From the Oxford Times of Oxford, NY
Wednesday, August 23, 1871

The DeRuyter Branch Railroad

   A trip made over the DeRuyter Branch of the Midland Railroad. - The road rides very smoothly for a new road and passes through a rich farming section. The stations between Norwich and DeRuyter are six in number ; Plymouth being the largest and nearest the railroad. The branch is doing a large freight and passenger business, even beyond the expectations of the company.

   The road runs along nearly level until it reaches Beaver Meadow where it ascends an easy grade to the famous Crumb Hill where there is a long and deep cut, and also a station. From here the road descends for five miles to DeRuyter, passing through a rather wild region and over numerous high trestle work. At Beaver Meadow, we passed the excursion train for DeRuyter, consisting of nine cars completely crowded with men, women, and children.

   We found DeRuyter a pleasant, rather ancient looking village but with plenty of evidence and enterprise. Conductor Shattuck and Baggagemaster Hill, both gentlemen are winning golden opinions from travelers on the Road. DeRuyter has a paper called the " New Era ".