BATH
Steuben County
New
York
NEWSPAPER TIDBITS
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BATH |
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NEWSPAPER TIDBITS | ||
| NOTICE to
BRICK-MAKERS. WANTED at Bath, in the county of Steuben, (late part of the county of Ontario) a quantity of BRICK for public buildings, not less than five hundred thousand. Proposals taken in at the Land Office of Messrs. Nicholas Low, Bard, & Co., No. 155, Pearl-street, at Mr. Jacob Hallet, No. 77, Water street, corner of the Old slip, or, Dudley Walsh, Esq. Albany. March 6 The Herald (New York, NY) Wednesday, May 4, 1796; page 4. A letter received from Bath in Steuben county, dated November 25th, says, this day fortnight it was so very dark that we were obliged to light a candle to dine by, at about half past one, P. M. - During the afternoon the darkness continued, and having occasion to write, I found the aid of a candle indispensably necessary. In May, 1780, a phenomenon similar to the above, extended over a great part of the continent and dinner was served by candle light in many places. A vessel at sea was involved in it, and instantaneously passed into clear light. This latter temporary suspension of light was thus accounted for: p In the back countries, particularly in the western parts of Newhampshire and Massachusetts, and in Vermont, in clearing the new lands, uncommonly large fires have been kept up to the extent of many score miles round the frontiers. The weather being clear, the air weighty, and wind small and variably for several days, the smoak, instead of dispersing, rose and constantly collected in the air, till the atmosphere was loaded with such an uncommon quantity of it, as proved, in combination with other vapours, the parent of the preceding darkness.+ +See Memoirs of the American Academy of Art and Sciences, vol. I p. 254. Boston printed, 1785 Philadelphia Gazette (Philadelphia, PA) December 29, 1796; page 3. |
1797
| A Weekly Newspaper has lately been published at Bath Steuben county, State of New-York, Edited by Messrs. W. Kelsey and J. Edie, entitled "The Bath Gazette, and Genesee Advertiser." Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser (New York, NY) February 2, 1797. BATH, (Steuben County) August 31. On Saturday the 26th instant, an inspection took place in this town, and the following companies assembled on Morris's square, viz. Lieut. Commandant, George M'Clure's company of Light Infantry, consisting of between forty and fifty volunteers, completely armed and in elegant uniform. - The Militia company, under the command of Capt. Jones, consisting of about fifty men, the greater part young men and all well armed with muskets and rifles - paraded with the Cavalry on the right and left wings, commanded by George D. Cooper, Lieut. Comdt. which made a most brilliant and beautiful appearance, accompanied by the field and staff officers. After a number of evolutions by the Light Infantry, they were dismissed. The behavior, sobriety, love and unanimity that prevailed during the whole of the day, reflects honor on the inhabitants of the town of Bath and its vicinity. It is with pleasure we can give this to the public as a certainty; indeed the rapidity of settling the county of Steuben is truyl astonishing - and it is also a singular and very happy circumstance that our new county is peopled with such respectable and spirited citizens; though we may be said to be in an infant state, our organization is equal to any in the Union. Albany Gazette (Albany, NY) October 6, 1797; page 3. |
1801
| Extract of a
letter
from a gentleman of Bath, in Steuben county,
State
of N. York, to
his
friend in
Wilkesbarre. Dear Sir, Our farmers have been so successful in raising wheat that great quantities are already to spare for the markets on the coast. - Albany and New York are the objects of the farmers and merchants in the country about Geneva and Canandaigua - but those on the southern side of Ontario and Steuben counties, look to the southward for their market. Those who sent their wheat and flour last spring to Wright's ferry and Baltimore, neated at least 12 shillings Pennsylvania currency per bushel for their wheat, after paying all costs of transport; and it appears to me likely that in all cases where the settler has his wheat and flour ready at the time of the highest waters in the spring, he will be tempted to take the chance of running down to Baltimore; but, on the other hand, there must be many who do not wish to run a risk on the water, nor like to go so far from home, and from various causes may not have their flour or wheat ready in time to push thro' to Baltimore or even Wright's ferry, and would prefer taking a shorter corse to Philadelphia; the route that leaves the Susquehannah soonest, would, doubtless, in many instances, have the preference. Nature has pointed out Wilkesbbarre at this spot. Whether the navigation is used from the towns of Easton on the Delaware, or from the Lehigh, is of little consequence, if the intermediate road was so improved, that the carriage of a barrel of flour would not cost more than three-fourths of a dollar from the Susquehanna to the navigation of the Delaware. This would bring the carriage of a barrel of flour from this place to Philadelphia, much within two dollars. Those who chuse and can avail themselves of the high water, and run for Wrights ferry or Baltimore, will not pay near this sum; but in this route there is a risk which I do not apprehend there is in the other; at least from this to Wilkesbarre there is none. I believe, if it was possible to impress on the minds of the mercantile interest of Philadelphia, the importance of a communication to this country, they would make some exertion to open it on such terms as would enable us to meet them. To our merchants the route by Easton and Wilkesbarre, offers a very decided advantage; if the carriage from Wilkesbarre to Easton was reduced nearly as low as the carriage from Wrights ferry to Philadelphia, a bale of goods could be brought from Philadelphia to Bath, and of corse to any part of this country, at one half the expence it now costs from N. York or Baltimore. It is well known that a boat will go with ease in three days from the heart of this country to Wilkesbarre, and could return in a week or then days at farthest, with any load and with equal ease - thus a boat with ten tons, and navigated with five hands would take thirteen days to the trip, and cost for their wages (at the utmost) 65 dollars and if with a load returning as well as going the expense would not exceed 18 cents per cwt, or if only loaded going down about 3 shillings on the barrel of flour. The navigation to Wilkesbarre will probably serve from March to July, and, in most years, from the beginning of October to Christmas. If however, the expense of a barrel of flour, from the centre of the Genessee country to Philadelphia, can be reduced to a certainty not to exceed two dollars, I do not fear to say, that, taking the year round, it will have a decided preference by that route. Do you think your legislature would pass a bill for the improvement of the road from Wilkesbarre to Easton, to contemplate the expending in the first instance about 700 or 1000 dollars per mile, and to exact a small toll - the stockholders to draw an interest not exceeding 10 per cent, and the residue of the income to be expended on the improvement of the road? I have no doubt if such a bill was passed, and about one third of the stock could be subscribed in money, that companies from New England would come forward and undertake the making of the road; they receiving one third of the pay in cash and the rest in stock. A bill for a similar improvement in this stae was passed into a law last winter; this was to make a turnpike road from Utica, on the Mohawk river, to Geneva, in the county of Ontario. The last summer thirty miles of the road was nearly completed, and it is supposed the whole distance of one hundred miles will be acomplished in the course of this year. This shows how much it is in the power of a community to effect, if they are spirited and unanimous. Should you think this an object that may obtain the attention of respectable men in your part of the state, pray favor me with your opinion thereon, having no doubt but subscriptions might be got in this state to a considerable amount to forward such an undertaking. I shall soon leave this for Albany. The gentlemen about Easton are certainly much interested. I am, dear Sir, &c. &c. Bath, 9th Jan. 1801 The Daily Advertiser (New York, NY) Thursday, January 29, 1801; page 3. |
1804
| LAND
OFFICE, No. 56
Wall-street.- For sale, 23,000 acres of land, at Bath, Steuben county, which will be sold at a low valuation, and cash will be advanced to the amount of half the sale; payment for the whole will be taken in Dry Goods or Groceries, and an indisputable deed given. Daily Advertiser (New York, NY) August 11, 1804; page 4. Susquehannah and Bath Turnpike - - Our readers will recollect, that in July last, we inserted a communication relative to the progress made in out Turnpike road, in which it was stated to be the unanimous wish of our western brethren to continue the road, by the heads of the Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, to Bath. We are happy to find, by thenotification in this day's paper, that the anticipations of our correspondent are likely so soon to be realized. The public spirit which has been manifested in the counties through which the road is to pass, and the readiness which is displayed by the principal inhabitants, to embark their property in the undertaking, is the surest pledge that the turnpike will be completed with all possible dispatch. This turnpike is to extend from Jericho, where the Ulster and Delaware tunpike terminates, through the counties of Chenango and Tioga, to the village of Bath, int eh county of Steuben, making a distance of about 90 miles. The road will pass through some of the best lands our western country affords, where the population is already numerous. The two turnpikes will reach a distance of about 200 miles, and will probably afford, when completed, the most direct route from Connecticut to Lake Erie. When we reflect on the important advantages which are likely to result to our village, from the completion of these great objects of internal iprovement, we cannot withhold the meed of praise which is so justly due to the enterprising gentlemen who first planned, and are now carrying into effect, these vast undertakings. They have had to combat the artifices of the designing, and the prejudices of the credulous; but still their works prosper. May their exertions for the public good continue to be crowned with merited success. Plebeian (Kingston, NY) Monday, November 12, 1804; page 3. |
1807
| Extract of a
letter
from Bath, county of Steuben, dates March
20th,
1807. "Altho' this county has been represented by a quid member for two years past, I can give you every assurance that his constituents are decided republicans, a proof of which will be given at the ensuing election. The republicans of this county will unanimously support Tompkins and Broome and we are authorized to say, that our candidate for the Assembly, viz. General George M'Clure, will decidedly oppose every species of bribery, corruption, coalition, &c. &c." Albany Register (Albany, NY) April 2, 1807; page 2. |
1811
The Council of Appointments have given very great and general dissatisfaction to the inhabitants of the Western part of the State, by some of their late measures; particularly by the appointment of General McClure to the office of Sheriff, in the county of Steuben. In relation to this measure, the Buffalo Gazette, after lashing the Council for other improper removals and appointments, adds – Another instance of misuse of power, has been exercised in the appointment of George McClure to the office of Sheriff of the Province Gazette (Province, RI) |
| A new republican paper,
entitled the "Steuben Patriot," has been commenced
at Bath, in this state,
by Mr.
Benjamin
Smead. Columbian (New York, NY) Wednesday, November 27, 1816; page 2. |
1817
| General George M'Clure
of Bath, in the county of Steuben, is preparing for
publication a pamphlet
to be entitled
'Causes
of
the Failure of the
Campaign
of 1813.' It
will
recollected
that General
M'Clure commanded
the
volunteer
patriots of
the state of
New York,
who, at the
period to
which
the intended
publication
alludes, advanced
to
the
Niagara frontier, and
boldly
entered
the enemy's
territory.
Whatever envy
could
suggest or
detraction
whisper
to
injure
the character of
M'Clure, I
feel
satisfied
that
his
publication
will
prove what
those
who
know
him (and I had that
pleasure)
will be
ready to
believe
that his
patriotism
was as pure as his
courage was
undoubted. The Shamrock (New York, NY) Saturday, February 8, 1817; page 44. The Steuben Patriot of the 3d inst. printed at Bath, concludes an article on the prospect and benefits of our inland navigation with the following prediction, which we believe and hope will be fulfilled: - "Many aged men will live to see New York chequered with navigable water-courses - and the immense surplus of our produce floating with facility in every direction to some rich and ready market." The New York Columbian (New York, NY) June 12, 1817; page 2. A FARM FOR SALE, IN the town of Bath, Steuben county, N. Y. 260 acres of first rate LAND, of which 100 is under the best improvement. There is an Apple Orchard of 700 bearing trees, of different kinds of Fruit. A house containing 11 rooms; a barn 45 by 32 feet; a storing house 20 by 13; a public shed 46 by 36 - with other out buildings. There is a scite for Mills. The Conhacton river runs through this property, which makes a considerable quantity intervail land. It is a great place for manufacturing; and there is at present a Saw mill which does a great deal of business. Lumber can be rafted from there down the Susquehannah to the navigable waters of the Chesapeake bay, when a trifling expense will export it to the Baltimore market. Two great roads cross each other here, one of which is the main road to the Allegheny and Erie. There could not be a better stand for a public house and store. Any person wishing such a place, will please to enquire for particulars of F. WITTENBERG, City Register office, No. 75 Maiden-lane, or of HENRY KENNEDY, on the premises. aug 15 - 2aw6w New-York Daily Advertiser (New York, NY) August 21, 1817; page 4. |
1819
| At a respectable meeting
of the
people of
Bath,
(says
the
Steuben
Patriot) it
was
resolved that
G.
Granger and
Lyman Paine shall
not be
supported
as
senators
for the
western
district, but that
PHILETUS
SWIFT and NATHAN
(Nathaniel, I
suppose)
GARROW,
shall be
supported as
senators -
Geneva Gaz. The National Advocate (New York, NY) Friday, March 26, 1819; page 2. Prospectus of a new weekly paper, in Bath, Steuben county, N. Y. to be called the Western Republican. "As the character of an Editor's principles and his object, should always establish his pretensions to support, ours shall be freely and fearlessly avowed. An Independent Press has ever been considered one of the greatest securities to a free people. Such shall be the Western Republican. With the prosperity of the State for its basis, it shall always occupy American ground. "The National Administration possesses our entire confidence, and shall receive our unceasing support whilst it continues to make the general good, the polar star of all its acts and deliberations. "The state of New York, under the auspices of Gov. Clinton, has lost much of its tranquility, most of its influence, and all its dignity. Those who anticipated a magnanimous and liberal policy, have been disappointed - they have found that, with him, individual merit forms no test of men, and have seen inflexible virtue and tried talents proscribed, because they would not blindly confide in Executive infallability, and prostrate their independence at the shrine of "unchastened ambition." It will be vain to look for internal repose or external respect, under the guidance of a Magistrate, who sets principle at defiance, by the open disclosure of his intriguing projects, and by descending from his official eminence to the ignoble station of leading an unrelenting faction: The means of redress are in the hands of the People - a lively interest is awakened among all good and vigilant citizens. To urge the employment of those means, and to give that interest a proper direction, shall be the chief aim of our humble editorial labours. "As the only press now in the counties of Steuben and Alleghany is notoriously devoted to the views of a few interested partisans of the Governor, it is believed and expected that unprejudiced men who think and act for themselves will be the more disposed to give us their immediate patronage." The American (New York, NY) Saturday, September 18, 1819; page 3. Gen. McClure has established a woolen factory at Bath, Steuben county, and invites the farmers to bring in their wood; engaging that he will afford them cloth fine enough for dandies. He has got Brester's late invented spinning machine into use, by water power, with which a girl of ten years old, can attend 250 spindles and spin 100 pounds of wool in a day. With this machine, wool may be spun extremely fine and even; and one hand can perform as much as can be performed by 9 or 10 hand jennies. So much for an American invention. This excellent machine ought to be generally put into operation. It will prove immensely beneficial to this country. [Albany Plough Boy. Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, VA) Friday, September 10, 1819; page 3. Two weekly newspapers have lately been established in the western district, one at Oswego, the other at Bath, Steuben county. Rochester Telegraph (Rochester, NY) October 19, 1819; page 3. |
1820
| From the Bath
Steuben
Patriot. Libel Suit - We understand that the hon. Ambrose Spencer, chief justice of this state, has instituted a suit against W. B. Rochester, editor, and Erastus Shepard, the printer of the Western Republican published in this village, for a gross and malicious libel on his judicial character, which appeared in that paper of the first December last. The charge there made was, that Judge Spencer while "acting as a member of the council of revision, altered a bill adding a thousand dollars per annum to the salary of each of the judges, to make it read 'from the first day of January last,' instead of the first day of june of next.' This base and profligate charge, we are authorized to say, is absolutely false; that the bill referred to, was ammended in both houses by an unanimous vote, and that Judge Spencer was not present in the council of revision when the bill was received nor at any time while under consideration. Albany Gazette (Albany, NY) March 9, 1820; page 4. INDEPENDENCE. TOASTS, GIVEN AT BATH, Steuben County, N. Y. After the exercises in the Court-House, where an oration was delivered by HENRY WELLES, esq. - the company partook of a dinner at Barnard's Hotel, where a number of volunteer toasts were drank. After dinner the company marched to the manufactory of Gen. M'Clure, president of the day, and partook of his bounty. By the President. The President of the United States - May he give further evidence of his patriotism, by recommending to the national legislature at their next meeting, the adoption of such measures as will protect the agriculturalists and manufacturers of his own country. By S. Barnard, esq. The United States of America - Their independence is but a name, while the mistaken policy of our government is pursued, of promoting the industry of foreign nations in preference to our own. By R. Campbell. Twin Sisters - Agriculture and Domestic Manufactures - While unprotected by the national government, we need not boast of independence. By Capt. B. Smead. Dr. Benjamin Franklin - The first as a Printer - the first as a Moralist - the first as a Philosopher - among the first as a Patriot - the man who "forced Lightning from Heaven, and Sceptres from Tyrants." By Col. Barney. The Governor of the State of New-York. By John Magee. Commodore Perry, the hero of Lake Erie - May his example be followed by every free American. By Daniel White. GeneralAndrew Jackson. By Gen. M'Clure. Henry Baldwin, esq - The able advocate and friend of commerce, agriculture and domestic manufactures - He will stick to the tariff bill, and eventually save his country from ruin. The New-York Columbian (New York, NY) Thursday, July 20, 1820; page 2. We exceedingly regret to see a notice like the following in the Steuben and Allegany Patriot, printed at Bath, N. Y. from the editor of that paper. The Patriot has been a very useful paper, and conducted with considerable intelligence and spirit "The whole of my property has just been sacraficed at public auction, altogether in consequence of the unpardonable delinquency of my debtors. Now let not one complain of an immediate suit at law. B. SMEAD." City of Washington Gazette (Washington, D.C.) Thursday, December 28, 1820; page 2. |
1822
From the Steuben and Alleghany Patriot, October 10. AMERICAN MANUFACTURES. Gen. McClure made a bet of fifty dollars that he would take Wool in the fleece and manufacture a suit of satinet cloth in ten hours. The bet was decided last Saturday in his favor, having completed the suit and put them on in eight hours and forty five minutes. The colour was a blue mixture – the wool was colored in thirty five minutes – carded, spun, and wove in two hours and twenty five minutes – fulled, knapped, dryed, sheared and dressed in one hour and fifty six minutes – carried in four minutes, three fourths of a mile, to Mr. Gilmore’s tailor shop, who with the assistance of seven hands, completed the coat, jacket, and overalls, in three hours and forty nine minutes – there was one half a yard of the cloth left, being in the whole, eight and one half yards, and of such quality as was estimated to be worth one dollar per yard. The General offers to double the bet that he will make a better suit in less than eight hours – and dares the advocates of John Bull’s Manufactures to take him up. |
| A building occupied as
an Academy and Masonic Hall, together with the books
of the school,
charter,
furniture,
jewelry,
records,
&c. of Master and
Mark
Lodges,
has lately been
destroyed by fire
at
Bath,
Steuben county,
supposed
by an
incendiary enemy
of the
Freemasons. Their loss
of
property is about
$500.
-
N. Y.
Statesman. American Sentinel (Middletown, CT) Wednesday, June 18, 1823; page 2. Miscellaneous Items. Daniel Cruger, Esq. of Bath, Steuben county, has offered himself as a candidate for Congress, in place of Wm. B. Rochester, Esq. resigned. Ithaca Journal (Ithaca, NY) September 3, 1823; page 3. WILLIAM WOODS, Esq. of Bath, Steuben county, has been nominated by District Convention, as a candidate to Congress, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the appointment of Wm. B. Rochester, esq. as circuit judge. Ithaca Journal (Ithaca, NY) October 1, 1823; page 3. |
1827
| Bath, (Steuben
co.)
July 12. A fact has just come to our knowledge which deserves notice. Some time last winter a coloured man found a package of money amounting to $80. After making much inquiry for the owner, without success, he inserted a notice in our paper, which soon brought the owner. The man gave a satisfactory description of the money and received it. It would be natural to suppose that any one possessing a spark of generosity would have rewarded the finder. Instead of doing this, he did not even thank him, and what is still more disgraceful, left the finder to pay us for the advertisement. We do not know the name of this niggardly fellow - if we did, it should be given to the public in black letter. - Advocate. Rochester Telegraph (Rochester, NY) July 24, 1827; page 4. |
| A meeting of the
citizens of Steuben county, friendly to the
protection of domestic
industry, was held at
the
court house, in the
village of
Bath, on Tuesday
of
last week.
Cornelius
Younglove was in the
chair and B. F. Smead
secretary. The
interests of
the growers and
manufacturers
of wool, hemp
and flax,
were commended
to
the
protection and
encouragement
of the
government. From a communication in the Ithaca Journal, we learn that a bed of stone coal has recently been discovered, by Messrs. Goodwins, near the beach of Cayuga Lake, about one and a half mile from Kidder's ferry. The quality has been thoroughly tried, and is found to be of the best kind, and the quantity is supposed to be abundant. Among a variety of toasts, by distinguished individuals at the celebration at Charleston, we find the following: By the Right Rev. Bishop England. - The soil under the influence of whose atmosphere the Shamrock became a Hickory. Vermont Gazette (Benington, VT) Tuesday, February 12, 1828; page 2. |
1830
| The Farmer's Advocate,
printed at Bath, Steuben county, in an article
showing the importance of
making the Crooked Lake
Canal,
says that
"on one
occasion, of
20 arks
which
passed
down the river
this
spring,
SEVENTEEN SUNK! -
These
arks were
laden
pricipally
with whiskey,
pork,
wheat, &c.
The value
of the
cargoes of
these arks
could not be
less than
$20,000. In
addition
to this,
we have just
learned that out
of 20
arks
and rafts which passed
the
Shemokin dam
in one
day,
18
were stove to
pieces.
These are but
two
instances of the disasters
of
the
season. - The losses on
the
several
branches
communicating
with
the
southern market, can
not
be estimated at
less
than
$100,000! - Neither
is it
in
this year
alone
that
these losses
have been
experienced;
similar
difficulties, dangers
and disasters have
occurred annually for
the last
20
years." The Watch-Tower (Cooperstown, NY) Monday, April 19, 1830; page 2. |
1835
| [From the Bath
Constitutionalist.] A Good Beginning in Old Steuben. - A meeting of the friends of that gallant hero and statesman, Gen. Wm. H. HARRISON, was held at Brown's Hotel, in this village on Thursday last; and not withstanding but a few hours notice was given of it, it was the largest political meeting which we have ever attended in this county. - Had the information been given several days before the holding of the meeting, the people would have flocked in from the neighboring settlements in multitudes. The office-holders and office-seekers may say what they will, Gen. Harrison is the man for the people. They have taken him up, and they will sustain him. We would suggest to our friends the expediency of calling meetings in the several towns in the county, for the purpose of appointing town committees, and expressing the sentiments of the people on the nomination of General Harrison. Thus far our candidate has received no state caucus or national convention nomination, but has been brought forward by the people in town and county meetings. This is the true democratic way. The people should not only hage a voice in electing but also in selecting their rulers. The following are the proceedings of the meeting on Thursday evening. The resolutions were supported in animated speeches from D. Rumsey, Jun, J. K. Hale, and J. Whiting. Esqrs. HARRISON MEETING. At a numerous meeting of Republican
Electors
of
Steuben
County,
friendly to
the
election
of GEN. WILLIAM
HENRY
HARRISON to the
Presidency,
holden at
Brown's Hotel
in the
village of
Bath, on
Thursday
evening,
October 22, CALEB
FARNHAM,
Esq. was called
to
the
Chair, and TEN
EYCK
GANSEVOORT
appointed
Secretary. |
| GREAT FIRE
AT
BATH! From the Bath (Steuben co.) Advocate. Our village has this morning been visited by the most extensive fire which has occurred since its settlement. The range of buildings between Mr. Hempsted's Jewelry shop and the Red School House is a heap of ruins. The buildings destroyed are owned and occupied as follows: - The building in which the fire originated, was owned by John R. Gansevoort, and occupied above by Charles Adams, as teh Constitutional printing office, below by Miss Norton, Milliner, and John M'Cala, Hatter; the Franklin House, owned by Peres Gilmore, and occupied by Tho's Metcalfe, as a hotel, and basement by P. Bowen, as a grocer; the house and stores owned and occupied by B. Wilkes; the grocery store owned and occupied by George Norton; and the office of Dr. Warden. The fire was first discovered about half past six o'clock in the printing office, by the hands on their return from breakfast. On opening the door of the office the smoke burst out so dense as to prevent an entrance, and all efforts to save any of the contents are unavailing. Nearly all the goods and furniture in the other buildings were saved. The fire is supposed to have communicated to the printing office (through some failure in the chimney) from a fire which had been made a few minutes before in the milliner's shop below. There had been no fire made in the office this morning. The loss so far as we are now informed, is about as follows: J. R. Gansevoort, by destruction of building $600. Insured for 400 at Albany. Charles Adams, all the materials of his printing office, including presses, type, paper, &c. $1200, besides his books and accounts. No insurance. R. L. Underhill, stereotype plates and papers in the printing office, 150 to $200. Peres Gilmore, Franklin House, $3000. No insurance. B. Wilkes, house and stores 800 to $1000. Insured for 900. Some goods were also destroyed in Mr. W's store which were covered by insurance. George Norton, grocery, 250 dollars. Insured for 150. Dr. Warden's office, 150. In addition to the above some few articles were also lost by most of the occupants and others injured in removing. Mr. Hempsted's shop and our printing office were in imminent danger, and several times on fire, but were saved by the activity of our citizens. We have barely escaped to give the above detail. And we tender our warmest thanks to those who assisted so actively and carefully in removing the materials of our office. Albany Evening Journal (Albany, NY) June 26, 1837; page 2. |
| A Cold Bath. -
The Bath (Steuben) Constitutionalist of the 15th
inst. says: - "The
charter
election for this village
on
Tuesday last resulted
in the
choice
of a full
board
of Whig Trustees,
Assessors, &c. The Loco Focos
considered
prudence the
better
part of valor, and
offered no
ticket." A
cold
Bath, this,
for Van
Burenism. Albany Evening Journal (Albany, NY) May 20, 1839; page 2. |
| LAUDABLE MUNIFICENCE. -
Mr. Adam Haverling, of Bath, Steuben county, N.
York, has given a farm of
one
hundred and seventy
acres,
valued at $6,000,
together
with an eligible
village lot of one acre
and a
half, to build and
endow
an
academy. The Sun (New York, NY) August 17, 1842; page 2. |
| Great
Gathering in
old Steuben - - 7 to 8,000 Whigs in
council!! From the Steuben Courier The 30th was a proud day for old Steuben - Never before was such a mighty gathering of her freemen witnessed within her borders. We had immense gatherings in 1840, but the Mass Meeting of the Whigs of Steuben last Friday, exceeded by thousands, even the mighty gatherings of that ever memorable period. The valley of the Cohocton poured in its thousands, and the surrounding hills contibuted their hundreds to swell the living tide. The indomitable Whigs of the Canisteo made their way over the hills, and came down upon us "an army with banners," ready to fight, while the Whigs of the Tioga and the Chemung came rushing in, with a current as broad and resistless as that of their own loved streams. Every valley and every hill contributed its quota to make up the immense multitude. The day was remarkably fine, though the morning clouds indicated rain which caused much apparent satisfaction and chuckling among the pious Locofocus - we mean of the Amos Kendall order - but the God of Nature smiled, brushed the threatening clouds quietly one side, and left the disconsolate Locos the only "weepers" The delegation from the North, Urbana and Wayne first made its appearance with its broad waving banners with their numerous and significant devices, its hundreds of enthusiastic Whigs and its scores fo "beautiful girls." The Whigs of Urbana and Wayne, through in the minority in their respective towns, have grappled in with Locofocoism in a manner which merits, and we hope may achieve success. They look defiance to the monster, and seem to say, No maiden a arms are round thee thrown, That desperate grasp thy frame might feel Through bars of brass and triple steel." In this procession were a variety of beautiful banners, one of which had upon it a large American Eagle, with this motto, "HENRY CLAY FOR FOUR YEARS, WHIG PRINCIPLES FOREVER." In this procession was a small delegation from Yates bearing the beautiful banner of the "Starkey Clay Club" A long procession from the South came in next made up of the delegations from Jasper, West Addison, Cameron, Canisteo, &c. - and an unposing procession it was, with its almost interminable sucession of two, four, and we think some six horse teams, all well loaded with enthusiastic Whigs and "beautiful girls," who bore a flag, "for annexation - but not for Texas" In this procession was, Capt. SAMUE BAKER of Cameron, a surviving soldier of the Revolution who bore a banner on one side of which was, "A WHIG of '76, A SOLDIER AND PRISONER OF 1812, AND A WHIG OF 1844," on the other "POLK, THRICE VOTED AGAINST PENSIONERS, PENSIONERS VOTE AGAINST POLK." Somewhere in the crowd we saw one fellow who was evidently poking fun at Mr. Polk. A little after 12 o'clock, the head of a procession near two miles in length, from "down the river" reached the village, comprising the delegations from Painted Post, Erwin, Lindley, Addison, Hornby, Orange, Campbell and Thurston. The front of the procession moved on and was far out of sight, and the cry was "still they come," and they continued to come until the streets were literally blocked up with human beings. The array of banners, the almost endless succession of four, six and eight hourse teams, freighted with hardy yeomanry as ready to defend their rights at the ballot box, as their fathers were on the battlefield, and the fair daughters of Steuben, gave to this procession a grand and imposing appearance. It seemed as if the entire population of the eastern portion of the county was pouring in upon us. We had hardly time to glance at one half of the many banners which graced this procession. On one was the representation of a large coon, with "you cant Polk this coon." On another was "CLAY and PROTECTION TO ALL," another "CLAY, FRELINGHUYSEN and FILLMORE," &c. &c. The procession from the east had hardly passed, before one nearly as large came in from the West, comprising the delegations from, Hornellsville, Howard, Cohocton, Avoca, Prattsburg, Pulteney, Wheeler and Dansville. This procession we are informed numbered some 180 wagons. The banners born by this procession presented a splendid appearance. Among them the banner of the Avoca Clay Cub was conspicuous. Upon another we saw, "COHOCTON good for 100 majority for CLAY and FRELINGHUYSEN," a hint to our Painted Post friends to look out for competition. On another banner we read a dialogue something like the following. - Quest. Who's got my cow? Ans. Ezekiel Polk - Quest. What is he going to do with her? Ans. Sell her to the British. The Prattsburgh delegation bore a beautiful banner, with a fine likeness of HENRY CLAY upon a charger, making for the White House of course, while Polk and Tyler, if our memory serves us, were putting for Texas. But we have not space to even notice one half of the numberous banners which waved in every direction, much less their still more numerous devices. Most of the remaining towns sent respectable delegations, but if they did not exceed a hundred or two, they were soon lost in the crowd. We saw lots of good Whigs and true, from Reading, Tyrone, Bradford, and Hartsville. At half past 1 o'clock the convention was organized by the nomination of the Hon. A. B. DICKINSON as President. Jno Brown, of Bath; John Hamilton, of Howard; Jesse Clark, Jr., of Painted Post, Wm. Diven, of Reading; Harvey Andrews, of Jasper, Arthur H. Erwin, of Erwin, James Silsbe, of Avoca, John B Mitchell, of Wayne, Vice Presidents. H. H. Hull, of Painted Post, and Wm. J. Gilbert, of Erwin, Secretaries. The conventin then made choice of the following delegates to the state, Senatorial and Congressional conventions. State - John Whiting, Wm. Baker, Otis Thatcher Senatorial - Samuel Brundage, David McMaster, Thos. A. Johnson Congressinal - James Alley, Joel Carrington, Herman S. Swift, Wm. Hastings, Martin Adsit, Finla McClure, W. Barnes, Richard H. Sheffield, James G. Mersereau. Resolved, That each of the above delegates have power to appoint a substitue in case he shall be unable to attend. The President then introduced to the Convention JAMES A. HAMILTON, Esq. of Westchester - District Atorney for the Southern district of New York, during the Administration of General Jackson, who spoke mainly upon the Texas question, in a manner which must have carried conviction to every candid, unprejudiced mind. He maintained that the annexation of Texas could not be effected without National dishonor, great injustice towards Mexico, the extension of the unequal and unjust property representation in our national councils, and the strengthening and perpetuation of the Institution of Slavery. The marked attention of his vast auditory during his speech, and the bursts of applause which arose from the multitude as he took his seat, showed that his sentiments met with a hearty response from the freemen of Steuben. The President next announced to the convention, a name familiar to all, that of Ex. Gov SEWARD, and the bursts of applause which followed the mention of his name, and the "three times three" which arose from the "sea of up-turned faces" as he made his appearance, showed that he was a thrice welcome guest to the Whigs of Steuben. He spoke about an hour and a half, carrying conviction to all who heard him, of the justice and beneficent tendency of the principles and measures of the Whig party. He showed most conclusively, that the Whig party, is the party of progress and improvement, that its object and tendency is to elevate rather than depress the masses, and that the good of all requires the establishment of its policy and principles, in our State, as well as our National Councils. His speech showed that his mind is deeply imbued with the principles of universal freedom, that the poor and unfortunate, the degraded son of Africa, and the exile from a foreign land who seeks shelter in this, are the objects of his kindly regard, and his sympathies. We have neither the ability, nor the time ot give even a faint idea of the masterly speech of the Ex-Governor. He was frequently interrupted by bursts of applause, and as he took his seat, loud and long were the "cheers for Gov Seward" which arose from the immense multitude. Hon. A. B. DICKINSON was then loudly called for, and responded in a speech of about half an hour which was received by frequent and continued bursts of applause. Soon after Mr. Hamilton commenced his speech, it was ascertained that but little more than half of the number present could get within sound of his voice, and the Hon. GIBSON HARD - Senator from the Eighth District, was called to a stand hastily erected in front of the Presbyterian Church, and addressed a large concourse, but there was still a large numbr who could not hear, and the Hon. JOHN YOUNG, of Geneseo, who was present, spoke to a large audience from the steps of the Bank, and was successively followed by J. K. HALE and R B VAN VALKENBURGH, Esqrs. of this county - Of the speeches of these gentlemen we are unable to speak, as we were confined to the main stand, but judging from the general expression of those who listened to them, and the frequent thunders of applause which burst forth from thier respective auditories, we have no hesitation in saying that they were replete with convincing argument, interspersed with anecdote, and sparkling wit, which insturcted, and at teh sme time amused. Notwithstanding three speakers were addressing the crowd from as many different stands at the same time, a large number about the main stand could not hear more than one half of what was said. One whig remarked as we left the ground, "this is a complete failure, for notwithstanding my efforts to get within hearing distance, I have heard but little that has been said. It was a mighty gathering of freemen, and shows a settled determination on the part of the Whigs of Steuben, to do their full share in rolling on the ball, and in electing HENRY CLAY and THEODORE FRELINGHUYSEN, to the offices for which they are respectively nominated. Among the Towns entitled to particular commendation are, Orange, Addison and Hornby. But a few years since there were but three Whigs in the town of Orange; and to indicate what she then was, and now is, she bore a banner with the inscription, "THE THREE WHIGS OF ORANGE," followed by about four score of the Whigs of that town. The "Addison Buggy," drawn by eight horses, and containing, we should judge, some sixty voters attracted particular attention. This was but a part of the Addison delegation. When we take into consideration the distance, from 28 to 30 miles, and the large representation from that Locofoco town, all will agree that our Addison friends are entitled to much credit. Hornby, nearly as distant as Addison, sent a large share of her Whig voters and a goodly number of her patriotic Ladies. She will give a good account of herself next November. The number present was variously estimated from 6 to 10,000, a medium number would probably be near the mark, though we are perfectly willing to take the lowest estimate, fully satisfied that it would stand count. A large number of Ladies were present, and listened with intelligent and marked attention to the speeches. The most unbounded enthusiasm prevailed throughout, and all went away apparently gratified, with the proceedings of the day. We must close this brief and imperfect sketch, by assuring our friends abroad that if New York is not redeemed next November, if will not be the fault of the Whigs of Steuben. Albany Evening Journal (Albany, NY) Monday, September 9, 1844; page 2. |
1855
| A great part of the
village of Bath, Steuben county, N. Y., was
destroyed by fire on Monday,
the 12th inst. The fire
was
still raging
when the
Express
messenger
left,
having
swept
off
many
of
the
buildings on Liberty
and
Orhard
Streets. St. Paul Daily Pioneer (St. Paul, MN) April 4, 1855; page 2. |
| TERRIBLE FIRES IN
ALLEGANY AND STEUBEN COUNTIES - GREAT DESTRUCTION OF
PROPERTY. - We
learn
by
a
gentleman from Dansville
that extensive and
destructive
fires have
been for
some days
raging in the towns
of Hume,
Angelica and
Almond,
Allegany county; and
in
Wayland, Addison,
Bath and
other towns in
Steuben.
Forests, fences,
barns and
dwellings have
been
destroyed,
and in some
instances
the
inhabitants have
escaped with
difficulty. Our
informant
thinks that
at least
forty or fifty houses
and
barns
have been
destroyed.
In one
instance a
farmer
hastily took his grain to a deep
ravine
that
it
might be saved.
The
immense
swamp near Wayland
was
all on
fire,
and the
greatest exertions were
necessary to save
dwellings
between
Liberty and
Blood's. It was reported
that
a child was burned
to
death in a house near
Addison.
On
Thursday
last, in
Dansville, the smoke
from
these fires was so
dense
that
it produced almost
midnight
darkness. The loss of
property
by
these
conflagrations
must be
very
great. -
Rochester
Democrat, Sept.
22. New York Herald (New York, NY) September 24, 1856; page 10. |
1860
| Steuben
County. At a meeting of the Republican electors of the First Assembly District of Steuben county, held at Bath, on the 25 day of April inst., for the purpose of choosing delegates to the Republican State Convention; to be held at Syracuse on the 18th inst., O. F. MARSHALL was called to the chair and S. D. LEWIS was chosen Secretary. On motion, GEORGE S. ELLAS and OWEN RILEY, JR., were unanimously elected such delegates. On motion Messrs. T. W. Boyd, Otis Shepard and George S. Ellas were appointed committee on resolutions. The following resolutions were reported and adopted by the convention: - Resolved, That the people of this Assembly District are, with great unamimity, in favor of the toll and proesta bills passed by the Assembly; and that the Senate, in their action and votes upon said bills, have grossly misrepresented the sentiments of this portion of their consituency and have, in these and other instances in their legislation furnished conclusive evidence and they have become the representatives of unscrupulous corporations and combined wealth and are not the advocates of the rights and interests of the people of this State. Resolved, That the general course of our representative in the Assembly, the Hon. DANIEL GRAY, in the legislation of the session meets with our hearty approval, and that in it we have renewed confidence of his integrity and devotion to the interest of his constituency and the State. Resolved, That the proceedings of This Convention be published in the Steuben Courier, Albany Journal, New York Tribune and the Evening Post. On motion, the Convention adjourned. Dated BATH, April 2, 1880. O. F. MARSHALL, Chairman. S. D. LEWIS, Secretary. Albany Evening Journal (Albany, NY) April 7, 1860; page 2. |
1868
Fire in The Post Office and Kellogg House at The New York Times ( |
A SOLDIERS’ HOME. A public meeting is to be held on Thursday evening at Lyric Hall, A Murder at Bath, N. Y. ELMIRA, May 25. - Charles Wright, son of the landlord of the Steuben Hotel, at Bath, N. Y., was murdered yesterday morning by a hostler named White. The latter gave himself up, claiming he did the act in self-defense. Cincinnati Daily Gazette (Cincinnati, OH) May 26, 1877; page 2. |
| BATH, N.Y. Fire and Loss of Life. BATH, April 7, - One of the buildings of the Steuben county poor-house, near this place, was burned last night, and fifteen inmates perished. The fire was set by an insane pauper. Times Picayune (New Orleans, LA) April 8, 1878; page 4. ANOTHER HOLOCAUST. The Insane Department of the Steuben County House at Bath, N. Y. Destroyed. FIRED BY A LUNATIC. Fifteen of the Inmates Meet a Dreadful Death. APPALLING SCENES. Names of the Victims - Over Forty Persons Rescued. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Bath, N. Y., April 7, 1878. A terribly disastrous fire occurred here a little before one o'clock this morning. The insane depatment of the Steuben County House, containing between sixty and seventy inmates, was fired by L. C. Ford, one of the inmates, from Hornellsville. Fifteen persons, five males and ten females, perished in the flames. The building is wholly destroyed, with a loss of $4,000. The scenes of fatality beggar description and were horrifying in the extreme. One inmate besides those who perished was injured. More than forty were rescued. HOW THE FIRE ORIGINATED. L. C. Ford, who was a man subject to fits, was never known to do anything violent before, and therefore was trusted and given fuller liberty than other more insane inmates. He was allowed to smoke and have light in his room. It is supposed that he fired his bedding, for when those in charge discovered the flames Ford's head protruded through the iron grating of his window and he apparently could not withdraw it. He must have put his head out as soon as he recovered from the fit and discovered his danger. Superintendent Eli Carington was absent from the premises temporarily. His family and assistants worked hard, but it was too late to be of any avail, except in rescuing three-fourths of the helpless imprisoned inmates. NOTICED FROM BATH. The County House is about two miles north of Bath Court House Bridge. The light was noticed in Bath just before one o'clock A.M. It did not appear like a fire in the distance, and at first there was nothing done; but the nature of the glare of light finally became apparent, and the Bath Fire Department was called out by the alarm. The distance and the first misunderstanding made them late, and their services were all unavailing, either to succor the burning inmates or to save the building. The first and second floors, with their flaming contents, fell through to the basement, which was also occupied by some of the doomed inmates. THE BUILDING DESTROYED. The building burned two or three hours and at daylight there was nothing left standing but the brick walls. All the rest was in a horrible mass of ashes, human bones, iron window gratings, bedsteads and debris. It will be impossible to recover any of the bodies in recognizable form. The ashes of the whole fiften lie buried in the ruins of the burned building, situated about fifteen rods north of the main County House, which was far more valuable, and is fortunately uninjured with its scores of pauper inmates. THE VICTIMS. The following are the names, ages and causes of confinement of the deceased male victims: L. C. FORD, aged forty-eight; fits. DAVID CURTIS, aged seventy-nine; cripple. JOHN ALVIAN, aged fifty-eight; cripple. JOHN MESSENGER, aged eighty-four; old age. BUEL M. PAGE, aged forty-nine; fits and blind. The names of the deceased female victims are: AXY RANGER, aged twenty-seven; idiot. BETSEY SMITH, aged sixty-three; idiot. CHLOE MUDGE, aged sixty-eight; idiot. JULIA DAVIS, aged thirty-eight; idiot. ROSA WELCH, aged twenty; idot. NANCY STONE, aged twenty-six; idot. ABIGAIL SHULTS, aged sixty-three; old age. CATHARINE SULLIVAN, aged seventy-one; old age. JENNIE MILLS, a child of four years. MARY HEWITT, a child of one year. AFTER THE TRAGEDY. At a late hour the ruins were in complete stillness, under the pall of a very dark night. The place was unmolested, except by the resident mourners, as it is yet too early for the news of the holocaust to have reached the distant friends of the victims. The dread locality will undoubtedly be thronged on Monday, when the Coroner will probably commence the difficult search for some vestige of all that remains of fifteen human beings. New York Herald (New York, NY) Monday, April 8, 1878; page 7, col. 3. VERDICT OF THE CORONER'S JURY ON THE RECENT FATAL FIRE. Bath, N. Y., April 12, 1878. The Coroner's jury in the case of the burning of the building for the insane of the Steuben County Poorhouse on Saturday night, and the ices of sixteen lives, after having occupied five days in hearing the testimony of twenty-two witnesses, including the Keeper, Superintendents of the Poor, Supervisors, Poor House Investigating Committee, eight paupers and four physicians reached a verdict to-night. They exonerate Keeper Eli Carrington, censure the citizens of the county and the Board of Supervisors for not having provided safe and suitable accommodations for paupers, and censure the Superintendents of the Poor for not having provided a better mode of egress and fire apparatus, and for not removing the insane incendiary Ford to the asylum. One juryman declares the Supervisors guilty of manslaughter in the fourth degree. An appropriation to erect suitable buildings is recommended. New York Herald (New York, NY) Saturday, April 13, 1878; page 7, col. 4. |
Criminal. John McEntee, aged 17, on Tuesday night shot and killed his uncle, Peter McEntee, aged 70, near AN INSURANCE SWINDLE. BUFFALO, N. Y., July 13. - Oliver H. Rowell of Bath, Steuben county, disappeared last February at Niagara Falls, leaving traces of suicide by jumping over the falls. In May a demand was made upon several co-operative insurance companies in which he was insured for sums aggregating $7000. A body was found in Niagara river and identified as Rowell's, but the companies not being satisfied, detectives were put to work, and through a message from Rowell's wife Rowell was himself discovered alive and well at College Corners, Ohio. He says he resorted to this means of getting rid of his wife, of whom he was tired. Worcester Daily Spy (Worcester, MA) July 14, 1881; page 1. |
1884
HOMELESS VETERANS. The Memorial Committee of Grand Army of the |
| THE Republicans of New
York have nominated Ira Davenport of Bath, Steuben
county, for governor.
He is
said to be a politician
of
unblemished character and
an
honorable
man. The
Democratic papers speak
highly
of him, and the
Mugwump
papers
have gone over to his
support. The Idaho Avalanche (Silver City, ID) October 3, 1885; page 2. |
1888
| AMONG the names
prominently mentioned and urged with a great deal of
earnestness as
candidates for
judge of
the
court of
appeals on the
state ticket
this fall
is that of
Hon.
William Rumsey of Bath,
Steuben county, now a justice
of
the supreme court
seventh
district. Justice
Rumsey
has a
strong
backing in
his
own district,
and is
greatly admired and
respected
throughout the
state.
There is
no doubt as to his
capacity
and fitness for a
seat on the
court of
appeals bench,
and
should the
choice of the
state convention
fall
upon him
the honor
will
not be
misplaced.
He is
learned in
the
law, of
long
experience at
the bar and on
the bench, and
comes of a
family richly
endowed
with
legal
genius, his
father,
Justice
David
Rumsey,
having
held a
place in
the
supreme court of
the same
district for
many
years.
By
personal
character,
long experience and
judicial
temperament Justice
Rumsey is
thoroughly
equipped
for able
service in
the highest
legal
tribunal of
the
state. The Troy Weekly Times (Troy, NY) Thursday, August 16, 1888; page 5. |
OUR VETERANS’ HOME. How THEIR ASYLUM AT Where They May Pass the Evening of Life in Security and Comfort. The initiatory steps for it were taken by the citizens of In June of that year the corner stone was laid, Henry Ward Beecher delivering the address. During each year since liberal appropriations have been made by the State for the Building and supporting the Home. The Home farm lies on both sides of The farm, a very valuable one, consists of 360 acres, and was formerly owned by W. W. McKay, well known through Steuben county from his connection with the “Pultney Land Office” and the old Steuben County Bank. It consists of alluvial flats on both sides of the river, table land and some rather steep side hills; but the soil is strong, fertile, productive, and for a dozen years past has been thoroughly cultivated. In fact, its products go far toward furnishing rations for the inmates of the Home, especially in the way of milk, green vegetables, potatoes, beets, turnips, onions and the like. The old mansion of the premises has been fitted up as the residence of the superintendent. The other buildings are of brick, of pleasing architectural appearance and substantial character, and are quite numerous, consisting of headquarters, chapel, barracks, dining halls, hospital, laundry, bathrooms, greenhouses, library and reading rooms, offices, bakery and various workshops for blacksmiths, shoemakers and tailors, and lastly the Canteen. INMATES OF THE HOME. To gain admittance to the Home the applicant must produce an honorable discharge from a New York regiment or prove a year’s residence in the State if honorably discharged from any other State’s troops. During the last winter 1,130 veterans were received and cared for, but with the coming on of warm weather many go out for the summer, to return “when the swallows homeward fly,” and not more that 775 are in the Home at this time. When admitted the veteran, unless he is an invalid and is sent to the hospital, is mustered into one of seven companies – A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Each company is under command of a sergeant, who is paid $10 a month, and three corporals. Each company has its own barracks, where are quarters and dormitories, and also its own day for bathing and laundrying. Each man must take a bath once a week, for which warm and cold water and the best facilities are provided. He is provided with an iron bedstead, with woven wire springs and a good hair mattress, plenty of clean good bed clothes and a tidy locker in which to put his belongings, together with washing and toilet facilities better than are found in most village taverns. The rooms are high, light, clean, airy, and can be ventilated on three sides. BILL OF FARE. The main dining hall seats 400. Each man has his seat, to which he is marched under command of his officer, and is waited upon by a detail drafted for that purpose, and everything is done decently and in order. Five hundred loaves of good bread are turned out of the immense ovens daily besides stacks of rusks and ginger bread. Fish, pork and good beef (bought on foot and killed on the premises), boiled ham and shoulder, pork and beans, potatoes, onions, cabbages, turnips, beets and the like, with milk, tea and coffee, make up a bill of fare as good as the average farmer or tradesman enjoys at his own table. Two full suits of clothing are furnished to the veteran for each year. Men able and willing to work are paid twenty-five cents a day, to be spent according to their own sweet wills. Pensioners receive and use their pension money in the same way, spending it largely in the village for that which cheers and also inebriates. The reading rooms are spacious, well lighted and in winter are well warmed. Here are taken all the The hospitals are provided with the best appliances of the day, and are large, airy rooms, perfectly lighted and ventilated. Numerous wheel chairs, for paralytics and convalescents, and a well supplied dispensary, where prescriptions are put up with scrupulous accuracy and neatness, are salient factors from which I made up a most favorable opinion of the hospital service. Taking into account the age, generally unsettled habits and early exposure of the inmates the death rate is exceptionally small. Another pleasant feature of the Home is a quite extensive greenhouse, well filled with rare and beautiful plants and flowers, and maintained without expense to the State. THE CANTEEN. The Canteen is relatively of a late day and was provocative of much adverse comment and active opposition, for in it, under official supervision, are sold beer, lager and ale, tobacco, cigars and cigarettes. In fact, its establishment was only tentative at first, but it has proved itself worthy to become a permanent feature of the Home. From the profits of the Canteen the A GOOD RECORD. Thirty-nine hundred veterans have enjoyed the comforts of the Home since its organization. About 450 have died, and are at rest in a beautiful cemetery on the highlands of the farm. A liberal appropriation for an enlarged dining hall was voted by the last Legislature. After eight A.M. any inmate not on the limits can go where he chooses, so that he is back sober by six P.M., when is roll call. If a man is not back on time or habitually violates rules he is “put on the limits,” and is not allowed to go off the grounds for a limited period. Extreme cases of disobedience and violence may cause expulsion. AN HONOR TO THE STATE. The buildings of the Home occupy three sides of a beautifully shaded, well kept plaza or square, several acres in extent, in the centre of which stands a flagstaff, from which the flag of the It is gratifying to every right minded citizen to know that the men who responded so promptly to the call of duty in the perilous times of 1861-1865 – who faced death that the nation might live – may, when heart and strength fail, claim and enjoy all the comforts of our ever increasing civilization, and share all, not as mendicants or paupers, but as a right awarded them by the grateful people of the State of New York. That the affairs of the Home are conducted honestly, prudently, kindly and wisely cannot be doubted by any one taking pains to examine for himself, not to mention, the high character of the managers in charge. NECESSARY DISCIPLINE ENFORCED. It goes without saying that thorough system and even red tape may be necessary to properly control and care for so many hundred men, lacking the refining and restraining influences of family ties and not all of whom have learned the lessons of self-control and self-respect. The Home contains many such, and that they are at times uneasy and dissatisfied is not a matter of wonder, but of regret. As the years go by larger numbers will avail themselves of the shelter of this Home. Twenty-four years have already passed since the last soldier of our vast volunteer army was mustered out. The youngest soldier of 1865 is past middle age today. Another decade will see the final muster out of regiments, brigades and divisions of those now living and make old men of the survivors. With on coming age and growing infirmity will come stronger necessity and longing for a home, and thus until the last veteran answers the final roll call the shelter and beneficence of that home will be required and ungrudgingly given. An excellent opportunity to inspect the Home will be offered on the occasion of the thirty-seventh annual fair of the Steuben County Agricultural Society, which will be held here September 17, 18, 19 and 20, when by the courtesy of General Rogers, the superintendent, and the local trustees, all visitors will be welcomed to the commodious buildings and tastefully ornamented grounds in which our veterans are privileged to pass their declining years. For those who have friends in the Home it will be a pleasant demonstration of the gratitude of New York State to those who risked their lives at the call of patriotism to witness a dress parade of the 1,200 inmates on the broad green lawn overlooking the lovely Cohocton. A Bath Lawyer Hangs Himself. BATH, N.Y., Oct. 7. - A. Hadden, a prominent lawyer of Corning, went to his cottage on Lake Keuka and tried to hang himself in his boat house. He was discovered before life was extinct and cut down. He has been for years in poor health. Lately he has been in a depressed state of mind on account of business cares. Dr. Nichols has no hope of his recovery. Trenton Evening Times (Trenton, NJ) October 7, 1889; page 1. |
| EMPIRE STATE FLOODS. Bath Gets a Bath, Too. BATH, N.Y., Sept. 11. - A heavy rain has prevailed here for twenty-four hours. The Cohocton river has overflowed its banks and is as high as during the June flood of 1889. The Lackawanna road lost a bridge near here. They have abndoned their freight trains and are running passenger trains west over the Erie. The Erie has several washouts below here. Bridges have been swept away and considerable damage has been done to the country roads. The Canisteo valley is flooded and the Erie has been unable to get any trains through. Tobacco raisers along the rive flats will be heavy losers. Trenton Evening Times (Trenton, NJ) September 11, 1890; page 1. |
| Comes to Visit His
Son. Mr. Hiram Miller, of Bath, Steuben county, N. Y., arrived in Tacoma yesterday evening, intending to spend the summer with his son, Frank J. Miller, of the firm of Delamater & Miller. He came direct from New York, with the exception of a short stop in Wisconsin, where he at one time resided. This is his first visit to the coast and, notwithstnding our extremely late and cold spring, he says we are two months ahead of the Eastern and Middle State. Tacoma Daily News (Tacoma, WA) Monday, April 17, 1893; page 1. The Soldiers' Home Crowded. BATH, N.Y., Nov. 11. - The superintendent of the Soldiers and Sailors' home has issued a circular notifying veterans that the hame is full to overflowing. Trenton Evening Times (Trenton, NJ) November 11, 1893; page 2. |
1895
| Beautiful Residence Burned. BATH, N.Y., Aug. 15. - The beautiful residence of H. S. Stebbins was burned yesterday. Trenton Evening Times (Trenton, NJ) August 15, 1895; page 3. Major Robert Stillman Wilcox, was born in Bath, Steuben county, New York, April 6, 1846. When 16 years of age, he enlisted in company E, First New York artillery, in which battery he served for fifteen months. At Gaines mills, in front of Richmond, the battery was struck by lightning, and the shot he there received caused him to retire from the service for several months. He re-enlisted in company C, 179th New York infantry, and served to the end of the war. He was twice wounded during his last term of service. After his discharge he went to Binghampton, N. Y., and took a commercial course. Returning to Bath, he engaged in the clothing business, but, after six months, he removed to Chicago, Ill., and entered the employ of Swartout, Kent & Co., clothing dealers. In 1870 he went with Field, Letter & Co., in charge of their cloth and cloak department. In 1872, he accepted the position of cashier, for Race Bros., where he remained until 1881, when he cast his lot with Browning, King & Co. In the fall of 1888, when Browning, King & Co. closed out, S. L. Andrews & Co., who had a clothing store on Fifteenth and Douglas streets, they sent Major Wilcox here from their Chicago store to take charge of the business. After the Andrews stock was sold, Browning, King & Co., took a lease of the premises, put in a stock of their own, with Major Wilcox as manager, and the business has continued there to the present time. In January last, Major Wilcox occupied the position of president of the retail bureau of the Commercial club. From this bureau came forth the Omaha Business Men's association, with Major Wilcox as its active and energetic president, and to this association all the credit is due for the success of the fall festivities, and the magnificent work of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben. Major Wilcox is one of th emost active Grand Army men in Omaha. In 1892, he was commander of U. S. Grant post, No. 110, and is now quartermaster of the post. He has served as aide-de-camp on the commander-in-chief's staff for two years. Sunday World Herald (Omaha, NE) October 13, 1895; part 1, page 6. |
1896
|
| Homer R. White of
Coudersport, Pa, writes to Wm. E. Curtis of the
Record-Herald that on a
tombstone in the
graveyard
at
Bath, Steuben
county, N.
Y., appears the
following: Here lies Mary Ann at rest, With her head on Abraham's breast. Some wag wrote underneath it: It must be nice for Mary Ann, But devlish hard on Abraham. [This epitaph is said to be on a stone in a celebrated graveyard in Abbeville. The Medium probably can tell about it. - Editor The State.] The State (Columbia, SC) Monday, June 10, 1901; page 4. FOOD FOR SOLDIERS’ HOME BOUGHT OUTSIDE THE STATE. “We found, after talking with the Quartermaster and examining vouchers on file in his office, that large quantities of products are purchased, costing thousands of dollars, raised outside of the State of The committee recommends that a copy of the report be mailed to Gov. Odell and to Frank C. Platt, that they may use their influence to have Chapter 32, Laws of 1899, strictly enforced at this institution. The New York Times ( |
1908
| THE ARMY CANTEEN. Trustees of a Soldiers' Home Ask for its Restoration. Bath, N.Y., Jan. 9. - Resolutions asking Congress to restore the canteen have been passed by the Trustees of the Soldiers' Home here. Major Benjamin McConnell, one of the trustees, said the re-establishment of the canteen was an absolute necessity. "It will prevent drunkenness among the inmates of the Home," said Major McConnell. At present the old men obtain liquor in other places. Intoxication results. If we could supply them with pure beer and ale they would remain on the grounds, and we could have them under control all the time. "The saloon is the bane of the Army. Old soldiers will drink, and if they cannot get good liquor, they will take bad liquor. This cannot be prevented, and the way to obtain the best results is to establish a drinking place under the supervision of the officers of the institution." There are 2,000 old men in the Bath Home. Times Picayune (New Orleans, LA) January 10, 1908; page 5, cols. 6-7. HAS SEEN SOME HISTORY. The interesting fact is brought out in Washington dispatch that a veteran of the civil war, 109 years old, is the beneficiary of a senate bill that passed the house a few days ago. The house added an amendment increasing the amount of the pension from $20 to $50 a month. The man is Henry J. Dorman, who was born January 10, 1799, in Steuben county, N. Y. He served in the Seventh Michigan cavalry until the end of the war and was wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness. His five sons also enlisted and one died in Libby prison. All are now dead. Dorman now lives with his daughter-in-law in Liberal, Barton county, Mo. He is said to be the oldest veteran of the civil war. When it is considered that Dorman was born 11 months before George Washington died, that he was almost old enough to shoulder a musket and march to the front when the war of 1812 broke out and that he was well advanced in age when the war of the rebellion threatened to divide the country, some idea can be obtained of what it means to have lived for 109 years. Idaho Statesman (Boise, ID) Sunday, March 8, 1908; page 4, 2nd Sect. |
| Wants Part of Morris Estate. Carroll C. Clark of Bath, N.Y., alleges that he is an heir to the estate of Frank W. Morris and not being recognized as such in the findings of the Probate court in determining the heirs of the estate he has taken an appeal from the decision of Judge Jewell to Circuit court. Grand Rapids Press (Grand Rapids, MI) April 13, 1909; page 2. |
1937
SLAYING WITNESS ESCAPES FROM JAIL Joseph Spagnolia Discloses Details of Murder of Brothers Sheriff Joseph Bailey said when guards went to the cell door at Sentenced from William and Frank Van Cise were found dead on their desolate farm home near Times-Picayune( |
Old County Fair The Steuben County Fair, at |