USA > New York > Steuben County > Landmarks of Steuben County, New York > Part 29
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The Hornell Gas Company have about six miles of street mains in the city. Its capital stock is $40,000. The officers are Mrs. Jane A. McDougall, president ; John McDougall, secretary, and F. G. Babcock, jr., treasurer.
The American Illuminating Company was organized in 1886; capi- tal, $78,000. Officers : J. M. Finch, president ; J. E. R. Santee, treas- urer ; L. T. Mason, secretary and manager.
The manufacturing and mercantile interests of this city are measur- ably proportionate to its population and other adjuncts of the munici- pality. The statement has frequently been made that in manufactures Hornellsville is somewhat behind other similar cities, yet in the light of years of travel and observation, the writer is inclined to the belief that this city compares favorably with others of its population throughout the region, and, coupled with the vast railroad interests found here, ever in operation, stands in advance of many in the southern tier Among the important industries of the day may be mentioned the McConnell Company, whose extensive wood working establishment employs 200 workmen. This was the outgrowth of an older business started many years ago by Morris Smith, and purchased by Asa McConnell and Ben- ton McConnell in 1868. After several changes in proprietorship the company was incorporated, and now, under the name above noted is the largest manufacturing enterprise of the city and one of the largest and best of its kind in the country. Benton McConnell is president ; Floyd T. McConnell, general manager; Claude Hallett, secretary, and Claude Jones, treasurer.
J. M. Deutsch & Co. are manufacturers of furniture, and in connec- tion with their works is also the Woodward Fence Wire Co., which to- gether form an extensive plant and furnish employment to forty or fifty men. Mr. Deutsch began business here in 1866 as one of the firm of Deutsch & Tschachtli, and in 1871 occupied the Barclay factory build- ing of still older date.
The O'Connor tannery was established in 1865 by William O'Connor,
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and since that time has been in successsul operation, and now employs about fifty men. The firm now consists of Mr. O'Connor and his son, George W. O'Connor.
The well known Thacher Mills on Main street occupy the site where Judge Hornell started his primitive mill previous to 1800. The present mill was built by the late Judge Thacher and is now owned by J. T. O. Thacher, though leased by G. W. Morris.
William Richardson's large boot and shoe factory is also one of the old industries of the place and was established in 1871. Here nearly 175 employees are furnished with work.
The Hollow Cable Manufacturing Co. began operations in 1873, and from that to the present time have been recognized as one of the leading business houses of the city. The company was organized in 1888 with Othaniel Preston, sr., as president, Henry C. Preston, treasurer, and Othaniel Preston, jr., secretary. Since the death of O. Preston, sr., (March 27, 1893) the business has been conducted by the sons men- tioned. They employ about twenty-five men.
The St. Julian Gear Co. was established in 1880, by Charles O. Rose for the manufacture of wagons and carriages. Here about thirty men are employed.
A. T. Prindle & Son is a firm of tanners and the outgrowth of a business founded in this city in 1861 by A. T. & M. Prindle. The present firm employs about thirty men.
In the same connection we may also note the Underwear Manufac- turing Co .; commonly known as the White Goods factory, at the corner of Canisteo and Loder streets, which was established July 1, 1888. At full capacity this factory employs one hundred hands, chiefly women and girls. The members of the firm are F. D. Sherwood, George D. Terry and W. F. Sherwood. The firm succeeded the company in 1891.
The Rockland Silk Mills were started in 1887 by Edwin S. Brown who came to Hornellsville from Paterson, N. J. The present factory was built in 1894. Here are employed in all departments 1 10 persons, two-thirds of whom are young women. The product of these mills is " organzine " and " tram," or warp and filling.
In 1889 John O. Adsit established in the city a large general machine shop and foundry. This he conducted till about January 1, 1895, when
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Daniel H. Rogers succeeded. Here are employed about twenty work- men.
The Truss and Cable Fence Wire Co. was established in 1889, for the manufacture of fence wire, the patent of Dr. Lee Rishel. In the works are now employed about twelve men. The present proprietors are Charles O. Rose and George P. Rishel.
The Merrill Fabric Glove Company, for the manufacture of silk gloves and mitts, was established during the winter of 1890-91, and is among the leading industries of the city. Employment is furnished here for about one hundred men.
The Preston Brick Company was organized in 1890 by Othaniel Pres- ton and his sons for the manufacture of brick from the shale rock found in this vicinity. This firm furnishes employment to twenty-five men.
It is estimated that the city of Hornellsville has a total of about 250 merchants and persons otherwise interested in such mercantile pursuits as are incident to every well ordered municipality ; and while every branch of trade is well represented, neither public or private interests appear to have suffered through over-competition. In mercantile cir- cles the business men of this city are honorably regarded. Statistics prove that at least ninety per cent. of merchants fail at some time during their busines career, and while such disasters are not unknown in Horn- ellsville, it may be said that the general average of failures have not been increased by the experiences of local merchants.
The city possesses the necessary elements of prosperity in almost every direction. It has a fine opera house, and several large halls for public assemblages. In the matter of hotels, too, the city is fortunate, having at least three public houses that are regarded as first class. These are the Osborne House, named for its original founder, though burned and rebuilt in 1874. It was the property of W. C. Brainerd, of Buffalo. The Page House, owned by Esek Page and sons, was built about 1871 or '72, on the site of the still older Hornellsville Hotel. The name Page House was adopted in 1887. The Sherwood House was formerly the Schu House, though now greatly enlarged and im- proved. It is owned by F. D. Sherwood and George N. Orcutt.
The street railroad system of the city is worthy of special mention. The now known Hornellsvillc Electric Railroad was begun in May,
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1892, and the city branch was in operation on August 5th following, with five motor cars. The Canisteo division was begun on October 23, 1892, and finished on December 30th thereafter. The equipment now consists of eight motors and five trailers. Power is furnished by the American Illuminating Company. The railroad company employs twenty-five men.
Evening Star Lodge, No. 44, F. & A. M., was chartered June II, 1816, although the history of the Masonic fraternity in this city ante- dates that time. Informal meetings were held and as early as January, 1814, and there may have been some work done here under dispensa- tion. So near as can be ascertained the first officers were Andrew Simpson, W. M .; Timothy Perry, S. W., and John Stephens, J. W. Among the other early members were James Jones, Nathaniel Thacher and William Mulhollen, while visiting brethren were Andrew Morris, Uriah Stephens, William Hyde, Samuel O. Thacher, Elias Perry, Sam- uel Lenox and Samuel Darby. The lodge, it appears, was originally an institution of Canisteo proper, and first came to Upper Canisteo in 1817. Notwithstanding its vicissitudes, which have also been a part of the record of all pioneer Masonic societies, this lodge has been an endur- ing institution, its aggregate enrollment numbering several hundred members. The present number is about 125. The past masters have been H. E. Buvinger, W. L. Collins, G. H. Dore, W. W. Howell, J Mounce, W. H. Sims, A. M. Lewis, C. E. Evans, jr., H. D. Leach, John Mc- Dougall. Present officers, H. T. Harris, W. M., I. S. Lanning, S. W., W. U. Rixford, J. W., H. H. Carney, treasurer, W. H. Sims, secretary, O. S. Palmer, chaplain, Joseph Mounce, S. D., Gee Becker, J. D., M. Hill, S. M. C., G. B. Daley, J. M. C., F. Donahue, tiler.
Hornellsville Lodge, No. 331, F. and A. M., was chartered June 24, 1854, and throughout the period of its history has enjoyed a constant and healthful growth. It has now nearly 225 members. The past masters have been E. G. Gilbert, H. P. Johnson, Robert Laughlin, J. I. Bentley, P. C. Hufstader, L. S. Boardman, George W. Griswold, S. Os- soski, P. M. Nast, jr., Don L. Sharp, F. A. Jones, William S. Charles, Avery McDougall. The officers for 1895 are : Joseph Schaul, W. M .; Samuel Erlich, S. W .; O. E. Elwell. J. W .; S. Ossoski, Treasurer ; Don L. Sharp, Secretary; L. W. Rockwell, S. D .; William H. Prangen,
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J. W .; O. W. Pratt, S. M. C .; G. I. Blackmer, J. I. C .; W. E. Waldorf, Organist ; F. Donahue, Tiler.
Steuben Chapter, No. 101, R. A. M., was chartered February 23, 1825, and has since had an active organization in the city. Its members now number 141 Masons. The past high priests are : Morrison Harding, H. E. Buvinger, H. P. Johnson, G. W. Griswold, L. S. Board- man, H. O. Fay, D. L. Sharp, P. C. Hufstader, P. M. Nast, jr., S. Os- soski, W. H. Sims, F. A. Jones and S. Lang. The present officers are : W. H. Prangen, H. P .; C. E. Evans, jr., K .; John McDougall, S .; John I. Bentley, Treasurer ; O. W. Pratt, Secretary; W. H. Van Dusen, Chaplain.
Hornellsville Council, No. 35, R. and S. M., was chartered February I, 1870. The present membership is 72. The officers are W. H. Sims, T. Ill. M .; O. E. Ellwell, Dep. T. Ill. M .; I. S. Lanning, P. C. of Work ; W. E. Waldorf, Recorder ; W. H. Prangen, Treasurer; J. S. Norton, Captain of Guard ; J. I. Bentley, Con. of Council; W. H. Van Dusen, Chaplain.
De Molay Commandery, No. 22, K. T., is another of the higher Masonic organizations of the city, and in membership is one of the strongest, the number now being 150. The past eminent commanders have been H. E. Buvinger, A. H. Bunnell, W. L. Collins, H. D. Leach, G. W. Griswold, W. H. Prangen, J. I. Bentley, S. F. Smith, F. H. Robinson, George T. Rehn, Louis S. Boardman. The present officers are : F. A. Jones, E. C .; W. H. Sims, Gen'l'o; Avery McDougall, Capt. Gen .; J. I. Bentley, Ex-Prelate; G. A. Waldorf, Treasurer ; W. E. Waldorf, Recorder; F. A. Jones, Trustee.
The other Masonic organizations having an abiding place in the city are Hornell Consistory, No. 40, S. P. R. S., 32º, attached to which are Rose Croix Chapter, 17-18°; the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, 15-16°, and Lodge of Perfection, 4-14º. The Masonic Hall Associa- tion was incorporated in 1869, and is designed to care for the property and interests of the order in general in the city.
Odd Fellowship in the city is well represented in four substantial organizations, being Oasis Lodge, No. 251, Steuben County Lodge, No. 331, Canacadea Encampment, No. 117, I. O. O. F., and Canton Loyal, No. 153, P. M.
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The principal officers of Oasis Lodge are: W. J. Hallett, N. G .; Alfred Webb, V. G .; W. W. White, permanent secretary. This lodge has 150 member.
Steuben County Lodge has a membership of 190, and is officered as follows : N. G., R. H. Foster ; V. G., A. L. Shannon ; recording sec- retary, A. L. Harrison ; permanent secretary, W. A. Tracy ; treasurer, F. J. Hutchinson.
Canacadea Encampment has about eighty members, and is governed by these officers : C P., F. J. Abbott ; H. P., A. M. Webb ; S. W., A. Seal; J. W., G. F. Avery ; scribe, R. H. Foster; permanent scribe, H. S. Pettibone ; treasurer, G. G. Wafer.
Canton Loyal, P. M. No. 43, has thirty-five members. Its present officers are : Captain, W. H. Owm ; lieutenant, G. G. Walzer; en- sign, W. F. Simms ; clerk, R. H. Foster ; accountant, J. M. Peterson.
CHAPTER XVIII.
CITIES, VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
THE VILLAGE OF ADDISON .- In the south part of the town of Addison, at the confluence of Tuscarora Creek with the Canisteo, is an enterprising and constantly growing incorporated village of about 2,200 population, named after the town in which it is located. It has been said that Addison stands in much the same relation to Corning as Can- isteo bears to Hornellsville. In truth there may be some force in this remark, for Canisteo and Addison have long been regarded as sister villages, settled originally by the same sturdy stock, and whose de- scendants appear to have been imbued with similar traits and like worthy purposes. Both villages have the advantages of the Erie Rail- road ; both have the Canisteo River, and while the western village has Bennett's Creek, Addison has the Tuscarora. Still, beyond the fact that every friendliness exists between the inbabitants of these villages, there is nothing in common between them.
William B. Jones was one of the pioneers of the town, also of the vil-
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lage, and kept one of the early hotels north of the river, on the " Pumpelly Lot," as commonly known. Solomon Curtis laid out a part of the village lots on this side, and William Wombaugh was another conspicuous factor in early history, though his lands lay south of the river. The latter was a man of means as well as enterprise. He built saw and grist mills, a log distillery, carding machine, and otherwise con- tributed largely to early village history. Yet, for several years the few mills and many public houses were about the only visible evidences of village settlement. However, Addison was a hamlet of much impor- tance in the region, and so great was the volume of business that a post- office was established here as early as 1804. Lumbering was for many years the leading industry, hence here was the rendezvous for buyers and dealers, while raftsmen were counted by hundreds. There were John Loop, Shumway & Glover, Wilcox, Birdsall & Wetherby, all lum- bermen and merchants, and all in active business as early as 1830. Later on came John and Peter P. Loop, Caleb Wetherby and Reed A. Will- iams, who were partners in business and large operators. These were followed by Thompson & French, who built a store at the corner of Wall and Railroad streets. This firm sold out to William R. Smith and Eli Fitch. Later business men and merchants were Ransom Rathbone, S L. and Joel D. Gillett, A. Cone, C. E. Gillett, George Wells, E. L. and E. R. Paine, George Graham, N. W Mallory, Thomas and Benja- min Phillips, Merriam & Haynes, Dr. Bradley Blakeslee, Ezra J. Brewer, Hiram Sleeper, and others, whose names are now lost, but all of whom were active figures in town and village life and by their efforts contributed not a little to early local prosperity.
These men laid the foundation for the village and a later generation of inhabitants completed the municipal superstructure, and to day the joint efforts of both builders are rewarded in one of the most cosmo- politan villages of Steuben county ; and it is no idle or fulsome compli- ment to say of Addison that it is now regarded as the best village of the county, interest for interest and resource for resource.
In 1854 the population and business interests of the village were so large and of such a character that it became necessary to partially sep- arate it from the town at large; local improvements were necessary and the town, not being directly interested, was not willing to bear any
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part of the expense. Therefore the people of the hamlet availed them- selves of the general laws relating to village incorporations, and in Jan- uary, 1854, by an order of the Court of Sessions, Addison became a body politic and corporate, authorized to elect officers, inaugurate local improvements and levy and collect taxes to meet the expenses thereof. At the first election of officers the trustees chosen were Frederick R. Wagner, Bradley Blakeslee, Parley Guinnip, Stephen Lewis, -White and Thomas Paxton. At the first meeting of the trustees Dr. Wagner was elected president, and I. V. L. Meigs, clerk.
This limited municipal government was found sufficient for temporary purposes, but as the village grew in population and business importance, broader powers and more thorough government became necessary, and the result was a special act of the Legislature, passed April 12, 1873, granting a charter to the "Village of Addison," including within its boundaries specified territory, and dividing the latter into two wards. The Canisteo was the dividing line The first officers under the char- ter were J. V. Graham, president; John W. Clark, clerk; Chaun- cey D. Hill, treasurer ; Sanford Elmor, collector ; Daniel D. Hickey and E. S. Mead, trustees of First ward, and Lorin Aldrich and James D. Goodley, trustees of Second ward.
In this connection it is also proper to note the names of the officers of the village for the year 1895, viz .: George Crane president ; George J. Ameigh, George Wetherby, George Allison and S. M. La Grange, trustees ; E. E. Burdick, clerk ; George J. Truell, treasurer.
According to the present disposition of business Addison is well provided with mercantile and manufacturing interests, with good churches, five in number, exceptionally excellent schools, two sound banking houses, and all other institutions which contribute to municipal welfare. There are also two good and representative newspapers, the Advertiser, a Republican paper, founded in 1858, and the Record, established in 1880, and the exponent of Democratic doctrines, general and local.
The present fire department comprises Phoenix and Wells Hose Companies, and Baldwin Hook and Ladder Company, all well equipped with good apparatus, and liberally supported by the village and people.
The Addison Water Works Company was established in 1889, the
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water supply being taken from a reservoir elevated above the village level. It is a private enterprise and owned by foreign capital.
In the month of December, 1847, twelve prominent men of Addison formed an association for the purpose of founding and building an acad- emy. They purchased a four-acre tract of land north of the village, on which, in 1848, the building was erected. The promoters of this worthy enterprise were Henry Wombaugh, Rufus Baldwin, Joel D. Gillett, Elihu Wittenhall, Erastus Brooks, Orange Seymour, William H. Gray, Bradley Blakeslee, William Bradley, James Baldwin, William R Smith, and Arthur Erwin. The original academy was in all respects a worthy institution and was well supported, but the building was destroyed by an unfortunate fire in October, 1856. Subsequently another association of citizens established a private academic school, and the latter con- tinued in fairly successful operation until the organization of Union Free School District No. I, in the year 1878. The first Board of Edu- cation comprised Jesse K. Strock, John F. Turner, George Farnham, John W. Dininny, James M. Wood, John Mitchell, David Darrin, Henry S. Jones and William A. Smith. In connection with this school was an academic department, and upon a substantial and generously supported basis it has ever since been maintained. At the public expense an excellent school building was erected in 1888, and the Grammar School on Tuscarora street in 1889.
The present Board of Education is comprised of William T. Moran, president ; Fred C. Tabor, W. O. Feenaughty, William A. Storey, Dr. George Crane, Daniel D. Hickey, Arthur P. Hill, H. W. Sanford, sec- retary, and S. V. Lattimer, treasurer.
The financial institutions of the village are the Addison Bank and the Baldwin Bank. The former was established by incorporation, May 17, 1856, with a capital of $50,000, and with William R. Smith and Charles H. Henderson as active owners and managers, the former president and the latter cashier. The corporation was dissolved about 1861, and fram that time the bank has been conducted as a private enterprise. The bank building was erected in 1873. The Baldwin Bank began busi . ness in January, 1874, under the ownership of James Baldwin and Charles D. Williams, which proprietors were succeeded in April, 1880, by Henry Baldwin and Mrs. Sarah Weatherby. This bank is now .
HENRY BALDWIN.
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operated by James Baldwin, and, like its cotemporary in the village is a safe financial institution.
The churches of Addison are also worthy of at least a mention in this chapter although a more detailed history of each will be found else- where in this work. Those at present existing are Protestant and Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, Baptist and Roman Catholic, each holding regular services, well organized and instruments of good in the community.
All branches of mercantile business appear to be well represented, but lack of space prevents us from an individual mention of each mer- chant. However, it is pardonable that the manufacturers should be specially noted, for Addison enjoys the pleasant notoriety of having several industries of importance. In this connection we may mention the sash, door and blind factory, lumber yard and general wood-work- ing establishment of Park, Winton & True ; the large foundry and ma- chine works of E. S. Chatfield ; the "A. & P." machine shops; John Schmitt's brewery ; the Owen planing mill, and the extensive roller flouring mill of Curtis & Paxton. F. H. Wheaton owns the electric light plant, furnishes light for the streets and buildings, and also operates the pump house. The principal hotels of the village are the "Ameri- can " and the "Wyckoff."
ADDISON HILL, is a small settlement in the southwest part of Tus- carora, containing a post-office, a few dwellings, a store and a black- smith shop. The local storekeeper and postmaster is Fayette V. Howser ; the blacksmith, William Crowell.
THE VILLAGE OF ARKPORT .- This pretty and busy little hamlet of about 400 population is located in the extreme northern part of the town of Hornellsville, in the vicinity where Chistopher Hurlbut made his first settlement, and from which point the famous ark was sent down the Canisteo in 1800, laden with grain. Judge Hurlbut was the founder of the place, the builder of the first mill and hotel, and also proprie- tor of the ark. Although this village has never attained either popula- tion or business interests sufficient to justify incorporation, it is never- theless a place of some importance in the county, and as a shipping point for agricultural products it is quite noted. It is a station on the Buffalo division of the Erie, and also on the Central New York and
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Western Railroad. Since the construction of the road last mentioned the business interests have materially increased.
Arkport has two churches, Presbyterian and Methodist Protestant, and an excellent school. In 1894 the village, with some adjacent ter- ritory, was formed into a Union Free School district, superseding the old system formerly in operation. The members of the Board of Educa- tion are L. C. Healy, president, and N. O. Wheeler, Hiram Ellis, A. A. Sewell, Henry Colgrove, and Charles Lawrence. The school building is of brick and frame, substantially built, and is regarded as one of the best rural schools of the county. Three teachers are employed.
The industries of Arkport comprise the large planing mill, the feed and grist mill, the Stephens wagon factory. The business men are Taylor Brothers, general store; Daniel Curry, store ; M. Weber, gun store; Willis Ellis, grocer; Hiram Ellis, hardware; Healy & Daven- port, produce dealers and feed mill ; Colgrove & Son, produce dealers ; William M. Hurlbut, lumber dealer ; A. M. Eiband, large planing mill ; Stephens' wagon factory; James F. Deeters, harness shop; Ira Haga- dorn, wagon shop; Marshall Emery, jeweler; H. L. Gillette, druggist; Calvin Hawkins, proprietor of Hawkins House, and J. D. Taylor, post- master.
ATLANTA .- Thirty-five years ago a writer of local history said: "Blood's, a hamlet, is a station on the railroad, one mile from North Cohocton. It is named from Calvin Blood. This is rendered an im- portant station on the railroad from its connection with the Canandai- gua Lake route. A daily line of stages runs to Naples, at the head of the lake, and a steamer plies daily between the latter place and Canan- daigua." A still later writer describes Blood's Station as a thriving little hamlet on the railway and point of departure for the stage route . to Naples and Canandaigua ; and further says a post- office was estab- lished at Blood's, April 21, 1871, through the instrumentality of Asa Adams, who was the first postmaster. From this we may correctly infer that the residents of this locality were compelled to repair to the north hamlet for their mail previous to 1871, when the post-office was located at Blood's. However, long before this the hamlet was one of the recognized centers of the town, and one of importance in various directions. But from these elements there has grown a thriving village,
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