Looking Back: Early Ithaca Elections

David Barnes Stewart

Following an act of legislature, Ithaca’s first election was held on May 8, 1821 in Jesse Grant’s “Coffee House,” a tavern at 8-14 (now 106-112) East State Street. Chosen as trustees were Daniel Bates, Andrew DeWitt Bruyn, Julius Ackley, William R. Collins, and George Blythe. They elected Bates as president of the Board of Trustees, and of the village of Ithaca, for one year.

Sixty-seven years later, the 44^th and last president of Ithaca was chosen in a contentious election. David Barnes Stewart had grown up on a Newfield farm, and went into business in cigars, groceries, and commercial real estate. He defeated former president Collingwood Bruce Brown by 328 votes. At that time, political conflicts were rampant. With the new city charter, street paving and sewer system projects, and new government commissions with paid officials, the cost to the city was reportedly over one million dollars. Government spending, political maneuvering by party leaders, and disagreement over the appointment of the police justice were some of the issues at hand.

As last president, Stewart also became first mayor of Ithaca. The transition from village to city took place due to a charter which took effect June 1, 1888. The president became mayor, and the Board of Trustees became the Common Council. The event was celebrated by local officials and guests in a dignified ceremony presided over by Stewart. Common Council later changed Factory Street to Stewart Avenue in honor of the first mayor, known as a progressive leader who served the city without a salary.