Oswego, Feb. 12--The
plant of the Oswego Starch Factory, controlled by the Corn Products Company,
otherwise known as the starch trust, was burned Wednesday. The fire
started in the chemical room about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and before
anything could be done the building was a mass of flames. Although
the entire Fire Department was on the scene within a few minutes, no human
power could have stopped the spread of the flames and building after building
caught and went up in smoke. The factory was running full-handed,
and about 700 employees will be thrown out of work.
It was one of the most disastrous
fires that has visited Oswego in many a day. The property was valued
at about $500,000, and occupied one of the best manufacturing sites in
the northern part of the State, covering several acres.
The factory was built in 1849, by
the late Thomas Kingsford, and on his death passed to the hands
of his son, Thomson, who conducted it for many years. It then
went into the hands of Thomas P. Kingsford, who put the factory
in the American Starch Company, which was absorbed by the Corn Products
Company.
The late Thomas Kingsford was the
inventor of the Kingsford corn starch, which has been sold all over the
world for the past half century, the Kingsford family making millions out
of it.
From the very first it was evident
that the buildings were doomed, for the fire seemed to have spread all
through the center building. On account of its location, the east
wall being on the river bank, the fireman could not get to that side to
fight the flames and all the water had to be poured through the front.
The firemen worked with all their might and risked their lives for the
purpose of getting water.
Two firemen were seriously injured
during the early part of the fire by falling from a ladder. Truckman
John
Dougherty fell 50 feet. Both his legs were broken and he received
internal injuries from which he died later at the hospital, where both
men were taken.
After nightfall the fire made a spectacular
scene, and almost every person in the city turned out to watch the blaze,
the bridges and banks of the river being lined with crowds.
The buildings were built of brick,
stone and wood, but the fire became so intense that the thick brick and
stone walls could not stop the ravages of the flames, and the iron doors
which the elder Kingsford had caused to be constructed to be used in case
of fire were not effective.
It is not known whether the factory
was insured or what the intentions of the Corn Products Company will be
towards rebuilding it. It was the oldest factory of its kind in the
country, and they declared it to be the best plant of any which they controlled.
James P. Doyle, of Oswego
|
Oswego, Feb. 12--The action
of Mayor Mansfield in appointing James P. Doyle a member
of the fire council is approved by the people generally, for Mr. Doyle
having served on the council with distinction is thoroughly familiar with
the duties. He is a young business man and has the esteem and confidence
of the entire community.
There was another candidate for the
place, James Kernan, a member of the Old Volunteer Fire Department
and a business man from the east side. But there was no chance for
him to succeed from the first, for it is claimed that he was one of the
leaders in the Fourth Ward Club which was an adjunct to the Republican
organization of that ward. This club fought the supporters of Mayor
Mansfield in the caucuses. |
Dr. Joseph B. Ringland
|
Oswego, Feb. 12--Joseph B.
Ringland, son of the late Joseph Ringland, has filed his certificate
in this county for the practice of medicine. He will be located with
Dr.
W. J. Bulger. Dr. Ringland is a graduate of Syracuse University,
1902, and for the past 18 months has been associated with St. Joseph's
Hospital, in Syracuse. Dr. Ringland is well known in this city and
has many friends. |
Teachers Will Organize
Oswego, Feb. 12--The
teachers in the public schools of this city are to organize a club for
the purpose of supporting the bill now before the State Legislature to
give pensions to teachers who have survived for 30 years. There are
12 teachers in the schools of Oswego who will be in a position to ask for
retirement as soon as the bill goes into effect. One, Mrs. Ellen
Breech, has taught in the public schools of this city for more than
50 years.
The Late Miss Mary Abbott
Miss Mary Abbott
|
Oswego, Feb. 12--Miss Mary
Abbott, an estimable young woman of 1 East Seventh street, died at her
home Tuesday evening. She was well known and had many friends who
will mourn her death. She is survived by her mother, two brothers,
William
A. and John F., and three sisters, Mrs. Bessie? E. Wildride,
Mrs.
L. Pelitter and Miss Jennie Abbott. |
Sudden Death of John Dorsey, Sr.
Oswego, Feb. 12--John Dorsey,
Sr., for many years one of the best known residents of this city, died
suddenly at his home, 138 West Schuyler street, Tuesday afternoon.
Mr. Dorsey was around as usual during the day, and in the afternoon started
for the barn. Before he reached there he fell, and one of his grandchildren
gave the alarm. He was unconscious and only lived for about 10 minutes
after being taken into the house. Coroner Vowinkel gave the
decision that death was due to heart disease.
The deceased was a well-known resident
of the First Ward for 50 years. He was 81 years of age. He
is survived by his widow, four sons, John, of Ogdensburg; Thomas
and James of this city, and Edward, of Olean, and one daughter,
Mrs.
Hugh Goodwin, of this city.
Mrs. Newstead Drops Dead
Oswego, Feb. 12--Mrs. Frances
L. Newstead, 91 East Seventh street, dropped dead at the corner of East
Seventh and Bridge streets about 6 o'clock Monday night. She was
lying on the walk when discovered by James P. Doyle. Coroner Vowinkel
declared death due to valvular disease of the heart. Mrs. Newstead
was well-known to a wide circle. She is survived by one daughter,
Miss
Clara, of this city, and three sons, James, of Lycoming;
Charles,
of Buffalo, and George, of this city.
A Great Affliction
Oswego, Feb. 12--One of the
most touching incidents reported in this city in many a day was the affliction
which came to the home of Patrick J. Daly, 178 West Bridge street,
when two of his children died within a few hours. May, the
daughter, 16 years old, was taken sick a month ago, and Frederick,
9 years old, was taken sick a week ago. Frederick died at 10:30 Monday
night and May at 5 o'clock Friday morning. It is seldom that a family
is thus afflicted. The children were bright and intelligent, and
were favorites with all who knew them. _____ Mrs. Daly have
the sympathy of the entire community. Death was the result of pneumonia.
A double funeral was held from St. Mary's Church Thursday morning, which
was largely attended.
Mrs. Harriet A. Bogart
Oswego, Feb. 12--Mrs. Harriet
A. Bogart died at her home in Belleville, Ont., Tuesday. She was
the daughter of James Bickford, of this city.
OWEGO BREVITIES
(Only those with names are listed
here)
|
| William Hagerty is going
into the livery business. |
| What did Mr. Bennett mean,
when he said, they are a pair of sixes? |
| Charles Bechsteadt has received
an increase to his pension to $24 a month. |
| A rural free delivery route
is to be established in the town of New Haven. |
| Maybe Mr. Ormsby could remedy
matters on the west side, too, if he was given half a chance. |
| Prof. Mason's report is three
years old. It makes a mighty poor shield to hide behind, so the people
think. |
| W. D. Mackin has purchased
the two stores, 36 and 38, in the Holbrook Block and will occupy them with
his grocery about May 1. |
