Town of Cato Historian

Judson Hapeman was a revered businessman in the village of Cato at the turn of the twentieth century. He was best remembered for his lumber, coal and builders supply empire. 

Three families in Ira Center operated a limestone kiln on their adjoining properties. One kiln operated for nearly 50 years and made a name for itself in the town. 

In a game of high stakes, one man went all in. Did he win? Stay tuned! 

During World War II, there was a shortage of labor on the home front and especially in upstate NY. POW labor was the solution. 

Agriculture was the economic backbone for most of the region. Modern times called for modern machinery and thus the need for experienced founders. EQ Dutton was one of those men. 

This is a story of one man’s lifelong passion that has been passed down through generations and whose musical prowess can still be heard today. 

The Titus family has long been known as one of the earliest families at Jakway Corners aka Village of Cato. 

[image taken from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/69/Silas_Titus_old.jpg]

Adelbert Rich was a third generation practitioner of law. He was engaged in the profession for over thirty years in which his latter years was a NYS Supreme Court Justice. He presided over a plethora of cases involving such matters as murder, interlocutory decrees and election fraud. 

The Knapp Family was one of the earliest families in the town of Cato and were highly esteemed. Follow the story of how John Turner Knapp and his son John Newcomb Knapp paved a legacy of industry, public service, and civic leadership. 

The discovery of gold in California brought droves of people all across the country. Cayuga County, New York was not immune to gold fever. Did they strike it rich? Listen to find out.