Baldwin, Chemung County, New York
Encyclopedia
Baldwin is a town
in Chemung County
, New York
, United States
. The population was 853 at the 2000 census. The town name is derived from Thomas and Waterman Baldwin, two of the earliest settlers of the area.
The Town of Baldwin is east of Elmira
. It is part of the 'Elmira
, New York
Metropolitan Statistical Area'.
Soon after the Granger brothers Henry Tice came to Hammond Corners with his family from Ulster County in downstate NY in 1815. Also in 1815 came Jason Hammond with his five sons, Elisha,James, Robert, David and Cornelius. In the years that followed many more families came from New England including Peter McCumber for whom the area known as "McCumber Corners" is named. Other families were the Whitakers, Collsons, Browns, Elstons, Drakes and many more. Many of these families still reside in the township or have close ties.
The first church society was organized in 1818 with worship services being held in various citizen's homes. It wasn't until 1852 that a church was built to serve all different faiths of the community. This church is the one that is still in use in North Chemung known as the United Methodist Church. In 1910 a church was built in Hicks and it too continues to be used.
The first school in Baldwin was started in 1819 with the children taught by John Tuthill Jr in a cabin owned by John Brooks. The first school house was built in 1821 at the corner of the North Chemung Cemetery. In 1869 new schoolhouse was later built across the road where the building remains still. It has been a store, a private home and now belongs to the United Methodist Church primarily used to house the local food pantry.
The Town of Baldwin was founded by an act of the state legislature on April 7, 1856 from part of the Town of Chemung
. The first town meeting was held May 6, 1856 at the house of Daniel R Harris, innkeeper. William H Little was elected Town Supervisor, Johnson Little as Town Clerk, Daniel R Harris as Commissioner of the Highways, William R Drake, William and Jeremiah McCumber as Justices of the Peace.
In 1856 Baldwin was a small village, the 1860 census shows a population of 274. There were several shops and businesses that were closely linked to the agricultural makeup of the town. There were also sawmills, and lumber not used locally was floated down Baldwin Creek which runs through the town and on to Elmira to be sold.
Social life was very localized, but for holidays and special occasions there would have been community wide square dances filled with fun and music. In the early years of the town, medicine shows and peddlers' arrival would have been another exciting event for the people living there.
In 1875 there were 1006 people living in Baldwin. However with the rise of the Industrial Age there was less demand for hand crafted goods produced locally. With the completion of several railroad lines in Elmira, more people began leaving Baldwin to make a living working in the factories in Elmira and beyond. By 1911 the town's population was down to 476.
Interestingly enough, on May 22 1923 one hundred citizens of the town petitioned the supervisors of the county to have the town of Baldwin dissolved. The reason they gave was that the tax rates were excessive for citizens because of the lack of businesses in the township. It was proposed that the town be parcelled off an incorporated into the neighboring towns of Erin and Chemung. However the petition was denied by the county as once a boundary is laid down on the official maps it would take too much legal formality to change, and a unanimous demand would be required to do so.
In 1956 the town celebrated its 100th anniversary with a parade, dance and other fun. The town also celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2006 much in the same fashion with many local and state dignitaries in attendance.
The census in 2000 listed the total population of Baldwin at 853. Farming continues to be a way of life for some in the town to this day, but to a much lesser extent. The past 20 years has seen many family farms, specifically dairies, close down operations as the cost of farming outweighs the income. Recently there has been an increased interest in natural gas drilling within the town and region although a state moratorium is in effect while the environmental effects of hydrofracking are researched. Short of a few small home based businesses, the majority of Baldwin's residents are employed in Elmira and the surrounding communities.
Life in the 21st century places demands on the citizens that take them outside the towns borders for both work and play, and Baldwin is sometimes referred to by citizens as a "bedroom community" where people come to sleep; everything else is done elsewhere. Still there is much history in this sleepy community and the traces of yesterday are still to be found. In fact many of the older roads used in days gone by are now little more than a cleared path through the woods between existing roads for hikers to roam. There is evidence along the banks of Baldwin Creek remaining from the days of lumber mills that once occupied its shores, and many of the homes buildings still stand, some still occupied by the descendants of those who built them.
, the town has a total area of 25.8 square miles (66.8 km²), of which, 25.8 square miles (66.8 km²) of it is land and 0.04% is water.hello hello
The Town of Baldwin lies in the southeastern section of Chemung County N.Y.. It is the second to smallest town in the county and is bounded on the North by the Town of Erin, to the East by Chemung, and Tioga County, on the West by Elmira.
The main areas of population are the hamlets of North Chemung and Hicks. Hicks is located in the extreme northern area of the township and North Chemung more to the center. Laying on very flat land between high hills, North Chemung is exceedingly sensitive to climactic changes and at one time was known as "The Icebox of Chemung County" for its winter temperatures being much colder than elsewhere in Cheming County.
of 2000, there were 853 people, 334 households, and 254 families residing in the town. The population density
was 33.1 people per square mile (12.8/km²). There were 362 housing units at an average density of 14.1 per square mile (5.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.30% White, 0.82% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.23% Asian, and 1.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.23% of the population.
There were 334 households out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.9% were married couples
living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.7% were non-families. 20.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.89.
In the town the population was spread out with 23.4% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 109.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $39,219, and the median income for a family was $42,250. Males had a median income of $31,424 versus $23,558 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $19,075. About 5.9% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.4% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
in Chemung County
Chemung County, New York
Chemung County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. It is part of the 'Elmira, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area' which encompasses all of Chemung County. As of the 2010 census, the population was 88,830. Its name is derived from the name of a Delaware Indian village . Its...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 853 at the 2000 census. The town name is derived from Thomas and Waterman Baldwin, two of the earliest settlers of the area.
The Town of Baldwin is east of Elmira
Elmira, New York
Elmira is a city in Chemung County, New York, USA. It is the principal city of the 'Elmira, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area' which encompasses Chemung County, New York. The population was 29,200 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Chemung County.The City of Elmira is located in...
. It is part of the 'Elmira
Elmira, New York
Elmira is a city in Chemung County, New York, USA. It is the principal city of the 'Elmira, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area' which encompasses Chemung County, New York. The population was 29,200 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Chemung County.The City of Elmira is located in...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
Metropolitan Statistical Area'.
History
While it is most likely that hunters and trappers passed though the area in earlier years,Baldwin was first settled around 1813, credit given to Charles and Warren Granger as being the first white settlers to the area. The brothers put down roots on what was first called "Hammond Corners" and would later become North Chemung. The trek to their new home would haeve been difficult, due in part to thick virgin forest and ravines as well as swampland thick with underbrush.Soon after the Granger brothers Henry Tice came to Hammond Corners with his family from Ulster County in downstate NY in 1815. Also in 1815 came Jason Hammond with his five sons, Elisha,James, Robert, David and Cornelius. In the years that followed many more families came from New England including Peter McCumber for whom the area known as "McCumber Corners" is named. Other families were the Whitakers, Collsons, Browns, Elstons, Drakes and many more. Many of these families still reside in the township or have close ties.
The first church society was organized in 1818 with worship services being held in various citizen's homes. It wasn't until 1852 that a church was built to serve all different faiths of the community. This church is the one that is still in use in North Chemung known as the United Methodist Church. In 1910 a church was built in Hicks and it too continues to be used.
The first school in Baldwin was started in 1819 with the children taught by John Tuthill Jr in a cabin owned by John Brooks. The first school house was built in 1821 at the corner of the North Chemung Cemetery. In 1869 new schoolhouse was later built across the road where the building remains still. It has been a store, a private home and now belongs to the United Methodist Church primarily used to house the local food pantry.
Early Firsts
- First child born - Simeon Hammond in 1815
- First death - Thomas Weaver (killed by a falling log) in 1820
- First Wedding - Nicholas Patterson to Anna Tice in 1818
- First Local Physician - Doctor J.W. Moore in 1836
- First Mail Service - In 1843 Anthony Collson, Postmaster
The Town of Baldwin was founded by an act of the state legislature on April 7, 1856 from part of the Town of Chemung
Chemung, New York
Chemung is a town in Chemung County, New York, USA. The population was 2,665 at the 2000 census. The town name is derived from the river flowing through it, which means in the native dialect, "Big Horn."...
. The first town meeting was held May 6, 1856 at the house of Daniel R Harris, innkeeper. William H Little was elected Town Supervisor, Johnson Little as Town Clerk, Daniel R Harris as Commissioner of the Highways, William R Drake, William and Jeremiah McCumber as Justices of the Peace.
In 1856 Baldwin was a small village, the 1860 census shows a population of 274. There were several shops and businesses that were closely linked to the agricultural makeup of the town. There were also sawmills, and lumber not used locally was floated down Baldwin Creek which runs through the town and on to Elmira to be sold.
Social life was very localized, but for holidays and special occasions there would have been community wide square dances filled with fun and music. In the early years of the town, medicine shows and peddlers' arrival would have been another exciting event for the people living there.
In 1875 there were 1006 people living in Baldwin. However with the rise of the Industrial Age there was less demand for hand crafted goods produced locally. With the completion of several railroad lines in Elmira, more people began leaving Baldwin to make a living working in the factories in Elmira and beyond. By 1911 the town's population was down to 476.
Interestingly enough, on May 22 1923 one hundred citizens of the town petitioned the supervisors of the county to have the town of Baldwin dissolved. The reason they gave was that the tax rates were excessive for citizens because of the lack of businesses in the township. It was proposed that the town be parcelled off an incorporated into the neighboring towns of Erin and Chemung. However the petition was denied by the county as once a boundary is laid down on the official maps it would take too much legal formality to change, and a unanimous demand would be required to do so.
In 1956 the town celebrated its 100th anniversary with a parade, dance and other fun. The town also celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2006 much in the same fashion with many local and state dignitaries in attendance.
The census in 2000 listed the total population of Baldwin at 853. Farming continues to be a way of life for some in the town to this day, but to a much lesser extent. The past 20 years has seen many family farms, specifically dairies, close down operations as the cost of farming outweighs the income. Recently there has been an increased interest in natural gas drilling within the town and region although a state moratorium is in effect while the environmental effects of hydrofracking are researched. Short of a few small home based businesses, the majority of Baldwin's residents are employed in Elmira and the surrounding communities.
Life in the 21st century places demands on the citizens that take them outside the towns borders for both work and play, and Baldwin is sometimes referred to by citizens as a "bedroom community" where people come to sleep; everything else is done elsewhere. Still there is much history in this sleepy community and the traces of yesterday are still to be found. In fact many of the older roads used in days gone by are now little more than a cleared path through the woods between existing roads for hikers to roam. There is evidence along the banks of Baldwin Creek remaining from the days of lumber mills that once occupied its shores, and many of the homes buildings still stand, some still occupied by the descendants of those who built them.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 25.8 square miles (66.8 km²), of which, 25.8 square miles (66.8 km²) of it is land and 0.04% is water.hello hello
The Town of Baldwin lies in the southeastern section of Chemung County N.Y.. It is the second to smallest town in the county and is bounded on the North by the Town of Erin, to the East by Chemung, and Tioga County, on the West by Elmira.
The main areas of population are the hamlets of North Chemung and Hicks. Hicks is located in the extreme northern area of the township and North Chemung more to the center. Laying on very flat land between high hills, North Chemung is exceedingly sensitive to climactic changes and at one time was known as "The Icebox of Chemung County" for its winter temperatures being much colder than elsewhere in Cheming County.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 853 people, 334 households, and 254 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 33.1 people per square mile (12.8/km²). There were 362 housing units at an average density of 14.1 per square mile (5.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.30% White, 0.82% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.23% Asian, and 1.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.23% of the population.
There were 334 households out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.9% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.7% were non-families. 20.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.89.
In the town the population was spread out with 23.4% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 109.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $39,219, and the median income for a family was $42,250. Males had a median income of $31,424 versus $23,558 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $19,075. About 5.9% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.4% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.
Communities and locations in the Town of Baldwin
- Baldwin Creek – A stream flowing out of the west side of the town.
- Hicks – A hamlet in the eastern part of the town on County Road 3.
- Maccombers Corners – A location on County road 22, east of North Chemung.
- North Chemung – A hamlet at the intersection of Country Roads 1 and 41.
- Wynkoop Creek – A stream flowing through the east of Baldwin.
External links
- Tri-Counties Genealogy & History: Town of Baldwin, Chemung County NY
- This blog is based in Baldwin, NY