complete church struc- tures in the southern tier, and was built at a total cost of about $75,000. The memorial windows are noticeable features of the interior, among them that privided by Mrs. Amory Houghton, jr., in memory of her father, Alanson Bigelow ; also that furnished by Marvin Olcott in mem- ory of his parents ; by William Bigelow in memory of his children ; by Charles F. and Mrs. Houghton in memory of their daughter ; together with three others in the chancel, furnished by the Chancel Guild. The rectors of Christ's church, in succession, have been as follows : Richard Smith, M. A. Nickerson, J. Field, James Eaton, G. M. Skinner, F. J. R. Lightbourn, N. Barrows, E. Z. Lewis, L. D. Ferguson, Lucius Sweet- land, William Montgomery, Joseph Hunter, E. S. Wilson, S. R. Fuller, Roy McGregor Converse, and Walter Coe Roberts, the latter the pres- ent rector, who came to the church in April, 1888. The communicat- ing members in Christ's church number 274. The wardens are John Hoare and Joseph J. Tully ; vestrymen, Q. W. Wellington, Amory Houghton, jr., Charles F. Houghton, J. B. Maltby, Thomas G. Hawkes, R. H. Canfield, Austin Lathrop. E. A. Kreger.

Methodism in Corning began as early as the years 1832, although not until 1839 was the Corning circuit formed. The first house of wor- ship was built in 1839, the second in 1860, and the third, the present large and beautiful church edifice, during the years 1893-94. It stands on the site of the old church, and cost $40,000. This church has more than 800 members, and is the oldest in Steuben county. The present pastor, Rev. Henry C. Woods, began his services here in 1891.

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St. Mary's church, Roman Catholic, of Corning, was the outgrowth of early missionary services conducted by Rev. Father Patrick Bradley about the year 1842. Seven years later a church edifice was built, but the larger church, the present edifice, was begun in 1866 and was in course of construction for several years before completion. In 1873 the bishop of the diocese purchased the old State Arsenal on the hill, which was converted into a convent for use of the Sisters in charge of the parochial school connected with St. Mary's parish. In December, 1860, Father Peter Colgan, present priest in charge, was appointed to St. Mary's.

The Baptist church of Corning was organized August 24, 1841, with twenty-four original members. The church edifice was erected in 1849 and 1850, and dedicated May 8th of the year last mentioned. The church numbers 242 active members, and is under the present pastorate of Rev. P. W. Crannell.

A Free-Will Baptist church was organized in Corning in 1865, but is not now in existence. Other and more recent organizations in the city are the Congregational, Free Methodist, and German Lutheran. The First Congregational church of the Fifth ward was formed as a society in September, 1889, with thirty-seven members, but now numbers about 200. Rev. Nathaniel E. Fuller has been the pastor since organ- ization. The Free Methodist church was organized in 1894 and built a house of worship during the same year. The German Lutheran So- ciety, also recently formed, purchased and now occupy the old church edifice of Christ church. The pastor is Rev. W. Stern.

Painted Post Lodge, No. 117, F. & A. M., was organized under dis- pensation from the Grand Lodge, in June, 1808, with John Knox, mas- ter. This lodge at one period in its history was known as No. 203, but in 1856 the number was changed to 117, which, it is understood, was the original designation. The membership numbers 196. The past masters have been as follows: John Knox, 1808-14; Joseph Gillett, 1815-17; John Knox, 1818-21; Henry Stearns, 1822; Laurin Mall- ory, 1823-25 ; Daniel E. Brown, 1826-31. No further record of the lodge is extant previous to 1846, and it is probable that there was a suspension of work during that period. The masters since 1846 were Samuel Boyer, 1846-48 ; B. P. Bailey, 1849-53 ; William A. Spencer,

Eng. by James R. Rice & Sons, Phila.

VERY REVEREND DEAN COLGAN.

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1854; J. B, Lower, 1855-57; J. H. Lansing, 1858-59; C. May Gam- man, 1860-61; John Evers, 1862-65; F. E. Spaulding, 1866-67; C. H. Thomson, 1868-69; T. S. Pritchard, 1870-71 : H. A. Balcom, 1874; W. J. Bryan, 1875-76; J. J. Tully, 1877-78 ; J. S. Earle, 1879-80; A. D. Robbins, 1881 ; C. E. Greenfield, 1882; James Hoare, 1883-84 ; A. J. Etheridge, 1885-86; W. F. Sheehan, 1887-88 ; A. J. Etheridge, 1889; G. B. Hill, 1890; W. F. Sheenan, 1891; John Comosh, jr., 1892; E. B. Seymour, 1893-94 ; W. J. Cheney, 1895.

Corning Chapter, No. 190, R. A. M., was chartered February 7, 1866, and now numbers about 125 members. The past high priests have been as follows: Charles H. Erwin, 1866; C. S. Cole, 1867-70; Ed- ward Clisdell, 1871 ; G. W. Fuller, 1872-74; J. H. Hitchcock, 1875-76; T. S. Pritchard, 1877-82; C. E. Greenfield, 1883; A. D. Robbins, 1884; J. S. Earle, 1885 ; W. A. Wicks, 1886; G. B. Hill, 1887; W. E. Van- derhof, 1888; W. F. Sheehan, 1889; T. S. Pritchard, 1890; James Hoare, 1891 ; T. S. Pritchard, 1892-93 ; John Comosh, jr., 1894-95.

Corning Council, No. 53, Royal and Select Masters, was instituted June 5, 1871. The Thrice Illustrious Masters have been as follows : H. A. Balcom, 1871-74; C. H. Thomson, 1875-77 ; A. D. Robbins, 1878-81 ; T. S. Pritchard, 1882-84; G. B. Hill, 1885-86; W.A. Wicks, 1887 ; J. S. Billington, 1888 ; C. V. Hutchins, 1889; John Comosh, jr., 1890; H. C. Austin, 1891; C. E. Greenfield, 1892; Hugh H. Ken- dall, 1893-95.

The Masonic bodies of Corning also include four Scottish Rite organ- izations, to which we may also briefly refer in the following order :

Corning Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32º, instituted September 14, 1866. Post Commanders-Charles H. Thomson, 33º, 1866-78 ; Frank D. Kingsbury, 32°, 1879-81 ; George W. Fuller, 33°, 1882-84; Truman S. Pritchard, 32º, 1885-87 ; A. D. Robbins, 32°, 1888-90; Charles E. Greenfield, 32°, 1891-93 ; Hugh H. Kendall, 33º, 1894-95.

Corning Chapter, Rose Croix, A. A. S. Rite, was instituted Septem- ber 14, 1866. The past masters have been as follows : Austin Lathrop, 32°, 1866-67 ; Frank D. Kingsbury, 32º, 1868-79; Charles H. Thom- son, 33°, 1880-82 ; Daniel F. Brown, 32º, 1883-85 ; George W. Fuller, 33°, 1886-89; Truman S. Pritchard, 32º, 1890-95.

Corning Council, Princes of Jerusalem, A. A. S Rite, was instituted

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September 14, 1866. The past M. E. Sov. P. G. M's. have been as fol- lows : George M. Smith, 32º, 1866-68 ; Robert J. Burnham, 32°, 1869- 71 ; Frank D. Kingsbury, 32°, 1872-73 ; Daniel F. Brown, 32°, 1874- 82; Charles H. Thomson, 33º, 1883-85 ; Frank D. Kingsbury, 32°, 1886-89; Hugh H. Kendall, 33º, 1890-94 ; George B. Hill, 33º, 1895. Corning Lodge of Perfection. A. A. S. Rite, was instituted Septem- ber 14, 1866. The past T. P. G. M's. have been as follows: Henry A. Balcom, 32°, 1866-79; Joseph H. Hitchcock, 32°, 1880-82 ; Ahaz D. Robbins, 32°, 1883-85 ; Daniel F. Brown, 32°, 1886-90 ; Joseph C. Moore, 33°, 1891-94 ; Egbert Shoemaker, 32º, 1895.

THE CITY OF HORNELLSVILLE -When pioneer Benjamin Crosby and his immediate followers came into the Upper Canisteo country they little thought the lands on which they settled would ever become the site of a prosperous village, and much less a thriving metropolitan city ; and it is equally doubtful if even those enterprising early settlers George Hornell, Dugald Cameron or Ira Davenport ever contemplated such a substantial growth and development as the locality enjoyed as the result of their first efforts. "Yeoman " Benjamin Crosby purchased from Solomon Bennett, " gentleman," great lot No. 8, for three hundred pounds, and George Hornell bought of John Stephens lot No. 7, for one hundred and eleven pounds, each tract containing 1,600 acres of land and lying, in part at least, within the present city limits.

However, the earlier growth of this locality was by no means rapid, but rather by steady yet sure advances did the village succeed the hamlet and the city in turn supersede the village. The first beginning in this direction was made by Judge Hornell when he built the grist mill on the site of the now called Thacher mill, followed by the erection of the tavern which he maintained as a public house. Yet we are told that when Mr. Hornell came to the place there were about seven or eight dwellings on the village site. In 1809 the turnpike road from Ithaca to Olean was opened, thus giving an impetus to local growth; and about the same time, possibly before, several flat boats and arks were built, laden with grain and other products of the region, and trans- ported to Baltimore and other available markets. This led to the con- struction of several warehouses along the river front in the hamlet. In 1815 Col. Ira Davenport came to the settlement and opened store in a

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building constructed by him for that purpose, and he has been men- tioned as the first merchant of the town, Soon afterward, in 1816, Dugald Cameron built a saw mill on the island, near the old stone quarry, just above the bridge, which locality, it is believed, became known as " Cameronia." The statement has also been made that a post-office was established here under that name with Mr. Cameron as postmaster, but much doubt exists regarding the accuracy of the name. So near as can be determined at this time the first post- office was established here soon after the completion of the turnpike, under the name of " Canisteo," and was so continued until February, 1823, and then changed to " Hor- nellsville." In confirmation of this assertion, we quote from Judge Hul- burt's description of the place in 1812, in which he says : "The settle- ments are of recent date and still retain their first local names. At Hornell's Mills, on the Canisteo, is a ferry and a road of pretty exten- sive travel ; here is located the Canisteo post office." (See Spafford's Gazetteer, ed. 1813). In a later edition the same authority says : " There are two post offices, Hornellsville, as it will soon be called, but now Can- isteo post-office, and Ark Port post-office; " also "There is a small village at Ark Port of some fifteen or twenty houses, and another at Hornellsville of about the same number, a store, a grist mill and a saw mill."

According to Deacon Thacher's reminiscences, the residents of the hamlet in 1823, were Amasa Thacher, Rufus or Bulrock Mason, Du- gald Cameron, Thomas Bennett (tavern keeper), Squire Livermore, Truman Bostwick (who kept a stage house), Ira Davenport (merchant), Andrew L. Smith (tanner), William B. Bostwick, and the Hornell prop- erty-the tavern and grist mill. At that time there were eleven houses, including the mill, on the village site. The Cameron mill was located farther north, about half a mile. Mr. Adsit's recollections are no less interesting, and he remembers the village when it contained only twenty- six houses. The first brick building was erected by Colonel Davenport in 1828, followed soon afterward by others. Mr. Adsit built a large brick building in 1841.

The period of greatest growth and prosperity in the early history of the village was that between 1820 and 1840, although it is impossible to recall the one thousand and one events that contributed to local ad-

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vancement during that time. The town authorities at this period showed a commendable zeal in helping to build up the village, and in 1832 purchased from Major Thomas Bennett two and three-fourths acres of land on the south side of Main street, for the purpose of a public square. In 1834 the town voted $100 to improve the square, and in 1836 William Bostwick was paid $11 for digging the stumps out of the same tract. This was the origin and inception of Hornellsville's present beautiful park, the most attractive spot, perhaps, within the city limits. The later improvements, the pagoda, the fountain, and tasteful arrangements of walks, together with other adornments, are due to the generosity of local government and the liberality and public spiritedness of the citizens.

The most fortunate event in all the history of Hornellsville, and that which has contributed most largely to both early and more recent pros- perity, was the construction of the Erie railroad, with its attendant shops and business departments. Rumors that a railroad was in con- templation became current in this locality soon after 1830, and within the next year or two the surveyors appeared in the valley, though the people here were in much anxiety lest the road should be actually built through the Conhocton rather than the Canisteo valley ; and it was not until the coming of the famous old " pile driver " that the inhabitants of Hornellsville were fully assured that the line through this valley had been accepted by the company. The preliminary surveys were made in 1832, and in 1833 the company was organized. The work of con- struction was begun in this vicinity in 1841, but not until the first day of September, 1850, did the first locomotive appear in the village.

The line of road then built was what is now locally termed the Sala- manca or Western division of the N. Y. L. E. & W. railroad. The At- tica and Hornellsville railroad, now known as the " Buffalo road," was incorporated May 14, 1845. Other companies were allowed to pur- chase its stock, and in April, 1851, the name was changed to Buffalo and New York City railroad. Still later, through various transfers and processes of law, this line, with the western branch, became merged in the present Erie system. The Attica and Hornellsville road was built in 1852.

It was not the mere building of a railroad through the village that

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contributed so much to its early welfare, although that consummation was an important factor in advancing local interests ; but the greatest bene- fit was derived through the establishment of a division terminus at the place and the erection of shops for purposes of construction and repairs to railroad equipment. There is now paid out monthly in Hornellsville by the Erie company an aggregate of about $60,000, three-fourths of which remains in the city ; and there are generally employed here in one capacity or another from 800 to 1,000 men, while the terminal fea- ture materially makes this place the temporary home of perhaps 200 more men.

Incidentally we may mention the fact that construction of the first railroad through the village was due largely to the persevering efforts of Judge Hawley, Rufus Tuttle, Martin Adsit, T. J. Reynolds, John K. Hale, T. J. Magee, Walter G. Rose, Charles N. Hart, and others asso- ciated with them in promoting local interests. Within the last half score of years the city has been given the advantage of still another line of railroad, from which the merchants and manufacturers of the locality are the greatest beneficiaries. We refer to the construction and opera- tion of the road built by the Rochester, Hornellsville and Lackawanna Company, now known, however, as the Central New York and West- ern. This road proper runs from this city to Hornellsville Junction, thence over the line of another company to Wayland, where it connects with the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western, thus affording direct connection with Rochester on the west, as well as important points east. The road was built and completed during the fall of 1887, and was brought about through the unselfish efforts of Judge Hakes, Benton McConnell, George N. Orcutt, Irving W. Near and Charles Adsit.

Returning again to the subject of early history, the fact may be noted that in 1832 the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal churches were organized, each of which, together with all other religious societies are more fully mentioned on later pages of this chapter. In 1833 the "little red school house " was built and stood near the site of the Tribune building. The Park School property was secured by the district in 1844, and soon afterward a school was opened there. This subject, however, will be fully treated in a later portion of this chapter.

Soon after the completion of the railroad the inhabitants began to

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discuss the subject of incorporation. In this matter Dr. John H. Lillie was a leading spirit, and as he found a local population of 1,814, when a short time before there were only 700, it was evident that the people were entitled to advance from the hamlet to the village character. James B. Finch made the necessary surveys, and on the 28th day of June, 1852, the " Village of Hornellsville " became a body corporate and politic, through the order of the court of sessions of Steuben county.

The first election of officers was held on August 30 following, at which time John H. Lillie, Thomas Snell, J. T. Wilbur, Richard Durbin and William R. McCormick were chosen trustees. The board elected Dr. Lillie president, and Horace Bemis, clerk, together with all other officers authorized by law.

" The first board of trustees," says Mr. Tuttle's article, " was enter- prising and progressive. It legislated for a turbulent element and had to build everything 'from the stump.' Sidewalks were the first enter- prise undertaken, and on September 27, a special election was held,. which voted to build walks on Main, Canisteo, Genesee, Cass, Taylor and Albion streets."

However, in the course of the next fifteen years following the first in- corporation, the growth in population and the advancement of all local business interests demanded that broader powers be accorded the munici- pal government. Therefore, recourse was had to the Legislature, and on the 9th day of April, 1867, an act was passed, entitled "An act to amend and consolidate the several acts relating to the village of Hornells- ville."

This charter fixed the village boundaries as they had previously ex- isted under the former government, and divided the territory into five wards. The officers provided under the act were a president, a trustee from each ward, police justice, three assessors, a collector, clerk, treas- urer, superintendent of streets and not more than three policemen ; the clerk, superintendent of streets and policemen to be appointed by the board, and all other officers elected by the people.

Under this charter government the affairs of the village were con- ducted for a period of about twenty years, when, in accordance with an express demand, the Legislature in 1888 passed an act incorporating

E. F. WILLETS.

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the " City of Hornellsville," thus advancing our once little hamlet to a municipality of the highest grade. Subsequent amendments have been made to the city charter. providing for contingencies and improvements not contemplated in the original act.

At the first city election held in 1888, these officers were chosen: Mayor, James B. Day ; aldermen, Patrick Broderick, Robert Carberry, George H. Dove, Edward F. Houser, E. H. Lanphear, Thomas C. McCarthy, Charles F. McGuire, Thomas Ryan, T. J. O. Thacher, Edward Tolan, Charles D. Walters, and Otto Walther; city clerk, Harris C. Sawyer ; recorder, Wm. C. Bingham; chamberlain, Wm. K. Smith ; overseer of poor, Aaron Ross ; commissioners of excise, Eda N. Alden, Frank Tanner and Wm. H. Reynolds; sealer, Nicholas Schu. Mayor Day was re-elected in 1890, and was succeeded in 1892 by Edward F. Willets, the latter being also re-elected in 1894.

The city officers for the year 1895 are as follows : Edward F. Willets, mayor; Henry L. Nash, city clerk; Winfield S. Newman, recorder ; E. L. Dolson, city attorney ; M. V. Sherwood, chamberlain; J. W. Shelley, overseer of the poor; J. M. Harding, street commissioner ; aldermen, T. H. Coleman, E. Y. Butler, First ward,; E. H. Lanphear, G. A. Waldorf, Second ward; E. Powers, John McDougall, Third ward ; John Haire, E. H. Nelson, Fourth ward ; W. E. Curtiss, G. A. Prentiss, Fifth ward ; Charles Conderman, Frank A. Jones, Sixth . ward ; supervisors, George B. Elwell, Alfred E. Bowen and Charles J. Clark ; justices of the peace, Frank Kelly, Lewis H. Clark and Frank J. Nelson ; assessors, David Wellever, Wm. B. Van Dusen, Hiram H. Carney.

The Police Commission was established under the charter and is one of the efficient departments of government. The present commissioners are Morris Smith, president; and G. H. Dore, Matthew Dewey and D. E. Fleming. Chief of police, Michael Hickey ; captain, Edward B. Shepard.

The city Fire Department was first organized on September 25, 1852, under the village government. Charles McIlvaney was chief en- gineer, E. J. Richardson and Charles Strawn, assistants. From this primitive organization the present department has grown and developed, and at this time is better equipped and trained than ever before in its

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history. This branch of city government was placed on secure basis by the act of incorporation, passed April 29, 1875. The present de- partment consists of Maple City, Emerald, Prindle, and Erie Hose companies, each well housed and equipped ; also Babcock Hook and Ladder Company, who operate the "truck," and one good Silsby steamer. The latter, however, is not frequently called into service, as the excellent water supply system of the city affords all needed pressure for both fire and domestic purposes. The officers of the fire depart- ment are Frank L. Howard, chief engineer ; John J. Baker, first assist- ant ; and Henry Lundrigan, second assistant; F. A. Jones, secretary.

The Sewer commission was created by special act of the Legislature, for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a complete system of sewers for the city. The commissioners are J. B. Kennelly, president ; G. P. Rishel, secretary ; and F. G Babcock, W. A. Stephens, S. E. Brown and F. T. McConnell.

The Park commission was also constituted by special act of the legislature, and the electors voted for the park scheme on May 6, 1891. The first commissioners, F. G. Babcock, F. D. Sherwood, Patrick Enright, R. K. Faulkner, Benton McConnell, and Charles Adsit, purchased the Jones Driving Park property, some twenty-one acres, and subsequently added to its area by other purchases. This property is located on Seneca street, and is leased to the Farmers' Club. The present park commissioners are C. Cadogan, president ; J. W. Nichol- son, secretary ; E. S. Brown, P. Enright, M. E. Page and J. O. Adsit.

The city excise commissioners, provided by statute, are W. H. Pran- gen, president ; H. R. Wagner, secretary, and P. Houck, treasurer.

The City Hall was built in 1877, on Broad street, and here all the business of the municipality is transacted. Hornellsville is bonded to the extent of $162,500, of which $100,000 is for sewers, $12,500 for pavements, and $50,000 for the park. The first pavement was laid in 1893.

St. James Mercy Hospital receives annually from the city excise funds the sum of one thousand dollars. This mention naturally leads us to refer at some length to this most praiseworthy institution, its origi- nator and founder, and the persons connected with its management.

The Rev. Father James M. Early was appointed to the pastorate of

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St. Ann's church and parish in November, 1879, and from that time until his death was one of the most earnest and unselfish Christian workers in this field. Soon after his pastorate began Father Early often expressed a desire to establish a hospital in Hornellsville, and in his will made generous provision for that purpose. However, during the month of February, 1890, through the assistance of F. G. Babcock, Father Early purchased the once known Van Scoter property, on Can- isteo street, south, for which he paid $5,000 cash. The necessary im- provements and modifications were at once made to the building, and soon afterward the property was deeded to a board of trustees, consti- tuted and incorporated for that purpose, under the name of trustees of St. James' Mercy Hospital. According to the provision made by the founder, the board shall be composed of, ex officio, the bishop of this diocese of the Roman Catholic church, the rector of St. Ann's parish, two Sisters of Mercy, and the mayor of the city ; also four citizens of Hornellsville. The first trustees were designated by Father Early, and comprised the ex officio members and Harlo Hakes, Joseph Cameron, James M. Welsh, and Dr. J. G. Kelly. The trustees organized on March 3, 1890, and elected Judge Hakes, president; Sister Dolores, vice-president ; Joseph Cameron, secretary, and Mr. Welsh, treasurer. These officers, except the vice- president, have been continued in their respective positions to the present time. The first matron was Sister Mary Catherine ; the present matron is Sister Angela.

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Landmarks of Steuben County, New York, Part 27

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