Dates of operation 1859–1894 | ||
Locale Syracuse, New York to DeWitt, New York and Messina Springs, New York Track gauge 4 ft 8 ⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Headquarters Syracuse, New York, United States | ||
The Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad, an interurban rail in Syracuse, New York was established in 1859. This was one of the most important of the first lines and operated as a steam road. The company was awarded the operation rights for the Burnet Avenue route as well as the Burnet Street Car Company.
Contents
- History
- Operations
- Financial
- Company management
- Syracuse and Oneida railroad
- Bankruptcy
- Syracuse and East Side railroad
- References
In 1889, the company had reorganized and eventually owned 10 miles (16 km) of road that ran from Burnet Avenue through Eastwood to Messina Springs and DeWitt. The company went bankrupt in 1894.
History
The Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad had reorganized and was chartered on September 6, 1889. Several miles of track were under construction by late 1889. The first line in operation was 4 miles (6.4 km) long and on the overhead system operated by the "Short system" of electricity.
Operations
By 1894, the company owned two motor cars.
Financial
During July 1891, the "state board of railroad commissioners" approved an increase in the capital from $40,000 to $150,000. At end of fiscal year in June 30, 1892 a first mortgage was outstanding at $46,092 and capital stock par value $100 per share.
Company management
Officers of the company in 1889 were president, N. L. Williams; vice-president, R. N. Gere; secretary, George B. Leonard.
By June 1892, directors of the company were George B. Leonard, L. A. Williams, Edward S. Tefft, George B. Warner, Mowry S. Williams, Thomas Leonard, all of Syracuse, New York. Nelson L. Williams was president, George B. Leonard was secretary and treasurer and L. A. Williams was superintendent. Principal office was located in Syracuse, New York.
Syracuse and Oneida railroad
The Syracuse and Oneida Railroad, an interurban rail, was incorporated on October 11, 1891 and built a road 12 miles (19 km) in length from Messina Springs connecting with the Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad Company's road and ran northerly by the "most direct and feasible route" through the towns of DeWitt and Cicero, at a point near the south shore of Oneida Lake.
Bankruptcy
A receiver's sale was held by Charles G. Baldwin, receiver of the railroad, which consisted of all property of the company including 9 miles (14 km) of street railway track extending from a point on Burnet Avenue in the city of Syracuse to the village of East Syracuse and from a point on James Street, near Sedgwick Street, connecting with a former branch near the village of East Syracuse, together, with franchises and rights of way over the lands upon their track was laid, and also "about 5 miles (8.0 km) of pole, and trolley wire" for the operation of the road with electric power. Additionally, one Baldwin locomotive complete, one double truck pass car 60-horsepower motors complete, one pass car body, car house, one construction car, office desk and fixtures, five wheel scrapers, track tools, two marine steel boilers, one Berryman heater, construction tools and about two acres of land in DeWitt in Onondaga County, New York.
Sealed proposals for the purchase of the property were accepted until June 1, 1894. Sale was subject to the approval of the New York Supreme Court.
Two judgments, totaling $26,723, were filed against the company on June 19, 1894 at the office of the County Clerk in Syracuse. They were in favor of Paul T. Brady and had been secured in the New York Supreme Court. Brady, an electrical apparatus dealer, had filed the judgment in February 1894.
The company, valued at $35,000, was sold in early September 1894 by the receiver for $350. C. D. Beebe acted as trustee and was the purchaser. George S. Leonard of the First National Bank was the only other bidder. His bid was $250.
Syracuse and East Side railroad
Beebe represented the newly incorporated Syracuse and East Side Railroad Company, which had compromised with the creditors of the old road. The property of the road consisted of the tracks, trolleys, right of way, cars, machinery, tools and real estate. The action that caused the bankruptcy was filed by Edward H. Jones.