Constable, Osborne (D.), 91; Hayes (Ind.), 51. Assessor: Osborne, 89; Brinton (R.), 50. Judge of election: P. Fragner (R.), 78; G. W. McMullen (D.), 46. Inspector of election: C. M. Hendrickson (R.), 68.

First Ward, Second Precinct-Select council: Andrews (R.), 139; O'Donnell (D.), 97. Common council: Steinberger (D.), 158; Ruble (D.), 135; Moore (R.), 124; Hawkins (R.), 4. School controller: Durfey (D.), four years, 180; Neely (D.), two years, 148; Greenewald (R.), 30. Constable: Osborne (D.), 151; Hayes (Ind.), 94. Assessor: Osborne (D.), 151; Brinton (R.), 80. Judge of election: P. H. Gallagher (D.), 152; H. K. Welch (R.), 58. Inspector of election: T. F. Mayer, 158; C. A. Dickinson, 55.

Second Ward-Select council: Zane (R.), 201; Sondheim (D.), 89. Common council: L. E. Hamsher (R.), 210; W. K. Laney (R.), 211. School controller: J. T. Jones (R.), 210; W. R. Weaver (R.), 210. Constable: Gibbons (R.), 206. County assessor: Thomas (R.), 275. Judge of election: John R. Zook (R.), 206; B. F. Smith (D.), 84. Inspector of election: W. B. Chapman (R.), 204; J. H. Dibble (D.), 84.

Third Ward-Select council: Ruddy (D.), 206; Hockenberry (R.), 111. Common council: Quigley (D.), 162; McAllister (R.), 159; Coffey (D.), 158; Lucas, 151. School controller: Adsit (R.), 214; Mayer (Ind.), 163; Hager (D.), 129; Wilcox (D.), 71. Constable: Fennerty (D.), 207; McMahon (R.), 107. County assessor: Fennerty (D.), 191; Blair (R.), 124. Judge of election: M. W. Chaffee (D.), 174; George Duffey (R.), 145. Inspector: Clarence Merrow (D.), 175; C. Hill (R.), 142.

Fourth Ward-Select council: Howe (R.), 187; Flynn (D.), 100. Common council: Kennedy .(R.), 283; Weaver (R.), 131; Scott (D.), 59. School controller: Booth (R.), four years, 288; Miller (R.), two years, 217; Davis (D.), two years, 71. Constable: Spreetor (R.), 288. County assessor: Haggerty (R.), 215; Robbins (D.), 71. Judge of election: W. F. Robinson (R.), 288. spector of election: N. J. Loveless (R.), 219; Frank Costello (D.), 71.

In

Fifth Ward-Select council: Harrington (R.), 127; Rusch (D.), 65. Common council: Flynn (R.), 429; Roberts (R.), 112; Murray (D.), 87; Brooks (D.), 52. School controllers: Huff (R.), two years, 121; Harris (R.), four years, 118; Walker (D.), four years, 75; Mallick (D.), two years, 70. Constable: Tadder (R.), 117; Harrigan (D.), 70. County assessor: Gowdy (R.), 122. Judge of election: William Maginn (R.), 122; J. W. Slattery (D.), 70. Inspector of election: John B. Pierson (R.), 120; W. Enches (D.), 72.

City Finances.-Prior to 1887 there were two valuations of taxable property in the city, one for city purposes and one for county purposes. The valuation for county purposes was at least one-third, and often one-half, less than the valuation for city purposes. But it happened that the supreme court in 1886 declared the act of 1875 (the act under which two assessments were permissible) unconstitutional. This made it necessary to fall back to the county valuation as a basis for the city assessment in 1887, which brought the valuation down from $1,500,000 to $1,000,000.

The bonded indebtedness of the city, December 31, 1888, as shown in Mayor Dempsey's address, is as follows:

Bonds issued December 1, 1881, to purchase old water-works, due December 1. 1891, $3,500; purchased by sinking fund commissioners, $1,000; leaving a balance outstanding of, $2,500; cash in treasury, $1,157.04, which leaves a balance of $1,342.96 to be raised in three years, or $447.65 this year, together with interest on $3,500 amounting to $210, making a total of $657.65.

Bonds issued May 1, 1883, for the erection of the city building and funding the floating debt, $17,900; purchased for benefit sinking fund, $1,900; leaving a balance outstanding of $16,000; cash in treasury, $6,431.37, which leaves a balance of $9,568.63 to be taken

care of in four years, or $2,376.99 this year with interest on $17,900, amounting to $1,074, making a total this year for principal and interest of $3,450.99.

Bonds issued December 1, 1883, for building new water works, due December 1, 1893, $20,000; purchased for benefit sinking fund, $8,000; balance outstanding, $12,000. Amount in treasury to be credited to payment of these bonds, $2,857.88, which leaves a balance to be paid in five years of $9,142.12 or $1,828.42 to provide for the incoming year. Bonds issued December 1, 1883, due December 1, 1898. Amount of bonds. $20,000; cash in treasury, $2,381.20, leaving a balance to be paid in ten years of $17,618.80; in order to liquidate this we will have to raise this year $1,761.88.

Bonds issued December 1, 1883, due December 1, 1903. Amount of bonds. $25,000; cash in treasury to apply, $1,984.33; amount to be raised in fifteen years, $23,015.67; amount required to be raised this year, $1,534.37.

Total to be provided for this year.

Bonds due December 1, 1891, $657.65; bonds due May 1, 1893, $3,450.99; water bonds due December 1, 1893, $1,828.42; water bonds due December 1, 1898, $1,761.88; water bonds due December 1, 1903, $1,534.37; interest on water bonds, $3,900; all showing a total of $13,133.31.

The total assets of the city on January 1, 1889, were estimated at $141,885.27, of which the water works were said to be worth $102,000; the city building, $8,000, and fire department houses and outfits, $5,200.

The municipal act of May, 1887, was declared unconstitutional in 1888, and some difficulty in managing the affairs of the city ensued; but the act of 1889 remedied this, and in April, 1890, the city officers chosen in February, under this act, assumed their duties.

Police Department. The oldest police record dates back to 1879 when Thomas Murphy was chief, with Abel Edick, Nelson Morrell, John C. McCrea, S. H. Emmerson and Thomas McDonough, policemen. In 1880 John C. McCrea took Chief Murphy's place, and William Quirk and William McAndrews were added to the force. In July, J. D. Fiscus, J. W. Riley and S. W. Truck were added. On the 21st of this month no less than fifty-one arrests were made within houses of prostitution. The old officers may be said to have continued in service until 1887, when John Wilson, Cummings, and Bent and Hills were appointed, and Ed. Ronan came in later, vice Wilson. In 1887 N. J. Stanton succeeded John C. McCrea as chief, and he was succeeded in April, 1889, by Thomas E. McCrea, chief, who along with William Rohne, Matthew Donahue and P. H. Donnelly form the present police force. The police docket, which was opened December 17, 1888, was filled up January 28, 1890. It contains 500 pages and represents about 1,500 arrests.

In years now gone forever the position of the police officer was no sinecure. Desperate men and even women came here at intervals. Even the obsequious Chinaman got into trouble in those days. In June, 1880, Wah Lee delivered a bundle of laundry goods to some girls on the island, who refused to pay him. He battled for repossession, but was driven to retreat, after leaving marks of his visit on the faces of the girls. Charged with assault, he was brought before Justice McClure, and after a ludicrous attempt to defend himself, was remanded for trial, and subsequently was punished.

The first murder ever recorded at Bradford was that of Maj. Ashton, a colored man, August 23, 1883, George Gordon, another colored man, being charged with the murder.

Fire Department.-A movement to organize* a hose company resulted in the formation of the F. S. Johnson Hose Company No. 1. This took place on August 2, 1877. The company was furnished with 1,000 feet of hose and a two-wheeled cart, by the borough. The hose house was on Barbour street, in Whitney & Wheeler's old barn. Another barn located on the public square was used as a place of meeting. In the loft of that building the first needs of the hose boys were

From the Era.

brought up and acted upon, with Frank Whalen in the chair. Later on the Johnsons fitted up a building on Pine street and made their headquarters there. Their first fight with the fiery enemy was the conflagration which destroyed the old Bradford House. In recognition of their gallant services at this fire the citizens purchased a carriage for them, and since that time they have played well their parts in saving life and property from the devouring element. Their present headquarters are in the city building. This company was incorporated March 7, 1881. The following is a list of the present officers: President, Thomas Blakely; vice-president, Thomas Osborne; recording secretary, B. McAllister; treasurer, George Carney; foreman, D. A. Ropp; first assistant foreman, Jacob Heckel; second assistant foreman, Charles Robbins.

One of the foremost organizers of the fire department was Mr. J. L. Andrews, who for several terms held the position of chief engineer. He helped to build up the department, and the fame of Bradford's excellent organization spread all over the country. Mr. Andrews laid the foundation for the Era Hook and Ladder Company, which was the second fire-fighting company organized in Bradford. This was in June, 1878. Mr. Andrews raised the money and went to New York and purchased the truck, which cost $1,000, and has served its purpose admirably. As a company for work the Eras are second to none in the State, and, as the name implies, they are up with the times.” They belong to the era in which we live. Headquarters, city building. The present officers are: President, H. H. North; vice-president, Charles H. Steiger; treasurer, Robert L. Edgett; secretary, Fred. Humbert; financial secretary, Frank Levens; wardrober, Charles F. Genthner; foreman, Charles F. Genthner; first assistant, J. J. Hutchinson; second assistant, J. Disney.

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Citizens' Hose Company No. 2 was organized November 27, 1878. Their first conveyance for carrying hose was a sleigh, the runners of which were made of bent pipe two inches in thickness. The motto of this hose company, semper paratus, is well sustained by their record in checking the ravages of fire. William M. Williams, now of Buffalo, was their first foreman. This organization has furnished the two latest chief engineers of the department, James E. Grainger, and the present incumbent, J. F. Campbell. Their headquarters are on Newell avenue, near Webster street. They are earnest and effective in their work. The present officers are: President, J. C. Greenewald; vice-president, Herman Frank; treasurer, M. Schaaf; recording secretary, Len. Chadwick; financial secretary, J. W. Ruble; foreman, J. H. Burns; first assistant foreman, James Casey.

Whitney Hose Company No. 3 was organized November 12, 1878, and commenced a brilliant career with the Johnson's old pumper and 500 feet of rubber hose. They soon acquired a good footing, and established their headquarters on Barbour street, where they now have a fine building and first-class equipment. E. N. Southwick, who has been elected to the positions of first assistant and chief engineer, was presented by the company with a hat, belt and trumpet in 1880. The presentation was made by William McVeigh, foreman. These were his remarks: "Nate, here is something the boys got youthe speech will be ready next week." Nate was nearly overcome, but managed to say: "Much obliged, Bill; my speech will be ready at the same time." The Whitney boys are firemen of the "first water." The present officers are: President, W. B. Potter; vice-president, T. Whiting; secretary, James Bell; foreman, Thomas White; first assistant foreman, D. Smith; second assistant foreman, C. Hudson.

The Weaver Hose Company (independent) is an organization composed of employes of the firm of Emery & Weaver. They are well prepared for service,

being backed up by the steamer "Lewis Emery, Jr." They are thorough firemen. The present officers of the Weaver Hose and Steamer Company are: President, M. B. Bailey; treasurer, C. D. Evans; secretary, Ed. Caldwell; foreman, E. A. Guy; assistant foreman, G. F. Guy; engineer of steamer, John Doty.

The Central Hose Company (independent) was organized in the fall of 1885, and since that time has accomplished good work in fighting fire. The majority of the members belong to the Central Iron Works and the Oil Well supply shops. They beat the record in a hose race in this city September 1 of the present year by running 100 yards in 31 seconds. They should join the department. The present officers are: President, H. W. Eaton, Jr.; vicepresident, W. J. Bovaird; recording secretary, J. M. Crawford; financial secretary, W. H. Zahnizer; foreman, C. S. Flick; first assistant foreman, S. H. Nightingale; second assistant foreman, J. J. Crosby.

The Falcon Hose Company is a Third Ward independent organization which is always ready to respond to an alarm. It was formed to protect property remote from the other companies' headquarters, and deserves encouragement.

The present officers of the Bradford Fire Department are: President, Herman Frank; vice-president, J. B. Fuller; secretary, M. Cohn; treasurer, J. C. Greenewald; chief engineer, J. Campbell; first assistant engineer, Bert McAllister; second assistant engineer, Harry Campbell.

The Bradford Exempts are firemen who have seen veteran service, and have retired on their laurels. They own a large and finely furnished building on Kennedy street. They are firemen to the back bone. Their handsome quarters are a favorite resort. The parlors are furnished with pictures donated by citizens, and the floor is covered with a costly carpet. Here the Exempts meet and talk over old times. The Exempts have a striking parade uniform and always command the lion's share of the public attention. Mr. C. L. Wheeler has served as president since the organization of the company. The present officers are: President, C. L. Wheeler; vice-president, M. McMahon; secretary, George L. Blakeley; treasurer, J. C. Greenewald; foreman, J. L. Andrews; first assistant foreman, Thomas Osborne; second assistant foreman, Col. B. Adams; directors, J. W. Ruble, Arthur Colby, J. F. Campbell, T. C. Kelly. Two steam fire engines, known as "L. Emery, Jr., and 'City of Bradford," are two fine machines that are useful adjuncts to the efficient fire department. The "Emery" steamer is housed in the rear of Emery & Weaver's store, Main street, and the "City of Bradford" is kept in the city building. The Bradford Fire Police Brigade was organized in December, 1878. The object of the organization was to keep crowds from interfering with firemen while at work, and to stop the operations of thieves. While this company lasted much good work was accomplished in that line of duty. The fire police disbanded and sold their effects some months ago.

The United Hose Company No. 4 was organized March 25, 1879. This company was composed of men employed mostly by the United Pipe Line. They were originally organized to protect the Pipe Line property in the city, but were admitted to the department in July, 1879. Their record is a good one. This company disbanded a few years ago, much to the regret of all citizens.

Water-Works.-The Bradford Water-Works Company was incorporated in June, 1877, with C. S. Whitney, president; T. J. Melvin, treasurer; T. A. Hylands, secretary; A. W. Newell, Lewis Emery, Jr., Thomas Bradley and H. J. Pemberton, directors. The capital stock was placed at $7,000, which

was owned by fifty stockholders. In October, 1879, Fuller, Bayne & Whitney, representing the Water-Works Company, proposed to sell to the city for $17,981.66, if the annual rental would not be increased to $4,600, but a proposition by the city was accepted. As told in the pages devoted to the organization of the city, Bradford owns the present water-works system.

Light and Heat Companies.-The Keystone Gas Company of Bradford was chartered in February, 1882, with J. B. Bradley, E. O. Emerson, E. C. Bradley, J. N. Pew and John A. Johnson, directors. The object was to supply gas and heat to the people along the summit from State Line southwest to Big Shanty, and to drill and pump oil wells. The Bradford Light and Heat

ing Company, incorporated in June, 1879, offers additional advantages.

The Bradford Electric Light and Power Company purchased Thornton's big rink building in October, 1889, and converted it into an immense electric light establishment. Among the incorporators are J. H. Rose, D. W. Robertson, W. C. Walker & Co., D. Phillips and Potter & Wood.

Banks, Etc.-The McKean County Bank was chartered May 13, 1857, with Solomon Sartwell, George B. Backus, John C. Backus, Samuel C. Hyde, Sylvanus Holmes, Samuel L. Casey, Wells D. Wallbridge, A. M. Benton and Daniel Kingsbury, directors, who were appointed to establish a bank at Smethport on a capital stock of $150,000. Contrary to the charter some of these financiers determined to locate at Bradford, and called a meeting to elect directors for June 8, at the office of Daniel Kingsbury. The Smethport stockholders protested, and had O. J. Hamlin prepare such protest. This was partially successful, for the wily bankers did pretend to have headquarters at Smethport for a time. In January, 1858, a certificate of capital stock was issued to Hannah L. Hamlin for two twenty-dollar shares in this concern. Samuel C. Hyde and John C. Backus signed the certificate as commissioners, while Solomon Sartwell, Jr., was the third commissioner.

Col. Henry, in his reminiscences of this bank, states that 'a longlegged, gander-heeled, old bank swindler from Rhode Island, with Timothy O. Grannis and one Deidrich, of Utica, N. Y., came to Smethport, bringing with them three or four boxes said to contain about $34,000 in specie. They interested Daniel Kingsbury and others in their plans, had a charter from the State, elected Kingsbury president, Grannis, vice-president, and Deidrich, cashier, and placed their bills in circulation. Kingsbury was ultimately left liable for large sums, while the cashier walked off with $75,000 in bills, but was captured and made disgorge."

The Bradford National Bank commenced business July 25, 1879, succeeding the Bradford Bank (limited), capital $100,000. The first board of directors were as follows: W. C. Allison, T. E. Allison, James O'Neill, G. A. Berry, R. F. Borckman. The following were the officers: R. F. Borckman, president; O. F. Schonblom, vice-president; J. F. Merrill, cashier; J. F. Thompson, assistant cashier. On January 8, 1884, the management changed, the following being the new board: O. F. Schonblom, P. T. Kennedy, W. C. Kennedy, G. A. Berry, S. G. Slike, with O. F. Schonblom, president; P. T. Kennedy, vice-president; T. H. Tomlinson, cashier; J. M. Fink, assistant cashier. On January 13, 1885, the board changed as follows: P. T. Kennedy, O. F. Schonblom, W. C. Kennedy, H. F. Whiting, R. J. Straight, with the following officers: O. F. Schonblom, president; P. T. Kennedy, vice-president; T. H. Tomlinson, cashier; C. A. Mitchell, assistant cashier. The above named have all remained in office except the cashier, of which office S. P. Kennedy is now incumbent. On September 21, 1886, the capital was increased from $100,000 to $200,000, and the surplus is $40,000.