The following is a collection of short newspaper articles about the Tonawanda Valley Railroad.
Cuba Daily News, April 25, 1881
The surveyors of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad are still at work near Rushford.
Cuba Daily News, April 27, 1881
Chief Engineer E.C. Appleton with a corps of assistants arrived at North Cuba last evening surveying the Tonawanda Valley Railroad extension. Dr. Hatch with a large carriage brought the party to town for the night and carried them back to their work this morning. The survey will be nearly completed to Cuba today.
Cuba Daily News, April 28, 1881
The surveyors of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad reached Cuba last evening, and put down the last stake of the grade survey. The chief engineer is now making arrangements for surveying the location. It will be commenced today or tomorrow and will be surveyed through from this place to Arcade at once. The grade is reported to be very favorable for the road and there is little doubt of its being built immediately.
Cuba Daily News, April 30, 1881
The management of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad will begin work on it at once. By the first of August it is expected to be in readiness for the running of trains.
Cuba Daily News, May 2, 1881
The surveyors for the Tonawanda Valley Railroad had reached Cuba Saturday evening. They returned to this place to spend Sunday. The line of road as located passes directly through the front yard of Mr. Loun and demolishes a small ban belonging to Samuel Morgan, North Cuba.
Cuba Daily News, May 2, 1881
The surveyors of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad have suspended operations and have begun work on the road from this place to Eldred via Richburg and Boliva r oil fields. E.M. Bond goes to Buffalo this afternoon to confer with the parties who have the matter in hand. A pipe line from Richburg to this place will also be built and a pump station and refinery pt in operation. Cuba is bound to "hump itself" while Wellsville and Olean and fighting each other.
Cuba Daily News, May 3, 1881
Cuba, which has for so long stood aside and seen Olean and Wellsville advance through the medium of oil excitement, manufactories, etc., now comes to the front itself as the outlet of a veritable oil field that bids to fair rival even the famous Bradford region. Men who are interested have been over the route and find that Cuba is the proper place for the concentration of the Richburg oil business.
The long-headed President of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad has already seen this and yesterday telegraphed Mr. Appleton, the chief engineer of the road, to begin a survey from this place to Richburg at once and to push it with all possible speed. Mr. Appleton rode over the route yesterday and pronounced it practicable.
In the afternoon the surveyors began work at the depot and are now going "on to Richburg" as fast as possible. A daily stage line is now being run from this place to Richburg and it is being well patronized. Every inch of land in Richburg to within a short distance of this place has been leased for oil purposes and within thirty days the country about here will be dotted with rigs and tanks and Cuba will boom with business at a rate unprecedented.
Cuba Daily News, May 3, 1881
The new organization of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad necessary to allow it to be extended to the Richburg oil field was completed this morning at Buffalo. Instructions have been sent to the men located at this point to push the work as rapidly as possible. The "knowing ones"' claim that the new road will be completed in less than six weeks. The company that is building the road is backed by millions of money and mean business. "Cuba is pretty well, thankee, how's yerself."
Cuba Daily News, May 7, 1881
The Attica News man took his best girl for a ride over the T.V. Railroad recently. Part of the journey was made on a hand car.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 2, 1881
Cuba's Railroad.
The Tonawanda Valley Railroad Co. and the Tonawanda Valley Railroad Extension Company have been incorporated under the title of the Tonawanda Valley and Cuba Railroad Company. The following officers have been elected:
President - R.G. Taylor, Buffalo; Vice President - Geo. R. Blanchard, New York; Secretary - J.D. V. Loomis, Attica; Treasurer - B. W. Spencer, New York.
Directors - R. G. Taylor and D.O. Day, Buffalo; E.M. Bond, Cuba; C.J. Elmer, Rushford; W.W. Davis, Arcade; R.H. Farnham, R. S. Stevens and J.D.V. Loomis, Attica; G.R. Blanchard, B. W. Spencer, E.S. Bowen, C.J. Barber and R.C. Villas, New York.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 11, 1881
Pile driving will soon be commenced on the T.V. & Cuba road at this place. The first trestle work is nearly completed and the large 1,700-foot trestle will be commenced soon. Work along the entire line is being pushed with the utmost speed.
Allegany will be cut up by seven railroads when the G.V. Canal and the Nunda & Angelica roads are built.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 12, 1881
The surveyors have reached Rushford, and have the T.V. & Cuba road located to that place. Individuals through whose land the road passes seem to be well satisfied with the fair treatment they have received at the hands of Superintendent Kirkpatrick and other railroad authorities.The new road has a friend in nearly every person living along the line, which speaks very highly for the management.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 15, 1881
The first trestle work on the T.V. & Cuba railroad was finished last week. Work on the larger one will go forward as rapidly as possible. Two large bents on the large trestle work have been put up.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 16, 1881
The grading of the T.V. & Cuba railroad is going swiftly forward. It will prove a surprise to any one who has had not visited the scene of operations for a week or so, to walk or drive along the grade and see how much has been accomplished. The small trestle is finished and six or eight bents are already up on the large one. The pile driver will soon be put in operation and the large trestle speedily finished. The grading beyond the trestle is going forward rapidly and is finished some distance into the reservation.
A new wagon bridge has been placed over Oil Creek near the new trestle work on the T.V. & C. railroad.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 17, 1881
Grading is in progress on the T.V. & C. R.R. beyond the Indian reservation.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 19, 1881
Pile driving on the T.V. & C. road was commenced yesterday. The surveyors are locating the road between Rushford and Arcade, and have reached a point four miles beyond Rushford.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 20, 1881
A station on the T.V. & C. road two miles north of Cuba, has been located for
the benefit of the people of New Hudson and Lyndon. It is to be called Morgan,
and is named in honor of Samuel Morgan, the father of Hon. S.H. Morgan, and
Carter Morgan, an uncle.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 22, 1881
A trestle work on the T.V. & C. has been commenced on the northern part of the Charles farm.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 23, 1881
The timber for the trestle work on the T.V. & C. is delayed on account of the strike. The carpenters are having a little vacation in consequence.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 25, 1881
More timber for the T.V. 7 C. was expected to arrive today. Two carloads of piles arrived last night.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 26, 1881
The boss mechanic of the T.V. & C. R.R. trestle work went to Carrollton today to see about the timber.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, August 30, 1881
Two more carloads of piles for the T.V. & C. arrived last night. More timber is expected to arrive today. Regular trains commenced running between Friendship and Richburg yesterday. Three trains each way are running.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, September 5, 1881
In examining the work accomplished on the long trestle work of the T.V. & C. railroad we find that 100 piles have been driven between the creek and the canal. All the piles are driven and ready for the trestle on the west side of the creek, and 12 bents are already up. The pile driver will soon have accomplished its work and we may soon expect to see the trestle work completed. Five bents per day are put up on an average.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, September 7, 1881
Tomorrow is pay day on the T.V. & C. One load of rails for the T.V. & C. arrived at this station yesterday.
Twenty bents went up on the west end of the T.V. & C. trestle yesterday.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, September 15, 1881
The work of laying ties on the T.V. & C. was commenced this morning. It will be pushed rapidly forward.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, September 16, 1881
Two carloads of rails for the T.V. & C. are on the way to Cuba.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, October 1, 1881
A grand strike took place this morning among the employees on the T.V. & C. Their wages had been reduced from $1.75 per day to $1.50 per day. Some of them informed us that if it were possible for them to secure board at a reasonable distance from their work, they would resume labor, but will not under the present circumstances.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, October 3, 1881
A very interesting time was had by the citizens of Cuba last Saturday, caused by the strikers on the T.V. & Cuba railroad. It was enough to make an ordinary person sick and disgusted to see the characters inflamed with whisky lying about the corners of the buildings, and in every available place where they could evade the hand of the officer, and sleep the sweet sleep of the inebriate.
It was actually unsafe for a lady to be on the streets alone. Several fights occurred. A great row took place at the brewery in the afternoon, in which a large number of roughs participated. They made things lively with their fiendish oaths and diabolical yelling. Fighting seemed to be the order of the day.
A large number of arrests were made. It took four men to put one crazy pugilist in the cooler. If a temperance lecture was ever delivered in this vicinity, it was on last Saturday; and if people were not made desperately sick of the stuff, that will make men appear and act as they appeared and acted Saturday, nothing will, and the temperance work may as well cease at once.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, October 18, 1881
The workmen on the T.V. & C. were paid today. A slight "hum" may be expected tonight in consequence.
We understand that the ties on the long trestle will be all laid by tomorrow night. The company are considering the propriety of placing a long iron bridge over he canal. If they should finally decide to do this it would materially hasten the work and aid in bringing the T.V. & C. to an early completion.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, October 24, 1881
A gang of railroaders made things lively about town until a late hour on Saturday evening. They made an attempt to annihilate several of the Cuba boys who were indulging in a quiet game supper, but they miscounted their forces and got worsted.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, December 6, 1881
The T.V. & C. have disposed of their "crab" locomotive to the Wellsville & Eldred railway.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, December 10, 1881
Information direct from Superintendent Patrick of Cuba, says that the bridge building between Cuba and Rushford on the T.V. & C. railroad will be continued this winter and that grading will be commenced again on he first of February.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, December 16, 1881
M.B. Decker is at work at Clarksville getting out ties for the T.V. & C. railroad. A large gang of men are at work at Rushford getting out ties for the railroad.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, February 8, 1882
The Tonawanda Valley & Cuba R.R. Co. is receiving large quantities of hewed
ties all along the line of the road, to be used on the Cuba to Richburg extension,
work on which will be resumed in a short time. It is expected that trains will
be running through from Attica to Richburg and Bolivar by July 1st. The additional
passenger cars for the extension are now being built at York, Pa. - Attica News.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, March 17, 1882
(From the Fairview correspondent)
We are informed that the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad have failed to compromise
with the Rochester & Pittsburg Railroad
company, for the crossing near Freedom as yet. The well known contractors, Antonelli
& Gibson, have contracted to build five miles of the former road from Hardy's
Corners to Rushford, and work in that point is being vigorously pushed.
Buffalo Morning Express, April 11, 1882
As soon as the iron for the crossing of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba, at the
junction with the Erie at Cuba is put in place, the engine now used on the half-hour
train between Richburg and Bolivar will be ordered there to draw the construction
train. Trains are expected to run between Cuba and Rushford by May 1.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, April 26, 1882
The Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad Company have advertised for additional
laborers to work on the road between Cuba and Rushford. Owners of land over
which the road was to pass beyond Rushford demand such exorbitant prices for
the right of way, that surveyors are now trying to secure a less expensive route
in that vicinity.
Cuba Evening Review, July 6, 1882 (excerpt of a story about the
Fourth of July celebration)
The great attraction, however, for Cubans was Rushford. Four trains each way
were furnished by the Tonawanda Valley railroad company. the best accommodations
were offered, the new and luxurious coaches "Cuba" and "Rushford" being run.
Each train was packed to its utmost. The run between the two towns was usually
made in about one hour and five minutes. The road is very smooth the greater
part of the way, although in places it exceedingly rough. During each trip four
stops were made, as follows, Morgan's, Rawson, Hardy's Corners and Rushford.
At Rushford there was little excitement on the streets. (It was raining torrents).
All of the exercises which had been arranged for the occasion were obliged to
be abandoned. Excellent dinners were furnished by the church societies, and
hungry Cubans were not slow in finding them. The Presbyterian dinner-room was
constantly crowded. The viands set forth for the disposal of the hungry guests
were palatable and in great abundance. Mrs. R.Y. Charles seemed to take especial
delight in stuffing her guests.
Dancing was indulged in at the halls in the different hotels. Very little drunkenness was seen, Alec. Lane de carpental" being the principal victim. Many of our citizens had relatives in Rushford. All seemed to enjoy themselves and no one was heard to say they wished they had not gone.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, July 19, 1882
(From the Fairview Correspondent)
Railroad contractor Antonelli has moved his office from this place to Farmersville
station. He occupies a room in the Rowley House. The grading of the Tonawanda
Valley & Cuba Railroad is finished through this place. The graders have reached
within a quarter of a mile of the Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad near Fish
Lake. Capt. Wm. Smith, recently of the Erie R.R. office at Attica, has taken
charge of the T.V. & C. R.R. office at Rushford.
Cuba Evening Review, July 22, 1882
Capt. William Smith, late of the Erie office at Attica, is the new TV&C agent
at Rushford.
Cuba Evening Review, July 24, 1882
Regular trains commence running on the TV&C between Rushford and Cuba today.
The station cry on the Erie now can be "Cuba, change cars for Rushford and Clarksville."
Cuba Evening Review, July 26, 1882
Eight carpenters, who have been working on the railroad trestles in Clarksville,
took the T.V.& C. train yesterday on their way to Arcade, where they will work
on a trestle for the road mentioned, which will be 600 feet long and 20 feet
high.
The Rochester & Pittsburg railroad proposes to build a standard line from its
present line at Ashford to Buffalo. How all these roads are going to be made
to pay is a puzzling question at present.
Cuba Evening Review, July 31, 1882
T.V.& C. Time-Table.
In Effect on and After Monday, July 24.
| Rushford | Cuba | ||
| Lv | Ar | Lv | Ar |
| 6:30 p.m. | 11:35 | 10:35 a.m. | 7:20 a.m. |
| 2:00 p.m. | 7:20 | 6:30 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. |
(Same issue)
Wreck on the T.V.& C.
Wile making the morning trip from Rushford to Cuba, engine 5, of the T.V.& C. train, "Tom" Hale engineer, left the track about one mile south of Morgans and turned completely over on her side. The accident was caused by the brake beam falling on the track. Fortunately no one was hurt. Engine 4, of the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba road, will do wrecking service. This is the first wreck on the new road and may be considered a fortunate escape for the fireman and engineer.
Since the above was in type we learn the engineer, who jumped off on the side on which the engine fell, had a narrow escape in getting out of the way of the falling engine. The pilot and cab were considerably smashed, and it will probably be a number of days before the necessary repairs can be made.
Cuba Evening Review, July 28, 1882
First Cheese Shipments
The first cheese shipped over the new T.V.& Cuba railroad from Rushford arrived
on the early train this morning. The shipment was comprised of the cheese from
three factories, the Rawson and Rawson branch bought by Akerly & Sill of Cuba,
and the Rushford and Fairview, bought by J. Barnes of Arcade. The price paid
was 10 cents. This new cheese line will be another great saving in hauling by
wagon. It was expected that the Rawson cheese would have to be hauled to this
station as before, but the T.V.& C. train was very accommodatingly stopped at
the road crossing in that vicinity and the cheese quickly loaded from the wagons
into the car. The patrons were highly pleased with this act of the road.
The cheese shipped by this new route arrives in Cuba at 7:20 a.m., is kept under
cover all the way and transferred to a ventilated car on the Erie immediately
upon its arrival. This is much better for the cheese and makes less work for
the farmers and will prove a great benefit to all concerned. The new T.V.& C.
road is becoming very popular on account of its good management and accommodating
employees.
Cuba Evening Review, August 4, 1882
Engine 5, of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba road, recently damaged in the wreck,
was taken to Pittsburg for repairs on train 18 last night.
The T.V. & C. road is laid three or four miles beyond Rushford. The grading
was finished last Saturday.
J.S. Antonelle has taken a contract for ballasting on the T.V. road, and has a large gang of men following up the iron gang and putting the track in shape as fast as laid. - Rushford Spectator.
Cuba Evening Review, August 4, 1882
The Kinzua Bridge.
Visitors to the big bridge last Saturday, were treated to an interesting sight,
as the seven-ton girders were then swung across the tops of the 300-foot central
towers by means of the "traveler," which handled the great pieces of iron as
easily as though they were planks. The Rubicon, which in this instance Kinzua
Creek, is now safely crossed, and the bridge being one-half completed the progress
of finishing up will be comparatively rapid, as the remaining towers constantly
decrease in height, and as the iron for each is sorted out and laid out conveniently
on the ground. The middle of September is set for the latest date for completion
of the bridge and it is regarded as quite probable that trains will be running
over it before that time. It is stated that the Erie railroad company will remove
all debris from the chasm, seed it down, erect hotel and make the place a pleasure
resort, something after the manner of Portage. The place could undoubtedly be
made the most attractive in this section of the state. - Bradford Era.
Buffalo Morning Express, September 6, 1882
A prominent railway official is authority for the statement that on the entire
completion of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba and the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railroads,
a radical change will be made in the superintendents of the roads. J.V. D. Loomis
will have charge of the line from Attica to Little Genesee, B.C. Williams will
run the route from Eldred to Wellsville, and C. D. Williams, now on the B.,
E. & C. will have charge of the Addison & Tioga road, now building.
Cuba Evening Review, September 9, 1882
President R.G. Taylor of Buffalo, and Supts. Loomis and Williams, of the T.V.
& C. and the B., E. & C. narrow gauges, held a meeting last evening for the
purpose of considering the best manner of running trains on these new roads.
No definite conclusions were arrived at. However the two roads will make connections
at Cuba and the timetables will be so arranged.
Cuba Evening Review, September 25. 1882
Regular through trains commenced running on the T.V.& C. road to Attica this
morning. Engine 5 is again used on the passenger train in place of Engine 1,
which has lately been used. The dinkey engine used on the T.V. & C. road has
been taken to Addison to be used on the Addison & Northern Pennsylvania road.
It pulled the way freight to Attica this morning and will be transferred on
the Erie to Addison. Ed Bryant and John Robertson accompanied it.
Cuba Evening Review, September 25, 1882
The Genesee Valley Canal company to not intend to build a depot at Nunda.
The village corporation have bothered the company with so many petty law suits
that the road officials think they can sustain the road without Nunda's aid,
and so will neglect the town until a proper spirit of accommodation is manifested.
- Ex.
Cuba Patriot, February 2, 1883
Railroading Under Difficulties
_______
Winter has proved too much for the Tonawanda Valley road, and the little railroad
has had to lay down and take it. Wednesday night a train arrived at this station.
This was the first train from the north since two weeks ago last Tuesday. At
that time three locomotives were blockaded upon the northern end of the road
and a relief train of two locomotives and a car of coal was started from this
place. It managed to get beyond Fairview, when the ice and snow got hold of
it and stopped further progress. The hands who went out with it only managed
to get back here with Wednesday's train.
This pioneer train had a hard time of it to work its passage. It started from Attica Tuesday morning, two engines and a flat car with a flanger attachment for clearing the ice from the rails. It reached Rushford Tuesday night. One engine was sent back and could only get as far as Johnsonburg before it again became stalled on the track but just cleared. After a hard day's work the one engine worked its way to Cuba, getting here at 5 p.m.
It would have been full as well as for the people along the line, and much better for the owners of the road, if they had "hove to" at the commencement of the severe weather, and made no efforts to keep the road open. No preparations had been made for such a winter as we have enjoyed, nor could such a one to some respects be anticipated. It is continually stated that at many points in the fields along the line the snow has had a depth of fourteen feet, and the cuts have been filled to the level. The road has such a course that snow fences will never suffice to protect it from winter's ravages in certain sections, and only snow sheds will do it.
Cuba Patriot, March 9, 1883
Accident on the T.V.R.R.
Monday morning a train on the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba R.R. narrow gauge went
through a bridge between Hardy's Corners and Rushford, and about two miles south
of the latter place. The structure collapsed as the train was crossing it, the
locomotive passing over safely, but the tender broke loose and that and the
passenger coach went down in the wreck.
Fred Gordon of Rushford and a young man named Kelley, of Arcade, a section hand
on the road were injured. The latter was hurt on the lower part of the body,
and died at Tarbell's hotel in Rushford Tuesday afternoon. He was 23 years old.
Gordon was unconscious for a long time and his injuries may result fatally.
Between the blockade caused by the accident and the snow, traffic over this road and the B., E.& C. is again shut off after a week of first-rate efforts. A train went south on Tuesday was stuck in the snow near Clarksville, and was abandoned by the hands.
Rushford Spectator, November 15, 1883
The T.V. & C. railroad will run a train from this place to Cuba Friday for the
accommodation of those who wish to attend the musical concert under the management
of H.R. Palmer. Train will leave this depot at 6 o'clock and return immediately
after the concert.
Rushford Spectator, November 15, 1883
A passenger coach on the T.V. & C. was attached at Cuba by a Mr. Foote, who
claimed to have a board bill against the road employees. A turntable is being
put in at Sandusky on the T.V. R.R.
Rushford Spectator, November 22, 1883
An extra effort will be put forth to keep the T.V. & C. and B .E. & C. railroads
open this winter, owing to the large and increasing freight traffic, they say.
The roadbeds have been put in good condition and ditches opened, which is a
big item over last winter's siege, no water can be run down the track, freeze
and throw the trains from the track constantly.
Rushford Spectator, November 22, 1883
Henry Hall has been appointed agent and operator on the T. V. at North Java.
Rushford Spectator, November 22, 1883
Much comment is being made owing to the removal of Frank Jaggers from the employ
of the T.V. as section boss, not for the reason of his unfaithful discharge
of duties, but simply to make room for another man who was put in his place.
Frank has been in the employ of the company from its infancy, is a sober industrious young man, and has always worked for the best interest of the company, being well liked by those under him. His steadiness and the faithful care and support of an aged mother has aroused the sympathy of the entire community, who will make it manifest on paper, acquainting the HEAD officials with the above facts, and whom they believe are totally ignorant of said case, and crave the return of Mr. Jaggers to his old position.
Rushford Spectator, March 6, 1884
The pay car on the T.V. & C. R.R. made all the "boys" happy Saturday.
Rushford Spectator, April 17, 1884
We are in receipt of a circular from John C. McKenna, General passenger Agent
of the Erie's Narrow Gauge System, the substance of which is as follows: Commencing
April 7, 1884 all regular Excursion Tickets reading between stations on the
Buffalo and Rochester Divisions and points on the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba R.R.,
will be valid for return passage if used on date of issue or within ten days
next thereafter; except that the regular Excursion tickets reading between Buffalo,
Niagara Falls and Suspension Bridge and Tonawanda Valley & Cuba points will
be valid for return passage within thirty days from date of issue. Conductors
will honor these Excursion Tickets for the time limits as above stated, without
regard to the time limitation printed on the tickets until such time as the
present stock is replaced with a new form of Excursion Ticket having the extended
time limit printed thereon.
Rushford Spectator, April 17, 1884
Mr. Peck is now conductor on the TV. in place of Mr. Harris who has gone to
farming. Messrs. Marley and Peck, the two conductors stopping at this place,
have the best wishes of the Rushford people for their gentlemanly and courteous
manners.
Rushford Spectator, April 17, 1884
Fairview - The misfortunate T.V. & C. railroad got into another of its quandaries
on Wednesday last. One of the Erie box cars was tipped over in the most comfortable
manner possible, on the curve leading down to Lone Valley where it lay for a
couple of days, with the breezes curvetting around its massive hulk bearing
the aroma from defunct deacons, freely wafted on every side. On Friday it was
lifted to its proper position and doubtless went on its way rejoicing.
Rushford Spectator, May 1, 1884
Fairview - We are going to have a switch put on the Centerville road crossing;
we are going to have a depot and lots of other necessary additions to the way
of helping Fairview to keep pace with the times.
Rushford Spectator, May 1, 1884
Many complaints are made regarding the T.V.& C. railroad not fencing along the
line of the road. We wish the company might see it for their interest to fence
the road, also to give Rushford a nice depot at once. Her liberality to the
railroad company ought to demand the best depot on the line.
John C. McKenna, General Passenger Agent of the T.V. & C. Railway, was last
week married to Miss Mary A. Seymour, daughter of ex-Alderman John A. Seymour
of Buffalo, and gone to New Orleans on his tour.
Rushford Spectator, May 8, 1884
The increased traffic on the T.V. & C. Railway has caused the night freight
to be put on the road, with Fred Beardsley as conductor.
Rushford Spectator, May 15, 1884
Why can't Rushford have another mail? Other towns along the line of the T.V.
north of us, make up a bag for the train that leaves this place at 6:20 in the
morning, which connects with a through line on the other end, making about 12
hours difference with the arrival of the western mail at its destination.
A bag is also returned on the evening train. Agent Holcomb informs us that
Rushford could be so accommodated by a little effort on the part of our citizens,
a bag made up for the eight o'clock train going south, and one returned on the
6:28 train. More mail would reach destination from six to twelve hours sooner
than by the regular mail train.
Rushford Spectator, June 12, 1884
Fairview - The Tonawanda Valley R.R. is apparently doing a fair business, and
we shall probably have a depot soon, where we expect to see our mail-carrying
pedestrian duly installed as baggage smasher. You must learn telegraphy, Matt,
or will you have one furnished for you?
Rushford Spectator, June 12, 1884
The floor in the engine house of the T.V. & C. Ry. has been torn out and a soft
floor made, of gravel filled in. This is done to prevent having a wet floor
constantly, occasioned by the tanks leaking.
Rushford Spectator, July 3, 1884
A change in the time table of the T.V. & C. R.R. went into effect Monday, June
23. The early train which formerly left at 6:15 a.m. now leaves here at 5;25
a.m. This change is made in order to make connections at Attica with the train
for Rochester, which gives people two or three hours more time in Rochester.
The mail going south passes here at 11:10 and meets the freight at Rawson's
instead of this place as formerly. The freight that was due here at 11:20 and
passed the mail here, now passes Rushford at 12:05, and mail north at 1:20 p.m.
The freight going south that was die at 3:40 p.m., is now due at 3:30 p.m. The
time of the other trains remain the same as before.
Rushford Spectator, July 17, 1884
An open switch was the cause of a slight accident Monday evening. The return
train from Cuba at 6:28 was doing some switch, and upon returning from the upper
switch, backing up, ran into the switch at the depot, which had been left open,
at a rapid rate, demolishing the steps of a coach and disabling the engine slightly,
by coming into contact with two large Erie coal cars, loaded with coal, which
stood upon the switch.
Rushford Spectator, July 24, 1884
The T.V. & C. R.R. Co. distributed some hard cash along the line Monday.
Rushford Spectator, September 18, 1884
David Thomas of Sandusky, employed as brakeman on the T.V. & C. Railroad, was
struck in the head, and knocked from the car, one day last week, while leaning
over looking at a hot wheel, while the train was in motion. His injuries although
quite serious, are not fatal. He is reported as improving.
Rushford Spectator, October 2, 1884
The T. V. & C. paid along the road Tuesday.
Rushford Spectator, October 19, 1884
Fairview - The T.V. paid its employees, you said in your last issue. There has
been no pay received up here by the workmen for a lengthy period. How can the
magnates of the iron steed imagine men with families can meet the needs of the
same? Bread must be found to sustain nature. Clothing is necessary to shield
the form in order to withstand the coming chills of winter.
After faithful work, is not the laborer worthy his hire? Haste then, yet
T.V. men in office, and pay up like men, those who by the sweat of their brow,
earn their daily bread.
Rushford Spectator, Dec. 18, 1884
J.V.D. Loomis has been appointed Superintendent of the T.V. & C. R.R. The appointment
gives generally good satisfaction. Mr. Loomis is no stranger to the line, and
while connected with the road two years ago, made many friends.
Rushford Spectator, January 15, 1885
The T.V. Railroad is the chief topic of conversation with many. The company
are behind on paying employees, about three months. They paid the month of December
the first of Jan., and many are fearful they will not pay any back wages. We
think this a mistake and have not the least doubt that every gent will be paid
as fast as the road earns it. the management are putting every effort forward
to make the road pay. We understand that the train now known as the "mail train"
is to be taken off, and a new timetable, will put the mail on one of the trains
leaving this place. The first train north will leave about one hour later it
is thought and carry the mail, at 6:20 a.m., returning bring us a mail at about
3 p.m., run through to Cuba, returning bring us a mail from the south at about
6 p.m. By this means the company will cut down the expense of one set of hands.
Rushford Spectator, January 22, 1885
As we gave due notice thereof last week, a new timetable went into effect on
the T.V.& C. R.R. Monday. The trains formerly known as the mail trains arriving
at this place at 11:10 a.m. and 1:27 p.m., have been taken off the road entirely,
and there are now but two trains each way a day, both starting from this place.
Trains now leave here going north, 6:30 and 11:27 a.m.; south, 8:00 a.m. and
3;46 p.m.; arrive from Attica and stop over night, 6:36 p.m. Mails depart: North
6:30 a.m.; south, 3:46 p.m., also arrive from north at same time. Mail arrives
from the south at 6:36 p.m.
Cuba Patriot, February 2, 1885
Removal of the Narrow Gauge Office
The office of R.G. Taylor, President and Manager of the B., E.& C. and T.V. & C. railroads has been removed this week from this village to Bradford, the more available center of the narrow gauge system with which Mr. Taylor is connected. Very pleasant rooms had been secured in the Story Block in this village, a telegraph line had been erected, and it was hoped that the location was permanent in Cuba. That it is not is a disappointment.
Cuba subscribed liberally to the bonds of the company to secure the road here. It was not an express stipulation of that agreement that Cuba should have whatever advantages there were in the possession of repair shops and the headquarters, but it was an implied understanding that such should be the case, and this is one reason why thee is disappointment in the condition of affairs. The railroad company have reason for disappointment, too. of the amount subscribed over one third remains unpaid. It may be, possibly, that had this been different, the management of the road would have been more inclined to favor Cuba in a way possible. Those who have paid have a right to complain, perhaps, but certainly those who have not and do not intend to, should have nothing to say.
Rushford Spectator, February 5, 1885
The change in running trains on the T.V. has brought several new railroad men
to this place. The boys with their wives have taken quarters with J.S. Cook
at the Globe, and they report fine accommodations. All are acquainted with Mr.
Cook's ability about the house, and it is needless to say the boys will never
want for good eatables and a clean bed. Messrs. Torpy, conductor; Holcomb, mail
messenger; Briggs, brakeman; are the ones referred to above.
Conductor Marley has withdrawn from the employ of the T.V. This we are sorry to know, as Mr. Marley was well liked by the traveling public. His pleasant phiz will be missed in Rushford.
Rushford Spectator, February 5, 1885
No mail was received at this post office Tuesday. The T.V. was blocked. It is
expected that an extra effort will be made to open the road today (Wed.).
Rushford Spectator, February 19, 1885
The news spread forth Monday morning, that no trains would leave Rushford on
the T.V. railroad until the employees had been paid. The fire in the engines
had been put out and they telegraphed to headquarters what they had done and
what they would expect. No trains were run Monday or Tuesday, and the boys refused
to budge. The company are back four months pay, and the men employed have been
compelled to get trusted for provision until the merchants begin to feel anxious.
Some are actually suffering for want of something to eat and to keep themselves
warm.
Rushford Spectator, February 26, 1885
The tax that was levied on the T.V. engine has been paid.
Rushford Spectator, February 26, 1885
The T.V. R.R. Difficulty
No trains have been run over the T.V. since Saturday, Feb. 14th. When it was
made known on Monday morning that the men refused to run the trains, a telegram
to that effect was sent the superintendent, J.V.D. Loomis, who dispatched the
men that they would be held responsible for the care of the engines, and Wednesday
he came to town for the purpose of effecting a settlement, money having been
received to pay the men for one month, but the road is back four and a half
months pay, and the men demanded their pay in full before they resumed work.
A similar move was agitated some time in December, but was not carried into effect, owing to a report that the receiver would pay up, and about the first of January, one month's wages were paid to the men and they continued to work with the hope that the receiver would soon pay the full amount due, until need of money made it necessary to do something positive.
The facts that the company spent a great deal of money during the summer in ballasting and repairing the road and later in putting up snow sheds, also within a few weeks have contracted with Cornelius Crawford of Java, for 30,000 feet of lumber, would plainly show that they have no intention of suspension and should the road change hands, the company purchasing it would probably not buy it to discontinue. Hence, we have no doubt but that a settlement will be made before long and trains running again.
Much inconvenience has been experienced since the delay by our merchants in receiving freight and express matter, which has come to Attica and then been sent around by way of Cuba.
Later, Supt. Loomis was in town Tuesday and a settlement was made with the employees, by the terms of which trains will be running at once.
Rushford Spectator, March 5, 1885
Off the Track
As the T.V. train, consisting of snow-plow, two engines, two coaches, and a mail and a freight car, was passing the Cole switch just east of this station about five o'clock Tuesday afternoon, the point of the plow struck the the lead rail of the switch, throwing it from the track.
Both engines were reversed, but the train ran by the crossing where the plow left the ties and plunged into a drift on the left of the track, throwing the head of the engine into the ditch on the opposite side, leaving the remainder of the train on the track uninjured.
The train and section men fell to work with earnest zeal and in eight hours had both engine and plow on the track again, for which the boys deserve considerable credit, as they had but few tools and did most of the work after dark.
No one was injured and no damage done except to the pilot of the derailed
engine.
Rushford Spectator, March 26, 1885
In consequence of the severe snowstorms the past month, the trains on the T.V.
have been very irregular, bringing us mails but three or four times in a week.
We could endure this, but when word came to us Saturday that we would see no
more trains until the opening of Spring, we realized the fact that Rushford
was again an inland town and the days of staging had returned. The trains run
as far as Sandusky and the mail is sent from there by stage, and is also brought
from Cuba in the same manner. Much inconvenience is experienced in getting freight,
owing to the bad condition of the roads.
Rushford Spectator, April 30, 1885
The T.V.& C. R.R.
The order was obtained by Mr. Edward C. Randall some time since as attorney for the employees of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad for B.W. Spencer, receiver, to show cause why the wages due the men are not paid, came up for a hearing before Judge Charles Daniels in the special term of the Supreme Court yesterday morning. Mr. Randall appeared for the employees, Mr. Frank H. Platt of New York for the receiver, and Messrs. Daniel H. McMillan and Edward W. Hatch for the judgment creditors.
In answer to the order to show cause, Mr. Platt on behalf of Mr. Spencer, presented a petition showing that he had not sufficient funds in his hands to pay the men and asked authority to issue receiver's certificates to the amount of $20,000 in order to raise the amount necessary to settle with the men and make some necessary repairs to the road.
Mr. McMillan, representing Mr. Gordon, a judgment creditor, claims that there were equities which entitled his client to come in and share in the motion and its benefits and that the amount of the certificates should be increased to an amount sufficient to allow the payment of his client's claim. The court appointed the Hon. Hamilton Ward, ex-Attorney General of the State, as referee to take proofs as to the rights of the several parties and report, the order to show cause being held open in the meantime.
Proofs will be heard by the referee at the office of Carr & Randall, No. 18 Eagle street on Monday, May 11th. - Buffalo Express.
Rushford Spectator, May 7, 1885
The United States Express office at Warsaw will change hands on May 1st. Capt.
W.H. Smith, formerly station agent of the T.V. & C. R.R., at Rushford, succeeding
Homer Holly. The office, we understand, will be located in the store of Bishop
& Rowe, under the new management. - Warsaw Times.
Rushford Spectator, May 14, 1885
The T.V. & C. R.R.
The order of reference made in the matter of the application of R.W. Spencer which was made in response to the order for him to allow when he did not pay the employees of the T.V. & C. R.R. which was due them for wages, in which application the receiver asks for leave to issue $20,000 in receivers certificates, and have for hearing before the Hon. Hamilton Ward, ex-Attorney General, at the law office of Edward C. Randall on Eagle Street Monday.
Frank H. Platt of New York appeared as attorney for B. W. Spencer, the receiver, Thomas G. Hillborne of New York as attorney for the Metropolitan Trust Co., Mfr. Bush of New York and Charles W. Goodyear of this city, attorneys for the Farmers' Loan & Trust C., Edward G. Randall for the unpaid employees, and D.J. McMullan, F. W. Bartlett, R.B. Laning, Col. Scott and Judge Swith as attorneys for judgment creditors, who ask to come and have certificates issued for their claims.
Evidence was given showing that the employees had not been paid for September, October and November, 1884, prior to the appointment of the receiver, and that many of them were in dire distress, and that it was necessary for the successful operation of the road that the employees be retained in the service of the company and that if they were paid, better discipline would prevail and the receiver would be able to reduce the operating expenses.
The receiver showed that the bridges and trestles were in bad condition and in great need of repair to make them safe, and that the road bed was in need of repair, for which he asked sufficient funds with which to pay the necessary expenses. The trust companies made strenuous objects, and oppose the issue of such certificates.
At a late hour Monday night the evidence was closed and the attorney given
until June 2 in which to prepare briefs showing the equities of the interested
parties. The receiver claims if he is furnished funds with which to pay the
employees and make the necessary repairs on the road and fit up the coaches
now in his possession he will be able to reduce the operating expenses and increase
its business so as to make it a paying railroad. [Buffalo Express]
Rushford Spectator, May 21, 1885
Fairview - The funeral cortage of the late Mrs. E. Davis, formerly of this place,
arrived on the T.V. & C., on Tuesday of last week, and from here the body was
taken to Centerville which is the last resting place of the bereaved family.
Rushford Spectator, June 18, 1885
There is talk of putting on a night train on the T.V. & C. railway an extra
engine having been leased from the Springville & Sardinia. (Attica Argus)
Rushford Spectator, July 2, 1885
Our Italian neighbors have moved to Farmersville Station. The T.V. so tardy
in paying was the cause of their migrating to the R.& P.'s employ.
We learn that a decision has been given favorable to the employees of the
T.V. & C. R.R., who commenced an action sometime since to recover money due
them for labor. They will get their pay shortly. [Attica Argus].
Rushford Spectator, July 23, 1885
J.V. D. Loomis, Supt., T.V. & C. R.R., and family, accompanied by friends from
New York are spending a few weeks at Fish Lake. B. W. Spencer, receiver, is
expected to be there soon. They have four tents and seem to be enjoying themselves
hugely.
Rushford Spectator, August 3, 1885
The T.V. employees received their May pay last week.
Rushford Spectator, October 1, 1885
Manley Madison has resigned his position as brakeman on the T.V.& C. road. [Attica
Advocate]
Rushford Spectator, October 29, 1885
Tonawanda Valley & Cuba R.R.
Justice Childs, in the Supreme court last week made an order confirming the report of the Hon. Hamilton Ward, referee in the matter of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad. The referee found that there was due employees the sum of $8,421 and $12,000 was needed to repair the road bed. The order of Judge Childs authorized Mr. Bird W. Spencer receiver to issue receivers certificates and raise the necessary amounts, the certificates to be a prior lien over the mortgages. The Metropolitan Trust Company and the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company, through their attorneys, filed a notice of response to the Special Term and asked for an order staying the issue of the certificates until arguments could be heard. Justice Childs upon the hearing granted the stay upon the filing of a bond for $20,000 to indemnify the receiver and employees against their costs and damages - Buffalo Express.
Rushford Spectator, November 26, 1885
Another Strike on the T.V.
Last Friday morning the whistles on the engines blew even louder than usual
and our people supposed the trains had left on time until the employees were
seen about the streets and upon inquiry we were astonished to find out that
another strike had been made and the turntable taken apart thus preventing any
chance of getting the engines to the main track.
The employees refused to resume work until they receive their back pay. On Saturday
a letter was received, which was written by Mr. Randall, the attorney for the
employees, before the strike, urging the men not to stroke as they were sure
of their back pay. Had the letter been received in time the strike might possibly
been averted.
B.W. Spencer has been ordered to the court the court to show up his account with the T.V. at Buffalo Thursday and nothing will probably be done on the road before the first of the month when it is expected that the matter will be settled and trains running as usual.
Last week the Station agents were allowed to make out their pay from their
remittances, but the other employees have received no pay for the past three
months on last year.
Our citizens of course want the men to get their pay, but as far as we have
learned do not favor the strike, but on the contrary are indignant that such
a course should be pursued, as owing to the miserable condition of the roads
it makes it very inconvenient to get out of our into town and next to impossible
to get freight, which disappoints our merchants very much as they have ordered
their holiday goods and are anxious to receive them.
The mail is received quite regularly from Arcade and Cuba but thus far Buffalo mail has arrived a day late.
Rushford Spectator, December 3, 1885
T.V.& C. R.R.
The T.V. & C., as far as we have been able to learn, is in about the same
condition it was last week. B.W. Spencer, the receiver, failed to appear at
Buffalo and it is reported that he cannot be found. Toe roads are getting better
and freight is being drawn from Cuba by teams, while most of the passenger traffic
goes to Caneadea.
Rushford Spectator, December 17, 1885
In Regard to the T.V. & C. Road.
B. W. Spencer appeared before Judge Swift at Buffalo, on Monday, and rendered an account of his receivership of the T.V. & C. road. He stated that he had $700 in his hands. When asked if he intended to use this money for paying the employees, he said that he did not, but should use it for paying incidental expenses, such as taxes, etc. he also said that if he was allowed to issue certificates for $20,000 the road would be put in running order again. It is rumored about town that the road will be opened again next week, but Superintendent Loomis says it will probably remain closed until spring (Attica Advocate).
Rushford Spectator, December 24, 1885
The T.V.& C.
Supt. Loomis came to town Tuesday and with a few of the old employees, and other men from town, put the turntable together, fired up the engines and left with them for Attica this (Wednesday) morning. What will be the outcome of this move we cannot at present state as numerous are the varied reports circulated.
Rushford Spectator, December 31, 1885
Departure of the T.V.
Last week Tuesday, we stated in this paper, the T.V. engines at this place were fired up and preparations made for leaving. While returning from the tank in the evening, one of the locomotives was thrown from the rails by an open switch, which had evidently been tampered with. The greater part of greater part of the night was spent in replacing it and the next morning Superintendent Loomis, promptly offered a reward of 850 for the appearance of the guilty party. Both engines were run to Attica Wednesday and a return made Thursday for the balance of the rolling stock. Many rumors are afloat as to the object in view in thus removing the property, but we are unable to give any statement as to what the ultimate object of the company may be, or when the road will again be in operation.
Verdict for the Erie.
The suits brought by the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba and the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroads against the Erie railway, were last week decided against the former roads by Judge Donohue before whom they were tried in the Supreme Court last October. These suits were brought to recover under certain contracts between the Erie and the narrow gauge roads to pay their bonded indebtedness. The Erie company refused to pay the deficiencies and defended their actions on the ground that the contracts referred to were illegal and unjust and imposed upon it a heavy burden without any corresponding benefit.
Rushford Spectator, January 7, 1886
The T.V.& C.
The feasibility of running the portion of the T.V. from here to Cuba has been agitated by our businessmen since the strike, and Saturday, Supt. Loomis came over from Attica by special train, called a meeting of the parties interested Saturday evening and proposed to run a train from Rushford to Cuba twice a day if they would guarantee the running expenses. Mr. Loomis then estimated that the expenses would be nearly $600 per month. At first it was thought that the road could not possibly pay that amount, but since then, the expenses have been cut down nearly $100 per month and it is quite probable that the proposition of Mr. Loomis will be given a trial at least.
Rushford Spectator, January 28, 1886
T.V.& C.
Before Justice Childs yesterday a motion was made for the removal of receiver of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad Company. It was asked that the Receiver be removed because he does not operate the road. The court denied the motion on the ground that the Receiver has no money, therefore cannot operate the road, (Express of Tuesday).
Rushford Spectator, March 11, 1886
The employees of the T.V.& C. road have all been paid their back salaries from
the time B.W. Spencer was appointed Receiver, but the salaries which were due
at the time of his appointment, amounted to about $18,000, have not yet been
paid, and the matter is now in the Court of Appeals.
Rushford Spectator, April 8, 1886
The T.V.& C. R.R. to Resume Business at Once.
Last Friday the section men on the T.V.& C. R.R. began work and Monday morning a work train left Attica for the purpose of repairing the road. it was intended to start a passenger and freight train over the road Wednesday, but the severe storm of Tuesday will probably cause a delay of a few days. It has now been four months since the strike, and the conveniences of a railroad will be appreciated by our citizens.
Rushford Spectator, April 15, 1886
The T.V. Running Again.
The first train over the T.V.& C. R.R. this Spring reached this place about four o'clock Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning went on to Cuba and returned to Attica in the afternoon. Monday the train commenced running regularly, making the round trip from Attica to Cuba and return each day.
The road is in better shape than it was at first thought to be, and the section men will soon have it in as good condition as ever.
George Briggs is conductor of the train, Mr. Washburn engineer, and J.V. Jenks of this place is to travel on the train, sell tickets and have charge of the freight business and thus do away with station agents.
Olean Democrat, February 3, 1887
No trains were run last week on the T.V. & C. R.R. owing to the seizure of the
only available locomotive of the road by the tax collector at North Java.
Rushford Spectator, April 14, 1887
G.E. Hyde and E. A. Johnson of Rushford went to Cuba Wednesday, via hand car
on the abandoned T.V. R.R. Mr. Hyde is the operator of the Western Union office
at that place and his trip over the rails was for the purpose of repairing the
telegraphic connections between this place and Rushford. [Cuba Patriot]
Rushford Spectator, January 22, 1887
The T.V. is not running trains at all at present, as the tax collector at Java
Center has levied on the engine and locked it up at that place.
Bradford Era, August 9, 1887
Suit has been brought in the Supreme Court by fifty employees of the Tonawanda
& Cuba branch of the New York, Lake Erie & Western to recover $80,000 in wages.
The complaint alleges that when the company was reorganized out of the Tonawanda
Valley and the Tonawanda Valley Extension and the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba, in
1882, there was a large of stock, for which noi payment was made by the stockholders.
The plaintiffs want to know from the court what is the remedy against the stockholders,
assuming that they have not paid the face value of their stock.
Olean Democrat. November 12, 1891
Fairview
-----
The Tonawanda Valley Railroad Will be Removed to Pennsylvania
Fairview, N.Y., Nov. 10 . - It is now ascertained that the Tonawanda Valley
Railroad was purchased by a syndicate of millionaires who are removing the metals,
which are disposed of to a railroad company in Pennsylvania. There will be a
broad gauge road laid from Attica to Fish Lake and thence to Cuba. It is concluded
nothing will be done.
Hornellsville Tribune, November 17, 1891
The T.V. R.R. rails are being hauled away. W. F. Bronson, of Painted Post has
bought the rails for a distance of 20 miles and offers enough to lay the track
from Rushford to Cuba for $30,000.
Olean Weekly Democrat, April 13, 1894
The End of a Railroad
According to present appearances, the Attica & Freedom railroad, better known
as the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroad, will soon be a thing of the past. O.O.
Stockwell and Brooks Humphrey, together with several residents along the line
of the road, have been at work since the sale of the road under foreclosure
last January, trying to organize a new company to purchase, improve and run
the road.
So many have lost money in the different ventures in connection with the railroad that investors are hard to find, and the plan will not be likely to succeed. Some private citizens of Java have offered the Metropolitan Loan & Trust Co., of New York, present owners of the road road, $25,000 for the property. The offer has been refused.
The Loan and Trust Co. people state that they are going to tear up the rails and sell them for old iron. They are asking, it is reported, for bids on the contract to take up the rails and pile them in the railroad yards in Attica. - Hornellsville Times.