Greenwood, New York, insurrection of 1882

[1] After potential buyers were threatened with firearms, and some were seriously injured, New York Governor Alonzo Cornell proclaimed on February 11, 1882, that an insurrection existed in Greenwood.

[4] The jubilation of the people of Greenwood over this decision was short lived, as the New York Legislature passed a law in May 1874 legalizing the acts of the commissioners.

About two hundred people assembled at the place of sale and threatened bodily harm to potential buyers with guns and revolvers.

There was a posse of 40 men, met by a group of 250 taxpayers, who were reported to be quiet and orderly,[4] or according to the Buffalo Weekly Express, the citizens were well armed, with martial music and hard cider.

In the proclamation, he stated that citizens of Greenwood had unlawfully assembled, issued threats, and prevented the collection of taxes as well as the actions of the officers of law.

He ordered Greenwood citizens to "desist from any attempt" to violate peace, to threaten others, or to prevent officers of the law from their duties.

[11] In 1896, Greenwood obtained rail service from the New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, which used some of the Rochester, Hornellsville, and Pine Creek grading.