bV »> , ^ "^^ '^^^y^!^ ' .0 '-^0 ^U.r.'i 0' ." -N Historical Records of a Hundred and T^venty Years AUBURN, N. Y. By JOEL H. MONROE NINETEEN HUNDRED THIRTEEN .A7M7 ^X X4,v-^ W. F. HUMPHREY, PRINTER. GENEVA, N. Y. Preface ]HE pages of this volume, the writer beUeves, present a complete and reliable History of Auburn. Its completeness of detail, how- ever, is due in great measure to the earnest and cordial aid rendered by many interested people of the city. The writer, therefore, wishes to express here his appreciation and thanks for this valuable help. Effort has been made to produce a faithful historical record of Auburn from 1793 to 1913. If it contains errors they will be found to be of such nature, it is believed, as not to effect the value of the work. Auburn, N. F., September 10, WIS. Table of Contents Aurelius, Town of 27 Auburn Academy 40 Auburn Pub. Schools 43 Auburn House 64 American Hotel 65 Allen, Isaac S 126 Auburn Theological Seminary. .132 Auburn Med. College ..138 Avery, Edward H 141 Auburn Savings Bank 151 Auburn City Nat. Bank 155 Auburn Exchange Nat. Bank . . . 155 Auburn Trust Co 156 Auburn College 161 Auburn & Syracuse R. R 162 Auburn & Rochester R. R 163 Auburn & Lansing R. R 166 Auburn a City 180 Auburn Gas Light Co 185 Auburn Water Works Co 186 Auburn Tract Depository 188 Auburn Garden, The 200 Auburn in the Civil War 206 Asylum for Destitute Children. .246 Auburn City Hospital 246 Brinkerhoff , Martina 16 Bostwick, William 19 Burt, Dr. Hackaliah 24 Bennett School 34 Brainard, Rev. James, D.D. ... 81 Book PubHshers 125 Blatchford, Hon. Samuel 139 Bank of Auburn 145 Barber, Josiah 167 Beardsley, Nelson 174 Bronson, ParHment 199 Barker, Justin L 239 Beardsley, Wm. C 241 Bus. Men's Ass'n 244 Beecher, Willis J., D.D 256 Beardsley, Alonzo G 261 Center House, The 61 County Seat 70 Churches, Early and Late 76 Central Presbyterian 91 Cumpston, John H 109 Cayuga Co. Nat. Bank 150 Cayuga Co. Savings Bank 153 Chase, Capt. Geo. B 169 Coffin, Capt. Joshua 170 Chedell, Gen. John H 176 Cook, Horace T 178 City Clerks 181 Court of Thousand Judges 182 Case, Erastus 191 Clapp, Emerous D 194 Clark, Gen. John S 221 Civil War Generals 226 Cayuga Co. Hist. Society 230 Cheesman, William S., M.D. . . .259 Dwight, Hon. Chas. C 219 Dill, Robert 67 Early Taverns 59 First Mill, The 15 First Town Meeting 28 Female Seminary 36 Fourth of July, 1804 69 First Presbyterian Church 83 First M. E. Church 93 First Bap. Church 96 First Bible Society 131 First Sunday School 131 Fitch, Abijah 136 First Nat. Bank 155 Fire of 1837 162 Fort Hill Cemetery 186 Flagler, Isaac V 251 Garrow, Nathaniel 53 Griswold, F. L 238 Hardenbergh Corners 11 Hardenbergh, John L 12 Hardenbergh, John L., Children of 55 Table of Contents Hunter Tavern 66 Hughes, Peter, County Clerk ... 72 Hawley, Rev. Charles, D.D. ... 85 Hubbard, Rev. Wm. H., D.D . . . 86 Holy Family Church 102 Hayden, Peter R 166 Kurd, Hon. John M 173 Howland, Horace V 194 Hall, Hon. Benj. F 196 Hack, First PubHc 199 Home Incident Civil War 225 Home, The 245 Incorporation of Village Ill Institutions of Auburn 244 Ives, Rev. Benoni I., D.D 254 Industries 268 Kossuth, Louis 189 Knapp, Gen. John N 223 Logan 8 Lafayette, Gen. Visit 158 Miller, Hon. Elijah 48 Muir, Robert 58 Merriman, Corydon B 149 Martha Washington Society . . . 172 Mavors of Auburn 180 Miller, Adam 182 Morgan, Hon. Christopher 197 MacDougall, Gen. Clinton D. .213 Merchants Union Express Co. .229 Meyers, Michael M 240 Music in Auburn 249 Municipality, The 278 Newspapers 116 Osco Village 8 Olmsted, Noah 22 Owasco Canal 137 Oswego Starch Factory 183 Osborne, D. M 234 Osborne, John H 262 O'Brien, John W 265 Paper Mills 159 Postmasters of Auburn 182 Popple, Professor. . 202 Pullman, Geo. M 227 Porter, Hon. John 263 Pomeroy, Hon. Theodore M 263 Richardson, Col. John 51 Richardson, Hon. Joseph L. . . .138 Rathbun, Hon. George 140 Rathbun, George O 141 Rude, Alvah 203 Representatives Congress 227 Ross, Elmore P 240 Schools, 1796-1913 31 Springside School 55 Sand Beach Church 76 St. Peter's Church 78 St. John's Church 82 Second Presbyterian Church. . . 90 Second Baptist Church 98 St. Mary's Church 104 Steel, Dr. Richard 142 Seymour, Jas. S 148 Seward, W. H. & Co 152 Southern Central R. R 164 Swain, Capt. William 168 Soule, Lyman 182 Seward, Gen. W. H 216 Segoine, Col. Jesse 222 Stewart, Col. Chas. H 223 Stone, Henry M 225 Seward, Hon. Wm. H 230 Storke, Lauens J 238 Sunnycrest Hospital 248 State Armory 248 Seymour Library 251 Seward Monument 253 Searing, Hon. Adolphus H 260 Shimer, Anthony .....' 266 Throop, Hon. Enos 1 73 Trinity M. E. Church 75 Table of Contents Universalist Church 100 Underwood, George 114 Village Presidents 112 Western Exchange Hotel 60 Wright, David 141 Wheeler, Cyrenus, Jr 231 Woodruff, Harmon 236 Willard, Sylvester, M.D 242 Woman's Union 246 Wheeler Rifles [[ *252 Wilcox, Benj. M 265 Young Men's Christian Ass'n. .248 Historical Records of a Hundred and Twenty Years CHAPTER I OSCO VILLAGE AND HARDENBERGH CORNERS JOWARD the close of the eighteenth century, when the western horizon of civiHzation dropped down across the middle of the Empire State and nearly all the vast stretch of territory lying west of this line was the domain of the Indian, Osco village was seated in undisputed sovereignty on the bank of the Owasco outlet, where the prison is now located and in the heart of the present city of Auburn. This village comprised a little huddle of bark huts which was the abiding place of a small band of the Cayuga tribe. Osco village, it so happened, was situated midway between two great Indian capitals, that of the Onondagas on the east and the Senecas on the west. The Onondagas were the religionists, the orators, the diplomatists of the confederacy, while the Senecas were the warriors, distinguished for their astuteness and deeds of valor. Here the Cayugas were wont to come and go, and here in this village, in the later years of the eighteenth century, a few of them dwelt in the inspiring shadow of the stately and picturesque Fort Hill, which rises to a 8 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A height of more than one hundred feet, and richly clothed with sward and foliage. To the Cayugas Fort Hill, or Osco, was hallowed ground. They had wet the soil with their blood when they wrested it from trespassers, the Alleghans, more than six hundred years ago. The Alleghans, a strong nation, came from the southwest in the latter part of the twelfth century, it is said, and by force of arms occupied this strategic point and they continued in possession until about 1310. The Alleghans, according to researchers in Indian history, constructed the forts, the ramparts and the various other fortifications which crowned the hill. They also established the sacrificial mound upon the apex of the hill where now stands the somber and im- pressive monument to the illustrious Logan, the tried and true friend of the white man. About 1310, it is stated, the Iroquois forced the Al- leghans to evacuate the village of Osco, or Fort AUeghan, as it was later known, and also to quit the country. From that time on until about the close of the War of the Revolution Osco on the hill was an imperial city and was occupied by the Cayugas, and the fortification served them through many turbulent conflicts with other nations. It was the dwelling place of the senators, the chieftains, and the sachems of the nation. It was the birth place, too, it is said, of Logan the orator, the diplomatist, the master spirit for universal peace. Logan's father, Shekellimus, was one of the chieftains of the Cayuga nation and dwelt at Osco. About the year 1730 he, with his family, migrated from Osco and HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 9 joined another wing of the Cayugas then living across the border in Pennsylvania. Logan, then a young man, accompanied the family to the new country and there through the influence of the Moravian missionaries and William Penn, the founder of the State of Pennsylvania, became a Christian and was widely celebrated for his labors in the cause of peace and the uplift of his people. Shekellimus, the father, died in 1749 and in 1774 the other members of Shekellimus family, together with Logan's family — for he had meantime married the daughter of a Cayuga senator — migrated to the Ohio valley, where they were all slain by the whites. This act of inhumanity and disregard of his steadfast friend- ship so shocked and roused Logan that he plunged into a war of retaliation and revenge. It was at the peace convention at the close of this bloody war that Logan delivered that masterpiece of oratory which ranks along with the memorable speech of President Lincoln at Gettysburg. The address closed with the following terse sentences: "Logan never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his life. Who is there to mourn for Logan? Not one!" The climax of the treachery and inhumanity of the whites came a little later when Logan himself, then an old man, was slain while on his way back to his native village, Osco. The rugged old native stone monument erected in 1852 and bearing the heartbroken cry "Who is there to mourn for Logan?" fittingly typifies the character of the man and commemorates the tragedy of his life. 10 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A The War of the Revolution had closed in 1783 and the poor Indian knew not its cause; nor did he comprehend that, as a result of its outcome, he was to be practically despoiled of his landed birthright. Untrained in values and units as they enter into the making of dollars he, at the convention of 1789 and later ones, for a petty sum, sold and treatied himself out of ownership and possession of nearly all the land comprising the western half of the State of New York. The course of empire, following this event, was slowly making its way westward, the trail— the only means of land travel — being dotted at long intervals along the way by the cabins of the intrepid pioneers as they stopped to locate and establish homes. In 1780 there was scarcely a settler west of Schenectady; in 1785 there was not more than one cabin at Fort Schuyler, now Utica, and west of this point few white men, other than soldiers, had yet penetrated. By 1789 the State had got in pos- session of a vast domain and was parcelling out the land to speculators who in turn were selling it to pioneers and homekeepers. Some sections were set apart as military tracts, which were subdivided into lots of six hundred acres each. These lots were given to soldiers as compensation for their services in the War of the Revolution. But only a small part of these grants were ever occupied by the grantees. They were mostly sold to speculators. Each of these lots, as above stated, contained six hundred acres and so it is that Auburn occupies six of these military lots. COL. JOHN LEONARD HARDENBERGH Founder of Auburn. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 11 By the year 1790 the trail had become a much traveled thoroughfare. It had been widened from time to time nostly by gratuitous labor in order to render easier the massage of the stream of homeseekers who were rapidly )ushing into the new country. It was 1793, however, )efore any permanent settlement was effected on the lite of Auburn. The objective point prior to this seemed ,0 have been still further west, therefore, several places n this direction had been established and gained sub- ;tantial headway before the first settler erected a cabin ipon the site of the present City Hall. The land comprising the city of iVuburn was not an ittractive spot. It was shadowed everywhere with iense and almost impenetrable forest. Pools of water md quagmire abounded on everj^ hand, while the lorth section sloped off into a prolific cranberry narsh. Wh}^ the stakes for a future city should have )een set in such a section, except for one reason, is be- ionA the divining power of mortals, while the land lake- ^^ard afforded a site of almost unequalled attraction. But the keen pioneer plainly knew his ground and builded w^W. The swift flowing Owasco outlet with its many 'alls, cascades and the possibilities in water power ap- pealed to the matured business instinct of Col. John Leonard Hardenbergh when he chose the lower land along the stream for the building of his village and town. Yet it is true that out of and on this unattractive and then unsanitary spot a handsome and attractive city has grown Lip. 12 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A It was 1793 when Col. Hardenbergh pushed his way into the dense forest and erected the first log cabin on the site of Auburn. He was not a stranger to the section, however, for among his many accomplishments Col. Hardenbergh was a surveyor. For several years he had been engaged with Simeon Dewitt, the Surveyor General, in the western part of the State in laying out and estab- lishing townships. The township of Aurelius as first established and in which Auburn was founded, covered a vast area of territory. It was ten miles square and included besides Auburn the present towns of Fleming, Owasco, Sennett and Throop. It was a military town- ship, and as previously stated, after being subdivided into lots of six hundred acres each, passed to those who had served in the Revolutionary War. Col. Hardenbergh served with distinction in the war; was commissioned as a captain and was with Gen. Sulli- van in the memorable raid on the Indians in the Genesee country in 1779. Soon after the close of the war he resumed his professional work for the government, when the title to the land had passed to the State. He had himself surveyed the land, six hundred acres, which he afterward selected for the founding of his village and city. This lot had been sold by the grantee to Martin and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, of New York, from whom Col. Harden- bergh purchased it for one hundred and eighty pounds. COL. JOHN L. HARDENBERGH Col. Hardenbergh was of Holland Dutch descent and it is said, that some of his ancestors were distinguished HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 13 in statesmanship and military affairs in their country. The Colonel, however, was a native of Rosendale, Ulster County, N. Y., where he was born in 1746. He was therefore, 47 years of age when he cast his lot on the bank of the Owasco outlet and founded the town which no doubt has grown into a city far beyond his rashest dream. Col. Hardenbergh possessed the qualities of a useful pioneer; he was constructive, upbuilding, coura- geous and honest. It was in the early part of the summer 1793 that Col. Hardenbergh, accompanied by Harry and Kate Freeman, two colored slaves, followed the trail into the forest and began the erection of the first log cabin in the proposed village. He had for neighbors the little colony of Indians then living at Owasco village, a few rods down the river. At this village there was a crossing, it is said, constructed of stones covered with bark, being the only place from the lake to the mouth of the river where dry passage across was possible. He was now in a new country and in the midst of a dense forest, with no roof to shelter him at night except the great canopy overhead. So he, with his two colored slaves, for several nights slept upon the most hospitable ground available, the chief concern being to select a dry spot. Col. Hardenbergh is said to have been a man of large stature and robust physique, possessing in addition a dominant spirit of progress and an ambition to build and achieve. An immediate move was made for the building of a log cabin. This was located on ground at the rear of the present City Hall. There happened to be a settler near Owasco lake, Gilbert 14 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Goodrich, who was at once employed to build the log house, while Col. Hardenbergh and his colored com- panions set about clearing the grounds and felling treeS; in order to get warmth and sunlight. The typical pioneer's house was soon erected and the scanty, rude furnishings placed therein. There was no stove, na means of cooking, except a "mock" fireplace crudely constructed with no chimney, merely a "smokehole" through the roof for the passage of the smoke. But the building of this first log cabin signalized the founding of a city in a country where the smoke from the chimney of a white man's home had never ascended. According to the most authentic information Col. John L. Hardenbergh was still a bachelor, although 47 years of age. In consideration of his services for the Government in the War of the Revolution, he had been granted land in what is now Onondaga county. This he sold in order to secure lot No. 47 along the OwascQ outlet which, when surveying it a short time before, seemed to suggest to him the possibilities of great achieve- ment. Col. Hardenbergh's cabin from this time on was the haven for new arrivals and travelers along the trail. The main ancient trail from the east to the west passed near the foot of Owasco lake, thence down the outlet intersecting Genesee street at the head of the present North street. Trails ran from the lake on both sides of the outlet, however, and continued on northward beyond the settlement to Montezuma. The banks of the Owasco outlet, apparently at some ancient time were the scene of a battle, or perhaps many THE OLD ELEAZER HUNTER TAVERN Erected 1798, East Genesee Street. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 15 of them, for the Indian spoke of it as the "place where men were killed." The battle ground in early Indian wars in the immediate vicinity was not alone at Osco village, now Fort Hill; it probably was too strongly fortified for successful attack. But the Indians were not unfriendly to the white men. The few that were still present fished and hunted as was their custom and sought as much as possible to live on terms of amity with the new race. Drink, of which they knew nothing before the country of the "civilized" whites, aggravated their misery, and robbed them of their long standing virtue of sobriety. So soon as the log cabin was completed and put in livable condition, Col. Hardenbergh set about the work of utilizing the water power of the outlet. Some means of grinding corn, other than by the usual poineer's spring- pole and hollo wed-out stump, was the urgent need. For this work he engaged the services of Thomas Morley, another settler in the lake region, and they together built a log dam across the outlet. This finally completed, he contracted with Eldad Steel and Captain Edward Wheeler for the building of a "gig" mill near the new dam, the mill to have one run of stone, with the capacity of twelve bushels of corn a day. This mill was on the site of the present Lewis and Brister mill on Genesee street east of the outlet. The gig mill served the community until 1802, doing a prosperous business as the number of settlers in the village and the outlying sections increased from year to year. But by the year above named the capacity of the 16 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A little mill became inadequate and so a new frame mill was erected which trebled the grinding capacity, and the year following it was still further increased to a mill of the capacity of one hundred and thirty bushels a day. About 1824 a stone mill was erected on the site and is still in operation. But the original mill was the only one of the kind then within a radius of many miles. The Hardenbergh mill, in consequence, was very much of a focal point for various members of the pioneer families dwelling in and around the young village. It was not unusual in those early days that the taking of the grist to the mill was delegated to some female member of the pioneer household. Among the early settlers along Owasco lake was a family by the name of Brinkerhof. There was in this family a daughter, Martina, a handsome young woman, it is said, with many estimable qualities. It often fell to her to go to the mill. There being then no defined highway, she, like others, went on horseback, carrying the grist beside her on the horse's back. It was quite the custom, too, to wait at the mill for the grist, so it was that while the Brinkerhof! grist was rattling through the hopper the Colonel courted the fair Martina. Thus it came about that they were married in 1796. Col. Hardenbergh was then 50, and his bride 23. In 1798 their son, John H. Hardenbergh was born, and in 1800 there was born to them a daughter, Maria. Soon after his marriage Mr. Hardenbergh erected a frame dwelling on the site of his log cabin. This new home afforded all the comforts found in a pioneer home. The settlement had already become known as > > M O HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 17 Hardenbergh Corners and so continued until the year of 1905. Meanwhile, the clearing away of the forest* especially in the lower section, was pushed along^ith great vigor, thus admitting the air and sunlight upon an otherwise unhealthy and uninviting section of the settle- ment. By the year 1796 other mills other than the Hardenbergh grist mill were locating along the stream for the making of various commodities. Col. Harden- bergh controlled nearly all the water privileges along the Outlet. These developed into a valuable property during the succeeding year. The section around the lake had a colony of settlers that was contemporary with the settlement of Col. Hardenbergh in Aurelius. Among them were RoeliflP, Jacob and Luke Brinkerhoff, Charles and James Vantyne, Philip O'Brien, Thomas and Abraham Johnson, and Albert Demaree, and soon thereafter David, Isaac and John Parsell joined that settlement. This colony of settlers came mostly from Pennsylvania and established a thrifty and prosperous community composed of excel- lent citizens. Col. Hardenbergh was joined in 1793 by Solomon Tibbies and Jacob Van Dorn, both having been soldiers in the War of the Revolution. About this time also Rev. David Irish, a Baptist minister, cast his lot at the Corners. Rev. Mr. Irish, it is said, in 1794, preached the first sermon ever delivered in Cayuga county. During the first two years the additions to the Hardenbergh settle- ment were not especially noteworthy. But the year 1795 witnessed a considerable influx of settlers who became 18 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A valuable citizens. They were Major Noah Olmsted, Gideon Tyler, and his family, and James O'Brien. The latter erected a log house directly on the site of the present City Hall and soon thereafter opened a general store. This year also marked the arrival of the first physicians at the Corners, namely, Dr. Samuel Crossett and Dr. Ellis. The following year, 1796, Samuel Bristol located at the Corners. He had the honor of opening the first hotel, a very modest log cabin, certainly with no deluxe apartments. A part of this log building was a store also, probably the first store to start business in the com- munity. This tavern and store built in 1796 was located at the corner of Genesee and North streets. Bristol ran the hotel and store for several years; finally sold to John Treat. So the Corners was now gradually taking on the air of a village. The year 1797 and 1798 brought to the village a number of citizens who became notable factors in the making and building of Auburn. These were Dr. Hacka- liah Burt, John Treat, above mentioned. Major Walter G. Nichalas, Nehemiah Smith, Daniel Hyde, and Wil- liam Bostwick. Mr. Bostwick bought for $750.00 one hundred acres of Lot 46 which, as developments pro- gressed brought it in the heart of the business section of the village and city. It lay along the present Genesee street, extending from South and North streets westward a considerable distance beyond St. Peters church. It early became a valuable property as the village grew and business institutions of various kinds were established along the street. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 19 WILLIAM BOSTWICK Mr. Bostwick was a valuable type of citizen for Auburn in its early formative period. He was strong as to charac- ter, progressive, public spirited and had a keen business instinct. Mr. Bostwick was a New Englander by birth. He was born at Stamford, Conn., Nov. 25, 1765. Some years before settling in Auburn he made his way westward as far as Whitestown, Oneida county, but the country farther west attracted him and he concluded to settle permanently in the town of Aurelius. In 1790, while yet in Stamford, Mr. Bostwick was married and had a family of four or five children when he became a resident of Hardenbergh Corners. Two daughters, twins, were born in 1798. They had a family finally of thirteen children. Mr. Bostwick's first home in the settlement in 1799, like all the others at the time, was a log cabin which was situated on Genesee street about where the store No. 93 is now located. It was a double log house with a coat of whitewash both inside and out. Genesee street, however, was by this time making some progress in development and upbuilding. In 1803 Mr. Bostwick began the construction of a more modern frame house at the corner of Genesee and Exchange streets. This was completed in 1804 and he at once opened it as a tavern, and continued to conduct it until 1816, when he sold the property to Canfield Belo Coe. This hostelry after- wards passed through many changes and had many landlords up to 1868. Upon seUing the hotel, Mr. Bost- wick moved to his new home at the corner of Genesee and James street, where he lived until his death. 20 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A At the time of establishing the county seat and the erection of the county buildings, Mr. Bostwick was active and zealous in the interest of the growing village. He donated one acre of land for the buildings, the ground upon which they are still situated, and in other ways, too, was influential in securing for Auburn the distinction of being the capital of the county. Mr. Bostwick also donated the land for St. Peters church, which was erected first in 1812. He was, too, one of the most active pro- moters of the church society, and served it in various | capacities with great earnestness and helpfulness. As an evidence of his good citizenship and public spirit, he, in the early times, it is recorded, proposed to donate to the village for a public park the triangular plot of land bounded by Genesee, South and Exchange streets but the struggling village hesitated to assume the obligation, the reason given being that the cost of building a fence around it would be too great. In the light of later development. Auburn, unquestionably, failed to recognize and take advantage of an opportunity to enhance and beautify the city. In many other respects also did Mr. Bostwick manifest his good will and interest in the prog- ress and upbuilding of his town; his heart, energy and substance were devoted to these and all other good measures. He died June 24, 1825, and by his death Auburn lost an esteemed and useful citizen. In 1795 there was a definite movement towards the building of roads. There were by this time many set- tlers both east and west of Aurelius, or Hardenbergh Corners, and travel along the way had increased to a HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 21 considerable extent. This year marked the start in the building of the Genesee Turnpike. The work was prosecuted with much energy, so that by the year 1798 it was a fairly passable highway as far west as Canan- daigua. It ran from the east over Onondaga Hill and entered the Hardenbergh settlement by way of Franklin street to North, thence to Genesee. Hardenbergh Corners was then nearly submerged in mud and marsh. But as the clearing away of the forest progressed, roads in the immediate section were built, most of them crude and imperfect, of course, but any step in the direction of road building at all was an improvement in existing conditions. So the work of the road building was pushed along as rapidly as possible, but it was several years later before the roads in and about the village were more than a sea of mud in spring and fall. Genesee street through the present city was described in 1814 as being little better than a morass. Today it is as fine a thoroughfare as can be found in any city. Owasco street, or Owasco road, as it was known in early times, was surveyed and laid out in 1795 by Elijah Price and Zadock Grover, and the old state road to Scipio, now South street, was formally located at the same time. It was several years, however, before this highway was in condition for travel with any degree of comfort. Stumps were everywhere visible in these highways. Solomon Tibbies, who joined the settlement in 1794 made the clearing for the cemetery on North street that year, but the first burying ground in the new community was at the corner of West Genesee and Washington streets. 22 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A This was opened for burial in 1795 and it is said the first person buried therein was a man by the name of Kittle. In the rear of the old North street cemetery, when it was first laid out in 1795, there was the remains of an ancient Indian fort nearly as extensive and large, it is said, as that at Fort Hill. It covered about twenty acres of land and the site, like that of Fort Hill, rendered it a commanding position. By whom or what nation it was built there is no record available. Possibly this fort was constructed by the same race that planned and built the great fortress at Osco village. The plat of land for the North street cemetery was on the farm of Major Noah Olmsted, and this crude cemetery was surrounded by a great log fence made of the trees felled on the cemetery plat. The first burial in this cemetery was Gideon Tyler, son of Gideon Tyler a pioneer in the settlement. Pioneer Tyler had but a short time before located in the community. He arrived in 1795 bringing his three young sons, Amos, Gideon, and Solomon. With them came Adam Fries and Zenas Huggins. They were all men of character and contributed to the upbuilding of the settlement. NOAH OLMSTED Major Olmsted came from Connecticut where he was born February 29, 1768. He brought his young wife into the settlement soon after their marriage. Their daughter Hannah was born January 9, 1796, and was therefore the first child born in the settlement. Mr. Olmsted was twice o D M > as" LfJ HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 23 married. There were six children by the first marriage and three by the second. At the time of the War of 1812 Mr. Olmsted entered the service and continued until the end of the trouble. He was successfully Adjutant, Lieutenant and Major, and after the war took an active interest in the State militia. Major Olm.sted was one of the founders of the First Congregational church, afterwards the First Presby- terian, and also served for sometime as one of the school trustees. He died in 1820. Ambrose Olmsted, of another family, located in the Hardenbergh settlement as early as 1793 or 1794. He also came from New England. The increase in the population of the settlement soon induced the launching of several stores. James O'Brien soon enlarged his store which he built on the City Hall grounds and did a successful business for several years. Major Walter J. Nichols succeeded O'Brien in 1796 and erected a large frame addition to the store. Dr. Crossett erected a building upon the site of the present session room of the First Presbyterian church. He, too, opened a general store, having as a department a line of drugs and medicines. Dr. Hackaliah Burt settled in the little village in March 1796. He was not then a physician. He had, however, read medicine prior to locating at Hardenbergh Corners. He at once entered the store of Dr. Crossett as a clerk and student in medicine. His connection with Dr. Crossett did not continue long apparently, for, it is said, that a little later he opened an ashery on the bank of the 24 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Outlet a short distance below North street. In the early- pioneer days these industries were important and very profitable. Potash brought a good price and also ready money, and real money was extremely scarce then. He also launched another general store and ran it several years. DR. HACKALIAH BURT Dr. Burt soon became a man of affairs and a conspicu- ous figure in the community. He bought a good part of the military lot No. 56, lying in the south section of the present city. It extended out South street a long distance and eastward toward the outlet. When South street finally opened for settlement, Dr. Burt erected a house on the east side of the street between Grover and Logan streets, where he lived until his death. The Burt tract came to be in a desirable residential section as the village grew. The land sold rapidly for building lots, and has since become a beautiful residential section of the city. Dr. Burt was active in developing and building up the village. He was a man of progressive ideas and public spirit, a helpful, good citizen. In religious faith, Dr. Burt was an Episcopalian and an earnest and zealous worker in behalf of St. Peters church and its society. He aided the society both by services and contributions of money. He also ser^^ed for several years as an official of the church society. By reason of his splendid charac- ter and helpful influence he had high standing in the community throughout his entire life. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 25 In 1796, Nehemiah Smith built the first log house on the west side of North street, and soon thereafter St. Clair Smith erected another in the same section. The Hardenbergh settlement was making headway in growth, building and business. It was about this time, 1795 and 1796 that Jehial Clark came from Ballston Springs, Saratoga county, N. Y., and sought to establish a little further west and north a rival to Hardenbergh Corners. He was an active and energetic man and ap- parently had means, for he entered at once into business and building. He built a log dam across the outlet some distance from the Hardenbergh dam and mill. Soon after this, Mr. Clark erected both a saw mill and a grist mill. It was proposed to build up a village bearing the name of Clarkville. He built roads leading to his mills, and attracted many settlers to that section. It later became a considerable business center, but the original village had too firm a footing and too many strong busi- ness citizens, and so finally Clarkville was merged with the older village, and the only lasting impress that remains of Clarkville is the name Clark street. Daniel Hyde became a resident of the Corners in 1798 and that year built a house next to and north of Dr. Crossett's store on Franklin street. In 1802 he built a tannery in the rear of his home. This he sold in 1805 to Elijah Esty, who carried on the tanning business for several years. Mr. Hyde after selling his tannery entered into partner- ship with Dr. Hackaliah Burt. They bought land on the north side of Genesee street, on the site of the first 26 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Bostwick tavern, and there opened a store. Mr. Hyde, however, two years later, withdrew from the partnership and went into the miUing business. David Grant was one of the first to build a blacksmith shop in the hamlet. This was located on North street about where the Columbian block now stands. Grant was a good blacksmith and became an important element in the business affairs at the Corners. Pioneers of the early days were staunch advocates and supporters of schools, as well as churches. Therefore, in 1796 the residents of the little community took steps for a settlement school. A log building was erected on the west side of North street near the present Van Anden street. Benjamin Phelps was the first teacher at this school. It was not a large building, nor were there a large number of pupils, but it was the beginning of a school system that has developed into one of the best in the State. CHAPTER II TOWN OF AURELIUS AND CAYUGA COUNTY JHE fact is worthy of note here that the Uttle spot of ground which now comprises the several wards of the city of Auburn, has, since the State came into possession of the land, at various times, constituted a part of many of the civil divisions of the territory. It has been in four counties and three towns. After the War of the Revolution Auburn, or the land upon which it is seated, was nearly in the center of the great Tryon county, which included fully one-half of the state of New York. The first sub-division soon after was the erection of Herkimer county, which included Cayuga county and a long stretch from this point both eastward and westward. Later another division estab- lished Onondaga county and finally March 8, 1799, Cayuga county was set off from Onondaga. In the first named county Auburn was a part of the great town of Bat a via, which extended over a vast area of territory, and while in the civil confines of Herkimer county, the town of Aurelius was set off January 27, 1789. A few years later Auburn was taken from Aurelius. So there was a town of Aurelius about six years before there was a Cayuga county. The town government of Aurelius, however, did not become operative until 1794. The 28 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A prime reason for this, according to record, was that it was an exceedingly large town and very sparsely settled. On the first Tuesday in April 1794 the first town meet- ing of Aurelius was held at the house of Col. John L. Hardenbergh, at Hardenbergh Corners. From this time until 1803 the town meetings were held each year at Hardenbergh 's and subsequently for several years they w^ere held at Henry Moore's tavern, at Henry Brock- way's house or in some of the district school houses. The first supervisor chosen in 1794 was Joseph Grover, and the first town clerk elected was John L. Harden- bergh, who continued to serve until 1802. He was succeeded by Dr. Samuel Crosse tt, 1802-1803; John Herring, 1803-1807; Dr. HackaHah Burt, 1807-1810; John Herring, 1810-1811; David Brinkerhoff, 1811- 1813; Nathaniel Garrow, 1813-1814; David Brinker- hoff, 1814-1822; Daniel Calkins, 1822-1823. The movement toward the organization of State militia in the western part of the State began the same year that Auburn was founded. That year the State authorized the organization of the Herkimer county militia, of which John L. Hardenbergh was commissioned Major and Noah Olmsted Adjutant. The following year, 1794, Onondaga county was erected and a new regiment of light artillery was organized in the new county, with Olmsted, Harden- bergh and Edward Paine, Majors. When Cayuga county was organized in 1799 Major Hardenbergh was promoted to the rank of Colonel and Noal Olmsted was made Major. Mr. Hardenbergh had been a Captain in the Revolutionary War; but the title of Colonel, however, came through his connection with the state militia. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 29 Meanwhile, there were a few Indians who still visited the settlement from time to time and traded more or less with the merchants in the colony. The wild animals of various kinds still in the vicinity were a much greater menace to the settlers than were the Indians at this time. It is a matter of record too that Hardenbergh Corners was still in the woods and very much in the mud. On account of the latter condition, it is said, many home seekers gave the place no more than a brief look, and passed on to some section more inviting. However, a large area of land had already been cleared in the settle- ment and some of the farmers were raising crops of various kinds, while gardens were everywhere in evidence around the log cabins. The settlement in 1799 included many thrifty residents. Among them were Col. Hardenbergh, James O'Brien, Samuel Bristol, John Treat, WiUiam Bostwick, Noah Olmsted, Daniel Hyde, Eldad Steel, Nehemiah Smith, Samuel Crossett, Dr. Hackaliah Burt, Samuel Herring, Dr. Ellis, David Snow, Solomon Tib- bies, Gideon Tyler, Jehial Clark, Joseph Parish, B. C. Staats, Moses Bodell, Benjamin Phelphs, the school- master, Harry Freeman, Thomas Braim, a shoe maker, and Zenas Goodrich, tavern keeper. The latter had erected a building at the corner of North and Garden streets and was running a tavern. At this time the ring of the woodchopper's axe filled the place of the factory whistles of the present day. Woodchopping was a legitimate industry and occupied the time and energy of many citizens who became a tower of strength in the making and building of the town. 30 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Meanwhile, the mail was brought to the community once a week, usually by a postman on horseback. In 1804 the mails arrived twice a week and by the year 1808 the Genesee Turnpike was the scene of a daily stage line. From this time on until the coming of the steam rail- roads the great Genesee Turnpike was thickly set with taverns of all kinds along the way. Auburn, as it de- veloped and first-class hotels were erected, became a favorite rendezvoux for travelers and prospective settlers in the community. About this time a log bridge was constructed across the outlet where the steel bridge now is on North street. Prior to this the only means of cross- ing was by fording the stream with teams or walking across on the trunks of a fallen tree. North street then did not run direct to Genesee, as at present; it took a detour toward the west to avoid the steep approach to the latter street and thus intersected Genesee near where the first Bostwick tavern was located. A few years later, Genesee street having been reduced to proper grade, North street was straightened to conform with its present course. Abner Beach, with his two sons, Joseph and Peter, and two daughters, located in the village in February 1800. Mr. Beach bought a considerable tract of land on Franklin street hill and erected there a large frame residence. This marked the opening of another beautiful residential section of the village, which has also become thickly populated. ^By this date too several mills of various kinds were established along the outlet. In 1800 Aaron Hay den THE OLD ACADEMY Erected in 1827 HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 31 erected a considerable distance north of the settlement a fulling mill, which grew finally into a prosperous in- dustry. The same year Daniel and William Miller built a similar mill in what was called Owasco. Barney Camp- bell the same year built a distillery on the bank of the out- let. Campbell did a thriving business in this line and became a citizen of considerable importance in the life of the community. SCHOOLS, 1796 TO 1713 In the matter of schools, in pioneer days, there was unanimity of sentiment among the settlers, and schools multiplied in all sections as the population increased. These schools were essentially crude and inefficient in many respects, yet they were a means in the direction of education, in which all were interested. Many boys and girls it is true received in these early schools all the education they ever had, yet with this indifferent school training they became good and useful citizens. The first log school house on North street was primarily an important institution. The few pupils in attendance received there wholesome instruction under the rigid Benjamin Phelps and later under Dr. Hackaliah Burt. By 1799 the section of the settlement, which was strug- gling to become known as Clarkville, took steps also for the erection of a school. It was located at the corner of the present West Genesee and Garrow streets, this being near the colony of settlers. The school grew from year to year as the residents increased in numbers, and finally a substantial frame building was erected. A modern city school stands upon the same site today. 32 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A About the same time a frame school building was erected at the present east corner of Genesee and South streets. This, however, was before North and South streets were straightened and the steep hill graded down. When this work was in process and the streets finally straightened, the little school house, it developed, was in the middle of South street, so it was moved to the south- west corner of Genesee and South streets. South street, however, was not yet formally opened. The first teacher of this school was a Dr. Steadman, a man of some learn- ing and a teacher who conducted the school with the most rigorous rules of discipline. David Buck succeeded Dr. Steadman as master of the school, and later Benjamin Phelps, master of the original North street school, became the preceptor of this school. The school was finally abandoned, and the building, a little one and a half story structure, was converted into a store. In 1801 another district school was located on the north side of Franklin street near the present Fulton street. This was a log building also, and like the others, had pupils of all ages and grades of scholarship. Benjamin Phelps presided over this school also for a time. He was a teacher, it is said, with the qualities that make for success. The school had the distinction at that time of being the only one in the young village having a bell. It was a large cowbell, which the teacher wielded to sum- mon the pupils from the surrounding woods at the school hour. This distinguishing feature clung to the locality, so that later when a more modern school building was erected there in 1818 it was for many years known as the HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 33 "bell school." This second school too was the only one for some time to have a bell. The original cowbell school building near the present Fulton school, was finally converted into a dwelling. It was early demonstrated that the little district or primary schools were inadequate to meet the desire for education. This condition, therefore, brought into exist- ence a multiplicity of private schools of various kinds and types. For the next succeeding fifty years these private or select schools were in many sections of the village^ besides others in the outlying districts, many of them schools of note, doing efficient work in academic educa- tion. The occupation as teacher in a small school, in an almost unbroken wilderness, was not particularly pleasant or lucrative. If the number of pupils was small, and com- pensation equitably commensurate, ready cash among the settlers was still less visible. Teachers in the condi- tion of things not only "boarded around" but often were compelled to take payment for their services in such farm products as the settlers could raise in the limited clearings. The unsatisfactory status of educational affairs brought into existence also a few years later the Auburn Academy. This, unfortunately, had a desultory career for a period of years, yet it finally developed into an institution of efficiency and value to the community. The select schools of the village, however, had their beginning in 1813 when a Mr. Maxwell opened a private school in a room of the Irwin & Goodrich tavern, which 34 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A was located on Genesee street east of the outlet. As to its period of existence or the degree of success attained there is no record. There was at about the same time a parish school connected with St. Peters church. It occupied a small building standing in the church yard. The school was conducted for a time by a Mr. Mott, who afterwards married Betsy Bostwick, daughter of WilHam Bostwick. The building later became a printing office. A little later Miss Almira Bennett kept a school in an upstairs room over the store at the location now occupied by the Allen book store. It is said to have continued for a considerable period of time. Miss Bennett later established Harmony Retreat, the girls' school at the foot of Owasco lake. HARMONY RETREAT About 1820 or 1821 the Misses Bennett, sisters, started a female boarding school at the foot of Owasco lake, near the present Sand Beach church. It was called "Har- mony Retreat." The Misses Bennett were young women of ability as teachers, and possessed also, it is said, the essential qualifications for the successful conduct of a school of this character. As a boarding school for girls it drew pupils from a wide radius of country. They taught, in addition to the usual branches, English literature, plain and ornamental needlework, painting, drawing and music. The school had throughout its career the earnest endorsement of the Rev. Dr. D. C. Lansing, then pastor of the First Presbyterian church. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 35 Harmony Retreat continued until the late thirties. Miss Almira Bennett afterward married Dr. Joseph Clary. SPRINGSIDE SCHOOL Several years later another school of high standing was established in the same community. It was about 1850 that Rev. Samuel R. Brown, D.D., was called to the pastorate of Sand Beach church, and it was at the beginn- ing of his connection with the church that he established Springside School for boys. It was ideally located in a sumptuous grove skirting the highway along the lake, and only a short distance from the church. Dr. Brown was a man of superior education and a high order of ability, with great strength of character. He was a strong preacher and a good teacher. Spring- side School attained reputation and attracted pupils from many sections of the countr3^ It was a very well equipped school, having a competent corps of teachers and ample accommodations for boarding. Dr. Brown carried on the school during the years of his pastorate of Sand Beach church, which terminated about 1857 or 1858. At this time he went as the first missionary from the United States to Japan. Dr. Brown was succeeded in the principalship of Spring- side School by Mr. Hastings, who conducted it for some time. He in turn was followed by Mr. Henry W. Dwight. Finally the organization and development of graded schools with their advantages for education, Springside, like others of its kind, went out of existence. 36 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Mr. Calvin Huson, who was a law student in the office of Hon. William H. Seward about 1825, had, during this time, a boys' school on Genesee street. Mr. Huson afterward married Miss Miller, a cousin of the wife of Secretary Seward. At the breaking out of the Civil War Mr. Huson enlisted from Rochester, was taken prisoner at Bull Run, and died in Andersonville prison. THE FEMALE SEMINARY Among the many schools that had vogue in the village of Auburn, there likely was none that had a stronger footing or was more popular than the Female Seminary, which was located at the corner of West Genesee and Washington streets. It occupied a charming position at the summit of the west hill; it had ample grounds with a wide reach of lawn and trees on every side. In early times this place was an Indian camping ground. The building was a substantial and attractive structure, erected by Robert Dill for a residence about 1809, and on account of its prominent location, was generally known as * 'Mount House." The Female Seminary was opened in 1837 by a corporation under the name of the Female Seminary Association. In departmental equipment and teaching force it was prepared to do efficient work in educating girls and young ladies. The first principal and preceptress were Mr. and Mrs. E. Hosmer, people of education and refinement, with a high sense of their respective duties. They continued at the head of the school for several years, and were succeeded in the early forties by John H. Wilson. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 37 After Principal Wilson, came Mr. Scribner, or "Old Scrib," as the students were pleased to call him. Mr. Scribner conducted the Seminary for five years, and was followed by the Rev. Mr. Rudd. Rev. Jeremiah W. Walcott succeeded Mr. Rudd and continued as principal until fire destroyed the building. The Seminary enjoyed during these years a consider- able degree of prosperity. Its pupils came not only from among the best families of the village and county, but from many different states. The courses of study, including both music and art, were of sufl&cient scope to insure a very fair measure of education, together with culture and finish in the fine arts. Among the members of the teaching force during the Seminary's existence were Miss Clara Dickinson, Miss Townsend, Miss Bod- man, Miss Ruth Bussey, and Mr. Desflats, who taught the French language. The Seminary building was destroyed by fire in 1849 and thus brought to an unhappy close a popular educa- tional institution of the village. There are very few of the former pupils of the Seminary now living in Auburn. The surviving members, how- ever, are: Mrs. Mary West Morse, Miss Mary S. Bacon, Miss Sarah M. Muir, Mrs. Helen Mills Starr, Mrs. Ellen Bacon Griswold, Mrs. Mary Arne Wallais, and Mrs. Cornelia Barbor McNeil. The unfortunate going out of the Female Seminary seems to have been the inspiration for the starting of many private schools in the village. 38 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Miss Townsend, a former teacher in the Seminary, soon opened a select school in quarters over the post office, which was then located on Genesee Street, about where now stands the Cayuga County National Bank building. Rev. Milton H. Waldo also started a school for boys in a room of the Auburn Savings Bank building. This school ran about two years. Miss Charlotte Fosgate from 1852 and on for several years, kept a private school on North street. Miss Mary S. Bacon, for a considerable period of time, taught a private school on State street, and also on Grover street, in the house which is now the residence of Mr. John W. Rice. Miss Phoebe Coffin had a school on the same street. Mrs. Sarah Pain Bacon taught a select school for some time beginning in 1833 on West Genesee street, in a building then standing on the site of the present City Club. Miss Mary E. Jenks conducted a school for several years in the basement of the Universalist church, and at the same time Miss Aseneth Wheaton had a school in the opposite end of the church basement. In 1817 Noble D. Strong, who had been for a short time principal of the Auburn Academy, opened a private school under the name of the Auburn Latin School. Mr. C. Ten Eyck in 1818 also kept a select school in a building on East Genesee street near the Coe tavern. In February, 1818, Mr. William C. Colton started a school in the yellow building standing on the present HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 39 City Hall site. This was probably in the building first occupied by James O'Brien's store. Rev. John C. Rudd established a female school in connection with the Auburn Academy in the early years of that institution's existence. Miss Julia Ferris in 1866 to 1867 had a private school over Sutton's drug store on Genesee street, where the Bell Telephone Company's office is now located. After one year it was moved to the corner of Water and Dill streets. Miss Gertrude L. Stone then became an assist- ant teacher in the school. The first private kindergarten was started in the early eighties by Miss Bruin. The school had a large number of little folks from the best families in the city. The kindergarten met with a good degree of success for some time. Miss Murray ran a select school on Seminary a^•enue near Holley street from 1848 to the late fifties. It was mainly a girls' school and enjoyed much popularity. A Miss Powell conducted a select school in the basement of the Second Presbyterian church in the early fifties. The Female Institute, another school that attained popularity and good success through an existence of more than thirty years, was started in 1854 by Mr. Winthrop Tappan. He opened the school in the old Corning Hall block, which stood on the site of the present Burtis Auditorium. The following year Mr. Tappan was joined by Mortimer L. Browne and they together established the Auburn Young Ladies' Institute. Sub- sequent to this the Institute was quartered in the City 40 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Hall building, but the school soon outgrew the accom- modations and so the class rooms and most of the depart- ments of the institution were located in the Knight block on North street adjoining the First Presbyterian church. In 1858 Mr. Tappan withdrew from the Institute, and thence forward it was carried on by Mr. Browne. In 1859 Mr. Browne purchased the Goodwin-Underwood residence on the east side of North street, a very sightly location at the summit of the street, with large grounds and pleasant surroundings. This served as the boarding and living place of the foreign pupils, of which there were a large number. The school attracted a good class of students, having from time to time some who after- wards became more or less noted in various fields of effort. Mrs. Leslie Carter was for a considerable time a student at the Institute. There were also pupils from many of the most prominent families in the city. The Institute continued with much public favor until 1888, at which time it went out of existence. THE AUBURN ACADEMY The story of the schools begins again back in 1810, for that year marked the movement for the founding of the Auburn Academy. This institution came into existence under auspices that augured well for its continued success. It had the earne'st support of the best citizens in the village, men who appreciated education and desired to establish an academy having the scope of a full college preparatory school. These citizens subscribed liberally to the build- HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 41 ing and equipment fund and in all ways gave aid to the project. Yet in spite of this the Academy's early career was one of many '*ups and downs," at times, in fact, it was quite "down and out.'* The village then had not more than four or five hundred population but it was growing from year to year by acces- sions of substantial and progressive citizens. At the first meeting in the fall of 1810 to consider the proposition, a committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions to a building fund, the shares in the fund to be twenty dollars each. William Bostwick, Dr. Hackaliah Burt, and David Brinkerhoff were named a committee to secure the amount necessary to go forward with the under- taking. Two hundred and five shares were soon taken and on the fifth day of December of that year the projec- tors proceeded to effect an organization, known as the Auburn School ^Association. The first board of trustees were Elijah Miller, David Buck, David Hyde, Noah Olmstead, Joseph L. Richardson, John H. Cumpston, John Sawyer, Jehial Clark, and David Horner. Robert Dill then contributed five acres and three-quarters of land along the present Garden street. In consideration of this transfer of land, Mr. Dill received fifty shares of the association. Early in February, 1811, Jehial Clark and Bradley Tuttle were given the contract for the construction of the academy building, a wooden structure about 40 by 60 feet, two stories. The building fronted on North street and cost about four thousand dollars. The building was ready for occupancy early in February, 1812, but there 42 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A were no teachers. Some time was consumed, it seems, in securing teachers, for the school opening took place June 15th following. Mr. J. Foote became the first principal, and as to the number of students at the beginn- ing, there is no record available. The tuition, as an- nounced, was $3.00 and $4.00 each quarter. The Lan- casterian system was to be the vogue. Mr. Foote's services as principal, however, covered but a brief period, although it appears to have been a busy engagement, for he not only taught the pupils but he looked after the school building and collected the tuition, and this was not an easy task in those days. A Mr. Button succeeded Principal Foote, and ap- parently Mr. Button found the proposition no more of a sinecure than did his predecessor. Meanwhile, in January, 1813, a partially new board of trustees was elected as follows: E. T. Throop, Horace Hills, Elijah Miller and Bavid Horner. In February, 1815, the School Association or academy was incorporated by the Regents of the State of New York. Noble B. Strong, a very competent teacher, it seems, had succeeded Mr. Button as head of the school. The crowning trouble, however, came to the struggling school when the building was destroyed by fire in the early spring of 1816. The Academy was opened in October following in rooms in the Van Anden block on Genesee street, next to where the Cayuga County National Bank building stands. Thus it went on under several different preceptors and as many locations until finally a long period of suspended animation fell upon it, which came near to being its finish. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 43 In 1822 the school was revived under Noble D. Strong as principal again. Yet there was no building and very- little if any equipment for carrying on the work. And so it went on intermittently until 1827 when the project took concrete form under new inspiration and well defined plans for an academy embodying the original ideas, together with the advanced modes of education. In the year above mentioned a new brick academy building was erected on the academy green, where now stands the high school building. The school opened anew under Rev. John C. Rudd, a man of ability and some learning. From that time on the x\cademy was an efficient and valuable institution of learning. Finally in 1866 it was taken over by the city and became a part of the public school system. THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF AUBURN The free school system of Auburn dates from 1850. An act passed on the tenth day of April that year author- ized the organization of the Union free schools. The several district schools, in pursuance of this, were consoli- dated and thenceforward were operated under a board of education as authorized by the act. There was no provisions in the act, however, for the establishment of a high school. The Academy served as the high school, although it afforded no means for the academic education of the female pupils of the city. But the school system continued thus until 1866 when another act re-organized the whole system and provided for a high school. The Academy, after much 44 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A contention and strenuous oppositions on the part of many citizens, then became the City High School. A question here arose in connection with the matter of turning the Academy over to the city. The land upon which it stood and which was the gift of Robert Dill, by the terms of the transfer, compelled its use for an academy, otherwise the trustees of the Academy faced forfeiture action. In order to obviate this the new high school was chartered as the Academic High School and it so remains. The act of 1866 abolished the office of City Superin- tendent of Common Schools and gave greater power to the board of education. Warren Higby was the first superintendent of the city schools and principal of the high school, under the new act beginning in 1866. He served until 1868, and was succeeded by E. A. Charlton 1868 and 1869. In 1870 Benjamin B. Snow was ap- pointed to the ofiice of superintendent and served with marked ability and efficiency until 1900. Clinton S. Marsh succeeded Mr. Snow in 1901 and remained until 1905. Alfred E. Thompson 1905-1910; Henry D. Hervey, 1910, now serving. The principals of the high schools since 1870 have been. 1870-1878 John L. Myer; 1878-1879 Charles R. Wil- liams; 1879-1881 Byron Walls; 1881-1883, E. T. Tom- linson; 1883-1886, George R. Cutting; 1886-1893, William P. Thomson; 1893-1894, Warrington Sommers; 1894, Floyd D. Bartlett who is still serving. Higley and Charlton acted also as superintendent of schools. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 45 The following have been presidents of the Board of Education since 1870 the year given indicating the close of each presidents term of office. Up to this year the mayors of the city were president of the board. 1870 J. M. Hurd; 1871, Eli Gallup; 1872, Miles Perry; 1873, Charles R. Williams; 1874, D. H. Schoonmaker; 1875, Theodore M. Pomeroy; 1876, Byron C. Smith; 1877, Charles S. Trowbridge; 1878, Oscar F. Knapp; 1879, John T. M. Davie; 1880, Miles Perry; 1881, Sereno E. Payne; 1882, Sereno E. Payne; 1883, George Under- wood; 1884, George Underwood; 1885, James Kerr; 1886, Fred H. Fay; 1887, Wm. J. Moses; 1888, Thomas M. Osborne; 1889, Thomas M. Osborne; 1890, George F. Wills; 1891, Frederic E. Storke; 1892, John W. O'Brien; 1893, Fred H. Parker; 1894, Wm. J. Moses; 1895, John W. O'Brien; 1896, O. Clifford Hall; 1897, Joseph C. Anderson; 1898, Edgar B. Mosher; 1899, Charles B. Quick; 1900, E. Clarence Aiken; 1901, George B. Turner; 1902, Frank W. Richardson; 1903, John E. Myer; 1904, John E. Myer; 1905, John Van Sickle; 1906, Wm. H. Seward, Jr.; 1907, Chas. Hoskins; 1908, Arthur S. Hoyt; 1909, D. L. Ramsey; 1910, C. E. Almy; 1911, Wm. F. Garling; 1912, Charles F. Lyons; 1913, H. L. Reed. The present high school building, a handsome and roomy structure, was completed in 1888. There are at present fourteen public schools all of modern construction and equipment, with a well organized and efficient system of city schools. CHAPTER III HISTORICAL NOTES AND EARLY TAVERNS |ANY events of interest and importance oc- curred in the Hardenbergh community during the decade beginning in 1800. Bradley Tuttle, in 1801, became a resi- dent of the settlement and cleared a good part of the land along Genesee street, the property of William Bostwick. Tuttle, a little later, bought the Zenas Goodrich tavern and was its landlord for some time. He also became an active and prominent builder in the village. Daniel Grant, who built and opened the first black- smith shop on North street, also started the first trip- hammer forge in the village. It was located at the corner of Genesee street and Lumber lane, now Osborne street. In 1803 and 1808 several colored people who had been slaves were freed. Peter Hughes, the first County Clerk, is said to have had two of them, both of whom were set free. It is stated also that Harry Freeman, a slave who accompanied Col. Hardenbergh to the proposed settle- ment, afterward became a barber and worked at the business many years in the village. The truth of this statement, however, is not vouched for. The year 1802 brought to the community several valuable residents, namely, Capt. Edward Stevenson, HON. ELIJAH MILLER HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 47 who soon after erected a home on the east side of North street. Besides, there were Ichabod Marshall and Philip and Gideon Jenkins, millwrights. The two latter were valuable assets to the community at that period, when mills of various kinds were being erected and put into operation. But the years 1806 and 1807 brought a still greater number of strong citizens, some of whom afterwards became prominent as manufacturers, merchants and in the professions. Samuel D. Lockwood was the first lawyer to settle in the village. There were also George Leitch, merchant, Capt. Edward Allen, who became a manufacturer, Horace Hills, another merchant, Jonathan Russell, a silversmith. Park Camp, a millwright, Reuben Swift, a miller, and Daniel Lounsbury, who became more or less active in public life. Almost at the same time the population was augmented by the arrival of David Brinkerhoff, Reuben Porter, Elijah Jarvis, Elisha T. Swift, and Peter Hughes, who became a citizen of more than ordinary account, being the first county clerk at the new county seat at a time when the public records, for lack of a more suitable place, were kept at his home to insure safety. There were also Dr. Joseph Cole, John Wagstaff , a copper- smith, Capt. William Clark and Benjamin Yard. But the two men who located in the village about this time and who filled a conspicuous place in the after affairs of the village, county and state, were Elijah Miller and Col. John Richardson. 48 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A HON. ELIJAH MILLER Although Judge Miller's settlement in Auburn did not occur until 1808 or 1809, still he was a pioneer in the county less than two years after Col. John L. Harden- bergh drove the stakes for his cabin at the junction of the present Franklin and Market streets. Mr. Miller was not yet 23 when he made his way through the forest to the present Cayuga county. This was in January, 1795, according to the memorandum made by him in his later years, and less than a year also after Onondaga county was erected from Herkimer. He states that he traveled westward from Utica on foot, following the very tortuous trail. Hardenbergh's cabin was the only white man's habitation then on the site of Auburn. Judge Miller's objective point was Aurora, then the largest settlement in the country, having about twenty families. Here he entered the office of Judge Walter Wood as a student and remained there until he was admitted to practise in the Court of Common Pleas in 1798. Romulus, on the opposite side of Cayuga lake, was then a struggling settlement and to this place the young barrister went to begin the practice of his profession. After two years, however, he quit Romulus and located at Cayuga village, as this place offered greater possibil- ities for professional work on account of the courts that were held there. Cayuga village up to 1808 was larger than Auburn. Mr. Miller continued in the practise at Cayuga until 1809, at which time he cast his lot in the HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 49 new county seat, and from that time on he was a part of Auburn, a factor in its making and an influential figure in pubHc affairs. Judge Miller was born April 11, 1772, at Bedford, West- chester County, N. Y. He was of English stock and Quaker parentage. His parents were Capt. Josiah and Paulina Titus Miller; Josiah Miller, although a Quaker in religious faith served as captain in the War of the Revolu- tion, and was also a zealous member of what was known as the "Committee of Safety." His love of liberty and of his country were paramount and he, therefore, heartily took up arms in the cause of freedom. Judge Miller's early education consisted mainly of instruction by his mother and later two years spent at Wllliamstown Academy, Williamstown, Mass. While a student at Williamstown, Mr. Miller met Miss Hannah Foote, whom he married January 1, 1800, the year that he began practise at Cayuga. In October, 1802, Mr. Miller was admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of the State. He soon became one of the successful lawyers of western New York. He was counsel and attorney in many of the noted cases in the higher courts. He was a strong lawyer, had a high sense of honor, and throughout his professional career he had the confidence and respect of all who knew him. W^hen the question of establishing a permanent county seat for Cayuga county arose, Mr. Miller was one of the earnest advocates of Auburn as the proper location. Apparently he read the horoscope of the future metropolis of the County. 50 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A In 1809 Judge Miller moved to Auburn and established himself in the practise of the law. The following year he erected a residence on the east side of South street, between the Second Presbyterian church and the present Universa- list church. Here he maintained for several years a law office in connection with his residence. Mrs. Miller died in 1811, leaving two daughters, Lazette Maria and Frances, Miss Lazette Maria later became the wife of Mr. Alvah Warden and the second, Frances, married Secretary William H. Seward. In 1813 Mr. Miller was made Clerk of the Council of Appointment, a position which he filled with marked ability for two years. In 1816 he was one of the State Commissioners to select a site for the State Prison. The follow^ing year he was appointed as the first judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Cayuga county. During his six years oflBcial service he distinguished himself as an able lawyer and jurist. His opinions on legal questions were regarded as sound and his decisions were rarely reversed by the higher courts. In 1816 Judge Elijah Miller erected in South street the residence which is now the most historic private residence in western New York. It was the home of Secretary Seward from 182.5 until his death in 1872, and is the residence of Gen. Seward, his son, at this time. Judge Miller was actively identified with all enterprises which had for their object the betterment of Auburn. He was one of the main supporters and contributors to the building and maintenance of the old academy, and he, in company with John H. Beach in 1714 projected and COL. JOHN RICHARDSON HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 51 built the jfirst cotton mill in Auburn. He was also one of the promoters of the Owasco Canal in the early twenties. He was active and foremost in the promotion and build- ing of the early railroads, and in every other measure for the public good. In 1823 he formed a law partner- ship with his son-in-law, Hon. William H. Seward, which continued many years. Judge Miller died in Auburn Nov. 13, 1851, after a life full of activity, full of honor, standing high in the esteem of the thousands who knew him and appreciated his worth as a citizen. COL. JOHN RICHARDSON Auburn, in its early formative period, was signally fortunate in attracting citizens who, most of them, worked out great problems for the town's development and betterment industrially and commercially. Col. John Richardson was in this class. His was one of the early industries of the village; it filled an important place, in fact, the main feature of the business which he estab- lished remains in its integrity now, after more than one hundred years since its foundation. Col. Richardson located in Auburn in 1809, coming direct from Marietta, Ohio, where he had been engaged in business along a similar line, in which he had inclination and training. He was born in Maryland in 1780, and there learned the trade of cabinet-maker. After com- pleting his apprenticeship to the trade, and while yet a young man, Mr. Richardson went where he believed greater opportunities presented for expansion and the 52 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A working out of the success he desired. After six or seven years, however, he, hke many others, was attracted to Auburn, where he settled and at once engaged in the manufacture of furniture. His first cabinet shop was on the east side of South street where he carried on a success- ful business for many years. While at Marrietta, Mr. Richardson was brought in direct contact with Aaron Burr, the arch traitor and conspirator against the Government. Burr was there seeking to raise an army which he planned to take down the Mississippi River and found his new republic. Burr tendered Mr. Richardson the captaincy of a company as an inducement to join the conspiracy. Mr. Richard- son had higher and more loyal aims, however, and there- fore left Burr to meet the fate which finally overtook him, Mr. Richardson was the pioneer in furniture making in the western part of the State of New York. Although the facilities were crude, he turned out good furniture and thus built up a wide sale for his goods. When the War of 1812 came on, Mr. Richardson was one of the first to enlist in the service. Gov. Tompkins commissioned him Captain of a company which was mustered in Cayuga County. For a time his company was quartered in Auburn, but was soon called into service at Buffalo, and there they took an active part in the battles of Fort Erie and Lundy's Lane, both he and his Indian Rifle Corps doing valiant service. Col. Richardson served until the close of the War, returning to Auburn in the Spring of 1815. He at once resumed the business of furniture i making and from that time on he was a leader in the] HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 53 business. He was also active in State militia affairs and in recognition of his valuable services in connection there- with, he was commissioned as Colonel by the Governor -of New York. It was in 1815, at the close of his military- service that he married Miss Roberts of Cayuga. Col. Richardson then erected a home on South street where he lived until his death. G. W. Richardson, the present head of the business which the Colonel founded, is his surviving son. Col. Richardson was a close friend and admirer of Secretary Seward and gave him valuable support in his campaign for Governor in 1838 and was equally zealous in his support of William H. Harrison for president in the campaign of 1840. He was ever loyal to Auburn and its best interests, as he was to his personal friends, of whom he had many. Col. Richardson was a descendent of the pioneer, Samuel Richardson, who settled in Maryland in 1662. Col. Richardson died in 1849, having spent a busy and useful life. NATHANIEL GARROW Nathaniel Garrow joined the Hardenbergh settlement about 1800. He had very little money but he possessed great vigor and an ambition to achieve something. He chopped wood and cleared land for those who had it to be cleared. Soon Mr. Garrow purchased the triangular piece of land bounded by North and Genesee streets and the Outlet. He erected a distillery on the bank of the stream, did a thriving business and made money. He did 54 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A much for the betterment of the young town; was active in all public measures that embodied progress and up- building. In 1813 Mr. Garrow purchased the farm in West Genesee street then owned by the Rev. Mr. Higgins and erected that year one of the handsomest residences along the street. From this time on he occu^pied a prominent place in various business enterprises in the village and was also active in political affairs. He was honored with many offices by the townspeople and later was elected to repre- sent the district in Congress. He was a valuable citizen for Auburn and a capable, honest official. John Garrow, brother of Nathaniel, settled at Half Acre in 1796 and opened a store on the Genesee Turnpike, or the "Mud Pike," as it was called in early times. Col. Hardenbergh in 1804, built a fulling mill on the bank of the Outlet adjoining his gristmill. This was run for a time by Ashbel Treat, and afterwards by Levi Gregory, and later still by Gideon G. Jenkins. Col. Hardenbergh, it is said, had no element of personal vanity in his composition. He did things sanely and substantially but without ostentation. Yet the story is told of his once having a picture of himself drawn upon the inner side of his mill door. One of the early time itinerant artists came along one day and proposed to draw with pencil a life-like portrait of the pioneer. Finally a bargain was made to the effect that the artist was to receive as compensation for the work his dinner plus twenty -five cents. Neither the artist or Col. Hardenbergh had a piece of paper suitable for the HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 55 work, much to the disappointment of the artist. But a compromise was effected by which the portrait was to be drawn on the mill door. It is said further that the picture for several years thereafter adorned the inner side of the Hardenbergh mill door. In 1806, thirteen years after founding the town, Col. Hardenbergh died. He had seen the place grow from merely the selected site for his first cabin into a thrifty community. He had been the foremost figure in its making thus far. One year previous to this he had been a partj^ to the movement for changing the name of his embryo city from Hardenbergh Corners to that of Auburn. His career closed at the age of sixty. Colonel and Mrs. Hardenbergh and their daughter, Marian, were first buried in the North Street Cemetery. After the opening of Fort Hill Cemetery the bodies were transferred to the Hardenbergh lot in this cemetery. The following are the records upon the head stones at Fort Hill: "John L. Hardenbergh, died April 23, 1806, at the age of 60." "Martina Brinkerhoff Hardenbergh, died May 21, 1843, aged 70." "John H. Hardenbergh, their son, born March 20, 1798, died June 11, 1862." "Maria, their daughter, died Sept. 21, 1824, age 24." During the immediate succeeding years from 1803 there were many changes in business projects and also many additions, both in mercantile and industrial lines. 56 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A John Cumpston became a resident of the village and purchased the original James O'Brien store located on the present City Hall grounds. He carried on the busi- ness there for some time. He also became prominent in other lines. Silos Hawley was another settler in 1803. He was a tanner by trade, and, therefore, soon added another tannery to those already in operation. Reuben and Seth Burgess, hatters, joined the colony in 1804. They started a work shop and store at the corner of East Genesee street and Seminary avenue. They were thrifty and soon built a residence on Genesee street near their store. Lyman Payne and Jacob Doremus came also in 1804. Payne started an ashery above the outlet near the site now occupied by the Cayuga County National Bank. Doremus built another tannery and a store east of Payne's ashery. In 1812 Robert Muir bought the ashery and carried on the business several years. Jeremiah O'Callahan had the distinction of building about 1806 the first stone house in the community. It was located on a lane, as it was then called, but it later became Seminary avenue. It was on the west side of the lane, a little north of Franklin street. This house was soon replaced, however, by another of a different type. John Demarre and Ephraim Lockhart in 1804 built a cabinet shop, which was torn down two years later to give place to a tavern, the Farmers Inn, a two story building. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 57 In 1805 Frederick Young opened a goldsmith shop on Genesee street. He was succeeded a Httle later by Joseph Davis, and in 1814 the business passed to Jonathan Russell who continued in the business for quite a period of time. Henry Ammerman, who seems to have occupied a more or less conspicuous place in the affairs of the village, was a settler in 1804 also. First he was a farmer in the Owasco Lake region, but through his close relations with Col. Hardenbergh, he was drawn to the village. He built the old Farmers Inn and was its landlord for quite a period of time. In 1816 Mathias Hoffman purchased the Inn and he was succeeded later by Timothy Strong. Ammerman, it is said, was a man of clean character and in all respects a useful citizen. Although there were hatters and silversmiths and gold- smiths in town, it was 1805 before a real tailor opened a shop. William Cox was his name, and he seems to have done a prosperous trade in the little town. Another hat store was opened this year by Anselem S. Howland. This was a little west of Demarre's tavern, near Henry Polhemus' store. Polhemus was also a miller. John Walker had by this time joined Silas Hawley and they erected the first carding mill on the Outlet, a short distance above Col. Hardenbergh 's dam. In 1805 or 1806 Robert and John Patty opened a general store on Lumber lane, now Osborne street, a little distance from Genesee street. It was a frame building constructed with green lumber which shrank so much, it is said, that thieves pulled the goods out through the 58 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A cracks. The Patty's in 1807 built a tannery and an ashery, both of which were successful industries. ROBERT MUIR It was 1806 when Robert Muir, then a boy of sixteen, dropped down in Auburn to work out his destiny along with the other active and progressive men who were not alone the makers of their own fortune but the makers and builders of the town in the early period of its life. Robert Muir was of Scotch birth, born in Kilwinney, Scotland, in 1790. He located in Auburn the year after his arrival in this country. By hardy industry and thrift he was a merchant by the time he arrived at full manhood. A little later he became a manufacturer and built up an extensive and successful business. He erected the buildings, or a part of them, now occupied by the Nye & Wait Carpet Works. There was a con- siderable community established in that section of the village, and Muir's bed ticking factory gave employment to many people. The place was then known as Hackney, and some now living remember it as bearing that name. Throughout his career, it is said, Mr. Muir's honor and integrity were never questioned. He was generous and ever ready to help others as well as every enterprise and project that made for the advancement of the town. He gave aid liberally to worthy causes and was an earnest supporter of the struggling church societies in the village and city. He was closely identified with St. Peters church and was one of the society's most valued officers. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 59 In 1822 Mr. Muir married Miss Nancy Bennett, daughter of Asel P. and Sarah Ensign Bennett, of Shef- field, Mass. The Bennett family in 1814 also settled in Auburn, and it was Miss Almira Bennett, sister of Mrs. Muir, who later conducted the famous girls' school at the foot of the Owasco lake. Mr. Muir was popular among all classes in the village, and no less so in the little community which his industry had helped to build up. On account of this he was styled the Duke of Hackney, sometimes called Hackney Barney. Mr. Muir, at some time it is said, was a candi- date for some elective office, anent which someone com- posed a humorous song embodying something of the old Scotch story which gives an account of posts erected along the highway for scratching one's back. The closing line in this song ran as follows: "O, stay at home and scratch your back, Duke of Hackney Barney." Mr. Muir early built a handsome residence on Grover street where he lived for some time. The financial crash of 1837 brought much disaster to many lines of business, and Mr. Muir also sustained heavy losses, among them his manufacturing interest. But he continued as a merchant through the later years of his life. Mrs. Muir died January 12, 1864, and Mr. Muir died February 17, 1868. The surviving members of the family are two daughters, Miss Sarah M. and Miss Katherine S. Muir. TAVERNS OF THE EARLY PERIOD The taverns of one kind and another in the early period were, in a more or less degree, important institutions in 60 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A the community. They somehow got closer to the people, or the people got closer to them, at least they were not out of harmony with the spirit and life of the time. They were also to a great extent the forum where citizens col- lected from time to time to discuss many topics, that of religion, politics, current events, town affairs, and not infrequently, the domestic affairs of the community. On account of these relations and associations and the personality of certain of their landlords, much interest naturally centers in and about them. The first little log tavern erected by Samuel Bristol in 1795, at what is now the corner of Genesee and North street, marked an epoch in the history of Auburn. This was not because it amounted to much as a hostelry but it was a beginning and served the purpose at a time when all little things were in truth big things. Bristol's tavern, however, enjoyed not a long career. It ran a period of twelve or fifteen years when it passed to Eleazer Hills, who established there a grocery store. The second tavern in the settlement was that of Wil- liam Bostwick, built in 1798-1799. This was also a log structure, somewhat larger than Bristol's, of course, but having little more architectural beauty. It stood on the north side of Genesee street, the site upon which later the Beach block was erected. This crude hosterly had a briefer existence than Bristol's, but was popular because its landlord was popular and a conspicuous figure in the affairs of the village. In 1803 Mr. Bostwick began the erection of the frame hotel at the corner of Genesee and Exchange streets. o n ^ > 00 C HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 61 It was completed in 1804. Bostwick's new tavern was a large structure and a decided advance step in such enterprises in western New York. It was, in a consider- able degree, a famous hostelry from this time on for more than half a century. Mr. Bostwick reigned as landlord until 1816, and during this period did a prosperous busi- ness and made a good name for his hotel. Canfield Coe succeeded Mr. Bostwick as owner and landlord and under him too the business still increased, along with the popularity of the hotel. Mr. Coe greatly enlarged the building and made many improvements both inside and out. He continued as landlord eight years, when he was succeeded by Emanuel Hudson in 1 824 . It was Hudson who named it ' 'Western Exchange, the name it bore from that time on to the last day of its existence in 1868. General Wood was landlord of the Western Exchange for some time. He was a fat, puffy, "grouchy" individual, weighing nearly 300 pounds. Yet he ran a good hotel; and meanwhile waged an incessant warfare on his servants and employees. It was quite his custom to discharge them of a morning and re-engage them the following afternoon. But the old Western Exchange during its career, housed many persons of note from various latitudes, and each succeeding landlord took unctions pride in maintaining its standard. Benjamin Ashby was its landlord when the hotel passed to give place to a modern block of stores in 1868. The Center House, located at the junction of East Genesee and Market streets, was started in 1805 by 62 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A William Smith, who, it seems, failed to complete it. David Horner then came into possession of the property and finished the undertaking and opened the new hostelry in 1806. He continued about six years and sold it to Charles Reading, whose tenure lasted through four years. He was followed by Silas Hawley who had a brief reign as landlord. Then the good Deacon Henry Ammerman bought it and lived to his published declara- tion that he would run a first-class hotel. Ammerman presided at the Center House until 1822. The Center House enjoyed great local celebrity. It was the focal point and headquarters for almost everything and every movement undertaken by the townspeople. In addition to being a hotel, it was the assembling place for Sunday Schools, for church services and many other functions of a religious character. The hotel maintained a large assembly hall well suited for gatherings of this kind, and for dances and public meetings during the week. Both Judge Joseph Richardson and Gov. Enos T. Throop had law offices in the building. Andrew Brown succeeded Deacon Ammerman as land- lord and ran the hotel until 1828, at which time Abijah Keeler bought the property, and after a brief time Rod- man Sergeant, the last landlord, assumed charge. The Center House, however, had lived its life and served its purpose. It was purchased about 1830 by Ezekiel Williams, and was soon thereafter replaced by a block of stores. The hotel building was moved to Fulton street and became a residence. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 63 Another hostelry erected in 1806 was the Farmers' Inn, of which mention was made in a previous paragraph. Hudson, who bought the Farmers' Inn, later built the Radney House, which became the Empire State. Demarre's Tavern was built about 1817 or 1818. It seems to have enjoyed a good degree of popularity. De- marre was a popular man in the community and had a wide acquaintance. This hostelry afterwards became the National. In 1808 Watrous Pomeroy built a hotel on the south side of Genesee street, on the site of the present Exchange block. Pomeroy conducted the hotel about two years, when he sold it to Capt. Robert L. Tracy, who ran it as the Powers Tavern. Tracy died in 1816 and Zenas Goodrich became the landlord and changed the name to that of the Goodrich Inn. X few years later it was known as Griswold's Hotel, and still in 1825 it assumed the name of Goodrich's Inn again. The year 1835 marked the end of its life, however, for it was then removed to give place to the original Exchange block. The old Lynch Coffee House, about 1817, was located near the Bank of Auburn. A part of this became the Parmelee Tavern. Smith and Parmelee became owners of the Lynch Coffee House also and after Smith withdrew, Parmelee continued it until his death. In 1817 Isaac Lytic built a hotel opposite the prison and ran it until 1828, when the hotel and an adjoining building were destroyed by fire. The hotel was rebuilt and burned down again several years later. 64 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A James Hickson in 1828 erected a hotel on the corner where the old New York Central railroad freight house later stood. This was first called the Red Tavern, but later was known as Sadler's Hotel. There is no record as to its period of existence. As previously stated, Zenas Goodrich, in early times, had a tavern at the corner of North and York streets known as the Goodrich Inn. As late as 1829 it was known as Champlain's Tavern. John M. Daball in 1817 built a tavern at the corner of West Genesee and Division streets. Daball seems to have been succeeded by a Mr. Sexton whose terms of occupancy is unknown. In the early times it appears to have been a rendezvous for soldiers, for it is stated that the 158th Regiment Militia was for some time quartered there. The Demarre block, erected in 1833 on Genesee street, was in 1839 converted into a tavern. It was known as the Auburn House. The first landlord of the Auburn House was Horace A. Chase. It was a popular hostelry for many years and did a prosperous trade. Many persons of note also put up at the hotel at various times. Jenny Lind quartered there when she visited Auburn in 1851. In 1854 the Auburn House went out of existence and a part of the building was occupied for a school. Two years later the building was burned, thus giving place later to a block of stores. The Old Bank Coffee House on Genesee street, a little west of State street, was quite a distinguished hostelry when Bacon & Maxwell were the proprietors from 1828 HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 65 on for several years. The Coffee House was the head- quarters at that time for the stage lines going both east and west. The old Hne mail, the Pilot, the Eagle and Telegraph stage lines discharged their passengers at the Coffee House. The old Willard Tavern was built about 1810, on the north side of Genesee street. Watrous Pomeroy was the landlord for a considerable number of years, and Zadock Hall also kept it for an equally long period of time. It is said that during the War of 1812 a recruiting station was located in the old hostelry, and many soldiers were quartered there for several years. In 1827 Emery Willard, the owner of the hotel, sold it to F. S. Glover and soon thereafter the building was moved to Clark street. This in part gave place for the building of the x\merican. The American House, opened January 1, 1830, for a time filled as big a niche in the mind of the public as any hostelry in Auburn. While its later years were not especially brilliant, it had made a good history and attracted many admirers. The American was a substantial four story stone building, with some touches of architectural beauty. It stood on the site of the present Metcalf ofiice building on Genesee street. A Mr. Gambel was the first landlord at the hotel, and. it is said, he held sway there for some time. Col. Sherwood for many years ran the stage lines and his oflSces were at the American House. The stages, in consequence, stopped at this hostelry which fact greatly augmented its business and strengthened its popularity. 66 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Many distinguished persons put up at the American during the early years. Daniel Webster, Millard Filmore and the Hungarian patriot, Louis Kossuth, and others were guests at the hotel. The American had many different landlords during its career, the last one being S. P. Chapman. In 1870 the property was purchased by Anthony Shimer, who changed the name to that of the St. James. The hotel had lost prestige by this time and its patronage had waned beyond the profit limit. It burned in 1879, and thus passed another of the noted hotels of Auburn. There is still another early time tavern which is worthy of special mention. It is that of the old Eleazer Hunter road tavern, located in the present east end of the city on Genesee street. When it was erected in 1798, it stood in the woods, and probably there was no thought then that it would some day be within the city limits. It is a brick building and undoubtedly was the first building erected of that material in Cayuga county. It was kept as a hotel for nearly fifty years, or until the com- ing of the steam railroads. It has many interesting associations and an interesting history. An illustration of the place appears in this volumn. In the early times there was an enormously large elm standing near this tavern, under which the Indians were accustomed to gather for counsel and social intercourse. The old Hunter Tavern was one of the stopping places of the drovers when the cattle and other animals were taken on foot to the eastern markets. The building is still standing, with some changes, most of which are of the interior. OLD ST. PETER S CHURCH CHAPTER IV NOTES, PERSONS AND CHURCHES IN 1806 Robert Dill settled in Auburn. He came from New York, where he married and where for some years the Dill family had lived. Ten years prior to his settlement in the village Mr. Dill bought eleven hundred acres of land, all of which is now within the city. He pur- chased lot 37, six hundred acres, lying in the northwestern section of the present city, also five hundred acres of lot number forty-six which adjoined the six hundred acres on the south. His land holdings, therefore, extended to the north and south limits of the city. Robert Dill was a man of marked force of character, pro- gressive, broad minded and full of energy and enterprise. He was a builder and a helper in every movement for the advancement of the little village. He gave sites for several early schools, among them that of the Auburn Academy early in 1811, and the land upon which the prison is now located was donated by his estate. He erected a saw mill and aided in establishing other indus- tries in town. The lumber for the building of the first State street bridge was cut on his land and sawed at one of his mills. In 1809 Mr. Dill erected what was then styled a mansion at the corner of West Genesee and Washington streets. 68 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Washington street was then nothing more than a lane, and the present Fort street was a cow path. The Dill home was situated at the summit of the ascent on the street and was in consequence called "Mount House." Robert Dill married in 1804 Miss Eliza Mapes, and for a time after settling in Auburn the family lived on North street. They had five children, Major John B., Caroline, Deborah, James and Robert. Mr. Dill died January 24, 1813, and sometime later his widow married Dr. Joseph T. Pittney of the village. Robert Dill's early death was a grievous loss to the struggling community. Watrous Pomeroy, who, on account of his hotel connec- tions and various other associations and interests, became a man of some public note. He was a carpenter and builder and erected some of the more or less prominent buildings in early times. He erected a building at the corner of North and Genesee Streets and later in 1808 built a block for Jonathan Russell on Exchange street. In 1805 Elijah Esty arrived in town and bought the Daniel Hyde tannery on North street. Esty built up a prosperous business there which he continued for a number of years. In 1808 and 1809 William Brown, Dr. Joseph T. Pittney, and John H. Beach became residents of Auburn. Mr. Beach was later a prominent citizen. He was identified with many enterprises and represented the County in the State Legislature. He was also active in the organization of the Bank of Auburn in 1817. Dr. Pittney became a physician of more than ordinary reputation, and was one of the controlling spirits in the HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 69 affairs and the movements of one kind or another in the village. He was one of the early presidents of the village, and was actively interested in many business enterprises. Dr. Pittney in 1818 erected the home in Genesee street which later became the home of his son-in-law, Christopher Morgan, Secretary of State. It was a handsome residence, occupying a conspicuous site above the street level. The house is still intact, except some slight changes and addi- tions. Dr. Pittney married the widow of Robert Dill. She died in the house in 1820. In 1810 Samuel C. Dunham and Elisha Pease became business men in the town. Pease was a merchant and both he and Dunham were influential citizens. In spite of the cares, the struggles and hardships of pioneer days, there never was any lack of patriotism. It was as deep-seated and as serious as was their religion. This, of course, was intensified by the memory of the recent struggle for independence. The Independence day celebration of 1804 at Harden- bergh's Corners, the first celebration in the new town, was in some respects a unique affair. The country as yet was sparcely settled and the roads leading to the Corners were little more than suggestions, yet from every direction they were on hand to give zest and life to the demonstration. Capt. James Wilson with a militia band from Brutus was also present to add to the interest and attraction. The citizens early in the day raised a large liberty pole, but there was not a flag in the community to unfurl. In this emergency Daniel Hyde procured an expansive piece of red silk which was attached and raised to the top of the 70 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A pole. Among some of those present this was the challenge for a fight. They thought it was a British flag, and a British flag flying in the free atmosphere of free America, and at Hardenbergh Corners, was unthinkable. An envoy was at once dispatched to Col. Hardenbergh with the terrifying information, and he, in great anger and resent- ment, ordered it shot down. But the offending red rag was speedily removed and the celebration proceeded with the spirit of the period. Rev. David Higgins, the first minister in town, delivered an address in the yellow school house at the corner of Genesee and South Streets, and afterwards a great public dinner was served to the out of town pioneers. In the afternoon of this day a ball was given at Bost- wick's new tavern at the corner of Genesee and Exchange streets. The Committee of Arrangements was composed of Dr. Hackaliah Burt, Daniel Hyde, John H. Carpenter, Dr. Ellis, and Zephaniah Caswell. It was a memorable occasion and a history making day for Hardenbergh Corners. It was in 1804 too that the agitation for the establish- ment of a permanent county seat began in all quarters of the county. The County of Cayuga had been legally organized since March 8, 1799, and meanwhile the Courts had been held mostly at Aurora. In this year a law was passed authorizing the establishment of a county seat, also appropriating $1500 for the erection of county buildings. The committee chosen under this act, after devoting some time to the matter, designated Sherwood Corners. But this act was annulled and the following March, 1805, a new HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 71 commission was appointed for the service. This was com- posed of Edward Savage, of Washington County, James Burt, of Orange County, and James Hildreth, of Mont- gomery County. Naturally there were many aspirants for the county seat distinction. Aurora disliked to lose its hold on it, Cayuga desired it, and Sherwood Corners, Levanna, and Clarksville, besides Auburn, were seeking the honor. This was the year that the name of the Village was changed from Hardenbergh Corners to that of Auburn, thus giving the place greater dignity and a stronger claim to the county seat. After due investigation, the commission decided the matter in June, 1805, in favor of Auburn. Col. Harden- bergh was a factor in bringing about this decision. Wil- liam Bostwick thereupon gave an acre of land upon which to erect the county seat buildings. It is recorded in this connection that in consideration of the conveyance of the land, Dr. Hackaliah Burt, Henry Ammerman, John H. Cumpston and Daniel Hyde paid Mr. Bostwick two hundred dollars. Meanwhile the Supervisors, having refused to appropriate funds for the erection of a county building, the citizens of Auburn undertook the task of raising the necessary money. The first Court House and jail as an outcome of this action was finally completed in 1808 at a cost of $1,000. It was a wooden structure two stories high and painted white. The first floor contained the jail and the jailer's living apartments. A little later, however, the State Legislature awakened to the importance of the matter and, as a result, funds 72 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A sufficient to reimburse the subscribers to the first building fund were appropriated, and a Committee named to com- plete the building, pay over the money to the subscribers and secure title to the property. This committee con- sisted of John Grover, Stephen Close, and Noah Olmsted. May 17th of that year the first Court was held in Auburn in the new Court house, and the Justices presiding at this Court were Elijah Price, Barnabas Smith, Charles Kellogg and Willam C. Bennett. The first jailer was Israel Reeveh who rtigned as jailer during a period of eleven years, and a very genial jailor he was, it is said. In 1807 an act was passed authorizing a County Clerk's office, and an appropriation of $800 was made for the erection of the building. The amount was insufficient to complete it, however, but the building, although incom- pleted, served until 1814 when another appropriation was made to finish the work. It was, of course, a very unpre- tentious structure, yet it comported fairly with the Court House standing beside it. Peter Hughes was the first County Clerk chosen. He located in Auburn before the Clerk's Ofiice was yet ready for occupancy, therefore, the records meanwhile were kept at his residence. From 1794 to this time all records were housed at Aurora. By 1830 the County Clerk's office building was almost a wreck on account of faulty construc- tion, and the Legislature that year appropriated another $1,000, for the erection of a new and better building. Nathaniel Garrow and Walter Weed were named as a commission to superintend the work. This was a small stone structure which served until January, 1883, at which OLD FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Erected 1815. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 73 time the present substantial Clerk's Office was completed and occupied. The present Court House, a stone structure with much architectural beauty, was erected in 1836, and the jail, a modern building, was built in 1900. The location of the County seat at Auburn gave prestige, strength and added life to the village. Col. Hardenbergh had reluctantly consented to the elimination of his name when the question of discarding the cumbersome title of Hardenbergh Corners arose in 1805. Many names were proposed and Dr. Crossett, it is said, suggested the name, Auburn, which was finally adopted, probably with no intention of perpetrating a parody on Goldsmith's ideal village. Auburn as the county seat at once attracted many lawyers from other places in the county and some from places beyond the county border. Several had already located in town while it was yet Hardenbergh Corners. Samuel D. Lockwood was the first and then came Daniel Kellogg in 1801. Kellogg at once took a foremost place in the profession and in the affairs of the village and county. Moses Sawyer was associated with Mr. Kellogg in the practice of law. Richard L. Smith soon entered their office as a student and later became District Attorney, and at one time was editor of the Auburn Gazette. ENOS T. THROOP Another member of the early bar who attained much distinction was Hon. Enos T. Throop, who settled in Auburn about 1806. He became a partner of Judge Joseph Richardson. Mr. Throop made rapid headway 74 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A in his profession, in a few years becoming well known throughout the State. He was interested and active in public affairs locally and statewide. In 1829 he was nominated and elected Governor of the State, and after the close of his official service he continued in close touch with the political affairs of the State and the general Govern- ment. Governor Throop established the beautiful estate on the east side of Owasco lake, known as the Throop-Martin place, and later as Willowbrook. The situations and the surroundings, coupled with the marked social qualities and hospitality of the resident family, rendered it a delightful place to sojourn. The place from time to time in the past has housed many world distinguished persons. The Chinese Ambassador, the Japanese Ambassador, the Ambassador from Great Britain, President Andrew Jack- son, President U. S. Grant, Gen. Custer, Gen. James Steadman, Admiral Farragut and Major Gen. Lovell, H. Rousseau of Kentucky. It was Gen. Rousseau who, during the Civil War, raised in his native town a regiment for the defense of the Union. When the troops were about ready to leave Louisville the mayor of that city sent a messenger to the General with the suggestion that in view of the bitter feeling and the likeli- hood of trouble, it would be wise not to march his troops through the streets of the city. Gen. Rousseau said to the messenger: "You go back and tell the mayor that my soldiers will march through the main street of the city, and if a hair of one of their heads is harmed, there won't be a building left standing in Louisville tonight!" iVnd his troops marched out through the city unmolested. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 75 Besides those mentioned, many other distinguished persons have been guests at Willowbrook. GEORGE B. THROOP George B. Throop was born in Johnstown, N. Y., in 1793. He located in Auburn as early as 1812 and read law in the office of Hon. Enos T. Throop. After his admis- sion to the bar, he formed a co-partnership with Samuel D. Lockwood, Auburn's first lawyer. In 1815 Mr. Throop was appointed postmaster of Auburn and served until 1823. He was State Senator from 1828 to 1831. In 1833 Mr. Throop was chosen cashier of the Cayuga County Bank and served with ability until 1840. He died in Detroit in 1847. By the year 1810 Auburn had become something of an industrial center. There were then five saw mills, four grist mills, three distilleries, two carding mills, two fulling mills, one linseed oil mill and one triphammer forge. Along the outlet there were six dams. The first dam was that built by Col. Hardenbergh and the second was built by Elisha T. Swift. The first dam on the site of what is now known as the "big dam" was built by Daniel Hyde in 1808. Jehial Clark, in order to promote the interest of his community, early constructed two dams on the outlet. In addition to the above indus- tries, there were in the year mentioned three tanneries, two potasheries, two chairmakers, two wagon makers, two blacksmiths and two saddlers. Besides, there were four taverns, six merchants, two match makers, three shoe makers and two tailors. But as yet there was no churchy 76 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A although a Presbyterian clergyman was stationed in the viUage and services were held in the school houses or at the Court house. Gov. Clinton visited Auburn in the year 1810 and later described the place in considerable detail. The same year a noted Irishman from Belfast, Ireland, spent a little time in the village. Eight years later he published in Belfast an account of his visit and observations and drew a horo- scope of the place, for which he predicted a great future. The year 1811 brought to the village Thomas Cooper, Chauncey Dibble, machinist, Stephen Van Anden, a tailor, Tillman and John S. Burt, who became merchants. That year also Dr. A. M. Bennett located in town. In 1812 Dr. Erastus Tuttle, Abraham Gridley, John Oliphant, Teri Rogers, Abel and Thadrack Terry, and a little later Daniel Elliott, Sylvanus Noble and George Casey became resi- dents. CHURCHES EARLY AND LATE The movement in the direction of religious worship and ehurch societies began soon after the founding of the town, although it was a considerable number of years before any society had the strength and membership to establish and build a church. In setting forth here the story of the early church socie- ties and church building in Auburn, it is not out of order to include a real living church, which in early times, was in the country but is now in the outskirts of the city. There- fore, in its relation at least it is a city organization. Sand Beach church by a decade of years antedates in organization any society or church organization in the HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 77 village and city proper. Sand Beach church was first organized in 1796 and the church erected in 1797 at Brinkerhoff Point on Owasco lake. Sand Beach church was then called the Dutch Reformed Church and continued as such until 1810. It was at first a log edifice erected to meet the worshipful needs of the primitive settlement along the lake. It is reasonably safe to put it down, there- fore, as the first church erected in the state west of Schenec- tady. In 1810 the population in the lake region had increased to such an extent as to warrant the building of a new and larger church, and that year a frame church was built at Sand Beach and dedicated as Sand Beach Church. The doctrine of the Church in those days was of the most rigor- ous orthodox character and the preachers from time to time were virile exponents of that religious teaching. Conrad Ten Eyck was the first pastor at Sand Beach church and it is said that the church from Sunday to Sunday barely got cleared of the odor of the brimstone that he belched forth in his sermons. In 1850 a new and still more modern brick church was erected and now serves the society. The Rev. Dr. Samuel R. Brown was the first pastor of the new church. He was a strong character, possessing the qualities that make for a good preacher, a good pastor and a valued friend. He was pastor of the church eight years, during which time he also conducted Springside School. In 1859 Dr. Brown went as the first missionary from the United States to Japan. He left upon the Sand Beach society and the Com- munity an impress which has not to this day been effaced. 78 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A It was a long time, however, after the Rev. David Irish, the Baptist divine, preached the first sermon in the com- munity, before a living church organization was effected in the village of Auburn. Missionaries of the different denominations visited the village and held services at the homes of some of the resi- dents, at the school houses, in rooms set aside for them in the taverns, and later in the Court house. The first religious services, it is put down, were held in William Bostwick's barn in 1802. The Rev. David Hig- gins of Connecticut, was the Missionary who conducted the services. And the Rev. Davenport Phelps performed a similar office in the interest of the Episcopalian denomi- nation. The Rev. Phelps was a missionary who had labored zealously in many pioneer communities in western New York. It was through his efforts that the first real church organization was effected in the village. ST. Peter's church From 1797 to 1803 there were ten or fifteen families in the Hardenbergh community of the Episcopal faith. These families were visited from time to time by mission- aries and services were occasionally held at the homes of some member of the little band. The Rev. Whitmore and the Rev. Philander Chase were missionaries in the western part of the State in those years and they often made occa- sion to visit Hardenbergh Corners and minister to the gathering on a Sunday. The Rev. Davenport Phelps visited the settlement from 1803 and on for some time. He held services and adminis- HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 79 tered the first baptism, this being Hiram Bostwick, the infant son of WilUam Bostwick. At this period the ser- vices were held usually at the school house, or in the large room of the Bostwick tavern. The society was incor- porated July 1st, 1805. Thus the work went on while the numbers increased from month to month. William Bostwick and Dr. Hackaliah Burt were assiduous workers in the cause and it was for the most part through their efforts that a concrete organization of the society was early brought about. They had valuable assistance from other members, however, added to which was a gift of $1,000 from Trinity Church, New York. St. Peter's Church was organized at a meeting held in 1808 at Dr. Hackaliah Burt's home. The Rev. Davenport Phelps conducted the service. Dr. Burt and William Vredenberg were chosen as first wardens, and Thomas Jeffries, Jonathan Booth, Timothy Hatch, William Bostwick, Jaduthan Higby, John Lake, John Person, and Ebenezer Phelps, were chosen vestrymen. From this time on the society rapidly grew in strength and membership, the Rev. Davenport Phelps continuing to minister to the spiritual needs of the society. In January, 1810, a meeting was held at which definite action was taken in the matter of building a church. William Bostwick, Dr. Hackaliah Burt and Ebenezer Phelps were appointed a committee to superintend the building of the first church erected in Auburn. William Bostwick donated the site for the church and which St. Peters now occupies. The first edifice was a plain wooden structure of moderate size, but adequate for 80 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A the congregation at that period. The church was com- pleted and dedicated August 22, 1812, by the Rt. Rev. John Hobart. Bishop Hobart died at the Rectory Sep- tember 12, 1830, and was buried in his native state, Vermont. Rev. Davenport Phelps was the first rector of St. Peters, but he was succeeded April 30, 1812, by the Rev. William A. Clark and three years later the Rev. Dr. McDonold became the rector and remained until 1817. Dr. McDonold afterwards became president of Hobart College. He died in Geneva in 1830. The Rev. Dr. McDonold was succeeded as rector by Rev. William H. Northrop, who remained only a short time; then the Rev. Lucius Smith assumed the rectorship in 1819 and continued until 1823. There were several rectors of the church from this time up to the beginning of the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. John Brainard. The first church erected burned February 5th, 1832, and a new and larger church was at once erected and dedicated on August 8th, 1833. This church was razed in 1869 to give place to the modern and handsome St. Peters of today. It was consecrated in 1870 by Bishop Huntington, who became Bishop in 1869. In 1873 Gen. John H. Chedell donated ten thousand dollars for the building of the tower upon the church, and in 1875 the chimes w^ere placed in this tower. In 1887 D. M. Osborne, Esq., presented to the society the memorial organ. The rectors since Dr. McDonold have been the Rev. William Lucas, Rev. C. W. Hackley, Rev. William Cros- well. Rev. Samuel Hanson Coxe, Jr., Rev. Walter Arault, HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 81 Rev. E. H. Cressy, Rev. Charles Piatt, Rev. Joseph Pier- son, who remained only a short period. In 1863 Rev. John Brainard, D.D., succeeded to the rectorship and rounded out a career full of good deeds and great achieve- ments in church upbuilding welfare of forty -five years and at his death, November, 1909, left a deep and lasting impress upon the community he had served so faithfully and so long. DR. BRAINARD Dr. Brainard was born on June 4th, 1830, in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Hezekiah and Rebecca Morgan Brainard. He was educated at Hartford Grammar School, Ches- hire, Connecticut, and entered Trinity College, Hartford, from which he graduated, receiving a degree of Bachelor of Arts in 185 1 . He began immediately the study of theology at Berkley Divinity School, now of Middleton, Connecti- cut, and was ordained deacon, December 18, 185'^. The following two years he spent as the Assistant Minister of Grace Church, Baltimore. He was ordained to the priest- hood at St. Pauls Church, Baltimore, May 18th, 185(5, and thereafter became Rector of St. James Church, Birming- ham, now Derby, Connecticut, where he continued until November, 1863. At the last named date he came to Auburn, then in the western diocese of the State of New York, having accepted the rectorship of St. Peters Church. Here he remained until his death on November '29th, 1909. During this long service the diocese of Western New York was divided and Auburn was included in the present dio- cese of Central New York. He attained diocesan honors. 82 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A having been made Secretary and President of the standing committee of the diocese for a long period of years, and also having as a delegate, represented the diocese at several general conventions of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Under his administration St. Peters church grew from a comparatively small country parish to one of large and commanding influence in the diocese, having at the time of his death over seven hundred communicants. The present edifice was built and equipped with a chime of ten bells during his pastorate. He was a scholarly man of large sympathies, broad churchmanship, and genial personality, and during his long rectorate achieved great popularity and influence. Rev. Norton T. Houser succeeded Dr. Brainard in 1909 and is carrying on the work with efficiency. ST. JOHNS CHURCH St. Johns Episcopal Church was organized in April, 1868, about five years after Dr. Brainard became rector of St. Peters, and officiated there for a time. The church was an outgrowth from the original church. The site at the corner of East Genesee and Fulton streets was donated by Gen. Chedell, a beautiful location upon which now stands a handsome stone edifice. The first wardens of the church were Henry Wilson and William Lamey, and the vestrymen were Isaac L. Scoville, William F. Gibbs, C. M. Knight, J. M. Hurd, Rufus Sar- geant, Edward C. Marvine, George F. Bronson, and Henry Hall. "^W REV. DR. SAMUEL R. BROWN Earlv Pastor Sand Beach Church and Principal Springside School. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 83 The first rector of the church was the Rev. James Stod- dard who assumed the duties in October, 1868. He was succeeded by the Rev. E. B. Tuttle and he later by Rev. Charles B. Hale, D.D. None of these remained long in charge of the parish. In 1871 Rev. W. N. Lord became rector and remained until 1878. He was then followed by the Rev. Francis A. D. Launt who continued until 1884. The Rev. James B. Murray succeeded him and since Dr. Murray, Rev. Clement Brown, Rev. Louis Post Franklin, Rev. Samuel McPherson, Rev. Ransome Church, and other whose con- nection with the parish was more or less brief. The present rector is the Rev. Guy P. Burleson. St. Johns is now a strong parish and has in its member- ship many earnest workers for good. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH As early as the year 1795 the few followers of the Presby- terian faith in the Hardenbergh settlement were accus- tomed to collect at a log house and have religious services. In the very early years the Presbyterians seem not to have been as strong numerically as were the Episcopalians. About this time the Rev. Daniel Thatcher, a missionary from New Jersey, ministered to a large section of the very sparsely inhabited Cayuga County. Hardenbergh Cor- ners was one of his visiting points. The Rev. Thatcher was followed in 1798 to 1801 by other missionaries, chiefly from New Jersey: Rev. Asa Hillger, Rev. Aaron Condit and later Rev. MathewPerrine, the latter several years sub- sequent becoming identified with the Theological Seminary. 84 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A In like manner the affairs of the Presbyterians went on until 1802 and with little improvement, in fact, until still later. The Rev. David Higgins entered the field in 1801 and acted as a missionary through a good part of Cayuga County, also holding meetings at the various places, including Hardenbergh Corners, once in four weeks. Rev. Higgins in 1802 settled at the Corners, and in the fall of 1801 the first steps were taken toward the organization of the First Congregational Society of Auburn. The parish however, covered, besides Auburn, Half Acre, Grover settlement and Cayuga. Thus it went on until September, 1810, at which time a meeting was held at the Center House in Auburn and the Congregational Church organization was perfected, the establishment of the Auburn Church becoming effective in July, 1811. This was the beginning of the First Presby- terian Church. Rev. Mr. Higgins remained as pastor until February, 1813. He was succeeded by th Rev. Hackaliah Woodruff who carried on the work until 1816. It was in 1816 that the Rev. Dr. D. C. Lansing became pastor of the First Church, continuing in charge until 1829. As pastor of the First Church and professor in the Auburn Theological Seimnary, Dr. Lansing became a conspicuous figure in the community. Like Conrad Ten Eyck of Sand Beach Church, Dr. Lansing's religious teaching was of the severest type. Yet he was a zealous worker and constant in his faith. Dr. Lansing was largely instrumental in founding the Theological Seminary and labored earnestly in its interest HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 85 at a time when it needed strong helpers and supporters. Dr. Lansing died March 19, 1857. The first Church edifice was erected in 1815 on the site of the present First Church. The church was a large, wooden structure planned with the view of future growth, it may be assumed, for the congregation in 1815 was not large. Col. Hardenbergh donated the site and in other ways aided the struggling society. Rev. Dr. Lansing's successor was the Rev. Josiah Hop- kins who assumed the duties in 1830 and remained until 1846; Rev. Henry A. Nelson, 1846 to 1856. The Rev. Dr. Charles Hawley was then chosen pastor and served the Congregation until 1885. Dr. Hawley was not only a strong preacher but a man of strong character, a distinguished scholar, of broad mind, a cultured gentleman with high ideals of life and citizenship. He attracted thinking people, and thus added strength to his church and success to his labors. It was during Dr. Hawley 's pastorate in 1869, that the new and greater First Presbyterian Church was erected at a cost of $140,000. The first church erected in 1815 cost about $17,000. This building was moved to Capital Hill, and became Calvary Church. The first Sunday School organized in Auburn took place in the old church in 1817. Rev. Dirck C. Lansing was the mover and organizer of the school. Dr. Hawley took up the work at a much later period but his labor was effective. He grew into the hearts of the people and the esteem of all who came in contact with him. His pastorate closed in 1885 and he died in Auburn, 1888. 86 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Dr. Hawley was succeeded in 1886 by Rev. Dr. William H. Hubbard another strong man and an indefatigable worker. REV. WILLIAM HENRY HUBBARD, D.D. In the profession, or life work, chosen by Mr. Hubbard, there plainly was the influence of destiny. His success was so marked, so distinguished, that his ends seem to have been shaped by Divine power. Dr. Hubbard possessed the qualities that unquestion- ably would have made him successful in any pursuit other than the one chosen, in fact, he demonstrated this in a multitude of ways. He grappled nearly every problem in social, civic and business life, yet his great achievement was in the realm of Christian work and moral reform. In these fields of endeavor he left an impress and a record that will live in history and in the memory of all who knew him. Dr. Hubbard was born in Clark County, Kentucky, iVpril 16, 1851, son of William Henry Hubbard, who was a lawyer, and Anna Waite Hinds. He was descended ninth in the direct line from George Hubbard who came over from England and settled at Watertown, Mass., in 1633. At sixteen Dr. Hubbard graduated from the Louisville High School and entered Amherst College. The year previous, in 1866, he received his diploma from the Bryant and Strafford's Merchantile College at Louisville, having carried on this extra course in connection with his High School work. Graduating from Amherst at twenty years of age, he entered Andover Theological Seminary in the fall of 1871 for one year and later Princeton Theological HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 87 Seminary for two years, where he was graduated in the class of 1874. He immediately accepted the pastorate of the first church offered him. This was at Rutland, Mass., where he performed earnest and efficient work for a little more than a year. At the end of this period he was called to the pastorate of the Congregational Church at Merri- mac, Mass. Here he labored with great success for seven years and a half, and laid the foundation of the career which later won distinction and honor. From Merrimac, Dr. Hubbard was called to the South Congregational Church at Concord, N. H. His work at Concord prospered in a great measure, meanwhile he engaged in social uplift measures and in the enforcement of the law. Soon the Second Congregational Church of Holyoke, Mass., extended him a call, and he became its pastor. Here he remained for one year during which time one hundred and forty were added to the Church membership. It was while at Holyoke that Dr. Hubbard met and married Miss Elizabeth Allen Skinner who became also his associate and helper in his future work. About this time the First Presbyterian Church of Auburn called Dr. Hubbard to become its pastor, and he assumed the duties in October, 1886. From this time on until his death, January 31, 1913, Dr. Hubbard's life was one of intense activity. During his pastorate 1800 were added to the Church membership, a debt of $8,000 was cleared, an endowment of $50,000 was raised, and the organ was enlarged. One of the dreams of his early pastorate was realized in the completion of a new Chapter House that would give the enlarged Sunday School better accom- 88 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A modations. Not only did he busy himself in the upbuild- ing of the Church and in extending its usefulness, but also went out into the highways and byways in pursuance of the religious, civic and moral uplift of the community. He never spared himself; his only thought was of the great work there was for him to do and the limited time in which to accomplish it. His heart and energy were devoted to every good cause. Moreover, he was active in City affairs. He served with ability and efficiency on the Board of Charities; he was closely identified with the Business Men's Association and served it ably in various capacities. For five years Dr. Hubbard was Editor and Publisher of the Assembly Herald of the Presbyterian Church, also for three years Editor and Publisher of the Gospel Message. In this work, as in all others, Dr. Hub- bard evinced the strength and the same high ideals of Christian character. In addition to all these, Dr. Hubbard served as Modera- tor of the Cayuga Presbytery and was for many years an active and helpful member of the Board of Trustees of the Auburn Theological Seminary. He was also a member of the Executive Commission of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and on account of his demonstrated executive ability he was made Executive Secretary of this Commission. The duties of the office were so arduous and so exacting that Dr. Hubbard in 1911 resigned the pastorate of the Church in order to devote his time more fully to the appointed service. Meanwhile his interest in the Church abated not a degree nor in any other move- ment for good. REV. WILLIAM H. HUBBARD, D.D. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 89 That his work was appreciated was evidenced by the following expression from the Joint Executive Committee of the Executive Commission: "The Committee wishes to place on record its apprecia- tion of the faithful, efficient and painstaking labors of Rev. William H. Hubbard, D.D. He brought to the work of the Committee a great aptitude for dealing with matters financial; a clear, clean-cut conviction of the necessity of developing in the individual church, systematic beneficence a full knowledge of the whole subject from e\^ery point of view; a deep and abiding interest not only in the entire Church, but in particular in the smaller and weaker churches, and a burning passion for all the work of the Church so that the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ might be advanced at home and abroad: *A workman that needeth not to be ashamed'." As one of the religious papers. The Continent, stated, "The Church will no doubt wait long to see again his like for generous devotion, but the imprint of his intense crusade will always be found upon Presbyterianism." Dr. Hubbard was a man of wonderful physical and mental force, and he strained them to the breaking point in his desire to work out the problems which confronted him. The days seemed not to be long enough for him to accomplish the many tasks he set for himself. His was a busy life, and he literally wore himself out in the work. Upon the retirement of Dr. Hubbard the Rev. Charles Gorman Richards become the pastor and is now serving. 90 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Second Presbyterian Church had its beginning as early as 1828. It sprang from the First Church and active and influential people as its founder. The first elders were William Brown, Abajiah Fitch, John T. Hagaman, Horace Hills, Truman J. McMaster, George C. Skinner, and Henry Teft. A site was that year purchased on South street and in 1829 the society began the erection of the church which is still the society's home of worship, a building quite unique in architecture yet classic in appearance. The church was completed and dedicated in 1830. The Rev. Daniel Axtel was ordained pastor upon completion of the church and continued until 1836. The Rev. Leonard Lathrop succeeded him in November of that year and remained until 1851. Here there appears to have been a period of nearly two years without a pastor, for the Rev. Edward D. Morris became pastor in January, 1853, and remained until November, 1855. Ezra Huntington, D.D., professor in the Seminary, supplied the pulpit from 1855 to 1858. The Rev. Henry Fowler succeeded him and continued as pastor until 1861. Rev. Samuel Boardman was pastor from 1862 to 1877; W. H. Albright 1879 to 1887; Rev. Edward Sprague, 1887 to 1895; Rev. J. Wilson Brainard, 1896 to 1907. Here was another interval when the church was without a pastor. In 1909 Rev. Allen M. Dulles, D.D., became the pastor and is now ministering to the congregation. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 91 The Central Presbyterian Church organization had its inception in the year beginning of the Civil War, and the sentiment growing out of the paramount issue in that struggle was an element in the forming of the new church society. Its promoters and founders, in great part were abolitionists who had broken away from other church connections on account of the diverse opinions held upon the subject by their church associates. Rev. Henry Fowler the first pastor of the new church w^as vigorous anti-slavery advocate and voiced the senti- ment with great energy and earnestness. The first meeting to effect an organization of the society was held in December, 1861, over which Prof. S. M. Hop- kins presided. During the year 1862, the society held its services in the Y. M. C. A. In October of that year a site was purchased at the corner of William and Genesee streets. A basement chapel was at once constructed for temporary use, which served the needs of the society until 1870. In 1868 the site upon which the church now stands on William street was purchased and the following year the erection of the church was begun. It was completed and dedicated in 1870. In 1885 large extensions were made to provide parlors, chapel and session room. The cost amounted to above $70,000. The church is now strong and prosperous. The Rev. Henry Fowler was its pastor from 1861 to 1871; Henry F. Hickok, 1872-1875; Rev. Samuel Duffield, 1876-1878; Rev. Charles G. Hemmingway, Ph.D., 1879-1891; Rev. Frederick W. Palmer, 1893, is the present pastor. 92 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH When the present First Presbyterian Church was built in 1869-1870, the discarded church was moved to Capital Hill and became Calvery Church. The society was organized in 1870 and the Rev. H. S. Huntington became its first pastor, and remained in charge until 1876. Prof. Wm. Hopkins then acted as a supply until May of that year at which time the Rev. Dr. M. W. Stryker was in- stalled as pastor, but he was soon thereafter elected presi- dent of Hamilton College,t hus leaving the church without a pastor. The Rev. Dr. George B. Stewart supplied the pulpit for a considerable time. Since that time the pastors have been the Rev. Frank Hinman, Rev. A. S. Haster, Rev. E. H. Adriance, Rev. WilHam E. Roe, D.D., and in 1908, the Rev. Vernon N. Yergin, who is the present pastor. WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Westminster Presbyterian church had its beginning when both the Central and the Second Presbyterian churches combined in the work of establishing a Sunday school on Baker Avenue. The Sunday School opened in May of that year and soon had enrolled seventy-five pupils. The school grew and interest in the project strengthened until it crystallized into a church society. All the other Presbyterian churches gave efficient aid to the under- takings and this, with the generous contribution of Dr. Sylvester Willard, made it possible soon to erect a church at Genesee and Dele van streets, where an attractive chapel was erected in 1884. It was dedicated Nov. 30th of that year and was for some time known as Willard Chapel. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 93 The pulpit of the Chapel at first was supplied by local pastors and members of the Theological Seminary faculty. In 1885 the Cayuga Presbytery held its session at the Chapel, at which time the church organization was per- fected under the title of Westminster Church. In June, 1885, Rev. Albert S. Hughey was engaged as pastor and ministered to the growing congregation until 1889. He was followed in 1890 by the Rev. E. W. Twichell, 1890-1892; Rev. O. T. Mather, 1893-97; Rev. Tracy B. Griswold, 1898-1902; Rev. Arthur McKay, 1903-1911; Rev. L. A. Losey succeeded him in 1911 and is still in charge. FIRST M. E. CHURCH The movement toward the formation of the First Methodist society in Auburn started several years subse- quent to the beginning of the denominations first men- tioned, and the promoters in this instance had a still greater struggle in getting established. When the society was organized in 1819, it had only fifty-one members, but finally a small, wooden building was erected on what is now Chapel street which, in face of many inconveniences, served the congregation until 1834. It was soon there- after sold to the Catholics, thus becoming the first church of that denomination in the village. In 1833 John Seymour, Esq., and Tallmage Cherry erected at the corner of North and Water streets a church which they conveyed to the First Methodist Church society. The Church issuing bonds in the sum of $10,000. In view of the failure to meet the payments as they became due, the purchaser of the bonds began proceeding for 94 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A foreclosure. The society, however, had grown stronger so that finally the debt was paid. In 1867 the church was destroyed by fire, the society having upon it an insurance of $6,000. Before the close of the year of the disaster the church purchased a site on Exchange street upon which a very commodious church was at once erected at a cost of $35,000. It was dedicated in 1869. The first pastor of the little Chapel Street church was Rev. Gardner Baker. Later, when the society moved into its new church on North street, the Rev. William Searles, a man of much force and earnestness in his work was its pastor. Under his administration the church grew and prospered. Rev. I. H. Ives was called to the pastorate of the First Church in 1854. Dr. Ives performed valuable service for the church. He increased its membership and greatly strengthened the financial conditions of the Wall street church. He remained in charge until 1856. The church has had many other earnest and able workers in the cause of Christianity. WALL STREET CHURCH The Wall Street M. E. Church was established in 1854 through the efforts of Dr. Ives, as a means to better accommodate a large section in the northeastern part of the city. The first board of trustees were chosen Aug. 25, 1856, was composed of the following: William Barnes, Alonzo Munsell, T. J. Francis, W. H. Halliday, and J. W. Haight. Dr. Ives and Alonzo Munsell were appointed a committee to secure a suitable place to hold services. A building located at the corner of Washington and Seymour HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 95 streets was secured where the thirty-seven members then composing the society, worshipped until 1859. Various clergymen officiated at different times, Dr. Ives acting as a supply a part of the time in the earlier period of its beginning. The building of the Wall Street Church was begun in 1859 and completed in the spring of 1860. From this time on the Church grew in membership until now it is a strong organization. The first pastor in 1857 was the Rev. William Reddy. The Rev. James Britten is the present pastor. TRINITY CHURCH Trinity Methodist Church, one of the handsomest church edifices in Auburn was begun in 1906 and com- pleted in 1907. The Church society, however, was organized in 1885, having been an outgrowth of the First Church. The First Church also gave effective aid in establishing the new church. The movement for the building of a church on the east hill was with the view of better accommodation for the large number of worshippers in that section of the city. At the first meeting held in the interest of the project a committee was named consisting of Thomas Jones, John F. Driggs, C. A. Porter, and C. E. Parker to procure a site for the erection of a church. In September of that year a lot at the corner of East Genesee and Evans street was bought upon which a chapel was erected and was ready for occupancy in the fall of 1886. A meeting was early called at the house of C. A. Porter, at which the trustees of the society were chosen as follows: C. E. 96 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Parker, C. A. Porter, A. S. Martin, W. L. Tuller, and R. S. Broad. The new organization was to be known as Trinity Church and accordingly a charter was at once filed in the County Clerk's office. In October, 1886, the Rev. Arthur Copeland was installed as the first pastor. At the close of the first year the church had one hundred and forty members. Rev. Mr. Copeland remained until 1889, when he was succeeded by Rev. Charles E. Babcock. The present church was erected at a cost of $55,000. It is now a healthy and prosperous church. The present pastor of Trinity is the Rev. Victor S. Britten. ZION M. E. CHURCH The Organization of Zion Church was effected as early as 1840, but the society was without a permanent place of worship until 1891. The members held meetings in different school houses and in vacant buildings from time to time. However, in 1891, Rev. Johnson Joseph began a campaign which resulted in the Society's erecting a very adequate and comfortable church at the corner of West Genesee and Parker streets. The Church now holds regular services and has a regular pastor. Rev. J. W. Polk is the present pastor. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH The inception of the First Baptist Church dates from 1817. In that year a small number of adherents of the faith met at the home of J. James Randall and by the action there taken constituted themselves a body known HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 97 as the Auburn Baptist Conference. Early in the year 1818 this body appointed a meeting to be held at the Court House on December 26, of that year to perfect the organiza- tion. This, however, did not complete it. At a meeting held February 17, 1819, the First Baptist Church was con- stituted by a counsel composed of the churches of Aurelius, Brutus, Mentz and Owasco. Up to 1819 the church society had no regular pastor but that year Elder Elkanah Comstock was engaged on a half time basis, and in this manner he served them ten months. In 1820 Rev. C. P. Wyckoff became the regular pastor. The first meeting under his ministration was held June 4, 1820, at the Court House. Rev. Wyckoff continued as pastor until 1828. He was succeeded in 1830 by the Rev. John Blain. In 1825 a small church was built at the junction of South and Exchange streets, which was occupied until 1830. By this time the church membership had so increased that a new and larger stone church was erected on Genesee street, a little west of the outlet. By 1883 the congrega- tion had again outgrown the Church and the present large stone edifice corner west Genesee and James streets was erected. It is now one of the strong and flourishing churches of the city. It was dedicated in October, 1887, and cost about $70,000. The pastors since Rev. Wyckoff have been: Rev. J. M. Graves, 1833-35; Rev. L. S. Parrer, 1835-1838; Rev. James Johnson, 1839-1840; Rev. Alfred Pinney, 1841- 1843; Dr. J. S. Backus, 1843-1850; Rev. W. P.Patteson, 1851-1855; Rev. A. M. Hopper, D.D., 1857-1859; Rev. P. P. Bishop, 1861-1868; Rev. W. H. Maynard, D.D., 98 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 1869-1875; Rev. Willard H. Robinson, 1876-1881; The pulpit was then supphed for a short time. Since that time the church has had as pastors, Rev. Joseph K. Dixon, Rev. Dr. Robert G. Seymour, Rev. Giles H. Hubbard, D.D., Rev. A. W. Bourne, who assumed the pastorate in 1904 and is still in charge. SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH The Second Church was the outcome of a Mission established in Francis street in 1867, by E. L. Lord and Stephen C. Hoyt, through the influence and aid of the Y. M. C. A. In June, 1868, the organization was turned over to the First Baptist Church. The Sunday School in connection with the new society was held that year at the home of Thomas Hale, on Augustus Street. By 1869 the membership increased to a sufiicient number to war- rant the building of a chapel at the corner of Owasco and Lazette streets. The organization continued with pulpit supplies until 1879 when the Second Baptist Church was finally organ- ized. In 1882 the new and larger church was begun at the corner of Genesee and Owasco streets, and was completed and dedicated in 1884. Rev. Mr. Wilkins was the first pastor in the new church, beginning in 1885. Since that time the successive pastors have been Rev. O. E. Coxe, Rev. Frank D. Pinney, Rev. F. Vebb, Rev. Arthur C. Watkins, Rev. Amos Nay lor, Rev. A. A. NeUis, and Rev. E. L. Jones, who was installed in 1909 and remained until the close of 1912. He was succeeded by the Rev. L. N. Girritt, D.D., who is now the pastor. OLD FIRST M. E. CHURCH HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 99 EMANUEL BAPTIST Emanuel Baptist church grew out of the Second Baptist there being a desire to provide a place of worship for a large number of its members living in the south-eastern section of the city. The movement in the undertaking began April 15, 1888, at which time the church was organized. It was at once called Emanuel Baptist church. The early meetings of the organization were held in College Hall and Seminary Chapel, and the first preacher was F. W. Lock- wood, of Rochester Theological Seminary. In June, 1888, he w^as chosen as the regular pastor of the new church. A little later the organization purchased a lot on Owasco Street and erected a handsome chapel in which to worship. In July, 1901, after it had been cleared of all indebtedness, the church was dedicated and recognized as a regular independent Baptist Church. The Church is now active and prosperous under the pastorate of Rev, C. L. Dakin. CHURCH OF CHRIST As early as 1829 action was taken toward the organiza- tion of this society, when Deacon Peck and Edward Allen, living in the section early known as Clarksville, made a movement for the foundation of a church of the Disciples of Christ. They began by holding meetings in a stone school house on Division street. At that time the little society was in alliance with the Throopsville church and so continued until the society became sufficiently strong to form a separate church. In 1849 this organization was effected and incorporated as the first Congregation of Christ, of Auburn. 100 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A A wooden structure was erected in 1851 on Division Street. It is said that Pres. Garfield once preached there when a young man. Rev. Ira L. Parvin is the present pastor. ST. LUCAS CHURCH St. Lucas German Evangehcal Church had its begininng in 1873 and through several succeeding years, when believers in that religious faith held meetings at private homes. In 1879 an organization was perfected and a pastor installed, Rev. George Field being the first pastor. For several years thereafter meetings were held at various places, among them the Seminary Chapel. In 1881 with the aid of stronger outside churches, a small but neat church was erected on Seminary Avenue. Rev. Feld was pastor of the church until 1895, at which time Rev. Adel- bert E. Helm succeeded him. The next pastor was Rev. Theodore Braim, and the present pastor is Rev. Carl Loos. THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH The beginning of the Universalist church dates back to 1805 when Lyman Paine settled in iVuburn as a pioneer. He was the father and founder of the church and one of its earnest supporters until his death in 1853. The early meetings of the followers of that faith were held at Lyman Paine's house, the first sermon having been preached in his kitchen by the Rev. Paul Dean in 1812. Mr. Paine then lived on North street and the little handful of worshippers could gather in a small room with no great discomfort, as the congregation comprised not more than twenty persons. FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 101 For several years thereafter there was only preaching now and then by some itinerant missionary, and like the other struggling church organizations, the meetings for several years were held at private homes or in the school houses. In 1815 Rev. Nathaniel Stacy visited Auburn and preached and received not a very cordial reception from the residents, other than the followers of the faith. An organization was finally effected with Elijah Swift, George Standert and Lyman Paine as trustees. The society was known as the First Universalist Society of Auburn. There were then twenty -nine members. At a meeting held in December, 1822, at the home of Jarvis Swift, a committee was appointed to procure a suitable site for a church. In 1823 the movement for the raising of funds was started, meanwhile, there was occasional preach- ing by Isaac Whitnall, Henry Roberts and others that came along from time to time. The Cayuga Association of Universalists was organized in Auburn in 1822 and the Rev. Mr. Everett was the first regular pastor to assume charge in 1827. The society grew rapidly under his ministration. In 1829 Rev. Augustus Bronson became the pastor and did effective work for some time. After the departure of Rev. Bronson, the society dwindled until 1833 when it was revived and a movement started again to purchase the church previously occupied by the First Baptist society. A meeting was held at the Western Exchange Hotel in April, 1833, and a new organization was perfected with a new board of trustees composed of Allen Worden, Ezekiel Williams, William H. CoflBn, John G. Paul, Josiah Barber, Salmon Tyler, Ethan A. Warden, 102 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Jar vis Swift and Stephen Lombard. Soon after this the old Baptist edifice at the junction of South and Exchange streets was purchased and since that date the society has had a house of worship of its own. From this time on the church prospered until it has now become one of the representative churches of the city. In 1847 a new and handsome church was dedicated at the corner of South and Compston, now Lincoln streets. The first pastor in 1833 was the Rev. George W. Montgomery and the present pastor is the Rev. Arnold S. Yantis. The Universalist church has had some able preachers and many earnest workers. Lucretia Mott fre- quently preached in this church. HOLY FAMILY CHURCH The foundation of Catholicity in Auburn dates from 1810, although the denomination had no church until nearly twenty years later. John O'Connor and Hugh Ward were settlers in the village in 1810, and through their efforts the first Catholic service in Western New York was held in Auburn. John O'Connor was a man of much force of character and fairly well to do. After six years residence in the village without the visitation of a priest, he requested Rt. Rev. Bishop Connelly, of New York, to send a priest to Auburn to say mass. Mr. O'Connor offered to defray all the expenses. In response Rev. John Gorman was sent to Auburn in 1816 and said mass at Mr. O'Connor's house, which was then situated on Water street. From this time on for several years mass was celebrated in Auburn, worshippers coming HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 103 from Geneva, Seneca Falls and Ithaca to attend. In 18^0 Father Gorman visited Auburn again, said mass in the Court House and baptized several children. Meanwhile Mr. O'Connor was the moving spirit in securing per- manently a priest to minister to the spiritual needs of the little colony of Catholics in the community. Mr. O'Con- nor was the grandfather of Rev. Father John J. Hickey, now pastor of the Holy Family Church. In 1825 Father Kelly, of Rochester, visited Auburn to celebrate Mass, and in 1828 Rev. Dr. Farron performed the same services several times. They were followed by Father McNamara and Father Hayes of Salina. In 1829 Father O 'Donahue began his labors in the village and soon thereafter purchased the chapel vacated by the First Methodist Society on Chapel street. The Church was dedicated in September, 1830, under the name of the Church of the Holy Family. John O'Connor, Hugh Ward, Thomas Hickson, and Daniel Lawler were the first trustees. Father O'Donahue was later succeeded by Father Connelly and he by Rev. Father Grace, who died in 1844. Father Bradley came as the next pastor and after- wards Father O 'Flaherty was appointed and remained in charge until 1856. Father Creedon succeeded him in 1857 and in 1861 he erected the beautiful Holy Family Church as it stands today on North street. Later Rev. Father Creedon was transferred to Elmira and Rev. James McGlew became pastor. After two years Father McGlew was sent elsewhere and Father O'Flaherty again became pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. Martin Kavanaugh in 1869 who remained until 1874. Father Kavanaugh 104 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A established the parochial school and did much more to advance the interests of the Church. Then came Rev. Edward McGowan and after him, Rev. William Seymour who continued until his death in 1895. Rev. Father John J. Hickey, the present rector, suc- ceeded Father Seymour in 1895 and during his pastorate many improvements in the church and the school have been made. He has bought and cleared away the very unsightly building on the corner adjoining the church and has erected the two handsome church towers and put in the church the beautiful stained glass windows, and con- structed the large sacristy. It is now one of the fine churches of the city. ST. Mary's church St. Mary's Church came about as a result of a division of the Holy Family Church. This parish had become very large and popular and in order better to meet the needs Bishop McQuaid established St. Mary's of the Assump- tion, the Rev. Thomas Meagher being appointed the first pastor. For a short period of time services were held in a small building on State Street, but soon after Tillman's Hall was rented and services were conducted in the hall until the basement of the new church could be put in condition to use. Shortly after this the lot upon which the church now stands was purchased and a small wooden building was erected in which to hold services. The Rev. Dr. Myles J. Laughlin became the rector in September, 1869, by which time the Congregation had grown to the extent that JOHN O CONNOR HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 105 a new and larger church was demanded. Dr. Laughlin at once took steps toward the erection of the new church. It was a problem very difficult to work out, in view of the great cost of the proposed church, and the limited re- sources. The church at the corner of Clark and Green streets was begun, however, in 1871. After much labor and effort the handsome stone structure was completed and dedicated in 1877 by the Bishop at a cost of $60,000. In 1877, Father Laughlin retired and soon thereafter Father William Mulheron was appointed to the rectorship, and served with great usefulness and ability until his death in February, 1913. Father Mulheron was a zealous and earnest worker. When he assumed the duties as pastor, the church was swamped with debt, yet he paid off the indebtedness and made many new additions and improvements. He erected the parochial school building at a cost of $8,000 and paid a mortgage of $6,000. He bought additional land and fixtures and fittings for the interior of the church. St. Mary's is now one of the fine churches of the city. ST. ALPHONSUS' CHURCH This Church was established in 1853 when about twenty German Catholics expressed a desire to have a church of their own, presided over by a German pastor. For a short time some of the Redemptionist Fathers from Rochester visited Auburn and performed services. Finally in 1854 a small wooden church was erected on Wall street and Rev. Jacob Kanze was installed as pastor. He remained only a short time, however, and the church was then for 106 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A sometime without a ptistor. In ISoo the Bishop appointed Rev. Dom Gujnuer as rector but he too remained only a short tmie. So it went on until 1S69 the ser\'ices being conducted from time to time by the Redemptionist Fathers. In the sixties the parish purchased the brick church in Water street whicli had been erected by the Adventist and in 1S66 the Sacrament of Confirmation was adminis- tered. In 1869 Rev, Charles Vogel became pastor, and through his efforts many improvements were made. The parish maintains a well equipped school. The church has had some strong and well educated priests and it has grown and broadened. Rev. Herbert Regenbogeu is now pastor. ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH One of the younger Catholic churches is that of St. Aloysius situated on Van Anden street. It was organized in 1901 by the Rev. John McGrath who has been its pastor since the church's foundation. It has already grown to be a prosi>erous and active parish. Rev. Father McGrath has added a school, a convent and a parish hall. ST. HYACIXTH's CHrRCH The newest Cathohc church was organized in 1905 to provide a place of worship for the PoUsh residents of the city. In 1906 a new Church was erected at a cost of $30,000. In combination with this is the parish school. Rev. H. J. Szupa is the pastor. The church has a con- siderable membership. CHAPTER V HISTORY — IXCORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE NEWSPAPERS [HE histor\' begins again at the year 181-2. This year happens to be especially memorable because it marked the beginning of the second war — the War of 181'2, in which many Auburnians had an active part. The military spirit seems to have been a conspicuous element in the life and histon' of Auburn. In what de- gree, if any, this is due to the fact that the to^Ti was estab- lished on Military land and foimded by a militant man, it is difficult to state. At any rate, it has been the center of militarv' activity and has furnished to the State and the Nation many distinguished miUtarj- men. In the War of 181^2 Auburn sent out four companies of militia and one company of regulars. At this time there were four companies quartered in Auburn, first, a cavalry company which had been recruited as early as 1804 by Capt. Trowbridge Allen. It seems to have been a verj^ popular company, due in some measure, to the attractive uniforms of the men which had many gaudy decorations thereon. At the time of going into service the company was in command of Capt. Bradley Tuttle. Then there was an infantry company whose date of organization was 1806. It was composed of a stalwart lot of men who promptly answered to the call to assemble 108 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A on the Jesse Reed farm two miles west of Auburn. Edward Stevenson was the first captain of the company, but as to its commander in 1812 there is no available record. The artillery company was organized by Capt. Thomas Mumford, and at the time of the War was in command of Capt. John H. Cumpston. Many of these men saw actual service at Niagara Falls and other points in that vicinity. There was also a company of regulars raised in Auburn for service in the war. The company was for a time quar- tered in wooden barracks in Genesee street, but finally was sent to Sacketts Harbor, there becoming a part of Gen. Pike's expedition against upper Canada. Another company that achieved much distinction in the War was the company known as the Rifles, under com- mand of Capt. John Richardson. This company also went to Niagara and became a part of Gen. Brown's command. Captain Richardson's Rifles did valiant ser- vice and won great honor. For Col. Richardson's brave part in the campaign he was promoted to the rank of Colonel. On two or three occasions during this war period terror was spread through Auburn and vicinity by the report that the British soldiers were on American soil and were headed for Auburn, but a diligent search by the band of volunteers sent out failed to reveal a single member of the enemy's troops. However, Auburn could very reasonably indulge in some vain glory on account of the part it took in the affair. HOLY FAMILY (r. C.) CHURCH HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 109 John H. Cumpston and Egbert Bratt about 1810 suc- ceeded to the proprietorship of the early store estabhshed by James O'Brien upon the City Hall site. Mr. Bratt's wife was Sarah Grandin of Freehold, N. J. They had one daughter, Mary A. Bratt, born in 1808. She became the wife of John H. Cumpston. Their only son was a Presby- terian clergyman who died in Alexandria, Virginia. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bratt died in Auburn and were buried in the North street burying ground. John H. Cumpston was a prominent merchant and business man for many years. About 1813 or 1814 the distillery built on the bank of the Outlet by Frederick T. Clute in a flood time was carried down the stream and with it went many barrels of his choicest whiskey. In the early twenties the old Cham- plain Tavern on North street was converted into a manu- factory of spinning wheels. It was run by horse power, and gave employment to several people. In 1812 Shadrach Terry had a wagon shop on the ground on Genesee street now occupied by the residence of Mr. Frederick Allen, and xA.bel Terry, his brother, built a blacksmith shop and residence on the opposite side of the street, not far from where the Government building is now situated. Daniel Elliot, a carpenter and builder, became a resident about this time and was an active builder of houses and factory buildings. In December 1812 the Auburn Literary Association was organized with John Sawyer as president and David Brinkerhoff, Eleazer Hills and Anselm H. Howland trustees. The Association seems to have been active and beneficial as a means of education and mental develop- 110 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A ment. It had as members many of the leading citizens who made it a valuable society for several years. In 1815 Auburn had yet begun only in an indifferent way to lift itself out of the mud. The streets had been somewhat improved, yet in a great part of them a mud scow was still a safer mode of travel than by wagon. The recent war and the passing of many troops over the roads, however, had added not a little to their generally impas- sable condition. North street, having been the first street laid out in 1797, was the best thoroughfare in the village. It was the main thoroughfare too for a consider- able number of years. When the toll gates came into vogue, there was one located on this street near what was called North Brook bridge. Capt. Nathaniel Gers- ham kept it for many years and became a well known figure in his little house along the almost bottomless mud pike. Genesee street at this time was also swathed in mud and mire. There were few sidewalks, except in the little business center extending from the outlet west to the corner of Court street. Beyond that point boards and other pieces of timber were placed along the street as a protection against being lost in the mud. Still, the streets were being improved as time and means permitted. Gene- see street at that time presented quite the appearance of a business thoroughfare. From the eastern to the western end of the district there were well up towards 40 business institutions of one kind or another. The buildings as yet were practically all of wooden construction. Between John street on the HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 111 east and the outlet were Chauncey Dibble's blacksmith shop, Henry Ammerman's Inn, DeMarree's cabinet shop, Seth Burgess hat shop, and the old mill along the Outlet. From the Outlet westward to South and North streets were Hyde & Beach store, the Center House, Austin S. Howland's hat shop, Swift's store, the Western Federalist printing office, Russell's jewelry store, Oli- ph ant's tailor shop and Eleazer Hills grocery store, also R. & J. Patty's tannery, Jeffries' chair factory, Silas Hawley's tannery, Joseph Colt and Samuel Cumpston's stores, Cornelius Irving's saddlery shop, Ganley & Smith's drug store, and the old frame school house. West of this there were Horace Hill's store, Bostwick's tavern, Henry Porter's and Peter Hughes' store, Dr. Hackaliah Burt's residence, the small office of Eben Hoskins, Grover & Fitch's jewelry store, Noble's store, Eldad Steel's store, Abel Leroy's organ shop, Thomas Finn's tailor shop, Miller's blacksmith shop, and Shadrack Terry's wagon shop. There were about three brick buildings on the street. The population of Auburn was about one thousand. It was in 1815 that Auburn was first incorporated. The area of territory then included in the corporate limits was one-fourth as much territory as that covered by the city today. That is to say, it included nine hundred acres, whereas at present there are 3600 acres within the city. The village was incorporated by an act of the Legisla- ture dated April 18th of that year. John H. Beach was then a member of the Legislature and it was through 112 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A his efforts that the enactment was secured. The first village election was held on the first Monday in May. A president, five trustees, three assessors, a village clerk and a treasurer were elected. The first board of trustees was as follows: Joseph Colt, president, Enos T. Throop, Bradley Tuttle, Lyman Paine and David Hyde. The presidents of the village from the year of its incorporation to the time Auburn became a city in 1848, were as follows: VILLAGE PRESIDENTS OF AUBURN 1815-1848 Joseph Colt, May 1815-1817; David Brinkerhoff, 1817-1818; Horace Hills, 1818-1819; David Hyde, 1819- 1822; John Grover, 1822-1824; WiUiam Bostwick, 1824- 1825; Allen Warden, 1825-1827; Warden also served from May 2, 1831, to May 7, 1832, and April 8, 1829, to April 14, 1840. Walter Weed, 1827-1828; Ezekial Wil- Hams, 1828-1830; Bradley Tuttle, 1830-1831; Truman J. McMaster, 1832-1833; Amos Underwood, 1833-1834; Asaph D. Leonard, 1834-1835; Michael S. Myers, 1835- 1836; Isaac S. Miller, April 12, 1836 to April 19, 1837; Robert Minn, April 10, 1837 to January, 1838; John H. Beach, April 9, 1838 to April 8, 1839; Cyrus C. Dennis, April 14, 1840 to April 10, 1843; John L. Watrous, April 10, 1843 to April 8, 1844; George B. Chase, April 8, 1844 to April 14, 1846; Ethan A. Warden, April 14, 1846 to April 12, 1847; Daniel Hewson, April 12, 1847 to April 10, 1848. With a real corporate life, with governmental power fixed and established. Auburn was better circumstanced to adopt measures for self betterment. One of the first HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 113 elemental needs in a town is some means of fire protection. To this end the trustees at once ordered that every household should constitute itself a fire brigade, in so much as having at hand four buckets, and that every owner of a building should provide as many leather buckets as there were fire places in the building, and also a ladder, all of which were to be a part of the village fire department. Soon after this the first fire engine was purchased in New York, which after much delay reached Auburn by teams from Newburg, shipment west of this point being impossible on account of the ice in the Hudson river. The official fire department was made up of the village president as chief, while the trustees by authority of ordinance were to carry canes and command the bucket brigade, and the fire wardens gathered up the scattered buckets and delivered them to the fire fighters. The duty of the other wing of the department was to pump the fire engine. This was iVuburn's first fire department, and it was the foundation for the department which today is one of the best equipped and most efficient of any city of equal size in the state. These advance steps gave iVuburn prestige in the western part of the State, so that in 1816 when the State authorities were seeking a location for a prison, the claims of Auburn were favorably regarded. John Beach being then member of the Assembly the interests of Auburn were sedulously looked after. In the final consideration of the various locations proposed Auburn was selected. 114 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Samuel Dill, David Hyde, John H. Beach, and E. S. Beach donated the site comprising about six acres and one-half of land upon which the prison now stands. The main building and the outside wall to a height of four feet were completed in 1816. It was opened for the reception of convicts in the winter of 1817. For many years subsequent to the completion of the prison an armory was maintained upon the outer wall, being located at the corner. Out of this grew, a few years later, what was known as the "Old Auburn Guard," which was for some time under the command of Capt. Joseph Colt. It is interesting to note here that Brigham Young about this time, was a chair maker in Jeffries' little shop on Genesee street near the Outlet, and there is added interest in the fact that his compatriot and kindred spirit in the religious nostrum business, *'Joe" Smith, was at the same time a resident of Geneva. Thus it was that the honor between the respective towns was evenly divided. In 1816 there was begun an active movement toward the building of sidewalks in the village. Many wooden walks were laid comprising every style, width and manner of construction, but these were a vast improvement over the mud walks. About this time too the Genesee street hill at North aad South streets was graded down about twelve feet. GEORGE UNDERWOOD Among the lawyers, who settled in Auburn during these years was George Underwood who became prominent in his profession and in town affairs. Mr. Underwood was born January 4, 1816, at Cooperstown, N. Y. His father. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 115 Amos Underwood, moved with his family to Auburn in 1819, and purchased the property at the corner of Genesee and Court streets, known for many years as the Under- wood homestead. Since that time on the family has been resident in Auburn and identified with its life and welfare. George Underwood was graduated from Hamilton Col- lege in 1838, and was Salutatorian of his class. He was one of the founders and an enthusiastic member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and took active part in the establishment of the Hobart chapter of that society. After leaving college, he studied law, and after his admission to the bar engaged in the practise of his profes- sion in Auburn. By his industry, ability and fidelity he rapidly attracted important clients, and built up and retained a large and successful law business. The New York Central Railroad, the Bank of Auburn, and many other large interests were represented by him and his firm for several years prior to his death. He was elected member of the assembly from Cayuga County in the years 1850-1851, and Mayor of Auburn in 1854. He was a member and one of the elders of the First Presbyterian church, and deeply interested in its welfare. He was active also in Auburn's educational and charitable institu- tions, and was always a loyal friend and supporter of Hamilton College, his *'alma mater.'* Mr. Underwood died at Auburn, May 25, 1869. In the presentation to the Supreme Court of resolutions adopted by the bar of Cayuga County, on the occasion of his death, it was said of him : 116 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A **It is not alone as a member of the profession he had chosen and so assiduously pursued, that he will be missed. Ardently as he followed that he found time for the dis- charge of other claims upon him. As a Christian he had the love, confidence and respect of the church with which he was in communion and fellowship. As a philanthropist he was interested in all the benevolent and humane measures of the day, and as a citizen he was among the first in sustaining and promoting matters of public interest — controlled by a good heart an enlightened mind — generous and liberal in his views — charitable to the needy, and kind to all." NEWSPAPERS 1808 TO 1913 Auburn had a population of about 400 when Henry and James Pace, two Englishmen, located in the village and began the publication of the first newspaper, the Western Federalist, on June 7, 1808. The fact that they were Englishmen contributed in some degree at that time to making them persona nongrata in the community. Still, they ran a very acceptable little folio weekly news- paper, printed on colored paper. The Federalist office was in a small building standing on Genesee street near the site of the present Cayuga County National Bank. The paper seems to have had some standing and considerable support. The Pace Brothers conducted the Western Federalist until 1816, at which time the Auburn Gazette came in and helped to put the Federalist out of business. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 117 The Cayuga Tocsin had its birth at Union Springs, by R. T. Chamberlain, in 1812, but in a short time it was moved to Auburn. It seems to have had a fitful and brief career, however. The Cayuga Patriot was launched in the village in 1814 by Samuel R. Brown. The Patriot was Democratic in politics and gained much favor and prestige as an opposition to the Federalist. The Patriofs quarters were in a dingy room over a wagon shop on Lumber lane, now Osborne street. Mr. Brown was an odd character, it is said, yet not without some streak of genius. His activities were never strenuous, and in disposition he always maintained an equable temperature. If his paper in any week hap- pened to be three days late in getting out, he remained calm and peaceful. His wife, so Hon. Thurlow Weed said after serving an apprenticeship in the Patriot office, was very like him in all these respects. If she failed to have dinner one day, why, she was quite sure to have it the next day. In either event she was unruffled on ac- count of it as was Mr. Brown. This, however, was not conducive in any noticeable degree to the cheerfulness and happiness of the apprentices and the "printer's devil." In 1817 the Patriot passed to James Beardsley and David Rumsey, and two years later U. F. Doubleday purchased the plant. Doubleday possessed ability and had had some, experience in newspaper making. He published a very good paper, it is said, and built up a profitable business during the eight years of his owner- 118 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A ship of the plant. In 1827 Isaac S. Allen became his partner in the business and they together published a strong paper and won popularity throughout the county. Mr. Doubleday was elected a member of Congress in 1830 and soon thereafter Mr. Allen purchased his interest in the publication. He continued it alone until 1833 when Willett Lounsbury entered into partnership with him, the firm name being Allen & Lounsbury. Louns- bury died 1843 at which time Mr. Allen became sole owner again. In 1845 Doubleday purchased the plant and again carried on the Patriot for one year, at which time he removed from town. The paper was then sold to Henry A. Hawes and Henry M. Stone. In 1847 the Patriot was consolidated with the Tocsin, under the name of the Cayuga New Era. The Auburn Gazette was started in June, 1816, by Thomas M. Skinner and William Crosby. They met with a very good measure of success, both being active, capable men. After one year the name was changed to that of the Cayuga Republican, and politically it was run in the interest of the Clinton faction. Frederick Prince was also connected with the Republican and later became its publisher, although Mr. Skinner was the owner after Mr. Crosby's death in 1818. Thomas M. Skinner, continued the Republican until 1833 at which time it was merged with the Free Press, taking the name of the Auburn Journal and Advertiser. Out of this developed the Auburn Daily Advertiser of the present, which was begun as a daily paper in 1846. The Advertiser has been a strong HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 119 paper since its foundation, an earnest exponent of the Republican party and its principles. The Free Press had been started in 1824 by Richard Oliphant. He edited the paper ably and had a success- ful business up to the time of its consolidation with the Republican in 1833. Mr. Oliphant continued for some time with Journal and Advertiser. The Evangelical Recorder was started in January, 1818, by the Rev. Dirck C. Lansing, then pastor of the First Presbyterian church, as editor and Thomas M. Skinner as the publisher. It lived one year. Henry C. South- wick in 1818 began the publication of the Advocate of the People, which died in its infancy. The Gospel Messenger was launched in 1827 by the Rev. John C. Rudd, rector of St. Peters church. The Gospel Messenger was a weekly paper and was printed in a little building then standing on the church lot. Dr. Rudd was a forceful writer and a man of much literary ability. The paper a little later, however, was moved out of town. The Gospel Advocate was another started by Doubleday & Allen in 1828. It was edited by the Rev. L. S. Everitt, Universalist minister, and was a semi-monthly. It ran three years. The Diamond began in 1830 and continued a very short time. Frederick Prince in 1834 began the publication of the Cayuga Democrat. It failed to make any great success and was discontinued after about one year. Then in 1835 Mr. Prince started the Auburn Miscellany. In 120 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 1839 the printing plant was sold to Francis G. Wiggins who changed the name of the paper to the Western Banner y which was sold in 1841 to the Methodist Book Concern and went to New York. In 1838 Mr. Prince began the publication of the Auburn Daily Neios, an undertaking that required unusual courage at that period. Auburn had not more than five thousand population and the country adjacent was thinly settled. The News struggled along for a few months and died. The plant was sold to the Western Banner. The Primitive Christian was started in 1835 by Rev. Silas E. Shepard as an exponent of the Disciple faith. The Primitive Christian devoted much space to the discussion of religious beliefs, and particularly that of the Disciples. It continued with vigor for a period of six years. The Chronicles, a series of critical articles, were also written about the same time by Rev. Mr. Shepard. The People's Library was started in 1836 by Francis S. Wiggins and ran a very short time and there was also the Conference Record in 1837, by Rev. J. S. Chamberlain. In 1839 another Cayuga Tocsin was started as an organ of the Free Soilers. It was a bright and well edited paper which wielded much influence through the country. The Northern Advocate was started in April, 1841, by Rev. John E. Robie, with Rev. F. G. Hibbard and William Hosmer as editors. It was at that time a private enter- prise and so continued until 1844 when it was purchased by the Methodist General Conference and became the Northern Christian Advocate. For 28 years thereafter the paper was published in Auburn. It had many able HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 121 editors. Rev. William Hosmer was its editor from 1848 to 1856. In its early period the paper was published in the basement of the First Methodist church, which stood at the corner of Water and North streets. At the end of 28 years the Northern Christian Advocate was moved to Syracuse. In 1845 L. W. Dewey started the Star of Temperance. The Tocsin in 1846 closely followed the Advertiser in the publication of a daily issue. Richard Oliphant, however, soon sold his plant to Henry Montgomery, who continued both the daily and weekly until 1848, when he assigned the property to Charles T. Ferris, who in 1849 sold a half interest to George W. Peck and Oscar F. Knapp, Peck and Montgomery acting as editors. The Cayuga New Era was started in June, 1847, by Merritt Stone & Co., with Thomas Y. Howe, Jr., as editor. These publishers were succeeded by Stone, Hawes & Co., later Finn and Hallett, and finally W^illiam L. Finn, who discontinued the publication in 1857. The Auburn Daily Bulletin was started first as a cam- paign journal in 1848 by Hawes & Co. Auburn's Favorite, 1847, by N. P. Caulkins, the Masonic Union by Finley M. King in 1850; the Spiritual and Moral Instructor, 1857; The Farmer and Mechanic, 1856 afterwards changed to the Teacher s Educational Journal and the Spiritual Clarion, 1857 were all of brief existence. In 1851 the Christian Ambassador, which had been published in New York, was moved to Auburn. It was continued about twelve years under the editorship of Rev. J. M. Austin, a very able writer. It was a Uni versa- 122 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A list denominational publication. The Rev. T. J. Sawyer was its editor during the later period of its life in Auburn. The publication was finally moved to New York again. The Auburn American was started in February, 1855, by William J. Moses. It was a daily and weekly. In 1859 the name was changed to the Daily and Weekly Union y Moses & Vail then being the publishers. The Union was continued until March, 1861, when it was sold to Knapp & Peck. Judge B. F. Hall was the editor-in- chief of the Union and performed the work with ability. The Northern Independent was started in 1856 as an anti-slavery paper. Rev. William Hosmer being the active force in the undertaking. The Independent pleaded the cause with great vigor and earnestness for several years. When finally that issue was settled, the Independ- ent was discontinued. The Auburn Democrat, a weekly newspaper, was started in 1857 by Stone, Hawes & Co. They continued the publication until Mr. Stone's death five years later. The plant was then sold to William S. Hawley who issued for about one year and a half a paper called the Spirit of the Times. M. Hawley attempted to establish a daily at that time but the venture was soon abandoned. The People's Union, a political reform advocate, was started in 1862. Michael S. Myers, Warren T. Warden and C. L. Adams were interested in the publication. The paper had a brief existence, however. The McClelland Banner by P. W. Rhodes and C. L. Adams, was published a short time in 1864. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 123 The Semi-Weekly Herald was published for a few months in 1865. It was a Democratic paper run by N. T. Hack- staff and G. E. Bostwick. Still another weekly paper known as the Democrat was brought out in September, 1868, by Charles F. Dur- ston & Co. The following year the paper was sold to William J. Moses who continued the publication about four years. The Auburn Morning News was launched in July, 1868. The undertaking included also a weekly edition. The publishers were Dennis Brothers & Thorne. In the matter of talent the paper was well equipped. William H. Barnes was editor-in-chief, Charles A. Warden, city editor and Theodore H. Schenck, literary editor. But the enterprise was sorely handicapped by lack of news- paper experience. The News was Republican in politics and it advocated the party's cause with much vigor. It failed, however, to do sufficient business to make the proposition profitable, and after the expenditure of a large amount of money and great energy, it was discontinued in January, 1871. Meanwhile, in February, 1870, the Auburn Daily Bulletin was launched by K. Vail & Co., with William J. Moses as the controlling force in the enterprise. The paper was published in his establishment. The Bulletin was an independent evening newspaper and had to make its way in the field already preempted by the Advertiser. William J. Moses was the editor and Charles A. Caulkins, city editor. 124 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A In 1872 there was published from the same plant and conducted by the same staff, the Morning News, Mr. Moses being editor of this also. The News was carried on until 1878, at which time the impossibility of making it a paying proposition had been demonstrated. In view of this the News was consolidated with the Bulletin, bearing the name of the News-Bulletin. Mr. Moses assumed the business conduct of the com- bined newspaper, being then succeeded in the editorial duties by Mr. Edward M. Allen. In June, 1877, an evening paper called the Item was started by Urbam S. Benton. This a little later became the Auburnian. The Auburnian continued until 1885 when this too was merged with the News-Bulletin, becom- ing the News-Bulletin- Auburnian. But in 1844 still another evening paper entered the field. This struggled along for a short time against three other evening papers, and finally its publisher, realizing the impossibility of its future success as an afternoon paper, changed it to a morning paper. The Morning Dispatch had the United Press News service which, added to its efficiency in covering the local news field, made the Dispatch a very creditable newspaper. It then struggled on until 1890 when it passed over, after its publishers had sunk a large amount of money in the undertaking. Finally through the efforts of Mr. Charles F. Rattigan the Daily Citizen was born. Mr. Rattigan began work on the Dispatch in 1884, and was with the Bulletin many years as its editor. Upon the launching of the Citizen t: ISAAC S. ALLEN, ESQ. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 125 a stock company was formed composed mainly of Thomas M. Osborne and Charles F. Rattigan. This company absorbed the Bulletin plant and established a modern news- paper establishment on Dill street. The Citizen is now an excellent up-to-date newspaper. BOOKS AND BOOK PUBLISHERS In the book making world Auburn had had in times past some distinguished publishers, and some notable works have been issued from the several publishing houses at various times. The first book publishers were Derby, Miller & Co., who began in 1848. The firm was composed of James C. Derby, Norman C. Miller and James B. Thompson. This firm published many of the school books in vogue at that time, and, besides, brought out other works of a literary and scientific character. In May, 1855, Mr. Thompson retired from the firm and three new members came in. They were Elliott G. Storke, Edward Munson and Charles F. Coffin. Soon after this the Company opened a large retail store in Buffalo. The firm were capable publishers and carried on a successful business, being then among the largest book publishers in the State west of New York. Among the books they published were some written by Horace Greely, Richard Hildredth and Fanny Fern. The second book publishing house was that of Alden & Markham 1852. They started in a very small way but expanded rapidly, soon adding a book binder to their plant. In a little time John E. Beardsley became a 126 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A member of the firm, and a little later David Foote and R. W. Magner entered the concern as partners. When Mr. Beardsley bought an interest in the business the firm name became Alder, Beardsley & Co. The firm of Alder, Beardsley & Co., did a prosperous business and gave employment to a considerable number of people. They published Bibles, biographical, and mis- cellaneous works which had sale throughout the country. The firm published a history of the Mexican War which had a wide sale, also the works of John Quincy Adams and the Life of the Empress Josephine. In those days a large amount of print paper was made in Auburn and the large output of the two book publish- ing houses made it possible for the manufacturers to market the greater part of their product at home. Henry Ivison, who afterward became one of the great book publishers of the country, began his career in Auburn and the suggestion of his future life work and in great measure the foundation of his eminent success, came from the years of experience in book publishing during his early life in the village. Mr. Ivison went to New York and there the name of Ivison & Phinney and later Ivison & Blakeman were among the best known in the world of books and book publishers. ISAAC S. ALLEN Among the early residents of Auburn who were promi- nently identified with newspaper publishing and books was Isaac S. Allen, Esq. Mr. Allen was born in the town of Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County, N. Y., on the fifth HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 127 day of January, 1804. He was the oldest of five children of Samuel and Rachel Buffett Allen. His father was a manufacturer of hats, and afterwards resided in Danbury, Conn., also Zanesville, Ohio. Five generations back the family came from Devonshire, England, and settled at Dartmouth, Rhode Island, now Dartmouth, Massa- chusetts. Rachel Buffett was born at Huntington, Long Island. The family were Huguenots from France. In the fifteenth year of his age Mr. Isaac S. Allen went to Bridgeport, Conn., to learn the printer's trade in the office of the Bridgeport Farmer ^ published by Stiles W. Nichols. He served an apprenticeship of five years and during this time Mr. Nichols bought the Norwalk Gazette, and the Bridgeport office was removed to Norwalk. At the age of a little over twenty years and six months, for faithful service, Mr. Allen was given six months of his time, a new suit and twenty-five dollars in money. He was also given a recommendation which read as follows: *'May 1st, 1824. This will certify that the bearer, Isaac S. Allen, has served an apprenticeship to the printing business at this office and being now in search of employ- ment, he is recommended to the craft as a faithful, steady, and correct workman, and in whom full confidence and trust may be placed. As a compositor he is unusually correct. S. W. Benedict, Gazette Office, Norwalk, Con- necticut." From Norwalk, Mr. Allen went to New York, where he remained two years, part of the time in the Bible House working on a French Bible. A part of this time he was in the same office with John and James Harper who be- 128 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A came the noted publishers. August 16th, 1824, he witnessed the landing of Gen. Lafayette at Castle Garden upon his second visit to this country. Mr. Allen left New York in 1826 and came by steamboat to Albany, thence by stage to Schenectady and canal boat to Syra- cuse and Rochester. After a little time in looking for a situation there he heard of a vacancy in the Republican office in Auburn, and therefore he at once reached Auburn by stage. Upon his arrival he called on Thomas M. Skinner, and after giving assurance as to ability and character, he was introduced to his office in the capacity of foreman. April 1st, 1827, he became a partner of N.F. Doubleday in publishing the Cayuga Patriot. Soon after entering into this partnership Mr. Allen bought Mr. Doubleday's interest and published the paper alone. In December, 1833, he associated with him Willett Lounsbury as a partner, which continued until the death of Mr. Louns- bury in May, 1843. From that date until June, 1845, Mr. Allen continued the paper alone again for a time, and sold it to his former partner Doubleday. During his partner- ship with Doubleday and Lounsbury they published a religious monthly for six years, called the Primitive Christian, and also the Gospel Advocate for three years. Meanwhile Mr. Allen was much interested and active in all village affairs and rendered valuable service in various capacities. He served fifteen years with old fire engine company, No. 2 and has his discharge dated March 9th, 1841, and signed by C. C. Dennis, president, and Fred- erick Prince, secretary of the department. On the 18th HON. ENOS T. THROOP HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 129 of August 1831, he married Susan Mott, daughter of Joseph and Abigal Mott of Skaneateles, and formerly of New York City. They had two sons and two daughters, Elizabeth, Henry M., Frederick and Susan. Neither of .the daughters married. Susan died in 1902 and Elizabeth in 1911. Henry M. married Sarah T. Chubbuck of Binghamton, by whom there were two daughters, Susan Mott and Mary Louise. He died in October 1865. The widow and oldest daughter resided in Binghamton. The younger daughter has been twice married, first to Mr. Henry Hayes of Newark, New Jersey, and afterwards to Dr. W. W. Gilfillan of New York, where they reside. The youngest son Frederick married Harriett A. Grandine of Waterford, Saratoga County, N. Y., by whom there are two sons, Henry M., and Frederick G. On November 7, 1831, Isaac S. Allen and wife began housekeeping in the house No. 170 W. Genesee street, where they resided for fifty years and celebrated their golden wedding. Mr. Allen served twenty -five years as a director in the National Bank of Auburn, and for several years on the Discount committee. He was for thirty -two years a trustee of the Auburn Savings Bank, eleven years of which time he was on the finance committee, nineteen years on the auditing committee and the years 1879 and 1880 as treasurer of the bank. He settled a number of estates, among them those of Dr. L. Bigelow, David Madden, also his wife's, and that of Judge Charles B. Perry. He also had charge of the Corning property, and at the end of fourteen years had turned over to Erastus Corning, of Albany, one hundred thousand dollars from his Auburn property. 130 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Mr. Allen was one of the twelve trustees who in- corporated Fort Hill Cemetery Association, the 16th of May, 1851, and served about two years as secretary and treasurer, while the grounds were being laid out and was also a contributor to the fund for the erection of the Logan monument. He died October 10th, 1881. CHAPTER VI HISTORY — BANKS AND BANKERS N 1815 there was organized in Auburn the first Bible Society in the State of New York. It antedated the American Bible Society by more than a year. Its title was the Cayuga Bible Society. Its mem- bers included many of the leading citizens of Auburn, besides having others scattered throughout the County. The object was to spread Christianity and work for the social and moral uplift of the community. The Society did efficient service for several years. In 1818 Dr. Richard Steel organized the first Sunday School in Auburn. The pupils were the colored residents of the village. Henry i\.mmerman and Prof. Noble D. Strong were associated with Dr. Steel in the work. The school was carried on successfully for several years. About the same date the Auburn Female Charitable Society was formed for the purpose of giving aid in an orderly and systematic manner to those who were worthy of help in the County. The Society was active for a time but finally disintegrated. The influence of these beneficial organizations seems to have reached Albert Hagaman, a barber in the village, for he announced in the public prints that he had a desire to attend Sunday School and to make this possible he 132 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A would serve his customers on Sundays thereafter until nine o'clock in the morning, the hour in those days for Sunday School. Judge Elijah Miller and John N. Beach in 1814 began the erection of a cotton goods mill, the first mill of the kind established in the village. In 1822 the plant was sold and became a corporation, with Alvah Warden, president, and Robert Wiltsie, secretary. Robert Muir, Geo. B. Throop, and Nathaniel Garrow built the large mill in 1827, Mr. Muir being the most active member in the enterprise. The product of the mill was mainly bed ticking, of which they turned out a great quantity. The business was carried on success- fully until the financial depression of 1837 which brought disaster to every section of the country. After this the mill passed to several owners up to 1853, when L. W. Nye bought the property, leasing it to Messrs. Howlett & Bailey, who did a successful business for a long period of time. AUBURN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY The Auburn Theological Seminary had its inception as early as 1817, and quite likely a little earlier still. It has not been conceded that any one person first con- ceived the idea of establishing a seminary at Auburn. However, if to any one person such honor can be given, the Rev. Dirck C. Lansing, an early pastor of the First Presbyterian church, probably is entitled to it. The Rev. Dr. Lansing became pastor of the First church in 1816 and it is said that prior to this, when he was pastor of a church at Onondaga Valley, he was HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 133 nursing the idea or thought of a theological seminary in the region of which Auburn was the center. Upon becoming a resident of Auburn, Dr. Lansing entered into the spirit of the project with stronger heart and a hope of having his conception become a reality. To this end he presented the matter to various ones of his ac- quaintances and the encouragement received gave him heart to publicly launch the project. About this time there was a movement on foot by the Presbyterian General Assembly to establish a series of six or more seminaries in various parts of the western country, and it so happened that the Auburn Seminary was the first one among them to have an actual existence. Dr. Lansing first proposed the matter to the Presbytery of Cayuga, and finally in February, 1818, it was laid before the Synod at Rochester, and it was there decided to establish a seminary. The General Assembly was non- committal in the matter, but at a meeting held in Auburn the following August the Synod voted to go forward with the undertaking. It was decided further that the Seminary should be located in Auburn, provided the citizens donate a site and raise a building fund of $35,000. The citizens of Auburn met the demand in a generous spirit. Early in 1819 the stipulated amount of money has been subscribed and the heirs of Col. John L. Harden- bergh had donated six acres of land for a site. The charter of the institution was granted by the legislature April 14, 1820, and the corner stone of the first building was laid on the 11th of May following. The board of trustees was organized one month later. Dr. Davis was chosen 134 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A first president of the board, and Rev. Caleb Alexander president of the board of commissioners. The faculty was then selected and Auburn Theological Seminary opened to students in the fall of 1821. There was only the one building at the start. This was con- structed of Cayuga County limestone, and was quite an imposing building, facing Seminary street, with broad grounds reaching from the street to the building. A wing was added to this building in 1830. In 1874, how- ever, the wing of the first structure was razed to give place for the new Morgan Hall, leaving the original building intact. This stood until 1892. It is said the Seminary was founded by the Geneva Synod, but it has always been in control of the Presby- terian church through the Presbyteries. The institution is governed by 28 directors. The first faculty was composed of three professors of which the Rev. Matthew La Rue Perrine was the head. Dr. Perrine, however, declined to accept at that time, but took up the work in 1823. The Rev. Henry Mills, a graduate of Princeton, was another member, and the third was the Rev. Dirck C. Lansing. Later Dr. Lansing became a trustee and served the institution with great fidelity. The faculty was finally made up of the Rev. Dr. Lans- ing, Dr. Mills, and in 1823 the Rev. James Richards, D.D., three strong men who proved to be of great value to the institution. The number of students was small for a time, but after the years 1823-1825 there was a rapid increase in the student body. The year 1827 showed ^^^^^^^^^^^^^Ik 4iii>^3H^HK^^W^ ^^^B^^f^S^B^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^K ^PIT -1 ■ r^ ^l^^^BlitK - --0- «^«J^H^ *;••-_'■-. ^H ^^^^^^P^^^^^iB^SBf^^^B ^P!~K^ -:^r^^. ^-E ij HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 135 an enrollment of 76. Since that time the number has exceeded this. In 1835 Dr. Samuel Hanson Cox became a member of the faculty and added much strength to it. He filled the chair of sacred rhetoric and pastoral theology. He remained only about three years, how- ever. Many changes and additions have been made in the faculty from time to time during the years, but never has its strength and efficiency been diminished. Repre- sentatives of the Auburn Theological Seminary are now found in almost every field of Christian work throughout the world. The Seminary, fortunately, has had the earnest sup- port of many people of wealth who have donated money for new buildings and endowed professorships in various departments of the Seminary. Many of these donors were Auburn citizens. Dr. Sylvester Willard. Miss Willard, and Miss Caroline Willard, Col. E. A. Morgan, Henry A. Morgan and others were friends and benefactors of the staunchest kind. The many willing friends have made possible the erection of the handsome buildings which now adorn the beautiful grounds. In 1899 Rev. George Black Stewart was chosen presi- dent to succeed Dr. Booth, who died March 18, of that year. Dr. Stewart is a graduate of Princeton University, and also of the Seminary over which he now presides. Today Auburn Theological Seminary has a representative student body and is adequately equipped in the matter of teachers and other facilities for carrying on the work to which it is devoted. 136 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Abijah Fitch, who located in Auburn soon after 1820, became a distinguished citizen and a factor in the material advancement of the town. Mr. Fii:ch was born in Cooperstown, N. Y., in 1800 and prior to settling in Auburn he married Lanah Nelson, of Lansingburg, N. Y. Mr. Fitch was an active and successful merchant for many years and when the era of railroad building came, he took a keen interest in the projects and did much to aid in the undertakings. He was in all respects a useful and exemplary citizen, and always held in the highest esteem by his fellow townsmen. It is said that the old Auburn Guards organized in the early twenties chiefly as a prison guard, occupied for many years the armory located upon the wall surrounding the prison. The prison bell up to the thirties rang the fire alarm in all cases of fire in the village. AUBURN AND OWASCO CANAL COMPANY As early as 1817, when the movement was first put on foot for the building of a waterway across the State from Albany to Buffalo, Auburn citizens had every reason for thinking that the route finally selected would lead through the county seat and prison town. Auburn was on the main thoroughfare between Albany and Buffalo; it was the chief town in the western region, besides, it was an active advancing business center with a colony of progressive and capable business men. A determined effort was made by the leading citizens, but, as the result of certain influences in other parts of the State, the Erie Canal was constructed through the HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 137 Montezuma swamps instead, leaving Auburn seven miles to the south. The failure to secure the main waterway inspired to a great extent the project of building a canal from Auburn to Port Byron to connect with the Erie. The plan, in fact, involved a more extended undertaking, that of establishing a waterway southward from Auburn through the Outlet and Owasco lake and thence to the Susque- hanna River. Along with this too was the scheme of obtaining for Auburn a water supply from the lake. Although the project was much discussed and can- vassed in 1825 there was no concerted action until 1827. At a meeting held then a committee was named for the purpose of effecting the organization of a company to undertake the work. Books were opened for subscrip- tions to the stock of the company. One hundred thousand dollars were subscribed and on the 31st day of July that year a meeting was held at which the organization of the Auburn and Owasco Canal Company was perfected. Trustees were chosen as follows; Ezekiel Williams, president, Hon. William H. Seward, secretary; Horace Hills, treasurer; Archibald Green, Lyman Paine, Samuel Cumpston, John Patty, Enos T. Tliroop, Abijah Fitch, Alvah Warden. The company was duly incorporated April 28, prior to this action. Yet with this marked combination of ability and busi- ness energy the great waterway, for sane and economic reasons, never got far beyond the dream stage. A little later the State was importuned to construct a steam railroad northward to connect with the Erie Canal, but 138 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A the State already had a problem on its hands in the Dewitt Clinton Ditch. THE AUBURN MEDICAL COLLEGE Another project which had its birth about the same time as that of the Canal was the movement to establish in Auburn a medical college. Dr. Erastus D. Tuttle in 1824 conceived the plan of a medical school and put it in operation by opening on Genesee street that year the Auburn Medical College. Dr. Tuttle was assisted by Dr. Douglass and Dr. Ira H. Smith. A small building was erected on Genesee street near the National Bank of Auburn. This was a two story frame structure, the first floor being devoted to study and the second floor to lectures. The school opened with fifteen or more students and ran along with a very substantial show of success. However, as yet the college had no charter, and therefore was not a legal institution. Meanwhile, William H. Seward, George B. Throop and Horace Hills were ap- pointed a committee to procure from the Legislature a charter for the school. This was not granted and the college faculty went on with the school until 1829, at which time the Auburn Medical College ceased to exist. HON. JOSEPH L. RICHARDSON Hon. Joseph L. Richardson was among the earliest members of the bar in Auburn. He migrated from Frederick, Maryland, in 1806, and established himself in the village before Auburn had the Court House. Enos T. Throop settled in the village about the same time and REV. DR. CHARLES HAWLEY HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 139 Mr. Richardson entered into partnership with Mr.Throop and they practised law together for nine or ten years. They w^ere young men then but they were both destined later to attain distinction. During his association with Mr. Throop, Mr. Richard- son served as assistant attorney general of the State, and in 1812 he was brigade paymaster for the Government when the war was in progress. A little later he was appointed United States District Attorney for the district covering several counties in central New York. In 1827 Mr. Richardson was appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Cayuga County and discharged the duties with great credit for twenty years. Judge Richardson was a man of strong character and strong personality. He was thorough, painstaking and faithful to every trust. In addition to his legal business he was identified with many enterprises in the village, and was equally as earnest in many good works. Judge Richardson died in Auburn in 1855. HON. SAMUEL BLATCHFORD Judge Blatchford for ten years, beginning in 1845, was a member of the Cayuga County bar and a resident of Auburn. His residence was on South street. He was a native of New York City where he received his educa- tion. He was born in 1820 and graduated at Columbia College in 1837. Five years later he was admitted as an attorney to practise in the Courts of New York. In 1845 INIr. Blatchford moved to Auburn and formed a copartnership with Hon. William H. Seward and 140 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Christopher Morgan, under the firm name of Seward, Morgan & Blatchford. Although then a young man, Mr. Blatchford soon attained a prominent position as a lawyer, adding strength to the firm of which he was a member. In 1854 Mr. Blatchford returned to New York and in 1867 was appointed United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York. In 1878 he was ap- pointed Federal Circuit Judge. Four years later he was made associate Judge of the United States Supreme Court. Judge Blatchford was a man of marked ability, an able lawyer and jurist. He died in Newport, Rhode Island, July 7, 1893. HON. GEORGE RATHBUN Another distinguished member of the early bar of Auburn was Hon. George Rathbun. Mr. Rathbun located in the village when a young man and when Auburn was a small village. His ability and practise developed until he was regarded as being the leader of the bar of the County. Mr. Rathbun was a much sought counsellor, an able trial lawyer and always honest and trustworthy. His legal business grew to great magnitude for those days, extending, in fact, well over the State. Throughout a long career Mr. Rathbun stood high as a citizen and public ofiicial. From 1837 to 1841 he was postmaster of Auburn and later was elected to represent the district in Congress. The duties in connection with these public trusts were discharged with signal ability and faithfulness. Mr. Rathbun died in Auburn in 1870. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 141 George O. Rathbun, son of the above, was also a lawyer of much more than average ability. His, too, was a long and distinguished career in the practise of his profession. The law firm of Wood & Rathbun enjoyed a large business and also enjoyed the confidence of all who employed them. Mr. Rathbun possessed many qualities which marked him as a singularly strong lawyer. His familiarity with intricate questions of law^ was marvel- ous, and this gave him advantage and prestige in the courts. He died in December, 1898. DAVID WRIGHT Mr. Wright was a native of Penn's Manor, Buck's county, Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1806. He received his early education at the Friends' School at that place. He migrated to Aurora, Cayuga County, in 1826. There he read law, was admitted to the bar and con- tinued in practise until 1837. He then removed to Auburn and afterwards took as a partner Hon. Theodore M. Pomeroy who had studied law with him. This partner- ship continued many years. Finally Mr. Pomeroy retired from active practise, and Mr. Wright practised thereafter alone. He was admittedly a good lawyer and a man of the highest integrity. He died in 1877. EDWARD H. AVERY Mr. Avery was born at Scipio, N. Y., August 18, 1824, and graduated from Yale College in 1844. Soon after this he moved to Auburn and entered the law office "of Clark & Underwood as a student. After being admitted, 142 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Mr. Avery located at Bath, N. Y., where he practised law three years. At the end of this time he returned to Auburn and became a partner of Hon. George Under- wood. Later James R. Cox became a member of the firm, which was then styled Underwood, Cox & Avery. After the senior partner's death in 1859, the firm con- tinued as Cox & Avery. Both the original and the later firm did a successful law business. They ranked among the best in Central New York. Mr. Avery, however, soon became identified with various other enterprises and lines of business in which he was active and successful. He was one of the pro- moters and organizers of the Auburn Water Works Com- pany, and the Auburn Gas & Light Company, in both of which he served as director. He was also connected officially and financially with other corporations of the city. In 1883 Mr. Avery was chosen president of the National Bank of Auburn and in this capacity he evinced executive ability of a high order. He discharged the duties with faithfulness and honor. He died May 5, 1908. DR. RICHARD STEEL Probably no citizen of Auburn, with an equally long career, lived nearer to the hearts of the people of the town than did Dr. Richard Steel. Dr. Steel was born at Grandin, N. Y., Nov. 3, 1795. He attended school at West Grandin, where that striking New England character, Salem Towne, was the teacher, and living for a considerable period of time in the atmos- HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 143 phere created by such a man, the impress and influence could not have been otherwise than deep and lasting. Dr. Steel's parents were Jonathan and Jane Ann Savage Steel, both descended from the old Puritanic New England stock. They lived in those days not a great distance from Troy, and to that place Richard went to take up the study of pharmacy. Richard was the fifth in a family of nine children. Jonathan Steel, the father, died in 1817, and Richard, having become proficient in the drugs and pharmacy line, started west- ward and located in Auburn at the age of 22. He at once established a drug store under the name of Steel, Cook & Co., the later being the firm with whom he had studied pharmacy in Troy. They furnished the capital and imposed in the young man implicit confidence in the matter of the conduct of the business. The business thus early established grew and prospered in great measure until Dr. Steel needed no partners or financial aid in carrying on the business, therefore, for many years he was alone in business and independent. Dr. Steel's drug store became a familiar place and one of the reliable and dependable stores of the town. He conducted the business until 1872, at which time he retired. He was succeeded by his son, Joseph N. Steel. Dr. Steel during the years from 1817 up to this time had been interested in many things, institutions and measures intended for the civic betterment of Auburn. In 1821 he united with the First Presbyterian church and became one of the most active and zealous in the welfare work connected with that church and other organizations. In 144 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A 1825 he was elected ruling Elder of the First church and served with marked faithfulness until his death, March 11, 1889, having then served the almost unprecedented period of 64 years. From 1823 to his death Dr. Steel was also connected with the Seminary in various official capacities. He was auditor, secretary and treasurer of the institution, and each of these official services covering a long period. In addition to these, he was for many years a member of the board of trustees of the Seminary. Dr. Steel organized the first Sunday School in Auburn in 1818. The school was for colored children of the village and, although receiving much criticism on account of the undertaking. Dr. Steel persisted in the labor and wrought much good through his efforts. He was also active as clerk of several of the school districts before the union school system was adopted. In politics Dr. Steel, in the early days, was a Whig and naturally gravitated into the Republican party when that party was organized in 1856. In all his relations in life Dr. Steel was earnest and generous and always the embodiment of honor. He was a valuable citizen and a true friend to every good cause. Dr. Steel was thrice married. In 1823 he married Miss Alice Hyde Marnell, and his second wife was Miss Sarah M. Knowles, of Darby, Pennsylvania, whom he married in 1831. June 23, 1837, he married Miss Mary Cadwell Knowles of Philadelphia. By the latter marriage there were five children only one of whom, Miss Mary, survives. DR. RICHARD STEEL HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 145 BANKS AND BANKERS Auburn had been incorporated as a village two years when the first bank, the Bank of Auburn, was established. The village had a population of approximately twelve hundred and the volume of local business had grown to considerable magnitude. There were a score or more of small industries of various kinds along the Outlet, all of which were doing a prosperous business. Besides, the mercantile business had become quite extensive, owing in some degree to the fact that Auburn was the trade center of a wide area of territory. Added to these ele- ments of urgency, the State, on account of the new prison, was paying out and disbursing for various purposes a large amount of money. There w^as not a bank in the w^estern part of the State. It was time to have a bank. The movement toward starting a bank in Auburn began in 1816 although it did not crystallize into action until 1817. Early in the year John H. Beach, Joseph Colt, Eleazer Hills, Daniel Kellogg, Enos T. Throop, Nathaniel Garrow and Glen Cuyler applied to the State Legislature for a charter for a bank in Auburn, and on the 31st day of March that year the bank of iVuburn was chartered. The capital stock was fixed at $400,000, divided into shares of $50.00 each. This later was reduced to $200,000. On the 7th of July following the organization of the bank was effected, with the following officers and direc- tors: Thomas Mumford, president; James S. Seymour, cashier, and Nathaniel Garrow, Archie Kasson, Joseph Colt, Horace Hills, Walter Weed, George F. Leitch, Enos 146 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A T. Throop, David Brinkerhoflf, James Porter, John Bow- man, Hezakiah Goodwin and William McCarthy compos- ing the board of directors. The Bank of Auburn was now legally organized with a full quota of officers and directors, but the organization had no quarters in which to carry on the business. A committee composed of the following men had been appointed to receive subscriptions and award the stock; Squire Munro, Samuel D. Lockwood, Nathaniel Garrow, Glen Cuyler and James Porter. The capital stock was placed at four hundred thousand dollars, and at the end of the one week alloted the committee found that one million and ninety thousand dollars had been subscribed. This at first presented a cheerful prospect, whereas in very truth it was the beginning of trouble for the new institution. Through the offices of Garrow and Throop, who had been chosen for the purpose, banking quarters were secured in the Demarre block, but they were not as yet ready for occupancy, therefore, in the desire to begin business a temporary place was leased in a room of Bostwick's tavern situated at the corner of Genesee and Exchange streets. Here on the 17th day of August, 1817, James S. Seymour, the cashier, opened for business the Bank of Auburn. Meanwhile a call had been issued for a payment of seven dollars on each share of stock allotted in the placing of the four hundred thousand dollars of stock. This call developed a little tornado of kicks and criticisms and notes of dissatisfaction among many who had been seek- HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 147 ing stock in the bank. Charges of unfair deahng in the matter of allotting the stock, of monopoly and favoritism choked the atmosphere of the banking circle and the town for some time. Some, therefore, refused to pay their subscriptions. As a conclusion, less than one hundred thousand dollars of the stock subscribed was ever paid in. Some in the effort meanwhile to discredit the bank offered their stock at thirty-six per cent, discount, and others advertised their stock for sale at auction. But the bank, fortunately, was captained by men of ability and strict integrity, which was the saving element of the institution at that time, and, it may be said, that in the matter of control and management the same class of ability and fidelity has carried the institution through- out its nearly one hundred years of existence without a stain. Today it is one of the strongest banks in the State. Early in the year 1818 Thomas Mumford, Joseph Colt, George F. Leitch, and Nathaniel Garrow were appointed a committee to superintend the erection of a bank build- ing suitable, as the specifications stated, for the bank and a residence for the cashier. The building was com- pleted and occupied that year. The old building is still intact adjoining the more modern bank building on Genesee street. In 1865 the Bank of Auburn became the National Bank of Auburn. The officers of the bank from 1817 to 1913 have been as follows: Presidents, Thomas Mumford, 1817 to 1820; Daniel Kellogg, 1820 to 1836; John H. Beach, 1836 to 1839; George F. Leitch, 1839 to 1846; Cornelius Cuyler, 1846 to 1849; James S. Seymour, 1849 to 1875; Corydon 148 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A H. Merriman, 1876-1877; Silas L. Bradley, 1877 to 1883; Edward H. Avery, 1883 to 1908; George B. Longstreet, 1908 to 1913; Frank E. Swift, was elected president to succeed Mr. Longstreet. James Seymour who became president in 1849 had served as the bank's cashier since 1817. Corydon H. Merriman succeeded Mr. Seymour as cashier in 1849 and continued until 1876. James Seymour, Jr., then became cashier and served until 1891. From this date to 1908 George B. Longstreet was the cashier. Upon the election of Mr. Longstreet as president in 1908, Henry T. Keeler was chosen to succeed him and is still the cashier. James Seymour, Jr., served as vice- president from 1892 to 1898. In 1900 Frederick Allen was chosen vice-president and it still serving. In 1912 Mr. Gerald D. Boardman was elected second vice- president. JAMES S. SEYMOUR, ESQ. The life of James S. Seymour was so closely interlinked with the life of the Bank of Auburn that the story of the one without the other would not be complete. For fifty-nine years Mr. Seymour was the main con- trolling and conserving force in the bank's affairs. They were years of earnest devotion on his part, years of suc- cess in his undertaking and years full of honor. He was a man of unswerving fidelity and integrity in all his life connections. From 1817 to 1849 he was the bank's able cashier; from 1849 to 1876 he was as safe and sound as its executive head. Mr. Seymour was a native of West Hartford, Conn., where his parents and many of their ancestors had lived HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 149 since 1639. He was born on the 13th day of April, 1791, and was therefore 26 years of age when he moved to Auburn and became cashier of the bank in 1817. He had already been engaged in a manufacturing industry in his native state and also had served for a considerable period as clerk in a banking house and this, coupled with his ability and strength of character, contributed to his eminent success. Through Mr. Seymour's initiative and money invest- ment the first book store was established in Auburn about 1830. This book store, with its value and demonstrated influence in the community, led to the establishment of the Seymour Library more than 45 years later. Mr. Sey- mour's heart was in every movement that made for education and better citizenship. To him Auburn is indebted for its splendid library of today, the Seymour Library. He established it and at his death endowed it. He was in more ways than one a benefactor and a force and an influence for the best things in life. Mr. Seymour never married. Perhaps it was because his mind was wholly engrossed in his many undertakings. While he left no immediate relatives, the entire com- munity mourned him when he died in 1876. CORYDON H. MERRIMAN Cory don H. Merriman was another citizen who occupied a prominent place in banking and in many other business interests of Auburn. For forty years Mr. Merriman was identified with the Auburn Bank and during this time was a close and valued friend of Mr. Seymour. 150 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Mr. Merriman was a keen business man and with it he had the faculty of making and holding friends. He located in Auburn 1834, becoming at that time a book- keeper in the bank and from that time to his death his chief business association was with the Auburn Bank as bookkeeper, cashier and president, to which trusts he was as devoted as he was to those with whom he did business. He died in 1877, one year after the death of his associate and friend, Mr. Seymour. CAYUGA COUNTY NATIONAL BANK The second bank to be established in Auburn was the Cayuga County Bank in 1833. By that date Auburn had more than trebled in population since the foundation of the Bank of Auburn. Many strong industries had been established since 1817 and, moreover, there was a definite movement toward building a steam railroad. All these conditions added to the urgency for the second bank. The charter for the Cayuga County National Bank was applied for in 1825 but was not granted by the State Legislature until March 14, 1833. The capital stock was fixed at $250,000 and the subscription books were soon opened for subscriptions. In the short period of three days one million two hundred thousand dollars were subscribed. After an equitable division of the stock, the bank was organized with the following as officers and directors: Isaac S. Miller, Eleazer Hills, Levi Lewis, Stephen Van Anden, Nathaniel Garrow, Rowland Day, Peter Yawger, George B. Throop, John Seymour, William HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 151 Noble, Robert Muir, Charles Pardee and Sherman Beardsley. Nathaniel Garrow was chosen president and George B. Throop, cashier. Early in 1834 the bank proceeded to erect the banking building which it now occupies, with notable enlargement and vast improve- ments having been made. In 1865 the Cayuga County Bank became a national bank and the title of the institution was changed merely to the Cayuga County National Bank. In 1874 the stock was reduced to $200,000. The National Bank of Auburn has been a safe and strong banking institution since its beginning. It has been conducted by sane and sound business men, who have been regardful of their public trust. The bank's quarters today are spacious and modern in every detail. The officers of the bank from 1833 to 1913 have been: Presidents — Nathaniel Garrow, 1833 to 1839; John Beardsley, 1839 to 1843; Nelson Beardsley, 1843 to 1896; George H. Nye, 1896 now in office. Cashiers — George B. Throop, 1833 to 1840; Josiah N. Starin, 1840 to 1873; A. L. Palmer, 1873 to 1896; Charles Hoskins, 1896 to September 1910. September 1910 George S. Snyder was chosen cashier and is now serving. At the time of Mr. Snyder's elevation to the cashiership Carl A. Neumeister was chosen assistant cashier and is now in office. THE AUBURN SAVINGS BANK The charter of the Auburn Savings Bank was granted March 19, 1849. Its name then was the Auburn Savings Institution, but in 1869 the name was changed as at present. 152 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A The first trustees of the institution were: Charles B. Perry, Nelson Beardsley, Daniel Hewson, Thomas G. How, Jr., Cyrus C. Dennis, John Olmsted, John L. Watrous, Dr. Sylvester Willard, James O. Derby, Spencer Parsons, Samuel Blatchford and J. N. Starin. Hon. Charles B. Perry was the first president and Charles P. Wood the first treasurer. In 1860 Dr. Willard was chosen president to succeed Judge Perry and continued until 1894. Edwin R. Fay then succeeded Dr. Willard as president and served until January, 1909. He was succeeded at this time by David M. Dunning. The Auburn Savings Institution began business in a room over a store on the north side of Genesee street east of North street. From there it moved to the ground floor at 72 Genesee street. In 1871 the present Auburn Savings Bank Building was completed, since which time the bank has had pleasant and convenient quarters. The bank now carries the names of about two thousand depositors with more than six million dollars in deposits. David M. Dunning was elected president in . WILLIAM H. SEWARD & CO. As a private banking house W. H. Seward & Company have had an unusually long and noteworthy career. The banking house was established in 1860, the name of the firm then being W. H. Seward, Jr. & Co. The firm was then composed of Gen. William H. Seward and Gen. Clinton D. MacDougall, both young men, yet possessing qualifications for the making of a successful business. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 153 Soon after starting the bank, however, both of them entered the service in the Civil War and were active in the field until the war closed. Meanwhile, the banking house of W. H. Seward, Jr. & Co., was mainly in charge of James S. Seymour, who volunteered to assume the responsibility in order to make possible the younger men's service for the Government. Upon the return of Messrs. Seward and MacDougall, the business was carried on until 1869, when Hon. Theodore M. Pomeroy became a member of the firm, and one year later Gen. MacDougall withdrew to engage in other business. The present members of the Company, besides Gen. Seward, are William H. Seward, Jr., and Joseph C. Anderson. Although a private bank the institution always has occupied a high place in the banking world. Its sound- ness and credit and method of doing business have never been questioned. THE CAYUGA COUNTY SAVINGS BANK The organization of the Cayuga County Savings Bank came about wholly through the efforts of William H. Meaker its present treasurer. The bank was chartered under a special act of the State Legislature in 1864. The title of the institution then was the Mutual Savings Bank of Auburn. The perfected organization was brought about February 1, 1865 and the first board of trustees chosen included the following: James S. Sey- mour, Augustus Rowland, Cyrus C. Dennis, Elmer P. Ross, Edwin B. Morgan, Corydon H. Merriman, Christo- pher Morgan, Benjamin B. Snow, William H. Seward, Jr., 154 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Theodore M. Pomeroy, Horace T. Cook, Samuel Adams, Guernsey Jewett, Horatio J. Brown, David Tompkins, Daniel Hewson and Morell S. Fitch. After the completed organization February 1, 1865, the following officers w^ere chosen: Cyrus C. Dennis, president; H. J, Brown, vice-president, and William H. Meaker, secretary and treasurer. The institution was for some time quartered with the Auburn City National Bank and continued to carry on its business in the new banking quarters on Genesee street to which the Auburn City National Bank moved in 1869. In 1872, however, the Savings Bank purchased the bank property at the corner of Genesee and State streets. Recently the building has been greatly enlarged and the interior of the bank vastly improved. It is now a well appointed and handsomely fitted banking institution. In 1875 the name of the bank was changed to the Cayuga County Savings Bank. The institution now has about one thousand accounts and a total deposit of about four million dollars. The presidents have been Cyrus C. Dennis, from organization to April, 1866. He was succeeded in July 1866 by H. J. Brown. Since him there have been Horace T. Cook, Cyrenus Wheeler, Jr., William H. Seward and William F. Wait, the latter still being the president. William H. Meaker is the treasurer, a position he has held since the foundation of the bank. JAMES S. SEYMOUR First Cashier Bank of Auburn. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 155 AUBURN CITY NATIONAL BANK The City Bank was organized in 1853. It began busi- ness on North street and later moved to the corner of North and Genesee streets, next door west of the present Auburn Trust Company. In 1866 the bank became a national bank and the change was merely to xVuburn City National Bank. The officers were Augustus Howland, president, Adam Miller, vice-president, and Charles G. Briggs, cashier. In 1858 Mr. Frank L. Sheldon was elected president and in 1862 Mr. Howland was again chosen president. In 1877 the Auburn City National Bank consolidated or merged with the First National, retaining the City Bank's name. The Bank failed in 1888. THE AUBURN EXCHANGE NATIONAL BANK The Auburn Exchange Bank was chartered in 1855 with a capital of $100,000. William T. Graves, president, C. E. Burtis, vice-president, and William C. Beardsley, cashier. It was organized by William C. Beardsley and was largely under his management. The bank did a successful business and finally went into voluntary liquidation, paying one hundred and twenty-five cents on the dollar. THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK The First National Bank was organized in 1865 with Elmer P. Ross as president and Charles N. Ross, cashier. It then occupied quarters at No. 129 Genesee street. The capital stock of the bank was $100,000. In 1877 it merged with the Auburn City National Bank, which failed in 1888. 156 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A EDWIN R. FAY & SOX This is a private bank which was established in 1892 by Mr. Edwin R. Fay. It is a strong and successful banking house, having a large number of depositors and a good volume of business. AUBURN TRUST COMPANY The Auburn Trust Company was organized and re- ceived its charter on August 17, 1906, and opened for business on August "^T, 1906 at its present location. No. 63 Genesee street. Its first officers and directors were: John M. Brainard, president; Henry D. Xoble, 1st vice-president; Edwin R. Fa}', 2d vice-president; George W. Benham, 3d vice- president; Ralph R. Keeler, secretary and treasurer. The present directors are: Wilbur B. Barnes, James C. Bishop, George W. Benliam, George W. Bowen, Willard E. Case, John M. Brainard, Thomas F. Dignum, D. Edwin French, Frank A. Eldredge, Gurdon S. Fanning, Edwin R. Fay, Thomas H. Garrett, Jr., William B. Hislop, Hendrick S. Holden, J. S. Gray, Julius Kraft, Sanford G. Lyon, Henry D. Noble, F. T. Pierson, W. H. Moffitt, Luther W. Mott, Franklin P. Taber, Ralph R. Keeler, Adolphus H. Searing. On the first day the Company opened for business it received in deposits, $65,000.00, which have continued to increase until now the deposits are over $2,000,000. The Company organized with $150,000 capital, and $150,000 surplus all paid in. The growth both in deposits and depositors had been phenomenal, the present number of depositors being 5824. CHAPTER VII H ISTORY NOTES — RAILROADS THE NEW EPOCH IHE years from 1810 to the fifties were marked by an evolution of societies of almost every type and kind, and each organized for some definite purpose. Some of them were valuable societies and did good work in educating and elevating the towTispeople. In 1828 a society was organized which was composed mainly of the cle^g^'men of the village. Its aim and scope seems to have been far reaching, if it was not actually oppressive. The first inspiration of the organization was to put on foot a movement to secure general attendance at church services on Sundays, and as a second part, to compel the stoppage of all business including the stage lines. The first proposition met with little protest but against the others there was united hostility, and so the society died with not a single count to its credit. A little later came the Auburn Literar>^ Association which included among its active membership many representative citizens of the village. Cory don H. Merriman, Stephen A. Goodwin, William Richardson, B. F. Hall, S. B. Dennis, Alonzo G. Beardsley, Dr. Frank H. Hamilton, Peter Myers, Dr. Erastus Humphreys and WiUiam Hoskins were among the promoters of the enter- prise. The organization had suitable quarters on Genesee 158 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A street in the Chedell building where the important topics of the time were discussed and lectures on stated subjects were delivered in a room of Gen. Chedell 's museum. These lectures were given by local literary people and by foreign talent. As a rule, admission to the hall was free, but on the occasion of a lecture by a foreigner, there was a charge of twelve and one-half cents to defray the ex- penses. And this admission charge of one shilling developed the spectre of discontent and antagonism that finally had much to do with disrupting the society. Auburn, like many other towns in 1825, was privileged to entertain for a short time that distinguished French- man, Gen. Lafayette. It was the eighth of June when Gen. Lafayette reached the village from the west and the entire populace turned out to pay honor to the nation's guest. Alvah Warden, Enos T. Throop, Elijah Miller, John W. Hurlbut, Samuel Dill, Gersham Powers, Dr. Joseph Pittney, Erastus D. Tuttle, Stephen W. Hughes, William H. Seward, Ezekial Williams, Gilbert A. Gamage, John Grover, Robert Wiltsie, Nathaniel Garrow, and Eleazer Hoskins were appointed a committee to have charge of the various functions of the day. John W. Hurlbut, Esq., was chosen by the committee to deliver the address of welcome and Gen. Brinkerhoff was ap- pointed marshal. The reception committee proceeded to Cayuga and escorted Gen. Lafayette and his party to Auburn. There was unbounded enthusiasm at that time. The memory of the recent war for independence and the part Gen. Lafayette had taken in it aroused the patriotism of all. Gen. Lafayette spent the evening in HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 159 the village, and was royally entertained. He left at eleven o'clock for Syracuse. Again in 1829 the spirit of militarism became upper- most in Auburn and five companies were organized to form a regiment of artillery. The officers were: William H. Seward, First Lieutenant; Colonel John Wright, Major; Lyman Hinman, Adjutant; Oscar S. Burgess, Quartermaster; John H. Chedell, Paymaster; and the surgeons were Dr. H. L. Markham and Dr. Blanchard Fosgate. The organizatioli was active and alert in the matter of drill and maneuvers. It continued for several years as an active organization. PAPER MILLS The manufacture of paper of various kinds began in Auburn in 1827. The first mill was erected on the Outlet, near the Miller & Beach cotton factory. It was built by Thomas M. Skinner, George C. Skinner and Eleazer Hills. It was known as the Auburn Paper Mill. The chief product at first was the better grades of writing paper, but later the mill added print paper to its output. The mill continued with a good degree of success until the panic of 1837, when it, like many other interests, met disaster. The plant, however, in 1840 passed to the Cayuga County Bank. L. W. Nye and Charles Eldred soon after this leased the plant and continued the busi- ness. In 1849 a company was organized by David S. West, L. W. Nye, John C. Ivison, David Foote, Henry Ivison, Aurelius Wheeler, Ashiel Cooley, and Russell Chappell, to carry on the business. The capital stock was placed at $20,000. As to the success of the enter- 160 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A prise during this middle period there is little record, however; in 1854 the company was reorganized with increased capital. The local book publishers, Derby & Co., and Alden, Beardsley & Co., were practically con- suming the product of the mill. The business of paper making, at any rate, continued as a profitable industry for some time. There were other paper mills during this period all of which finally gave way to other lines of industry. In early time, as stated in a previous chapter, there was a wooden bridge constructed across the Outlet on Genesee street. In 1829 this bridge was replaced with a massive arched stone structure. It was so massive, in fact, that it was borne down by its own weight. This in turn was replaced by another wooden bridge, which stood for many years. At this time too the era of stone business blocks began, and during the succeeding ten years many such buildings were erected along Genesee street, and some of them are still standing and, although not strictly modern, they are substantial and imposing. The manufacture of fancy woolen cloth began in the twenties. The cloth was made in considerable variety, both as to color and patterns. Suitings for men and women were made in black, blue and grey, all having vogue for several years. From the time of the incorporation of the village in 1815 to 1835 there seems not to have been a village hall, but at that time the erection of a town hall was begun and was completed in 1837 at a cost of $30,000. In 1848 it became the City Hall and has continued as such to date. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 161 The town hall, however, was intended to serve a double purpose, in fact, for many years it served a multitude of purposes. Besides being the official town hall, the ground floor was arranged for a public market. The butchers, the hucksters and some other lines of trade occupied booths or compartments properly arranged and leased to such dealers for a stipulated sum. Moreover, a part of the second floor for some years was occupied by the Young Ladies Institute, the school conducted by Prof. M. L. Browne. Finally, the municipality refitted the building, since which time it has been in all respects a City Hall. The panic of 1837 was probably the force that defeated the project of establishing in the village a INIethodist college. The enterprise was launched in 1835 and re- ceived the hearty co-operation and support of many citizens of Auburn. A site was selected at the corner of Genesee and Washington streets comprising ten acres and a movement was in progress to raise a fund of fifty thousand dollars to erect a building on the Dill farm for Auburn College. A board of trustees consisting of the following citizens was chosen: Gen. John H. Chedell, William H. Seward, Hon. Joseph L. Richardson and Nathaniel Garrow. Forty thousand dollars had been subscribed when the depression of 1837 came on and discouraged further efforts in the undertaking. The project never was revived. In 1836 the village of Auburn extended its limits to include the whole town of Auburn. This year too the village streets were lighted with oil lamps for the first 162 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A time. Upon some of the streets these were the beacon lights that possibly saved some citizens from being sunk in the mud. The following was the year of the great fire which destroyed Hyde, Wattrous & Go's, store, Norman Ben- nett's dry goods store, H. C. Pease's furniture store, Melbie Camp's dry goods, Crashy & Polkbun's dry goods store, Munger & Perry, dry goods, J. S. Bartlett & Co., dry goods, T. M. Hunt's drug store, D. C. Stewart, dry goods, Bemus & Leonard's restaurant and some others. It is this occurrence that brought into vogue the stone and brick structures in the business section. In face of this disaster, and the panic, the citizens of Auburn had the heart to give Henry Clay a most cordial reception that year. He was followed in 1839 by Martin Van Buren and in 1843 John Quincy Adams paid Auburn a visit. Clay and Adams were Whigs and Van Buren a Democrat and the inspiration of the trips was politics. But the panic of 1837 wrought havoc in Auburn as it did throughout the country. Many Auburn people lost their footing and finally suffered financial collapse. Manufacturing plants were crippled and the banks were unable to get sufficient currency or specie to meet the demands. In 1841 and 1842 Auburn was forging ahead again. THE STEAM RAILROADS May 1, 1834, the Auburn and Syracuse Railroad Company was chartered with a capital stock of $400,000. And here again the spirit and progressiveness of Auburn HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 163 citizens was in evidence, for $350,000 of the stock was taken in Auburn. Among the dwellers along the pro- posed route there was no confidence in the project and the opposing interests were active in their efforts to discourage and defeat the undertaking. The Erie Canal and the established stage lines were held by some to be too formid- able rivals for a steam road to compete with successfully. Nevertheless, the promoters went forward with the work. The organization of the company was effected on the 20th day of January, 1835, with the following officers: Elijah Miller, president; Asaph D. Leonard, secretary; George B. Throop, treasurer; and the directors were: Nathaniel Garrow, John M. Sherwood, Stephen Van Anden, Obijah Fitch, and Edward E. Marvine of Auburn, Vivius W. Smith and Henry Raynor of Syracuse. The Auburn and Syracuse road was practically com- pleted by 1838 and on January 8th, of that year the first train, drawn by horses, passed over the road. June 4, 1839, the first train drawn by an engine took a crowd of people from Auburn to Syracuse. There were many then who believed that possibly the steam railroad might be advantageous for passenger traffic, but it never could hope to compete successfully for freight business. But the road was finally established and following this event many Auburnians saw visions of a great city with the State capitol located on the east hill. In 1836 the Auburn and Rochester Railroad was incorporated and completed in 1841. From this time until 1854 the road by the way of Auburn was the main line of the New York Central. But the building of the 164 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A first road through the village, it must be stated here, was due to the public spirit and courage of Auburn citizens. They contributed seven-eighths of the capital and, with the exception of two members, the officers and board of directors were composed of progressive and constructive Auburn men. The Auburn and Syracuse and the Auburn and Rochester railroads were consolidated in 1850. SOUTHERN CENTRAL — NOW LEHIGH VALLEY The building of the Southern Central Railroad was not finally accomplished without many trials and difficult obstacles to overcome. As early as 1852 a company was organized to con- struct the Lake Ontario, Auburn and New York Rail- road. The road as projected began at Fair Haven on Lake Ontario and passed through Auburn and on south- ward to connect at some point with the Erie Railroad, taking nearly the route over which the Auburn and Lansing now runs. The capital stock was $1,500,000, and the board of directors and officers were as follows: Presi- dent, Thomas Y. How, Jr.; secretary, Benj. F. Hall; treasurer, Joshua Burt, and the directors were Roland F. Russell, Worthington Smith, Hiram S. Farrar, Moses T. Telly, O. C. Crocker, Lyman Murdock, Isaac Bell, David Cook, and Robert Hume. Nearly four hundred thousand dollars were expended in securing right of way and the grading of the roadbed, yet the project for lack of money failed of completion. In 1856 another com- pany was organized to take up the work and push it to a successful termination. After an outlay of about five HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 165 hundred thousand dollars the undertaking failed in great part on account of the breaking out of the Civil War. In 1865 a new company was organized with a new set of oflScers and directors and also a new route southward from Auburn under contemplation. This route was along Owasco lake, thence to Dryden and Owego. Cyrus C. Dennis was one of the chief promoters and was the president of the company. J. J. Taylor, vice-president; William H. Seward, Jr., treasurer; and George I. Post, secretary. The directors were: Thomas C. Piatt, of Owego; WilHam Lincoln, of Newark Valley; Hiram W. Sears of Dryden; H. K. Clark, of Groton; William Titus, of Moravia, Charles P. Wood, WiUiam C. Barber, and George J. Leitch, of Auburn and John T. Knapp, of Cato. The road was built in three sections, the first from Lake Ontario to Auburn, and the second from Auburn to Owego, and thence on to Sayre, Pa., for the third section. Much difficulty was experienced in the new project. There were some members of the new company who still contended in favor of the former route but the towns through which the new line was projected were liberally subscribing for the stock of the road and some towns were bonding. The money for construction was finally raised largely through the personal efforts of Gen. William H. Seward, Jr., the treasurer, and the Southern Central was formally opened for traffic in 1869. In 1884 the road was taken over and became a part of the Lehigh Valley Railroad system. The Cayuga Southern Railroad was at first constructed from Cayuga southward along the lake to Ithaca. It was 166 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A begun in 1871 and completed in 1873. In 1877 this also passed to the Lehigh Valley Railroad and by means of a short spur that company has a line from Auburn to Ithaca by way of the Cayuga Lake road. The Auburn and Lansing, the "short line," to Ithaca was built in 1906 and follows practically the old "Mur- dock route" or the line projected by the Lake Ontario, Au- burn and New York in 1852. Auburn at present, there- fore, has steam railroads radiating in six different direc- tions, affording very excellent shiping facilities to all parts of the country. The Hon. Alfred Conkling was an early and very distinguished resident of Auburn. Judge Conkling settled on Owasco road, and built Melrose, one of the handsome estates along that highway between the heart of Auburn and Owasco lake. It is now the residence of George H. Nye, Esq. Judge Conkling was a man of exceptional ability, coupled with the characteristics and manners of a gentle- man of the old school. He was prominent in various enterprises and in public affairs. He was Judge of the United States District Court of the northern District of New York and for several years the United States Minister to Mexico, in which capacity he served with distinction. He had three sons, Aurelian, Frederick, and Roscoe, the latter later becoming one of the country's most conspicu- ous figures in national affairs. Peter P. R. Hayden began business in Auburn in the early thirties. He became a member of the firm of Hayden & Letchworth who were manufacturers having HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 167 a contract in the prison. The business was large and very profitable for a considerable number of years. Meanwhile, Mr. Hayden had interests in many other cities. He had foundries, rolling mills and brass works in Pittsburgh, Columbus, Ohio, St. Louis, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Newark, N. J., and in several other cities, besides being the owner of large coal mines in Pennsyl- vania. On account of those many interests, Mr. Hayden left Auburn in the early forties. He died at the age of 81. JOSIAH BARBER Josiah Barber engaged in business in Auburn in 1828. He was a contractor in the prison where he made tweeds, carpets, and bed spreads. Later he began the manu- facture of carpets, both ingrain and brussels. In 1847 Mr. Barber erected the Barber Mill on Wash- ington street, now the Dunn & McCarthy shops. Later his sons were engaged in business with him. They built up a great business and the Barber mill was one of the chief industries of the city. Mr. Barber was born in Colmans, Albany county, N. Y. His parents were Quakers and Mr. Barber, after locating in Auburn, identified himself with the Universalist church and was one of the active promoters and supporters of that church. Mr. Barber was a keen and successful business man, of strict integrity, progressive and helpful to the com- munity. He died in Auburn, May 5, 1880. During the thirties and early forties there were several sea captains settled in Auburn. They were interesting characters and some of them added distinction to the village. 168 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A CAPTAIN WILLIAM SWAIN Captain William Swain was a son of William and Phoebe Barnard Swain who were Nantucket Quakers. They lived in Saratoga county, N. Y., for a few years where their son Captain William was born. This was about the time of Burgoyne's surrender, October, 1777. He saw the "red coats" in and around his father's house. Afterwards the family returned to Nantucket. From this port William Swain, then a youth, sailed on a whaling vessel during the days when Napoleon's wars were blockad- ing Holland. Later he entered the employ of the Messrs. Enderby, a very wealthy and enterprising firm of London, whose whaling ships were on every sea from the Arctic to the Antartic circle. He continued with this firm about thirty years, at which time he retired from sea life. In London, Capt. Swain married in 1812, Catherine Mitchell, daughter of Dr. George Mitchell, a London physician. In 1831 he moved to Auburn where he resided in the house now standing on William street. He afterwards bought and beautified a farm at Half Acre. A few years later he came into town and built a large brick home on Grover street. Capt. Swain's life was full of interesting incidents and events on the sea. He at one time narrowly escaped from a French man-of-war by a bold and ingenous device, and was active in the suppression of a mutiny on his ship. He also saw the sinking of a French privateer which attacked him at night, his ship being defended by but one gun, besides many other thrilling experiences of his day. Capt. Swain was an interesting character and had a host HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 169 of warm friends in Auburn. He died in 1875 and was buried in St. Peter's churchyard. CAPTAIN CHASE Captain George B. Chase was also from Nantucket, Rhode Island. He began a seafaring life when a boy and sailed the seas over. While still a young man be became commander of a merchant sailing vessel and followed the life until he had accumulated a competence. Then he, like most other sailors, sought to live far from the ocean, and about 1825 he moved to Auburn with his family of children, his wife having died in Nantucket. He purchased several hundred acres of land in what is now the north-eastern section of the city, the land lying along North street and extending through to State street. Upon this land were some of the largest stone quarries in the vicinity of Auburn. A great part of the stone used in the construction of the prison came from the quarries on the Chase farm. Capt. Chase erected a residence on North street which is still occupied by his granddaughter, Mrs. Dexter A. Smith. Captain Chase was an odd character and a notable entertainer, with a mind full of quaint and interesting incidents and experienced in a long and eventful sea life. He was also a connoisseur, with the ability to prepare de- lectable dinners. He gave many of these to his friends and acquaintances at different times. The Chase home was a favorite rendezvous for all who enjoyed a good meal and an interesting story. He was coroner at the time of the famous Van Ness murder south of the city. Cap- tain Chase died in 1855. 170 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A CAPTAIN COFFIN Captain Joshua Coffin was born at Cape Cod, but in early life moved to Nantucket and began there a sea life. Captain Coffin when a young man became commander of a whaling vessel and followed the sea until 1843. At that time he joined the colony of seamen then living in Auburn. He first bought a farm north of the city but he had lived too long on the water to be a successful farmer. He finally moved into the city where he spent the remaining years of his life. Captain Coffin married Delia Baker, of Cape Cod. They had three children, two sons, Joshua and Frederick and one daughter who became the wife of Morris M. Olmsted. They were the parents of Mrs. D. E. Clapp, of Auburn. Capt, Coffin died in 1875. His wife survived him several years. CAPTAIN SHUBAEL COTTLE Captain Shubael Cottle was another whaler who sailed from Nantucket. He quit the sea in 1821 and settled on a farm west of the city. After three years he too learned that he was not a successful farmer, and therefore he abandoned the farm and moved into the village. His residence was for many years on Franklin street. He died February 16, 1864. CAPTAIN GEORGE CROCKER Captain George Crocker, of Nantucket, quit the sea about 1840 and purchased a farm a little east of the city, where he spent his life and died in 1887. c o O a W a. C » "^ n 50 • O a H G HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 171 During the presidential campaign, or log cabin cam- paign, of 1840, there was the greatest interest and activity in Auburn. Many of the most prominent men of the village were zealous supporters of Whig candidates as were others also of the Democratic candidates. K log cabin was built on lower Genesee street around which much interest centered and from which radiated a great part of the political activity in the campaign. The State campaign also was in progress and Gov. William H. Seward was a candidate for a second term. He was extremely popular at home and throughout the State, therefore taken together they were days of keen interest and much enthusiastic demonstration in the village. On one occasion during this campaign a huge loaf of bread was baked in the bake shop of Alexander McCrea and when ready to be taken from the oven Col. John Richard- son, who was marshal of the day, was obliged to use his sword of the War of 1812 to cut the loaf in pieces before it could be taken out. It was seven feet long and weighed over five hundred pounds. The log cabin remained intact for some time after the campaign was over. About 1841 there was a well organized movement by several citizens of Auburn to introduce the enterprise of silk making. Mulberry trees were set out and an attempt was made to introduce cocoons for the making of silk. The project met with some degree of success for a time. Apparently it was not sufficiently profitable to warrant further attempt, because the industry gradually died out. 172 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A THE MARTHA WASHINGTON SOCIETY In 1841 there was started in Auburn a concerted move- ment in temperance work. The undertaking was con- ceived by many of the leading women of the village who entered into the spirit of the cause with courage and resolution. An organization was effected, known as the Martha Washington Society, and through this the work of reform and temperance was carried on. Mrs. L. E. Lathrop was the first president. She was followed by Mrs. Myron C. Reed, Mrs. Isaac Selover, Mrs. Daniel Hewson, Miss Amanda Irish, and Mrs. Charles M. Howlet. The Society did effective work not alone in advancing the cause of temperance in the village, but was alert and active in giving aid to needy families and caring for children made destitute by drunkenness. The work was carried on until 1866, and the influence of the society lasted to a much later date. THE AUBURN WOOLEN COMPANY The Auburn Woolen Manufacturing business was started in 1844 by several leading business men of the village. William H. Seward, John Beardsley, Capt. Bradley Tuttle, Sherman Beardsley, Abijah Fitch, Charles M. Pomeroy, Joseph Wadsworth and George C. Thompson were associated together for the purpose of manufacturing woolen goods. In 1847 a corporation was formed with the title of the Auburn Woolen Company. Hon. John Porter was chosen president and the following were elected directors: HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 173 Dr. Joseph T. Pittney, Gen. John H. Chedell, Abijah Fitch, E. P. Williams, William C. Beardsley, Capt. Bradley Tuttle, and Dr. C. B. Maclntyre. The capital stock was $100,000. A mill was that year erected near the "big dam" and put in operation. A little later the capital was increased to $158,000, yet there seems not to have been any great degree of success achieved and in 1857 it passed to Harris & Felton, who in 1859 sold the mill to Samuel L. Bush and Munkitrick. The business, however, was not stable or successful. After passing through several ownerships there was a new organization effected in 1863 with $100,000 capital which later was increased to $200,000. Thenceforth it was a prosperous industry. The product of the mill was mostly cloth for suiting. Recently the plant became a part of a great woolen cloth manufacturing syndicate. In 1846 the State Fair was held in Auburn, the grounds being on the Beach farm in the section now known as "Capitol hill." The Fair continued three days, and although Auburn was still a village, the attendance was very satisfactory. The same year brought the telegraph to the village, thus furnishing the two daily papers with the news of the world for the first time. HON. JOHN M. HURD Mr. Hurd was born at Sandwich, Conn., in 1832 and during his youth learned the art of book binding. In 1852 he adopted Auburn as his home and engaged as a book- binder with the firm of Howe & Husk who were then among the principal book binders in the city. A little 174 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A later he bought the bindery in which he was employed and carried on a successful business, until 1861. In 1861 Mr. Hurd invented and patented a paper flour sack, which he manufactured for a time in the rear part of his bindery or in a small building adjoining. He later expanded the manufacturing plant. The company met with reverses during the Civil War and finally was forced into bankruptcy. Soon thereafter Mr. Hurd, with a partner, began the manufacture of hand sleds, toy wagons and wheel-barrows. The factory was located in Dill street. The business prospered in great measure and Mr. Hurd to a great extent recouped himself. He was a popular citizen, being highly regarded by the whole community. He represented the first ward in the board of Supervisors and in 1868-1869 was mayor of the city. He was capable, honest and earnest in his official service. Mr. Hurd died in Auburn in 1886. NELSON BEARDSLEY, ESQ. Nelson Beardsley possessed many of the qualities of a captain of finance. He demonstrated it in many ways during a long and singularly successful life. He was born with the faculty for hewing out success in the world of business; he could not have done otherwise. And what he achieved was not by dishonest methods, surely, for he was strictly honest and honorable in all his business relations. Mr. Beardsley was born at Southbury, Mass., May 30th, 1807. He graduated at Yale College at the age of twenty and soon thereafter became a resident of Auburn. He *• I NELSON BEARDSLEY, ESQ. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 175 prepared for the law but his business instinct was too keen to continue long in the practise. Upon settling in Auburn, he entered the law office of Hon. John W. Hurlbert and began the study of law. Before the close of the year, however, he became a student in the office of William H. Sew^ard who was then a young man in active practise. He completed his studies with Mr. Seward and after being admitted to practise formed a co-partnership with his preceptor, which continued until Mr. Beardsley found himself permanently in channels of finance and business. In 1840 he was chosen president of the Cayuga County Bank which he had helped to establish in 1833 and with which he had been intimately connected during those years. As president of the bank he proved his ability as a financier and executive of exceeding value to the institution. For a period of fifty years he served as president of the Cayuga County National Bank and with never a misstep or serious mistake in the conduct of its affairs. But Mr. Beardsley was interested and active in many other things, banks, industries and enterprises that yielded sumptuous profits while the stocks increased in value. He was exacting with all whom he did business and no less exacting with himself. He was undemonstrative and unostentatious but did much good in his own quiet way. Mr. Beardsley married in 1836 Miss Frances Powers, daughter of Hon. James Powers, of Catskill. John Beardsley, father of Nelson, and James Powers, father of Mrs. Nelson Beardsley, were members of the legislature 176 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A at the same time, which fact cemented a lasting friendship between the famihes. Mrs. Nelson Beardsley died in 1854. Mr. Beardsley was one of the organizers and promoters of the Oswego Starch Factory in 1848, an enterprise that was marvellously successful. He was its president and directing force for many years. There were few great enterprises launched in Auburn during a long period of years of which Mr. Beardsley was not a guiding spirit. He made a success of every undertaking. Mr. Beardsley died in 1894. There were six daughters and no sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Beardsley. He had the reputation of being one of the great financiers. GEN. JOHN H. CHEDELL Gen. Chedell was another one of the men of his time who worked out a destiny with credit, honor and distinc- tion. He made his own way from early boyhood and filled a place in life's affairs that made him a conspicuous figure in the community. Gen. Chedell was born at Coventry, Tolland County, Conn., April 24, 1807. When he was ten years of age his father died leaving himself, mother and sisters without dependence. Soon thereafter the mother and children moved to Hartwick, Otsego county, N. Y. There John H. Chedell, the boy, obtained about two years of schooling and then became an apprentice at the watchmakers and jewelers trade in Cooperstown. At twenty-one he had accumulated a good knowledge of the business and a little money. With these assets he located in Auburn GEN. JOHN H. CHEDELL HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 177 and began his career in the jewelry business on Genesee street. This was in 1829 and he continued in the business until 1851. He had been frugal, prudent and keen in the business and had made money. Chedell's jewelry store was a well known establishment in the village and some there are who remember it today. Mr. Chedell during the years had been alert and inter- ested in other lines of business and various enterprises that gave promise of success and therefore profit. When the first steam railroad was built from Auburn to Syracuse, Mr. Chedell was one of the foremost figures in pushing the work to completion. He was afterwards a director in the road and realized a great profit from the investment he had the courage to make when some others hestitated. He was a man of great energy, optimistic in regard to the success of great undertakings and always influenced by the spirit of progress. In manner Gen. Chedell was regarded by some as stern and cynical but all who knew him intimately knew that he had the kindliest heart and a broad mind that viewed matters justly and generously. He was a staunch friend to his friends and equally as good a friend to the many causes that presented themselves in the community. He contributed unstintedly to the churches of the city and in great measure to St. Peters of which he was a devoted member. The institutions of the city, the Home of the Friendless, the Cayuga County Asylum for destitute children and other public institutions profited by his beneficences. Gen. Chedell was for some years president of the Syra- cuse National Bank and was identified with the building 178 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A of some of the railroads other than the New York Central. He was also active in military affairs and did valuable service in organizing and maintaining the military organi- zations. In 1828 Gen. Chedell married Miss Melita Cook, daughter of Phillip Cook, Esq., of Bath, N. Y. They had seven children, three sons and four daughters, none of whom now survive. Gen. Chedell died June 19, 1875, and thus closed the career of one of Auburn's notable citizens. HON. HORACE T. COOK Horace T. Cook was born in Aurelius, July 22, 1822, and was the son of Robert and Roxana Foote Cook who were early settlers in Cayuga County. They moved to Auburn when Horace T. was three years old. They were of New England ancestry and in religion were Presbyterians. Horace T. was educated in Auburn schools and read law with Hon. George Rathbun, and with Governor Wm. H. Seward, was admitted to the bar and practised law in Cayuga County in 1844, serving meanwhile as a Justice of the Peace in 1846. Mr. Cook was first chosen County Treasurer by the board of Supervisors. After the revision of the constitution in 1848, the office was made an elective one and Mr. Cook was elected thereto fifteen consecutive times as County Treasurer of Cayuga County. His last election occurred in 1893 and he was elected without opposition. He was County Treasurer during the Civil War, when the office was an onerous one and Mr. Cook did the entire HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 179 work of the office without help, handling all the bonds, bounties, etc., by a system devised by himself without an error. The last bond was cancelled in 1871, Cayuga County being one of the first released from this obliga- tion. Mr. Cook's practise of paying war debts with war prices was successful. In 1883 the County Treasurer took possession of the new offices and then had an assist- ant. Mr. Cook was one of the founders of the Cayuga County Savings Bank, and served as one of its trustees and presi- dent. He was treasurer of the First Presbyterian church and served on the building committee when the present edifice was erected. He was president of the Fort Hill Cemetery Association, and was instrumental in having erected the stone chapel which now adorns the entrance to the Cemetery. Mr. Cook married Mrs. Eliza Thompson of Allegan, Michigan. She died May 18, 1853. Mr. Cook's personality was strong and attractive; throughout his life he made many friends and few enemies. He was public spirited, his time and energy alwaj^s being at the disposal of charitable and public welfare causes. Whatever he undertook was well done. As a business man and servant of the people he possessed rare attain- ments with a broad and open mind. Mr. Cook died in Auburn, May 18, 1897. CHAPTER VIII INCORPORATION OF AUBURN AS A CITY In the twenty-first day of March, 1848, by a special Act of the Legislature, Auburn was chartered as a city. For a period of thirty-three years it has lived under a village government. Auburn, when it was incorporated as a village in 1815, had about one thousand population; at the time of becoming a city it had nearly nine thousand. The first election under the charter was held on the first day of April following the grant of the charter. There were then five wards in the city; now there are ten. The first Mayor chosen at this election was Cyrus C. Dennis. The Mayors from 1848 to 1913 have been as follows : MAYORS Cyrus C. Dennis, 1848; Daniel Hewson, 1849; Aure- lian Conkling, 1850-1851; Benjamin F. Hall, 1852; Thomas Y. How, Jr., 1853; George Underwood, 1854; George Underwood resigned and Joshua Burt was elected in June to fill the vacancy; John L. Watrous, 1855; Sylvanus H. Henry, 1856; Lansingh Briggs, 1857-1859; Christopher Morgan, 1860; George Humphreys, 1861- 1862; Jonas White, Jr., 1863; Charles G. Briggs, 1864; HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 181 George Humphreys, I860; John S. Fowler, 1866-1867; James E. Tyler, 1868; John M. Hurd, 1869; Eli Gallup, 1870; Thomas Kirkpatrick, 1871; Edward A. Thomas, 1872; John S. Brown, 1873; Charles N. Ross, 1874; Theodore M. Pomeroy, 1875-1876; Alexander McCrea, 1877; Martin L. Walley, 1878; David M. Osborne, 1879-1880; Cyrenus Wheeler, Jr., 1881-1886; also 1889- 1890; Mortimer V. Austin, 1887-1888; David Wads- worth, Jr., 1891-1892; John E. Mcintosh, 1893-1894; Orlando Lewis, 1895-1900; William C. Burgess, 1901- 1902; Thomas M. Osborne, 1903-1905; E. Clarence Aiken, 1906-1907; C. August Koenig, 1908-1909; Thomas H. O'Neill, 1910-1913. CITY CLERKS The City Clerks have been: Theodore M. Pomeroy, 1848-1850; William F. Segoine, 1851; Frederic Prince, 1852-1856; James Seymour, Jr., 1857; Theodore H. Schenck, 1858-1859; Amasa B. Hamblin, 1860; William H. Meaker, 1861; Amasa H. Hamblin, 1862; Charles E. Cootes, 1863; Charles F. Durston, 1864; Daniel O'SuUivan, 1865; James Lyon, 1866-1867; Albert L. Sisson, 1868; Sereno E. Payne, 1869-1870; Edwin Baldwin, 1871-1874; Urban S. Benton, 1875-1876; Sumner L. Paddock, 1877-1880; Harold E. Hills, 1881- 1884; John C. Healey, 1885-1888; Robert J. Carson, 1889-1894; Frank B. Ives, 1895-1898; Edward H. Herrling, 1898-1904; F. Howard Hosmer, 1905; Joseph S. Hanlon, 1906-1913. 182 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A POSTMASTERS The postmasters of Auburn from 1800 to 1913 have been as follows: 1800-1809, Dr. Samuel Crossett; 1809- 1815, Enos T. Throop; 1815-1833, George B. Throop; 1833-1837, Hiram Bostwiek; 1837-1841, George Rath- bun; 1841-1845, William C. Beardsley; 1845-1847, Amos F. Rathbun; 1847-1849, Michael S. Myers; 1849- 1855, Ethan A. Warden; 1855-1857, Elmore P. Ross; 1857-1861, Charles W. Pomeroy; 1861-1869, William Allen; 1869-1873, Clinton D. MacDougall; 1873-1877, John B. Richardson; 1877-1881, Noah P. Clark; 1881- 1885, E. D. Woodruff; 1885-1889, WilHam J. Moses; 1889-1893, John N. Knapp, Mr. Knapp resigned after three years service and Larens J. Storke was named to fill the vacancy. After the expiration of the unexpired term for which he had been appointed, he was appointed regularly and served until January, 1899. Paul R. Clark, who is now serving his fourth term, was appointed January , 1899. The present post oflSce was erected in 1888. It is a handsome Government building and very eligibly situated. Immediately prior to 1888, the post office was located on Exchange street. COURT OF A THOUSAND JUDGES It is a bit of interesting history that tells of Cayuga County's Court of a Thousand Judges. A court so termed and known existed from 1799 until 1847, a period of forty -eight years. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 183 The proposition and the corollary were as follows: During these years a County Judge presided at the courts, and with him in Court were three associate Judges, or "side Judges," as they were often designated. These side Judges came from among the lay citizens of the county, Justices of the Peace or others who had an ambi- tion to occupy a high seat in the tribunal and draw from the county two dollars a day therefor. These three associate Judges were denominated "ciphers," which adequately expressed it, and therefore when arranged in the proper decimal place made a 1000 Judges. The first Judge of the Court was the Hon. Seth Phelps of the town of Ledyard, and the second was the Hon. Walter Wood of the same town. Then came the Hon. Elijah Miller, of Auburn, and the Hon. Gershom Powers, of Auburn, and the fifth and last was the Hon. Joseph L. Richardson. The three ciphers at the right were often composed of some very odd characters, who pre- sented a spectacle bordering on the ridiculous. But they were a part of the court, although they served more as the "King jesters." They attended every Court and sat in a row at the right hand of the Judge, and at the end of the term of one or two weeks drew their pay and returned to their homes. THE OSWEGO STARCH FACTORY An industry of great magnitude which had its origin in Auburn, yet never was in Auburn, was the Oswego Starch Factory, organized in 1848. It had the strong 184 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A men of the town as its promoters who developed the concern into a wonderfully profitable proposition. The process of making cornstarch, theretofore, was essentially crude, but Thomas Kingsford, who was at that time actively connected with a similar institution in New Jersey, had developed a new and superior process for making cornstarch. He had faith in the successful working out of his discovery but he had no money to establish a plant for the manufacture of the product. In the circumstances he submitted the matter to Nelson Beardsley, Dr. Sylvester Willard, Alonzo G. Beardsley, and some others in Auburn to whom the proposition ap- peared feasible and promising. A company was therefore organized having as its incorporators and officers the following Auburn citizens: Nelson Beardsley, Dr. Sylvester Willard, Alonzo G. Beards- ley, Roswell Curtis and Erastus Case. Dr. Willard was chosen as president. Nelson Beardsley, vice-president, Alonzo G. Beardsley, secretary and treasurer. It was deemed best to establish the factory on or near some body of water in order to have adequate shipping facilities, and so Oswego was chosen as the location — hence the title, the Oswego Starch Factory. It became known as Kingsford 's Starch Factory, and Kingsford's Starch Factory was known the world over, Mr. Kingsford meanwhile was in charge of the manufacturing of the product. Dr. Willard continued as president of the company until his death, at which time he was succeeded by Thomp- son Kingsford. At the death of Alonzo G. Beardsley, HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 185 Mr. William C. Beardsley was chosen secretary and treasurer and continued in this capacity until the plant was absorbed by the Corn Products Company, in 1904. Under the original regime the Oswego Starch Factory was marvelously successful, earning dividends that en- riched its founders. THE AUBURN GAS LIGHT COMPANY The Auburn Gas Light Company was organized in the early part of the year 1850 with a capital of $30,000.00. The promoters and organizers were Roland E. Russell, Capt. George B. Chase, Benj. F. Hall, Adam Miller, William H. Van Tuyle, Thomas Hoadley, J. S. Bowen, Albert G. Smith, Thomas Y. How, Jr., T. F. Terrill, Andrew Johnson, E. B. Cobb, H. G. Ellsworth, Z. M. Mason, Horatio Robinson and Paul D. Cornell. At a meeting of the stockholders held after the incor- poration of the company, George B. Chase was chosen president, Benjamin F. Hall, secretary, and Z. M. Mason, treasurer. The first gas manufactured in Auburn, however, was at the plant of the Auburn Woolen Company, but on September 1st, 1850, gas was turned into the mains and the city had illumination. The Auburn Gas Light Company in 1886 was consolidated with the Electric Light Company and in 1911 was purchased by the Empire Gas and Electric Company. 186 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A AUBURN WATER WORKS COMPANY The Auburn Water Works Company was chartered in April, 1859, with a capital of $100,000. A board of directors was then chosen composed of the following citizens: William Beach, Theodore Dimon, Benjamin F. Hall, George W. Peck, Franklin L. Sheldon, Albert H. Goss, William H. Carpenter, John D. Clark, and Paul D. Cornell. Yet on account of the lack of money the enterprise remained dormant until the spring of 1863. By this time sufficient money had been raised to pro- ceed with the work of construction. A new set of officers was chosen as follows: Edward H. Avery, president; Albert H. Goss, secretary and treasurer. The work of laying the water mains began early in 1865 and before the end of the year water was supplied to residents and business places on the principal streets of the city. In 1894 the city purchased and took over the water company. FORT HILL CEMETERY Fort Hill Cemetery Association was formed May 15, 1851. The incorporators were: William C. Beardsley, Michael S. Myers, Hugo B. Rathbun, John S. Watrous, Josiah N. Starin, George Underwood, Thomas Y. How, Jr., and George W. Hatch. There were twelve trustees as follows: Enos T. Throop Martin, James C. Derby, Nelson Beardsley, Benjamin F. Hall, for one year; Mich- ael S. Myers, Gen. John H. Chedell, Isaac S. Allen, and Thomas Y. How, Jr., for two years and Cyrus C.Dennis, HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 187 William C. Beardsley, John W. Haight and Zebina M. Mason for three years. The land for Fort Hill Cemetery was donated in August, 1851, by George W. Hatch and Mary Ann, his wife, of New York, and Thomas Y. How, Jr., and Sarah his wife, of x\uburn. The cemetery was formally dedicated on the seventh day of July, 1852, at which time the various prominent points in the grounds were named, Mount Auburn, the High Bluff, Fort Alleghan, etc. :^ Although Fort Hill was not formally opened until July, 1852, burials had taken place there several months prior. The first three burials were Elijah Miller, who died November 13, 1851, the second was Mrs. Julia Carpenter Graves, who died January 2, 1852, and the third was Judge Joseph L. Richardson, who died April 12, 1853. Topographically, Fort Hill is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country. It occupies ground that nature no doubt intended for a park. The cemetery is artistically laid out and contains many handsome monuments. The beautiful chapel at the entrance to Fort Hill was the gift of Silos L. Bradley, Esq., and his wife Jane Loomis Bradley. It was erected at a cost of about $20,000. It adds grace and harmony to the general beauty of the cemetery. Mr. Bradley was one of the honored citizens of Auburn. He became a resident of Auburn in 1837 and was one of the successful and respected merchants for many years. 188 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A He was director and president of the National Bank of Auburn, a trustee of the Auburn Savings Bank, also of the Orphan Asylum, and for a long time a director in the Auburn Water Works Company. Mr. Bradley was one of the earnest, helpful and influential members of the Second Presbyterian church, but contributed generously to other churches and good causes. THE AUBURN TRACT-DEPOSITORY ASSOCIATION In line with many other movements in welfare work and the spread of Christianity there was organized in October, 1850, the Auburn Tract-Depository Association. Its scope and purpose are set forth in the Society's decla- ration as follows: "Inasmuch as we regard it highly important for the good of the community that the publications of the * American Tract Society,' consisting of a large number of Evangelical books and tracts adopted to every age and to every class of individuals, be circulated and read as extensively as possible we agree to form an association called 'The Auburn Tract-Depository Association,' for the purpose of establishing and sustaining a Depository of Books and Tracts of the American Tract society accord- ing to the following plan:" "The officers of the Association shall consist of a com- mittee of five persons to be chosen annually from all the religious denominations represented by the stockholders, to be called the Committee of Supervisors." At the first regular meeting held at the Association rooms. No. 3 Genesee street, John Percival was chosen HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 189 secretary and treasurer. The Association was duly incorporated and shares were placed at ten dollars. Ac- cording to the by-laws any share holders upon becoming dissatisfied could withdraw and receive either par value in cash for the stock or an equivalent in books. There were a large number of share holders, which indicated the interest in the enterprise and the disposition to aid the cause. The list contained the names of a large number of the most representative citizens of the city. The association distributed, not only locally but through- out the country. Bibles, tracts and books along religious lines. The Association continued for more than thirty years, doing meanwhile a notable work in Christian and moral uplifts. LOUIS KOSSUTH, OF HUNGARY Among the many interesting events in the earlier years of Auburn's history was that of the visit in May, 1852, of Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian soldier and patriot. Governor Kossuth at that time was making a tour of the United States incidentally to gain sympathy and primarily to solicit money to aid Hungary in its life and death struggle for independence. He met with a cordial reception in Auburn and cash to the amount of more than a thousand dollars was contributed by the citizens. A special committee composed of the following named citizens was appointed to go to Rochester and accompany the distinguished guest and his party to Auburn: Hon. 190 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A John Porter, Stephen A. Goodwin, David Wright, Hon. Samuel R. Blatchford, Thomas Y. How, Jr., James C. Derby, Charles Carpenter, Clarence A. Seward, Charles N. Tuttle, Larnard C. Mann and David C. Wallace. The visiting party was escorted to Auburn in a private car. There were the Governor and Madame Kossuth, Francis Palskzy and Madame Palskzy and Governor Kossuth's suite. They arrived in Auburn on Saturday the 29th day of May. p There was a notable demonstration. The city every- where was decorated with Hungarian flags and banners of various kinds to add to the attraction of the occasion. Gen. Jesse Segoine was the marshal and the escort com- prised the Weedsport and the Auburn Guards, members of the City Common Council and the committee. They were met at the station by carriages in which they were all conveyed to the center of town, Madams Kossuth and Palskzy being taken to the home of Secretary Seward and^the others were quartered at the American Hotel. The Kossuth Cadets, a boys' military organization formed about that time by Gen. William H. Seward, then a boy of twelve, occupied a conspicuous position in the demon- stration. Hon. Benjamin F. Hall delivered the address of wel- come at the American Hotel and in the afternoon Governor Kossuth delivered an address at the Second Presbyterian Church. The party remained in Auburn until Sunday night. Governor Kossuth left Auburn bearing the generous sympathy of the citizens and a purse of cash. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 191 ERASTUS CASE Erastus Case, one of the distinguished residents of Auburn, was born and grew to maturity in New England. The family was of English descent and in the family of Elish Case, his father, there were six sons all of whom became active and prominent in various lines of endeavor. Erastus Case became a resident of Auburn in 1843, purchasing at that time the residence on Washington street known as the Dr. Willard residence. He was then past middle life and actively identified with many large concerns and enterprises which had been successful to the point of great wealth making. From 1843 to the time of his death in 1857 he was one of the conspicuous captains of industry in the western part of the state. He had large interests in Chicago and also in some of the trunk line railroads. Mr. Case married in Connecticut, Mary, daughter of Col. Theodore Pittibone. They had two children, Theodore P. and Jane F. Case. The daughter married Dr. Sylvester Willard of Auburn. Mrs. Case died in Auburn, February 15, 1870. THEODORE P. CASE Theodore P. Case was the only son of Erastus Case. He lived most of his life in Auburn. He never was active in business affairs. He was a student, a scholar, a lover of the classics and the world of literature. These and cognate things had his heart and interest. However, many worthy causes and institutions in Auburn were beneficiaries of his generosity. The Case 192 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Memorial Hall at the Auburn Theological Seminary besides munificent gifts of money, and gifts to the First Presbyterian church and other institutions. He was generous without ostentation, a good friend and a good citizen. ADAM MILLER Adam Miller was born in the town of Sennett, February 11, 1814. In 1839 he became a contractor in the cooper- age department at the prison. The firm was then Miller & Taylor. They did a large business in this line. Mr. Miller was also engaged in the malting business. The firm of Miller & Kennedy had malt houses at Weedsport, Cleveland and Buffalo. The business was extensive and the firm made money for many years. When the Southern Central railroad was projected Mr. Miller was one of the active spirits in promoting the enterprises and was a stockholder in the Company. He was also a director in the old First National Bank of Auburn. In addition to his business connections, Mr. Miller was keenly interested in public affairs and worked earnest- ly for the success of the Republican party candidates. He served for several terms on the board of supervisors. Mr. Miller died in Auburn, October 31, 1879. LYMAN SOULE The early life of Lyman Soule, although it had many parallels in pioneer days, is an interesting one. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 193 Mr. Soule was one in a family of thirteen children. He was born in 1794. The family then lived in Saratoga County, N. Y. Lyman was the favorite among the children. In 1806, or when he was twelve years of age, the family migrated to Cayuga County taking all their goods and chattels consisting of a rack full of household goods, an ox team and two or three cows. Lyman, barefooted and alone drove the cows through the woods while the father drove the oxen and cared for the other children. They settled a little distance out of Auburn while Lyman in summer worked the best he could on the farm. In winter, a little later, he walked to Auburn to school. This went on until he was fifteen, at which time he left the home and went to Sennett to work in a tannery. He was industrious and faithful with the result that his wages were increased from time to time until by frugality he had saved a small sum of money. He then went on foot to a town near Rochester where he was employed in another tannery for two years. At the end of this time he returned to Sennett and purchased an interest in the tannery in which he was first engaged. This was the foundation of the fortune which he accumulated. In all things Mr. Soule was prudent and conservative, yet he was not miserly. By his thrift and foresight he made money and did much good with it. In his adopted town of Sennett Mr. Soule was honored with all the oflSces the town could bestow. Afterwards he moved to Auburn and became identified in many business institutions. He was a stockholder and director in the Cayuga County National Bank, also the old First 194 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A National and the National Exchange Banks. Besides he owned a vast amount of real estate in the city upon which he cleared a large profit. In 1877 he donated the land for Pine Ridge Cemetery, known as Soule's Cemetery, located east of the city. Mr. Soule was remembered for his many generous gifts to various good causes and for his activity in building up and enhancing the realty value of Auburn. HORACE V. ROWLAND Horace V. Rowland was born in Foster, Providence County, Rhode Island, March 8, 1820. In 1847 he located in Auburn and began reading law in the office of Seward, Blatchford & Morgan. Upon being admitted to the bar in 1849, he began practise at Port Byron. He gained considerable prominence in his profession. He was a delegate to the constitutional convention in 1873 when the State constitution was revised. In 1880 Mr. Howland moved to Auburn and formed a co-partnership with E. O. Wheeler, which continued until Mr. Wheeler's death. Subsequent to this Mr. Howland was associated with Frank D. Wright, Esq., in the practise of the law. This partnership continued until Mr. Rowland's death in 1894. Mr. Howland was regarded as one of the leaders of the Cayuga County bar, a man of sterling character and a worthy citizen. EMEROUS D. CLAPP Emerous D. Clapp, who established and built up one of the successful industries of Auburn, was born in the HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 195 town of Ira, Cayuga County, in 1829. His father, O. P. Clapp, moved from the town of Throop in 1820 and set- tled on land which had come to him from the Govern- ment in consideration of his military services in the war of 1812. His mother was Lucy Tilden, born at Bath, Windsor County, Vermont. Mr. Clapp spent his early boyhood on the home farm and attended the country school. Later he went to Falley Seminary at Fulton, N. Y. At the age of sixteen he taught school in his native town. He early married Miss Sarah Van Patten, a resident of that community. Soon thereafter Mr. Clapp moved to Ira and erected a shop for the making of farm wagons and other vehicles. Here he built up quite an industry, employing several men. Finally, for the lack of necessary capital to carry on the greater business which he planned, Mr. Clapp leased his shop and engaged for a time in another line of business. In this he made money, which enabled him to move to Auburn in 1856 and engage in the livery business. In 1864 he procured a patent on a thill coupling device, and three years later he began the manufacture of this article. For a time Mr. Clapp had a shop on old Mechanic street near the Outlet. The sale soon spread throughout the country and a larger and better equipped factory was demanded. Drop forgings for carriages were also made, which added strength and scope to the business. Meanwhile M. F. Van Patten an expert workman became associated with Mr. Clapp and they continued together for a long period of years. The business grew rapidly 196 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A so that the factory built on Water street in 1869 became too small and larger quarters were needed. The firm was then Clapp & Fitch. Mr. Fitch, however, retired in 1873 and a new company known as the E. D. Clapp & Co., was then formed. In 1874 a factory was erected at the corner of Genesee and Division street, to accommodate the greater business and in 1876 the E. D. Clapp Manu- facturing Company was organized with a capital of $150,000. Now the E. D. Clapp Company manufactures hardware specialties and is one of the strong and success- ful industries of the city. Mr. E. D. Clapp had three children, two daughters and one son D. E. Clapp now the head of the Company. Mr. E. D. Clapp died in 1889. HON. BENJAMIN F. HALL Hon. Benj. F. Hall was born in the town of Whitehall, Washington County, N. Y., July 23, 1814. He settled in Auburn in 1835 when he was twenty-one years of age. He had already nearly completed his law reading and upon becoming a resident of Auburn, he entered the law office of Judge Elijah Miller, and a little later was with Seward & Beardsley. In 1837 Mr. Hall was admitted to practise and in the following year became a partner in the law firm of Porter, Beardsley and Hall. This partner- ship continued until 1841, when Mr. Hall withdrew and entered into partnership with John P. Hurlbert, Esq., and remained with him until 1846. At this time the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Hall desiring to carry on HON. BENJAMIN F. HALL HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 197 the practise alone, which he did until March 1861. At this time he was appointed by the Government as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Colorado. He served in this capacity four years, during which time he laid the foundation for a systematic and enlightened judiciary. His services were highly regarded and received the most cordial commendation of both the Government and the bar of Colorado. As early as 1844 Mr. Hall was elected to the State Lgislature and while there his ability as an orator and legislator were recognized. He was chosen Mayor of Auburn in 1852 and made a good Mayor. When Louis Kossuth, of Hungary, visited Auburn in 1852, Mr. Hall was chosen to deliver the address of welcome. This was a memorable occasion of which Mr. Hall was one of the most striking figures. After his return from Colorado, Mr. Hall was tendered several important posts in the diplomatic service, but he declined. Later, however, he accepted the position of superintendent of commercial statistics under Secretary William H. Seward. In addition to all these, Mr. Hall was a journalist of high ability. He was at various times editor of different newspapers in Auburn and in this line he evinced much literary talent along with executive ability. He died in Auburn, September 6, 1891. HON. CHRISTOPHER MORGAN Hon. Christopher Morgan, one of the distinguished citizens of Auburn and Cayuga County, came from a distinguished family. The Morgans were in the fore- 198 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A front of everything that made for progress, for the ad- vancement of civihzation and good citizenship. By their lives and acts they left upon Cayuga County a beneficial and lasting impress. Hon. Christopher Morgan was born at Aurora, June 4, 1808. He received his preparatory education at the local school and entered Yale College in 1826, graduating in 1830. Upon completing his college course, Mr. Morgan elected the law as his profession, and therefore became a law student in the ofiice of Seneca Wood of Aurora, and a little later entered the law office of Miller & Seward in Auburn. After being admitted, Mr. Morgan returned to Aurora, and became a partner of Ebenezer W. Arms. They practised together until 1839, at which time Mr. Morgan was elected to Congress, and in 1841 was reelected. He was an able and influential member of the House, taking an active part in the session which enacted the bankrupt, tariff, and land distribution laws. He was popular and commanded the respect of his asso- ciates. After the expiration of his second term in Con- gress Mr. Morgan formed a partnership with the Hon. Samuel Blatchford in Auburn, which thereafter was his residence. From 1848 to 1852 Mr. Morgan served as Secretary of State, and discharged his duties while in Albany with the same degree of intelligence and fidelity that dis- tinguished his career at Washington. In 1860 Mr. Morgan was elected Mayor of Auburn, and was for many years and up to his death, a trustee of the Asylum at Utica, N. Y. Mr. Morgan was a man of broad mind, a good heart and a high sense of honor and citizenship. HON. CHRISTOPHER MORGAN HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 199 In 1832 Mr. Morgan married Miss Mary Elizabeth Pittney, daughter of Dr. Joseph L. Pittney. They had three daughters, the eldest of whom, Cornelia Louise married Mr. C. Eugene Barber of Auburn, the second, Mary Elizabeth married Mr. William C. Barber and Miss Frances Adelaide became the wife of William Bealby Brown. She is the only surviving child. In the Christopher Morgan home on Genesee street many people of note were entertained at various times. Such personages as President Millard Filmore, Governor Horatio Seymour, Governor Morgan, Henry Clay, and Daniel Webster, Jenny Lind, Charlotte Cushman and divers others. Mr. Morgan died in Auburn, 1888. PARLIMENT BRONSON Parliment Bronson was a native of Vernon, N. Y. He located in Auburn about 1825, and began the practise of the law. For a long time he w^as a partner of Richard L. Smith, Esq., the firm name being Bronson & Smith. Mr. Bronson was a brilliant and well educated lawyer and in association with Mr. Smith enjoyed great distinction and a large practise. Mr. Bronson married a daughter of Robert Dill, one of the early and prominent citizens. He died June 20, 1857. FIRST PUBLIC HACK The first public hack in Auburn having four wheels was owned by Mr. Markham who built the first public hall. It was an odd looking vehicle with entrance at the 200 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A rear and steps leading up to the door. It was the only- one in the young city and consequently was much in demand. Phillip Welch was in charge of this conveyance and was very proud of the appearance it made on the street. Welch was as popular as was the hack he drove and both were a feature of the town life for a long time. THE AUBURN GARDEN In the early fifties and for several succeeding years there was a public garden on the south side of Dill street and in the rear of the present stores of Mosher, Griswold & Co. There was an entrance to this garden also through the restaurant and store of Monsieur Leonard, for at that time he occupied a store on Genesee street, the rear of which looked out upon the garden. Monsieur Leonard was an interesting character, a testy little Frenchman with many quips and quirks in his nature. Yet he was popular and conducted a good restaurant and attracted the best people of the town. For a long time it was Bemius & Leonard. But the garden at the rear of their store was a gala place in summer. The Auburn Garden had a place in the public mind and eye. Many shows of one kind or another exhibited from time to time. Barnum's and Dan Rice's shows, in the days when they were small, held forth in the garden, and fire works, balloon ascensions and many aggregations of various kinds occupied the ground and attracted a crowd. It was a popular place for quite a period of time. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 201 Besides this there was in those years the museum up- stairs in Gen. Chedell's building, the building now occupied by the J. W. Rice Company's stores. This Museum was a veritable curiosity shop, and the wax works shown were as wonderful as were Mrs. Jarley's wax works. The Museum occupied a part of two floors in the building, and a small charge was laid for the privilege of viewing the collection. As far back as 1815, however, wax figures were exhibited in Glover & Bostwick's tavern. The charge for admission to this was six pence. The first public hall in Auburn was that in the Chedell building and there was a hall in the Columbian block on North street. A little later Mr. Markham erected a building on North street between the present Burt is Grand and the Outlet. In this building was Markham hall. Then came Stawford hall, which later was changed to Corning hall. The fourth was the Burtis Opera House. All of these were on North street with the exception of that in the Chedell building. Along in these years a Mr. Bundy, or "Old Man Bundy" as he was sometimes called, conducted a spelling school in a room over a store on Genesee street east of North street. Many young people attended Mr. Bundy *s spelling school, not always for what could be learned, but oftener for the enjoyment extracted from the occasion. Mr. Bundy had long hair and wore spectacles that were always perilously close to the end of his nose. He would hold a candle in one hand and a Cobb's Spelling Book in the other, from which he pronounced the words in a shrill 202 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A voice that penetrated the atmosphere outside. Bundy's spelHng school was an institution in which no Httle amount of interest centered. Judge Leland in his day was a devoted member of the Second Presbyterian Church and took unctuous pride in punctually attending every morning service. Judge Leland lived on Grover street. He was a stout, rotund figure with a very large head from which nearly every sprout of hair had departed. He always carried a large bandana handkerchief and when he arrived at the church of a Sunday morning, he would tie a knot in each corner of his handkerchief and thus make a hood to cover his bald head so that he could sleep unpestered by the flies during the service. Judge Leland with his red bandana hood came to be a recognized feature of the morning service. PROFESSOR POPPLE A character who was much in the public local eye in the forties and fifties was Professor Popple. Mentally, Professor Popple was not a great force, but physically he was much in evidence. He was the butt of many practical jokes and the scape-goat in many unseemly pranks on the part of others. In the early years of the steam railroad in Auburn the passenger station was located on East Genesee street at the head of Garden street, where Schreck Brothers' furn- iture store is at present. The trains then went from the main line up Garden street to this station. After this was abandoned as a station the building was used for ^'.^■,j[^^, :.- i " 'KJHH ?..y -;.■ ;'i ^ 1,"^^ ->^i Oi :C» ^ .■ ■ i»- £^ ^ v iSJill I L_l!l ^CH-^Li. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 203 various purposes. Sometimes a small menagerie was housed there for the winter. Prof. Popple occasionally had charge of the animals. Once some of the animals broke away and Prof. Popple on horseback started in pursuit of them. Among them was a very bellicose wild buffalo, which was a particular terror to the Pro- fessor. For a time it was a question which would be corralled first, but finally with the aid of others, the animals were again safely housed, Prof. Popple taking to himself all the credit for the capture. Prof. Popple also kept the pound which was then on Mechanic, now Osborne street. East of this was an open country and much of it pasture land. Cattle were not permitted to roam the streets under penalty of a fine, and for all cases in violation of the law Prof. Popple received a per capita sum for detaining them in his pound. This was a source of easy income for Prof. Popple, and it is said that he was not averse sometimes to using undue influence to get the cattle within his zone of authority. It was mostly by reasons of such acts that Prof. Popple left his mark on the community. ALVAH RUDE THE CHARACTER Probably the most distinguished all-around odd charac- ter in or about Auburn was Alvah Rude. Rude possessed characteristics that placed him in a class by himself. He was a compound of many contradic- tory qualities. He was educated, he was a fool, yet he was very wise in some respects. He had many traits of 204 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A a vagabond, yet he was not a first-class tramp, although he spent most of his life as a tramp. Alvah Rude had good parentage, and relations not without means. They aided him with money and no doubt tried to keep him in balance, but the kink in his mind made him what he was, a unique character. Rude lived in Auburn a great part of the time, although he traveled the country over. Like most others of his class. Rude never paid railroad fare, he got passage in some way and left it to the railroad to collect the fare if it could. Once, it is said, he was in Indianapolis and was intent on catching a train out, when a railroad man halted him, whereupon Rude very courteously inquired, "In which direction is this train bound .f^" The trainman replied, *West" to which Rude replied,* 'T beg your pardon, I want to go east." Rude was a ready speaker upon many subjects. He took pleasure in haranguing a crowd on politics or temper- ance. At a Fourth of July celebration, held near Auburn one year. Rude was present and when the stated orator of the occasion began to speak. Rude climbed to the branches of a tree nearby and started a rival oration. He attracted most of the crowd and something had therefore to be done to preserve the dignity and order of the occasion. In this emergency the Rev. William Searles approached Rude with the information that he had been chosen vice- president of the Committe of Arrangements and that a place was awaiting him on the platform. Rude graciously accepted with thanks and took a place upon the plat- form. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 205 When Governor Louis Kossuth was in Auburn in May, 1852, he was driven to the Second Presbyterian church in a carriage drawn by four white horses and as Gov. Kossuth ahghted from the carriage. Rude stepped in and closed the door. The driver unaware of this, drove back through the streets while Rude bowed and raised his hat to the throng along the way. Rude was a frequent guest at the Western Exchange and the American Hotel in the city. He was often kicked or turned out but this never deterred him from returning. Rude in his later years became uncouth and unkempt. He wore long hair and bushy, long whiskers. He drove a horse and sulky, both of which were too decrepit to stand alone, but he derived pleasure from this old one- horse shay, which was presented to him by some ac- quaintance. Yet with his many quirks and idiosyncrasies Alvah Rude had some pride and was in some degree a gentle- man. He finally passed and in spite of his worthlessness, Rude was missed in the community. John Ford was another queer character. He was a morbid, silent fellow. He slept over Walley's drug store for several years. He usually went hatless and always went barefooted. Ford mingled very little with the world and kept his own counsels. CHAPTER IX Auburn's place in the civil war |N the preceding pages of this work the j mihtary organizations and the miHtary 1] zeal in Auburn have received merited ! mention. On account of the very con- spicuous manifestations in this particular line of assiduity they form an interesting part of the history; and whatever honor was won in the earlier years, it was added to and made still more illustrious during the Civil War. The record of the volunteers and the number of organized bodies of troops that went forth from Auburn in this war are almost without a parallel in any section of equal population. Moreover, the galaxy of leaders who went to the front and won commanding positions is also an interesting clause in the story. There are only two of the latter now living, the two most distinguished, therefore, this history would be incomplete without giving them proper place. A considerable time before the first call for volunteers was issued, and several months before Fort Sumter was attacked, there was military activity in Auburn in anticipation of the event. In the early part of Novem- ber, 1860, Terence J. Kennedy had enlisted at his personal expense one hundred and seventy-five men and was drilling them in the streets and in an open field adjacent to the citv. Furthermore, it has been asserted on valid HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 207 authority that Colonel Kennedy was the first man to enroll as a soldier early in November of that year, a circumstance which surely would entitle him to a place in the Hall of Fame. The Civil War period is now far in the past and the cause for which the war was waged being practically out of mind, it is not intrinsically worth while to dwell here on the minor details of the early local movements in connection therewith, but rather to put down the record and achievements of the various organizations that went out, together with the notable career of some of their leaders. Including the Cowan Battery, there were six regiments sent from Auburn. They were recruited in the military district which, of course, was composed of several counties. Captain Kennedy's company was mustered into service on the 22d day of May 1861, being a part of the Nine- teenth Regiment New York Volunteers. The Regiment was composed of ten companies, John T. Baker was captain of Company A., Terence J. Kennedy, Company B., James E. Ashcroft, Company C, Owen Gavigan, Company D., Theodore H. Schenck, Company E., Nelson T. Stephens, Company F., Charles H. Stewart, Company G., Solomon Giles, Company H., John H. Am- mon. Company I. and James R. Angel, captain of Com- pany K. John S. Clark was the Colonel; Clarence A. Seward, Lieutenant-Colonel; James H. Ledly, Major; Henry M. Stone, Adjutant; Theodore Dimon, Surgeon. This regiment first went into camp at Elmira. As attesting 208 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A the interest and patriotic feeling of the Auburn people, the Nineteenth Regiment while in camp received from ladies of Auburn a handsome regimeni al flag. The Nineteenth Regiment, a few months after leaving Auburn, was reorganized and became the Third Light Artillery. In February and March, 1862, nearly one hundred recruits under Lieutenants Boyle and Kirby went out to join the Third Artillery in order to bring the regiment up to the full quota. The enlistment and organization of the Seventy-fifth Regiment of New York Volunteers followed soon after the Nineteenth, or Third Artillery. There were nine hundred men mustered in. The Regiment left Auburn November 30, 1861, for New York on the way to the field of action. r The Colonel of this Regiment was John A. Dodge; Lieutenant-Colonel, Robert B. Merritt; Major, Willough- by D. Babcock; Adjutant, E. B. Lansing; Surgeon, Michael D. Benedict; Quartermaster, Lewis E. Carpenter; Chaplain, Thomas B. Hudson. The Regiment was composed of nine companies and the captains were as follows: Company A., Clinton D. MacDougall; Company B., Truman K. Tuller; Company C, William H. Gray; Company D., Charles C. Dwight; Company E., Luther Goodrich; Company F., Henry Bates Fitch; Company G., John E. Savery; Company H., John Choate; Company I., Lansing Porter. The city was at this time filled with recruiting stations and many public meetings were being held, at which the leading citizens were discussing ways and means of aiding HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 209 the cause. The Seventy -fifth Regiment was assigned to duty in the Department of the South. During this time Captain Kennedy's Independent Battery was raised, one hundred and twenty -five men being enHsted in sixty days. This organization went out as Kennedy's First Light Battery, New York State Volunteers. It was mustered into service November 23, 1861, under a three years' service enHstment. The officers of the Battery were: Captain T. J. Kennedy and First Lieutenant Andrew Cowan; Second Lieutenant, Wm. P. Wright. The Battery left Auburn December 2d, 1861. Immediately after this the One Hundred and Eleventh Volunteer Infantry Regiment was raised. It was com- posed of more than eighteen hundred men, including recruits afterwards assigned. The officers were: Colonel, Jesse Segoine; Lieutenant-Colonel Clinton D. Mac- Dougall; Major, Seneca B. Smith; Surgeon, William Vosburg; Assistant Surgeon, James D. Benton; Second Assistant Surgeon, D. S. Hopkins; Adjutant, Henry H. Segoine; Sergeant Major, Irving Jacques; Quarter- master Sergeant, Fred M. Coffin; Commissary Sergeant Jerome M. Lattin. The One Hundred and Eleventh went to the front in response to the call for more troops in July, 1862. Cap- tain MacDougall, who was formerly with the Seventy- fifth, had now become Lieutenant-Colonel of this regi- ment. Colonel Segoine, on account of age and ill health soon resigned and Lieutenant-Colonel MacDougall was placed in command. The regiment was recruited in the 210 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Counties of Wayne and Cayuga during July, 1862. Com- panies A, B, D and E were from Wayne County, Com- panies C, F, G, H, I and K being from Cayuga. It was mustered into the United States Service August 20, 1862, leaving for the front August 21st. It reported to General Wool in Baltimore and was assigned to the command of Colonel Dixon S. Miles at Harpers Ferry, where it was included in the surrender of that place, September 15, 1862, with about 10,000 other troops they were sent to Camp Douglass, Chicago. Here they remained until exchanged late in November, 1862. They were then transferred to Casey's Division of the 22d Army Corps, and did duty at Hunting Creek, Fairfax Seminary, and Centreville, Virginia, until June 25, 1863, when they were assigned to the 3d Division 2d Corps, taking part in the battle of Gettysburg, where the regiment lost 71 per cent of all the men engaged, in killed and wounded. From June 25th, to the reorganization of the army in the winter of 1863-4, they were part of General Alexander Hay*s 3d Division. They were then transferred to the First Division, Second Corps, then commanded by General Francis C. Barlow, and afterwards by General Nelson A. Miles, and finally by General CD. MacDougall. After the reorganization of the army that winter, the Regiment took part in every battle of the 2d Corps of the Army of the Potomac and was on the front line at Appo- mattox, and the flag of truce went through the 111th lines to demand the enemy's surrender. The total enlistments were as follows: Enlisted men 1730, oiOficers 75, total 1,805. The casualties, during service were as GEN. CLINTON D. MACDOUGALL HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 211 follows: Enlisted men killed 394, officers 12, total 406, wounded enlisted men 531, officers 26, total 557, or fifty- three and one-third per cent of the whole number. Colonel Fox's history names the 111th as one of the 300 fighting Regiments of the War. The One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment was at once recruited in Cayuga and Wayne Counties. The 138th had about thirty-two hundred men, thus being the largest regiment numerically that went out of Auburn. The Field and Staff officers of the regiment were as follows: Colonel, Joseph Welling; Lieutenant-Colonel, WilHam H. Seward, Jr.; Major, Edward P. Taft; Ad- jutant, William R. Wasson; Sergeant Major, Lyman C. Comstock; Quartermaster, Henry P. Knowles. This regiment afterwards became the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery. It left Auburn September 12, 1862 and pro- ceeded to W^ashington where it formed with General Haskin's Division of the Twenty-Second Army Corps and aided in the defense of the Capital. The regiment, however, saw much active service and participated in several battles. It was engaged in the fight about Cold Harbor which continued from June first to the eleventh and received from General Ricketts and General Mead unstinted commendation for the successful part it took in the engagements. From Cold Harbor the Sixth Corps, of which the Ninth Heavy Artillery was then a part, went to Petersburg and there again the regiment did valiant service, also at the battle of Monocracy. In May, 1863, Gen. Joseph W^elling resigned the com- mand of the regiment and Lieutenant-Colonel William H. 212 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Seward, Jr., succeeded him, and from that time on he was in command. Colonel Seward was a tactful commander, a gallant leader and popular among his men. The One Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment New York Volunteers was recruited in the fall of 1862. Captain Charles C. D wight who went out with the 75 th Regiment returned home from New Orleans and accepted the Colonelcy of the regiment, which was raised in the Auburn Military district. It left for the front in November. The Field and Staff Officers of the regiment were: Colonel, Charles C. Dwight; Lieutenant-Colonel, John B. Van Patten; Major, William Sentell; Adjutant, Garton W. Allen; Surgeon, Cyrus Powers; Assistant Surgeon, David H. Armstrong; Chaplain, William H. Puttman; Quartermaster, Dighton H. Wirans. The One Hundred and Sixtieth went to the Depart- ment of the Gulf and was assigned to the same brigade and division as the 75th, and served beside that regiment until the close of the war, having seen very severe ser- vice in the Red River and Port Hudson campaigns. The One Hundred and Ninety-third Regiment was re- cruited in the spring of 1865 by Captain JohnN.Knapp, Captain Knapp had been provost marshal and resigned to assist in raising the regiment. The officers of the 193d were as follows: Colonel, J. B. Van Patten; Lieutenant- Colonel, John C. Gilmore; Major, Alfred Morton; Adjutant, Thurlow B. Wasson; Quartermaster, Charles H. Bailey; Surgeon, David H. Armstrong; Chaplain, W. D. Chase. The regiment barely got into the field, however, before peace was declared yet it completed a most remarkable HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 213 record of recruits from Auburn and the military district of which it was the center. GEN. CLINTON D. MAC DOUGALL Long service in the war of the Rebelhon tended to develop and bring out the metal and military qualities of both the commanders and the soldiers, and the fighting and staying qualities of the troops were in great part due to the discipline and influence of their superior officers. It was in this one regard as much as any other that General MacDougall achieved success and won high repute as commander. He was not only a good dis- ciplinarian, but his judgment of affairs and events was quick and accurate. This was a valuable asset which often accrued to his advantage in times when much depended upon sagacious and wise action. On account of these qualities Gen. Mac Dougall's counsel was many times sought by both officers and commanders. In May, 1861, Gen. MacDougall enlisted in the 75th Regiment and was named first Captain in the regiment, Captain of Company A. During the succeeding year he was in active service and won many commendations for bravery and efficiency. In May, 1862, while returning to camp from a scouting trip, he was badly wounded by a shot from a Union picket under the impression that Gen. MacDougall was a rebel. This completed cessation from duty for a while, during which time he returned to his home to recuperate. It was during this period that he became active in raising the One Hundred and Eleventh 214 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Regiment. When the regiment was finally recruited Gen. MacDougall was tendered the Colonelcy, but declined in favor of an older man, as he was then only twenty-three. He, however, accepted the Lieutenant Colonelcy and went out with his regiment, which became a part of the Twenty-Second Army Corps. One year later the regiment was transferred to the Second Army Corps and became a part of General Hay's Division in Hancock's Corps. Early in January, 1863, Lieutenant-Colonel MacDougall was made Colonel of the 111th and was its commanding officer from that time until the close of the war. During the historic three days battle at Gettysburg, Col. Mac- Dougall with the 111th bore the brunt of much of the hardest fighting, and they performed so bravely and so effectively, that General Hancock in his report to the War Department made special mention of the regiment and its commander. When Colonels Willard and Sherrill fell in this battle. Col. MacDougall was called to the command of the Third Brigade, Third Division Second Army Corps. When the reorganization of the Third army took place after this event, Col. MacDougall was placed in command of the Third Brigade, First Division of the Second Army Corps. Throughout the long strug- gle he was in the forefront of activity. Six horses at various times were shot under him and in four different battles he received wounds, at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. at Bristow, Virginia October 14, 1863, at Petersburg, June 22, 1864, and at Sutherland's Station, April 2, 1865. From January 3, 1863, to June 25th following, Col. Mac- GEN. WILLIAM H. SEWARD HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 215 Dougall commanded the post at Centreville, Virginia. In February, 1865, he was bre vetted Brigade General. In June of the same year the Government tendered him a Lieutenant-Colonelcy in the regular army which he declined. His career as a soldier and oflScer was dis- tinguished for bravery, efficiency and unerring judgment. From the close of the war almost up to the present date, General MacDougall has been in the public eye because of the part he has taken in public affairs. Yet he has declined more offices than he has accepted, although he has filled many important posts. In 1869 he was appointed postmaster of Auburn and served until 1873. In 1872 he was elected to Congress and re-elected in 1874, in which service he distinguished himself again for ability and good statesmanship. It was during his last term in Congress that the first movement toward securing a new government building in Auburn began. General MacDougall secured the first appropriation to cover cost of plans and specifications for the desired post- office. In 1876 Gen. MacDougall was tendered the United States Treasurership but declined the office, also that of Commissioner of Internal Revenue. In the same year he also declined the office of Commissioner of Patents. The following year, however, he was made Marshal of the Northern District of New York. When R. B. Hayes became president he tendered to Gen. MacDougall the consul-generalship of either Great Britain or France, also the consulate at Cairo, all of which were declined. He, however, served four years as marshal at that time and 216 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A was reappointed by President Garfield. In 1901 he was appointed again to the same office, the first appointment coming from President McKinley and the second from President Roosevelt. Gen. MacDougall was for many years vice-president of the board of trustees of the New York Soldiers' Home at Bath, N. Y., and later was elected president, a position he still holds. He was born at Glasgow, Scotland, June 14, 1839. He came to Auburn when a boy and received his education in the Jordan Academy. For ten years from 1860 he was associated with William H. Seward, Jr., in the banking business. GENERAL WILLIAM H. SEWARD General William H. Seward is distinguished not only as a military leader and valiant soldier but also as a citizen, a business man, a factor in public affairs, and a force in all things that make for the advancement of right stand- ards of citizenship. He was born in Auburn, June 18, 1839 and from early manhood has been active, interested and influential in a marked degree. General Seward was the son of Secretary William H. and Frances Miller Seward whose lives and works were inseparably a part of Auburn. At the age of twenty-one William H. Seward, Jr., established the banking house of William H. Seward, Jr. & Company, his partner being then Clinton D. MacDougall. The banking house has continued to the present without a blemish or a question in regard to its stability or the business integrity of its founder and head. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 217 The bank, however, had been started but Uttle more than a year when the War of the RebeUion came on and Mr. Seward, like his partner, answered to the call for volunteers. He devoted time and energy to the raising of troops and the forming of the military organizations that went out of Auburn. Early in 1862 Mr. Seward was appointed one of the war committee of his congres- sional district, of which committee he was secretary. He, in August, 1862, went as Lieutenant-Colonel in the 138th Regiment, afterwards the Ninth Heavy Artillery, leaving his business interests in charge of others. In September following his regiment was assigned to duty in Haskin's Division, Twenty-second Armj^ Corps, then acting in the defense of the National Capital. There, under the direc- tions of the army engineers, Lieutenant-Colonel Seward was active in the construction of the fortification along the Potomac, Fort Foote and many others. In the spring of 1863 President Lincoln, through the War Department sent Col. Seward on a secret mission to General Banks, who was then operating near New Orleans. Although a young man and young in the service the duty was perform- ed with complete satisfaction in face of many dangers. In the early part of 1864 he was advanced to the rank of Colonel and was given command of the Ninth Heavy Artillery Regiment. He then joined the army of the Potomac at Hanover Court House, becoming a part of the Second Brigade, Rickett's Third Division and Wright's Army Corps under General Grant. From that time to the close of the active fighting. Colonel Seward and his 218 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A regiment were in many engagements, at Petersburgh and Richmond, that at Cold Harbor being one of special im- portance. In the latter. Colonel Seward personally led his regiment, which sustained a loss of one hundred and forty- two killed and wounded. He won high commenda- tions from General Mead for his bravery and ability. Following this on July 6th Colonel Seward with four companies of his regiment, with part of General Rickett's Division, was sent to Frederick, Maryland, to intercept General Early who, with a force of rebels, was on the way to attack Baltimore and Washington. On the ninth he commanded his regiment in the battle of Monocacy, a bitterly contested engagement, in which Colonel Seward was wounded and also sustained further disaster in a broken leg, caused by the falling of his horse on being shot. For this gallant service again General Lew Wallace made special mention of him in his report to the War Department in recognition of his ability and valor. General Seward was soon thereafter appointed brigadier general of Volunteers, and upon recovery from his wounds, he was placed in command of the First Brigade, Third Division, Department in the Shenandoah Valley. After- wards he was for a time in command of the Third Division at Harper's Ferry. General Seward continued in active service until the close of the war, and returned bearing the honor won as a valiant soldier and successful commander. In Auburn General Seward has been interested and active in nearly all the important enterprises that have aided in building up and strengthening the commercial HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 219 affairs of the town. In politics he has always been a consistent and devoted Repubilcan, and has worked zealously to advance the party's interests. He has not been an office seeker, however, although he has been chosen as presidential elector and in 1884 could have been nominated for Governor of the state had he seen fit to meet certain demands, but General Seward preferred not to accept the place under such circumstances. General Seward has been president of the City Hospital board, of the Cayuga County Savings Bank, a stockholder and director in the American Express Company, vice- president of Wells College, president of the Cayuga County Historical Society, and for more than thirty years main- tained at his personal expense the Auburn Free Reading Room for working men. This was a popular institution and attracted a large number of men from all walks in life. The attendance reached as high as forty thousand a year. These are a few of the many things that have had his interest. There are many others and many business connections other than those mentioned. On June 27th, 1860, General Seward married Miss Janet M. Watson, of Auburn. They have one son, William H. Seward, Jr., and two daughters, Mrs. Fred- erick I. Allen and Mrs. Ray S. Messenger. He has six grandsons. HON. CHARLES C. DWIGHT Hon. Charles C. Dwight was a soldier and commander in the Civil War, although his position and distinction were won as a lawyer and jurist. 220 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Judge Dwight was born in Richmond, Berkshire County, Mass., September 15, 1830, and graduated at William's College in 1850. He read law in Albany and was ad- mitted to practise in 1853. In 1859 he began the practise in Auburn, being elected County Judge in 1860. He served until 1861 when he resigned and enlisted in the 75th Regiment, being commissioned captain of Company D. In 1862 Captain Dwight was appointed assistant Adjutant General of Volunteers and assigned to duty on the staff of General Lewis G. Arnold at Fort Pickens. In 1862 he was commissioned Colonel of the One Hundred and Sixtieth New York Volunteers. In the following year he was appointed Judge of the Provost Court of New Orleans, and in 1864 acted as commissioner in the exchange prisioners in the Department of the Gulf. In 1856 Colonel Dwight returned to Auburn and resumed the practise of the law. In 1867 he was a dele- gate to the constitutional convention and in 1868 was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Justice Henry Wells. In 1869 he was elected Justice, also in 1877 and in 1891, and was assigned to the General Term in Fifth Depart- ment. He was appointed residing justice January 1, 1860. Judge Dwight afterwards was appointed to the Appellate Division but declined. He died in Auburn, April 8, 1902, after a busy and successful life crowned with honor and made more illustrious by great measure of respect and esteem in which he was held by all who knew him. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 221 GENERAL JOHN S. CLARK Along certain lines of research work, as well as in his profession, Gen. John S. Clark attained much note and therefore the recognition of the most eminent scholars and authorities in the line of Indian history and Indian lore. General Clark was born in the town of Mentz, Cayuga County, November 3, 1823. He prepared for the work of engineer and surveyor and became one or the most proficient and reliable surveyors in the state. Clark's maps and drawings are now regarded as authoritive and reliable. He had a long and successful career in this line, during which time he was frequently employed as adviser and expert on important engineering and surveying propositions. It was not alone in his professional work, however, that General Clark became distinguished. He was a profound historian and his research work along the lines of Indian tradition and the early Jesuit Missions was exhaustive and thorough. He was a painstaking student in the work he essayed. His exhibit of Indian relics, curios and rare bits of history formed a collection of great value. At his death they were purchased by Willard E. Case, Esq., and presented to the Auburn Theological Seminary. In 1861 Mr. Clark joined the Nineteenth Regiment as Colonel and went into service soon after. He saw much hard fighting and at one time was reported killed. He was afterwards assigned to a place on the staffs of General McClellan, General Banks and General Pope. 222 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Upon his return to Auburn, General Clark resumed his professional work and continued it until a short time before his death, which occurred April 7, 1912. In 1904 he was awarded the Cornplanter medal for his Indian research. General Clark was also a valued member of the Cayuga County Historical Society. COLONEL JESSE SEGOINE Colonel Segoine, from early boyhood, was imbued with a military spirit. While he was yet a boy he joined a military organization in New York City and from that time nearly to the time of his death he was actively identi- fied with military affairs. He was born January 6, 1804, and moved to Auburn in 1836. He was a cabinet maker and furniture manufacturer. His company, Parsons, Hewson & Company, were contractors in the prison and were extensive manufacturers. The firm afterwards became Parsons, Hewson & Segoine. In 1840 Colonel Segoine organized the Auburn Guards, being commissioned captain of the organization by Governor Seward. In 1853 he was commissioned by Governor Seymour brigadier general of the militia. In 18.57 Colonel Segoine went to Michigan to assume charge of the furniture manufacturing plant and while there continued his activity in the Michigan militia. While there he was commissioned major general of the militia. He returned to Auburn a little time prior to the breaking out of the Civil War and at once threw his efforts into the raising of the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment. He was chosen Colonel of the Regiment, and went to the HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 223 front with the spirit of his younger days. x\ge and ill health, however, soon forced him to retire, greatly to his regret. Colonel Segione died in Auburn, August 15, 1895, being then a man of exceedingly great age. COLONEL CHARLES H. STEWART Colonel Charles Hoffman Stewart was a native of Geneseo, N. Y. where he was born October 27, 1828. When he was a young boy his parents moved to Scipio, where Charles H. was educated in the Quaker school. In 1849 he went to California, being one of the stock- holders in the vessel, known as the Belvidere, which it was claimed promised a fortune for all interested. After being present to witness the failure and the consequent loss of his investment, Mr. Stewart returned to Auburn. Subsequently he was engaged in various lines of business in the city until 1861. He enlisted in the Nineteenth Regiment New York Volunteers and was commissioned Captain of Company G. In a few months, however, he was promoted to the Colonelcy and rendered valuable service during the war until its close. Upon his return to Auburn Colonel Stewart engaged in the crockery business and continued as a merchant until his death. May 19, 1874. GENERAL JOHN N. KNAPP Although General John N. Knapp was not an active participant in the War of the Rebellion, he was directly connected officially with the movement of affairs and was also active in raising troops in his congressional 224 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A district. He was appointed a member of the war com- mittee, whose office was the securing of recruits for service in the war. In 1863 he was appointed provost marshal and as such official rendered valuable service to the Government. Prior to and subsequent to the Civil War, General Knapp was active in politics and occupied many im- portant posts in his party's affairs and in the Government. General Knapp was born in the town of Victory, Cayuga County, November 8, 1826. In 1844 he was one of three selected from his county by the Board of Supervisors for free education at the Albany State Normal School. He, after graduating, engaged in the study of the law but soon was appointed to a position in the United States Treasury under the Honorable James Gutherie of Ken- tucky, who was then secretary. He accepted the position and soon thereafter was promoted to the position of special agent. Mr. Knapp, in 1856, was admitted to the bar and at once took a prominent place in his profession and in public affairs. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Demo- cratic National Convention at Charleston, South Caro- lina. Up to the beginning of the war, Mr, Knapp was a Democrat in politics, but like many others at that time, he became a Republican, and from that time on he was an active and conspicuous member of the party, was for many years a member of the Republican State Committee and served both as its chairman and treasurer. He served on the staff of Governor John A. Dix with the rank of brigadier general. In 1890 General Knapp HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 225 was appointed by President Harrison to be Postmaster of Auburn. He resigned before the expiration of his term, however, to accept the collectorship of internal revenue. He occupied this office until his death, which occurred December 9, 1893. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HENRY M. STONE Lieutenant Stone was one of the first to enhst at the call for volunteers. He was a member of the Third New York Artillery and was a newspaper man of recog- nized ability and influence in the community. He was at different times editor of the Patriot, the Tocsin and the Auburn Democrat. He was a man of splendid qualities, and having the highest regard of those who knew him best. A HOME INCIDENT OF THE CIVIL WAR During the latter part of the war many different places in the country were made the headquarters of what was called the Invalid Corps. This was composed of men disabled by one cause or another from actual field duty, and so were stationed in certain locations to convalesce and meanwhile to do guard and patrol duty. A part of duty of these regular troops was to look after newly enlisted men and see that they went and returned within the limitation of their passes. They sometimes remained away from the barracks beyond the time allotted and sometimes they refused to return when ordered to do so. One night nearly fifty of these rebellious soldiers became involved with the guards at the corner of North and 226 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Genesee streets. After a hand to hand struggle which lasted some time, the regulars were ordered to shoot, with the result that several were shot. It created a panic in town for a short time, and in spite of the danger to citizens upon the streets it had a wholesome and lasting effect. CIVIL WAR GENERALS BURIED IN FORT HILL There are several Civil War Generals buried in Fort Hill Cemetery who have not been mentioned in this chapter. Major General Emery Upton was born August 27, 1839, and died March 15, 1881. He married Miss Emily Martin, daughter of Throop Martin of Willowbrook, Owasco lake. General Andrew J. Alexander was born November 21, 1833, and died May 21, 1887. He married Miss Evalina Martin another daughter of Throop Martin. General Miles W. Keough was killed in Custer's Raid and was brought to Auburn by friends and buried in Fort Hill. Colonel Hugh M. McNiel a resident of Auburn, was killed in the battle of Antietam and is also buried in Fort Hill. CHAPTER X HISTORICAL EVENTS BIOGRAPHIES INSTITUTIONS [E Pullman sleeping car, which now has a world-wide reputation, had its conception in the mind of a man who was born in Auburn and it was afterwards developed, perfected and manufactured by him, on account of which he became a conspicuous figure in the world of progress and industry. George M. Pullman was born on Owasco street, where his parents, Albert and Emily Minton Pullman, were then living. While George M. was still a small lad the family moved to Westfield, N. Y., where the son grew to maturity. He, in the late sixties, began making the car in a small way and later established Pullman, III, which is the home of the industry. Pullman's mother once visited Auburn, making the trip in the first Pullman car that was made. Rear Admiral John P. Merrill also was born in Auburn. His parents were residents on Franklin street. The father died when John P. was a young boy and the mother taking the boy went to Michigan to reside. Later John P. Merrill entered the Annapolis Naval Academy, becom- ing finally a Rear Admiral, and served with marked credit. REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS In the matter of statesmen and representatives in the halls of legislation, Auburn has contributed an unusually 228 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A large number, some of whom have attained signal dis- tinction. The first representative in Congress from Auburn was Enos T. Throop, elected in 1814. He was followed by Nathaniel Garrow, who was elected in 1826. Gershom Powers succeeded Mr. Garrow at the close of his term in 1828. Ulysses F. Doubleday was elected in 1830 and re-elected in 1832. Christopher Morgan was elected first in 1838 and reelected in 1840, thus serving two terms also. George Rathbun was elected to the office in 1842 and succeeded himself in 1844. Thomas Y. How, Jr., was elected in 1850 and retired at the end of his term of two years. Theodore M. Pomeroy had the second longest career in point of service. He was elected first in 1860 and continued through four terms, or eight years. In 1872 General Clinton D. MacDougall was elected and re- elected in 1874. In 1882 Sereno E. Payne was elected, and with the exception of one term meanwhile, has been a member of the House continuously since. As a further meed of honor, Auburn has furnished two governors of the state, that is, Enos T. Throop and Wil- liam H. Seward. Added to these it has furnished an Ambassador to Spain — Honorable William Miller Collier. The Civil War ended in midsummer of 1865 and this relaxed the tension and restored in great measure the equilibrium of business. Auburn had forged ahead meanwhile, in fact, Auburn's numerical growth and com- mercial expansion from 1860 to 1872 was very marked. New railroads had been built into and through the town and many strong industries and business concerns had HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 229 been established. Among them was the Merchants Union Express Company. MERCHANTS UNION EXPRESS COMPANY Auburn in 1866 was the home and central radiating point of an express company with twenty million dollars capital. It was a gigantic project to launch in face of the existing conditions, when every treasury had been drained in prosecuting the long war. The idea was conceived and the company organized by Elmore P. Ross, William H. Seward, Jr., William C. Beardsley, John N. Knapp and Elliot G. Storke. A company was organized with Elmore P. Ross, president; William H. Seward, Jr., vice-president; John N. Knapp, secretary, and William C. Beardsley, treasurer. The established express companies then were, the American, the United States, and the Adams, yet, the new enter- prise met with general favor throughout the country, the Company beginning business in the fall of 1866. This was a challenge to the established companies and they met it with a war in rates. As a matter of necessity the Merchants Union followed them until the railroads were swamped with goods in shipment. The railroads advanced their carrying rates three or four hundred per cent, which threatened disaster to the express companies. This warfare continued for two years or more, the new company in the meanwhile, having expended about five millions of dollars in maintaining its position. Finally a compromise was effected by which the Merchants Union was consolidated with the American Express Company, 230 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A the name then becoming the American Merchants Union. Later the American returned to its former title. This, however, ended the express company war, also the Mer- chants Union. The Cayuga County Historical Society is now thirty- seven years old, having been organized in 1876. The society was promoted and founded through the efforts of Rev. Dr. Charles Hawley. It was incorporated February 18, 1877. Hon. Theodore M. Pomeroy was chosen as the first president. Dr. Hawley acted as its president for many years. The society through the years has accumu- lated a large amount of historical matter and with proper means of ready access it would be to the community a valuable institution. HON. WILLIAM H. SEWARD The story of the life and career of the Honorable William H. Seward has been so exhaustively written and is there- fore so familiar to all Americans and most of the readers in other countries that no attempt can with propriety be made here to take up the subject in detail. His place in history is assured for all time; and his place in the hearts and memory of the citizens of his home town is no less secure. He had their respect, love and honor while he lived among them, and when he died, the affection deep- ened into profound reverence for the man and his memory; and this is after all the most becoming crown to greatness. Mr. Seward was born in Florida, Orange County, N. Y., May 16, 1801. His father, Dr. Samuel S. Seward, was a practicing physician and took special pains to give his HON. WILLIAM H. SEWARD HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 231 son every advantage in regard to education that was available in those days. The father was himself a man of education and William H. Seward received the training and discipline not only of a professional but a well balanced business man and man of affairs. This was supplemented with a course at Union College, from which he graduated three years later. Mr. Seward read law in New York City and at Goshen, N. Y., the county seat of his native county. Upon being admitted to practice in 1822 he soon moved to Auburn and entered into partnership with Hon. Elijah Miller, who was then County Judge. Mr. Seward's rise to position and fame was rapid and sure. All this is a matter of historical record. He early took an active part in the building and making of Auburn. He was progressive and constructive. He was the friend and helper of the poor man seeking to own a home. He opened new tracts of land, erected houses and expanded the inhabited section of the village and city. Mr. Seward married Miss Frances A. Miller, the daughter of his partner, Judge Miller. From 1850 to the time of his death, October 10, 1872, he was one of the conspicuous figures of the world. The monument erected in Seward Park mutely speaks the regard in which he was held by his fellow townsmen. CYRENUS WHEELER, JR. As a public benefactor Cyrenus Wheeler, Jr., will have a place in the annals of history and in the story of prog- ress and achievement of the future. His prime benefac- tions constituted the many inventions he produced to 232 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A broaden the scope of mechanics and build up the world of industry. Mr. Wheeler's training school was the farm where he labored with all the disadvantages that were a part of the farmer's life in early times. He possessed the mechanical genius and his experience on the farm developed it and enabled him to turn it to account for the industrial better- ment of the agricultural masses. Mr. Wheeler was born in Michigan, March 17, 1817. The family originally was of English stock who settled in Boston in the seventeenth century. His mother, Thirza Evans Wheeler, was a native of Berkley, Mass. They migrated to Michigan and it was there that Cyrenus, Jr., was born. In 1835, the family moved to Cayuga County and settled on a farm at Poplar Ridge. They were industrious and successful farmers, to which the genius and study of Cyrenus contributed no little part. AVhile he worked the farm he was mentally active in devising ways and methods for facilitating and rendering easier the farm labor. He early began making labor- saving machinery, such as seed planters, horse pitchforks, feed cutters and other devices to aid in the farm work. In 1852 Mr. Wheeler brought out a machine for mow- ing grass and harvesting grain. It was first tried out at Poplar Ridge. It proved to be a success and by the next year Mr. Wheeler had added many improvements. The following year he began the manufacture of the machine. By this time he had secured forty-four patents on machines and improvements connected therewith. He sacrificed his farm crops to test the workability of his machines. CYRENUS WHEELER, JR. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 233 So he went on perfecting his machines, contesting in the courts the many suits that were brought to deprive him of the fruits of his labor. Today the harvesting machines represent the work of his mechanical genius. He was the pioneer in the business. The business in 1858 was moved to Auburn and the Cayuga Chief Manufacturing Company was organized to turn out the various machines invented by Mr. Wheeler, A great busines was developed, the Wheeler machines having wide prestige and the name of Wheeler was known throughout the country. In 1874 the Cayuga Chief manufacturing plant was consolidated with the Osborne Company. Mr. Wheeler in 1881 retired from active business. He was honored with the oiSice of Justice of the Peace and member of the Board of Supervisors while living in the town of Venice. In 1881 he was elected Mayor of Auburn on the Republican ticket and was re- elected three times. Mr. Wheeler was a man of strong character with many attractive qualities. He was popular among all classes and honored by everybody who knew him. The Wheeler Rifles were named in his honor and he had much pride in the organization. Mr. Wheeler was three times married. His first wife was Harriet Trumball, a native of Cayuga County; his second wife was Susan Tracy of Bethany, Genesee County, N. Y., and his third wife was Jane Barker of Venice. They had two sons and two daughters the latter being now residents of Auburn. Mr. Wheeler died March 25, 1899. 234 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A DAVID M. OSBORNE David M. Osborne, the founder of Auburn's greatest industry, was born at Rife, Connecticut, December 15, 1822. He was the son of John and CaroHne Bulkley Osborne. David M. Osborne had very Httle school education, but he had instead a thorough training in the school of experi- ence. In this he was a good student and made the knowl- edge thus acquired count in his future life work. At the age of fifteen he left the home farm and took a position in a store in New York City, where much of the ground- work of his life success was gained. Two years later he became a clerk in a wholesale hardware store in New York, and it was during his service there that Mr. Osborne made the acquaintance of John L. Watrous of the firm of Watrous & Hyde, hardware merchants in Auburn. This acquaintance continued until 1848 when upon the death of Mr. Hyde, of Watrous & Hyde, Mr. Osborne became the partner of John L. Watrous in the hardware business in Auburn. With some changes in the partnerships, this business went on until the early fifties when Mr. Osborne erected a small building at the corner of Genesee and the present Osborne street and began in a small way the manufacture of straw-cutters and corn-shellers. This building is now a part of the great International Harvester Company. Although the industry was very small then, the capital was equally small, and sometimes the weekly payroll of a few dollars in part went over on account of a shortage of funds. In February, 1854, the payroll was $74.14, HARMON J, WOODRUFF, ESQ. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 235 yet Mr. Osborne lived to see the payroll reach the sum of fifty thousand dollars. For a while Mr. Osborne abandoned the undertaking in Auburn and went to Buffalo with the hope of greater success There he met Mr. William Kirby, who had patented a combined reaper and mower. Mr. Osborne purchased an interest in the firm that was making this machine and the following year the machine was brought out and tested in Cayuga County. In the fall of 1858 Mr. Osborne returned to Auburn and formed a company to carry on the manufacturing business. Cyrus C. Dennis and Charles P. Wood joined him as partners under the firm name of D. M. Osborne & Company and from that it expanded into the mammoth plant of today. The Osborne machines have a market throughout the world and the primary success of the industry was due to D. M. Osborne's wisdom, courage and tireless energy. In 1903 the plant became a part of the International Harvester Company. In 1851 Mr. Osborne married Eliza Wright, daughter of David and Martha Coffin Wright, of Auburn. They had three daughters and one son. Emily married Mr. Frederick Harris, of Springfield, Mass.; Helen married James Jackson Storrow, of Boston, Mass.; Florence died in 1877. Thomas Mott Osborne, the son, is a resident of Auburn. Mr. David M. Osborne was one of the foremost citizens of Auburn. The industry that he established was the chief element and force in the building up of the city, and as the business grew and prospered Mr. Osborne gave 236 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A liberal aid and support to many other institutions and causes. His place in the world of business was won by industry, energy and honesty, while his standing as a citizen was due not alone to these but to his many splendid qualities as a man and friend. He died July 6, 1886. Mrs. Osborne was also a factor and influence in good works. She gave generously to the uplift and betterment work of the city, and, moreover, devoted much time and thought to helping others. She died in 1911, leaving the whole community to mourn her loss. HARMON WOODRUFF, ESQ. Harmon Woodruff, one of the early time substantial merchants of Auburn, was born at New Marlborough, Berkshire County, Mass., September 12, 1807. When he was a boy of six his parents moved to Towanda, Pa., where they resided a short time and then settled at Spencer, Tioga County, N. Y. Here he attended school and lived until he became twenty-one years of age. He then engaged as clerk in a drug store at Ithaca and re- mained there three years and from Ithaca he went to Cohocton, Steuben County, N. Y., and started as a mer- chant on his own account. While at Cohocton, Mr. Woodruff married, September 6, 1832, Miss Jane H. Cook of that place. He continued in business there until January, 1834, at which time he moved to Auburn and entered into partnership with George S. Murphy and later had as a partner G. V. Orton. Upon the dissolution of this latter partnership, Mr. Woodruff carried on the business alone and for nearly a half century he was one HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 237 of the most prominent and prosperous merchants in Auburn. He was a man of great energy, good business abihty and the strictest honor and integrity. During all this time Mr. Woodruff was actively identified with the prominent institutions and enterprises that con- tributed to the town's prosperity. He was for many years one of the valued directors of the Bank of Auburn, a part of the time serving as vice-president. He was also in the early days one of the promoters of plank roads, before the steam roads came into use. When the old Southern Central Railroad was projected, Mr. Woodruff was one of the active leaders in securing right of way and in the construction of the road, and was a director in the company. He was one of the projectors also of the Auburn Water Works Company and also a director. While residing at Spencer, Mr. Woodruff became a member of the Congregational Church and upon settling in Auburn he identified himself with the First Presby- terian Church, and was a member up to the time of his death, November 1, 1885. In 1846 he was chosen a trustee of the church and served with great earnestness and fidelity for thirty-five years. He was also one of the building committee when the present church was erected and rendered valuable service by giving personal attention to the construction from the start to the finish. In 1853 he was elected a ruling elder and was reelected successively ten times. There were five sons and one daughter born to Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff, namely, E. Delevan, Paul C, J. Hermon, James H. and Henry C; the daughter becoming the wife of Henry D. Titus, Esq. 238 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A LAURENS J. STORKE Laurens J. Storke began his career in Auburn as a news- paper man. In 1870 he was connected with the Auburn Bulletin and when the Morning News was started he be- came one of its editors. Through this newspaper con- nection Mr. Storke made many acquaintances among prominent men, which also brought him into the pubhc eye in pohtics. He was a Democrat and was then more or less active in the party's interest. In 1888 Mr. Storke was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention held in St. Louis. President Cleveland during his second term appointed him postmaster of Auburn, and at one time he was a candidate for the mayorality. It was in the telephone business, however, that Mr. Storke was best known. His connection with the tele- phone department of the Western Union began in 1879 when he was assistant manager of this and the Gold and Stock Telephone Company with headquarters in New York. In 1880 he became actively identified with the Bell Telephone Company and in company with Thomas B. Doolittle adjusted many differences growing out of the consolidations that took place that year. He was also interested in the telephone company of Missouri and others in South America. He was one of the organizers of the Central New York Telephone Company and was its vice-president for many years. Mr. Storke was born in Sennett. He died January 26, 1912. FRANKLIN L. GRISWOLD Franklin L. Griswold, merchant, was born in Troy, N. Y. in 1816. When a boy of sixteen he located in HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 239 Auburn and attended school for a period of time. He then became clerk in the Bank of Auburn and a little later was made teller. In 1838 Mr. Griswold resigned his position in the bank and founded the clothing store which is still carried on larger and more prosperously than in the early years, the firm name having changed merely to Mosher, Griswold & Co. Mr. Griswold began business in a store on Genesee street east of North street, but in 1844 moved to 89 Genesee street, the present quarters with the exception that another store has been added. He was a good merchant and a pioneer in the one price system. Mr. Griswold had many partners during his business career, the partners at the time of his death, December 26, 1879, being J. L. Barker, Frank K. Griswold and Charles P. Mosher. The firm then became Barker, Griswold & Co. and so continued until 1905. Mr. Griswold was a man of sterling character and a citizen whom everybody honored and respected. Mr. Griswold married Miss Laura H. Lansing, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Dirck C. Lansing of the First Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Griswold was for many years an elder. His deeds of kindness and helpfulness were many. JUSTIN L. BARKER Justin L. Barker was a son of Timothy and Martha Leonard Griswold Barker and was born at Stony Creek, Conn., August 13, 1832. He located in Auburn in 1849 and engaged as clerk in the store of F. L. Griswold & Co., and later was a partner in the business. He became a man of prominence and value in the community. Mr. Barker 240 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A was keenly interested in military affairs and rendered substantial aid to the various organizations from time to time. He was also one of the promoters of the Cayuga County Savings Bank and served as one of its trustees. He died November 10, 1904. MICHAEL S. MYERS Michael S. Myers was born at Waterford, Saratoga County, N. Y. April 15, 1801. He was educated in his native town and read law there. In 1817 he entered the law office of Lockwood & Throop in Auburn and was admitted to the bar in 1825. Soon thereafter he moved to Aurora and practiced there with Hon. Glen Cuyler until 1828, at which time he was elected County Clerk by reason of which he returned to Auburn. He served nine years as clerk and later three years as district at- torney. In 1844 Mr. Myers was appointed inspector of prisons and in 1849 was appointed postmaster of Auburn. He held many important offices and was an active figure in public affairs. He died in Auburn in 1884. ELMORE p. ROSS, ESQ. Elmore P. Ross was probably one of the most versatile and resourceful men that ever engaged in business in Auburn. In fact his business connections and under- takings were so varied and many of them so extensive that none but a man of remarkable courage and foresight could have discerned anything like success often times. Mr. Ross was born at Dover, Duchess County, N. Y., May 18, 1809, and with his parents moved to Port Byron in 1811, his father being a surveyor and school teacher. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 241 He lived in Port Byron until 1848 being engaged as clerk and later as merchant. He was a keen business man with the ability to make friends and hold them. This charac- terized him throughout his life both in business and in politics. At the time of moving to Auburn in 1848, Mr. Ross had a contract in the prisons at Auburn, Sing Sing and Kingston, Canada, which were very profitable. He was one of the chief promoters of the Southern Central Rail- road and later served as its president. He was one of the organizers and president of the Merchants Union Express Company, president of the First National Bank of Auburn and a director in the Cayuga County National Bank. These are a few of his many business connections; in politics his activities were no less marked. Mr. Ross was a Democrat in politics in which he was persistent as he was in his business enterprises. He never sought office for himself but derived pleasure from helping his friends. He was wholly unselfish, frank and always honest. He valued friendship above personal benefits. Mr. Ross was at various times tendered almost every office within the gift of his party. He did, however, accept the postmastership of Auburn under President James Buchanan. Mr. Ross married Miss Caroline, a daughter of Ethan Akin, of Port Byron. They had two sons and one daughter. Mr. Ross died May 19, 1879. WILLIAM C. BEARDSLEY Mr. William C. Beardsley was born at Stewarts Corners, Cayuga County, March 27, 1816. He received his educa- 242 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A tion at the Aurora Academy and the academy at Homer, N. Y. Subsequently he read law in the office of Nelson Beardsley, his brother, and after being admitted to prac- tice he was appointed master in chancery, a position he held for several years. Mr. Beardsley's inclinations, however, were more in the direction of business than law and his abilities were there- fore devoted to many enterprises. He was cashier and president of the Auburn Exchange Bank, one of the original stockholders of the Cayuga County National Bank, treasurer of the old Merchants Union Express Company, a director in the Grand Trunk railroad, one of the first trustees of Fort Hill Cemetery Association and trustee of the Auburn Savings Bank up to the time of his death. He also served as postmaster, 1841-45, and in 1852 was presidential elector. He died January 25, 1900. SYLVESTER WILLARD, M.D. For nearly half a century Dr. Sylvester Willard was more than ordinarily prominent in the life and affairs of Auburn. He was known by nearly every citizen and had their respect and honor. Dr. Willard was born at Saybrook, Conn., December 24, 1798, where he spent his early boyhood. He was educated at the New Canaan Academy and later graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. He practiced his profession in his native state until 1840, at which time he removed to Chicago and there engaged in professional work. While in Connecti- HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 243 cut he married, in 1830, Miss Jane Frances Case, daughter of Erastus Case, who also located in Chicago in 1840. Dr. Willard was accounted a good physician, although the later years of his life were devoted to other activities. He possessed a genial manner and a kindly spirit that made many warm friends and commanded the highest regard of those who were merely acquaintances. His time, energy and means were given liberally in support of all movements for good, while he was interested in many business enterprises and business institutions. Dr. Willard was one of the organizers of the Oswego Starch Factory in 1848 and served as its president until his death. He was officially identified with banks and manufacturing industries. Dr. Willard was the first physician at the Cayuga County Asylum for the poor, a trustee of the Young Ladies Institute and of the Elmira Female College. He was devoted to the church and its advancement in Christian work. His substance was generously given to the First Presbyterian Church. He contributed a good part of the funds for the building of the present church edifice and was no less liberal to the Auburn Theological Semi- nary. When Dr. Willard died in 1886 the whole com- munity mourned the loss. He left two daughters, however, who continued the stream of charity and wel- fare work. Only one of these. Miss Caroline, is now living. 244 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A INSTITUTIONS BUSINESS MEN S ASSOCIATION One of the organizations of the city that has some real creative and conserving force is the Auburn Business Men's Association, the membership of which includes the public spirited merchants, manufacturers and pro- fessional men of Auburn. It was organized in 1893, and incorporated in 1898. It is located in the Auburn Savings Bank Building, with a commodious suite of offices. The objects for which the Association was formed are for the financial, commercial and general prosperity of Auburn and Cayuga County; to foster all means of social intercourse and oppose anything intended to deceive or defraud its members or the public at large; to improve, protect and promote the rights and interests of trade; to increase and advance the industries of the city; to contribute with its influence and funds toward securing legislation and laws of more satisfactory nature in the interests of business men; to strenuously oppose legislation inimical to their interests, to advocate by precept and example the patronizing of home merchants and industries; and to disseminate useful information. The organization, through its efficient officers and various committees has been a force for carrying out the objects for which they stand, and for advertising the city through its numerous publications and writeups. The high character of the men chosen on its Board of Directors is an index to the whole organization. In addition to securing and assisting financially industries locating in HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 245 Auburn, many important legislative matters both State and National, as well as local, receive their careful atten- tion and support. They co-operate in securing and entertaining large conventions, and create and assist in beneficial celebrations. The industrial exhibit held at the opening of the mam- moth new freight house of the New York Central Railroad Company in October, 1905, was pronounced worthy of cities much larger than Auburn. Many features of business life undertaken by Chambers of Commerce or similar organizations in larger cities than Auburn when found practical are successfully put into operation by the Auburn Business Men's Association. There is main- tained in the offices an exceedingly efficient Merchants Reporting Exchange conducted in such a satisfactory manner as to be of inestimable value to merchants and professional men of the city. The Associated Charieties, an efficient organization, has its offices in the Business Men's rooms. The Auburn Business Men's Association has made and maintains a record for service of such a substantial quality that it has become the forum from which many of the best features of city life originate and are brought to a successful termination for the betterment of Auburn and the community. HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS The Home for the Friendless, or The Home, as it is more commonly known, was started in 1864 and was incorporated in 1865. The original plan of the institution was to care for the widows and children of soldiers. This 246 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A was adhered to for a time but as the needs for such an institution grew less urgent, its scope changed so that it became exclusively an old ladies' home. The Home is pleasantly situated on Grant avenue, has a handsome building well equipped and efficiently con- ducted. It furnishes cheerful, bright homes to thirty -five inmates, who enjoy most of the comforts of a private home. The capacity of the institution, however, has become wholly inadequate to care for the list of applicants. It has some endowment but not sufficient to make it self-sustaining. THE ASYLUM FOR DESTITUTE CHILDREN The Cayuga County Asylum for Destitute Children was organized in 1852, It has now been in operation more than sixty years, during which time it has done a most commendable work in caring for destitute children. Many of the most zealous and charitable women of the city have devoted much time and thought to the building up and betterment of the institution. It now occupies a very comfortable building in Owasco street and is in the hands of a careful and well organized board of mana- gers. THE woman's union The Auburn Woman's Union was founded in 1882 largely through the efforts, influence and financial back- ing of Mrs. D. M. Osborne. Her time and money were devoted to the project and she lived to help in the making and building of one of the handsomest and most adequately equipped institutions of its kind in any city of the union. HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 247 Many other ladies of Auburn also have rendered valu- able aid in making the Union and carrying on the work to which it is devoted. The building is an imposing structure occupying a central location on South street, next the Seward residence. Mrs. Osborne, at her death, left an endowment which in great measure cares for the cost of maintenance. She also purchased the present site and erected the commodious building. It contains large dining rooms and many rooms for young women seeking a home surrounded with wholesome and beneficial influence. THE TUBMAN HOME The chief interest centering in the Tubman Home is that of the woman who founded it and whose name it bears. Although a colored woman, she was a remark- able character. She had a constant struggle to have a home herself during her long and eventful life, and finally died in May, 1913, in the home which she had founded for colored people. Harriet Tubman Davis was born and served as a slave for many years of her life, but escaped from bondage before the Civil War and through her efforts many other slaves were rescued from a life of thraldom. The Tubman home is situated on South street, in an unpretentious brick building, yet it supplies a home for several aged colored people. AUBURN CITY HOSPITAL The Auburn City Hospital came into existence mainly through the beneficence of that philanthropist, James S. Seymour. At his death he left a bequest for that purpose 248 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A and in July, 1878, incorporation papers for the hospital were secured and the following were chosen as the first board of Trustees: D. M. Osborne, Rufus Sargent, Charles P. Wood, Harmon Woodruff, Silas L. Bradley, Byron C. Smith, William G. Wise, James R. Cox, James Seymour, Jr., William H. Seward, and Charles Standart. The institution was formally opened for patients on April 20, 1880. A board of lady managers was also a part of the governing body. The hospital is beautifully situated on east hill, the buildings fronting on Lansing street. The hospital now includes one large main building and two adjoining buildings. It is well equipped, effi- ciently conducted, thus constituting one of the most useful institutions of the city. YOUNG men's christian ASSOCIATION The Auburn Young Men's Christian Association was organized in 1859 and the present building on Genesee street was erected in 1884. The Association has become a strong and efficiently conducted society in good works. SUNNYCREST HOSPITAL Another city institution of great value is that of the Sunnycrest Hospital or tuberculosis sanitarium which was established in 1911. It occupies a commodious building on Prospect street and has already treated many patients. STATE ARMORY The State Armory is a large and imposing stone building fronting on State street, was erected in 1882. It is the home of the Wheeler Rifles. CHAPTER XI MUSIC, INDUSTRIES, THE MUNICIPALITY JUSIC has a place along with other educating and refining influences in a community and some of the musicians who dispense the music in one form or another often leave a lasting impression on the minds of their auditors. The church choirs frequently develop musical talent of a high order. The first church choir in Auburn was that at the First Presbyterian church about 1820. In this choir were Misses Mary and Caroline Burton, Miss Laura Cole, Miss Margaret Lytic, Miss Maria Hardenburgh, Aaron Pittne3% Henry Porter, Abijah Fitch and William Brown. The latter was the leader of the choir and Mr. Brown always started the tune with a pitch pipe. But the choir con- tained some beautiful voices and from that first choir there was developed some good musicians, who later attained note. The first Auburn band was organized in December, 1825, at Brown's Coffee House. It was made up mostly of musical young men and Mr. Brown was the leader of the aggregation. Citizens of the village contributed funds to purchase the equipment, and the Auburn Band filled an important place in the community for some time. 250 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Since the days of the first choir, the First Presbyterian church has had in its choir many singers of rare talent. Mrs. Stephen Y. Groot was a soprano in the choir for a long time. She also sang in the Second church and Saint Peters. Mrs. Fannie Benson Bennett, another soprano, was a member of the First church choir. Mrs. Angeline Rathbun Button, a contralto, sang in both the First and the Second churches. Dr. Hudson was a tenor in the Second church and had a high reputation as a singer. Hudson Brothers formed a quartet and toured the country, making a good name on account of their talent. Mrs. William H. Meaker, formerly Miss Pomeroy, Richard S. Holmes and William Holmes sang at the First, Second and at St. Peter's. At the First Baptist church there have been such singers as Mrs. Jennie Fleetwood Brown, Miss Jennie Brown, Miss Mary Arnett, contralto, George Green, tenor, Fidose Williwick, a German of excep- tional voice, Mrs. Jennie Slee Starr, contralto, Miss Minnie Tifft, soprano, Frank Strong, bass, Lionel Lodge, tenor, and Miss Groot who, it was said, possessed a voice like that of Jenny Lind. Mr. Chandler N. Thomas, in the early sixties, was leader of the Central church choir. He had a remarkable bass voice of wonderful power and sweetness. During his leadership, the Central church developed mny fine voices and had a choir of more than ordinary note. Mr. Thomas was followed in the Central church by Mr. Abel Grosvenor Hopkins. Dr. Hudson was also in the Central church choir and Mr. H. V. Quick was bass singer at the same time. Mr. G. W. Sahsbury, another noted bass singer, HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 251 was a member of the Central choir in the seventies. There have been many more in the past and there are members of the local church choirs today that possess unusual talent and by these public exhibitions, as far as they can do so in the choir, aid in the education and refine- ment of the community. Probably the most eminent musician in his particular line was Mr. Isaac Van Vleck Flagler. He was in the highest class as an organist, was a composer of organ music and a lecturer of recognized ability along these lines. Mr. Flagler was born in Albany in 1842. He was educa- ted in London under H. W. A. Beale, in Paris under Eduard Batiste and in Dresden under Gustav Merkel. He was at different times organist at Syracuse and Cornell Universities and a lecturer at the Conservatory of Music in Utica, N. Y. He composed five organ collections, several pieces for the organ, piano and voice. Mr. Flagler was selected to play the organ at the World's Fair in St. Louis. In 1862 he married Miss Henrietta E. Cook of Auburn, sister of Horace T. Cook, Esq. Mr. Flagler was for many years organist at the First Presbyterian church. He was also choirmaster at the First Presbyterian church in Albany also of the Plymouth church Chicago. He died in Auburn, March 16, 1909. THE SEYMOUR LIBRARY The Seymour Library was established in 1876 through the efforts and beneficence of James S. Seymour, Esq. The library was for many years quartered in the Auburn Savings Bank building, but upon the completion of the 252 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF A Case Memorial library building, the library was moved to the new building and is now beautifully housed. The building was erected by Mr. Willard E. Case as a memorial to his father, Theodore P. Case. Mr. Seymour was an earnest worker for civic betterment and along with his time and efforts he generously con- tributed money to further the cause. At his death, Mr. Seymour left a handsome endowment for the maintenance of the institution he had founded. The library is now very completely equipped in all departments, thus supplying a valuable means of education. In 1879 an amendment to the Auburn City charter was secured which increased the number of wards from seven to ten, as at present. The amendment also materially changed the organization of the city government, authoriz- ing new departments and enlarging the powers of city officials. The letter carrier system was adopted in Auburn in 1880. Up to this time there was no uniformity in the matter of street numbering, which fact caused much trouble and confusion in the service. The Common Council, however, at once adopted methods to relieve the difficulty by re- numbering the residences of all the streets. As previously mentioned, the Wheeler Rifles were organized in 1880 also. The Forty-Ninth Regiment had been disbanded in September of that year and the organiza- tion of the new company took effect in December following. The new company was known as Company M. Wheeler Rifles. Gorton W. Allen was elected the first captain, W. M. Kirby, first lieutenant, and Henry S. Dunning, second HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS 253 lieutenant. Company M did service in the Spanish- American War. This time, too, marked the beginning of the street car system in the city, which, as in all other cities, later was electrified and modernized. The stone block in which is the store number 103 Genesee street was erected in 1835 by the William Bostwick estate and the store adjoining on the west, number 105, was built by Gen. John H. Chedell. Both of these now constitute the dry goods store of the John W. Rice Company. Cap- tain Fitch kept a jewelry store in number 105 in 1827 and